Admissions: 4.18

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

PURPOSE

This rule establishes the admissions policy for Hillsborough Community College (HCC).

RULE

The Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management will develop and maintain an admissions procedure for HCC.  The procedure shall meet the requirements as established by federal and state mandates and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  HCC reserves the right to guide the enrollment of its students on the basis of placement tests, pre-registration interviews and past academic performance.  The College prohibits the use of commissions, bonuses, or incentive pay for the recruitment of students or military service members except for the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive federal student assistance.

Admissions Requirements

HCC maintains an “open-door” policy.  Students may be admitted if they meet one of the following criteria: 

• Graduated with an associate or higher degree or standard high school diploma
• Earned a high school equivalency certificate (GED) or diploma through any state Department of Education or through the military
• Earned a Certificate of Completion, Eligible for College Placement Test (W8A) (graduating class of 2003 forward)
• Completed a home education program pursuant to the requirements of Florida Statute 1002.41 

• Applied as a transfer student 

  If students have attended other postsecondary institutions, they may be admitted as a transfer student. Students must provide their high school and or previous college transcripts prior to attendance.

• Applied as a transient student 

  Students attending other colleges or universities who wish to take courses at HCC in order to fulfill degree requirements at their home institutions may be admitted as transient students. Prior to registration, if students wish to apply as transient, they must submit, at least 30 days prior to the applicable registration deadline, a transient application and documentation from the home institution that: 

  • Certifies they are in good academic standing
  • Indicates the HCC courses in which students may enroll

• Applied in an Articulated Acceleration Program for High School Students

High school students may earn college credits through articulated acceleration, (Florida Statute 1007.271). These acceleration options are dual enrollment and early admissions. Students who satisfy the requirements may qualify for admission as a student in one of these categories.

• International Students

  The Center for International Education (CIE) provides services to all international students attending HCC on F-1, F-2, and M-1 student visas. Students in other visa categories should contact the office of admissions, registration, and records at the campus they plan to attend for assistance in enrolling at HCC, unless they are planning to change their status to F-1. The admission procedures specified below are for international students intending to study at HCC on an F-1 student visa. To be considered for admission, an F-1 student must:

  • demonstrate competency in the English language
  • document sufficient funds to cover educational and living costs
  • provide proof of graduation from a secondary school
  • submit an International Student Application by the given application deadline

For more information students should visit the Center for International Education (CIE) website at https://www.hccfl.edu/international

Transcripts

Students whose final official transcripts do not arrive prior to the start of the semester, will not be eligible for financial assistance or veterans, or other benefits. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that official copies of high school transcripts, GED scores, or copy of degree earned and official transcript(s) from all postsecondary schools attended are submitted to the college. Applicants who completed a home education program must provide a signed affidavit affirming completion. 

In order to maintain the college ideals of scholarship and deportment, the right is reserved to deny admission to applicants for any reason, deemed to be in the best interest of the college.