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. Additionally students can seek assistance online through our enrollment lab drop-in services by clicking here.
Prior to Admission
New students should complete New Student Orientation before meeting with an admissions coach to review program requirements, determine an appropriate course load, and clarify educational goals and objectives and to plan for the enrollment process. Students who have not completed prior to admissions meeting will be guided through the process by their admissions coach. 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
All students will be required to demonstrate college readiness through transcript review or informed self-placement. Based on this review students may request or be required to enroll in prerequisite or corequisite math and/or English courses.
- Options beyond transcript review can include:
- 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.
Assessment will be conducted when the application is submitted and will be confirmed during admissions. 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.
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 or 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. 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 Revocation
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.
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.
Dual Enrollment Admissions
Dual Enrollment admissions is governed by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), please click here to access the VCCS policy manual.
Steps for dual enrolling at your high school:
Step 1: Discuss your school’s dual enrollment offerings with your high school counselor as you are considering your junior or senior year courses. Obtain permission from your high school to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses.
Step 2: Complete the Germanna application for admission by your high school’s deadline. Students who are under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign the Parent Certification Form in order to enroll in courses. Students who have been enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses through Germanna in the previous year may need to update their Germanna application but do not need reapply for admission. Students who have dual enrolled at another VCCS college, or plan to dual enroll in two colleges, will need to complete a separate application for each college.
Step 3: Review your high school transcripts with your school counselor or submit qualifying SAT or ACT scores. Students without qualifying SAT or ACT scores, must meet a minimum GPA to participate in dual enrollment and, depending upon which courses you seek to enroll in, those requirements may differ.
Step 4: Register for classes through your high school by the deadline. You must complete and submit a Germanna Registration Form each semester, available at your high school or on Germanna dual enrollment website. Meeting all deadlines is the student’s responsibility.
Step 5: Submit tuition payment to your high school on time. Your high school will collect tuition at the start of each semester. Check with your high school for tuition rate and payment deadlines. Students who do not submit tuition by the deadline may be dropped from their courses.
Steps for dual enrolling independently:
Home school and high school students who plan on taking Germanna classes outside of their programmed high school day are Independent Dual Enrollment (IDE) students. IDE students must submit all required documentation to a Germanna counselor for consideration each semester they plan to enroll.
Step 1: Complete your Germanna application for admission.
Step 2: Provide documentation of attainment of at least the eleventh grade level.
Step 3: Provide a completed high school student permission to enroll form signed by a high school counselor or principal each semester to plan to enroll.
For home school students
- Provide a copy of a home school agreement approved by the school district or a letter from the local school board or a copy of the letter filed by the parent or legal guardian declaring home school.
- Provide a written recommendation from the home school teacher or tutor
Step 4: Submit your high school/home school transcript and any qualifying SAT or ACT scores. Students without qualifying SAT or ACT scores, must meet a minimum GPA to participate in independent dual enrollment and, depending upon which courses you seek to enroll in, those requirements may differ.
Step 5: Following counselor assessment and approval, high school/home school students will be eligible for admission to Germanna, receive academic advising, and register for classes. Prospective students may be required to meet with the college registrar prior to admission.
Meet with a Germanna counselor prior to each subsequent registration for course approval.
Step 6: Register for classes by the enrollment deadline and pay tuition on time.
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 that 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 to GCC’s Early College Programs and are required to complete an Early College Orientation session on campus at GCC before 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 before entering the Early College Pathway. Each four-year college or university makes its determination regarding the transfer status of Early College students.
Germanna Scholars Program: A collaborative initiative between Culpeper County Public Schools and Germanna Community College, this program enables Culpeper County high school students to simultaneously pursue their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in General Studies. Students attend classes at the Daniel Technology Center for half of their day, then return to their high schools for the remainder.
Gladys P. Todd Academy: This joint venture involves Spotsylvania County High Schools, James Monroe High School, and Germanna Community College. It offers selected students the chance to earn an Associate of Arts and Science degree while completing their high school studies. These students spend half of their school day at the Fredericksburg Area Campus, then go back to their high schools for the second half.
Future Educators Academy: This dual enrollment program provides students with an opportunity to attain an Associate of Arts and Science degree during their high school years. It’s particularly designed for those aiming to become teachers, offering an expedited route to complete a bachelor’s degree at either James Madison University or the University of Mary Washington within two years post-high school. The program includes specific transfer agreements with these universities, enabling graduates to obtain a bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure within two years of finishing high school. Students attend classes at the Daniel Technology Center for half of their day, then return to their high schools for the remainder.
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.
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