1900 East Camp Street Ely, Minnesota (V/TTY) Fax:

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1 1900 East Camp Street Ely, Minnesota (V/TTY) Fax: Vermilion Community College is a member college of the Northeast Higher Education District and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU). It is our intention to provide resources relevant to the academic, extracurricular, and social lives of students. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within this catalog as of the date of publication. However, all policies, procedures, academic schedules, program information, and fees are subject to change at any time by appropriate action of the faculty, the College administration, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees or the Minnesota Legislature without prior notification. The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract between the student and the College. The information in this catalog is for use as an academic planning tool and is subject to change at any time. Upon printing of this catalog, all previous issues are revoked. For the most current and up-to-date information please visit our website or see the student handbook.

2 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Minnesota Manifesto Minnesota s colleges and universities have accepted special roles and responsibilities in fostering diversity in our society. We are dedicated to the search for knowledge and the rights of every individual in our learning communities to pursue that search with freedom, dignity, and security, regardless of religious affiliation, race, ethnic heritage, gender, age, sexual orientation, or physical ability. Representing all sectors of higher education in Minnesota, we publicly declare our intentions: To continue the development of multicultural learning communities that will not tolerate acts of harassment and intolerance; To establish, communicate, and enforce standards of behavior for students, staff, and faculty that uphold our academic values and our legal obligations; To promote the acceptance and respect for individuals in an atmosphere of caring for others.

3 Contents 1 Introduction 6 Mission Statement, Vision, Goals, Principles, Provost s Greeting, Accreditation, History, The Campus, Equal Opportunity, and Valuing Diversity 2 Admissions and Registration 9 Admissions Policies, Procedures, and Information, Academic Assessment, Financial Aid, Registration, College Costs, and Student Payment Policies 3 Student Services and Resource Information 24 Directory of College Services 4 Academic Policies and Resource Information 29 Academic Policies, Code of Conduct, Credit Award Alternatives, Grades, Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Drug and Alcohol Policy, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence 5 Educational Programs 41 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) and Course Listing, General Education Philosophy, Goals and Learning Outcomes, Associate in Arts Degree, Associate in Science Degree, Associate in Applied Science Degree, Certificate, and Diploma 6 Programs of Study 50 Designated Degree, Certificate, and Diploma Program Courses 7 Course Descriptions 68 8 Continuing Education Faculty, Staff, and Administration 106

4 Mission Statement Vermilion Community College educates people from all walks of life to become well-rounded, ethical citizens prepared to work, live, and learn in a changing world, especially the natural world that surrounds us. Vision Vermilion Community College will be recognized as a vital two-year residential college that serves the changing needs of its communities by providing a quality comprehensive learning environment. Goals Principles Student Focus. To provide high-quality programs and support services to meet the educational, cultural, social, and personal needs of our diverse students. Excellence. We strive for excellence in our educational programs, student experiences, partnerships, and services. Commitment to Faculty and Staff. To provide faculty and staff with the resources they need to be effective in an atmosphere of open communication, mutual respect, and accountability. Responsiveness. We actively anticipate and respond to the changing needs of our constituents. Programs and Services. To provide innovative and comprehensive programs and services that meet the learning and occupational needs of students, employers, and society. Community. We encourage and support learning and civic involvement that creates strong connections between the college and our communities. Leadership. To develop and support leadership among students, faculty, and staff to achieve our full potential. Diversity. We recognize, respect, and learn from the diversity of our campus community. Resource Development. To develop financial, human, and other resources to effectively support our students, faculty, staff, and programs. Culture. We respect our history, culture, and surroundings and use them to create our unique learning environment. Collaboration. To develop and provide highquality education and services through collaboration with educational institutions, business, government, and our communities. Unity. We achieve our goals through open communication, mutual support, and respect.

5 Greetings from Vermilion Community College s Provost Welcome to the learning community of Vermilion Community College. As a new student, you must have many unanswered questions that come with any new stage in life. I hope this catalog answers your questions. If not, the college is filled with friendly, helpful faculty and staff who will share their experiences and knowledge with you. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with our mission, vision, purposes, and guiding principles. Our mission focuses on being a general education college, with a focus on our natural world, and our purposes include all the complexities one would expect in a residential, comprehensive community college. We offer career programs and liberal arts and science courses geared to prepare students for transfer. Attending Vermilion means that you are attending a college with a rich tradition of education and community service. Ely Junior College was founded in Of course the name has changed several times over the years, as has the operational structure, but the commitment to quality teaching and learning has never wavered. We are now one of five colleges of the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED): Vermilion Community College, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College (Virginia and Eveleth), Itasca Community College (Grand Rapids), Rainy River Community College (International Falls), and Hibbing Community College (Hibbing). The district has one President, Dr. Sue Collins, and each college has a Provost. We share some services that allow good economies for each college: grant writing, customized training, and human services, for example. You ll find Vermilion nurtures strong ties to our community, and we continue to value the role that we fill as the cultural center of Ely. We have been named an entrepreneurial college, and our ties to our business community continue to grow and develop. Our presence on the Ely Area Development Association is just one example of how we work with our local and regional businesses to encourage job growth and help bring technological advances to our region. Students come first at Vermilion. We know that you had many choices for your education, and we are pleased that you have chosen to learn with us. Our faculty and staff are committed to bringing you the best possible educational experience. Welcome! Mary B. DuBois, Ed.D. Provost

6 Vermilion Chapter 1: Introduction Accreditation Vermilion Community College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information on this organization, contact: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois , , fax , website: www. ncacihe.org. History Vermilion Community College opened in 1922 as Ely Junior College and was originally part of the Ely Public Schools. Although the institution became Ely State Junior College in 1964, the name was later changed to Vermilion State Junior College, and in 1973, to Vermilion Community College. In 1982, the College became a member institution in the Arrowhead Community Colleges, a multi-college network providing educational services throughout northeastern Minnesota. This regional college structure was dissolved in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities reorganization of In 1996, Vermilion Community College along with Mesabi Range Community & Technical College in Virginia and Eveleth, joined to form the Laurentian Community & Technical College District, enabling the two colleges to share senior administrative positions, programs and services. In November 1999, the MnSCU Board of Trustees formed the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED). Vermilion Community College is a member of the District. Valuing local autonomy and community based colleges, the vision of the NHED is to enhance student access and learning options throughout the region and to focus on each member college s connection to the community. The Campus Vermilion is located in Ely in the heart of the Superior National Forest and on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Vermilion s natural setting not only provides an outdoor classroom, it is fully utilized for instructional purposes also. Over three-fourths of the college s students come from beyond the immediate commuting area. Because of 6 this, Vermilion is a true residential college, owning and operating three types of student housing: a residence hall, an apartment building, and duplex housing. Student life at Vermilion is as rich, as full, and as meaningful as students wish to make it. College activities offer an excellent opportunity for student participation, adding both enrichment and enjoyment to the college experience. Opportunities for student involvement and leadership abound. At Vermilion, there is a place for everyone. Equal Opportunity Vermilion is committed to promoting equal educational opportunities and access to and participation in programs, services, and activities without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law. Providing equal opportunity is the responsibility of each staff member and extends to all aspects of the curriculum and other activities of the college. Valuing Diversity Vermilion has a responsibility in fostering diversity in our society. Managing diversity requires valuing members of the College for their individual contributions and their differences. Vermilion Community College strives to implement policies and programs that promote equal opportunity for people from protected groups. Vermilion is committed to maintaining a respectful, fair, and secure educational environment, free from discrimination or harassment. The College publicly declares its intentions to continue to provide a multicultural learning community that does not tolerate any acts of harassment which might infringe on a positive educational environment. Additionally, the College continues to establish, communicate, and enforce standards of behavior for students and staff that uphold our academic values and promote the acceptance of and respect for all members of the Vermilion Community College population. Vermilion will continue to enforce policies that ensure

7 Introduction 1 an educational environment that is free from illegal harassment. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Vermilion Community College is committed to providing equal access to all college programs, services, and activities to persons with disabilities and strives to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Minnesota law. The College makes reasonable accommodations to ensure access to programs, services, and activities as required by law. Access means that a qualified individual with a disability will not be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the college, nor will the individual be subjected to discrimination. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, provision of auxiliary aids or the provision of equally effective programs, services, or activities. For additional information regarding services to students with disabilities, please contact The Director of Disability Services, CS106C, (office), (toll-free), (fax), (TDD). Campus Closings In accordance with MnSCU Policy 4.4, the following procedure is followed when it becomes necessary to close the college or cancel academic or non-academic activities or delay the opening of the college due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions. Closing the College means to close all operations other than those operations deemed essential to the protection of life and property. Closing the College results in the cancellation of classes, student, faculty and staff activities, and meetings. All general offices are closed. Delayed opening refers to closing of all operations for a designated period of time other than those deemed essential to the protection of life and property. Cancellation of classes (off-campus or on-campus) means to cancel one, several, or all classes in the absence of officially closing the entire College. Cancellation of non-academic activities refers to cancellation of an event such as athletic events, theatrical productions, concerts, or workshops. In accordance with MnSCU Policy 4.4, the authority to close the college campus or cancel classes or other activities when weather or other emergency exists resides with the College Provost or Provost s designee. The closure of state agencies by the Commissioner of the Department of Employee Relations does not supersede the authority of the College Provost; however, the Governor s orders in a few situations supersedes the authority of the College Provost. The following are reasons for closing the campus: Severe inclement weather Power outage Water outage Fire Structural damage Release of liquid, gas, or vapor Bomb threat Pandemic outbreak The decision to close or delay opening of the College due to weather or other emergency is made by the Provost or Provost s designee. These individuals will contact the news media (radio stations WELY 94.5FM/1450 AM, WEVE 97.9 FM) regarding closing and/or delayed opening information. The website will also post current information on closings. Confidentiality of Student Records Vermilion Community College is in full compliance with the provisions of the Minnesota Data Practices Act and Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of Students have access to any and all of their educational information filed in the Records Office. Data that is accessible to any member of the public for any reason includes the following: statistical studies on students where individuals cannot be identified, including follow-up, profiles, enrollments, financial aid; student performance records for which the performance is public, such as athletic statistics; 7

8 Vermilion directory information, voluntarily given, involving name, address, telephone, major, participation in authorized college activities, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, recent previous school attended, address, and ID picture; student employment records, such as salary, fringe benefits, job description, etc. Students may direct that any or all of the above listed directory information be withheld from public disclosure by notifying the Records Office in writing. Non-disclosure requests will be honored for current students during the active academic year. A nondisclosure request for past students will be honored for five years. Current students have until the tenth day of their first semester of each academic year to request non-disclosure. This can be accomplished by completing a form available in the Records Office. Student records of personal, private, or confidential information are maintained by and available to authorized staff members. Additionally, authorized state and federal entities may obtain access to such records to conduct educational studies or other business authorized by law. Such agencies include but are not limited to Minnesota Higher Education Board, Minnesota Legislative Auditor, United States Department of Education, United States Department of Defense, and United States Veterans Administration. A complete copy of Vermilion Community College s Confidentiality of Student Records Policy may be found in the Student Handbook online at or from the Records Office. 8

9 9 Admissions and Registration 2

10 Vermilion Chapter 2: Admission and Registration Admissions Vermilion Community College is committed to promoting equal educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, reliance on public assistance, or organizational membership commission. Campus Visit Program There are many ways to learn about Vermilion to help you decide whether it is the right college for you. There is no substitute for visiting Vermilion and Ely to experience our environment first hand! During your visit you will have a one-on-one meeting with one of our admissions representatives. He or she will describe the college and its academic programs, student life, residence life, and student services. You will have the opportunity to tour the campus, have lunch in our cafeteria, and meet with faculty, staff, and coaches. Let us know ahead of time if you have any specific requests. We tailor each visit to meet your needs. The college is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To ensure that the Enrollment Services Office is able to provide a prospective student with a complete and well-planned visit, please call, write, or the Enrollment Services Office to arrange a campus visit. Enrollment Services Vermilion Community College 1900 East Camp Street Ely, MN Toll Free: Local: V/TTY: admissions@vcc.edu Admissions Policy Vermilion Community College is committed to an open door admissions policy with the following requirements: 1. The basic requirement is a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certificate. 2. Current high school students who meet Post Secondary Enrollment Options program or concurrent enrollment criteria. 3. A person who has neither a high school diploma nor a GED certificate may be admitted if, at the discretion of the College, that person demonstrates the potential for being a successful college student as determined by the College s Ability to Benefit assessment standards. Applicants must submit: 1. Vermilion Community College or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities application form. 2. Non-refundable Application Fee. 3. High School transcript mailed directly from the high school or GED certificate. 4. Official transcripts from each higher educational institution attended. 5. International students must satisfy additional requirements for admission. 6. High school students seeking admission under the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program must satisfy additional requirements for admission. Admission to Vermilion does not guarantee admission to college-level courses. Academic, fiscal, and/or facility considerations may limit admission to particular programs offered by the College. Contact Enrollment Services for specific requirements or refer to the Admission Procedures later in this chapter. 10

11 Admissions and Registration 2 Ability to Benefit Students who do not have a GED or High School Diploma may qualify for admissions under the Ability to Benefit Policy. To qualify, students must be assessed by taking the College Board s Accuplacer Assessment. Achievement of satisfactory scores on this assessment will allow students to be admitted to the college. To be eligible for financial aid, a candidate must meet or exceed the minimum score on each of the approved tests in a single testing experience. Candidates who do not achieve passing scores may retake the tests in alternative forms. Proof of Immunization Minnesota Statute (M.S. 135A.14) requires all students born after 1956 and enrolled in a public or private post-secondary school in Minnesota be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella allowing for certain exceptions. No proof of immunization is needed from students who are assumed to be up-to-date with their immunizations due to requirements imposed by their previous school enrollment, such as students who graduated from a Minnesota high school in1997 or later. Applicants from outside of Minnesota and those from Minnesota who graduated from high school prior to 1997 must provide immunization records (month and year of immunizations) with their application to Vermilion. A form is available from Enrollment Services or on our website ( in the Admission Procedures section. Determination of Residency Residence status of students shall be determined at the time of registration. The permanent residence of the student s parents (or guardians if approved by the Chancellor or designee) is considered for students under 21 years of age. For students 21 years of age or older, the student s permanent residence is considered. Exemptions to the above policies are: 1. Active Military Duty. U.S. military personnel serving on active duty assignment in Minnesota, veterans, and their spouses and dependent children. 2. Minnesota High School Graduates. A student who graduated from a Minnesota high school, if the student was a resident of Minnesota during the student s period of attendance at the Minnesota high school and the student physically attends a Minnesota State College or University. 3. Migrant Farm Workers. Students who have been in Minnesota as migrant farm workers, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, section , over a period of at least two years immediately before admission or readmission to a Minnesota public post-secondary institution, or students who are dependents of such migrant farm workers. 4. Employment-related Relocation. Persons who were employed and were relocated to the state by the person s current employer. 5. Refugees and Asylees. Students who are recognized as refugees or asylees by the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Additional State Residency Requirements can be found within MnSCU Board Policy 2.2, or by contacting the Director of Enrollment Services. State Tuition Reciprocity Residents of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba, Canada may attend public institutions in Minnesota at a special state-negotiated rate. These students are charged special tuition fees similar to those charged to Minnesota residents. Potential students from these states should contact their high school counselors or principals for the address of the state office which handles applications for the reciprocity program. Midwest Student Exchange Program Students from Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Nebraska may enroll in designated Minnesota institutions and programs at reduced tuition levels outside their home state. The Midwest Exchange tuition rate will be 125% of the Minnesota resident tuition rate. 11

12 Vermilion Admission Procedures Application for admission is open for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Students may apply and register for classes through the first five days of the semester. Early application and registration are recommended. First Year Students Step 1: Understand Vermilion s admission requirements. Step 2: Complete a Vermilion application. The quickest and easiest way to apply is with our online application which can be found on our web site at You may also contact Enrollment Services and we will send you a paper application. A standard Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) application is also acceptable. Completed applications should be sent to the Enrollment Services Office. Completing the confidential information requested on the admission application is voluntary. This information will assist Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in evaluating student recruitment and retention policies. It will not be used as a basis for admission. Step 3: Send us your high school transcripts. Contact your high school counseling office and request that they send us your high school transcripts. Transcripts should include courses you have taken with grades and standardized test results and should include your graduation date verifying graduation. Step 4: Send us the application fee. Applicants need to pay a $20 non-refundable application fee. This fee should be sent to Enrollment Services. Step 5: Send us your immunization information. Applicants must supply documentation (month and year) of immunization against mumps, measles, 12 rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus, if born in 1957 or later. Refer to Proof of Immunization section. Step 6: Complete and return your Vermilion Residence Life contract. Once we receive your application for admission, we will send you a Vermilion Residence Life contract for on-campus housing. If you plan on living on-campus, please complete and return the contract with the required deposit. We process housing requests on a first-come, firstserved basis. The sooner you get your contract to us, the better your chances of getting your preferred choice of housing. Step 7: Attend College Preparation Days. While it is not required, we highly recommend attending College Preparation Days (CPD), our orientation and registration session. To learn more about CPD, call the Enrollment Office or visit our website at Transfer Students In addition to meeting the criteria for new students, students transferring from another college or university must be in good academic standing. Good academic standing is defined as: Credits Attempted Minimum Cumulative GPA All students who have attempted one credit or more are required to earn a minimum of 67% of cumulative registered credits. Students must contact each college s records office and ask them to forward official transcripts to our enrollment department. Step 1: Understand Vermilion s admission requirements. Step 2: Complete a Vermilion application. The quickest and easiest way to apply is with our online application which can be found on our website at You may also contact Enrollment Services and we will send you a paper application. A standard Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) application is also acceptable. Completed

13 Admissions and Registration 2 applications should be sent to the Enrollment Services Office. Completing the confidential information requested on the admission application is voluntary. This information will assist Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in evaluating student recruitment and retention policies. It will not be used as a basis for admission. Step 3: Send us your high school and college transcripts. If you are transferring fewer than 15 college credits, contact your high school counseling office and request that they send us your high school transcripts. Transcripts should include courses you have taken with grades and standardized test results and should include your graduation date verifying graduation. In addition, please contact each college s records office and ask them to forward official transcripts to our enrollment department. College transcripts will be evaluated to determine acceptable credits to be applied toward degree or certificate programs. Lower division credits earned at a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association may be accepted by the college s credit evaluator. The grade point average (GPA) from the transfer institution is not used in computing the student s GPA at Vermilion Community College. If a student is not satisfied with a college or university transfer decision, the student may appeal a transfer decision at a college or university level and at the system level. Students may appeal the transfer credit evaluation by submitting a request to the Provost. The review of the appeal shall be based on course descriptions, outlines, objectives, learning outcomes and/or relevant information. The student will be notified within 10 days of the decision and rationale for the decision via student s local and/or permanent residence. If the student is not satisfied with the college transfer appeal decision, the student may submit a request to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs for a system level appeal of the college or university transfer appeal decision. Transfer students may be given provisional admission until all transcripts are received by the College. Failure to supply the necessary transcripts may lead to suspension from the College. Students are responsible for paying for all credits they register for prior to the College receiving late transcripts. A student on academic suspension from another college or university will be required to appeal for admittance to Vermilion Community College. A student who is on probation at another institution will be admitted to Vermilion Community College with probationary status. Step 4: Send us the application fee. Applicants need to pay a $20 non-refundable application fee. This fee should be sent to Enrollment Services. Step 5: Send us your immunization information. Applicants must supply documentation (month and year) of immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus, if born in 1957 or later. Refer to Proof of Immunization section. Step 6: Complete and return your Vermilion Residence Life contract. Once we receive your application for admission, we will send you a Vermilion Residence Life contract for on-campus housing. If you plan on living on-campus, please complete and return the contract with the required deposit. We process housing requests on a first-come firstserved basis. The sooner you get your contract to us, the better your chances of getting your preferred choice of housing. Step 7: Attend College Preparation Days. While it is not required, we highly recommend attending College Preparation Days (CPD), our orientation and registration session. To learn more about CPD, call the Enrollment Office or visit our website at International Students 13

14 Vermilion Qualified international students must complete all of the following steps in order to be accepted for admission to Vermilion Community College. I-20 forms, authorizing admission into the United States for educational purposes, will be issued when all admissions requirements are met and applicants have been accepted. Step 1: Understand Vermilion s admission requirements. See the section above for Vermilion s admission requirements. Step 2: Complete the Vermilion International Application for Admission. The Vermilion International Application for Admission is different from Vermilion s standard application. Please contact Enrollment Services and we will send you an international application. Students planning to enroll for fall semester must submit their application by June 30. Students planning to enroll for spring semester must submit their application by October 31. Step 3: Send us your high school and college transcripts. If you are transferring fewer than 15 college credits, contact your high school counseling office and request that they send us your high school transcripts. Transcripts should include courses you have taken with grades and standardized test results and should be submitted in English. See Step 3 in Transfer Student Requirements for all other relevant requirements. International students shall be considered for admission if their scholastic preparation is judged to be equivalent to Vermilion s admissions requirements. Step 4: Send us the application fee. Applicants need to pay a $20 non-refundable application fee. This fee should be sent to Enrollment Services. Step 5: Send us your immunization information. Applicants must supply documentation (month and year) of immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus, if born in 1957 or later. Refer to Proof of Immunization section. Step 6: Submit a detailed Financial Certificate. With your international application, you will receive a Financial Certificate form that must be filled out completely. This statement must show proof of sufficient funds to cover all expected expenses for the entire academic year. An estimate of expected expenses for international students is sent with the application package. Applicants should not rely on financial aid from the College or from other employment in the United States as a source of income. As a rule, neither financial aid nor permission to be employed is available to international students. Step 7: Applicants must purchase the MnSCU Injury and Sickness Insurance Mandatory Plan. Students must maintain insurance coverage throughout the duration of attendance at Vermilion. Student coverage will be verified every year. It is the student s responsibility to make sure that insurance is renewed every year of attendance. Vermilion assumes no responsibility for medical expenses. Step 8: Submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants who are not native speakers of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following: 1. Attend and graduate from an accredited United States (U.S.) secondary or post-secondary institution. 2. Satisfactorily complete college-level English course work at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution. 3. Attain a score of at least 500 on the written Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test or a score of at least 173 on the computerized TOEFL test. 4. Attain a score of at least 75 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery. 14

15 Admissions and Registration 2 5. Receive a recommendation from an English as a Second Language Center (such as Hamline University) in the range of 17 to Receive a recommendation from the English as a Second Language Program at the University stating that you are exempt from further ESL ready for full academic load. Step 9: Submit the $50 processing/mailing fee to Vermilion. Step 10:Pay the SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security. International students coming to the United States for college on an F-1 visa must pay a fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This fee is used to cover DHS s cost of running the SEVIS program which is used to issue and track F-1 visas. This fee must be paid by the student directly to the DHS. For detailed information about this fee and to pay the fee online, visit their website It is important that this fee be paid at least three business days before entering the U.S. at a Port of Entry into the U.S. Step 11:Complete and return your Vermilion Residence Life contract. Once we receive your application for admission, we will send you a Vermilion Residence Life contract for on-campus housing. If you plan on living on-campus, please complete and return the contract with the required deposit. We process housing requests on a first come, firstserved basis. The sooner you get your contract to us, the better your chances of getting your preferred choice of housing. Step 12: Attend College Preparation Days. While it is not required, we recommend attending College Preparation Days (CPD), our orientation and registration session. To learn more about CPD, visit our web site at or contact Enrollment Services. We understand that international students may not be able to travel to attend CPD. However, attendance will be helpful for the student. Non-Degree Seeking Students A student seeking credit for a course but not seeking a degree from Vermilion can enroll in any Vermilion course as long as that student meets the prerequisites for that course. To determine if the student meets the prerequisites, the student may be required to complete the current Vermilion college readiness assessment and/or submit an official transcript from other colleges or universities that the student has attended. Step 1: Understand Vermilion s admission requirements. Step 2: Complete a Vermilion application. The quickest and easiest way to apply is with our online application which can be found on our web site at You may also contact Enrollment Services and we will send you a paper application. A standard MnSCU application is also acceptable. Completing the confidential information requested on the admission application is voluntary. This information will assist Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in evaluating student recruitment and retention policies. It will not be used as a basis for admission. Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Students The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO) is the program established by Minnesota State Statutes 124D.09 to promote rigorous educational pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for students. Through PSEO, high school students may concurrently earn both secondary and post secondary credit for college and/or university courses completed on a college or university campus, at a high school, or at another location. PSEO enrollment is available to juniors and seniors enrolled through any Minnesota secondary school, home school, or alternative learning center, who present evidence of the ability to perform college work. Such evidence includes the following: 1. For juniors, class rank in the upper one-third of their class or a score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized, normreferenced test; 15

16 Vermilion For seniors, class rank in the upper one-half of their class or a score at or above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized, normreferenced test; or 3. For juniors or seniors, documentation, other than that specified above, of the student s readiness and ability to perform college-level work as determined by Vermilion Community College. Students who want to enroll under PSEO must complete the current Vermilion college readiness assessment and place college-level in English, reading, and math. PSEO Students (on-campus) Step 1: Understand PSEO eligibility requirements. Step 2: Complete the PSEO Notice of Student Registration form. The Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Notice of Student Registration form must be completed. Students may obtain this official form from their high school principal, high school counselor, or the Vermilion Enrollment Services Office. The appropriate signatures from either the high school principal or high school counselor, and the college counselor are required. Step 3: Complete a Vermilion application. The quickest and easiest way to apply is with our online application which can be found on our website at You may also contact Enrollment Services and we will send you a paper application. A standard MnSCU application is also acceptable. Please indicate on the application that you plan to enroll in PSEO. Completing the confidential information requested on the admission application is voluntary. This information will assist Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in evaluating student recruitment and retention policies. It will not be used as a basis for admission. Step 4: Send us your high school and college transcripts. Contact your high school counseling office and request that they send us your high school transcripts. Transcripts should include courses you have taken with grades and standardized test results. If you have college credits to transfer to Vermilion, please contact each college s records office and ask them to forward official transcripts to our Enrollment Services Office. Step 5: Complete the Consent for Release of Information Form. This form is available from the Enrollment Services Office and must be returned as part of the application process. Step 6: Attend College Preparation Days. PSEO students are required to take Vermilion s college readiness assessment. This is best accomplished during our College Preparation Days (CPD), our orientation and registration session. To learn more about CPD, call Enrollment Services or visit our website at PSEO Program Information Students must be aware that the social and academic atmosphere at colleges may vary greatly from that of high schools. More freedom and less structure in the academic and social setting of a college require maturity and responsibility in order for a student to succeed. All PSEO students shall be expected to perform to the standards to which the institution s non-pseo students are held accountable. Vermilion Community College will ensure that all PSEO students are provided, through student orientation sessions, print and/or electronic materials, and academic advising, with information that informs them about the academic and student support services available to all students at Vermilion. This material will also outline their responsibilities, including the responsibility to communicate with their high school about their academic progress in PSEO courses. 16

17 Admissions and Registration 2 Students will receive high school credit for successfully completing classes taken at Vermilion that are equivalent to their high school classes. Vermilion Community College will determine that a student is eligible for each course selected through PSEO. Vermilion Community College will monitor the progress of each student enrolled in on-campus PSEO courses. Admissions Information Admissions Appeal In the event that a student fails to meet admissions requirements, he/she may appeal in writing. A written appeal should be in the form of a letter to the Academic Appeals Committee and must include a description of the circumstances, rationale for enrollment, and other important information to aid in the appeal process. Concurrent Enrollment Another option for PSEO students is our Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP). In this program, eligible high school students, as defined by the PSEO admissions requirements, are enrolled in college level courses offered at their own high schools through collaborative partnerships with Vermilion. There are many benefits of participation by high school students in the CEP. One advantage of CEP is the opportunity for high school students to earn the same college credits while staying at their own high school with their peer group. Additional information can be obtained from the Concurrent Enrollment Director at Vermilion. National Guard Persons enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard may be eligible for educational benefits through the Guard. Such individuals should contact their Commanding Officer for more information and financial assistance registration materials. Part-Time Students Students are considered to be part-time if they register for 11 or fewer credits during the academic year and are not working toward a degree or certificate. All part-time students must submit a special Part-time Student Registration Form available from the Records Office. Veterans Veterans, war orphans, and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans have the opportunity to continue their education under various educational programs administered by the United States Veterans Administration. Veterans and/or their dependents may be entitled to obtain these benefits while pursuing a course of study at Vermilion Community College. Veterans enrolled under Public Law 815 must carry at least 12 credits during each semester of the academic year to be eligible for full-time allotments. Contact the Records Office to have your Certification of Enrollment Form completed. All inquiries concerning the ongoing veterans program should be directed to the Records Office. Procedure for Assisting Students with Limited English Proficiency Lack of English skills should not be a barrier to admission or participation. In order to eliminate barriers, we take appropriate measures to assess each student s ability to participate and benefit through placement testing and counseling. Based on the assessment and counseling, students are then provided with campus services or a referral to community services to be better prepared for successful participation. Students with a limited proficiency in English are assisted in the pre-enrollment and enrollment process. A particular emphasis for these students is providing additional and specific services, as needed, for integration into the college setting and eventually into the world of work. Services to English as a Second Language (ESL) students are individualized for each student and provided via a team approach of college staff and community resources as coordinated by the college counselor. A formal ESL program is presently not available at the college. Before enrollment, college faculty and staff will assist in identifying students who potentially may have a limited English speaking ability in several ways: 17

18 Vermilion Interviews with prospective students Interviews during the admissions process Referrals from faculty and staff Referrals from community agencies and the Workforce Center Referrals from area schools Self referrals During and after enrollment, faculty and staff will assist students with limited English proficiency using the following techniques: Consultation with student, counselor, advisor, or faculty member of the program interest areas Obtain and provide sample materials from program for student to review Recommend sitting in on a class to observe and help determine the level of English comprehension required Students with limited English proficiency may refer to the Academic Resource Center for services such as: Individual or small group tutoring Study groups Testing/assessment: read tests/assessments aloud, extended time, and alternate times and locations if necessary Note takers for class as a service Taping lectures Keeping open communications between students with limited English proficiency and faculty and staff Academic Assessment Educational Planning At Vermilion, students work with professional educators and advisors to assess their academic skills, plan their educational programs, and prepare for future employment or education. Student Assessment All students who register for eight or more credits or who wish to enroll in a course requiring English, reading or math skills are required to participate in the College Board s Accuplacer. This assessment program combines student background information with assessment results in English, reading, and mathematics to identify students current levels of ability and to aid in course placement. The assessments are scored, but have no impact on a student s acceptance at Vermilion Community College. The purpose of the assessment is to insure that students are placed into classes appropriate to their ability, to help students plan an effective course of study, and to identify support services at Vermilion that will assist in achieving success. Students meet with advisors to review Accuplacer results, identify program requirements, and begin to develop an education plan. Students who have taken the assessment at another MnSCU college in the last two years are not required to take the assessment again, provided they have a copy of the test scores sent to Vermilion s Enrollment Services Office. Students transferring to Vermilion who have completed college level classes with a C or better or who have scored 24 or better on the ACT should check with an advisor to see which portions of Accuplacer may be waived. Students with disabilities who need any accommodations for Accuplacer testing should contact the college Disabilities Director, at or in room CS106. Placement for Success Placement for Success is a statewide MnSCU policy that ensures students begin college coursework with the skills necessary to be successful. The results of the assessment tests determine which English, reading, and mathematics courses a student may need to take in order to meet the requirements of their chosen program. All degree programs require students to have or develop basic, intermediate, and college level skills in those areas. Students should check the requirements of their program for specific information. Students who believe that their placement into any of these required developmental classes is inaccurate may retest prior to the fifth (5th) day of class. Students should know, however, that few retests result in placement changes. Only one retest is permitted per year. English College-level placement in English begins with ENGL 1511 College Composition I. High school preparation

19 Admissions and Registration 2 consists of four years of English with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C). Reading Students must have proficiency in reading comprehension and in drawing inferences from written material in order to be successful in college-level courses, and many courses have reading prerequisites. Placement into developmental reading courses is based on Accuplacer scores, but all students who have experienced difficulty in reading-based high school courses should consider building their reading skills. Mathematics College-level placement in mathematics begins with MATH 1515 Survey of Mathematics, MATH 1521 College Algebra, or MATH 1557 Pre-calculus. High school preparation for students planning a major in natural sciences consists of four years of mathematics, including two years of algebra. The math requirements for individual majors vary, but all liberal arts program students are required to achieve a minimum math competency of MATH1515 Survey of Mathematics, MATH 1521 College Algebra, or MATH 1557 Precalculus. Developmental Education Coursework in reading, math, study skills, or English that is numbered below 1000 (example: ENGL 0092) is considered to be developmental coursework that leads to college-level work. Depending upon students academic program requirements and their Accuplacer placement, specific developmental courses may be required. These courses are not counted toward graduation, and each must be passed with a grade of C or higher in order to proceed to the next course in the sequence. Students may take developmental courses more than once in order to attain the C grade; however, financial aid is available for taking developmental courses only twice. Technical programs are often tightly sequenced, and students who need several developmental courses should expect to take longer to complete any program. Students who need to meet developmental prerequisites should work closely with a college advisor to understand and plan a course of study that leads to their success. The goal of developmental education is to provide students with a solid foundation of basic skills and knowledge as they move on to college-level classes. Research has shown that students who complete developmental courses are more successful in college than students who do not complete them. Required developmental courses reflect the commitment Vermilion has to insuring the success of all students and to providing educational opportunities to those who enroll. Financial Aid Vermilion Community College has an extensive financial aid program to assist students with paying for college. Students financial aid may take the form of grants, loans, student employment, or scholarships and is generally awarded in a package consisting of more than one type of aid. Financial aid is awarded for one academic year only, and students must reapply each year. Financial aid need is determined by deducting the student s expected family contribution (determined by filling out the FAFSA form) from the college s annual cost of attendance or budget. The typical budget of a student living on campus for the academic year includes costs that Are billed by Vermilion, Are not billed by Vermilion, but are associated with being a student in attendance at Vermilion. How to Apply for Financial Aid After filing current year federal tax returns, applicants need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) based upon their (and their parents when the student is dependent) completed tax return information. FAFSA applications can be done online by going directly to the government s official website ( Online application for the FAFSA is the most efficient and expedient way of processing your information. However, if you do not have internet access, you may obtain a paper copy of the FAFSA from the Financial Aid Office or from your high school counselor. This paper application is then sent to the Department of Education for processing. Since this application process determines a student s eligibility for financial aid, it is important that both the student and/or parent complete this application process as soon as they have completed 19

20 Vermilion their income tax returns for the previous year. Students need to read all correspondence that may come from the college s Financial Aid Office and complete and return any requested documents promptly. This will ensure that their financial aid file will be completed on a timely basis. Students eligible for and interested in taking out student loans to pay for college must fill out separate applications. Loan applications are available through Vermilion s financial aid website at Types of Financial Aid The following aid programs are available to eligible students at Vermilion: Federal Pell Grant Annual awards range from $450 to $5,350 and do not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are disbursed each semester after the drop/add period. Full time status is 12 semester credits, but part-time students may also qualify. To be eligible, students must demonstrate sufficient financial aid need and meet program requirements. Minnesota State Grant Annual awards range from $300 to $4,050 and do not have to be repaid. Minnesota State Grants are disbursed each semester after the drop/add period. Grant awards are based upon the number of credits for which the student is registered. To be eligible, the student must demonstrate sufficient financial aid need, be a Minnesota resident, and meet program requirements. Vermilion Foundation Scholarships The Vermilion Community College Foundation has almost $30,000 in scholarships available to new and returning VERMILION students. The application process is open annually from February 1 st until early March. Application materials are available on line at (Click on Vermilion Foundation on the left menu, then Apply for Scholarships ). Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) Annual awards are $800 at Vermilion Community College. These grants are disbursed each semester after the drop/add period. Grants are awarded on the basis of greatest need. Funds may be limited, so priority consideration is given to students with financial files completed early. Work-Study (Federal, State, and Institutional) Federal and state work-study provides employment for those students with a financial need who choose to earn a part of their educational expenses. Employment may be during the academic year and/or during vacation periods, including summer. Checks are disbursed bi-weekly. Work-study jobs are normally performed during daytime hours while classes are in session, but could also be done on evenings and weekends. Generally students work between eight and eleven hours per week. Over the summer and other vacation periods, students may be eligible for additional hours. Federal Stafford Loan Program Loan amounts are available to eligible students who are enrolled in at least six credits. Loans are made through the lender of your choice. The interest rate for and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is fixed at 6.8% and for a Subsidized Stafford Loan at 5.6% (for loans disbursed after July 1, 2009). If you are eligible for a Subsidized Stafford Loan (determined by need), the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for the first six months after the student leaves school. If your are eligible for an Unsubsidized Loan (not dependent on need) the students is responsible for all the interest which accrues on the loan while the student is in school, during the six month grace period, and during deferment periods. A default fee up to 1% and an origination fee up to 1% may be charged by your guaranty agency and/or lender. Dependent students may borrow up to $5,500 to $6,500 per year and independent students may borrow up to $9,500 to $10,500 per year. Federal PLUS (Parent Loan) A PLUS loan is taken out by a student s parent. Interest rates are fixed at 8.5% and the parent may borrow up to the student s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid awarded. A default fee up to 1% and an origination fee up to 3% may be charged by your guaranty agency and/or lender. SELF-Loan (Student Educational Loan Fund) The SELF-Loan is funded by the State of Minnesota and is taken out by the student with a creditworthy cosigner. The SELF loan cannot exceed the student s cost of attendance when combined with other aid. Vermilion students may not borrow more than $7,500 from this source per year. 20