Parent Policy: Admissions Effective Date: December 1, 2015 Last Reviewed Date: November 18, 2015 Policy Sponsor: Vice President Academic and Chief Operating Officer Administrative Responsibility: Registrar Appendix A Admissions Procedures Part A: General 1. All admission requirements are established by the Registrar through consultation with key stakeholders and approved through Academic Council. 2. New or changed admission requirements are completed in a timely manner in order to support appropriate notification to potential students and for publication purposes. 3. Admission decisions are made and communicated by the Registrar. 4. The Admissions unit in the Registrar s office is responsible for communicating with applicants throughout the admission process up to the point of confirmation of acceptance. 5. E-mail is the primary method of communication to the applicant. The applicant is responsible for monitoring the Lethbridge College online portal and their Lethbridge e-mail account. 6. It is the applicant s responsibility to notify the college of any change of name or address. The college is not responsible for incorrect mailing or for missed deadlines due to the applicant s failure to report such information as a change of address. 7. Lethbridge College accepts applications for admission at any time during the year up to the application deadline. The last day to apply for each term is identified in the academic schedule. Certain high-demand programs may have some limitations on the timelines for accepting applications. 8. Applicants who wish to be considered for more than one (1) program for a specific term will submit an application and pay an application fee for each application. 9. A non-refundable, non-transferable processing fee must accompany the application as per college policy and procedure outlining student fees. Current students wishing to change their program for the next intake are able to do this at no charge by completing the Change of Program form. 10. Lethbridge College may request supporting documentation, which becomes the property of the college. These documents will not be returned to the applicant. Failure to have supporting admission documents delivered to the college by the specified deadlines is the applicant s responsibility.
11. Transcripts and other supporting documentation of applicants who are not admitted to Lethbridge College are destroyed. Applicants who wish to apply at a later date must submit a new set of documents. 12. Lethbridge College provides applicants the opportunity to self-declare First Nations Metis Inuit (FNMI) status in order to access specific resources. 13. Lethbridge College provides applicants the opportunity to identify special needs and to access academic accommodations. 14. Applicants must submit official transcripts to the Registrar s Office for transfer credit. 15. Applicants deemed to be not qualified for a specific program through the admission process, are encouraged to seek guidance from a Lethbridge College academic advisor. 16. The college may evaluate an applicant s behavior and/or history to determine his or her ability to maintain the standards of student conduct expected at the college. An evaluation may take into consideration current and previous behavior and performance. 17. Qualifying through admission routes (see Part B) does not guarantee admission. Factors such as program capacity or a competitive selection process could impact admission. 18. Some programs have additional non-academic admission requirements such as a completed medical history form, immunization documentation or documentation related to medical examinations. For non-academic program requirements, refer to the program pages in the Academic Calendar. 19. In all cases equivalencies to academic requirements for program admission will be considered. 20. An applicant must accept a formal offer of admission to a program within a prescribed period of time. Failure to respond to the offer of admission by the specified deadline may result in withdrawal of the offer of admission. 21. Applicants granted conditional admission must complete or confirm all of the stated admission requirements by a specific deadline as indicated on the letter of admission. Conditional admission may be granted on the basis of evidence that the applicants are currently registered in appropriate course(s) or program, which if successfully completed, meets the admission requirements. If the applicant does not meet their condition by the deadline, his or her admission may be cancelled. 22. Qualified applicants to a program who are not admitted because of enrolment limitations will be notified regarding the waitlist process. 23. An applicant may choose to accept an offer of admission to one program and remain actively waitlisted for another. 24. A student will be limited to enrolment in one (1) post-secondary program at a time.
Part B: Admission Routes Applicants must academically qualify to attend post-secondary credit programs at Lethbridge College through one of the following Admissions Routes or through College and University Preparation - Upgrading (refer to Part C). 1. High School The applicant will provide high school transcripts showing successful completion of a Canadian high school diploma. Some programs may require specific high school courses and/or additional non-academic requirements (refer to Part E Program Admission Requirements or to Program Admission Requirements in the Academic Calendar). 2. Transfer The applicant will submit post-secondary transcripts showing successful completion of a minimum of three (3) post-secondary level credit courses from a publicly funded Canadian accredited institution and be in good academic standing. To be considered, these courses must have been completed within the last five (5) years. Some programs may require specific high school courses and/or additional non-academic requirements (refer to Part E Program Admission Requirements or to Program Admission Requirements in the Academic Calendar). 3. Mature a) Applicants applying through the mature admission route do not require a high school diploma. The applicant must: be 19 years of age or older by the first day of classes, and have been out of high school for a minimum one year, and meet the English requirement through one (1) of the following: o successful completion of a Grade 12 English course o successful completion of a Post-Secondary English course o assessment refer to Part D, Placement Assessment Procedures b) Applicants who do not meet the English requirement may consult with an Academic Advisor to discuss upgrading options to fulfill the English admission requirement. c) Some programs may require specific high school courses and/or additional non-academic requirements, refer to Part E Program Admission Requirements or to Program Admission Requirements in the Academic Calendar. The student must have successfully completed the specific required course (or equivalent) to be considered for admission;
4. International a) An international applicant or exchange student must present qualifications comparable to those of Canadian applicants, which includes meeting the English language proficiency requirement. b) International applicants and exchange students whose first language is other than English, except those applying to English as a Second Language (ESL), must demonstrate English language proficiency by providing documentation for one (1) of the following: completion of Grade 12 English; successful completion of all three (3) of the following Lethbridge College EAP courses with a minimum grade of C: o EAP 0096 Academic Writing o EAP 0097 Academic Communication o EAP 0098 Academic Reading; official International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS) score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5, taken within the last two (2) years; official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (213 if computerbased testing) or ibt score of 80 taken within the last two (2) years; successful completion of at least one (1) transfer level post-secondary English course from an accredited English speaking post-secondary school. c) Some programs may require specific high school courses and/or additional non-academic requirements (refer to Part E Program Admission Requirements or to Program Admission Requirements in the Academic Calendar). d) International students are solely responsible for all arrangements relating to their student study/immigration status. 5. Pathways to Advanced Learning a) Students wishing to access laddering opportunities into advanced credentials will ensure admission requirements are met for the next level program. The student should contact an Academic Advisor. b) Where the next level program is not a Lethbridge College program, the student should refer to the receiving institution to determine academic admission requirements. 6. Open Studies a) A student wishing to register in Lethbridge College credit courses without applying to a specific program may register as an Open Studies student. b) Open Studies students may only enroll as part-time students. If a student requires full-time status they must apply to an LC program. c) Open Studies students must meet individual course prerequisite requirements for each course in which they register. d) Students enrolled in Open Studies must pay all course fees at time of registration.
e) Students enrolled in Open Studies are not eligible to earn a program credential through cumulative course work without applying and being admitted to a specific program prior to their last term of study. Once admitted to a program they must comply with the program requirements related to their year of admission to that credential program. f) Open Studies students will be eligible to enroll in all course sections identified as Open To All in the Course Timetable. Part C: College and University Preparation - Upgrading Option 1. In some cases, applicants may require further upgrading in order to be eligible for admission into programs and may choose Upgrading to fulfill these requirements. 2. An applicant entering the College and University Preparation - Upgrading program will be placed in relevant courses according to their highest high school courses if completed within the last three (3) years. 3. An applicant entering the College and University Preparation - Upgrading program whose most recent high school education is over three (3) years old OR has no high school courses will complete the an assessment test for placement recommendations. Refer to Part D, Placement Assessment Procedures. Part D: Placement Assessment Procedures 1. Lethbridge College Testing Services is responsible for choosing placement assessment tools/measures, as well as determining appropriate administration of these tools. Any changes to assessment tools/measures, and/or administration of these tools will be communicated to stakeholders. 2. Testing Services, in consultation with the Registrar, will establish pre-requisite cut scores for institutional admission requirements and consult with other stakeholders to set cut scores for programs that require specific high school courses. Refer to Part E: Program Admission Requirements 3. Individuals applying to the College and University Preparation program may be evaluated to measure their proficiency in English reading and writing and/or math skills for accurate placement in upgrading courses at Lethbridge College. Scores are reviewed by Testing Services to establish placement. 4. Individuals applying through the Mature Admission Route may be evaluated for proficiency in: English reading and writing skills required for admission to Lethbridge College. Math skills required for admission to some Lethbridge College programs. 5. Applicants requiring assessment for post-secondary placement are provided with background information about the assessment and advised of the importance of being prepared. In addition, information about online resources and college learning supports is provided to help applicants with their preparation.
6. New applications or requests for program changes will be submitted to the Registrar s Office and all applicable fees for applications or requests for program changes will be paid before applicants are permitted to participate in placement assessment. 7. Applicants are responsible for booking their own appointments with Testing Services at least one (1) business day in advance of the assessment. Applicants requiring administration of assessment at an external location require additional advance notification. 8. Assessment results are communicated to an Admissions Specialist for processing purposes. 9. If assessment results do not meet the admission requirements: applicants are advised that they have one (1) additional opportunity to be evaluated on those skill areas which fall below the requisite cut scores; a minimum two (2) week period after initial assessment must pass before an applicant will be reassessed. 10. If the second assessment results do not meet the admission requirements: applicants must wait a minimum of three (3) months from the last assessment date before being re-evaluated; an applicant is responsible for payment of a fee if a third attempt is required within a twelve (12) month period; 11. Placement decisions are based on an applicant s assessment results, which remain valid for a period of two (2) years. Post-secondary placement decisions are relevant regardless of the program to which the applicant applies. 12. An applicant may be assessed a maximum of three (3) times within a twelve (12) month period. 13. Applicants may consult with an Academic Advisor to discuss upgrading courses that will fulfill admission requirements. Part E: Program Specific Admission Requirements 1. Applicants must additionally meet a program s academic requirements in order to qualify for admission to that program. The following table outlines additional academic requirements by program area. The minimum grade is 50% unless otherwise stated. Program Gr. 12 Math (30-1) Gr. 12 Math (30-2) Business Administration or Civil Engineering Technology 50% or 60% Community Health Promotion Computer Information or Technology Gr. 11 Math (20-2) Gr. 12 Biology Gr. 11 Biology Gr. 12 Chemistry Gr. 11 Chemistry Gr. 11 Physics or Gr. 12 Science
Engineering Design and Draft Technology Environmental Assessment and Restoration 50% or 60% or or Exercise Science Geomatics Engineering Technology 50% or 60% or Interior Design or Massage Therapy Natural Resource Compliance or NESA (for information only Refer to University of Lethbridge Academic Calendar) Practical Nursing *Refer to program page for 60% 60% additional requirements Renewable Resource or Management Therapeutic Recreation 2. In all cases, equivalencies to courses required for program admission will be considered. 3. The following table identifies programs that do not require a high school diploma; specific high school courses required for admission are listed. The minimum grade is 50% unless otherwise stated. Program Gr. 11 English Gr. 10 English Gr. 11 Math Agriculture Heavy Equipment Automotive Systems Gr. 10 Math Culinary Health Care Aide 4. If assessment is being completed in lieu of academic requirements, the following minimum cut scores will be required to fulfill admission requirements. These cut scores represent a passing grade of 50% for the listed courses. Programs requiring a higher completion grade for a specific course may have higher cut score requirements than those list.
Subject and Grade Level Sentence Skills Reading Comprehension Write Placer Arithmetic Algebra English Grade 85 80 6+ 12 English Grade 75 70 5+ 11 English Grade 65 65 4+ 10 Math Grade 12 60 60 Math Grade 11 60 55 Math Grade 10 55 50 5. Lethbridge College does not provide alternative assessments for the sciences; therefore successful completion of those courses is required for admission. Part F: Returning After an Absence 1. An application to return after an absence is subject to the following conditions: a) Approval to return after an absence is based on space availability and requires Registrar approval. b) Students accepted to return after an absence are governed by the Academic Calendar pertaining to their year of re-admission as outlined in college policy and procedure related to graduation requirements. c) Honours, Good or Probationary Status Applicants whose previous academic standing was Honours, Good or Probationary may return to their program after an absence of one (1) term [or two (2) consecutive terms when one (1) of the terms includes the spring/summer term] by completing a Return to Program form. In all cases, a continuous absence that includes a Fall and Winter term requires a new application to Lethbridge College. d) Disqualified Status An individual may apply for re-admission to Lethbridge College provided they have not had two (2) disqualified standings in their last two (2) terms of enrolment. An individual who has had a disqualified status in their last two (2) terms of enrolment will not be considered for admission for the next immediate term following the second disqualification. A minimum of one term (fall or winter) must elapse after the second disqualification standing was imposed in order to be considered for re-admission. Re-admission after a disqualified status as defined above will be considered upon submission of a new application and the applicable application processing fees to Lethbridge College. The decision to reinstate to Lethbridge College is made by the Registrar in consultation with the intended program. e) Suspended Status
An individual who has been suspended from the institution and who is considering submitting an application to enroll will follow the direction contained in the letter of suspension. f) Expelled Status An individual who has been expelled is prohibited from attending Lethbridge College. Part G: Admissions Appeal Procedures Applicants have the right to fair and equitable process for resolving matters that affect their admission to Lethbridge College when admission has been denied based on the Admissions Policy Statement 5.c. Only an admission decision based on the following Policy Statement may be appealed to the Appeal Committee: Lethbridge College reserves the right to refuse admission to an applicant who may constitute a threat or risk of threat to college employees, students, property, or to individuals from the wider community who access Lethbridge College services and properties. The following Appeal procedures outline the process an individual is required to follow in the event that he or she believes that the admission decision should be re-evaluated. 1. General Procedures a) A dispute should be resolved at the earliest step possible. b) The process will be supported via an appropriate technology/media for individuals who do not attend the Lethbridge campus. The individual may request to be accompanied by someone from a college department such as Accessibility Services, Counseling Services, Academic Advising, a member of the Lethbridge College Students Association, or any other individual of their choice. However, the Appeal Procedure is an internal review process of Lethbridge College and therefore legal counsel is not allowed to attend meetings that are held during any step of the process. c) All relevant documentation pertaining to this process shall, upon request, be made available to both parties. The individual is advised that those involved in the process are governed by existing Lethbridge College policies and procedures governing confidentiality. 2. Appeal Process Step 1: Review by the Registrar The individual may submit a written petition (letter) to the Registrar asking for reconsideration of the admission application. The Registrar s office will contact the individual to arrange a meeting where the petition will be discussed. Step 2: Submission to the Appeal Committee If the above fails to resolve the issue, the applicant may request a formal hearing by the Appeal Committee by delivering the Appeal form to the office of the Vice President Academic and Chief Operating Officers minimum two (2) weeks prior to the start of the term.
It is the responsibility of the Vice President Academic & Chief Operating Officer to convene the Appeal Committee within three (3) business days of the receipt of the Appeal form. The Vice President Academic & Chief Operating Officer will also advise the Registrar that the individual has submitted an appeal. The official record of the final decision of the Appeal Committee shall be issued to the Vice President Academic & Chief Operating Officer within one (1) business day of the Committee meeting and will include: a) the decision related to the admission status, and b) the rationale for the decision. Within two (2) business days, the Vice President Academic & Chief Operating Officer will provide a written statement of the Committee s decision including the rationale, to the student and the Registrar. If the student appeal is upheld, the Registrar will proceed with the Admissions process. After the decision is rendered, documents related to the appeal will all be returned to the Chairperson who is responsible for appropriate handling. The official record will contain the final decision of the Appeal Committee as well as the Appeal form. All records will be maintained in the office of the Vice President Academic & Chief Operating Officer for a period of five (5) years from the date the decision is communicated. Part H: Definitions Cut scores scores representing the minimum performance level needed to meet program admission requirements or for course placement. Enrolled an individual accepted into a program and/or registered in courses Not qualified an individual who does not currently satisfy admission requirements. Placement the assignment of a student to suitable courses based on the student s demonstrated knowledge or proficiency in various areas. Qualified an individual who satisfies admission requirements. Total Right Score a scaled score that estimates the number of questions a student would answer correctly when completing a test of 120 questions. Waitlist a priority list for an oversubscribed program. Please direct any questions regarding this document to the Policy Administrator or policy@lethbridgecollege.ca