Admissions

Admission to Semester Credit Hour Programs

The Howard County Junior College District maintains an “open door” policy that admits applicants who have earned a high school diploma or general education development (GED) certificate and others under certain conditions. College entrance tests and high school rank are not criteria for acceptance. Falsification of admission records will result in permanent suspension from the college.

Who is Eligible for Admission?

At Howard College/SWCID, admission is open to anyone who meets the following requirements:

• Based on state law, unimpaired hearing students cannot enroll in SWCID unless it is educationally appropriate or in such special programs needed to train hearing and hearing-impaired persons to become professional service providers for the deaf.
• Has earned a high school diploma or GED.
• Individual Approval: Students who are 18 years of age or older and do not qualify for admission under one of the categories listed above may submit an individual approval request obtained from the admissions office on any HC/SWCID campus. Transcripts from high schools attended, test scores, and other academic information may be used to evaluate college readiness in lieu of graduation from high school. Designated campus officials will review requests and make recommendation to the Provost (or lead official) on each campus for final approval. Students admitted on individual approval without a GED or high school diploma are not eligible to receive Title IV federal financial assistance.
• Early College Start: Students who attend a public, private, charter, or home school within the Howard College/SWCID service area, have successfully completed their sophomore year, and can demonstrate they are academically prepared for college-level instruction.

Prospective students who do not meet any of the categories above should contact the Admissions Office to discuss criteria for exceptional admissions standards that may be applicable.

Admission/Enrollment Procedures

Applicants must complete the following steps to begin taking credit classes at Howard College/SWCID. The process varies for dual credit, early admission, and international students.

• Complete a Howard College/SWCID application, including residency information, and submit high school transcript; GED certificate, if applicable; and all college transcripts.
• Determine your TSI (Texas Success Initiative) status and schedule an assessment if required. All Howard College/SWCID students, unless exempt or TSI waived, must take the state approved test for TSI before enrolling at Howard College/SWCID. Results of this test will not be a condition of admission, but will be used for placement purposes. See the Success Initiative  section of the catalog for additional information.
• Additional information needed for SWCID students (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students only)
  1. A current audiogram
  2. ACT/SAT Scores for advising and placement purposes
  3. A current copy of Vocational/Psychological Evaluation Report if available
  4. Name, address, phone number of DARS/VR counselor (if available)
  5. Certification of Deafness for Tuition Waiver (Texas residents)
• Meet with an advisor to select classes.
• Register when eligible and pay by the deadline listed in the current course schedule.
• Attend an orientation session.
• Submit accommodations request if needed for disabilities.

NOTE: Admission to Howard College/SWCID does not guarantee enrollment into career technical programs that maintain additional entrance requirements.

Transcripts

1. Unofficial transcripts may be used for advising and registration purposes.
2. Transfer students are required to provide official transcripts from every college or university previously attended. NOTE: For students applying for financial aid, a degree audit with all transfer hours will need to be submitted to the Financial Aid Office before financial aid eligibility can be determined.
3. All official transcripts must be on file within 30 days after classes begin for a regular semester (within 7 days after the start of a mini, summer, and/or flex term).
4. Students may be dropped from courses and will not be allowed to enroll in further courses if all official transcripts are not received.
5. An official “hold” will be placed on a student’s file until all official transcripts are received.
6. Official high school transcripts must show proof of graduation, including date.
7. A Howard College/SWCID official transcript will not be released if a student’s file has a “hold” placed on their record.

The Admissions Office on each campus can assist students in obtaining transcripts from other institutions. These requests, including the official name of the institution(s), should be made in writing (email, fax, land mail, etc.). The Admissions Office will send the request directly to the institution(s) as requested.

Requests for HC/SWCID transcripts should be submitted in writing (email, fax, land mail, etc.) to the Admissions Office. Most institutions have the capability of receiving electronic transcripts. This is the fastest and most effective method for sending HC/SWCID transcripts to other institutions. If an institution does not have the capability of receiving electronic transcripts, the transcript will be mailed. It is not the policy of Howard College to fax transcripts. However, in certain situations and when the college is not in a registration period, the college will fax a transcript to another college or university with a written request. Transcript request forms can be found on the HC/SWCID website.

Returning Howard College/SWCID Students

Howard College/SWCID does not require current and former students to reapply for admission. However, students must clear any holds placed on their records before re-enrolling. Former students returning after two semesters are required to:

• Complete a new residency information form,
• Update address and major when applicable; and
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended since last enrollment at Howard College/SWCID

Academic Fresh Start

Texas residents may seek admission to any Texas public post-secondary institution based on the academic fresh start statute, Texas Education Code 51.931. Based on the statute, Howard College/SWCID applicants may request the college to disregard academic course credits or grades earned 10 or more years before the start of the semester for which they are seeking to enroll. Applicants must inform the Admissions Office in writing if they wish to elect the academic fresh start option. Academic fresh start applicants may not receive any semester credit hours for courses taken 10 or more years before enrollment.

Dual Credit

Dual credit is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school. Courses are taken in place of the normal course load at high school. High school as well as college credit will be earned upon successful completion of the course. Students must have permission in writing from their high school principal or counselor, permission of the student’s parent/guardian, and must present an official high school transcript. Students must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements prior to enrolling in college-level course work. Students may take no more than six semester credit hours per semester unless approved by the instructional administrator and high school principal. Some fees may be waived for dual credit students. See the college Admission Office or high school counseling office for dual credit applications and forms.

Early Admission

The Early Admission Program at Howard College/SWCID offers an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to progress and earn college credits toward the associate or bachelor’s degree while completing requirements for high school graduation. The program is not in competition with, or in lieu of, high school required or elective credits, but is designed to permit selected students to make more constructive use of their time where, due to class scheduling or high learning capacities, seniors may have free time to enroll in college courses. Students do not receive high school credit for courses taken as Early Admission. The student should contact a high school counselor for an application to the Early Admission Program. The application must be signed by the student, the high school principal, and the student’s parent/guardian. This form should then be forwarded or brought to the admissions office of Howard College/SWCID.

Tech Prep

Tech-Prep is a nationwide initiative for courses of study designed to assure that high school students acquire more technically-oriented knowledge and skills. These programs prepare students for employment in areas of high demand and emerging technologies. Each is a coordinated sequence of academic, career, and technology education courses, beginning in the ninth grade, which prepare students for lifelong learning, including advanced study at community and technical colleges and universities. Courses listed in this catalog that recognize Tech-Prep credit are noted in each degree program.

In order for a Texas public high school student to receive credit for a Tech Prep course, there must be an articulation agreement between Howard College and the student’s high school. The student must complete a Howard College Application for Admission Packet, a Tech Prep Articulation Request Form, and attach two copies of his/her high school transcript. One copy must be an official copy that states the high school graduation date. The student may complete the Tech Prep Articulation Request Form at the Howard College Admissions/Registrar’s Office, or on his/her high school campus, or with the Tech Prep Director.

Once the student has completed the Tech Prep Articulation process, the request will be forwarded to the appropriate department at Howard College/SWCID. That Department will analyze the high school transcript and mark all articulated courses in accordance with the Articulation Agreement on file. If approved, the Registrar’s Office will then transcript the Tech Prep Credit.

Reporting Changes in Name, Address, Social Security Number or Major

Students must provide their current home and email address to the Admissions Office. Students who change their name, home and/or email address, or Social Security number must submit a change form immediately to the Admissions Office. Items sent to the address on file are considered properly delivered by Howard College/SWCID. The college may require official proof of residency.

Immunization

The Texas Department of Health urges immunization for bacterial meningitis, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelities before being admitted to school (see additional information below regarding the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement). The Student Services Office has information on local immunization providers. Health Professions students may have additional immunization requirements. Immunizations are required of students living in residence halls.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Senate Bill 1107 requires all students entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas as of January 2012 and thereafter to provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine or ‘booster’ dose within the last five years and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.

Students who fail to submit required meningitis vaccination documents will be restricted from registering for classes.

The meningitis vaccination requirement applies to:

• All first time students at Howard College/SWCID.
• All students who are transferring from any institution of higher education to Howard College/SWCID.
• All students who previously attended Howard College/SWCID, and who are enrolling following a break of enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. (Students who complete a spring semester at HC/SWCID, are not enrolled for the summer at HC/SWCID, and who return in the fall are considered ‘continuing students’ and are not included in this requirement.)

Students EXEMPT from this requirement:

• Students who will be age 30 or older on the first day of classes of the semester in which you are enrolling at HC/SWCID.
• Currently enrolled HC/SWCID students.
• Students who will be enrolled only in online or distance education courses. (A completed, signed and dated copy of HC/SWCID’s Bacterial Meningitis Exemption Form is required to request this exemption.) Howard College/SWCID students who wish to reside in the residence halls must receive the bacterial meningitis vaccination even if they are enrolled in only online courses.
• Students who present an affidavit signed by a licensed physician stating the vaccination would be injurious to the health or well-being of the student.
• Students who decline the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. For students age 18 or older and NOT living in on-campus housing: Before you will be allowed to register for classes, Howard College/SWCID must receive a completed, notarized “Exemption from Immunizations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience” Affidavit. Visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board webpage at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/2554.PDF?CFID=20379104&CFTOKEN=47730119 to print the affidavit. For students under age 18 or living in on campus housing: The official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) form must be used. This form is available at http://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/default.aspx. This form must be completed, notarized, and provided to Howard College/SWCID. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery from DSHS. More information can be found at https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm#exclusions.
• Students enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus.
• Continuing Education and Adult Basic Education students attending courses or programs that are less than 360 contact hours.
• Students incarcerated in a Texas prison.

Acceptable documentation to prove that you have met the meningococcal vaccine requirement:

• The signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee or public health personnel on a form that shows the month, day and year of your most recent meningococcal vaccination or booster dose;
• An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that includes the same information as above; or
• An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state, that includes the same information as above.

Contact the Admissions Office for more information or go to www.CollegeVaccineRequirements.com.

Residency Requirements

To be considered a Texas resident, students must legally reside in Texas at least 12 months before enrollment into Howard College/SWCID and must be either U.S. Citizens or have permanent resident status. Howard College/SWCID recognizes the following classifications when setting tuition rates:

• In-district students - Texas residents (resided in Texas for 12 consecutive months) are considered in-district if they have resided in Howard County taxing district for 6 consecutive months.
• Out-of-district students - Texas residents who reside outside of the Howard County taxing district.
• Out-of-state students - Individuals who have not resided in Texas for the last 12 months or whose permanent resident card is less than 12 months old.
• International students - see the International Student Advisor for information on residency requirements.
• Students are responsible for registering under the proper residency classification. Any question concerning this classification should be clarified with the Admissions Office before enrollment. Rules and regulations for determining residence status are defined under Title 3 of the Texas Education Code. To determine the appropriate residency classification, Howard College/SWCID is required to review enrollment documents for errors, inconsistencies or misclassifications of residency. The college will take the necessary steps to see that appropriate adjustments are made if a misclassification occurs. Additional documentation of Texas residency may be required if the college determines that the information given on the enrollment documents is not adequate to prove residency.
• Students who wish to change their residence status must complete a Petition for Reclassification prior to the census date of the course for the term. For more information about residence status, please contact the Admissions Office.

Transferring Credit

Transferring Credit to Howard College/SWCID

A student transferring from another accredited college or university is ordinarily eligible for admission if he or she is eligible for readmission to the institution that he or she previously attended. The following conditions apply:

• A student on academic or disciplinary suspension from the last school attended will be considered for admission to Howard College on an individual basis only.
• Students with a grade point average below a 2.0 from the last college attended will be placed on academic probation and will be subject to the conditions outlined in the Scholastic Progress Standards section of the Catalog and Student Handbook.
• See Core Curriculum  for specific transfer information on core curriculum courses. 
• General elective credits for courses in which a passing grade (“D” or better if student’s overall grade point average is “C”/2.0 or better) has been earned may be transferred from any college accredited through one of the regional accrediting associations, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Credits may not be transferred from any U.S. institution not so accredited.
• Developmental/preparatory, remedial or any other non-degree credit course cannot be used for transfer or in determining the 2.0 (“C”) transfer average.
• Course work completed at colleges outside the United States will be considered for transfer on an individual basis. See the International Student Policy .
• Howard College/SWCID awards transfer credit for “credit by examination” if it is included on an official transcript from an accredited college or university, if it is within the established 18-hour limit, and if it is appropriately related to the student’s educational program (see Credit by Examination  in this catalog).
• Transfer policies and requirements may vary for career technical programs. Students should contact specific program offices for information on transferring credit to HC/SWCID.

Transferring Credit from Howard College/SWCID

Most of the courses taught by Howard College/SWCID are transferable. Courses with numbers following the course description are academic courses approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These courses are transferable to public colleges in Texas; remedial, developmental, or preparatory courses are exceptions. However, courses that will transfer may not be required for all majors.

Courses that do not have numbers following the course description are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as technical courses. Although some of these courses will transfer to various colleges, they are designed for two-year technical programs and frequently will not transfer.

Students planning to transfer Howard College/SWCID credits to another college are advised to contact the receiving institutions to determine their transfer policies. Howard College/SWCID counselors will assist students with information on transferability of courses, but the decision to accept courses in transfer and/or to apply those courses to individual degree plans is made by the receiving institution.

Senior colleges generally will not accept more than 66 semester credit hours in transfer from a junior college. Most colleges will accept a grade of “D” if the student has an overall “C” average. If the “D” is in one’s major field of study, the course may have to be repeated. Students who have not graduated from Howard College/SWCID may transfer hours back from the university to Howard College/SWCID to earn an associate degree. At least 25% of the hours toward the degree must have been earned at Howard College/SWCID.

Transfer Disputes

If course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education in Texas is not accepted by Howard College/SWCID or if course credit earned by a student at Howard College/SWCID is not accepted by another institution of higher education in Texas, the student and the transferring institution will receive written notice that the transfer of the course is denied.

Both Howard College/SWCID and the other institution along with the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Board rules. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the institution at which the credit was earned within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of the denial, the institution denying transfer will notify the Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the commissioner’s designee will make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

Success Initiative

Mission and Goals

The mission of the College Preparatory Program is to assist students in achieving behaviors, skills, and academic goals leading to success in college and beyond. The College Preparatory Program goals are as follows:

Students participating in the College Preparatory Program will

• Develop skills and learn necessary academic information that will transfer to college-level course work
• Develop critical thinking and sound reasoning skills
• Develop a high level of independence in learning and seek assistance and guidance when needed
• Develop abilities to engage in the active process of thinking, learning, and participating with course content
• Develop and strengthen abilities to work collaboratively
• Develop skills in technology for use in subsequent courses and careers

Howard College establishes this plan in accordance with the Texas Education Code, Section 51.306 and 51.403, to assess and correctly place undergraduate students entering our institution. Students who do not have college-level skills in reading, writing, or math, as determined by initial testing, will be placed in a college preparatory program (previously termed developmental education) to improve any skill areas that are found deficient.

Minimum Passing Standards:

TSI Assessment

Math - 350
Reading - 351
Writing - Essay Score of 5; Essay score of 4 and Multiple Choice of 363

Advising

Howard College/SWCID students are required to see an advisor or counselor prior to registration. At this time students determine their intentions: non-degree seeking, core curriculum completer, field of study completer, marketable skill certificate, Certificate Level I, Certificate Level II, and/or associate degree, and will be advised according to their goals by an advisor specializing in their interest area. Students will be advised as to applicable procedures for taking the TSI Assessment as well as required pre-assessment activities.  Faculty and staff who advise students will be given necessary training to pass along updates or changing information needed to properly advise students.

Eligibility, Exemptions/Exceptions

Each undergraduate student entering Howard College/SWCID, unless exempt or under exceptional circumstances, will be required to test for reading, writing, and math skills before enrolling in college-level courses. The students will take a state approved assessment test that identifies areas of deficiency for this initial test.

Exempted from requirements:

1. A student who meets qualifying standards on the SAT (1070 combined score with a minimum of 500 in math and/or English), ACT (23 composite with a 19 in English and Math), TAKS (2200 on ELR and Math and a 3 on the essay), STAAR EOC (Level 2 on English III and/or Level 2 on Algebra II), or TAAS (1770 writing test, TLI of 86 on math, and 89 on reading). SAT, ACT, TAKS, and STAAR exemptions are valid for a five-year period following initial test date. TAAS scores are valid for a three-year period after initial test date;
2. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education;
3. A student who transfers from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework with a C or better as determined by the receiving institution;
4. Level One Certificate Students;
5. A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the United States armed forces or as a member of the Texas National Guard;
6. A student who is currently serving as, and for at least the three-year period preceding enrollment, has served as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or
7. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired or released from:
   1. active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard, or
   2. service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States;
8. A student who has attended any institution of higher education and has been determined to have met college readiness standards by that institution.
9. Casual student: A student who enrolls in a course for personal enrichment with no plans of completing a level two certificate or degree may take six (6) hours or less of non-restricted classes in a semester. A maximum of 12 hours can be taken under the “Casual Student” status.

Students will be required to follow the Success Initiative policy if they do not meet the above exemptions and exceptions. The following categories require compliance:

1. Associate Degree
2. Level Two Certificate

Students enrolled in programs leading to a level two certificate or associate degree are liable under the Success Initiative and must meet the criteria for their plan. The Dual Credit and Early Admissions program allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school. Courses are taken in place of or in addition to the normal course load at high school. Students must have permission in writing from their high school principals or counselors and a high school transcript. These students must satisfy all assessment requirements specific to college courses prior to enrolling in college-level course work.

Enrollment and Participation

After initial testing, full-time students attending classes for the first semester must enroll in each area of reading, writing, and math preparatory course work in which they are found deficient. Part-time students (students enrolled in less than 12 hours) must enroll in at least one college preparatory course in deficient areas until college readiness has been met. In subsequent semesters, full-time students must enroll in at least one college preparatory course in a deficient area until college readiness has been met. It is recommended that students take their college preparatory courses consecutively. Whenever possible students are advised against delaying a semester of college preparatory courses in the sequence. Course availability, sequencing, and placement may vary at each campus. Students must follow the college preparatory plan and sequence as advised by college preparatory faculty at each campus.

Learning Framework - EDUC 1100  or PSYC 1100  

All first time in college students that take one or more college preparatory courses, will be required to take Learning Framework the first long semester they are enrolled.

Restrictions

Students may be restricted from enrolling in certain courses until college readiness has been determined. Some courses may have prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements depending on a student’s level of academic achievement. Science, History, Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, and Humanities will be considered reading restricted. English 1301 and English 2311 will be considered a reading and writing restricted course. All college-level mathematics courses will be considered restricted courses. Students should consult the college preparatory department and/or the guidance and counseling office for specific campus and course restrictions.

Required Attendance and Participation

Students enrolled in college preparatory coursework due to the Success Initiative policy are required to regularly attend and participate in class activities. Students who miss six (6) hours or more of class may be penalized and may fail the class due to lack of attendance. If a student earns a failing grade (“F”) due to lack of attendance (as outlined in the attendance requirements on the course syllabus), the instructor may post the grade to a student’s transcript at the time the student earns the failing grade. If an instructor chooses to post the failing grade prior to the conclusion of the semester, the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the courses. The instructor will state his or her attendance policy in the course syllabus. Students are responsible for keeping track of their attendance and, if needed, checking with their instructors to see if absences threaten the successful completion of a course.

Withdrawal from College Preparatory Courses

Students who are enrolled in college preparatory coursework during their first semester may drop or withdraw from a college preparatory course only if they drop college-level courses to part-time status and have continuous enrollment in at least one college preparatory course. If the student drops all required college preparatory courses, thus placing them out of compliance with continuous enrollment in required college preparatory education, they will be dropped from all other courses at Howard College. Students dropping all required college preparatory courses will not be reclassified (within the same semester) as casual students or have their programs changed to level-one certificates to circumvent this policy. Students who withdraw from college preparatory courses due to passing an approved assessment exam will be subject to the published refund schedule as stated in the Catalog.

College Preparatory Courses

Students in college preparatory reading, writing, and math, regardless of instructor, will be required to take a comprehensive final exam for each course.

*Math Courses

*Reading Courses

Writing Courses

*Some courses may not be offered at each campus. Students need to check class schedules each semester for course offerings.

Students will be placed in a level according to their initial test score. Students will then proceed through the sequence of courses in each subject to complete their college preparatory education, or the student may retest at any time to place out of the college preparatory program. It is recommended that students take the TSI Assessment prior to registering for subsequent college preparatory courses. Students will be required to complete each course with a grade of C or better in order to progress to the next level or before moving to college level work. Students should consult their campus advisor for proper course placement.

All college preparatory students will take Learning Framework (EDUC 1100  or PSYC 1100 ) their first long semester.

Evaluation of Program

The purpose of the college preparatory program at Howard College/SWCID is to prepare students for college-level work who are found deficient via the state approved test. Students may also be measured by the completion of their course sequence. These measures will be taken on a semester basis and the program will be thoroughly evaluated by all college preparatory personnel on a yearly basis. Mid-course changes in preparatory sequencing will be made on an informal basis when needed.

A survey instrument, such as the Best Practices Survey developed by Hunter Boylan, will be used to address the program’s overall strengths and weaknesses, and also to address specific campus issues. The information will be used to address any problem areas within the program and instructors will meet to develop strategies for correction.

Student tracking will be conducted to determine student success in passing the prescribed assessment test and passing each level of college preparatory classes. This information will be evaluated and goals will be established based on this information.

TSI Assessment

Howard College/SWCID administers the TSI Assessment, a state-approved exam, for meeting the Howard College/SWCID Success Initiative. The TSI Assessment is computerized.  Students should contact the testing center at each campus for information on the cost of this assessment. Additional diagnostic testing may be required to place students in the appropriate college preparatory course sequence.

Module Courses

Students may be placed in module courses. Module courses are 1, 2, and 3 credit courses. Students, whose placement and diagnostic test results indicate that they do not need an entire 16-week course, may be placed in module courses.

Non-Course Competency-Based Options (NCBO)

Students with placement scores that indicate they are in need of short-term remediation may qualify for non-course competency-based options. NCBO’s are interventions that target students in need of short-term remediation. Students will be advised of non-course based options.  Module courses that are 1 or 2 credit courses may be considered Non-Course Competency-Based Options by design as students may work at their own pace to complete the individualized sequences.

International Student Admissions

Howard College/SWCID is authorized under Federal law to enroll international students. This policy is subject to change based on changes in federal regulations and guidelines governing international students. Failure to maintain any of the requirements listed below can result in the student being sent back to the home country.

Students should follow the admission procedures detailed in the International Student Admissions Packet which can be found on the Howard College/SWCID web site: www.howardcollege.edu – look for the section “Come to HC – How to Apply” to find the link for international students. Contact the Admissions Office at each campus for more information.

A student from a foreign country will be eligible for admission to Howard College/SWCID, and SEVIS record Form I-20, will be issued when all admission requirements have been met and the following items are on file in the Office of the Registrar:

1. Application for Admission, along with a mandatory, non-refundable $50 application fee, in U.S. dollars only. Major credit cards are accepted.
2. Official copies of high school and college transcripts translated in English and evaluated by approved agency.
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): All international students are required to show English proficiency in order to study at Howard College. This can be accomplished by: 1) taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with minimum passing scores listed below; 2) submit a score report of 17 or higher in the English section of the American College Test (ACT); 3) submit a score report of 430 or higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I) 4) show certificate of completion from an English as a Second Language (ESL) program; 5) show citizenship from a home country where English is the native language. An official copy of scores on the TOEFL must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). No score below 500 (paper based version) on the TOEFL will be accepted as the minimum passing score. Information about the TOEFL exam may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, U.S.A. The website address is www.toefl.com Howard College/SWCID will pay for the TOEFL exam for those students receiving a scholarship from Howard College that have a signed Letter of Intent and/or a signed Howard College/SWCID scholarship on file with the Howard College International Student Coordinator. The Howard College/SWCID scholarship must be an award of $500 or more a semester/$1000 for the academic term. All other scholarships limits apply.
4. Financial information: The prospective international student must show proof of financial support, by submitting the financial agreement, financial statement, and the financial status form with a recent certified bank statement, which are included in the packet. Other forms, such as “Conditions of Acceptance Agreement”, and any other blank forms included in admissions packet are also required.

An international applicant must send all of the above documents to the International Student Advisor. A checklist of items needed is provided for assistance in making sure the admissions packet is complete before submitting to Howard College/SWCID. Deadlines to apply are no later than May 15 for the fall semester (beginning in August), October 1 for the spring semester (beginning in January), and March 15 for the summer sessions (beginning in June)

International Transfer Students (Students Currently Enrolled in Educational Institutions in the U.S.): Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations require confirmation that students in the U.S. on an F-1 (student) visa must have established transfer eligibility before the new institution initiates the transfer. Transfer students are subject to the same admission requirements as outlined above.

Veterans Education Training

Howard College/SWCID is fully approved for Veterans Education Training by the Texas Workforce Commission. Veteran Students should contact the VA Education Benefits Coordinator in the Advising/Career Center at Howard College to make application for benefits as soon as possible in order that payment of subsistence may be expedited.

It is necessary that all admission requirements be met before certification of enrollment to the Veterans Administration will be submitted. Previous education and training records are evaluated. Students are notified as to what credit will be permitted for this training to be used on their educational objective. Students are required to complete only the remaining required courses in the program to fulfill their objectives. Students will not be certified to the Veterans Administration for any non-required course on their objectives.

It is necessary that veterans present a Certificate of Eligibility and Entitlement and a completed veterans application packet to the Advising/Career Center if they expect to draw subsistence pay from the Veterans Administration. The application packet is comprised of the following documents: (1) Application or VA Form 22-1990; (2) Separation papers or DD214.

War Orphans desiring to draw benefits from VA, under provisions of P.L. 634, should present a certificate of eligibility prior to enrollment and attendance in class. The Certificate of Eligibility must be on file before certifying the student’s enrollment to the Veterans Administration for educational benefit payments.

Veterans who are no longer entitled to educational benefits under the Veterans Administration and who were residents of the State of Texas at the time they entered active military service may be eligible for benefits under the Hazelwood Act. Those who think that they may qualify for this benefit should present a copy of their separation document (showing place of entry into active military service) and evidence proving that their VA educational benefits are exhausted to the VA Education Benefits Coordinator for interpretation.

Appealing Admission Requirements and Decisions

Students wishing to appeal admission requirements and/or decisions made impacting admission status should direct questions to the Admission and Standards Committee. The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs serves as Chair of the committee.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Title II prohibits the discrimination on the basis of disability in state or federally funded post-secondary settings.  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also prohibits the discrimination on the basis of disability in state or federally funded post-secondary settings. Howard College/SWCID, pursuant to section 504 and ADA, will make every effort to provide “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, as long as doing so does not impose an undue financial or administrative burden (or if the accommodation fundamentally does not change the academic program). Accommodations allow individuals with disabilities to participate and compete on an equal basis with non-disabled colleagues, students or other beneficiaries of programs.  Contact the campus ADA officer for more information.