Mar 19, 2024  
2016-2017 College Catalog 
    
2016-2017 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



Policies and Procedures

South Louisiana Community College has an open admission policy as established by the Louisiana Legislature and approved by the Board of Regents. Following the completion of the application requirements, the applicant will be classified by enrollment type.

All students applying to South Louisiana Community College must submit the Application for Admissions and updated Proof of Immunization. Anyone wishing to apply for admission in person may do so at the main campus or any site of the college.

General Admission Requirements

In addition to the application, applicants to South Louisiana Community College must submit the following items:

  • High School transcript (high school graduates prior to 2003 and out-of-state students only), HISET/GED certificate or Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) scores
  • Updated Immunization Records (required by Louisiana Law)
  • Proof of registration with Selective Service, if applicable. (Acceptable documents include a copy of the applicant’s Selective Service registration card or a print out from the Selective Service website, https://www.sss.gov/Home/Verification, indicating the applicant’s registration status.)

Immunization Records

In compliance with state law, SLCC has adopted an immunization policy to protect the students, faculty, and staff from outbreaks of measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and meningitis. The policy applies to all students born after 1956 if they are enrolling for the first time at SLCC. An immunization form is available in the Admissions Office at each campusalong with other application materials. Students may use the form to furnish proof of immunization or to request an exemption from the immunization requirement. Persons needing the immunization form should contact the Admissions Office.

To verify immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus/diphtheria (MMR/TD), and Meningococcal (MPSV4/MCV4) vaccines, students must provide evidence of two immunizations for MMR/TD since birth or one immunization for MMR/TD at age 15 or later. A tetanusdiphtheria immunization must have been taken no earlier than 10 years prior to admission. Evidence must be a written statement from a physician, public health clinic, or other health care provider indicating the dates of immunization or occurrence of disease or the results of antibody titers proving immunity. A copy of a “shot” record furnished by a clinic or health care provider is satisfactory.

Students may claim exemption from the immunization requirement for medical, personal, or religious reasons. Details about exemption and a waiver statement that students requesting an exemption must sign are included on the immunization form.

Immunization forms and proof of immunization can be submitted to the Admissions Office. All immunization records will be kept confidential. Written permission from a student is required before any information can be released to third parties.

Military Service Act for Admission

In accordance with the requirements of Louisiana Law, specifically R.S. 17:3151 (Acts 1985, No. 185; Act 1987, No.214; Acts 1999, No. 345), and the Federal Selective Service Act, each applicant for admission to SLCC who is required to register for the federal draft is governed by the following admission policies:

  • No person who is required to register for the federal draft under the federal Military Service Act shall be eligible to enroll in the institution until such person has registered for such draft except as provided by parts A and B below. Such persons shall submit to the institution a statement of compliance and written proof of draft registration and Selective Service status as part of the required documents for admission except as provided in parts A, B and C below.
  • Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States must submit a copy of the DD214 discharge certificate.
  • A person who has not registered for the federal draft shall be eligible to enroll at SLCC if the following occur:
    1. Males not yet 18 years of age
    2. Males born before 1960
    3. Non-citizen who first entered the United States after they turned 26 years of age.

Admission Classification and Admission Status

Upon acceptance into the College, students are placed into three classifications: degree seeking, non-degree seeking, and high school students. Each classification includes distinct categories of students as outlined below.

Degree Seeking Students

A degree seeking student is one who has declared the intent to earn an associate degree, a technical diploma, or a certificate at SLCC. A degree seeking student may be a first-time freshman, a transfer student, a re-entry/transfer student, or a re-entry student. Requirements for admission in each of these categories are outlined below.

First-Time in College

A student who has never attended an accredited college or university must provide the following admission documents:

  • Updated immunization record (if born after 12/31/56). Students will not be allowed to complete the registration process unless they have met the immunization requirement. The requirement can be met by submitting proof of immunity or by signing a waiver claiming exception from the immunization policy. Immunization compliance forms are available in the Admissions Office.
  • ACT scores if a high school graduate or HISET/GED recipient 24 years of age or younger. A student planning to enter SLCC should request his/her ACT score report be sent to the Office of Admissions at SLCC or submit a copy of the ACT score report with application for admission. ACT scores reported on the high school transcript are acceptable for admission. A student without ACT scores will have to call and make an appointment to take the SLCC Placement Test.
  • Students who graduated from high school before 2003 must submit an official high school transcript of grades with the school’s seal. A copy of the HISET/GED certificate or a report of HISET/GED test scores is acceptable in lieu of the high school transcript.

A non-high school graduate or non-HISET/GED recipient who has not taken the ACT must take the SLCC placement test. Student desiring to receive financial assistance must take an ability-to-benefit test at a test center other than SLCC in addition to a placement test.

International Students

All international students are encouraged to complete and submit the application for admission at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester. Credentials to be submitted to the Office of Admissions include:

  • A certified English translation of high school transcript
  • Financial information disclosure for the full academic year
  • The original TOEFL, IBT or paper based report. SLCC placement test scores in English, reading, and mathematics

The credentials will be evaluated and a determination of eligibility of admission will be made. The appropriate immigration form will be issued after all credentials have been submitted and the applicant has been admitted to the College.

SLCC offers English or English as a Second Language courses. If a student has no TOEFL, IBT or paper based score OR if it is lower than 60/512, the student is required to enroll in an intensive English course.

English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

  • TOEFL Scores: Original results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 512 paper base, 170 computer based, or 60 Internet based is needed for admissions.
  • IELTS Scores: Original results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 6.0 is needed for admissions.

If the student’s native language is English, no TOEFL scores are required. The English ACT or SLCC placement test score will be used to place the student in the appropriate English class.

International students are limited to a maximum 3 credit hours online course per semester. In addition, online courses should not exceed 25 percent of the total curriculum.

Permanent Residency Status Change

For international students who receive/acquire permanent residency status prior to the midsemester, changes will be reflected in the current semester and tuition will be adjusted accordingly to reflect in-state residency. For international students receiving permanent residency after mid-semester, changes will be adjusted for the next semester of enrollment to reflect in-state residency.

Documentation must be submitted immediately once permanent residency status has been granted/awarded by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to the Director of Admissions for processing student information in the Student Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS).

Admission as a Home Schooled Applicant

The following admission requirements must be met in order for home schooled applicants less than twenty-one years of age to be accepted for admission to the College:

  • Freshman applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible in their high school senior year
  • Applicants should request that their high school equivalency transcripts (available if home schooling has been conducted through a nationally recognized home school accrediting agency) be sent to the SLCC Admissions Office at completion of the 12th grade.
  • All applicants for admission to the freshman class are required to submit ACT scores and are advised to take the ACT as early as possible in the senior year of home schooling.
  • In the event that a home schooled applicant has neither a home school transcript from a nationally recognized accrediting agency nor a HISET/GED, the student must take the ACT (national or residual) or SLCC Placement tests. If SLCC Placement tests are taken, the applicant must also take an ability-to- benefit test at a test center other than SLCC to qualify for financial aid.

Criteria for admission of home-schooled students prior to completion of high school are the same as for students currently enrolled in high school except for the necessity of obtaining principal and/or counselor approval. Students may consult the SLCC Admission Office for more information.

Admission Provisions for High School Students

South Louisiana Community College makes provisions for attendance by high school students through the policies established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR), and through programs organized by the College for specific groups of students. These provisions and programs are as outlined below. In addition to the requirements listed for each program, students must meet SLCC course and placement prerequisites for all courses to be scheduled.

Dual Enrollment

South Louisiana Community College’s Dual Enrollment Program enables eligible students to complete college courses during their high school learning experience. Participants in the program are afforded the opportunity to earn college credit through courses taken in place of, or in addition to, the standard high school course load. Credits earned upon successful completion of a course may be applied towards a program of study at South Louisiana Community College or may be transferred to other colleges and universities, in accordance with their transfer policies.

General Criteria

  1. Student must be at least 15 years of age and currently enrolled in 11th or 12th grade at a public Louisiana high school or any private school that has a memorandum of understanding with South Louisiana Community College.
  2. Student must have either PLAN or ACT (or SAT equivalent) scores on file at high school.
  3. Student must be in good standing as defined by the high school and meet the college/university enrollment criteria.
  4. Student must have permission from high school and his/her parent/guardian to participate.
  5. Student must be enrolled in a college course for which dual credit (both college and high school credit) is attempted and recorded on both the student’s secondary and postsecondary academic record.
  6. A dual-enrolled student is expected to follow the same withdrawal deadlines as any other undergraduate student in the college or university.

Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in a College Level, Degree Credit Course

  1. College Level, Degree Credit Course: A course in an academic subject that generates postsecondary institutional credit and appears (a) as a General Education course on the current Board of Regents’ Master Course Articulation Matrix (public institutions) or (b) on a list of general education courses approved by the Board of Regents (for LAICU institutions).
  2. Student must be on track for completing the Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum.
  3. Student must have the following ACT test scores (or SAT equivalent) or have completed ALL college Developmental courses required for placement into college level degree credit courses in the English and /or Mathematics as defined by the prerequisites per course in the SLCC course catalog to enroll in college level, degree credit course:
    1. A PLAN or an ACT English sub-score of at least 18+ or COMPASS 68+ or have successfully completed the developmental course required for placement into the college level, degree credit English course; and or
    2. A PLAN or an ACT mathematics sub-score of at least 19 or COMPASS Algebra sub-score of 40+ or have successfully completed the developmental course required for placement into college level, degree credit mathematics course.

Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in a Technical Course

  1. Student must be on track to graduate from high school having earned at least 911 Carnegie hours if a junior or 16 if a senior) and have declared a Career Area of Concentration.
  2. Student must have a PLAN Composite score of at least 14 or an ACT Composite score of at least 15 (or SAT equivalent) or a WorkKeys Bronze Certificate.

Early Start (State Funded) Program

This program is designed for high school students to obtain college credit simultaneously with high school credit. Students must meet eligibility requirements for each course enrolled.

  • Student must have taken either the PLAN, ACT assessment, or SLCC Placement Test
  • Student must be in good standing as defined by the high school
  • Student must have permission from the high school to participate.
  • Student must be enrolled in a course for which both college and high school credit is available.
  • To continue enrollment in subsequent semesters, student must have successfully completed prior Early Start Program courses. If the student resigns or withdraws from a course, the student must receive permission from both the high school and college to continue enrollment in subsequent semesters/terms.
  • Student must meet eligibility of the class for each class enrolled.
  • Student must be on track for completing the Regents/TOPS high school core.

Early College Admission

The Early College Admission program is designed for high school students with appropriate test scores to earn credits applicable to a college degree. Admission to this program is guided by the following criteria and procedures:

The student:

  • Must be eligible to enter high school and enroll in high school algebra.
  • May enroll in general education courses at SLCC as determined by the EXPLORE score or Placement Test score
  • May enroll in English and mathematics courses as determined by the EXPLORE scores or SLCC Placement test scores in these areas.
  • Must have the recommendation of the high school principal or guidance counselor.
  • Must complete all applicable admission and registration procedures including freshman orientation.
  • Must complete a Concurrent Enrollment form.
  • Is subject to the rules, regulations, policies, fees, and expenses that apply to all students at SLCC.

Courses taken through this program may be used for high school credit. Also, credit earned is entered on the student’s permanent college record at SLCC and becomes a part of the student’s continuing record if the student continues his/her education at SLCC after high school graduation. Credit earned in this program may be applicable to a degree at SLCC and may be transferable to another college or university, depending upon the policies of the particular institution.

Early Admission - Concurrent Enrollment for Gifted Students

This program is designed for high school students who continue to enroll in high school courses and are also enrolled in college on a part time basis. Admission and awarding of credits through this program are based on the guidelines as follows:

The student:

  • Must have met the criteria for an “Evaluated Gifted Student” as determined by the Board of Secondary and Elementary Education (BESE).
  • Must have at least a 2.5 cumulative average on a 4.0 scale for all courses taken during the previous two years.
  • May enroll in general education courses at SLCC as determined by the ACT score in reading or Placement Test score.
  • May enroll in English and mathematics courses as determined by the ACT scores or SLCC Placement test scores in these areas.
  • If enrolled in college courses during a fall or spring semester, must be simultaneously enrolled in at least one high school class. Concurrent high school enrollment is not required if college courses are taken during a summer session.
  • Must have approval from the high school principal for enrollment and for the particular courses in which s/he enrolls.
  • Must complete a Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Students enrolled in this program, will be subject to the rules, regulations, policies, fees, and expenses applicable to all college students.

Awarding of high school credit for college courses completed by students admitted through this program is based on the policies and standards issued by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Credits attempted or earned while in this program are entered on the student’s permanent record at South Louisiana Community College. Credits earned in this program may be applicable to a degree at SLCC and may be transferable to another college or university depending upon the policies of the particular institution.

Accelerated Admission

The Accelerated Admission program is designed for high school students who have met most of their graduation requirements and have the opportunity to take electives to supplement instruction at their high school and to earn credits applicable to a college degree. These students are not members of the group designated as “Evaluated Gifted Students” by a school system. Admission to this program is guided by the following criteria and procedures.

The student:

  • Must have completed six semesters of high school and have earned at least 17 units of high school credits.
  • Must have either a “C” average (2.0) on a 4.0 scale or appropriate ACT scores
  • May enroll in general education courses at SLCC as determined by the ACT score or Placement Test score.
  • May enroll in English and mathematics courses as determined by the ACT scores or SLCC Placement test scores in these areas.
  • Must have the recommendation of the high school principal or guidance counselor.
  • Must complete all applicable admission and registration procedures including freshman orientation.
  • May enroll during the summer sessions between the sophomore and junior years and/or junior and senior years or during the senior year for up to nine credit hours.
  • Must complete a Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Students enrolled in this program will be subject to the rules, regulations, policies, fees, and expenses that apply to all students at SLCC.

Courses taken through this program may be used for high school credit. Also, credit earned is entered on the student’s permanent college record at SLCC. Credit earned in this program may be applicable to a degree at SLCC and may be transferable to another college or university, depending upon the policies of the particular institution.

Pre-College Preparation

SLCC recognizes that some high school students may have arrived at the decision to enroll in college very late in their high school careers and may be inadequately prepared for college-level work. Through this program, students are provided developmental instruction in the areas of reading, English, and mathematics. Enrollment in this program is based on the guidelines presented below.

The student:

  • Must have completed the sophomore year in high school and have earned at least 11 units of credit toward high school graduation.
  • Must have a recent ACT score in reading, English, or mathematics, which indicates a deficiency in college-level preparation.
  • Must declare an interest in pursuing a college degree and must have the recommendation of the high school guidance counselor or principal.
  • May enroll in a maximum of six hours of developmental work.
  • Must complete a Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Students enrolled in this program are subject to the rules, regulations, policies, fees, and expenses applicable to all college students.

Credits earned while in this program are entered on the student’s permanent academic record at SLCC. Credits earned are not applicable to a degree at SLCC. However, these credits may be used to satisfy requirements for completion of developmental courses, which are prerequisites for enrollment in college-level courses at SLCC and other institutions.

Summer-Only Early Admission

This program is designed for high school students under 16 years of age who have been judged by College officials to be capable of profiting from instruction. These students may enroll during the summer session only. Enrollment in this program is based on the guidelines presented below.

The student:

  • Must have the recommendation of the high school guidance counselor or principal and approval from the parents or guardians.
  • May enroll in a maximum of six hours.
  • May enroll in general education courses at SLCC as determined by the ACT scores or Placement Test scores.
  • May enroll in English and mathematics courses as determined by the ACT scores or SLCC Placement test scores in these areas.

Students enrolled in the Summer-Only Early Admission program are subject to the rules, regulations, policies, fees, and expenses applicable to all College students.

Transfer Students

An applicant who has been enrolled or is currently enrolled at another college or university is considered to be a transfer student. Transfer students may be admitted under one of the following conditions:

  • Regular Admission - The student has been found to be in good standing upon receipt of all required transcripts
  • Provisional Admission - Until all transcripts have been received, students will be provisionally admitted. Provisionally admitted students will not be eligible to receive federal financial aid
  • Probation - The student does not meet the criteria for good standing

NOTE: Failure to acknowledge previous attendance at any college or university may result in immediate dismissal.

A student applying for admission as a transfer student must:

  • Complete and submit an application for admission
  • Provide an OFFICIAL transcript from EACH institution previously attended if planning to pursue a degree at SLCC or another institution. An official transcript is one mailed or forwarded electronically through a recognized vendor (i.e. eScript) by the previous institution directly to the Office of Admissions at South Louisiana Community College. Official transcripts must be provided regardless of whether credit was earned. If all applicable transcripts have not been received by the date of registration, the degreeseeking transfer student may be admitted provisionally; however, transcripts must be received within 30 calendar days
  • Take the SLCC Placement Test or submit ACT scores if credit for three hours of freshman English Composition and College Algebra have not been earned
  • Submit updated immunization record if born after 12/31/56

Re-entry-Transfer Students

A degree seeking re-entry-transfer student is a former SLCC student who has attended one or more regular terms at another institution before returning to SLCC. This student must meet all
conditions for admission as first-time transfer students. In addition, this student must:

  • Submit a new application for admission
  • Have transcript sent to the Lafayette campus of SLCC for all credits earned from regionally accredited institutions since the last semester of enrollment at SLCC. These credits along with credits previously earned at SLCC will be evaluated to determine the student’s academic status at re-entry and the student’s status in the academic program chosen. Failure to submit transcripts for all credits earned may result in dismissal and/or forfeiture of credits earned at SLCC should subsequent evaluation reveal ineligibility to enroll at SLCC

Transfer Students on Academic Suspension (Non-Degree category only)

A student who is suspended for the first time at the end of the Spring semester from any institution within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) OR the University of Louisiana System (ULS) may attend the summer session at SLCC without appeal. The student will be admitted on academic probation and may take a maximum of seven hours. All college-level credits earned during this session may apply toward a degree at SLCC and at the suspending institution.

A student who is suspended for the first time at the end of the Fall semester from any institution within the LCTCS or UL System may appeal for admission to SLCC after obtaining approval to appeal from a college official at the suspending institution. Students should consult the Registrar to obtain guidelines for the SLCC appeal process.

Credits earned in developmental courses at SLCC during this period will be applied to SLCC developmental course requirements and may be used to satisfy developmental course requirements of the suspending institution. (It is the student’s responsibility to obtain determination if the school from which suspension occurred will accept any developmental or college level course credits earned at SLCC toward completion of developmental courses needed at the suspending institution.) If enrollment in college-level courses is allowed during the suspension period, credits earned in these courses will be applied toward the appropriate degree at SLCC but may or may not be accepted toward a degree at the suspending institution. Individual colleges and universities determine whether students will be awarded credit for courses taken while on suspension. Therefore, all students on suspension should confer with the institution of intended transfer prior to enrolling at SLCC to determine that institution’s specific college regulations.

Evaluation of Transfer Credits for Degree Seeking Students

Transfer credits from all regionally accredited institutions of higher education for degree seeking students are recorded on the student’s permanent academic records. The acceptance of transfer credits to meet degree program requirements will be governed by the following guidelines:

  • The Registrar’s Office evaluates and reviews official transcripts to determine whether the credits earned were earned at an accredited institution and determine which credits are acceptable to the College. This transfer evaluation is completed no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment at SLCC. However, the appropriate Division Dean determines which of these credits may be applied to a particular associate degree.
  • The acceptance of any courses taken more than ten years before a student transfers to South Louisiana Community College is determined by the appropriate Division Dean in consultation with the appropriate department; validation through testing may be required.
  • The acceptance of courses that are not directly equivalent to courses taught at South Louisiana Community College is determined by the appropriate Division Dean and appropriate Department.
  • Transfer credits earned through non-traditional sources may be accepted as those applied to non-transfer SLCC students.
  • A grade of “C” or better is required in courses within the student’s major.
  • A grade of “C” or better is required for any course that satisfies a prerequisite.
  • A grade of “C” or better is required for any course that is substituted for Math 1100 or MATH 1105 , ENGL 1010  & ENGL 1020 .
  • The minimum grade accepted for all transfer credits is a “C” or better.

    Grades for transferred courses will be interpreted according to the South Louisiana Community College grading scale and will be recorded as follows:
    • Grades of W, WA, WB, WC, WD, and WP will not be recorded.
    • Plus (+) or minus (-) symbols will be disregarded.
    • Grades of Pass, Credit and Satisfactory will be treated alike.
    • Pass, Credit and Satisfactory will count only in hours earned.
    • Grades of NC (no credit) will not be recorded.
    • Incomplete (I) grades will not be recorded.
  • If the transfer work was earned in quarter hours, the credits will be converted to semester hours. (The number of quarter hours times 2/3 equals the number of semester hours.)
  • Credits in courses from foreign countries and universities may only be accepted based on an interpretation of the credits by a suitable foreign transcript translation service.

Inquiries about the use of transfer credits to meet degree requirements should be directed to the appropriate Division Dean. Requests for appeal of a decision rendered by the Division Dean should be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.

Transfer students are reminded that at least 25 percent of courses required for a degree must be completed at SLCC and that select restrictions may apply in relation to programs of study. Students anticipating transfer credits should refer to these restrictions that are detailed below each program of study later in this catalog.

Acceptance of Transfer Credits from Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions

Courses taken at institutions that are not accredited by regional associations are generally not directly accepted at South Louisiana Community College. The student is advised to review the section in this catalog concerning credit by non-traditional means.

Re- Entry Students

A degree seeking re-entry student is a former student of SLCC who has applied for admission after one or more regular semesters (Fall and Spring) of non-attendance at SLCC and who has not attended another institution since his/her last attendance at SLCC.

  • A re-entry student who left SLCC in academic good standing will be readmitted in academic good standing.
  • A re-entry student who left SLCC on academic probation will be readmitted on academic probation in accordance with current policies
  • A re-entry student who is returning after a period of suspension will be re-admitted on probation.
  • A re-entry student must complete and submit the application for admission.
  • A re-entry student will be required to complete the current requirements of the major/program at the time of readmission.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree seeking students are those who wish to enroll at SLCC but do not plan to pursue a degree at the College. These students may or may not have to meet the requirements for admission as degree-seeking students depending on the category under which they are entering. These students may be interested in taking a limited number of courses for transfer purposes, as credit courses for personal enrichment, for job improvement, or for some other purpose. Special conditions apply for students admitted in this classification:

  • Students who later decide to pursue a degree at SLCC must obtain the permission of the appropriate Dean and the Director of Admissions/Registrar. In addition, these students must meet all requirements for admission as a degree seeking student at SLCC.
  • Course work pursued while in this classification may not necessarily be applicable toward a degree at SLCC.
  • To enroll in a freshman-level English or mathematics course a student must present ACT or SLCC placement test scores.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended are required for students for the purpose of taking courses to transfer to another institution.
  • All course prerequisites must be met. Transcripts may be required.
  • Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for Veterans benefits, financial aid, or scholarships.

Three categories are created for students entering the College under the classification of nondegree seeking: Visiting Student, Transfer Student, and Transfer Student on Suspension.

Visiting Students

A “visiting” student is a student who is seeking or intending to seek a degree at another higher education institution and wishes to attend SLCC for one semester or for the summer session only. A visiting student must have graduated from an approved high school or must have attended a collegiate institution and must be eligible to return to the last institution of attendance. For admission and enrollment as a visiting student, the applicant is required to:

  • Complete and submit the application for admission at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought.
  • Submit to the Admissions Office a high school transcript, if graduated before 2003, and an official transcript from the last collegiate institution attended. Visiting students who wish to continue at SLCC for the next semester must reapply for admission and must meet admission requirements for the category under which they are enrolling.
  • Submit ACT scores if the student has not yet successfully completed three hours of freshman English composition and a college algebra course and seeks enrollment in an English or college-level math course.

Auditing Classes

Students who do not want to earn college credit may enroll for no credit under audit status during the registration period. These students must go through the admission procedure appropriate to the category under which they are seeking admission. A student ineligible to enter a previous college because of academic suspension is, with the permission of the suspending institution and South Louisiana Community College, eligible to attend SLCC as an audit student. Audit status students are assessed tuition and fees using the same schedule as students enrolled for credit.

A regularly-enrolled student may audit courses. Auditing students will not receive college credit, nor will they be permitted to take advanced standing examinations or credit examinations on work audited. However, courses previously audited may be taken for credit by enrolling in the courses. Students registered as auditors who exceed the instructor’s absence policy or who do not participate in all course activities may be given a grade of “W” instead of “AU”.

A student’s enrollment status for most forms of financial assistance will be based on the semester hours scheduled for credit only, not the hours taken under the audit status.

Academic Amnesty

SLCC provides for undergraduate students who, after dropping out or being suspended because of academic deficiencies, have demonstrated sufficient maturation to be afforded an opportunity to begin college study again.

The following standards apply:

  • At least three years must have elapsed between the end of the semester in which the student was last registered for credit at any college or university and being enrolled under academic amnesty.
  • The student must submit a written appeal for academic amnesty to the appropriate Division Dean during the semester the student first registers at SLCC. The appeal shall include evidence that conditions have changed and that there is reasonable expectation of satisfactory performance.
  • The Division Dean will evaluate each appeal. Some appeals may be referred to the Committee on Academic Standards for their consideration. Appealing does not ensure approval.
  • No prior academic credit can be applied to a degree or at SLCC. However, the prior record remains a part of the student’s higher education overall academic record.
  • If granted, the date of academic amnesty is entered upon the transcript along with a statement prohibiting the use of previously earned credits and quality points to:
    • meet degree requirements;
    • compute the grade point average leading to the degree; or
    • determine graduation status.
  • Upon being granted academic amnesty, the student has the status of an entering freshman and will begin a new record showing no credits attempted, no quality points earned, and no prior suspensions.
  • A student demonstrating competency in a given area may be allowed advanced standing (without credit) or a waiver of requirements just as any entering freshman. Credit examinations may be taken for courses in which grades of “C” or higher were earned. South Louisiana Community College will accept, in transfer, academic amnesty granted at another institution. However, academic amnesty may be granted to a person only once, regardless of the institutions attended.
  • Students granted amnesty at SLCC will be subject to the admission policies of other institutions to which they may transfer after attending SLCC. Many undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools compute the undergraduate grade point average based on all hours attempted when reviewing applications.
  • The student is responsible for submitting documents for amnesty consideration, in a timely manner.

Note: Academic Amnesty does not apply to financial aid. All courses are calculated as attempted hours. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Financial Aid.