A.      General

The college offers all residents of its service area access to high-quality instruction that results in the growth of knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for success as a transfer student, in a career, and as a citizen.  The college values the diversity of the student population.  It provides a variety of educational opportunities at a reasonable cost.  It incorporates multiple teaching and academic delivery strategies and student services.  It calls upon students to accept responsibility for their individual growth, and maximize the use of the many resources provided for them.  The college maintains an open-door policy of admission.  Persons who have the ability to benefit from the college’s credit learning programs will be admitted on a space-available basis without regard to race, ethnic background, gender, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, political persuasion, or disability, except as prescribed by law.  The board of trustees recognizes that the administration may need to establish general or specific entry requirements for the various curricula and programs offered and to continually evaluate the effectiveness of such requirements as they relate to the college’s overall mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives. 

Although admitted to the college, students may not enroll in particular programs or courses unless they have the necessary educational background.  When such requirements exist, the college, within its available resources, will create programs and services to assist unqualified students in meeting the requirements.  All students will be offered assistance in planning a program of learning in accordance with their academic background and goals.  Each student bears the ultimate responsibility for selecting a program of learning and for utilizing programs and services available to assist them in achieving their goals.  The board of trustees authorizes the administration to provide admissions, registration and records, financial aid, testing, advising, and academic programs to fulfill its mission as well as maintain compliance with federal and state law.

B.       Residency

1.  State law governs the determination of residency for tuition purposes at Howard Community College.  Only legal residents of Howard County and the State of Maryland are eligible for county resident tuition or state resident tuition, except as prescribed by law.

2.  Special Student Categories for County Resident and State Resident Tuition Purposes:

a.  Active duty military personnel and their dependents who reside in Howard County or in the State of Maryland are entitled to county resident tuition or state resident tuition.  The three-month residency requirement does not apply.

b.  Active duty military personnel and their dependents who were legal residents of Maryland at the time of their entrance into the armed forces and have maintained their legal resident status even though they are stationed outside the state.  Military personnel are eligible for in-county tuition.

c.  Active members of the Maryland National Guard are entitled to tuition discounts based upon their legal residency.

d.  Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)-related employees and their dependents who move to the area are entitled to county resident tuition or in-state resident tuition as long as they maintain BRAC-related employment.  The three-month residency requirement does not apply.

e.  Residents of other Maryland counties enrolled in the college’s statewide, regional instructional programs, or Health Personnel Incentive Grant  programs as designated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission are eligible for county resident tuition, as they legally reside in the approved region for the program.

f.  Students from outside the state who enroll as part of a reciprocity agreement negotiated between Maryland and another state may be considered as state residents for tuition purposes.

g.  A foreign national lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States may be considered a resident for tuition purposes if the student meets the residency requirements as defined by state law.  Foreign nationals who are permanent residents of the United States or who have entered the United States with A, BC, E, G, H1, H4,I, K1, K2, L, N, O, R, SN,U, and V  visas and maintained their status are eligible for county resident or state resident rates based upon place of residence while in the United States.  Proof of immigration status, in accordance with college procedures, is required. 

Students on B1 and B2 visas are generally not admitted for credit coursework in accordance with federal law.  Students who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status will be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent upon where they are in the process. 

Other foreign nationals attending the college are not normally eligible for county resident or state resident tuition rates. 

3.  Students in Contract Courses.  Employees of public or private sector employers or non-profit organizations that maintain facilities, operate, or do business in the state will not be assessed out-of-county fees or tuition rates as long as: a contract exists between Howard Community College and the employer or organization to provide specified education or training; the employee or member is enrolled in credit or noncredit courses or in specific contract training that has been approved by and will benefit the employer or nonprofit organization; and, the employer or non-profit pays the fee as described in the contract.

C.      Registration

In general, the college provides different registration methods in order to offer maximum convenience to its students.  Particular methods may be required for specific students or programs.  A full-time student schedule for the fall or spring semester generally consists of 12 or more credits.  Students wishing to register for more than eighteen credits must obtain written consent from an academic advisor as well as register in person at the office of records, registration, and veterans’ affairs. 

D.      Testing

Placement testing to assess skill levels in English and math is required of all students planning to enroll in English or math courses or courses with English or math prerequisites.  Placement exams are generally taken following admission to the college.  All students are required to take placement tests by the time they have completed 12 credits, regardless of academic goal.  Some students qualify for placement test exemptions as detailed in the college’s catalogue.  All candidates seeking admission to clinical nursing courses must take the English placement test, unless they have earned a bachelors degree from an accredited United States institution.

The college administers other forms of testing that support the enrollment process.  Examples include the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardization Tests, proficiency and challenge exams, and certification exams, as well as others.

Policy Manual Review/Revision:  02/19/10