A.      General

The mission of Howard Community College is to offer all residents of its service area access to high-quality instruction that results in the growth of knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to function successfully as a transfer student, in a career, and as a citizen.  The college values the diversity of the student population and will offer a variety of educational opportunities at a reasonable cost, which incorporates multiple teaching and instructional delivery strategies and support services, calls upon students to accept responsibility for their individual growth, and maximizes the use of its resources.  The college maintains an open-door policy of admission.  Persons who have the ability to benefit from the college’s learning programs will be admitted on a space-available basis without regard to race, gender, age, religion, ethnic background, 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 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 conduct admissions, registration and records, financial aid, advising, and support services to accomplish the goals and objectives of this policy.

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.  Residents of other Maryland counties enrolled in the college’s statewide or regional instructional 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.

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

e.  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.  International citizens who are permanent residents of the United States or who have entered the United States with A, E, G, H, I, O, TD, or TN visas are eligible for county resident or state resident rates based upon place of residence while in the United States.  Other international citizens admitted to the United States for a limited period of time and lawfully 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

Students may register for up to eighteen credits in courses for which they qualify.  Students wishing to register for more than eighteen credits must gain permission from an academic advisor.  Registration for all credits over eighteen must be done in person at the Registration Office.

D.      Testing

The Test Center hosts administration of academic placement, independent study, and professional certification exams, as well as other exams, including the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).  Academic testing is for students needing to make up a missed exam, as well as those needing to test under extended-time or modified conditions.  Placement testing, to assess skill levels in English and math, is required of all students planning to enroll in English or math course or courses with English or math prerequisites.  All students are required to take a placement test by the time they have completed 12 credits, regardless of academic goal.  Placement testing exemptions may be granted for documented college-level in English and/or math.  All candidates for the Nursing Program must take the English placement test, regardless of prior coursework.

Policy Manual Review/Revision:  7/1/00