3.4 Admissions

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to articulate college admission standards beyond just the college website. The policy will note admission standards and exceptions to admission. Procedures for gaining admission is outlined.

APPLICABILITY:

Riverland Community College is committed to open admissions for students meeting one of the following requirements:

1. A high school diploma or GED (General Equivalency Diploma) or
2. Current high school students who meet requirements for Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program or
3. Applicants without a high school diploma or GED, who take the ACCUPLACER test and meet the “Ability to Benefit” standards.

   Please note:

   1. Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED are not eligible for federal financial aid funds. Students must pass an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education to be eligible for state financial aid funds.
   2. Admission to a college does not guarantee that a student is allowed to enroll in college-level courses as provided for in Minnesota State System Procedure 3.3.1 Assessment for Course Placement.

Exceptions:

1. Students who have been suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons from another postsecondary institution may be denied admission to Riverland Community College. Students can appeal with the Dean of Student Affairs.
2. Students who have been suspended or expelled for academic reasons from any postsecondary institution will not be accepted to Riverland Community College until an appeal can be considered by the college. The Appeals committee will consider if the student demonstrates potential for being successful in the particular program to which they apply. Students granted admittance are placed on academic warning. Students whose appeal is denied will be denied admission to Riverland Community College.
3. Students who have a hold on their record from another Minnesota State college or university may be accepted to Riverland Community College but may not be allowed to register until the hold has been resolved at their previous institution.

Appeals:

Riverland Admission Appeal Policy — Students denied admissions have the right to appeal that decision.

SCOPE: Students

DEFINITIONS: N/A

DOES THIS POLICY HAVE A PROCEDURE? Yes

1. Student creates StarID and password.
2. Student completes and submits the Minnesota State online application form. (Paper applications are available through the Admissions Department if necessary.)

Documentation of immunization as per Minnesota State Statute (M.S.135A.14) must be received no later than 45 class days after the semester begins. If documentation is not received a registration hold will be placed on the student’s record.

LIST RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES OR FORMS:

• Minnesota State Board Policy 3.4 Undergraduate Admissions — Minnesota State System Procedure 3.4.1
• Minnesota State Policy 3.3 Assessment for Course Placement — Minnesota State Procedure 3.3.1 Assessment for Course Placement
• Riverland Admission Appeal Policy
• Riverland Incoming Student Assessment Policy
• Riverland Assessment for College Readiness & Course Placement

Date Implemented: 3/12/2015

Responsible Division / Author: Academic Affairs / Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs / Dean of Students

Date Revised: 5/27/2022 waive HS transcript/GED before acceptance.