TEXARKANA COLLEGE 2016-2017 CATALOG & STUDENT HANDBOOK TC Catalog/Handbook 16-17 Updated 1/20/2017 Texarkana College 2500 North Robison Road Texarkana, Texas 75599 903-823-3456 ■ fax 903-823-3451 www.texarkanacollege.edu APPROVED AND ACCREDITED BY: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Texas Board of Nursing Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Texarkana College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and certificates. MEMBERSHIP / AFFILIATIONS: The Southern Association of Junior Colleges Texas Association of Junior Colleges Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Office of Admissions Texas Music Educators Association National League for Nursing National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Pivot Point International American Welding Society Texas Association of Music Schools National Certification Program of HVAC Excellence National Association of Developmental Educators National Center for Construction Education and Research Achieving the Dream Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators AN EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION It is the policy of Texarkana College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disabilities, race, color, age, or national origin in its educational and vocational programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI. The Texarkana College campus is accessible to the disabled. Texarkana College is committed to full compliance with both the Drug Free Workplace and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Acts. This catalog contains policies, regulations, and procedures which were in existence as the publication was first published. The College reserves the right to modify or amend any statements or policy to reflect current board policies, administrative regulations, or procedures and applicable state or federal laws or regulations. TC Catalog/Handbook 16-17 Updated 1/20/2017 WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT Thank you for choosing Texarkana College as your institution of higher education. Texarkana College has an 89-year legacy of educating students through its varied degree and certificate programs. Since 1927, our College has been a prime resource for higher education in the region. From preparing students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to awarding workforce degrees and certificates that qualify students for jobs in our region, Texarkana College has something for everyone. You’ve made a great choice. Texarkana College has some of the best instructors in our region. They are authorities in their subject areas and have published books, earned recognition on a local level on up to the international level, and are committed to helping you succeed. Class sizes are small and you can get the personal attention you need right here at Texarkana College. If you run into roadblocks along the way, don’t be afraid to talk to your instructors. They want to see you graduate as badly as you want to graduate. You are starting your college journey at Texarkana College because you know that obtaining a higher education puts you on the path to an unlimited amount of potential and future success. With today’s job market, you probably know that just showing up to class isn’t enough. When you leave Texarkana College, we want you to leave with the skills, certification or degree you need to succeed. I hope that you will commit to completing those goals. Your goal should be to learn skills at TC that will help you find a better job; earn a certificate that prepares you to enter our workforce; or earn an associate’s degree and transfer to a four- year university as soon as possible to complete a baccalaureate degree. We’ll do everything in our power to help you complete your goals. You’re going to have a great year at TC! James Henry Russell, CPA President TC Catalog/Handbook 16-17 Updated 1/20/2017 Welcome from the Dean of Students I would like to welcome you to Texarkana College. Whether you are a new or returning student, a recent high school graduate or a mature learner, you will find Texarkana College to be a learning institution that supports, encourages, and empowers our students. Texarkana College is an Achieving the Dream college, which means we do more than just talk about helping our students to be successful. Texarkana College collects data and uses the information to make changes that will benefit all of our students. The mission of the Dean of Students is to provide you with the services and information that support your educational endeavors. We encourage you to be an independent thinker, accept responsibility, and make informed decisions for your own educational experience. I am glad you have chosen Texarkana College, and every effort will be made to ensure that your experience is rewarding. I strongly encourage you to participate in student clubs. Getting involved will enhance your educational experience while making your life at Texarkana College more profitable and enjoyable. I wish you great success in obtaining your educational, personal, and professional aspirations. Remember we are here to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Please let me know how we can help! Don’t forget that Texarkana College is a great place to start … or start over. Robert A. Jones Dean of Students TC Catalog/Handbook 16-17 Updated 1/20/2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword/Mission Statement ............................................................................................................. 1 History and General Information ....................................................................................................... 2 Locations ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Campus Map ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................................ 5 I. Admissions Requirements .............................................................................................................. 7 A. Methods of Admission .................................................................................................................. 8 B. Admission of International Students ........................................................................................ 8 C. General Requirements for Admission ...................................................................................... 10 D. Texas Senate Bill 1107 Bacterial Meningitis ........................................................................... 13 E. Special Admissions Requirements ........................................................................................... 15 F. Required Assessments & Exemptions ...................................................................................... 15 G. Transfers/Resolution of Transfer Disputes .............................................................................. 19 H. What is Prior Learning? ........................................................................................................... 20 i. Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 20 ii. Credit by Examination .................................................................................................... 20 iii. Assessment by Local Exam ........................................................................................... 23 iv. Professional Exams ........................................................................................................ 23 v. Credit for Military Training and Service ........................................................................ 24 vi. Industry/Professional Certification Credit ..................................................................... 24 I. Residency Definitions for Tuition and Fees Purposes ............................................................... 26 J. Residency Verification Requirements ....................................................................................... 28 K. Tuition, Fees & Exemptions .................................................................................................... 29 L. Paying for College .................................................................................................................... 35 M. Refund Policy .......................................................................................................................... 39 N. Audit Policy ............................................................................................................................. 39 O. Repeated Courses ..................................................................................................................... 40 P. Six Drop Policy ......................................................................................................................... 40 Q. Undergraduate Credit Hour Limitation .................................................................................... 41 R. MyTC & Identification Card .................................................................................................... 42 S.