Admissions Policy

The Pierpont Community & Technical College Admissions Policy follows the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Title 135 Procedural Rule, Series 23 “Basic Guidelines and Standards for Admissions at Community and Technical College”. The college is committed to providing an educational opportunity to all persons regardless of educational background or preparation.

Admission to Pierpont is open to any person age eighteen or older, able to benefit from study at the community college level.

General Admission Procedure

Students seeking admission to Pierpont Community & Technical College must file an application for admission and meet deadline dates.

The application and any supporting credentials must be on file at least two weeks prior to the opening of a semester or term.

All credentials submitted in support of an application for admission become the property of the College and will not be returned to the student.

Any student admitted upon the basis of false credentials will be subject to immediate dismissal from the institution.

Students who fail to register during a semester or term for which they have been admitted must file another application in order to gain admission at a later date.

All Pierpont students seeking full time admission who do NOT have ACT/SAT scores within the past five years or do not meet all placement standards for entry into certain majors can take placement into English and Mathematics courses. Placement tests should be completed before admission into the major. Placement scores are valid for 2 years from date of testing.

The College offers new student orientation sessions. Students can enroll, select classes, complete financial aid steps, and more. Contact (304) 367-4907 for information.

Separate applications for residence halls must be submitted to the Office of Residence Life. Be sure to complete the housing exemption if you do not plan to live on campus during the academic year.

Those who possess a high school transcript of completion, or have passed a High School Equivalency Exam, may enroll as Certificate of Applied Science or Associate degree-seeking students.

Without a high school transcript of completion, or passing of a High School Equivalency Exam, individuals may be conditionally admitted into the college and as a “Non-Degree Seeking” student can enroll in many of the Community and Technical College courses. Beginning July 1, 2012 ability to benefit students will not be eligible for financial aid. Students previously admitted as ability to benefit students will be eligible for financial aid if in good standing. Following each semester students will be evaluated, to determine whether college-level academic performance indicates an ability to continue. Upon conditional admission into the course, individuals will be directed to testing.

Neither regular or conditional admission to the college ensure the entry into a specific program of study, nor imply eligibility to enroll in courses with established prerequisites, or entry into competitive programs with limited numbers of students and special entry requirements.

Several programs of study have competitive entry, are limited in the number of students admitted annually, and have specific deadline dates. Applicants to competitive programs should complete placement or ACT or SAT testing early and have their high school transcripts forwarded to Student Services as soon as possible in the fall for consideration into the competitive programs for the following fall enrollment date. To insure proper consideration, students are asked to make early application to their program of choice with test scores and transcripts (note, some program consideration involves additional costs).

Early admissions standards for high school students enrolling in community colleges are subject to the requirements of the WVCTCS Section 135-19-6 of Title 135, Series 19 “Guidelines for College Courses for High School Students”. Entry into General English, Mathematics and Science courses may also require defined ACT, SAT or placement test scores. All students are advised to make an appointment for placement testing for appropriate course placement and before their scheduling of courses. Incorrect and incomplete information will delay file completion and financial aid processing.

Placement Testing

In order for students and their advisors to create a schedule that best meets their academic abilities and program requirements, students may be required to take placement tests in math, English, and/or reading. There is no fee for placement testing. For more information regarding placement testing requirements and subsequent course placements, please contact our Testing Center, (304) 368-7254.

Associate and Certificate of Applied Science Degrees

Degree Seeking Admissions Requirements

First-Time Freshman

1. Submit:
   1. Application for Admission
   2. Official High School Transcript (sent by high school), Home School Transcript, or Official High School Equivalency Exam Certificate (sent by Department of Education)
   3. ACT/SAT Scores, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER or other approved placement scores when necessary (prerequisites, entry into program of study requirement)
2. Apply for financial aid (FAFSA code 040385)
3. When admission is approved:
   1. Complete Placement Tests if necessary (administered by Pierpont at no cost to the student)
   2. Attend Orientation Session
   3. Complete Financial Aid Counseling Session (if taking out loans)

Transfer Student

Any applicant, who has attended another institution of higher education, is classified as a transfer student. Credit earned at other accredited colleges and universities can be used toward a degree, if applicable. Transfer students must meet the admission requirements of Pierpont Community & Technical College. Credits and grades earned at any public institution governed by the Higher Education Policy Commission, or WV Council for Community and Technical College Education shall be transferable to Pierpont Community & Technical College. Beginning Spring 2017 semester, all transfer credit is brought in as letter grades (i.e. A, B, C).

All transfer work completed by an applicant is required upon admission.  Upon receipt of the final transcript, successfully completed coursework is articulated to the students Pierpont transcript.  Failing grades, grades of “No Credit,” excluded grades, withdrawal grades (“W” or equivalent), and developmental courses with no GPA-bearing grade are not articulated and cannot be used toward institutional credit.

1. Submit:
   1. Application for Admission
   2. College Transcript (from accredited institution(s)) if transferring credits. See “Transfer Students” and “Transferring Core Coursework” sections.
   3. If transferring fewer than 15 earned credit hours, ACT, SAT, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, or other approved institutional placement test scores are required for certain course prerequisites or for entrance into specific programs; (please refer to the catalog for details.)
2. Apply for financial aid (FAFSA code 040385)
3. When admission is approved:
   1. Complete Placement Tests if necessary (administered by Pierpont at no cost to the student)
   2. Attend Orientation Session
   3. Complete Financial Aid Counseling Session if taking out loans

Post Graduate -Student Seeking a Second Degree

Any applicant that has completed a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution may pursue another degree as a postgraduate student. Submit an application and all college transcripts to the Pierpont C&TC Office of Admissions, 1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554. General Studies and major requirements will be reviewed by the appropriate departments to determine what additional courses must be completed. While credit for the previously earned degree will be posted, no individual courses will be articulated.

Non Degree-Seeking Admission Requirements (Not Financial Aid Eligible)

Admission is intended for students registering for occasional college courses with no degree objective. Non-degree seeking students may include transient students, high school students, high school or High School Equivalency Exam graduates wishing to take classes but not interested in attaining a degree, and adult students without high school or High School Equivalency Exam credentials.

Transient Student

Submit:

1. Application for Admission
2. College transcripts showing pre-requisite courses may be required to take some courses.
3. After completion of 15 credit hours, transient students wishing to seek a degree must submit an application for admission as a degree seeking student.

High School Student (not Financial Aid eligible)

Submit:

1. Application for admission
2. High school transcript
3. Written permission from high school principal or counselor
4. Written parental permission

Outstanding high school students may be admitted as non-degree seeking students only, either in the summer following completion of the junior year in high school or during the senior year in high school. In addition, students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher. No more than 15 hours may be earned before admission as a regular student. Students must pay regular college fees as defined by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS). High School students may not receive Financial Aid until the fall semester following graduation.

Other Non-Degree Seeking Student

Submit:

1. Application for admission
2. High school transcript or High School Equivalency Exam Certificate (sent by the Department of Education) if applicable
3. Prerequisite courses or test scores may need to be met for some courses
4. After completion of 15 credit hours, transient students wishing to seek a degree must submit an application for admission as a degree seeking student.

Immunization Requirements

The following immunizations are strongly recommended for all students enrolling at Pierpont, MMR (mumps, measles, rubella), Meningococcal vaccine, Polio series, Tetanus-Diphtheria- Pertussis (Td and aP or Tdap within the past five years), Hepatitis A Vaccine, Hepatitis B Series, and the Varicella Vaccine (or history of chicken pox).

Health Sciences, Early Childhood and Food Service Management majors require immunizations to complete classes, practicums and internships. Please contact the program coordinators for additional information.

Please contact Student Health Services for information on any of the listed vaccinations and how they may be obtained by calling (304) 367-4155.

Additional Information for Students

Admission Policy for Competitive Enrollment Programs

Competitive programs requiring separate applications are listed below.

The program application, $20 nonrefundable application fee, high school transcript/home school transcript/High School Equivalency Exam scores, placement scores, (ACT/SAT/ COMPASS/ACCUPLACER, etc.) Note: Physical Therapist Assistant and Radiologic Technology majors do not accept COMPASS or ACCUPLACER scores, college transcript (if applicable), and any other required information must be on file by the deadline date listed on the program application.

The credentials are collected by the Office of Admissions and are submitted to the appropriate selection committee for consideration. Any application received after that date will be considered only on a space-available basis. All applicants are notified by letter concerning their admission status to the program. Selection criteria are based primarily on academic background with some flexibility concerning life experience and training. Strong mathematics and science background is highly recommended. Consideration will be given to students who have successfully completed college coursework. Students with a college cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 must remedy this situation before they can be eligible for admission to the programs. Students who have completed a High School Equivalency Exam must show evidence of successful completion of required prerequisite courses.

Competitive Program Deadlines

(*NOTE: This major is affiliated with United Hospital Center (UHC) and WVU Hospitals (WVUH). Students must attend interviews and respond to emails directly from UHC and WVUH Radiologic Technology program.)

For all other competitive programs preference will be given to those students who meet the deadline dates. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the class is filled. Application deadlines for each program are listed on the individual program application as well as on the general admissions application.

Each competitive program has a separate application and a $20 nonrefundable application fee. All documents must be on file by the deadline. All applications of persons interested in the specific programs will be given every consideration in the selection process.

See specific program requirements in the ‘Program of Study’ section of the catalog, or go to our website www.pierpont.edu or students should check with the coordinators of the programs for other specific requirements.

The American College Test/Scholastic Aptitude Test

Some degree and certificate programs in Pierpont Community & Technical College require applicants to provide American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Students are encouraged to take the ACT or SAT, because scores on the test are used in placing students in English and Mathematics, for scholarships and loans, and in the academic counseling program. High school students are urged to take the test during their junior year. Financial aid applicants should take the test either during the summer prior to the beginning of the senior year, or on the September or October dates. Students receiving a score of 25 or higher on the English section of the Enhanced ACT and four units of high school English with no semester grade less than a “B” may receive credit for ENGL 1104 . (See Student Services)

For information concerning registration and test dates for the ACT National Exam, please visit the official ACT website, www.act.org.

Physical Examination

Physical examinations are not required for admission to Pierpont Community & Technical College. All Health Sciences students must have a physical examination prior to entering any Health Sciences program; forms are available from Program Coordinators; completed forms should be submitted to Program Coordinators. All Early Childhood students must have a physical examination prior to entering the program; documentation of examination should be submitted to the Early Childhood Program Coordinator.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS INCURRED WITH PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS, IMMUNIZATION, AND BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Scheduling Classes

At the beginning of each semester or term (and within the designated time frame), all students are expected to complete registration. Testing and orientation programs are offered prior to each semester and all newly-admitted students are invited to attend. Late registration fees are assessed in accordance with the fee schedule cited under Special Fees.

Mathematics and English Competency

The West Virginia Community & Technical College System requires that students meet certain score requirements before being permitted to enroll in introductory college-level math and English courses without an additional support course. Any ONE of the following scores will satisfy the requirement to enroll in the respective subject areas without need to enroll in a support course:

English

(ENGL 1104) (three credit hours, three hours per week for fifteen weeks or equivalent time)

• ACT: 18 or above on the English section
• SAT (2016): 500 or above on the Evidenced Based Reading Writing Section
• ASSET: A scaled score of 38 or above on the Writing Skills test
• COMPASS: 71 or above on the Writing Skills Placement test
• ACCUPLACER: 88 or above on the Sentence Skills test
• WV General Summative Assessment: Achievement Level 3 or Higher on the English/Language section.

*Students not meeting state required scores will need to enroll in the ENGL 1104  four credit hour course.

Mathematics

MTH 1200  and MTH 1207  

• ACT: 19 or above on the mathematics section
• SAT-1: 460 or above on the quantitative mathematics portion
• SAT (2016): 500 or above on mathematics portion
• ASSET: A scaled score of 40 or above on the numerical test and 38 or above on the elementary algebra test
• COMPASS: A 59 or above on the pre-algebra test; a 36 or above on the elementary algebra test
• ACCUPLACER: A scaled score of 85 on the arithmetic test for majors requiring quantitative reasoning courses or a scaled score of 76 on the elementary algebra test for majors requiring college algebra or a scaled score of 40 on the college-level math test of the College Obard’s ACCUPLACER Testing System.
• WV General Summative Assessment: Achievement Level 3 or Higher on the Mathematics section.

*Students not meeting state required scores will need to enroll in the MTH 1200  or MTH 1207  four credit hour course. To find placement test scores required for each math course, please check the course descriptions.

Pierpont Community & Technical College offers some placement tests free-of-charge at several of our campus locations for students who have no test scores at the time of admissions, or for those students who would like the opportunity to re-test. For additional information, contact the Director of Advising, Testing, & Assessment at 304-367-4990 or at Nancy.Parks@pierpont.edu.

Auditing Courses

Students may be permitted to attend classes as auditors if they obtain written permission from the instructor of the course. Permission can only be granted if there is available enrollment in the course.  No student who enrolls in any class as an auditor may, in the same semester, be considered as enrolled in the class for the purpose of obtaining credit. Auditors are required to complete the regular registration forms and pay regular fees.

Credit for Prior Learning

Pierpont grants credit for prior learning through a variety of methods including military training, advanced placement exams, advanced standing, articulation, CLEP exams, credit by examination and portfolio examination. No more than fifty percent of a degree can be earned through prior learn credit, except for the WV state Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science degree.

Academic Credit for Military Training

Students who have completed basic training may be granted credit of four semester hours which may be granted a maximum of four (4) semester hours of credit which may be used to satisfy a physical education and/or elective requirement. It is the responsibility of the student to request this credit and verify military experience.

Advanced Placement Examination (AP)

Pierpont Community & Technical College recognizes certain examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students who participate in AP the program and wish to have their scores evaluated for credit should have their scores sent from the College Board to Pierpont Community & Technical College. The AP examinations are prepared by the College Board, and the papers are graded by readers of the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540. Students cannot receive credit for a score below 3 on any exam. Students who do receive credit will be assigned the grade of CR, which is not calculated into the GPA.

Advanced Standing

Based on the high school record and performance on the ACT or SAT, the Registrar will determine eligibility for advanced standing and credit in English and foreign language as follows:

• English: Students may receive three hours of college credit in ENGL 1104  and may enroll in ENGL 1108  if they present four units of high school English with no semester grade of less than a ‘B’ and a standard score of 25 or higher on the English section of the ACT or 640 on the evidence based reading and writing (EBRW) section of the redesigned SAT.
• Foreign Language: Students who present one or more units of high school Spanish may enroll SPN 1102 . 

Articulation Policy (Secondary Credit, Military, ACE and National Certifications)

Articulation between Pierpont Community & Technical College and regional high schools and career technical education centers permits students to receive college credit for certain course competencies completed at the secondary level. Students are permitted to enter college at their level of competency and avoid duplication of course work. Students should contact their high school or Career & Technical Education Center counselor for specific information concerning the articulation process.

Military and ACE credit recommendations and national certifications are also reviewed and matched for course content in a students’ major and when a match occurs, credit the military and/or ACE credits are articulated into the appropriate Pierpont course credit.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP™)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Students can reduce their costs in and time and money by successfully completing CLEP tests for credit. The CLEP exams are prepared by the College Board® and administered by Pierpont Community & Technical College. Students must receive a minimum score of 50 to receive college credit. Students who receive credit will be assigned a grade of CR. For additional information contact the Center for Workforce Education at (304) 367-4920 or (304)368-7254. CLEP Examinations Accepted by Pierpont Community & Technical College

Credit by Examination

Students may earn course credit by examination. To apply for permission for such an examination,

• Students must be currently enrolled at Pierpont Community & Technical College.
• Students must first schedule an interview with the program coordinator where the course is housed, or an examiner designated by that School Dean or the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who will evaluate the student’s background, experience, and qualifications to establish eligibility and give permission to take the examination.
• Application forms for “Credit by Examination” must be completed with the School Dean’s approval and required fees must be paid prior to the exam being given. Applicants must pay a fee of $22.00 per semester credit hour for each examination and a receipt for the payment of the fee must be obtained from the Student Service Center. No money will be refunded if an examination is failed, and no examination may be repeated.
• Once a student obtains permission to test and makes the payment, he/she makes arrangements with the Exam Administrator/Coordinator/Instructor for completing the exam, and takes the completed “Credit by Examination” form with proof of payment to the Exam Administrator/Coordinator/Instructor.
• In order to gain college credit by special examination, students must demonstrate better than average established proficiency on the examination, as determined by the examiner.
• Examinations will not be given for college courses in which students have previously received a letter grade, “CR”, “NC”, “NCX”, “W”, or “I”, on their transcript or are currently enrolled in.
• Once the test is completed the Exam Administrator/Coordinator/Instructor sends the completed “Credit by Examination” form, and completed exam to be filed in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• The Office of Academic Affairs then sends the “Credit by Examination” form and a copy of the completed exam to the Registrar for scanning into the permanent record of the student.
• Students successfully passing an exam will be assigned the grade of CR, which is not calculated into the GPA.

Portfolio Process

A portfolio may not be submitted for a course in which there is a CLEP or other standardized award credit or for which an institutional test-out exists. A portfolio must align with the student learning outcomes of a specific course offered at Pierpont or at another WV higher education institution. A portfolio will be reviewed and recommended for college credit by a faculty expert(s) in that content area. Students may receive fewer credits than requested. Students are expected to pay portfolio review fee before the portfolio is sent out for review, and payment of portfolio fees does not guarantee that credits will be granted. If credit is granted, the grade of CR will be given.

A PLA coordinator will assist the student in deciding whether or not a portfolio submission is recommended. Cost of the portfolio evaluation is $300 and a $10 credit posting fee per credit earned. The fees are not financial aid eligible.

Transfer Credit and Core Coursework Transfer

Any applicant for admission to Pierpont who has attended another collegiate institution will be classified as a transfer student. Pierpont will make every effort to allow credit earned at institutions that are accredited by organizations recognized by Higher Learning Commission count toward a degree at Pierpont. Students must provide evidence of good standing at the institution last attended and have maintained a minimum 2.0 GPA. Credits earned at those accredited institutions shall be transferable to Pierpont. Students transferring fewer than 24 semester hours must provide an official copy of their high school transcript or high school equivalency diploma scores, and ACT or SAT scores if taken.

The institution follows the guidelines in WVCTCS Series 17, “Transferability of Credits and Grades at the Undergraduate Level”. The Series establishes guidelines for the transferability of credits and grades for WV public and private post-secondary colleges and universities. Students seeking to challenge the credit transferred in by Pierpont can appeal to the registrar. Students that transfer from one state college or university may also transfer Core Coursework that will count toward the fulfillment of general studies requirements at the receiving institutions. Under the terms of the agreement, the student may transfer up to thirty-five credit hours of undergraduate coursework in the areas of English composition, communications and literature, fine arts appreciation, mathematics, natural science and social science as general studies credits.

Core Coursework Transfer List

The following is a list of general studies requirements that may be fulfilled by comparable coursework at other state institutions. All other general education requirements must be completed at Pierpont.