Admissions

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Northeast State Community College is a college of equal opportunity and open admission. All applicants for admission are considered solely on the basis of individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s race, color, ethnicity, genetic information, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or age. The College develops specific admissions policies consistent with TBR policy. In order to be admitted as a credit student, individuals must meet the requirements of admission to the category for which they are applying. Admission to the College does not mean 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 Office of Admissions and Records provides important services that include, but are not limited to, processing applications for admission, evaluating high school and college transcripts for transfer credit, granting permission for international students to study at the College, and certifying graduation.

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

When all admissions requirements have been met, the applicants will receive a 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 attend orientation and/or registration.

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.

Immunization

All students must complete the Immunization Health History form. 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, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (Chicken Pox) infections to all students enrolling for the first time. Tennessee law requires that these students complete and sign a waiver form provided by the institution which includes detailed information about the diseases. The form must be completed by a parent or guardian of any applicant under the age of 18. Academic programs such as education and health professions may require additional proof of immunizations.

Transfer Credit

Northeast State accepts transfer credit from all U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutionally accredited institutions. Students who have credit hours from non-accredited institutions 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 and Vice President for Academic Affairs. A course competency examination or other evidence may be required as part of this process.

Citizenship

Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify any student seeking a state public benefit is either a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States. Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

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 or HiSET® 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 a 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 after completing high school 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 with a regular high school diploma, 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 high school transcript is sent 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. An electronic transcript is considered official if the intended party is the direct email recipient and sent by an authorized school official. 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. The transcript of a non-public high school (including home-schools, private schools, and church-related schools) student should be an official copy sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A.§ 49-6-3050 or T.C.A.§ 49-50-801). Transcripts from independent home-schooled students must be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would have otherwise attended.
4. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Conditional Admission of First-time Freshman - Entering first-time freshmen still enrolled in high school at the time of admission will be granted conditional admission based on the following criteria:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission.
2. Submit to the Office of Admissions and Records an official in-progress high school transcript. To be acceptable for admission to a degree program or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned. An official high school transcript is sent 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 electronic transcript is considered official if the intended party is the direct email recipient and sent by an authorized school official.
3. The transcript of a non-public high school (including home-schools, private schools, and church related schools) student should be an official copy sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A.§ 49-6-3050 or T.C.A.§ 49-50-801). Transcripts from independent home schooled students must be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would have otherwise attended.
4. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Applicants admitted conditionally must submit all required documentation, including an official high school transcript with graduation date and credits earned, prior to being allowed to register for any succeeding semester beyond their initial term of admission.

Early Admission - Early admission is for students who have met all the high school graduation requirements, have graduated early (typically following eleventh grade or mid-senior year), received a high school diploma, and wish to begin their college career early.

Early Admission applicants still enrolled in high school at the time of admission will be granted conditional admission based on the following criteria:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission.
2. Submit to the Office of Admissions and Records an official in-progress high school transcript. To be acceptable for admission to a degree program or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned. An official high school transcript is sent 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 electronic transcript is considered official if the intended party is the direct email recipient and sent by an authorized school official.
3. The transcript of a non-public high school (including home-schools, private schools, and church related schools) student should be an official copy sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A.§ 49-6-3050 or T.C.A.§ 49-50-801). Transcripts from independent home schooled students must be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would have otherwise attended.
4. Submit to the Office of Admissions and Records an official letter from an authorized school official indicating the applicant has met all requirements for early graduation. The letter must include the early graduation date, signature from the Director of Schools or equivalent, and be intended for early admission to a post-secondary institution.
5. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

High School Programs facilitates dual enrollment programs. 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. Eligible students must be enrolled as ninth-, tenth-, eleventh-, or twelfth-grade students.
2. Courses may meet specified high school graduation requirements.
3. Students must complete an Application for Admission, Dual Enrollment Parent Consent and Immunization Health History Form, Student Consent Form, and provide a high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and a form of identification. Prerequisite requirements are specific to the dual enrollment course. In some circumstances, ACT scores are not required to enroll in dual enrollment courses. Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students who are Tennessee residents may apply for the Tennessee State Dual Enrollment Grant, which may help offset some of the tuition costs.
4. Students must have one of the following to enroll in a university parallel dual enrollment course: a 3.60 cumulative, unweighted high school G.P.A.; a 3.25 - 3.59 cumulative, unweighted G.P.A. and a recommendation from a counselor or a high school administrator; or college-level ACCUPLACER placement test scores. The equivalent requirement for SAT scores is a minimum of 500 in math, 500 in reading, and 490 in writing. High school G.P.A. and ACT score prerequisites for Career Technical Education (CTE) dual enrollment courses are specific to the dual enrollment course. In most circumstances, a minimum high school G.P.A. and/or ACT scores are not required to enroll in CTE dual enrollment courses.
5. Students seeking to enroll in CTE courses must consult with their high school counselor, CTE Principal, and the High School Programs office 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 with a regular high school diploma, 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 high school 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. An electronic transcript is considered official if the intended party is the direct email recipient. 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 or T.C.A.§ 49-6-3050). If the student has earned an associates degree or higher from a post-secondary institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Admissions and Records shall not require an applicant to provide the institution with a copy of the applicant’s high school transcript or HiSET/GED certificate showing proof of a passing score.
3. Submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from the sending institution. An electronic transcript is considered official if the Office of Admissions and Records is the direct email recipient. 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 an institutionally accredited college’s transcript will be completed.
4. 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 and Vice President for Academic Affairs. A course competency examination or other evidence may be required as part of this process.
5. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Readmitted Student - Any former Northeast State student who has not been enrolled continuously (not including summer term) and who wishes to return to the college is considered a readmit student. If the student has attended any other college(s) since leaving Northeast State or failed to previously submit official transcripts, applicants must submit college transcript(s) for the college(s) attended in addition to the readmit application.

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. In addition, be eligible for readmission under the college’s admissions policy.
3. Submit proof of citizenship or lawful presence if initially admitted prior to the enactment of the Tennessee Eligibility Verification of Entitlements Act (EVEA).

Northeast State uses standardized scores for advisement and placement purposes, in accordance with TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2:03:00:02.

First-time students who do not present valid ACT or SAT scores, or other valid placements, or who do not show proficiency in reading, math, or English will be placed into the appropriate subject area co-requisite learning support course(s) as defined by the academic program requirements. Valid scores are those earned within five years prior to the first day of class for the student’s entering term.

Students have the option to challenge placement in learning support courses by taking the Accuplacer placement test, prior to enrolling in the course(s).

Academic programs that do not require specific college-level courses, i.e., in math, English, or reading-intensive courses used for placement, may have faculty-prescribed learning support courses established as prerequisites/co-requisites specific to the degree program or certificate if deemed necessary for workforce readiness in the field of study. Students who change to degree-seeking status will be assessed under guidelines for degree-seeking students.

Transfer students - Applicants will have transcripts evaluated for proof of competency in the areas of reading, English, and mathematics.  Applicants lacking acceptable college-level work in those areas may do one of the following:

1. Submit standard test scores that are no more than five years old.
2. Take the placement test to determine college-level readiness.
3. Enroll in the appropriate subject area co-requisite learning support course(s) as defined by the academic program requirements.

Readmitted students -

1. Placement will be determined by completed coursework in English, math, and reading-intensive courses at Northeast State. Students who do not have valid standard test scores, will be placed into the appropriate subject area co-requisite learning support course(s) as defined by the academic program requirements.
2. Students have the option to challenge placement in learning support courses by taking the Accuplacer placement test, if they haven’t previously enrolled in Learning Support courses at Northeast State or have applied and been approved for Academic Fresh Start.
3. Students who have earned an “F” in a learning support course do not have the option to challenge placement.

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 (regular high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma) but do not wish to work toward an associate degree or certificate.
2. Students who do not meet requirements for admission as a regular student and who wish to audit coursework at Northeast State.

Non-degree students who wish to take college-level English or math courses or to take another college-level course that is the second course in a two-course sequence (e.g., Biology I and II) must (1) provide evidence that they have successfully completed all college-level prerequisites or (2) provide evidence of other equivalent experiences before enrolling. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.

Students who desire to become degree-seeking candidates must meet all regular admission requirements to include academic assessment. 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, an official transcript from his/her resident institution, and provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. A transient student who wishes to take learning support courses must also submit appropriate test scores or make arrangements to be assessed.

Transient students who wish to take college-level English or math courses or to take another college-level course that is the second course in a two-course sequence (e.g., Biology I and II) must (1) provide evidence that they have successfully completed all college-level prerequisites or (2) provide evidence of other equivalent experiences before enrolling. Transient students are not eligible for financial aid.

Northeast State is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students on “F-1” student status in associate degree programs. New international applicants must file credentials before July 15 for fall admission or November 15 for spring admission. International applicants transferring from another institution on a valid F-1 visa must file credentials before August 1 for fall or December 15 for spring. 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 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. International students with valid ACT/SAT scores (less than 5 years old) are requested to send the scores to Admissions. At the time of submission, it will be determined if the student will be required to take learning support coursework. Additional institutional assessment may be required of all international students.
5. 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 pay out-of-state fees based on their residency status and are not eligible for Title IV funds or internal scholarships. Northeast State does not provide housing for any of its students. Housing, meals, and transportation are solely the responsibility of the student.
6. International applicants should submit a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified 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.
7. International students must become familiar with the regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and assume responsibility for complying with the regulations.
8. As a condition of admission and continued enrollment, all International non-immigrant students must purchase health insurance through The College System of Tennessee (TBR).

International applicants will be required to pay out-of-state tuition. Failure to pay tuition and fees by the fee payment deadline will result in the removal of classes and termination of the I-20.

Student admission files will remain active for one year from the date of application if the applicant doesn’t enroll and attend classes. After this time, the documents will be destroyed per TBR Policy 1:12:01:00 and the student will need to resubmit all information to the Office of Admissions and Records.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services - 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 non-U.S. citizens with “green cards” (those with resident alien status) and refugees will be determined by their domicile in the U.S. All other non-resident 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 equity-compliance@NortheastState.edu.

Proof of Language Proficiency

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 (TOEFL) or 130 on the electronic version 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.

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.

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 state 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).
• Are under 18 years of age and have not graduated from high school and are applying as a dual enrollment student, joint enrollment student, or an academically talented/gifted student.

Verification Procedures

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

• Driver’s License or Identification License (temporary versions are not acceptable)
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N560 or N561)
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570, 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 a 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, 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 the bottom I-94 portion attached (I-797)

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. 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.

The Advising Resource Center (C2106) serves as support in the college advising process. This office, in cooperation with the faculty, assists in the advisement and registration of new and returning students during the registration periods of each term. The center provides 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 conducts numerous outreach initiatives to promote retention, student success, and degree completion. Visit www.NortheastState.edu/ARC for more information.

Any person who has not been enrolled in a college or university for a period of four years and who, upon applying 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. 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.

COVID Fresh Start

A student enrolled at Northeast State in spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, or summer 2021 can request a COVID Fresh Start beginning the spring 2022 term. Students who were enrolled in fall 2021 classes are ineligible for COVID Fresh Start. COVID Fresh Start will not change financial aid eligibility. All other Academic Fresh Start policies and procedures apply to the COVID Fresh Start eligibility.

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 and in the Prior Learning Assessment Procedure Manual.

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 the 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.

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

^*See Catalog Addendum  

Advanced placement in English may be obtained with an ACT English subtest score of 27-30 (credit for ENGL 1010 - ♦English Composition I ) or a score of 31 or higher (credit for ENGL 1010  & 1020 , ♦English Composition I  & 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 “TP” 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. 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.

High School Programs coordinates the local dual credit program offered by Northeast State in partnership with service area high schools. Northeast State currently offers 27 local dual credit courses from the Technologies and Health Professions programs among our 16 service area high schools.

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

Program Overview

1. Local Dual Credit: Local dual credit is competency-driven through course alignment meetings between the secondary instructors and the College’s faculty. Students must earn no less than a “C” for Technologies courses and no less than a “B” for Health Professions courses.
2. Students must take the local dual credit course(s) while still in high school.
3. Upon completion of the local dual credit course(s), students must pass a competency assessment administered by Northeast State faculty or a designated proctor.
4. A High School Programs representative will report the names of students passing the local dual credit assessments to each respective high school with the students’ grades.
5. Students who pass an exam for credit must request the credit upon enrollment at Northeast State. High School Programs personnel will validate student requests, complete Pathway Forms on their behalf, 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.
6. Qualified students may receive benefit for the local dual credit assessments for up to two years after graduation from high school.
7. Typically, local dual credit will be awarded the semester the qualified students are enrolled after the 14th day at Northeast State.
8. Local dual credit will transcribe as a “P” on the student transcript.

For more information about earning college credit through the local dual credit program while still in high school, please contact your high school counselor, CTE Principal, or High School Programs at 423.354.5186. 

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 the evidence presented prior to registration of a term supports an in-state claim, the applicant may enroll at in-state rates. The final reclassification must 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 the 14th day of the term must pay out-of-state fees for that term. If reclassification is then approved, future enrollments will be at the in-state rate.

Northeast State is conveniently located to serve students in Virginia and North Carolina and may grant in-state tuition to residents within a 30 mile radius from a Northeast State campus. This classification is based on the information provided on your admission application.

Veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, members of the national guard, and ROTC program cadets, regardless of residence and regardless of whether using Veterans Administration benefits, will be classified as in-state when enrolled at a TBR institution. Proof of military status is required.

Students who work full-time in Tennessee and attend class part-time will be charged in-state tuition. When paying their fees each semester, these students must provide an employment verification form. Students who are only taking online classes and do not qualify for a better tuition rate because of one of the above classifications may qualify for a special tuition eRate. Information is available on the bursar’s website.

All decisions regarding residency classification for the purpose of paying fees and tuition are based on the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:05:01:00. For more information on in-state classifications contact admissions@NortheastState.edu or call 423-323-0253.

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

Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms - A student may register for 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:

• The student has not met with an academic advisor;
• 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;
• 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 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 canceled 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 - 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.

The student must file a Request for Late Drop/Withdrawal in the Advising Resource Center on the main campus in Blountville. 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 Veteran & Military Student Success Center staff in N110.

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 at https://northeaststate.edu/workforcesolutions/.

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