Tidewater Community College. Catalog Visit for the most current information.

Transcription

1 Tidewater Community College Catalog Visit for the most current information.

2 Catalog TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE From here, go anywhere. TM

3 table of contents Table of contents Campus Location Maps...5 Academic Calendars...8 GENERAL INFORMATION...11 The College...11 Accreditation and Governance...12 College Governance...12 Tidewater Community College Mission Statement...12 Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation, Inc...12 Tidewater Community College Alumni Association...12 Virginia Tidewater Consortium...13 Welcome to Tidewater Community College On behalf of a community committed to your success, welcome to Tidewater Community College! Tidewater Community College (TCC) prides itself on creating and sustaining a learning environment that meets the highest expectations for effective teaching and learning. This catalog describes a broad range of programs and educational services reflective of the faculty s expertise and commitment to quality education in preparing students for transfer or entrance into the workplace. This is an exciting time to be a student at TCC. Making success a reality for all students requires a significant investment of time and effort by faculty and staff as well as a considerable investment in physical and personnel resources that support a dynamic learning environment. Your success is the return on our investment. As a TCC student, you are joining a rich culture that is as diverse as the college s four campuses and the communities they serve a culture that collectively claims your success as its central tenet. I encourage you to take advantage of all that TCC has to offer by engaging faculty, staff, and your peers along the road to achieving your academic, career, and personal goals. From here, you really can go anywhere! Sincerely, Daniel T. DeMarte Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Programs...13 Career and Technical Education...13 College Transfer Education...13 Dual Enrollment...13 International Study Abroad...13 General Education...13 Developmental Studies...13 Continuing Education...13 Workforce Development...13 Registered Apprenticeship Programs Through TCC...13 elearning...13 Admission to the College...14 Exceptions to General Admissions Policy...14 Other Admission Requirements...15 Admission Requirements for International Students...15 Admission to Specific Courses...15 Admission to Specific Curricula...15 Curriculum Changes...15 Admission Priorities...15 Reapplication...15 Senior Citizens Higher Education Act...15 Classification of Students...15 Curricular...15 Non-Curricular...15 Full-Time...16 Part-Time...16 Academic Load...16 Student Level...16 Campus of Record...16 Placement Testing...16 Required Testing...16 English as a Second Language (ESL) Students...16 Exemptions...17 Required Enrollment in Developmental Courses...17 Ability to Benefit

4 Table of contents Credit for Other Education and Experience...17 Transferring from Other Colleges...17 Transcripts from Institutions Outside the U.S...18 Transfer Credit Appeals Procedure...18 Credit by Examination...18 Credit by Examination for Information Technologies Certifications...18 Substitution or Waiver of Curriculum Requirements...18 Credit for Military Service Experience and Education...18 Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges...19 Registration Information...19 Enrollment...19 Online Enrollment...19 Academic Load...19 Minimum Enrollment Requirement for Classes...19 Auditing a Course...20 Change of Registration...20 Types of Changes...20 Course Withdrawal...20 Effective Date of Official College and Course Withdrawal...20 Academic Regulations...20 Degrees and Certificates...20 Course Credits...20 Course Numbering...21 Grading System...21 P-Pass...21 S-Satisfactory...21 U-Unsatisfactory...21 R-Re-enroll...21 W-Withdrawal...21 X-Audit...21 I-Incomplete...21 Computing the GPA...21 Semester GPA...22 Curriculum GPA...22 Cumulative GPA...22 Repeated Course Policy...22 Limit on Repeating a Course...22 Other Academic Regulations...22 Course Prerequisites...22 Course Co-requisites...22 Examinations...22 Course Attendance...22 Academic Standing...22 Academic Warning...22 Academic Probation...23 Academic Suspension...23 Academic Dismissal...23 Academic Renewal Policy...24 Honors...24 President s Honor Roll...24 Dean s List...24 Graduation Honors...24 Graduation Requirements...24 Catalog Determination and Degree Designation...24 Application for Graduation...24 Required Computer Competencies...24 Student Outcomes Assessment Requirement...25 General Education Requirements...25 Associate Degree Requirements...26 Certificate Requirements...26 Commencement...26 College Records Policies...26 Student Address of Record...26 Final Grade Reports...26 Transcripts and Certifications...26 Hold on Records...26 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)...26 Student Records Retention Policy...26 Weapons and Firearms...27 Programs of Study...27 State Policy on Transfer...27 Articulation Agreements...27 Two-Year College Transfer Grant...27 General Education Requirements...28 Major Field Course Requirements and Prerequisites...28 Approved Electives...28 TRANSFER EDUCATION...29 Transfer Program Grid...29 College/University Transfer Programs...29 Liberal Arts...29 Business Administration...30 Engineering...31 General Studies...32 Science...32 Computer Science...33 Social Sciences...34 General Education Certificate...34 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)...36 CTE Program Grid (Alphabetical)...36 Accounting...38 Administration of Justice...40 Administrative Support Technology...40 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration...42 American Sign Language...43 Automotive Technology...44 Civil Engineering Technology...46 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology...48 Culinary Arts...50 Customer Service...52 Developmental Disabilities...53 Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)...53 Diesel...54 Early Childhood Development...55 Electrical Technology...58 Electromechanical Controls Technology...57 Electrical Mechanical Controls Technology...58 Electronics Technology...60 Emergency Medical Services...61 Financial Services...63 Fire Science...63 Funeral Services...65 Graphic Design...66 Health Information Management...68 Horticulture...69 Hospitality Management...70 Human Services...72 Industrial Technology...73 Information Systems Technology...78 Interior Design...85 Management...86 Marine Gasoline Engine Technology...89 Maritime Technologies...89 Mechatronics...91 Medical Assisting...91 Medical Laboratory Technology...93 Music...93 Nursing...94 Occupational Therapy Assistant...95 Paralegal Studies...96 Personal Training and Fitness...98 Phlebotomy...98 Physical Therapist Assistant...98 Polysomnography...99 Radiography Respiratory Therapy Studio Arts Theatre Arts Truck Driving Welding COURSE DESCRIPTIONS General Usage Courses Accounting Acquisition and Procurement Administration of Justice Administrative Support Technology Air Conditioning and Refrigeration American Sign Language Architecture Art Auto Body Repair Automotive Technology Aviation Biology Table of contents 3

5 table of contents Table of contents Building Business Management and Administration Chemistry Childhood Development Chinese Civil Engineering Technology Communication Studies and Theatre Computer Science Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Crafts Dance Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diesel Dietetics Economics Education Electrical Technology Electronics Technology Emergency MEdical Services Energy Technology Engineering English English as a Second Language English Fundamentals Environmental Science Financial Services Fire Science Technology French Funeral Services Geographical Information Systems Geography Geophysical Sciences German Health Health Information Management History Horticulture Hotel-Restaurant-Institutional Management.144 Human Services Humanities Industrial Engineering Technology Information Technology Design & Database Information Technology Essentials Information Technology Networking Information Technology Programming Instrumentation Interior Design Interpreter Education Japanese Legal Administration (Paralegal Studies) Machine Technology Marine Science Marketing Math Essentials Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Technology Medical Assisting Medical Laboratory Mental Health Military Science Music Natural Science Nursing Occupational Therapy Philosophy Photography Physical Education Physical Therapy Assistant Physics Political Science Polysomnographic Technology Psychology Public Service Radiography Real Estate Religion Respiratory Therapy Russian Safety Social Science Sociology Spanish Student Development Trucking Welding GOVERNANCE State Board for Community Colleges Tidewater Community College Board Tidewater Community College President and Executive Staff faculty AND STAFF Administrative Staff Emeriti Faculty Tidewater Community College provides its website, catalog, handbooks, and any other printed materials or electronic media for your general guidance. The college does not guarantee that the information contained within them, including, but not limited to, the contents of any page that resides under the DNS registrations of tcc.edu is up-to-date, complete and accurate, and individuals assume any risks associated with relying upon such information without checking other credible sources, such as a student s academic advisor. In addition, a student s or prospective student s reliance upon information contained within these sources, or individual program catalogs or handbooks, when making academic decisions does not constitute, and should not be construed as, a contract with the college. Further, the college reserves the right to make changes to any provision or requirement within these sources, as well as changes to any curriculum or program, whether during a student s enrollment or otherwise. Links or references to other materials and websites provided in the above-referenced sources are also for information purposes only and do not constitute the college s endorsement of products or services referenced. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Board policy, the College does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Please contact the Office of Educational Accessibility at regarding equal access. Tidewater Community College is committed to equal access to its programs and services governed by this policy of non-discrimination. These programs and services include, but are not limited to, all employees, student governments, curricula and other programs sponsored by the college. Tidewater Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to the college s nondiscrimination policies should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, Post Office Box 9000, Norfolk, VA ,

6 campus & Center location Maps Regional Map HAMPTON ROADS BRIDGE TUNNEL campus maps TCC Regional Workforce Development Center TCC at Tri-Cities Center TCC Visual Arts Center TCC Norfolk Campus TCC Portsmouth Campus VICTORY BLVD TCC Virginia Beach Campus TCC Regional Automotive Center 31 TCC Chesapeake Campus 5

7 campus & Center location maps McLean Street Motorcycle Rider Training campus maps Bldg D Bldg C Bldg A Student Center Greenwood Drive Bldg B Quantico S treet to I 264 Victory Boulevard CHESAPEAKE CAMPUS 1428 Cedar Road Chesapeake, VA PORTSMOUTH CAMPUS 120 Campus Drive Portsmouth, VA PARKING Joint Use Library L Bldg Student Center 7 8 M Bldg Regional Health Professions Center NORFOLK CAMPUS 300 Granby Street Norfolk, VA VIRGINIA BEACH CAMPUS 1700 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA

8 campus & Center location Maps Butts Station Road Regional Workforce Development Center * * Truck Driver Training PARKING PARKING Sandy Drive PARKING Battlefield Boulevard Kempsville Road Discovery Dr Clearfield Avenue Innovation Drive Merrimac Avenue Monitor Avenue PARKING College Drive Goldfinch Avenue PARKING Frederick W. Beazley Building PARKING Jamestown Drive campus maps Great Bridge Bypass Network Station TCC Regional Automotive Center College Drive to I Innovation Drive REGIONAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTER 600 Innovation Drive Chesapeake, VA Regional Workforce development center 7000 College Drive Suffolk, VA TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM SITE 7000 College Drive Suffolk, VA North St Ferry To Waterside College Drive To I-664 University Blvd. TCC TRI-CITIES CENTER RT 164 / Western Freeway To Portsmouth/Norfolk Glasgow St London Blvd Queen St High St King St County St Dinwiddie St PARKING PARKING PARKING Court St VAC Middle St Crawford Pkwy Water St Ferry To Waterside West 264 Southern Branch Elizabeth River Columbia St RT 17 / Western Branch Blvd. To Effingham To VAC, Olde Towne Portsmouth West 264 Elizabeth River Downtown Tunnel TCC at TRI-CITIES CENTER 1070 University Boulevard Portsmouth, VA VISUAL ARTS CENTER 340 High Street Portsmouth, VA

9 academic calendars SUMMER SESSION 2013 ten-week Regular Session Returning students register for Summer classes*...april 8-14 New and returning students register for Summer classes*... April 15-May 19 Tuition due for Summer classes... May 9 Classes begin... May 20 Last day to add or change for a ten-week course... May 23 Memorial Day (College closed)... May 27 FALL SEMESTER 2013 Sixteen-Week Regular Session Returning students register for Fall classes*... June 29-July 5 New and returning students register for Fall classes*... July 6-August 21 Tuition due for Fall classes...august 8 Faculty report...august 16 Classes begin...august 22 Last day to add or change for a sixteen-week course...august 29 academic calendars Last day to drop for tuition refund from a ten-week course....may 30 Summer 2013 Graduation Application Deadline...June 1 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a ten-week course (See note)...july 2 Independence Day (College closed - classes made up July 30)...July 4 Last day of instruction (Includes examinations) Tuesday, July 30 is the make-up day for Thursday, July 4...July 30 Labor Day (College closed)...september 2 Fall 2013 Graduation Application Deadline...September 3 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Last day to drop for tuition refund from a sixteen-week course...september 9 Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a sixteen-week course (See note)...october 31 Thanksgiving Holiday (College closed)... November 28, 29, 30 (Web registration is available for the Spring 2014 Semester.) Last day of instruction... December 9 Final examinations...december Tuition due for Spring classes... December 16 Graduation... December 20 Holiday Break (College closed)...december 24-December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2014 (Web registration is available for the Spring 2014 Semester.) Special Enrollment Day (Campuses open for enrollment activity)...december 27 TWELVE-WEEK SESSION Returning students register for Fall classes*... June 29-July 5 New and returning students register for Fall classes*...july 6-September 18 Fall 2013 Graduation Application Deadline...September 3 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Classes begin...september 19 Last day to add or change for a twelve-week course...september 25 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a twelve-week course...october 1 Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a twelve-week course (See note)... November 11 8

10 academic calendars Thanksgiving Holiday (College closed)... November 28, 29, 30 (Web registration is available for the Spring 2014 Semester.) Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)... December 14 Tuition due for Spring classes... December 16 Graduation... December 20 SPRING SEMESTER 2014 Sixteen-Week Regular Session Returning students register for Spring classes*...november 2-8, 2013 New and returning students register for Spring classes*...november 9, 2013-January 12, 2014 Tuition due for Spring classes... December 16 FIRST EIGHT-WEEK SESSION Classes begin...january 13 Returning students register for Fall classes*... June 29-July 5 New and returning students register for Fall classes*... July 6-August 21 Classes begin...august 22 Last day to add or change for a first eight-week course...august 26 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a first eight-week course...august 29 Labor Day (College closed)...september 2 Fall 2013 Graduation Application Deadline...September 3 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a first eight-week course (See note)...september 24 Spring 2014 Graduation Application Deadline...January 15 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Last day to add or change for a sixteen-week course...january 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (College closed)...january 20 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a sixteen-week course...january 30 Spring Break (No classes - College open)... March Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a sixteen-week course (See note)...march 27 Tuition due for Summer classes... May 8 Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)... May 12 academic calendars Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)...october 16 SECOND EIGHT-WEEK SESSION Returning students register for Fall classes*... June 29-July 5 New and returning students register for Fall classes*... July 6-October 16 Fall 2013 Graduation Application Deadline...September 3 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Classes begin...october 17 Last day to add or change for a second eight-week course...october 21 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a second eight-week course...october 25 Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a second eight-week course (See note)... November 21 Thanksgiving Holiday (College closed)... November 28, 29, 30 Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)... December 14 Tuition due for Spring classes... December 16 Graduation... December 20 Faculty Professional Development Days...May Graduation... May 16 TWELVE-WEEK SESSION Returning students register for Spring classes*...november 2-8, 2013 New and returning students register for Spring classes*...november 9, 2013-February 9, 2014 Spring 2014 Graduation Application Deadline...January 15 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Classes Begin... February 10 Last day to add or change for a twelve-week course... February 17 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a twelve-week course... February 24 Spring Break (no classes - college open)... March Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a twelve-week course (See Note)... April 8 Tuition due for Summer classes... May 8 Last day of instruction (includes examinations)... May 9 Graduation... May 16 9

11 academic calendars FIRST EIGHT-WEEK SESSION Returning students register for Spring classes*...november 2-8, 2013 New and returning students register for Spring classes*...november 9, 2013-January 12, 2014 Classes begin...january 13 Spring 2014 Graduation Application Deadline...January 15 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (College closed)...january 20 Last day to add or change for a first eight-week course...january 21 SECOND EIGHT-WEEK SESSION Returning students register for Spring classes*...november 2-8, 2013 New and returning students register for Spring classes*... November 9, 2013-March 16, 2014 Spring 2014 Graduation Application Deadline...January 15 (Applications not received by the deadline will be processed the following term.) Spring Break (No classes-college open)... March Classes begin...march 17 Last day to add or change for a second eight-week course...march 24 academic calendars Last day to drop for tuition refund from a first eight-week course... January 22 Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a first eight-week course (See note)... February 17 Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)...march 10 Last day to drop for tuition refund from a second eight-week course...march 25 Last day to withdraw without academic penalty from a second eight-week course (See note)... April 18 Tuition due for Summer classes... May 8 Last day of instruction (Includes examinations)... May 9 Graduation... May 16 *Web Registration is available 24-hours per day, 7 days per week to students eligible to register. Walk-in Registration is available to eligible students during TCC s official business hours. NOTE: Students who wish to withdraw without academic penalty should contact the Enrollment Services Office to determine the appropriate procedure and date. Withdrawals through completion of sixty percent of a session will result in a W grade. After sixty percent of a session is completed, a withdrawal will result in a grade of F in a credit course or a grade of U in a developmental course, except under mitigating circumstances that must be documented by the instructor and approved by the academic dean. Dynamic Session classes have unique refund and withdrawal dates. Please contact the Enrollment Services Office for procedures and dates. 10

12 GENERAL INFORMATION The College Tidewater Community College, founded in 1968, is one of twenty-three twoyear colleges that make up the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Serving the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and portions of Suffolk, the college offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the educational and training needs of its service area. Programs of study lead to the associate degree or certificate; they include the first two years of university-parallel instruction and over 140 career and technical programs. The college also offers both credit and non-credit continuing education and special workforce training programs. TCC has grown from a single location to four campuses, as well as district administrative offices, a regional visual arts center, a regional automotive center, a historical theater, a regional health professions center, and an advanced technology center. Classes are also offered at other off-campus locations. TCC s original location, formerly the site of Frederick College, was donated by Fred W. Beazley and the Beazley Foundation and opened in the fall of 1968 and became the site of the Portsmouth Campus. Overlooking Hampton Roads harbor, the campus was located in what eventually became northern Suffolk. A statewide bond referendum in 2002 provided initial funding to relocate the campus into Portsmouth to better serve the educational needs of the city and the region while maintaining the comprehensive programmatic offerings of the campus. Working collaboratively with the City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Public Schools, the Beazley Foundation, and the business community, TCC opened the Fred W. Beazley Portsmouth Campus in the Victory Village section of the city in The campus consists of three academic and administrative buildings with state-ofthe-art technology, instructional labs and equipment designed to provide a learning-centered environment, and a physical plant building. In 1971, TCC established the Virginia Beach Campus in temporary quarters on Camp Pendleton, a state military reservation. After the City of Virginia Beach donated land to TCC, a permanent campus opened in 1974 at the city s geographical center. Seven academic buildings, each named for a borough of Virginia Beach, house academic programs, a library, administrative offices, and student services. Recent additions to the campus include the Advanced Technology Center, the Science Building, and the Health Professions Center. The Chesapeake Campus was established in 1973 when the City of Chesapeake purchased and donated the former Chesapeake College to TCC. The campus is located between the rapidly growing communities of Great Bridge and Deep Creek. The George B. Pass Building houses academic programs, administrative offices, laboratories, student services, and a library. The Marian P. Whitehurst Technology Center houses academic programs, administrative offices, laboratories, and a conference center. The TCC Visual Arts Center, in Olde Towne Portsmouth, opened in the spring of 1995 as a regional center for the fine arts. The center contains the Belle B. Goodman Gallery, as well as classrooms, studio facilities, faculty, and administrative offices. The Norfolk Campus opened January 1997 as a part of the city s downtown redevelopment effort. The Martin Building, donated by the heirs of Alvah H. Martin, houses a library, classrooms, and faculty and administrative offices. The Mason C. Andrews Science Building houses the Ada R. Michaels Student Services Area, laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices. The Stanley C. Walker Technologies Building houses computer laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices. The TCC Jeanne and George Roper Center for Performing Arts houses classrooms, computer laboratories and a restored theater that seats over 800. The first of four planned student centers opened in the spring of 2011 on the Norfolk campus. Located in the heart of the downtown campus, the facility provides offices and meeting space for student groups and clubs, food service, exercise equipment, and child minding services. A state-of-the-art Regional Automotive Center, located in the Oakbrooke Business and Technology Center in Chesapeake, opened for classes in As Hampton Roads only high tech educational facility for the automotive industry, the center includes classrooms, instructional garage bays, and an automotive showroom area. TCC s Regional Workforce Development Center, located in northern Suffolk, provides training, education, assessments, and services for area businesses to enhance their success. TCC s central offices are located in the Joseph N. Green, Jr. District Administration Building at 121 College Place, Norfolk. The facility houses the Office of the President and the offices of Student Learning and Academic GENERAL INFORMATION TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

13 GENERAL INFORMATION Services, Student Success and Enrollment Management, Administrative Services, Development and the TCC Educational Foundation, Financial Services, Information Systems, Institutional Advancement, and Institutional Effectiveness. Within those offices are the college s central administrative staff in the functional areas of accounting & payroll, educational technology, emergency preparedness, facilities, grants & sponsored programs, human resources, instructional resources, purchasing, safety & security, student records, and the Women s Center. ACCREDITATION AND GOVERNANCE Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia or call for questions about the accreditation of Tidewater Community College. Mutual trust, good faith, support, and commitment to the institution and its students are essential to the success of shared governance. Because shared governance is intended to serve the entire college, it is incumbent upon all constituent groups, committees, and task forces to ensure that representation from all areas of the college is fair, timely, and inclusive. For further information on college governance, visit the college website at search keyword: governance. TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Tidewater Community College provides collegiate education and training to adults of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their individual goals and contribute as citizens and workers to the vitality of an increasingly global community. GENERAL INFORMATION The State Board for Community Colleges governs TCC, a member institution of the Virginia Community College System. The State Board and the TCC local advisory board approve the college s curricula. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia approves the college s associate degree programs. Certain curricula of the college are accredited by specialized accrediting organizations. They include the following: The Culinary Arts program: accredited by the American Culinary Federation s accrediting commission. The Funeral Service program: accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. The Health Science programs: accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the Accreditidation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Virginia Board of Nursing, and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. COLLEGE GOVERNANCE The collegial governance of Tidewater Community College is founded on the belief that the internal constituencies of the institution administration, faculty, classified employees, and students are to be genuinely represented and have a meaningful voice in the decisions affecting the operation, policy development, and strategic planning of the college. The purpose of the TCC Governance Structure is to define the roles that board members, administrators, faculty, classified staff, and students should play in shared responsibility and cooperative action. The design of the governance system adheres to two basic operating principles that people s time is a precious commodity that should not be wasted, and that people do their best work when there is a high expectation that their work will matter. Commitments that inform the mission: Open access to high-quality, affordable education to prepare students for transfer to a four-year baccalaureate institution, as well as for entry or advancement in the workforce. Cultural diversity as a critically important strength for students to meet the changing needs of a pluralistic, democratic society. Lifelong learning to heighten the awareness of students to multiple paths for achievement, while helping them pursue the choices most conducive to their individual needs. Partnerships and proactive responsiveness to develop cutting-edge programs that meet the changing needs of students and industry, while contributing to the economic, civic and cultural vitality of the region, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the international community. A comprehensive range of programs and services recognized for excellence by leaders of business, industry, and government, and by educators in K-12 education and four-year colleges and universities. TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. The Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. accepts contributions and gifts that support the college, its programs, and its students. The Foundation is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Gifts and contributions to the foundation are tax deductible for the donor and can be made in the form of cash, negotiable securities, equipment, facilities, supplies, real estate, or buildings. Donors can designate the foundation as part of their estate planning and/or as a beneficiary in insurance policies; they may also establish memorial funds through the foundation on behalf of individuals and families. TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The TCC Alumni Association provides a lifelong connection to the college for those who have advanced their careers or begun the work toward a Bachelor s Degree since The more than 500,000 people who have studied at TCC are all eligible for membership in the Alumni Association, and the more than 100,000 individuals who have received a degree or 12 TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

14 GENERAL INFORMATION completed over 24 credit hours are automatically included on its rolls. Founded in 2010, the Association is led by a board of directors, including ten honorary members who hold positions of distinction in local and state government. For more information, visit VIRGINIA TIDEWATER CONSORTIUM Tidewater Community College is a member of the Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Higher Education. For further information, contact Enrollment Services or visit Communication Critical Thinking Cultural and Social Understanding Information Literacy Personal Development Quantitative Reasoning Scientific Reasoning Both the college s accrediting association and the State Board for Community Colleges require that all curricula include general education components. Programs As a comprehensive institution of higher education, Tidewater Community College offers transfer and career/technical instructional programs generally extending no longer than two years beyond the high school level. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Career and technical education programs prepare students for employment. These programs are designed to meet regional demand for technicians, paraprofessionals, skilled craft workers, and specialized office workers in industry, business, government, and other professional fields. These programs normally require two years or less of training beyond high school to prepare students for success in meeting the demands in agriculture, business, engineering, health and medicine, industry, service, and other technical and occupational fields. COLLEGE TRANSFER EDUCATION The college transfer programs include first-year and second-year courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional programs designed to meet standards acceptable for transfer to baccalaureate (four-year) degree programs. TCC transfer courses are equivalent to those offered at four-year institutions to ensure maximum transferability. DUAL ENROLLMENT The dual enrollment program is an arrangement between local high schools and Tidewater Community College that allows students to meet high school graduation requirements while earning college credit. High school juniors and seniors may be eligible to participate in dual enrollment programs, provided they demonstrate readiness for college-level course work through placement testing. INTERNATIONAL STUDY ABROAD The International Programs Office coordinates a number of activities that both enhance curriculum and prepare students for a culturally diverse, technologically engaged, and interdependent world. In addition, students have a variety of opportunities during the summer or semester break to study abroad. Additional information is available at search keywords: study abroad. GENERAL EDUCATION General education provides students with a collegiate experience that addresses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values characteristic of educated persons. It promotes multiple disciplines and honors the connections among bodies of knowledge. TCC degree graduates will demonstrate competency in the following general education areas: DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES Developmental courses prepare students for admission to the college s various programs by helping them develop the basic skills and understanding necessary to succeed in college-level courses. Mandatory placement testing determines whether students are required to enroll in developmental courses. CONTINUING EDUCATION Continuing Education programs make lifelong learning possible for residents of the college s service area. These programs include credit and non-credit courses and are offered during day, evening, and weekend hours. For additional information, go to WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Tidewater Community College offers training programs and courses for business, industry, and government clients to ensure their employees have the right knowledge and skills for optimum job performance. TCC s workforce development programs assist businesses in retaining valuable associates by offering courses at the college s or client s on-site location. In addition, the college s business, industry and government training centers offer customized training, as well as traditional credit courses, certification programs, collaboration services, teleconferencing, and other businessessential services. Call (757) for additional information. REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS THROUGH TCC TCC is a provider of Apprenticeship Related Instruction (ARI) for students participating in employer-sponsored registered apprenticeship programs. Sponsored programs can range in length from three to five years. In addition to TCC s long-standing program with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, TCC s Apprenticeship Coordinator works with more than 50 sponsors to develop curriculum programs and monitor course offerings and student progress. After completing ARI coursework through TCC and on-the-job training provided by the registered employer/sponsor, the apprentice is awarded the journeyman certificate by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. For additional information about specific application periods and the programs and types of courses offered through TCC, call (757) or contact the apprenticeship office at (757) elearning Tidewater Community College offers a variety of classes through electronic delivery, primarily through online classes. Students may select from a wide range of courses taught by TCC faculty. These classes are of comparable academic quality to the face-to-face classes, and if designed to transfer, transfer exactly like their classroom counterparts. Visit the elearning website at or call (757) for additional information. GENERAL INFORMATION TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

15 GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION Admission to the College Individuals are eligible for general admission to Tidewater Community College as curricular students if they have a high school diploma or the equivalent, or if they are 18 years of age or older and are able to benefit academically from study at the college, as demonstrated by assessment in reading, writing, and math. High school graduates (or General Educational Development diploma [GED] completers) who score below the college s required scores must enroll in appropriate developmental courses and may enroll only in those college credit courses for which they meet developmental prerequisites. Applicants who have completed a home-school high school program are eligible for admission under the college s general admissions policy. Applicants 18 years of age or older who have not earned a high school diploma or GED, or who received a Special Diploma or Certificate of Completion from a Virginia public high school, may be admitted if they meet minimum placement test scores as determined by Virginia Community College System policy. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to credit programs with restricted enrollments or competitive admissions requirements. Information on restricted admissions programs is available elsewhere in this catalog and from campus division offices. Applicants may submit applications in person, by mail, or online at TCC advises all prospective students to consult with a counselor or academic advisor to discuss their educational interests and the requirements for admission to a specific program. Applicants may be admitted as curricular or non-curricular students. Curricular students are those who have been admitted to one of the college s academic programs. All curricular students are required to take placement tests and see a counselor or academic advisor for interpretation of the results. To be admitted as a curricular student, applicants must: Submit a complete official Application for Admission. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. (Note: The VCCS Student Information System academic records are sufficient for students transferring course work within the VCCS.) High school transcripts are not required if the record is more than 10 years old or if the college determines that high school transcripts are not necessary for admission to the college or to a particular curriculum. Non-curricular students, or those who have not requested formal admission to a curriculum, must submit a complete official Application for Admission and may be required to complete placement testing. By submitting an application to the college, students make a voluntary decision to participate in a collegiate experience and abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of TCC and the State Board for Community Colleges. In granting admission to an applicant, the college extends the privilege of joining the college community. Students may remain a part of that community as long as the required academic and behavior standards of the college and the VCCS are met. Tidewater Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs or activities. Direct inquiries related to the college s nondiscrimination policies to the Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, Virginia , (757) TCC is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Applicants with disabilities are not required to identify themselves. However, students wishing to request special assistance or academic accommodations because of a disability or chronic health problem should contact Educational Accessibility at their home campus 45 days prior to the first day of classes. Students seeking accommodations or program modifications must provide justification and documentation that is less than three years old. The college reserves the right to evaluate and document special cases and to refuse or revoke admission if the college determines that the applicant or student poses a threat, is a potential danger, is significantly disruptive to the college community, or if such refusal or revocation is considered to be in the best interest of the college. The college also reserves the right to refuse admission for applicants who have been expelled or suspended from, or determined to be a threat, potential danger, or significantly disruptive by, another college. EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL ADMISSIONS POLICY High school juniors and seniors who meet requirements for participation in the college s dual enrollment programs may be admitted according to the Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment and Virginia Community College System policy. High school students are classified as non-curricular students; however, they may seek admission to a curricular program of study upon completion of high school. Dual enrollment in developmental courses is prohibited for most high school students because it takes the place of traditional experiences that are available through school systems, home schooling, or other agencies. However, high school seniors enrolled in their final term prior to their graduation may enroll in developmental courses when a need is indicated by placement test results. All individuals applying for admission under special provisions must meet with a campus dean for student services (or designee) to review the appropriateness of the requested college credit course(s) as it relates to the student s educational goals. Eligibility for continued enrollment will be reviewed each term, based on educational performance (the student must have completed all previous college courses with a GPA of at least 2.0). Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations must be discussed with the student and parent to clarify disclosure regulations concerning personally identifiable information. Individuals who do not meet the college s general admission requirements, but apply under an exception, may be considered, provided they meet one of the following criteria: 1. The applicant must have a written recommendation from the high school principal or designee, who must certify that the individual is eligible for enrollment at the high school and sufficiently prepared for a college-level course. 2. Applicants who are home-schooled must: a) provide a copy of their authorization to home-school as provided by the division school system; b) provide official evidence that they are performing at their appropriate grade level, as determined by the division superintendent (options include: results from the same or alternate forms of standardized achievement tests used in the Virginia State 14 TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

16 GENERAL INFORMATION Assessment Program or results from other assessments which, in the judgment of the division superintendent, indicate that the student is achieving at an adequate level); and c) provide a written recommendation from their tutor or a teacher certifying that the applicant is performing at the required grade level. Applicants will participate in placement testing to demonstrate prerequisite academic preparedness. All applicants shall meet course prerequisites as determined by the college. ADMISSION PRIORITIES When enrollments must be limited for any curriculum, priority shall be given to all qualified applicants who are residents of the political subdivisions supporting the college and to Virginia residents not having access to a given program at their local community college, provided such students apply for admission to the program prior to registration or by a deadline established by the college. In addition, residents of localities with which the college has clinical-site or other agreements may receive equal consideration for admission. Other Admission Requirements ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS In addition to the general admission requirements of the college, all international applicants pursuant to F-1 status must also meet the admission requirements established by the International Student Services (ISS) office before enrolling at the college. Applicants who have already acquired F-1 status and who are enrolled full-time at another SEVIS approved institution may be eligible for admission to TCC as transfer students. Contact the International Student Services office for admission procedures to the college pursuant to F-1 status. Applicants in non-immigrant classes other than F-1 are required to meet with the international student advisor to determine admission eligibility and/or limitations. For more information and specific application deadlines, please call the International Student Services office at the Virginia Beach Campus at (757) or visit the ISS website at ADMISSION TO SPECIFIC COURSES Before enrolling in certain courses, students may be required to successfully complete prerequisite courses or meet other specific conditions. These prerequisites are listed in the TCC Catalog. Developmental courses prescribed through placement testing are considered prerequisites for college-level courses. The college reserves the right to withdraw a student from any class for which the student did not complete the appropriate prerequisites. The college s Student Information System (SIS) may block a student from registering for a course if the prerequisites have not been met. ADMISSION TO SPECIFIC CURRICULA Students applying for admission to an associate degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Arts, or Associate of Applied Science) must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have completed prescribed developmental courses, or otherwise be considered eligible by the college. Students may also be required to submit additional information with the application to determine eligibility. Some curricula may specify admission requirements in addition to the college s general admission requirements. Students who do not meet all program admission requirements may be able to make up deficiencies by successfully completing prescribed developmental courses or other course prerequisites. CURRICULUM CHANGES To change programs, students should consult a counselor or academic advisor to make sure that all prerequisites for admission to the new program have been met. Students must also complete a Curricula Change form, available from Advising and Counseling on any campus. Students certified for veteran s benefits must also notify the Veterans Affairs office of the change at their campus of record. REAPPLICATION Students who have interrupted their enrollment at the college for more than three years must reapply by submitting an updated application for admission to campus Enrollment Services. SENIOR CITIZENS HIGHER EDUCATION ACT Any person 60 years or older who has been domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year and whose Virginia taxable income is not more than $15,000 qualifies for free tuition benefits for credit classes on a space available basis. Anyone 60 years or older, regardless of income level, who has been domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year qualifies for free tuition to audit credit classes or non-credit classes on a space available basis. For further information, contact Enrollment Services on any campus about credit classes, and contact Workforce Development for non-credit classes. Registration dates for credit classes are restricted to those listed in the class schedule. For non-credit classes, registration is available on the first day the class meets. Classification of Students CURRICULAR A curricular student is either a full-time or a part-time student working toward completion of a certificate or an associate degree at the college. Students are classified as curricular students when they have been placed in one of the college s specific programs of study, called a curriculum. To be placed in a curriculum, a student must be a high school graduate, have earned a General Educational Development diploma (GED), or be 18 years of age or older and be able to benefit from study at the college, based on the college s placement testing policies and procedures. NON-CURRICULAR A student who has not requested admission to a curriculum is classified as a non-curricular student. There are numerous reasons why a student might opt for non-curricular status, including the following: to upgrade skills for a current job to develop skills for a new job to explore a new career to take classes for personal satisfaction or general knowledge to take classes at TCC while maintaining primary enrollment at another college or university to take classes at TCC for transfer to another college or university without completing graduation requirements for a TCC degree to take college-level classes as a high school student to enroll with special approval (usually for one semester) to meet general or specific admission requirements as stated in the TCC catalog to enroll in classes while waiting for admission to a program with restricted enrollment or competitive admissions GENERAL INFORMATION TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

17 GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION FULL-TIME A full-time student enrolls in 12 or more credit hours of course work in a semester or summer session. PART-TIME A part-time student carries fewer than 12 credit hours during a semester or summer session. ACADEMIC LOAD The minimum full-time academic load is 12 credit hours. The maximum load, without special permission, is 18 credit hours. STUDENT LEVEL Students are classified as freshmen until they have completed 30 credits of course work. Students are classified as sophomores after completing 30 credits of course work. CAMPUS OF RECORD Applicants must select a campus of record Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Virginia Beach when applying for admission. Students may take classes and perform many administrative functions at any of TCC s four campuses, but the designated campus will maintain the student s records. Except for students accepted into special admission programs (i.e., Federal Work Study, Health Professions, SOCNAV, Trucking, Veterans Affairs) or in situations deemed necessary by the campus Dean of Student Services, students shall not change the campus of record. Placement Testing Students need fundamental skills in English (reading and writing) and mathematics to be successful at TCC. Participation in placement testing ensures students benefit from their courses. A series of placement tests are used to evaluate students reading, writing, and mathematics skills. These tests are not general admissions tests but are used to assist students in identifying academic strengths, recognizing specific skills that need further development, and planning the best sequence of courses. Students can take placement tests on any campus. Prior to testing, students must pay a testing fee at the campus Business Office and present a receipt and photo ID at the exam site. Students with documented disabilities should contact Advising and Counseling or Educational Accessibility for placement testing accommodations. For more information on placement testing, contact Advising and Counseling. REQUIRED TESTING New students who plan to complete an associate degree or a certificate must take the English (reading and writing) and mathematics placement tests and see a counselor or academic advisor to review test results. Non-curricular students who plan to enroll in a course that requires competency in English must take the placement test for English (reading and writing). Non-curricular students who plan to enroll in any mathematics course must take the mathematics placement test. Non-curricular students who have completed nine or more credit hours at TCC and have a grade point average below 2.0 must take the placement tests before enrolling in any additional credit course work. Students applying for admission under special provisions must participate in placement testing to demonstrate prerequisite academic preparedness. With evidence of satisfactory performance (a grade of C or better) in English and mathematics courses taken at another higher education institution, students may be exempt from placement testing at TCC. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) STUDENTS If English is not a student s native language, TCC requires the student to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test. Results from the ESL placement test must demonstrate ability to benefit from study at the college. If the placement test results indicate that the student needs ESL instruction, the student must successfully complete the required ESL courses before enrolling in non-esl courses. TCC offers an extensive ESL program consisting of four levels: Intermediate I and II, Advanced, and Bridge. Students whose first language is not English can demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways: Paper TOEFL score of 550. Internet-based TOEFL (itb) score of 80. SAT score in critical reading and writing of 500 or higher. ACT combined score of 21 or higher on both the English and writing tests. Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a grade of A, B, or C. British O Level English pass with a grade of A, B, or C. Possession of an American degree (associate, bachelor, or master) or the equivalent from an accredited institution located in a country where English is the native language. 16 TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

18 GENERAL INFORMATION Successful completion of one college-level English course at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This course must be equivalent to Tidewater Community College s English Composition I (ENG 111). Successful completion is defined as obtaining a grade of C (2.0) or higher. Successful completion of Tidewater Community College s ESL bridge courses. ESL courses are offered at the Virginia Beach Campus. ESL placement testing is available at all four campuses. EXEMPTIONS Students may be exempt from placement testing based on achieving certain scores on the ACT or SAT college entrance exam, provided the scores are less than two years old. For these scores, please visit the college s website at REQUIRED ENROLLMENT IN DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES S tudents who do not achieve the appropriate scores on the mathematics placement test must enroll in developmental courses and complete them successfully before enrolling in other mathematics courses. A student whose COMPASS/ESL test results indicate a need for ESL instruction must successfully complete the prescribed ESL courses before enrolling in non-esl courses. S tudents who do not achieve the minimum required score on the ACT or SAT test must take the placement tests. Students who do not achieve the appropriate score on the English, reading or mathematics placement tests must enroll in developmental courses and complete them successfully before enrolling in other collegelevel courses. Developmental courses prescribed through placement testing are considered prerequisites for college-level courses. The college reserves the right to withdraw a student from any class for which the student did not complete the appropriate prerequisites. ABILITY TO BENEFIT New students who first enroll in a curriculum on or after July 1, 2012, and who do not have a high school diploma, GED, or who have not completed a secondary school education in a home school setting, no longer have the option to demonstrate ability to benefit through placement testing to be eligible for Federal Student Aid. These students are not eligible to receive financial aid from Federal Student Aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Loans, and other programs classified as Title IV. Credit for Other Education and Experience GENERAL INFORMATION S tudents who do not achieve the appropriate scores on the English placement test must enroll in developmental and/or study skills courses and complete them successfully before enrolling in other English or history courses, or courses that require competency in college-level English. TRANSFERRING FROM OTHER COLLEGES Normally, transfer students who are eligible for re-entrance at the last college they attended are also eligible for admission to Tidewater Community College. Students who are not eligible to return to a previous college may not be permitted to enroll at TCC. Students currently enrolled and attending classes in a curriculum or program of study at TCC may request a transcript evaluation for the purpose of awarding advanced standing or transfer credit for coursework completed elsewhere. Credit is awarded based on the student s program of study and enrollment status. Grades and grade point averages do not transfer to TCC, and students must earn a C or higher in a course for possible transfer. Credit awarded for one program of study may not apply to a new curriculum, and a re-evaluation of transfer credits may be necessary. Students seeking a re-evaluation of credits after officially changing their program of study may do so by making a request in writing to the college Registrar. A student requesting to have previous coursework evaluated for credit must have official transcripts, with appropriate college seal and authentication, sent directly from each institution attended to: TCC Central Records Office, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA Students must also submit an online Request for Evaluation form at search keywords: evaluation request. For more information, contact the Central Records Office or visit TCC s website at search keywords: transfer credit. TRANSCRIPTS FROM INSTITUTIONS OUTSIDE THE U.S. Transfer credit may be awarded for coursework completed at international colleges and universities that are accredited or approved by the appropriate Ministry of Education or other governmental agency. Coursework must be evaluated by one of the professional organizations or agencies approved by the Virginia Department of Education and listed as a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluators. TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG

19 GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION 18 For additional information, visit TCC s website at search keywords: foreign transcript. TRANSFER CREDIT APPEALS PROCEDURE The Central Records Office notifies the student when the evaluation of transfer credits is completed. A student may appeal a decision regarding the transferability of a specific course(s) or the applicability of a specific course to requirements in the student s academic program. The student must file the appeal in writing within 15 business days of the official notification of transcript evaluation results. Specific information on the transferability of credit and procedures for appealing transfer credit decisions is available from Advising and Counseling or on the TCC website at search keywords: transfer appeal. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION Students who believe they are qualified to receive credit for certain college courses based on their educational background, work experience, or former independent study may receive college credit by earning acceptable scores on tests offered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the Educational Testing Service, Excelsior College Examination, or the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Program Subject Standardized Tests (DSST/DANTES). Students may also receive credit through the Advanced Placement Program (AP) or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) in a participating high school by achieving acceptable scores on the AP or IB examinations. Students may also receive credit for acceptable grades earned on an approved Cambridge International Examination. All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to: TCC Central Records Office P. O. Box 9000 Norfolk, VA Students must also submit an online Request for Evaluation form at search keywords: evaluation request. For more information, contact Advising and Counseling on any campus. Where no standardized examination exists, campus academic deans may authorize the administration of locally-developed challenge exams. Credits earned through examinations do not carry credit and are not counted as part of the student s academic load when full-time or parttime status is reported to the Financial Aid office or to an external party such as the Social Security Administration, an employer, health insurance carrier, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. If credit is awarded, no letter grade is assigned on the student s transcript and hours earned from credit are not used in computing the grade point average. Rather, a notation is placed on the transcript indicating credit was awarded by exam. Tidewater Community College assumes no responsibility regarding the acceptance of credit by examination by other institutions to which the student may transfer. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS Students who hold industry-recognized certifications may feel prepared to challenge a TCC course for academic credit. Since most TCC courses provide instructional content that extends beyond the scope of the knowledge and skills required for a particular certification, only certain courses are eligible to be challenged. Credit for industry-recognized certifications is awarded only under the following conditions: TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG Students who hold industry-recognized certification in information technology (such as Microsoft, CompTIA, etc.) must consult an appropriate campus academic dean. In order to be eligible to take a challenge examination, the student must be enrolled in one of the college s Information Technology (IT) programs. Based on the information presented, the academic dean will determine what course(s) the student is eligible to challenge. The student will be informed of the learning outcomes of the course that is being challenged. To take the challenge examination, the student must complete the Application for Credit by Exam or Previous Non- Collegiate Training form. In order to be granted credit for the course, the student must attain a grade of at least 70% on the TCC examination that may include both a written and a hands-on component. SUBSTITUTION OR WAIVER OF CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS Some students want to substitute a previously completed credit course for a required curriculum course, or use documented knowledge and skills to waive a required curriculum course. To do this a student must: 1) Gather documented evidence or justification in support of a request, and consult a counselor or academic advisor. 2) Complete a Petition for Course Substitution or Waiver form. 3) Submit the completed form to the appropriate academic dean for approval. The substituted course must cover the same content or otherwise meet the spirit of the course being replaced. Course substitutions granted for one curriculum may not apply to a new curriculum if the student changes to a new program of study. A waiver does not result in the awarding of credit, and the student may be required to take additional credits to make up the credits by completing an elective course of the student s choosing or a higher level course recommended by a counselor or an academic advisor. For additional information, visit TCC s website at search keywords: course substitution. CREDIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Credit may be awarded for courses completed in military service schools if such credit is recommended in the American Council on Education s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, and if the work is applicable to the student s program of study. To receive this credit, students enrolled in a curriculum must submit the appropriate documentation to: TCC Central Records Office, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA Appropriate documentation needed for review and transfer acceptance of military-related credits include, as appropriate, official copies of the Joint Services Transcript (JST) and CCAF transcripts. In addition, students must also submit an online Request for Evaluation form at using search keywords: evaluation request. Veterans may also receive up to three credits of physical education/health credits for basic military training to satisfy the physical education/health credit requirement by submitting a discharge certificate or other appropriate certification, such as a military transcript, to Advising and Counseling, a CMVE Advisor, or if receiving veterans benefits, to the Veterans Affairs Office.

20 GENERAL INFORMATION SERVICEMEMBERS OPPORTUNITY COLLEGES Tidewater Community College is an institutional member of Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), a group of approximately 1,800 colleges and universities providing voluntary post-secondary education to members of the military throughout the world. Additionally, TCC is one of approximately 150 colleges and universities selected to participate in the SOC Degree Network System (DNS). Both of these programs help assure the ease of transfer of course credits and earned degrees among member institutions, providing those on active duty, the National Guard, Reservists, their families, and veterans greater course and degree mobility should they find it necessary to transfer to another duty or work station. Within the framework of SOC, TCC actively participates in the following programs: SOCAD (available for Air Force, Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard personnel); SOCNAV (available for Naval and Marine personnel); and SOCCOAST (available for U.S. Coast Guard personnel). The college also participates in the Concurrent Admissions Program (CONAP) offered by SOC in cooperation with the U.S. Army or the U.S. Army Reserve. Students participating in these programs should apply for the applicable SOC contract. Registration Information ENROLLMENT To take courses at TCC, students may enroll in a variety of ways: online, using the Student Information System ( in person at any campus or off-campus enrollment site by mail, sending materials according to the instructions and the deadline listed on TCC s website Currently enrolled students in good academic and financial standing at the college should consult a counselor or academic advisor prior to the enrollment period to determine which classes to take. Students with academic blocks on their records due to academic suspension or dismissal may not register until granted readmission. Students with administrative blocks on their records holds resulting from unpaid library charges, financial aid overpayments, or other student debts to the college may not register until their record is cleared. For more information or to request an official SOC evaluation, contact the Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE). elearning students may contact CMVE advisors through dedicated toll free lines at ; or for international calls at Local students may contact the CMVE at the Virginia Beach Campus at or The CMVE may also be contacted via at military@tcc.edu or, if Navy, at Navy@tcc.edu. Students are encouraged to enroll prior to the first day of classes. Students who add classes or register after the first day of classes are counted absent from class meetings missed as a result of late registration. Complete enrollment procedures are outlined on the TCC website, and assistance is available on each campus. ONLINE ENROLLMENT The Student Information System (SIS) ( enables students to access information and complete a number of tasks over the internet. Eligible students can register online, add or drop classes, check their schedules, find open sections of classes, and pay tuition and fees using MasterCard and Visa. GENERAL INFORMATION Through SIS, students also have access to their personal information: address, financial aid and payment history, unofficial transcript, advising transcript, and transfer credit evaluation. ACADEMIC LOAD The full-time course load is 12 to 18 credit hours. Students should consult a counselor or academic advisor to plan an academic load that will be compatible with their work schedule, family responsibilities, health, and other obligations. As a rule, one credit hour of course work requires at least two hours of study outside of class each week. Students who wish to take more than 18 credit hours of course work in a session must obtain the approval of the campus provost or designee. Students who have received an academic warning or are on academic probation may be required to take a reduced course load for the next semester. MINIMUM ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT FOR CLASSES Each course is offered on condition of adequate enrollment. The college reserves the right to cancel or discontinue any course offered, either because of inadequate enrollment or for any other reason deemed appropriate by the college. TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CATALOG