Admissions

Purpose

Tacoma Community College (TCC) will “maintain an open door” policy, [whereas] no student will be denied admission because of the location of the student's residence, [nor campus location where TCC credits are earned] or because of the student's educational background or ability…and that all students, regardless of their differing courses of study, will be considered, known and recognized equally as members of the student body” (RCW 28B.50.090).

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

This policy applies to all academic applicants to Tacoma Community College.

References

• WAC 132V-305-010 Statement of policy.
• RCW 28B.50.090 College board—Powers and duties.
• WAC 131-12-010 Minimum standards for admission to a community or technical college.
• WAC 132H-160-270 Admission to specific degree programs.
• WAC 250.18 Residency Status for Higher Education
• RCW 28B.15 College and University Fees

Definitions

International students: Individuals that are not a citizen of the United States of America and are not a permanent resident of the United States of America at the time they apply for admission. This includes those who have submitted residency application documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) but have not received formal approval verifying that they have become a permanent resident of the United States of America.

The college will not discriminate “…on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, and Washington state's law against discrimination, chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations.” WAC 132V-305-010

Policy

Admission to the College is available to individuals who are high school graduates or at least 18 years of age according to minimum standards for admissions to a community or technical college WAC 131-12-010.

Students who are under 18 years could qualify for admission with one of the following:

1. Has a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent or
2. Has obtained permission from a high school administrator or school district or home-school guardian to attend before enrolling in classes or
3. Has qualified for admission through a dual enrollment program (Fresh Start, Running Start, College in the High School) or International programs
4. Prospective students who will not turn 18 by the first day of the quarter of enrollment who do not meet the criteria listed above will need to seek an exemption from the Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to any specific program, course, or class.

Residency (Classification of Students)

Tacoma Community College shall classify its students as residents or non-residents according to WAC 250.18 and relevant sections of RCW 28B.15, and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

The College shall have established procedures to determine the residency of all students enrolled in credit classes.

To protect the integrity and usability of College Information Systems and Services and to ensure their continued availability for student learning and conduct of College business.