Office of Admissions and Registration

Admission

Admission to the College is open to all applicants who meet at least one of the methods of regular admission. Admission to the College does not imply admission to all programs.

Guidelines for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Vocational Nursing, Human Services, Emergency Medical Technology, and Police Academy are provided in the degree requirements section of this catalog, from the respective Program Directors, or on the College website under “Programs”.

Admission Process

Each applicant must satisfactorily complete all phases of the admission process. The Office of Admissions evaluates each application and notifies the student of acceptance or rejection. The student may appeal the decision by following the process published in the WCJC Student Handbook and College Policy FLD (Local).

1. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
   Applicants must use the online Apply Texas application. Once an account has been established within Apply Texas, applicants must complete a three-step process to identify their correct application type before selecting “Wharton County Junior College” from the list of schools provided.
   Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing times may vary based on the number of applications received during peak admission periods.
   All documents submitted to WCJC become the property of the College upon receipt. Official documents can be mailed to the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration, 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488, electronically submitted, or hand delivered to the closest campus.
   If a WCJC student has not enrolled at WCJC within a period of two years, the student must submit a new online application. It is not necessary to submit an application for every term.
2. SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS
   Applicants must submit all official high school (final transcript needed once graduated) and/or college transcript(s) or a General Education Development (GED) certificate with official scores and completion dates. Official transcripts can be mailed to the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration, 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488, electronically submitted, or hand delivered. Official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope.
3. COMPLETE TESTING REQUIREMENTS
   Students must submit all official TSI test scores or proof of exemption. TSI requirements and acceptable exemptions can be found on the WCJC website under “Support” > “Testing Services” > “TSI Testing”. Test scores must be sent directly to WCJC from CollegeBoard or other testing agency to be considered official.
4. SUBMIT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS VACCINATION RECORDS
   Under the requirements of law enacted by the Texas State Legislature, students who are under 22 years of age and entering higher education must demonstrate proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis or proof of exemption.
   Vaccination records can be mailed to the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration, 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488, electronically submitted, or hand delivered.

Evidence of Vaccination

Evidence of vaccination must include:

1. The month, day, and year of vaccination and verify that vaccinations (or boosters) were received at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester and within the past 5 years.
2. At least one of the following:
   • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority.
   • An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

Evidence to Decline Vaccination

A student, or parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving a vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits evidence to decline the vaccination to the institution.

Evidence to decline the vaccination can be either:

1. A Medical Exemption Affidavit or Certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. in which it states that in the physician’s opinion it would be injurious to the health and wellbeing of the student to receive the required vaccination.
2. Conscientious Objection Form. New students under the age of 22 years enrolling at an institution of higher education who are NOT residing in on-campus housing may use the official Texas Department of State Health Services Exemption From Meningococcal Vaccination Requirements Form (https://co-request-jc.dshs.texas.gov/), to decline vaccination for reasons of conscience. Students must request the form electronically, complete and sign it, have it notarized, and file it with the Office of Admissions.

Vaccination Exemptions

WCJC students who are currently enrolled and plan to return the next consecutive semester will NOT be required to submit proof of vaccination as long as the vaccination record on file is less than five (5) years old.

Exemptions allowed by law include:

• Students 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester.
• Students enrolled only in online courses or other distance education programs.
• Students enrolled in dual credit classes on a high school campus.
• Students enrolled in AEL courses.
• Students enrolled in CE or corporate study courses.
• Students enrolled in programs of less than 360 contact hours.
• Students incarcerated in a Texas prison.

Admissions Communications

Once an application has been processed, the applicant will receive a text and email from the Office of Admissions. The admission email contains the applicant’s WCJC ID, declared major pathway, and list of all items needed to complete their admission file.

Once all admission items have been submitted, students will receive a second email with access information to MYWCJC and other important program information.

Methods of Regular Admission

Persons may qualify for admission to WCJC by any of the following means:

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE - Any student that has graduated from a state accredited high school.

GED GRADUATE - A student whose high-school class has graduated may be admitted by successfully completing the GED test.

GRADUATE OF HOME SCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL, OR NON-ACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL - Any student who has completed a home school program or has graduated from a private or nonaccredited high school is eligible to apply for admission.

Students who completed home school and are seeking federal financial aid funds to offset the cost of college attendance are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to verify their home school experience.

TRANSFER STUDENTS - Students transferring to WCJC from another accredited college or university.

WCJC automatically recognizes and accepts transferable credit from colleges or universities that have been accredited by one of the following Regional Accrediting Associations:

1. Middle States Commission on Higher Education
2. New England Association of Schools and Colleges
3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (The Higher Learning Commission)
4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC Senior College and University Commission; Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges)
7. New York Board of Regents (Office of College and University Evaluation)

Credits completed at institutions outside the U.S. may be evaluated for credit.

Evaluations will be conducted on an individual, course-by-course basis. Credits completed at institutions outside the U.S. are individually evaluated at the student’s expense through SPANTRAN, Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA), or World Education Services (WES). Students with foreign university credit must submit information directly to SPANTRAN, FCSA, or WES and request a copy of the evaluation be sent to the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration. The student must also send directly to WCJC a copy of their original foreign transcript and certified English translation for all course descriptions.

Students on scholastic probation at another institution, but who are still eligible to return to that college, may be admitted to WCJC in good standing provided they meet all other entrance requirements.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM STUDENTS - Students enrolled in a Level I certificate are exempt from TSI testing requirements as long as the student enrolls in the courses within the certificate program(s) as outlined in the catalog.

TRANSIENT STUDENTS - Students currently attending another accredited college or university who plan to return to that institution.

EARLY ADMISSION/DUAL CREDIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS - High School students may enroll in a Dual Credit program or as an Early Admission Student.

Students are cautioned against enrolling for college courses that are related to their areas of University of Interscholastic League (UIL) competition and which might thereby endanger their eligibility for participation in UIL.

RE-ENTERING STUDENTS - Students who have previously attended WCJC but have not attended for two years or more are eligible for admission as re-entering students.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - WCJC has a limited International Student Admission program. The College can only admit international students who are enrolling into the Nuclear Technology AAS program and attending all classes at the Bay City Campus.

Residency Information and Requirements

Students are classified as Texas residents or non-Texas residents for the purpose of assessing matriculation and tuition fees. Texas residents must be further classified as either in-district or out-of-district residents. For purposes of determining residency, WCJC complies with all applicable state and federal regulations, as well as with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recommendation.

TEXAS RESIDENT: An adult Texas resident is defined as one who has resided continuously within the state of Texas for at least 12 months prior to the census date of the academic semester in which the student is enrolling. A minor Texas resident is defined as one whose parent(s) or legal guardian has claimed the dependent for federal income tax purposes both at the time of enrollment and for the tax year preceding enrollment. This classification is defined by the State Auditor’s Office and must be adhered to.

NON-RESIDENT: A non-resident student is defined as one who does not qualify as a Texas resident (out-of-state, international students, etc.). A non-resident student classification is presumed to be correct so long as the student is in the state primarily for the purpose of attending school. To be reclassified as a resident, after one or more years of residency, the student must show proof of intent to establish Texas as his/her own residency.

IN-DISTRICT: In general, an adult who is a Texas resident has resided continuously within, and paid property taxes to, the Wharton County Junior College District (Wharton County and Needville ISD) for at least six (6) months prior to the census date of the academic semester in which the student is enrolling. If the applicant is a minor, then a parent(s) or legal guardian must meet the qualification of In-District.

OUT-OF-DISTRICT: A Texas resident who does not qualify as an in-district resident.

Proof of Residency

Section 54.051(b) of the Texas Education Code requires documentation of residency for persons enrolling in public institutions of higher education.

Persons classified as residents are required to provide proof that they are entitled to be so classified and to agree to notify the proper institutional official if for any reason the classification becomes inappropriate.

Additional information concerning admission is available by contacting the Office of Admissions and Registration.

Registration

Registration information, procedures, and deadlines are published on the WCJC website under “Information For” > “Current Students”. By registering at WCJC, a student accepts all rules and regulations of the College as published on the WCJC website, the WCJC College Catalog, and the WCJC Student Handbook.

Students may register for credit classes online or in person, during the applicable registration period, published in the WCJC Academic Calendar.

Students will be allowed to make schedule changes at the beginning of each semester. Schedule change and late registration dates for each part of term are published each year as part of the academic calendar.

Students may register for a maximum of 19 credit hours in fall and spring semesters, 14 credit hours in the summer (both sessions combined), and four (4) credit hours in a mini semester. Students who wish to register for additional hours must have written permission from the Vice President of Instruction.

Courses may be added and/or dropped only during periods indicated in the College’s academic calendar. Classes dropped after the census date and before the official withdrawal date are recorded with the letter “W” on the student’s permanent record.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

In accordance with Texas Education Code §51.333, students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the TSI in order to enroll in public institutions of higher education. The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading/writing and mathematics unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Each student who fails to meet the minimum passing standard of the exam offered by the institution must be placed in a developmental education program designed to help the student achieve college readiness.

Students who do not meet the TSI standard created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Education Statute (applying to all public institutions of higher education in Texas):

1. Must enroll continuously in college readiness classes (excluding summer sessions and mini terms) directly related to the section(s) of the test where the score in reading, writing or math does not meet the college readiness standards. The student must continue enrolling in the college readiness class each semester until achieving college readiness in all areas. Students must give priority in course selection to the corresponding college readiness class. Students who are not college ready in reading, writing, and math are required to enroll in college readiness classes immediately upon enrolling at WCJC if the student seeks enrollment in college credit courses that lead to an associate, level two certificate or baccalaureate degree.
2. Must satisfactorily complete all coursework in the developmental sequence at the point of placement before enrolling in college-level courses in those disciplines.
3. Are encouraged to enroll in a student success course (PSYC/EDUC 1100  and/or NCBI) if TSI placement results indicate need for college readiness courses.
4. Cannot enroll in courses where college readiness has not been met, except for courses paired with a co-requisite support course.
5. Must meet with an academic advisor, as part of mandatory advising/TSI remediation advisement until the college readiness courses are satisfied by retesting in the area they did not meet the standard or completing the applicable college readiness sequence with a grade of A, B, or C.
6. Cannot graduate from an associate degree program or from a level two certificate program until TSI compliance is achieved through testing or through successful completion of the college readiness course sequence.

TSI Exemptions

A student may be exempt from meeting TSI requirements in one or more subject areas by meeting one of the below standards. Current TSI exemption criteria can be found on the WCJC website under “Support” > “Testing Services” > “TSI Testing”.

Once official score(s)/documentation qualifying a student for an exemption or college readiness have been presented, and following enrollment in any coursework, the expiration provision for the exemption is no longer applicable.

• SAT (taken March 2016 or later and no more than 5 years) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 480 or higher is exempt from the TSI English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) requirements; Math score of 530 or higher is exempt from the TSI Math requirement.
• ACT taken prior to February 14, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the Math and 19 on the English. ACT taken after February 15, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a math score of 22 for exemption from the TSI math requirement and a combined English and Reading score of 40 for exemption from the TSI ELAR requirement (no composite score requirement).
• TAKS exit-level Math score of 2200 and English/Language Arts score of 2200 and Writing essay score of 3 (test taken no more than 5 years ago).
• Students serving on active duty as a member of the US Armed Forces, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the US armed forces.
• Students who on or after August 1, 1990, were honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Texas National Guard, or serve as a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• An earned degree, associates or higher, from a Texas public college or university.
• A student who transfers to an institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.
• GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) score of 165 or higher is exempt from the TSI English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) requirement; Mathematical Reasoning score of 165 or higher is exempt from the TSI Math requirement.
• HiSET Reading subtest score of 15 or higher AND Writing subtest score of 4 or higher is exempt from the TSI English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) requirement; Mathematics subtest score of 15 or higher is exempt from the TSI Math requirement. Tests scores must be no older than 5 years old and taken before August 31, 2021.
• STAAR scores minimum: STAAR end-ofcourse (EOC) with a minimum score Level 2 on English III shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment requirement for both reading and writing and a minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment requirement for math.
• TSI Assessment (test taken no more than 5 years ago): Mathematics score of 350 or above; Reading score of 351 or above; Writing essay score of a 5 or above; or an essay score of a 4 with an objective score of 340 or above. Students must fulfill both the TSI Reading and Writing requirements in order to be considered exempt from the TSIA2 ELAR section.
• TSI 2 Assessment ELAR score of 945-990 AND essay score of 5-8 OR ELAR score of 910-944, ELAR diagnostic score of 5-6, AND essay score of 5-8; Mathematics score of 950-990 OR mathematics score of 910-949 AND math diagnostics score of 6.
• A student receiving a certificate in a Texas College Bridge course related to English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and/or mathematics will have a TSI waiver in the related subject area(s) at WCJC for two years after graduation from high school. Students must complete a college-level course with a “C” or higher in the certified subject area(s) within the first year of enrollment at WCJC in order to retain the TSI exemption.
• A student completing a HB 5 course related to reading, writing, and/or mathematics according to the terms of an articulation agreement between WCJC and the local school district will have a TSI waiver in the related subject area(s) for two years at WCJC.
• A student who completes a designated college-level reading, writing, and/or mathematics course with a “C” or higher will be TSI satisfied. Completion, with a “C” or higher, of a designated collegelevel writing course will result in the student being TSI satisfied in reading and writing.
• Dual credit students are strongly encouraged to visit the WCJC website for the most up to date information regarding TSI exemptions for admission.

Testing Information

Entering students who need to satisfy TSI requirements may call any WCJC campus testing center to make an appointment for testing.

Testing Schedules are also available on the WCJC website under “Support” > “Testing Services”. Testing should be completed at least one month prior to registration.

Developmental Education Plan to Comply with TSI

In accordance with TSI guidelines, WCJC will assess each undergraduate student entering the institution (unless exempted) and determine if the student is “college-ready” in reading/writing and math. Students who do not achieve a college-ready score on one or more sections of the THECB approved assessment instruments may satisfy TSI requirements by the completion of an individualized developmental education plan.

More information regarding WCJC’s developmental education plan is available by visiting with an academic advisor.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit

WCJC may grant credit for prior learning assessments (PLA) if the assessment is determined to have met the student learning outcomes applicable to a WCJC course(s). WCJC students may earn PLA credit using the following mechanisms:

• Credit by Examination: Includes Advanced Placement, College Level Subject Examination, International Baccalaureate, ACT/SAT, or other applicable examination. Minimum score requirements and credit/placement information provided below.
• Military Training
• Professional Licensure/Certifications: Includes current Texas Licensed Vocational Nurse, National Registry and/or State of Texas-Certified Emergency Medication Technician, and National Registry and/or State of Texas- Certified Advanced Emergency Medication Technician.
• Articulation Agreements
• Mirror Courses: Pre-approved WCJC courses which have been successfully completed by a Continuing Education student.
• Work/Life Experience: Includes students pursuing an AAS in Law Enforcement who have a current Texas peace officer certification, are employed with a criminal justice agency, and have a minimum of 6 months of related work experience.
• Other PLA submissions may be considered on an individual basis.

PLA Award Criteria

PLA credit will be awarded only to those students who have been fully admitted to WCJC. A student must submit a “Petition for Credit” form and any applicable verification documents in order for PLA credit to be awarded.

Where applicable, PLA credits will be evaluated by the respective Division Chair. The Division Chair will determine whether or not credit may be granted and for which course.

PLA credit will be automatically awarded when it directly applies toward the student’s chosen program of study. If a student petitions to be awarded credit which does not apply toward their chosen program of study, the student will be required to sign an acknowledgement regarding the potential implications on their financial aid eligibility. Once awarded, PLA credit will not be removed from a student’s transcript or academic record upon future request. Any applicable fees must be paid prior to PLA credits being awarded.

All PLA credit will be transcribed with a grade of “P” and will not count toward a student’s institutional GPA. PLA credit will be included in a student’s attempted hours. The student may not have previously taken, or attempted, the course that is the same as the PLA credit for which they are applying. PLA Credit may not be used as a substitute for any Cooperative Education, Internship Program, or Capstone course.

No more than 75% of a WCJC degree or certificate may be obtained through PLA, or other external (e.g. transfer courses), credit. In accordance with Administrative Procedure ECG, a student “must complete at least 25% of their semester hours at WCJC”.

PLA credit granted at WCJC may or may not meet minimum requirements for transfer credit at other institutions. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm transferability of credit with their desired transfer institution(s).

Advanced Placement Examination

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations provide a means to demonstrate college-level accomplishments. An AP score of 3, 4, or 5 is required for the credit award to be considered.

College Level Subject Examination

College Level Subject Examination Program (CLEP) tests are administered at the WCJC Testing Centers.

Pre-Calculus and Calculus Placement

Placement into WCJC Pre-Calculus classes can be completed by:

1. Satisfying applicable prerequisites; OR
2. Completing the Accuplacer Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions test.

Placement into WCJC Calculus classes can be completed by:

1. Satisfying applicable prerequisites; OR
2. Completing the Accuplacer Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions test, Calculus CLEP exam, or College Board’s AP exam with a minimum required score.

The Accuplacer Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions Test (AALF) is administered by the WCJC Testing Center.

• A maximum of two AALF tests for Pre- Calculus and/or Calculus I can be taken per calendar year.
• A score of 250 to 275, inclusive, is required to permit registration in Pre- Calculus Math, MATH 2412 .
• A score from 276 to 300, inclusive, is required to permit registration in Calculus I, MATH 2413 .
• The AALF test differs from AP and CLEP in that credit is not given for any course, only permission to take Pre-Calculus or Calculus I is granted.
• The AALF test must be administered at a WCJC Testing Center. AALF scores from other colleges will not be accepted.

The CLEP is described above. Passing the CLEP exam for Pre-Calculus satisfies the prerequisites for taking Calculus I, MATH 2413 .

The College Board’s AP for Calculus has two tests: one for Calculus AB and one for Calculus BC. See table below.

• The WCJC policy for the Calculus AB test is to give credit for Calculus I, MATH 2413 , with a minimum score of 3.
• The WCJC policy for the Calculus BC test is to give credit according to the scores as follows: a score of 5 on the Calculus BC exam results in credit for Calculus II, MATH 2414 , and credit for Calculus I, MATH 2413 ; a score of 4 results in credit for Calculus II, MATH 2414 , and credit for Calculus I, MATH 2413 , if the AB subscore is 3 or higher.
• If the score for the Calculus BC test is 3 or below, no credit is given for Calculus II; but consideration is given to the Calculus AB sub-score in which case a sub-score of 3 or higher for Calculus AB results in credit for Calculus I, MATH 2413 .

International Baccalaureate

WCJC will grant credit on International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (unless otherwise noted) tests for the following courses:

Other Credit by Exam Options

Credit for English 1301 (three semester hours) is granted based upon an English Enhanced Score of 31 or more on the ACT or a score of 670 or more on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) (test taken March 2016 or later).

For ACT or SAT credit to be awarded at WCJC, the student must have the official score report sent to WCJC. The student must also complete and sign a “Petition for Credit” form at a WCJC campus Testing Center.