Admissions

ECC operates under the Open Door Policy of the North Carolina Community College System. Any person, whether a high school graduate or non-graduate, who is eighteen (18) years old or older and is able to profit from further formal education may be served by the institution. The Open Door Policy does not mean that there are no restrictions on admission to specified programs. Please see program descriptions for admissions policy and procedure. Students are encouraged to enroll in programs which serve their needs and objectives in life, consistent with their backgrounds, aptitudes, and expressed interests. The restrictions on admission are flexible enough to allow all students opportunities to improve their educational status. Opportunities for preparatory or remedial studies are provided in the Adult Enrichment (Basic Skills) Center for students who lack specific academic skills necessary for admission to chosen programs.

The college offers occupational programs and adult education to all persons eighteen (18) years and older who are not enrolled in high school and who are able to profit from instruction. The college offers four degree programs: the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), the Associate in Arts degree (A.A.), the Associate in General Education (A.G.E.), and the Associate in Science degree (A.S.). ECC offers the adult high school diploma, the high equivalency test GED, and preparation in the Adult Enrichment (Basic Skills) Center.

Should students desire a course of study but not have the appropriate educational background, developmental studies are available to prepare them for admission to a desired program.

Steps in the Enrollment Process

Persons wishing to enroll at the college should complete the entire enrollment process. This process consists of the following steps:

1. Students should submit an ECC application to the Student Services Department.
2. Students seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate are responsible for having an official high school transcript or General Education Development (GED) transcript showing date of graduation or completion submitted to the college. Home-schooled students must submit a copy of the Home-School’s approved registration from the state in which they are registered. Students seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate who have college credits are responsible for having an official college transcript sent to the college. College credits will only be accepted and awarded from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Four-year college graduates who are able to provide official transcripts from the regionally accredited four-year college or university from which they graduated are not required to provide a high school transcript.
3. Students should complete the placement tests, when requested.
   • Students enrolling in a curriculum program must take the placement test battery before enrollment. The purpose of the test battery is to provide additional information in planning students’ programs. No students are denied admission to the college based on placement test scores.
   • Upon receipt of the application, students are scheduled for placement tests. The placement test battery may be waived by the Student Services Department if students have satisfactorily completed one English and one mathematics course above the developmental or vocational level at a technical institute, college, or university, or have earned an associate degree or higher. Exceptions are granted to certain applicants according to the following guidelines:
     • A score of 500 or above on the SAT verbal exempts students from taking the English and reading placement assessments and allows students to enter ENG 111 .
     • A score of 500 or above on the SAT math exempts students from the math placement assessment and allows students to enter college-level math courses.

Scores and corresponding course placement schedules are available in Student Services. Placement test scores become invalid after five years if applicants do not enroll in the appropriate courses.

4. Curriculum students are placed in English/reading, and mathematics courses based on the results of the placement tests. This placement enables students to enroll in subjects commensurate with their achievement level as indicated by the placement test scores. Certain course prerequisites may make it necessary for students to enroll in developmental courses, which are identified by a numerical “0” prefix.
5. Students have the opportunity to have a personal interview with a counselor in Student Services. Students have an opportunity to ask questions about the college and its programs, and counselors have an opportunity to evaluate students’ aptitudes and capabilities to pursue particular programs of study.
6. Applicants may be asked to complete a separate, more detailed residency status application if deemed necessary by college officials. Military personnel and dependents must complete a separate form.
7. All students must attend New Student Orientation which is offered on both campuses at various times before the beginning of each semester. Students have the opportunity to learn about the College, register for classes, and meet curriculum advisors.
8. Students seeking financial assistance should to apply for financial aid.

Provisional Enrollment

Applicants Age 16 to 18 with Special Needs

All North Carolina technical colleges or community colleges maintain an open door admissions policy to the institutions to all applicants who are high school graduates or who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, with selective placement in the different curricula or other programs of the institutions. Such selective placement is determined by the officials of each institution, based upon the admissions requirements, which may be approved by the State Board of Community Colleges for each curriculum and/or program offered.

Applicants who are minors between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years may be considered as persons with special needs and admitted to appropriate courses or programs, provided that the following criteria are met:

1. The minor applicant left the public schools no less than six calendar months prior to the last day of regular registration of the semester in the institution for which admission is sought.
2. The application of each minor is supported by a notarized petition of the minor’s parent, legal guardian, or other person or agency having legal custody and control of the minor applicant; the petition certifies the place of residence and date of birth of the minor, the parental or other appropriate legal relationship of the petitioner to the minor applicant, and the date on which the minor applicant left the public schools. However, all or any part of the six-month waiting period may be waived by the superintendent of the public schools of the administrative unit in which the applicant resides.
3. Such admission does not preempt institution facilities and staff to such an extent as to render the institution unable to admit all applicants who have graduated from high school or who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.

The State Board of Community Colleges and the Community College System encourage young people to complete high school before seeking admission to community colleges.

Career and College Promise Program for High School Students

Core 44 College Transfer Pathway

1. The Career and College Promise Core 44 College Transfer Pathway requires the completion of at least thirty semester hours of transfer courses, including English and mathematics.
2. To be eligible for enrollment, a high school student must meet the following criteria:
3. Be a high school junior or senior;
   • Have a weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school courses; and
   • Demonstrate college readiness on an assessment or placement test. A student must demonstrate college readiness in English, reading and mathematics to be eligible for enrollment in a Core 44 College Transfer Pathway.
4. A high school junior or senior who does not demonstrate college readiness on an approved assessment or placement test may be provisionally enrolled in a College Transfer Pathway. To qualify for Provisional Status, a student must meet the following criteria:
   • Have a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5;
   • Have completed two years of high school English with a grade of ‘C’ or higher;
   • Have completed high school Algebra II (or a higher level math class) with a grade of ‘C’ of higher;
   • Obtain the written approval of the high school principal or his/her designee; and,
   • Obtain the written approval of the community college president or his/her designee. A Provisional Status student may register only for college mathematics (MAT) and college English (ENG) courses within the chosen Pathway. To be eligible to register for other courses in the Pathway, the student must first successfully complete mathematics and English courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
5. To maintain eligibility for continued enrollment, a student must
   • Continue to make progress toward high school graduation, and
   • Maintain a 2.0 GPA in college coursework after completing two courses.
6. A student must enroll in one Core 44 College Transfer Pathway program of study and may not substitute courses in one program for courses in another.

Career Technical Education Pathway

1. The Career and College Promise Career Technical Education Pathway leads to a certificate or diploma aligned with a high school Career Cluster through Edgecombe Community College.
2. To be eligible for enrollment, a high school student must meet the following criteria:
   • Be a high school junior or senior.
   • Have a weighted GPA of 3.0 on high school courses or have the recommendation of the high school principal or his/her designee.
   • Meet the prerequisites for the career pathway.
3. High school counselors should consider students’ PLAN scores in making pathway recommendations.
4. College Career Technical Education courses may be used to provide partial or full fulfillment of a four-unit career cluster. Where possible, students should be granted articulated credit based on the local or state North Carolina High School to Community College articulation agreement.
5. To maintain eligibility for continued enrollment, a student must
   • Continue to make progress toward high school graduation, and
   • Maintain a 2.0 in college coursework after completing two courses.
6. A student must enroll in one program of study and may not substitute courses in one program for courses in another.

Cooperative Innovative High School Programs

1. Cooperative Innovative High School Programs are located on college campuses, enroll 100 or fewer students per grade level, and provide opportunities for students to complete an associate degree program or earn up to two years of college credit within five years are defined as Cooperative Innovative High School Programs.
2. Students can early tuition free college credits as a high school freshman by attending Edgecombe Early College. Students must apply in February of their 8th grade year.

Late Enrollment

If applicants apply too late to follow the published enrollment requirements, the Vice President of Student Services may grant provisional enrollment status with the understanding that all enrollment requirements will be satisfied by the beginning of the next semester.

Special Credit Students

Any persons eighteen (18) years of age or older who do not plan to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate but wish to enroll in a college credit course (not a continuing education class) are admitted as special credit students. Special credit students may register for courses if course prerequisites are met and if space exists in the classes. Regular students’ registration takes precedence over special credit students’ registration.

For enrollment at ECC, special credit students need only complete an application form, which is available in the Admissions Office or online; however, upon a later decision to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate at the college, special credit students are asked to submit proof of high school graduation and to meet certain placement criteria. Special credit students are required to make a satisfactory score on the college placement test prior to enrolling in English, mathematics, or other restricted college-level courses. Students who have not been tested are allowed to register only for developmental English/reading, math, and other non-restricted courses. College placement testing is not required for students who are auditing courses, but these students must meet prerequisites. The Vice President of Student Services may approve other exceptions to this policy. Special credit students are not eligible to receive financial aid or veterans’ benefits. Special credit students can take no more than twelve (12) semester hours of credit without declaring a major.

International Student Admission Policy

Edgecombe Community College has approval by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for attendance by international students. Application for admission should be made at least six months prior to the semester in which the applicant plans to enroll. International students are treated as non-residents of the state of North Carolina with respect to tuition and fees. The College is unable to provide financial aid to international students; therefore, all international students must have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses, tuition, and fees while attending the college. Student housing is not provided by the College. International students are expected to make their own arrangements for housing. ECC does not accept international students in transfer.

The following items are required for admission:

1. Application for Admission and Residence Status Application - These forms are provided by the College and should be completed and returned at least six months prior to the date of proposed admission to initiate the admission process.
2. Academic Records - A certified copy of the original educational records, to include all previous academic experiences, is required. If the original copy of this record is written in a foreign language, a certified English translation is required.
3. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - TOEFL scores are required of all applicants, except those from countries where English is the only official language, as evidence of adequate proficiency in English. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550.
4. Placement Testing and Interview - Applicants must complete placement testing and personal interviews before they can be accepted for admission.
5. Financial Statement - A signed financial resource statement is required of all applicants. This should be a detailed statement of the applicant’s financial situation, including the amount of money available per year, source of income, and any other pertinent information. The availability of funds sufficient to meet expenses for the first academic year must be certified. The inclusion of any false information constitutes grounds for dismissal from the college.
6. Student Medical Form - A student medical form, completed and signed by a physician, must be submitted on the form provided by the College. The student must have completed the hepatitis B series.
7. Responsibility Statement - Each applicant must furnish a certified statement from a United States citizen stating that the citizen agrees to accept responsibility for sponsoring and assisting the applicant as may become necessary for the applicant to pursue his or her educational objective.
8. Upon receipt of all above items, the applicant’s file will be presented to the Enrollment Management Committee for the admissions decision. The applicant will be informed by mail of the committee’s decision, Form I-20 A-B, “Certificate of Eligibility, will be prepared on request from applicants who have been formally accepted for admission to the College.

Readmissions

Academic Forgiveness Policy

The Academic Forgiveness Policy applies to students who have failing grades at ECC at least five (5) years old and have not been enrolled for two (2) consecutive years at the college.

Upon readmission, when students complete twelve (12) hours of academic work with a two-point-zero grade point average (2.0 GPA) or better, their previous grades of “F” are forgiven in the computation of the overall grade point average. Financial aid may be reinstated at the successful completion of twelve (12) hours of academic work. ECC’s Academic Forgiveness Policy does not apply to financial aid eligibility.

Catalog of Record

The catalog that is current when students enroll in the college is the catalog of record. Students who are in continuous attendance (except summer term) may graduate under the provisions of the catalog of record in effect on their date of entry into their current curriculum major program of study, or they have the option of choosing the requirements of a subsequent issue. Students not in continuous attendance must graduate under the provisions of the catalog in effect on their last entry date into their current curriculum major program of study or a subsequent issue. A student who changes their curriculum major program of study must come under the provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of the change or a subsequent issue.

Drops, Suspension, Expulsions

Students who have been suspended or expelled from the college may request clarification at the time of withdrawal regarding when they may re-enter.

Students who have been dropped from class may re-enroll the next semester. Students who are readmitted after an absence of at least two (2) consecutive semesters must meet the requirements of the catalog in use at the time they apply for readmission to the college.