Admissions

 Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

The Office of Admissions and Records oversees activities relative to student admittance, enrollment, grade reporting, academic standards, transcripts, and graduation.

Northeast State Community College admission policies are published and consistent with our mission, to provide lifelong educational development of the residents of the region and strengthen the economic and social/cultural aspects of the community. To facilitate teaching, learning, service, and student success, the College provides innovative, high-quality, and relevant associate, certificate, and career-focused educational programs and services. Northeast State’s admission policies are in accordance with the open door admissions philosophy endorsed by Tennessee Board of Regents. However, admission to the College, itself does not mean that students are admitted immediately into a program with specified admissions requirements.

Northeast State Community College welcomes applications for admission for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. To assist students with their transition to college studies at Northeast State, the Department of Enrollment Management provides important services that include, but are not limited to, processing applications for admission, evaluating high school transcripts and college transcripts for transfer credit, granting permission for international students to study at the College, coordinating the New Student Orientation Program, and certifying graduation.

Interested students are urged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for application processing and the timely distribution of registration information.

All admissions documents submitted by the applicant become the property of the college and cannot be forwarded or returned. All correspondence concerning your admissions file should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records.

When all admissions requirements have been met, the applicants will receive notification indicating they have been accepted for admission or indicating further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission. Applicants will be advised when to schedule for orientation, testing, and/or registration.

Transfer Credit

Northeast State accepts transfer credit from all regionally accredited institutions. Students who have credit hours from non-accredited institutions must appeal this decision by filing a “Petition to Evaluate Transfer Work” in the Office of Admissions and Records. The student should attach supporting documentation to the petition such as a course description, course syllabus, and faculty credentials. Course equivalency credit may be awarded only after review and approval by the appropriate academic dean. A course competency examination or other evidence may be required as part of this process.

For applicants wishing to enroll in a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) or University Parallel Program leading to an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Science in Teaching degree, and eventually a Bachelor’s degree, the Tennessee Board of Regents requires the completion of specific high school courses.

Applicants who graduated from high school or home school during or after 1989 must meet the following course requirements in addition to those listed in the applicant’s selected program of study. Applicants who received a GED certificate during 1989 and thereafter, as well as students who have an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher, are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual/performing arts. Listed below are the required courses and the required number of courses.

First-time Freshman - A student who has never attended college before will be considered a first-time freshman or a first-time-in-college student.

These applicants must:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission.
2. Graduate from a state approved high school, home school, or receive a high school equivalency diploma (such as the GED or HiSET) and submit to the Office of Admissions and Records an official high school transcript or an official copy of high school equivalency scores. To be acceptable for admission to a degree program or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. An official transcript is one that is mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by the high school guidance counselor or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the guidance counselor. An official high school equivalency transcript is one mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by the testing agency or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the testing agency. Tennessee public high school graduates’ transcripts must include a notation indicating the student passed any required state proficiency exams. NOTE: The transcript of a home-schooled student should be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801).
3. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if entering as a full-time student and were born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
4. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if entering as a full-time student and were born January 1, 1980 to present.
   1. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   2. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine.
5. Complete the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History Form.
6. Applicants who have taken the ACT or SAT within five years of enrollment should submit their scores. Scores are valid for five years prior to the first day of a student’s entering term in the college. These scores will be used to determine if further assessment is needed. Students without valid ACT or SAT scores are required to take the college’s assessment test.
7. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence (driver’s license).

High school students who meet the following criteria as specified in Chapter 395 of the Public Acts of 1983:

“Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in a public or private high school in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and appropriate higher education institution personnel, enroll in and receive regular college degree credit from a Tennessee post-secondary institution if such a student has a grade point average equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 maximum basis and if such placement is a part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program (IEP) as established by the multi-disciplinary team process.” Therefore, the process will be as follows for the Academically Talented/Gifted Program:

1. Students must have high school class standing of freshman or sophomore.
2. Students must have high school principal approval prior to applying to Northeast State.
3. Students must complete and submit a Northeast State Application for Admission.
4. Students must submit a current up-to-date transcript and meet course specific ACT/SAT requirements at the time of admission.
5. Students in 9th and 10th grade will not receive dual enrollment grant money or federal aid; therefore, the cost of tuition and books must be paid out of pocket. [Per Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) grant website, students must be classified as a minimum junior to receive Dual Enrollment grant money.]
6. Students with freshman or sophomore status will fall under the auspices of University Parallel Dual Enrollment and Career and Technical Education program personnel for advisement and registration.
7. Students must have approval from the Assistant Vice President for Multi-Campus Programs or Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to enrolling at Northeast State.

The University Parallel Dual Enrollment and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are enrichment programs for juniors and seniors in high school. Students in these programs will complete all Northeast State admission requirements (with the exception of the high school diploma) prior to enrolling in college classes. The details are as follows:

1. Students must have junior or senior standing in high school.
2. Courses may meet specified high school graduation requirements.
3. Students must complete an Application for Admission and provide a high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores. ACT and placement assessment score prerequisites are specific to the dual enrollment course. In some circumstances, ACT scores are not required to enroll in dual enrollment courses.
4. Students with ACT sub-scores of 18 in English and 19 in reading or appropriate placement assessment scores may enroll in general education courses (English composition, history, psychology, etc.) or in courses requiring English or reading as prerequisites.  Students with ACT sub-scores of 19 or higher on math or appropriate placement assessment scores may enroll in math courses or courses requiring math prerequisites. The equivalent requirement for SAT scores are a minimum 500 cut score in math, 500 cut score in reading, and 490 cut score in writing. ACT score prerequisites for CTE dual enrollment courses are specific to the dual enrollment course. In some circumstances, ACT scores are not required to enroll in CTE dual enrollment courses.
5. Students seeking to enroll in CTE Dual Enrollment courses must consult with their high school counselor, CTE Coordinator, or the Office of Career and Technical Education prior to enrolling.
6. Under certain circumstances, dual enrollment students may be required to provide a written statement from their high school principal specifying the college course(s) that will be substituted for courses required for high school graduation.
7. Students requesting to enroll in more than 12 semester credit hours in a given semester must have prior approval from the Assistant Vice President for Multi-Campus Programs.
8. Dual enrollment home school students may be required to provide a written statement from the umbrella school specifying the college course(s) that will be substituted for courses required for high school graduation.
9. The Vice President for Academic Affairs must approve any exception to the above criteria.

* See Definition of Terms

Transfer Students - Degree-seeking students who have attended another college or university are considered transfer students.
These applicants must:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission.
2. Graduate from a state approved high school, home school, or receive a high school equivalency diploma (such as the GED or HiSET) and submit to the Office of Admissions and Records an official high school transcript or an official copy of high school equivalency scores. To be acceptable for admission to a degree program or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. An official transcript is one that is mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by the high school guidance counselor or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the guidance counselor. An official high school equivalency transcript is one mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by the testing agency or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the testing agency. Tennessee public high school graduates’ transcripts must include a notation indicating the student passed any required state proficiency exams. NOTE: The transcript of a home-schooled student should be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801).
3. Submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from the sending institution. For the convenience of the applicant, the College will accept official transcripts hand carried by the applicant when it is in an envelope sealed by the Records Office of the previous college attended. If the seal has been tampered with in any way, the official designation of the transcript will be voided and the applicant will be required to submit another official transcript. An initial evaluation of the transcript will be completed.
4. Have their transcripts evaluated for proof of competency in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. Applicants lacking college level work in these areas will be required to undergo assessment.
5. If transfer credit for a particular course is not granted, the student may appeal this decision by filing a “Petition to Evaluate Transfer Work” in the Office of Admissions and Records. The student should attach supporting documentation to the petition such as a course description, course syllabus, and faculty credentials. Course equivalency credit may be awarded only after review and approval by the appropriate academic dean. A course competency examination or other evidence may be required as part of this process.
6. The applicant’s grade point average must be at least equal to that which Northeast State requires for the readmission of its own students. Applicants who do not meet the college’s standards may be admitted on academic probation. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any course work or credit recorded on the institution’s transcript.
7. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if entering as a full-time student and were born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
8. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if entering as a full-time student and were born January 1, 1980 to present.
   1. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   2. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine.
9. Complete the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History Form.
10. Applicants who have taken the ACT or SAT within five years of enrollment should submit their scores. Scores are valid for five years prior to the first day of a student’s entering term in the college. These scores will be used to determine if further assessment is needed.
11. Applicants with transfer credit from another approved, regionally accredited postsecondary institution may waive the English and reading assessment tests with a satisfactory grade in English composition and/or waive the algebra assessment test with a satisfactory grade in an appropriate college-level mathematics course. Transfer students without valid ACT or SAT scores or without satisfactory grades in English and/or mathematics are required to take the college’s assesment test.
12. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence (driver’s license).

Non-Degree (Special) Student - Applicants who do not wish to work toward a degree or certificate may be admitted as non-degree students. This includes:

1. Students who meet the minimum requirements for admission (high school graduation or high school equivalency diploma) but who do not wish to work toward an associate degree.
2. Students who do not meet requirements for admission as a regular student and who wish to audit coursework at Northeast State.
3. Students who have passed their 21^st birthday and who do not have a regular high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
4. Students who have passed their 18^th birthday and are not currently enrolled in high school.
5. Students admitted under the advanced studies and/or academically gifted criteria.

Students may complete up to 30 credit hours with a special student classification. Students who wish to continue as a special student after earning 30 credit hours must appeal to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Special students may not enroll in college-level math or an English course until one of the following criteria has been met:

1. Appropriate ACT/SAT scores have been submitted;
2. The math or English requirements of the placement assessment have been completed; or
3. Credit for a college-level math or English course with a grade of “C” or higher as determined by a transcript evaluation has been awarded.

Students who desire to become degree seeking candidates must meet all regular admission requirements to include academic assessment. Students must be classified as regularly admitted for the final 21 semester hours required for an associate degree or the final nine (9) semester hours required for a certificate. Credit earned as a special student may be applied toward a degree/certificate program.

Non-Degree Transient (Visiting) Student - Transient students are those who are enrolled at another post-secondary institution and are admitted to Northeast State for purposes of taking a limited number of courses. A transient student must submit an Application for Admission, Hepatitis B Immunization Health History Form, and an official transcript from his/her resident institution. A transient student who wishes to take learning support courses must also submit appropriate test scores or make arrangements to be assessed.

What is EVEA?

The State of Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires state institutions of higher education to verify that anyone seeking a “state public benefit” is either a “United States citizen”, a “qualified alien”, or otherwise “lawfully present” in the United States.

A state public benefit includes in-state tuition, lottery scholarships, academic scholarships, common market, or any other form of tuition assistance or waiver supported with funds from a Tennessee government entity. State public benefits do not include tuition assistance funded privately, such as a scholarship from the institution’s foundation or a privately endowed scholarship.

In short, if you do not verify your residency, you will not be eligible to receive in-state tuition rate.

How does Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals affect EVEA?

Those who are granted “deferred action” status are eligible for work authorization. They can also obtain social security cards, work authorization cards, and, in some states, driver licenses. This deferred action status does NOT confer “lawful presence” status under federal law or Tennessee state law. Specifically, “deferred action status” does NOT satisfy the requirement of “lawful presence” under the EVEA.

What students are not subject to EVEA verification?

Northeast State does not have to verify citizenship or lawful presence of students who:

• Have not applied to receive in-state tuition, a scholarship, grant, loans, tuition or fee waiver, or other financial assistance which is subsidized or paid in whole or in part with sate funds.
• Are employed by Northeast State and have had their lawful presence verified through the federal E-Verify program or have completed a valid I-9.
• Have had their lawful presence verified through the Federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (e.g., M-1 and F-1 Student Visa Holders).

Verification Procedures

For all other students seeking a “State Benefit” one of the following valid and unexpired documents must be submitted to Northeast State to verify lawful presence:

• Tennessee Driver’s License or Identification License (temporary versions are not acceptable). A copy of the front and back of the document must be submitted.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561).
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N50, or N578).
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197, I-179).
• Foreign passport with visa stamped “Processed for I-551”
• Non-Resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card.
• Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit (I-327).
• Refugee Travel Document (I-571).
• Foreign passport with valid visa in category that permits study at an institution of higher education.

OR

One of the following documents together with a valid, government issued picture ID including a regular driver’s license, temporary driver’s license, government issued DL/ID card from any U.S. state, or Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).

• Permanent Resident card without ID picture (I-551). A copy of the front and back of the document must be submitted.
• Official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory; except for Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010.
• U.S. government-issued certified birth certificates.
• U.S. certificate of birth abroad of a citizen of the U.S. (FS-240).
• Arrival/Departure Record (I-94)
• Notice of approval of status with bottom I-94 portion attached (I-797).

Northeast State is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students on “F-1” student status in associate degree programs. Applicants must file complete credentials before July 15 for fall admission; November 15 for spring admission; or March 15 for summer admission. Complete credentials include all the documents listed below:

1. Submission of a completed Application for Admission.
2. Submission of a certified or notarized copy of authenticated academic records in English translation. The applicant is responsible for arranging for and paying any cost of the official translation of foreign language transcripts. These records should describe the courses of instruction in terms of years spent in school and the type of subject matter covered, with grades earned in each subject. The education level attained must be comparable to a high school diploma in the United States.
3. Submission of an official transcript from each college or university that the international applicant has attended. If the college or university is outside the United States the applicant is responsible for arranging for and paying any cost of the official translation of foreign language transcripts. These records should describe the courses of instruction in terms of years spent in school and the type of subject matter covered, with grades earned in each subject.
4. All international applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit official scores to Northeast State. A minimum score of 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, 500 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 61 on the new internet-based TOEFL is required for admission. Northeast State does not give the TOEFL test but will accept official scores. For more information, contact TOEFL Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, call 609.771.7100, or visit www.toefl.org. Coursework completed at another United States College or university or graduation from a United States high school may be used in lieu of TOEFL.
5. International students with valid ACT/SAT scores (less than 5 years old) must submit the scores to Admissions. At the time of submission it will be determined if the student will be required to take assessment testing. International students without valid ACT/SAT scores will be required to take assessment testing.  Additional institutional assessment may be required of all international students.
6. International applicants must show satisfactory evidence of financial capability to meet the expense involved while studying at Northeast State. Applicants must complete the appropriate form, provided by the college, showing financial capability and indicating who will provide funds for the applicant’s educational and living expenses while he/she is enrolled at Northeast State. International students automatically pay out-of-state fees based on their residency status and are not eligible for Title IV funds. Northeast State does not provide housing for any of its students. Housing, meals, and transportation are solely the responsibility of the student.
7. International applicants should submit a certificate from a licensed physician or other quality medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. This certificate must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records within 30 days from the first day of classes to continue enrollment. Failure to furnish such a certificate shall result in denial of further enrollment or admission. In the event that the applicant either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be contingent upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the applicant’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
8. All international students born after January 1, 1957 must provide evidence of having received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Exceptions are made for students who are pregnant or allergic to the vaccine.
9. Provide proof of two (2) doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, administered on or after the first birthday, will be required for attendance to all universities and colleges with an enrollment greater than 200 students. This rule applies to all new students born after 1979. Immunizations are not required if they conflict with the student’s religious tenets and practices, affirmed under penalties of perjury. The immunization is not required if a qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the person involved. Proof of immunity to varicella is required by meeting one of the following four (4) criteria:
   1. Date of birth before January 1, 1980 or
   2. History of chickenpox illness diagnosed by a healthcare provider or verified by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant to whom the illness is described or
   3. Documentation of two (2) doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, excluding doses given earlier than four days before the first birthday or
   4. Documentation of blood test (serology) showing immunity to varicella.
10. The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private post-secondary institution in the state provide information concerning Hepatitis B infection to all students matriculating for the first time. Tennessee law requires that such students complete and sign a waiver form provided by the institution that includes detailed information about the disease.
11. International students must become familiar with the regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and assume responsibility for complying with the regulations.
12. As a condition of admission and continued enrollment, all International non-immigrant students must purchase health insurance through the Tennessee Board of Regents Student/Scholars Health and Accident Insurance Plan.

International applicants will be required to pay out-of-state tuition.

Student admission files will remain active for one year from date of application if the applicant doesn’t enroll and attend classes. After this time, the documents will be destroyed per TBR Guideline G-070 and the student will need to resubmit all information to the Office of Admissions and Records.

U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization - Northeast State does not participate with the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization in the enrollment of International students (persons who are living in the United States and are not U.S. citizens). The college will consider the admission of individuals holding “green cards” (those on resident alien status), classified as refugees, or in the U.S. on a work permit. To be considered for admission, the work permit must extend beyond the end of the term for which the person is applying for enrollment.

Residency for in-state fee purposes for International students with “green cards” (those with resident alien status) and refugees will be determined by their domicile in the U.S. All other foreign students will be considered out-of-state for fee purposes.

Northeast State strives to ensure that all faculty and staff communicate effectively with all members of the campus community and visitors. Therefore, Northeast State utilizes a language services system that assists designated staff and/or faculty with translation services. Northeast State identifies at least one person at each campus to assist with language services. Additional information is available by emailing complianceofficer@NortheastState.edu.

Readmitted Student - Any former Northeast State student who has not been enrolled for more than one semester (not including Summer term) and who wishes to return to the college is considered a readmit student.

Students seeking a readmission status must:

1. Submit an Application for Readmission.
2. Submit an official transcript from each college or university attended since leaving Northeast State. Additionally, be eligible for readmission under the college’s admissions policy.
    

Advisement at Northeast State is a continuous interactive process between an advisor and a student which facilitates the development and achievement of the student’s overall goals. Advisement is a distinct part of a student’s educational experience. Discussions between a student and advisor should assist in exploring and clarifying educational, career, and life goals. Students should consult with their advisor before making decisions that affect academic progress and success. Such areas of decision include dropping a class, withdrawing from college, selecting courses, and understanding degree/certificate requirements.

All students are assigned an advisor once fully admitted to the institution. This assignment is made depending on the student’s declared major or concentration. (The student may change his/her advisor by contacting the academic dean of the student’s major.) When a student changes his/her major, a change of advisor routinely occurs.

All students with declared majors and/or concentrations are assigned an advisor within that major or concentration. Special, non-degree seeking students, are assigned an advisor within the university parallel division. Students required to complete Learning Support courses should develop a plan, along with their advisor, to complete such requirements as soon as possible.

Students may contact their advisor in person, by phone, or by e-mail to arrange academic advisement.

The Advising Resource Center (C2407), and the Transfer Center (A208), serve as support in the college advising process. These offices, in cooperation with the faculty, assist in the advisement and registration of new and returning students during the registration periods of each term. The centers provide a location for student inquiries concerning course selection, choice of major, academic major requirements, and transfer information. Such inquiries may result in referrals to the appropriate faculty advisor or dean. The staff of the Advising Resource Center and the Transfer Center conduct numerous outreach initiatives to promote retention, student success, and degree completion.

Any person who has not been enrolled in a college or university for a period of four years and who, upon re-enrolling at Northeast State, maintains a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) and completes 15 semester hours of college-level coursework at Northeast State may petition for an Academic Fresh Start. Academic Fresh Start excludes courses in which a grade of “F” was earned from the student’s GPA and earned hours but will remain as part of the academic record and attempted hours. Courses where “D” grades were earned will only be excluded if the student’s major at the time of fresh start application requires a “C” or better. Upon returning to Northeast State and completing 15 semester hours with a 2.00 cumulative GPA, the student should complete the Application for Academic Fresh Start in the Office of Admissions and Records. When processed, the request will be submitted to the Registrar for approval.

The student may be granted an Academic Fresh Start only once. The student’s permanent record will remain a record of all course work. However, for degree or certificate purposes the student will forfeit the use of academic credit excluded by fresh start.

All TBR institutions will honor the Academic Fresh Start provisions granted at another TBR institution. However, when applying for Academic Fresh Start, students should understand that non-TBR institutions may not accept the GPA as it is calculated with the Fresh Start. Students will not be eligible for Academic Fresh Start once an academic credential has been earned.

Students enrolled in degree or certificate programs at Northeast State may obtain advanced standing and course credit as listed below. 

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - PLA is a term used to describe learning gained outside a traditional academic environment. Put another way, it is learning and knowledge students acquire while living their lives, such as by working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering or doing community service, and studying open source courseware. In short, PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. PLA is not confined to portfolio assessment*, which is simply one type of PLA (as are CLEP tests, ACE evaluations, challenge exams, etc.). Additional information can be found under TBR policy - 2:01:00:04 Awarding of Credits Earned Through Extra-Institutional Learning to Community Colleges and Universities. (Modifications to the TBR policy were approved at the September TBR Quarterly Board meeting on September 16, 2016.)

TBR Community Colleges will award/transfer PLA credit for AP scores into the suggested course or the equivalent course at their institutions. There may be variations in course number and/or course title. Community Colleges should award the PLA credit for a course other than the suggested course when it is in the best interests of the student.

* See Definition of Terms

Advanced Placement Program of the College Board (AP) - Northeast State recognizes and accepts credit derived from the Advanced Placement examinations.

Advanced placement in English may be obtained with an ACT English subtest score of 27-30 (credit for ENGL 1010, Composition I) or a score of 31 or higher (credit for ENGL 1010 and 1020, Composition I and II). Students contemplating transfer of such credit, however, should be aware that senior institutions vary in their willingness to accept this credit and may require testing. When credit is awarded for high test scores on ACT, scores will be converted to a grade of “P” and will not affect the student’s quality point average.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) - Northeast State recognizes and accepts credit derived from general and subject area examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board. Northeast State offers computer-based CLEP examinations. Interested students may go online to CLEP for registration and cost for CLEP exams.

Credit for four general examinations is awarded if a student achieves a scaled score equal to or above the 50th percentile. No credit is awarded for the general examination in mathematics. Advanced standing is allowed for the following courses at the time of this publication:

• Nontraditional credit is available only to enrolled, degree/certificate seeking students.
• This policy is subject to change.
   

CLEP Examinations with Northeast State Course Equivalencies

Credit by Examination - Under certain conditions a student may be awarded credit by taking departmental proficiency examinations and/or standardized tests in a particular subject area. Applications for credit by examination should be completed at least two weeks prior to the test administration. All credit by examination requests must be approved by the appropriate academic dean. Grades less than C are not considered passing and no credit will be awarded. The nonrefundable cost for the examination is a $25 flat fee.

Credit for Evaluation of Professional Credentials - Students may be awarded credit for activity recognized by national accreditation groups. Typically, the American Council of Education has evaluated these programs and made recommendations for the award of credit. Students who are awarded such degree credit remain subject to the college residency requirement that 25 percent of the credit hours for an Associate’s Degree must be completed at Northeast State. A minimum of 25 percent of the total credit hours required for a certificate must be completed at Northeast State.

Military Service Credit - Northeast State will grant credit for appropriate educational experiences in the armed services. The American Council on Education Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services will be used to determine credit awarded by Northeast State. Credit for military experience will be granted only if Northeast State offers comparable courses which relate to experience gained through the military education process. Students who are awarded such degree credit remain subject to the college residency requirement that 25 percent of the credit hours for an Associate’s Degree must be completed at Northeast State. A minimum of 25 percent of the total credit hours required for a certificate must be completed at Northeast State.

The Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinates the dual credit/articulation credit program offered by Northeast State in partnership with local service area high schools. Northeast State currently offers 27 articulated courses and 2 dual credit courses from the Advanced Technologies, Business Technologies, and Health-Related Professions programs among our 16 service area high schools.

Students may earn Northeast State college credit for dual credit/articulated courses while still in high school by demonstrating mastery of course competencies through end-of-course assessments. The assessments are administered by Northeast State instructors at the campus or in some situations at the high school. Students may earn 8 hours of college credit to Northeast State Community College through dual credit/articulated high school credit.

Program Overview

1. Dual Credit: The College course syllabus, weekly quizzes, midterm quiz, and reference materials are integrated into the high school curriculum used at the high school to prepare students for the end-of-course college exam. Students must earn an overall grade of “B” or better to earn college credit.
2. Articulation Credit: Articulation credit is competency driven through curriculum alignment meetings between the secondary instructors and the College’s faculty. Students must earn no less than a “C” for Advanced and Business Technologies courses and no less than a “B” for Health-Related Professions courses.
3. Students must take the dual credit/articulated course(s) while still in high school.
4. Upon completion of the dual credit/articulated course(s), students must pass a competency assessment administered by Northeast State faculty or a designated proctor.
5. The CTE Director will send a student information spreadsheet with the names of students passing the dual credit or articulation assessments to each respective high school with the students’ grades.
6. Students who pass an exam for credit must submit a Pathways Form to the CTE Director to request the credit upon enrollment at Northeast State. The CTE Director will validate student Pathway Forms and forward them to the Office of Admissions and Records where the credit will be transcribed. High school students who are dual enrolled may have the credits transcribed while still in high school.
7. Qualified students may receive benefit for the dual credit/articulation assessments for up to two years after graduation from high school. If students refuse the original exam score and enroll in the articulated course, he/she may not request the original grade if a lesser grade is received for class work.
8. Typically, college dual credit/articulated credit will be awarded the semester the qualified students are enrolled after the 14th day at Northeast State.

For more information about earning college credit through the dual credit/articulation program while still in high school, please contact your high school guidance counselor, CTE Principal, or Northeast State’s CTE Director at 423.354.5166. 

Portfolios are used to plan, organize and document education, work samples, and skills. Students interested in gaining credit by portfolio should visit www.learningcounts.org.

An applicant whose native language is not English must satisfy one of the following prerequisites:

• Submit a minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or 130 on the electronic version (TOEFL) and take English placement tests.
• Submit a transcript showing graduation from an American high school.
• Submit a transcript showing satisfactory completion (a grade of C or higher) of college-level English Composition I from an accredited college or university located in the United States.
• Take an English placement examination and/or writing test to be used in determining the courses the student may take. 

All applicants are classified as in-state or out-of-state for fee purposes as part of the admission process. Any person who has established a permanent dwelling place (domicile) in Tennessee is generally classified as in-state. Ordinarily, a person entering Tennessee from another state or country to attend college is classified out-of-state. The Office of Admissions and Records will notify an applicant who is classified out-of-state. The applicant will have the opportunity to present evidence of in-state domicile.

If evidence presented prior to registration of a term supports an in-state claim, the applicant may enroll at in-state rates. The final reclassification will be completed prior to the 14th day of the term. If the decision is to deny reclassification, the student must pay out-of-state fees or be administratively withdrawn for the term. Applicants who request reclassification after open registration must pay out-of-state fees for that term. If reclassification is then approved, future enrollments will be at the in-state rate.

The Admissions Sub-Committee may consider appeals of reclassification based on mitigating circumstances.

Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms - A student may register for both day and evening classes at the beginning of the term with the understanding that the state policy regarding refunds and registration fees will apply. A student will not be officially enrolled until all fees have been paid and a receipt has been issued by the Business Office. Students will not be permitted to register if any of the following apply:

• Fees or other financial obligations are owed to the college;
• The student is academically dismissed from previous attendance;
• Financial aid program repayment is due;
• The student has failed to submit all required admission documents;
• The student has failed to complete a loan exit interview;
• Library books or materials are overdue;
• Previous disciplinary action by the college prohibits enrollment.

Priority Registration - Priority registration for returning students occurs each term. Registration for Spring will occur after Fall break. Registration for Summer and Fall will occur after Spring break. To register early, students should review the next semester’s schedule of classes on the Northeast State web page (www.NortheastState.edu) and consult with their advisor to plan the following term’s schedule. Students seeking an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science and certificate programs are required to speak with an advisor prior to registering.

Students should refer to the College Calendar for the last day to pay for priority registration each semester. Students who register early and are then dismissed after grades for the current semester are processed will be notified of a status change before the next term’s official registration period and automatically withdrawn.

Cancellation of Scheduled Classes - Any scheduled class may be discontinued by the college. The right is reserved to cancel a class when the student enrollment is deemed insufficient or for other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the institution.

Drop, Add and Withdrawal Standards - After the registration period is over, students may make adjustments in their schedules by adding and/or dropping courses. A student may drop or add courses for Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters as published in the Academic Calendar . Courses dropped within the first part of the term are not recorded on the student’s transcript, see the academic calendar for exact dates.

Following the 14th day of the term, and not later than two-thirds of the term beginning with the first day of classes, a student may officially drop a course(s) or withdraw from Northeast State and receive a grade of “W”. After the drop/withdrawal deadline date, no student will be permitted to drop/withdraw from the college or classes and receive the designation of “W” without providing documented evidence of unusual and verifiable circumstances which compel the student to discontinue enrollment after the published last date to drop/withdraw. Examples of unusual circumstances that may warrant a late drop/withdrawal are:

• Serious personal illness of the student verified by the healthcare provider or 
• Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family verified by physician’s documentation or a copy of an obituary or
• A necessary change in work schedule or new employment verified in writing by the student’s employer.

In all circumstances, the student must file a Request for Late Drop/Withdrawal in the Advising Resource Center on the main campus in Blountville no later than the last day of the subsequent semester (includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters); petitions received after that time will not be considered. Students must submit all of the following information in order for the request to be processed:

1. Request for Late Drop/Withdrawal form
2. Drop/Withdrawal form
3. Official documentation of mitigating circumstances which proves that the circumstances occurred after the deadline to drop/withdraw
4. A statement from the student explaining the mitigating circumstances.

Withdrawal Policy for Students Called to Active Military Service - Students who must withdraw from classes due to military service activation must:

1. Submit a copy of active service orders to the Office of Admissions and Records
2. Meet with the Office of Veterans Affairs staff in A102.

Dismissals - A student may be dismissed from Northeast State for adequate cause, including the following:

• Failing to meet minimum academic standards.
• Exhibiting conduct of an unacceptable nature, including the violation of local, state or national laws.
• Giving false or incomplete information on the Application for Admission.
• Possessing, selling, furnishing or using illegal drugs or alcohol on a Northeast State campus or teaching site.
• Failing to meet financial obligations to Northeast State.
• Violating standards of conduct as set forth in the Student Handbook.

Workforce Solutions coordinates and administers continuing education programs and services. Participants taking continuing education courses are not required to follow the same admissions’ procedures as credit courses. Participants will not be permitted to register until the following encumbrances have been satisfactorily addressed:

• Fees or other financial obligations owed to the college;
• Library books or materials overdue;
• Previous disciplinary action by the college prohibits enrollment.

A current listing of continuing education courses is available on the website.

For more information, see the Public Service Programs   section of this catalog.