Becoming Students

YOU BELONG HERE – Enrollment Services

Open Door Admissions Community College of Beaver County operates as an open-door admission institution providing educational opportunities to all individuals who can benefit from such an experience. The College grants general admission to anyone who wishes to begin college studies.

Students who carry 12 or more credit hours in one semester are considered full-time students. Students who carry 1 to 11 credit hours in one semester are considered part-time students.

Admissions Classifications CCBC will use the following classifications to classify students enrolling at the College. Students in each classification will be required to submit a completed Admissions Application and additional documentation as identified below as a condition of enrollment with the College.

High School Graduates Those individuals seeking to enroll in credit certificate and/or degree programs and indicating high school graduation as their highest level of educational attainment will be accepted for enrollment under the category of High School Graduate. Such individuals will be required to submit the following to Admissions & Registration:

Admissions Application Official transcript documenting high school graduation forwarded directly from the high school to the College. Transcripts for any college level courses completed as a dual enrollment student while in high school

GED Recipients Those individuals seeking to enroll in credit certificate and/or degree programs and indicating successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) exam as their highest level of educational attainment will be accepted for enrollment under the category of GED Recipient. Such individuals will be required to submit the following to Admissions & Registration Center:

Admissions Application Official copies of the GED transcript

Individual Approval Those individuals seeking to enroll in credit certificate and/or degree programs that have not graduated from high school or successfully completed the GED certification may be accepted for enrollment based on their ability to benefit from participation in college studies. This status will be termed “Individual Approval”, and individuals seeking to enroll under this classification will be required to complete an admissions interview (to determine ability to benefit from college studies).

Transfer Students Students who attended another college and/or university are eligible to transfer course work towards their program of study at the Community College of Beaver County. Transfer credit will be awarded for course work that has been approved by the Director of Enrollment Services in collaboration with the appropriate Dean. Students transferring from another college and/or university must complete all required steps for enrollment as stated in the college catalog. Students must also submit an official transcript of course work taken at another college and/or university. Approved course work will transfer if a “C” or higher grade is earned.

Approved course work with a “D” grade may transfer if the student’s overall GPA is above a 2.0. Course work will not transfer from another college and/or university if the course was attempted at the Community College of Beaver County. Once evaluated, the college and/or university name and transfer credits will be applied to the student’s academic transcript and a “TR” code is used for identification.

The course grade is not applied to the student’s Community College of Beaver County transcript and will not factor into the GPA. A maximum of 45 credits will transfer towards an associate degree. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit with a 2.0 GPA at the Community College of Beaver County before being eligible to graduate.

Note: Approved coursework for Aviation programs and Health Science programs requires a grade of a “C” or higher to transfer.

College Graduates Those individuals seeking to enroll in credit certificate and/or degree programs and who have previously graduated with an Associate degree, Bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree from a community college, college, or university will be accepted for enrollment as a College Graduate. Such individuals will be required to submit the following to the Director of Enrollment Services: • Official transcripts from the institution awarding the degree forwarded directly from the Registrar at the college/university awarding the degree

Provisional Admissions Under certain conditions, individuals who have interest in temporary enrollment with the College but who do not anticipate completion of a certificate or degree may be permitted to enter the College under a provisional admissions status. The Provisional Admissions categories are as follows:

Dual Enrollment High school students who have completed their sophomore year in high school and who are approved by their local school district to participate in an approved dual enrollment program will be allowed to enroll as a Dual Enrollment Student. Individuals accepted under this status will not be eligible for financial aid benefits or enrollment in preparatory courses. Dual Enrollment Students must submit the following: • A form signed by their parent or legal guardian and the high school principal or designee specifying the courses in which the individual may enroll • Official high school transcript • Completion of the appropriate CCBC course placement exam

High School Academies CCBC’s nationally distinctive High School Academy program is a dual enrollment opportunity for high school students to earn college credits and explore future careers in their area of interest. Academy students can earn up to half of the required credits for an associate degree by high school graduation. The CCBC High School Academies share the same goals: • Build partnerships with local and regional high schools and four-year colleges and universities. • Encourage students to pursue higher education and have a jump-start on a college degree. • Introduce high school students to the academic rigor required in college. • Develop leadership skills and character in high school students. • Supply additional transfer students for CCBC’s partnering 4-year institutions through articulation agreements; and, • Prepare a pipeline of students for in-demand career fields in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

Students interested in the High School Academy programs should contact their high school for eligibility and participation requirements.

Early Admission High school students who seek to enroll for college credit courses without participating in an approved dual enrollment program may be accepted for enrollment at the College through the Early Admission Status. Individuals accepted under this status may enroll for no more than two courses per semester and will not be eligible for financial aid benefits. Such individuals must submit the following: • Request for Early Admission form signed by their parent • Official high school transcript • Completion of the appropriate CCBC course placement exam

Visiting Students An individual enrolled in a certificate/degree program with another college/university and wanting to take courses through CCBC to partially satisfy graduation requirements from the other institution may be permitted to enroll as a Visiting Student. Individuals permitted to enroll under this status will be required to provide official college transcripts showing met prerequisites or a CCBC visiting approval form signed by home institution prior to registration. Individuals accepted under this status who then seek to enroll in a subsequent semester will be re-classified as a Transfer Student and will be required to satisfy the appropriate admissions requirements.

Step by Step Enrollment

1. Submit Your Admissions Application Complete an application for admission online at my.ccbc.edu.

2. Visit Campus

Begin your college journey by touring campus and learning about the services that are available to help you succeed.

To schedule a guided campus tour, contact Admissions at 724-480-3504.

Note: If you are applying to a program with special admission requirements such as: Nursing or Radiologic Technology, an information session is required. Contact Admissions at the number listed above to make your appointment.

3. Apply for Financial Aid

You may be eligible for financial assistance. Every CCBC student is urged to apply for financial aid. Applications and information are available at the Financial Aid Office, located in the Student Services Center.

Note: CCBC’s School Code is 006807. For information, or help filling out the application, contact the Financial Aid Office at 724-480-3501 or visit www.studentaid.gov.

4. Take the Placement Test

After applying to the College, students will take a placement test, a series of short exams in English, math, and reading. This test assists academic counselors in matching students’ abilities to courses. Sample questions are available online at www.ccbc.edu/placements.

Do you need to take the Placement Test?

You are exempt from the test if you successfully completed Dual Enrollment, College in High School and/or Academy courses through CCBC or had a GED test score of 165 or higher. You are exempt from the test or parts of the test if any of the following apply:

Math • “C” or better in College Math from another college • ACT 22 • SAT 500 • “B” or better in High School Algebra 2

Reading/Writing • “C” or better in College English from another college • ACT Reading 19; English 20 • SAT Reading 25; Writing 26 • SAT Combined Reading/Writing 475 • “B” or better in all High School English Course

If none of these apply, you are strongly encouraged to take the placement test. While placement tests are not required at this time, taking the placement test helps you successfully prepare for your college career. Please make your appointment by emailing placementtesting@ccbc.edu or calling 724-480-3425.

If you are exempt from the test or parts of the test, please submit transcripts and/or test scores: CCBC Student Records 1 Campus Dr. Monaca, PA 15061

If using SAT/ACT scores, students should schedule an advising session by emailing the counseling office at counselingoffice@ccbc.edu.

The placement test is computerized. In the event of unexpected technical difficulties, students may be asked to return to complete the exam. If you are a student with a disability and require accommodations for the Placement Test, please contact the Accessibility Services Office at access.ability@ccbc.edu or 724-480-3502 in advance of taking the test to make an appointment to request accommodations.

5. Meet with an Advisor and Schedule Your Classes

Immediately following the placement test, students meet with an academic advisor to review placement test scores and to receive academic advising. After meeting with an advisor, students are prepared to register for their first semester courses during new student registration. To protect student confidentiality, placement test scores are not released over the phone. Placement testing, advising, and the scheduling process take approximately three hours.

The Counseling Office provides academic, career and transfer counseling services and participates in other student service activities. CCBC counselors provide academic advising and registration assistance, helping students to select appropriate courses for meeting academic and vocational goals. Assistance is also provided in determining and evaluating interest, values, and self-expectations.

Call the Counseling Office direct at 724-480-3421 or toll free at 1-800-335-0222 to make an appointment. The Counseling Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An evening counselor is available Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor each semester to prepare the following semester. Faculty advisors are identified on students’ degree audits. An Advising Week is held during fall and spring semesters to facilitate meetings between students and faculty advisor.

6. Register

Consult the current academic calendar for registration dates, times, and information. New Student registration at

CCBC is a simple three-step process: • Take the placement test. • Attend a Counseling and Course Selection meeting. • Verify proof of residency and process registration form in person at the Admissions & Registration. • Returning students have the option of registering online at http://my.ccbc.edu. You need your student ID number and password to register.

7. Pay Your Tuition

Tuition payment completes the registration process. Tuition and payment are accepted in cash, personal check, money order, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or a complete financial aid file. The Financial Aid office can outline the requirements for a complete financial aid file. In addition, a loan for tuition payment plan is available. For information on the payment plan, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Special Admissions Requirements

Nursing and Practical Nursing Students

The Nursing programs have restricted admissions and a required testing sequence. To enroll in a Nursing program at CCBC, complete the following steps: • Complete an admissions application. • Take the College’s Placement Tests if required. • File an official copy of your high school record (transcript) or GED test scores with the College. Contact the appropriate official of the last high school you attended, and request that a copy of your high school record be sent to Admissions. • Nursing students are required to take a Nursing pre-admission exam for eligibility/admission to these programs. Admissions will announce the testing schedule for this exam prior to the selective admission process for the Nursing program. • Math score from the pre-admission exam may require an applicant to complete a developmental math course prior to being granted full admission status.

Radiologic Technology Students

Enrollment in the Radiologic Technology program is based on a select admissions process. Students applying to the program must be at least 18 years of age or older within six months after entry into the program. • Complete the Admissions Application (inclusive of 3 reference forms). • Take the College Placement Test. • File an official copy of your high school record (transcript) or GED test scores with the College. • Complete a pre-entrance placement test if required. Applicants will be ranked for interviews based upon the examination score. Selected students are granted admission to the program based on past academic record, pre-entrance examinations, and evaluations at time of the personal interview.

International Students

All F-1 visa students are required to enroll in and maintain 12 or more credits per semester and must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0. Failure to do so will constitute a violation of visa status. Enrollment in summer school is optional. Students wishing to graduate or transfer in a two-year period will need to complete at least 15 credits per semester.

International students are required to maintain the same academic standards as other students and shall be subject to the same rules for probation and disqualification. To enroll as an international student at CCBC, complete the following steps: • Complete the International Student Application. • Complete the International Student Information Form. • Provide a copy of a valid passport • Complete Affidavit of Support Form. • Provide a copy of financial statements showing the students availability of funds to meet all expenses during their period of attendance at CCBC. • Take the TOEFL Test (ability to speak English as a foreign language) - must be taken and a minimum of 500 or higher must be achieved on the paper-based test; 173 or higher on the computer-based test; 61 or higher on the Internetbased test. • Submit transcripts officially translated into English by the international student from his/her high school.

Students transferring from one college to another must send a Transfer Eligibility Form and copies of their I-94, visa page in their passport, and their I-20A-B form (24 credits and 2.0 grade point average are needed to transfer).

Show proof of medical insurance. All international students require health insurance and must show proof each semester at registration. Heath insurance may be purchased in the student’s home country.

Minimum coverage is as follows: • $30,000 minimum hospitalization per year • $250,000 lifetime payment • Identification card or official letter from the insurance company • 6-month coverage (no month-to-month coverage)

When all necessary documents and requirements are met, CCBC will issue an I-20A- B From 60 to 90 days prior to the semester. The I-20 Student Immigration Form is sent by CCBC to all student immigrants wanting admission. The form indicates: • Student’s field of study • Length of course • Date to report to the college

The I-20 Form also allows students to apply for a student visa called the F-I, which must be kept with their passport. International Student Application Forms and requirements are requested by June 15 for the fall semester, November 15 for the spring semester, and March 15 for the summer semester. Once accepted students must plan to take the CCBC placement Test before registering for classes.

Service Members Opportunity Colleges Community College of Beaver County is a member of the Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium of approximately 1,900 colleges and universities. SOC Consortium members subscribe to principles and criteria to ensure that quality academic programs are available to service members, including members of the National Guard and Coast Guard, their family members, reservists, and veterans of all Services. As a SOC Consortium member, this institution ensures that military students share in appropriately accredited postsecondary educational counseling, credit transfer, course articulations, recognition of non-traditional learning experiences, scheduling, course format, and residency requirements are provided to enhance access of service members and their family members to higher education programs.

For more information on Service members Opportunity Colleges, visit their website at www.soc.aascu.org.