Admission Requirements

General Admission to the College

Individuals are eligible for admission to the community college if they are high school graduates or the equivalent, or if they are eighteen years of age or older and able to benefit academically from study at the community college, as demonstrated by assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics. Minimum scores are noted in the chart below. Colleges may allow students who are in their final semester of high school or home school to enroll in summers courses. These students must provide documentation of graduation in order to enroll in subsequent semesters. In order to be admitted to the College, students must apply online at: http://apply.vccs.edu.

Exceptions to this policy may be made by the college president only for documented reasons. In order to prevent delays at the time of enrollment, please submit applications early and complete all sections thoroughly. Applications are active for one year; students who apply to the College but do not enroll within a year will be discontinued and will need to reapply for admission.

Readmission

Former students who have not been enrolled for a period of three years (nine terms) or more and wish to enroll must submit a new Application for Admission online at: http://apply.vccs.edu.

General Admission Denials

In accordance with VCCS policy 6.0.1, the College reserves the right to evaluate and document special cases and to refuse or revoke admission if the College determines that the applicant or student poses a threat, is a potential danger, is significantly disruptive to the College community, or if such refusal or revocation is considered to be in the best interest of the College. The College also reserves the right to refuse admission for applicants that have been expelled or suspended from, or determined to be a threat, potential danger or significantly disruptive, by another college. Students whose admission is revoked after enrollment must be given due process.

This provision applies to individuals who are in applicant status or those who are enrolled for a future semester. In extreme cases, the College has the right to apply these provisions to disenroll currently enrolled students during a given semester (examples are convicted sex offenders and highly dangerous or disruptive students).

Behaviors that present a threat or a potential danger to the College community or other behaviors where it is considered to be in the best interest of the College to refuse admission or revoke enrollment are defined as, but not limited to:

Threatening Behavior (including but not limited to):

1. Physical actions short of actual contact/injury (e.g., moving closer aggressively, waving arms or fists, raising tone of voice or yelling in an aggressive or threatening manner)
2. Oral or written threats to harm people or their property (e.g., “you’d better watch your back” or “I’ll get you”), including the use of any electronic means of communication
3. Implicit threats (e.g., “you’ll be sorry” or “this isn’t over yet”)

Violent Behavior (including but not limited to):

1. Intentionally acting in a manner that in any way endangers the safety of others
2. Any physical assault, with or without weapons
3. Behavior that a reasonable person would interpret as being physically aggressive (e.g., destruction of property, pounding on a desk or door, or throwing objects in a threatening manner)
4. Specific threats to inflict harm (e.g., a threat to shoot a named individual)
5. Use of any object to attack or intimidate another person
6. Interfering with an individual’s legal rights of movement or expression

Intimidating Behavior (including but not limited to):

1. Intimidation of any kind that results in an individual’s fear for his/her personal safety
2. Engaging in stalking behavior
3. Behavior that is reasonably perceived to be frightening, coercing, or inducing distress to any member of the College community

Disruptive Behavior (including but not limited to):

1. Verbally intimidating, threatening, or abusing any person or persons in the College environment
2. Physically intimidating, threatening, abusing or assaulting others
3. Disorderly or abusive behavior that interferes with the rights of others or obstructs the teaching or learning environment or business of the College
4. Making inappropriate and incessant demands for time and attention from College employees or students
5. Inappropriate use of College facilities or resources
6. Theft or damage to College property

These procedures may also apply when CVCC has received documentation that the applicant/enrolled student has been expelled, suspended, or banned from another college or determined to be a threat, potential danger, or significantly disruptive at another college.

Procedures for Admission Denials

Upon notification to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (VPA&SA) or Designee that the applicant/enrolled student has exhibited threatening, violent, intimidating, or disruptive behavior as defined above or that the applicant/ enrolled student has been expelled, suspended, or banned from another college or determined to be a threat, potential danger, or significantly disruptive at another college, the VPA&SA or Designee will conduct an investigation to evaluate the circumstances. After the investigation, if the College determines that the applicant is a threat or potential danger to the College community or if such refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the College, the student will be notified as follows:

Applicant with no enrollment: After the investigation, the applicant will receive written notification at the home address listed in the student information system stating that admission to the College has been denied. The notification will state the denial is based on the College’s determination that the applicant represents a threat or potential danger to the College or that the refusal of admission is considered to be in the best interest of the College. A service indicator will be placed on the applicant’s record which will prevent the applicant from registering for classes.

Applicant with enrollment: An applicant who becomes an enrolled student will receive written notification at the home address listed in the student information system stating that admission to the College is revoked and enrollment for the current or future semester is withdrawn. The notification will state the decision is based on the College’s determination that the applicant represents a threat or potential danger to the College and/or their revoked admission and withdrawn enrollment is considered to be in the best interest of the College. The written notification will detail the procedures for due process and will provide the individual with explicit instructions on the appeal process. The College will reserve the class enrollment until the appeal process is complete, but the individual will not be allowed to attend class during the appeal process. The individual is required to initiate the appeal process in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the notification by the College (as indicated by the date of the written notification from the College) in order to receive consideration to remain enrolled. Absent extreme extenuating circumstances, if the enrolled student fails to follow the appeal process within ten (10) calendars days of notification from the College, he/she will forfeit the right to appeal, which will result in the College sending to the student written notification of administrative withdrawal of all current and future classes at the College and revocation of admission for future semesters. The College will make every effort to expedite the hearing timeline. The College will notify the student of its investigation if a hold is placed preventing the student from registering for classes or taking advantage of any other student benefit.

Appeal Process for an Enrolled Student

1. The enrolled student will receive a letter from the VPA&SA or Designee detailing the denied status of the student, withdrawn enrollment, and appeal procedure within ten (10) calendar days of the College’s decision to deny or revoke admission and to withdraw the student from current or future enrollments. The enrolled student will be advised of the right to due process and request for appeal.
2. Upon receipt of a request for appeal from the student within the required ten (10) calendar days of notification, the VPA&SA will convene an Ad Hoc Committee. In addition to the VPA&SA, the committee membership and appointment will be at the discretion of the President of the College. The purpose of the hearing is to provide the student notice of the basis for the College’s decision and the right to provide his/her explanation of the facts, as well as for the Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the facts of the case. If, after the hearing the Committee determines that the applicant or enrolled student represents a threat or potential danger to the College and/or the revoked admission and withdrawn enrollment is considered to be in the best interest of the College, the student’s admission to the College will be revoked; the student will be administratively withdrawn from classes and the student will receive a tuition refund. The individual will be denied future admission/enrollment to the College.
3. The Ad Hoc Committee will review the proceedings of the hearing and make a decision by a simple majority vote within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the written request for the appeal. The College will make every effort to expedite the appeal process. The VPA&SA will convene the committee and serve as a member. The VPA&SA will inform the enrolled student by written correspondence of the Committee’s decision. The decision of this Committee will be final.

Residency Requirements

(Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates)

The College makes an initial determination of a student’s eligibility for in-state tuition rates based on the information provided by the applicant on the Application for Virginia Domicile. Eligibility is determined by using State Council of Higher Education guidelines pertaining to Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Generally, in order to be eligible for in-state tuition rates, the student must have been legally domiciled in Virginia for a period of at least one full year prior to the beginning of the planned term of enrollment at the College. Domicile is a technical, legal concept which means more than simple residency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In order to be considered a Virginia domiciliary, a student must demonstrate through clear and convincing evidence his/her intention of remaining in Virginia indefinitely.

Demonstration of intent is usually accomplished through objective evidence. A student under the age of 24 generally assumes the domicile of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), unless the student has been legally emancipated or meets criteria for independent student status. Additional information about eligibility may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office.

Note to Veterans: As a veteran-friendly college, and a member institution of the Veteran’s Access, Choice, and Affordability Act of 2014, CVCC recognizes that under Section 702, qualifying Veterans and their covered dependents are afforded the opportunity to appreciate in-state tuition rates while attending CVCC. In order to establish eligibility for this benefit, students will need to provide necessary documentation to the Admissions and Records Office before the beginning of the term they are attending. In the event that qualifying documentation is received after the start of the term, the benefit will be made available for the next term.

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(c)

The following individuals shall be charged the in-state rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:

• A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill® - Active-Duty Program) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of Title 38, United States Code, who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in the state where the IHL is located, and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service serving on active duty.
• A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• A spouse or child using benefits under Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) living in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence).
• An individual using educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of their formal state of residence) effective for courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1, 2019.
• Anyone described above remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. Therefore, the described person must be enrolled in the institution and use educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33 or 35 of Title 38, United States Code.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Webs site at http://www.benefis.va.gov/gibill.

Changing Status: If the student initially enters the College as an out-of-state student and believes subsequently to have achieved Virginia domiciliary status, an Application for Virginia Domicile must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. If a determination is made in the student’s favor, the student will become eligible for in-state tuition rates for the next semester in which the student enrolls.

Domicile Appeal: Any student who disagrees with an initial tuition classification may make a written appeal to the Office of Admissions and Records. The student will be asked to provide supporting domicile documentation to supplement the Application for Virginia Domicile. The Office of Admissions and Records will respond to the appeal within fifteen business days. If the student still disagrees with the tuition classification, the student may file a final written appeal with the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, for consideration by the Domicile Appeals Committee. The Domicile Appeals Committee shall consist of two members of the Student Success Committee and the Registrar. No person who serves at one level of this appeals process shall be eligible to serve at any other level of this review. This written appeal must be made within five business days of the student’s notification of the first appeal. The Domicile Appeals Committee will review the domicile determination to ensure the decision is in compliance with relevant state legislation and state guidelines. A student who is not satisfied with the outcome of the review by the Domicile Appeals Committee may appeal to the appropriate circuit court. The student must file a petition for review with the court within thirty business days of receipt of the decision by the Domicile Appeals Committee.

The Guidelines for Determining Domicile and Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates set forth in Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia will be followed by Central Virginia Community College throughout the domicile appeals process.

Admission to a Specific Plan of Study

In order to be eligible for Financial Aid, students must be placed in an approved program plan. For a list of eligible Financial Aid programs please consult with an Academic Counselor. Applicants will be placed in the plan of their choice as selected on their Application for Admission. Please note that if a restricted plan is selected, applicants must schedule a meeting with an Academic Counselor to discuss admission qualifications and procedures.

Applicants applying to enter one of the associate degree curricula (Associate in Science, Associate in Arts and Sciences, or Associate in Applied Science) must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, or otherwise be considered eligible by the college.

Students who have not completed high school and who wish to be placed in a specific program will be required to provide verification of GED completion or diploma (and/or) home schooling diploma or transcript with graduation date.

Admissions: High School/Home-Schooled Students

Private, Public, and Homeschool juniors and seniors who meet each of the following criteria may register in college-level credit-bearing courses:

1. The student submits an Application for Admission.
2. The student is a rising public or private high school junior or senior, or homeschool student studying at the high school junior or senior level.
   1. The high school student has permission of the principal or designee, and the parent.
   2. The homeschool student has permission of the parent.
3. The student demonstrates readiness for each college-level credit-bearing course in which they want to enroll. High school and homeschool students are not eligible to enroll in developmental or direct placement co-requisite English and Math courses. In demonstrating readiness, a student meet one of the criteria established for each type of course in which they want to be registered: (See chart below)
4. In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, a dual enrollment student must meet all course pre/corequisites as listed in the VCCS Master Course File and established by the college at which the student is enrolled in the course.

Dual enrollment is restricted to rising high school juniors and seniors and home school students studying at the high school junior or senior levels. Admitting high school or home school students below the junior or senior level is considered exceptional. The college-ready status of each prospective student below the junior or senior high school level shall be assessed on a case- by-case basis. Such students must meet the above eligibility criteria and any other criteria as may be established by the college for participation of students below the junior or senior level in dual enrollment. Colleges shall have criteria and procedures for the case-by-case assessment of such students. Formal approval by the college president, or d r applicants who are below the junior or senior high school level to participate in dual enrollment.

Admissions: International Students

Central Virginia Community College welcomes all eligible international students. F-1 International students interested in admission to CVCC should be aware that filling out an application for admission does not automatically guarantee admission.

*Cumulative GPA may be weighted or unweighted and may be self-reported.

**A transfer course is any course that a college offers and will transcript in fulfillment of the requirements for a Degree or Certificate that is designed to transfer (e.g., AA, AS, AA&S, AFA, Uniform Certificate of General Studies).

***A career and technical course is any course that the college offers and will transcript in fulfillment of the requirements for degrees and certificates that are not designed for transfer (e.g., AAS, Certificate, Career Studies Certificates).

To receive an I-20, non-immigrant students must fulfill all additional admissions requirements by the specified deadline as listed on the International Student page of the CVCC website.

Please note, CVCC does not offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students should also be aware that CVCC does not provide health insurance, transportation, or housing facilities for students. Additionally, F-1 International students are not eligible to receive financial aid and are classified as out-of-state students at CVCC.

All international students are encouraged to work closely with both Admissions and Records and Academic Counseling to ensure their student success.

Admissions: Senior Citizens

The Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, as amended 1976, 1977, 1982, 1988, 1999, 2003, and 2015 (SG) Subject to SCHEV regulations and any legislative revisions, the Act gives senior citizens certain rights.

1. “Senior citizen” shall mean any person who, before the beginning of any semester in which such person claims entitlement to senior citizen benefits, (1) has reached sixty years of age, and (2) has had his legal domicile in Virginia for one year.
2. A senior citizen shall be entitled:
   1. To register for and enroll in courses as a full-time or part-time student for academic credit if such senior citizen had a taxable individual income not exceeding $23,850 for Virginia income tax purposes for the year preceding the year in which enrollment is sought;
   2. To register for and audit courses offered for academic credit regardless of income level; and
   3. To register for and enroll in courses not offered for academic credit regardless of income level.

Such senior citizen shall pay no tuition or fees for courses offered for academic credit or for courses not offered for academic credit, except fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials, such as laboratory fees, subject to a determination by the institution of its ability to offer the course or courses for which the senior citizen registers. The Council of Higher Education shall establish procedures to ensure that tuition-paying students are accommodated in courses before senior citizens participating in this program are enrolled. However, the state institutions of higher education may make individual exceptions to these procedures when the senior citizen has completed seventy-five percent of the requirements for a degree.