Admissions

Welcome to Germanna

The Welcome Center provides information and resources for new, prospective, and continuing students, as well as members of the community, regarding credit and noncredit course offerings at the college. Students visiting the Welcome Center are guided through the enrollment process in one central location. Our goal is to provide new and continuing students a supportive environment with assistance for admissions, financial aid applications, scholarship resources, information regarding student support services and general campus information. Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality of customer service while ensuring that each person visiting the Welcome Center receives thorough and accurate information. Currently there are Welcome Centers available at the Fredericksburg and Locust Grove campuses as well as the Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper and the Stafford County Center in Stafford County.

Prior to Admission

New students are required to complete New Student Orientation before meeting with an advisor/counselor to review program requirements, determine an appropriate course load, and clarify educational goals and objectives and to plan for the enrollment process. Students may choose to either attend an in-person Orientation session, or complete the online Orientation module. For more information please visit the New Student Orientation page located at: www.germanna.edu/orientation.

Assessment/Placement Testing

Assessment or credential review of college readiness is mandatory for all new students. Placement testing and/or transcript review may be required as part of that assessment. To ensure appropriate placement in beginning classes, new students must demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills in reading, writing and mathematics before registering for classes that require proficiency in these skills. This may be accomplished in one of the following ways:

• Take Germanna’s placement tests: VPT English or Accuplacer (for English as a second language students) and VPT Math, OR submit VPT scores that are within five years from other VCCS institutions.
• Earn an associate degree or higher or who have earned a C or better in college-level courses in math and/or English at a regionally accredited institution.
• Submit proof of successful completion of developmental courses from another VCCS institution, OR submit proof of successful completion of developmental courses from a non-VCCS institution for evaluation.
• Submit a high school/home school transcript or an approved test for score (ACT, SAT, GED) for evaluation. Seniors who have not yet graduated may submit a transcript as of the completion of the first semester of the senior year to determine readiness for placement into college-level courses.

To determine if placement tests are required, contact the Counseling Center for information on the placement testing policy. Students should prepare for and take placement tests or submit appropriate documentation prior to the beginning of the term in which they plan to start classes. An Application for Admission must be on file in the Admissions and Records Office before taking the tests. Taking placement tests early is extremely important. Placement testing is done through Testing Services. Students must present an approved photo ID and their Germanna student ID number.

Students should consult the Testing Services webpage for Testing Center hours of operation and testing procedures at the various locations at: www.germanna.edu/testing/. Students with learning or physical disabilities may request accommodations through the Disabilities Services Coordinator.

General Admission to the College

Germanna Community College is an equal opportunity institution with an “open door”admission policy. Individuals who are 18 years of age and have earned their high school diploma or the equivalent are welcome to explore our academic opportunities. The Admission process varies slightly for different types of students, but all students apply for admission with our free online application for admission. This application includes the Virginia application for in-state tuition rates.

• Visit the College web site at www.germanna.edu and click the Apply Now box to complete the online application or download a paper version to be completed and faxed to (540) 891-3092 or mailed to Germanna Community College, 10000 Germanna Point Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Alternatively, you may stop by any of our locations and visit the Welcome Center for assistance.
• While completing your application, please use the upper and lower case format and your full first and last name, but only your middle initial.
• Germanna assigns a student identification number (EMPLID) at the time of application. Students must use this number to access services on campus or through myGCC. Students may not use EMPLIDs that have been assigned by other colleges unless Germanna has adopted the same number.
• Disclosure of your social security number is not required at the point of application, but it is highly recommended. Applicants for financial aid are required to submit Social Security numbers. Pell Grant program applicants are advised the U.S. Department of Education requires Social Security numbers when processing applications. The Internal Revenue Service also requires valid Social Security numbers.
• To be considered for In-State tuition rates, a student must have been legally domiciled in Virginia for a period of at least one full year prior to the first day of classes for the planned semester of enrollment. Documentation generally required to establish domicile may include, but is not limited to: a valid Virginia driver’s license, voter registration card, and a copy of the student’s or parent’s for dependent students Virginia income tax return. For additional information please reference this catalog under Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates.
• Follow-up your application for admission with any required official documentation. This includes official transcripts for coursework taken at previous colleges. Transfer students, please submit a request for an evaluation of your transfer credits to the Office of Admissions and Records.
• Our Welcome Center team is happy to assist you in your transition to Germanna.

In accordance with VCCS Policy 6.0.0, individuals are eligible for admission to Germanna Community College if they are high school graduates or the equivalent, or if they are eighteen years of age or older and able to benefit academically from a program at the College as demonstrated by assessment or demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics.

Readmission

A student who interrupts his/her enrollment at the College for more than three years is required to submit new Application for Admission and Application for Virginia Domicile. This application must be submitted before registering for classes. Welcome Center staff are available to assist with this process.

General Admission Denial

In accordance with VCCS Policy 6.0.1, the College reserves the right to evaluate and document special cases and to refuse or revoke admission if the College determines that the applicant or student poses a threat, is a potential danger, is significantly disruptive to the College community, or if such refusal or revocation is considered to be in the best interest of the College. The College also reserves the right to refuse admission for applicants that have been expelled or suspended from, or determined to be a threat, potential danger or significantly disruptive by, another college. Students whose admission is revoked after enrollment must be given due process. By accepting an offer of admission, the student agrees to adhere to the statement of student rights and responsibilities included in the Student Handbook portion of this catalog. Individuals may be admitted as curricular or non-curricular students.

Admission to Specific Curricula

In order to be eligible for Financial Aid, student must request and be placed in an approved program plan. Applicants will be placed in the plan they select on their Application for Admission.

In addition to the general admission requirements, specific requirements are prescribed for each curriculum of the College. The specific requirements for each curriculum are listed in the Programs of Study section of this catalog. Students applying for admission to an Associate Degree program (Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science) must be a high school graduate or the equivalent, or otherwise be considered eligible by the College. Nursing and Health Science Admissions: Requirements for admission into the nursing programs are specific, and admission is selective and competitive. Residents of Germanna’s service region in Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg will be offered priority consideration for admission.

Admission of High School and Home School Students

Germanna Community College offers a variety of opportunities for students to take college coursework concurrently with their high school program. Courses may be offered in the high school or at one of our Germanna locations. Please review the section on Admission of Dual Enrollment Students in this catalog and see your high school counselor for information about enrolling. Staff at our Welcome Centers are available to assist students with their planning.

Dual Enrollment: Dual Enrollment is an enriching program where high school students take college courses and earn college credit in their own high school. Students earn college and high school credits simultaneously. College credits transfer to Virginia Community Colleges, and most four-year colleges and universities. Individual colleges and universities make final determinations of transfer of credits. Students should check with the institution they are planning to attend regarding transferability of credits.

Germanna Community College and the high school determine which courses are offered each semester as Dual Enrollment courses. Typically, the Dual Enrollment courses offered are courses, which would be taken during a student’s first year of college. Dual Enrollment courses are listed in each high school’s Program of Studies. Dual Enrollment students are considered Germanna Community College students. All Germanna students have access to Student Resources that can facilitate their academic success in college courses: GCC Email and Blackboard Learning Tool, Tutoring Services, Library Services and Technical Support.

You can take dual enrolled classes on-campus, online or in your high school if your high school offers the college course you desire. In partnership with individual high schools, Germanna determines the courses offered each semester as dual enrollment. Courses commonly taken in the first year of college are typically, the same courses Germanna offers through dual enrollment. Dual enrollment courses become part of your permanent college transcript, so it is important that you commit to the extra work a college course may require. Interested students can find a list of dual enrollment courses offered, in their high school’s Program of Studies.

Home School Students: Home school students often enroll in courses at the College to enrich their secondary school curriculum. Courses are available face-to face, online, hybrid and through video conference. Prospective students should be at the junior or senior level of high school, but exceptions can be made by the College president.

All Dual Enrollment and Home School students admitted under this section must demonstrate readiness for college by meeting the criteria below.

6.0.1.1 Dual Enrollment Student Admissions

6.4.0.2.1 Math Placement

Test scores are valid for two (2) years after the date of the test. Students who take the mathematics placement test and who do not enroll in developmental math are allowed to take one (1) retest within twelve (12) months. Students who attempt a developmental mathematics course will be ineligible for a retest. Exceptions to this retest policy may be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with established college procedures.

A student who provides official evidence of one of the below test options, taken within the last two years, may be exempt from taking the VCCS mathematics placement test.

• a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics section of the SAT
• a minimum score of 22 on the mathematics section of the ACT
• a minimum score of 165 on the mathematics section of the GED

A placement test may still be required, dependent on the mathematics requirements in the student’s academic plan.

6.4.0.2.2 English Placement

Test scores are valid for two (2) years after the date of the test. Students who take the English placement test and who do not enroll in developmental English are allowed to take one (1) retest within twelve (12) months. Students who attempt a developmental English course will be ineligible for a retest. Exceptions to this retest policy may be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with established college procedures.

A student who provides official evidence of one of the below test options, taken within the last two years, may be exempt from taking the VCCS English placement test.

• a minimum score of 480 on the English (ERW) section of the SAT
• a minimum score of 18 on the English section of the ACT
• a minimum score of 165 on the English (RLA) section of the GED

Germanna has developed the following admission and registration procedures to assist students in meeting their educational goals.

High School Students taking courses at a Germanna facility must:

• Complete a GCC Application for Admission and application for Virginia Domicile (for students requesting in-state tuition rate).
• Provide documentation of attainment of eleventh grade level or above unless seeking a special approval from the College president.
• Provide a completed High School Student Permission to Enroll form signedby a high school counselor or principal each semester.
• Demonstrate that they possess specific skills by taking Germanna’splacement tests, submitting their high school transcripts for evaluation after the completion of their first semester of their senior year, or submitting ACT or SAT scores. All students who take the placement tests are required to take the entire VPT test.
• Submit all required documentation to a counselor in Student Services at Germanna prior to admission. Following counselor assessment and approval, high school students will be eligible for admission to the College, receive academic advising, and register for classes. Prospective students may be required to meet with the Dean of Student Development prior to admission.
• See the College counselor prior to each subsequent registration for course approval and provide required completed forms.

High School Students taking Dual Enrollment courses at their high school must:

• Discuss Dual Enrollment opportunities with your high school counselor, and obtain permission to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses.
• Complete a GCC Application for Admission and application for Virginia Domicile (for students requesting in-state tuition rate) by your high school’s deadline.
• Take the placement test at your high school or submit qualifying ACT or SAT scores for review to your high school counselor, by the high school’s deadline.
• Register for classes at your high school by the high school deadline. Submit the GCC registration form to your high school counselor.
• Pay tuition to your high school by the high school’s deadline. Check with your high school counselor for current tuition rates and due dates for your high school.

Home School Students taking courses at a Germanna facility must:

• Complete a GCC Application for Admission and application for Virginia Domicile (for students requesting in-state tuition rate).
• Provide evidence of advanced academic achievement to justify approval of special admission to the College. Documentation of attainment of eleventh grade level or above through a nationally normed standardized test is preferred evidence. One example is the Stanford 10 achievement test. Other documentation of advanced academic achievement provided by the home school will be considered.
• Provide a completed Home School Student Permission to Enroll form each semester. Provide a written recommendation from the home school teacher or tutor.
• Demonstrate that they possess specific skills by taking Germanna’s placement tests, submitting home school transcripts for evaluation at the completion of the equivalent of their first semester of their senior year, or submitting ACT or SAT scores. All students who take the placement tests are required to take the reading and writing tests.
• Submit all required documentation to a counselor prior to admission. Following counselor assessment and approval, home school students will be eligible for admission to the College, receive academic advising, and register for classes. Prospective students may be required to meet with the Dean of Student Development prior to admission.
• The President of Germanna Community College must approve any student who is unable to document attainment of eleventh grade level or above.
• See the College counselor prior to each subsequent registration for course approval and submission of required documents.

The College reserves the right to evaluate special cases and to refuse admission to an applicant when such action is in the best interest of the College and/or the applicant. The College also reserves the right to limit the number and type of courses a student may take if they do not possess a high school diploma or equivalent. High school/home school students are not permitted to enroll in developmental studies courses at the College, as this level of instruction should be available in the high school or home school program. Because Germanna strives to maintain a mature academic environment, high school/home school students admitted under the special provisions will be subject to all rules, policies, procedures, and standards of conduct described in the Germanna Community College Catalog & Student Handbook. High school students must be in good academic and behavioral standing in high school in order to be considered for admission to the College.

How do Dual Enrollment Credits Transfer?

Credits earned through dual enrollment are transferable to many colleges and universities across the commonwealth including all Virginia Community Colleges. Ultimately, each individual college and university makes final determination as to which courses will transfer. Depending on where you want to transfer, you should consult with an admissions or transfer counselor at the school to determine the transferability of their coursework. Not all courses at Germanna are transferable, especially some in the occupational/technical programs. If you would like more information on which courses are more transferable, please check out the list of transfer electives found on the college website: http://www.germanna.edu/transfer-services/transfer-electives/.

Germanna has partnered with Parchment Inc. to provide secure online ordering and delivery of academic credentials, including transcripts. If you plan to attend a college or university other than Germanna, after high school, you must authorize the release of your transcript by submitting a request and providing consent through the Parchment ordering form. Students are responsible for the costs associated with ordering the transcript through Parchment. Students can view their unofficial transcripts by using the MyGCC Student Resources portal online. Those students in dual enrollment planning to enroll at Germanna full time after high school must submit a Change Form to indicate a change in curriculum, i.e. from dual enrollment to their intended major/degree program.

The following school systems have partnered with Germanna Community College to offer Dual Enrollment courses: Caroline County Public Schools, Culpeper County Public Schools, Fredericksburg City Public Schools, Fredericksburg Christian High School, Madison County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, and Stafford County Public Schools. To find out what Dual Enrollment courses your high school currently offers, please check your school’s Program of Studies or schedule an appointment to meet with your high school guidance counselor.

Early College Pathways: High school students can earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree (62 credits) or a General Education Certificate (33 credits) while, concurrently satisfying the requirements of a high school diploma. Many of the courses in the Early College Pathways curriculum satisfy the core course requirements of baccalaureate degree programs. To satisfy the requirements of an Associate Degree or General Education Certificate, students can combine any and or all of the following course models: dual enrollment, joint enrollment, qualifying Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Like other Dual Enrollment students, those in Early College Pathway programs have access to student resources than can facilitate their academic success in college courses: GCC Email and Blackboard Learning Tool, Tutoring Services, Library Services and Technical Support. Students should contact their high school counselor for the Early College Pathway tailored to their school system.

Early College Program

Early College programs are rigorous , full-time academic programs that allow students to pursue college coursework leading to an Associate Degree, while concurrently completing high school graduation requirements. Students may earn up to 62 transferable credits in these programs. Students interested in Early College programs are encouraged to speak with a guidance counselor at their high school or contact an academic counselor at GCC for additional information. Students must follow the Steps for Admission for GCC’s Early College Programs and are required to complete an Early College Orientation session on campus at GCC prior to enrollment. Germanna strongly urges prospective Early College students, to make themselves familiar with the admission requirements of the college or university to which they would like to transfer. Please consult with an advisor or admissions representative at the four year institution to which you hope to apply, for further assistance prior to entering the Early College Pathway. Each four year college or university makes its own determination regarding the transfer status of Early College students.

Germanna Scholars Program: This program is a partnership between Culpeper County Public Schools and Germanna Community College. Students in Culpeper County Public Schools have the opportunity to concurrently work towards their high school diploma and Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in General Studies (62 credits), with Germanna Community College. Participating students take their college courses at the Daniel Technology Center (DTC) for half the day and return to their respective high schools for the second half.

Local community members support this program with their generous financial contributions.

Gladys P. Todd Academy: This program is a partnership between Spotsylvania High School, James Monroe High School, the Sunshine Lady Foundation and, Germanna Community College. The Program is designed to increase college preparation and completion within underserved and first generation college families; by providing selected students with the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts and Science degree concurrent with their high school course work. Participating students take college courses at the Fredericksburg Area Campus for half of their school day and, return to their respective high schools for the second half.

The program provides additional support to selected students at Post Oak Middle School and Walker Grant Middle School for pre-college planning and preparation through mentoring, coaching, and academic/cultural enrichment activities.

Admission of International Students

The College admits qualified foreign students already residing in the service area. Germanna Community College admits applicants who are immigrants residing in Virginia who have graduated from a Virginia high school with a high school diploma or equivalent, even if they are not able to document their legal presence. Applicants who are undocumented will pay tuition at the out-of state rate. Students attending on certain Visa types may not be eligible for the in-state tuition rate unless they qualify under Federal and State legislation for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to establish domicile in Virginia.

For further information, contact the Admissions and Records Office.

In addition to the general admission requirements of the College, all international student applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both written and oral English through standardized or local assessments. All students applying for admission under an F-1 visa can obtain the necessary forms and instructions on how to apply for an I-20 from the Admissions and Records office.

Admission of Transfer Students

In accordance with VCCS Policy 6.0.6, normally, transfer students who are eligible for re-entrance at the last college of attendance are also eligible for admission to Germanna Community College. Transfer students who are ineligible to return to a particular curriculum in a previous college generally may not be allowed to enroll in the same curriculum in the community college until one semester elapses or until an approved program at the college is completed. The admissions committee of the college shall decide on each case and can impose special conditions for the admittance of such students. Students transferring from another college or university should consult the Admissions and Records Office for an evaluation of transfer credit in order to determine their standing before registering for classes. Official transfer credit evaluations will be completed when all official transcripts and a Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit form are received by the Admissions and Records Office. Coursework transferred to Germanna Community College must represent collegiate coursework applicable to the student’s curriculum, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in Germanna’s curricula. Collegiate coursework from regionally accredited institutions typically meets the above criteria. No credit will be given for courses with grades lower than”C.”Any VCCS course in which a student received a grade of “C” or better will transfer as the same course at any other college in the VCCS. Grade point averages from prior institutions will not be transferred. Transfer students may be advised to repeat courses if it would clearly be advantageous to their curriculum advancement. For more information about transfer credit and advanced standing, please refer to”Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing”found in the Academic Information section of this catalog or contact the Registrar.

Admission of Senior Citizens

Senior citizens may apply for free tuition and fees provided for by the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974. Students at least 60 years of age who have been domiciled in Virginia for at least one year are eligible to audit credit courses tuition-free. Additionally, if their Virginia taxable individual income did not exceed $23,850 for the year preceding enrollment, they may take courses for credit without cost on a space-available basis. Regardless of income, eligible senior citizens may take up to three non-credit courses free of charge each semester on a space-available basis. Students are responsible for fees associated with course materials. Please contact the Admissions and Records Office for details and assistance.