Admission

Admission Application Procedures

The Enrollment Services Office is responsible for interpreting and implementing Alabama Community College System Policy as well as federal, state, and local laws and policies regarding admission of students to the College and academic records.

Applicants who have not completed high school and who have not earned a GED certificate are encouraged to contact Shelton State Adult Education at 205.391.2262.

1. First-Time Admission
   1. All students must complete an online application for admission at www.sheltonstate.edu. Applications must be submitted online, and requested information on the application must be provided.
   2. Student Status
      1. High school graduates who have never attended college should request an official transcript from the graduating high school. Transcripts should include the posted graduation date, official signature, and diploma type and should be mailed to the Enrollment Services Office, Box 190, Shelton State Community College, 9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.
      2. General Educational Development (GED) recipients must have an official GED transcript sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office from the test site or the Alabama State Department of Education.
      3. Transferring students from another college must request official transcripts from each college previously attended. Transcripts should be mailed to the Enrollment Services Office. Transfer applicants must also submit an official high school transcript with graduation date or GED certificate. Applicants who have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree are not required to submit a high school transcript but mut submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.
      4. Transient students may enroll with the intent of remaining at Shelton State for only a single term. See “Admission of Transient Students” under “Types of Admission” in the “Admission Requirements”.
      5. High school students who are enrolling through Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit or Accelerated High School status must meet all eligibility requirements. See “High School Students” under the “Admissions Requirements”.
2. Readmission
   Former students of Shelton State who have not been in attendance within one calendar year will be required to complete an application for readmission. If students have attended college elsewhere during this period, official transcripts should be mailed to the Enrollment Services Office, Box 190, Shelton State Community College, 9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Shelton students who wish to enroll under a different student type (i.e., Dual Enrollment student who wishes to enroll as a Freshman upon high school graduation), must submit an updated application for admission prior to the term of intended enrollment. Note: All student records not related to a student’s permanent academic record will be destroyed five years from the last date of attendance.
3. Time of Admission
   Applications may be submitted at any time prior to the term of enrollment. Please refer to the College website for course registration deadline information.

Admission Requirements

1. Admission Requirements
   1. The requirements for admissions are determined by the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Community College System.  Applicants seeking admission must complete the online application and submit appropriate documentation as required by student type.
   2. For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution, all international applicants must provide a VISA acceptable to the United States and an official, translated, and evaluated copy of the student’s high school/college transcript; a minimum score on an approved English as a Foreign Language exam as specified in the guidelines; a signed, notarized statement verifying adequate financial support; and documentation demonstrating adequate health and life insurance which must be maintained during enrollment.
   3. Supporting documentation may be required.
2. Types of Admission
   1. Unconditional Admission of First-Time College Students

            For unconditional admission and to be classified as “degree eligible,” applicants must have on file at the institution a completed application for admission and one of the following:

1. an official transcript showing graduation with the Alabama High School Diploma, as defined by the Alabama Community College System, the high school diploma of another state equivalent to the Alabama High School Diploma, or an equivalent diploma issued by a non-public regionally accredited high school; or
2. an official transcript showing graduation from high school with a high school diploma equivalent to the Alabama High School Diploma, as defined by the Alabama Community College System, issued by a non-public high school or an official transcript showing graduation from high school with a high school diploma equivalent to the Alabama High School Diploma, as defined by the Alabama Community College System, issued by a non-public high school; or
3. an official GED Certificate issued by the appropriate state education agency.
4. an official college transcript if attended as a dual enrollment student prior to graduating high school.
5. For unconditional admission and to be classified as “degree eligible,” applicants must have on file at the institution a completed application for admission and one of the following:

        B. Conditional Admission of First-Time Students

1. Conditional admission may be granted to an applicant if the College has not received proof that he/she has satisfied one of the admission requirements identified above. Students who received a GED certificate and students who did not graduate high school are not eligible to be conditionally admitted.
2. If all required admissions records have not been received by the institution prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript. The student shall not be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless all required admission records have been received by the institution prior to registration for the second semester.
3. Students conditionally admitted are not eligible for federal financial aid.

        C. Unconditional Admission of Transfer Students

1. An applicant who has previously attended any other duly accredited postsecondary institution will be considered a transfer student.
2. To be classified as degree eligible, a transfer student must have submitted to the institution an application for admission and official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, an official high school transcript, and any other documents required for all applicants.
3. A transfer student who does not meet the requirements in “A.” above shall be classified as a conditionally admitted student.
4. An applicant who has earned an associate or bachelor’s degree are not required to submit a high school transcript but must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.

D.Conditional Admission of Transfer Students

1. A transfer student who does not have on file official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended and any additional documents required by the College may be granted conditional admission. No transfer student shall be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless all required admissions records have been received by the institution prior to registration for the second semester.
2. If all required admissions records have not been received by the institution prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript, and the student shall not be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless all required admission records have been received by the institution prior to registration for the next semester.
3. Students conditionally admitted are not eligible for federal financial aid.

E. Admission of Transient Students

1. A transient student who attended another postsecondary institution and seeks credit for transfer to that parent institution may be admitted to the College as a transient student. The student must submit an application for admission and an official transient letter from the parent institution which certifies that the credit earned at the College will be accepted as a part of the student’s academic program.
2. Transient letters must be submitted for each semester the student attends Shelton State prior to registering for classes.
3. Transient students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

F. Admission of High School Students
Two programs allow high school students to concurrently enroll at Shelton State Community College to earn academic or career/technical college credit:

1. Accelerated High School Program
   The Accelerated High School program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. College credit earned through the Accelerated High School program may not substitute for high school credit. Credit will be awarded upon the student meeting all requirements for high school graduation.
   1. Admission requirements:
      1. The student must complete an online application for admission.
      2. The student must have successfully completed grade 10.
      3. The student must provide certification from the local principal and/or his or her designee certifying a minimum cumulative 3.0 (B) average and recommending student admission under this policy.
      4. The student will be subject to placement requirements for Math and English courses.  High school grades (less than 5 years old), ACT score, or the institutions placement test may be used to determine placement. Refer to the assessment section of “Academic Information.”
   2. Prior to enrollment, a letter must be submitted each semester the student attends the College. Shelton State Community College will not officially award college credit to accelerated high school students until proof of high school graduation (an official transcript with a graduation date) is provided.
   3. Exceptions may be made to requirements above for students documented as gifted and talented according to the standards included in the State Plan of Exceptional Children and Youth. Permission must be obtained from the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.
2. Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School Students Program
   The Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit program allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school classes. Students successfully completing dual enrollment classes receive both high school and college credit. An institution within the Alabama Community College System is authorized to establish Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit programs with local boards of education in the institution’s service area. Courses offered by the postsecondary institution shall be at the postsecondary level.
   1. Admission Requirements
      1. The student must complete an online admission application.
      2. The student must meet the entrance requirements established by Shelton State Community College.
      3. The student must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 cumulative average in completed high school courses to take technical courses. For academic courses, the student must have a 2.5 cumulative average in completed high school courses. Transcripts must be provided as documentation of the student’s cumulative grade average.
      4. The student must obtain written approval of the appropriate principal and local superintendent of education.
      5. The student must be in grades 10, 11, or 12.
      6. The student will be subject to placement requirements for Math and English courses.  High school grades (less than 5 years old), ACT scores, or the institutions placement test may be used to determine placement.  Refer to the assessment sections of “Academic Information.”
   2. Exceptions may be made by the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System for a student documented as gifted and talented in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code § 290-8-9.12. This exception applies only to the requirement that the student be in grade 10, 11, or 12. The Chancellor may grant other exceptions as requested by the individual college and local school board.
   3. Courses offered shall be drawn from the College’s existing academic inventory of courses offered for credit. Courses numbered below 100 and physical education (PED) courses are not eligible for dual enrollment/dual credit. Students may not audit courses under the terms of this policy. Eligible high school students are permitted to enroll in college courses conducted during school hours, after school hours, and during summer terms. The College reserves the right to cancel course offerings when courses do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.
   4. Participating local boards of education and Shelton State Community College shall develop a Dual Enrollment Agreement that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
      1. Dual credit contracts must be on file in the Enrollment Services Office each academic year in order for students to participate.
      2. Approval of the particular courses to be offered and the high school equivalency for each course shall be determined through the mutual agreement of the college and the participating local board of education. Courses must be at the postsecondary level.
      3. Three semester hours at the postsecondary level shall equal one credit at the high school level in the same or related subject.
      4. College courses approved for dual credit shall be posted on both high school and college transcripts.
      5. Students are responsible for knowing policies relative to dual enrollment/dual credit of colleges/universities to which they plan to transfer credit. The College reserves the right to refuse readmission to any student who is found to be in violation of College policies (e.g., academic standards of progress, Student Code of Conduct).

G. Admission of International Students

1. The student must complete an online application for admission.
2. The student must submit proof of a VISA recognized and accepted by the United States Government.
3. The student must submit an official, translated, and evaluated high school/college transcript.
4. The student must submit appropriate test scores. A minimum score ranging from 5.5-6.0 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as determined by the College, a total score of 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL, a total of 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a total score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL. An English as a Second Language exam may be waived for students from the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Scotland, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Belize, Dominica, Malawi, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Nigeria, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tobago and Trinidad, Zambia, and Virgin Islands. All other waivers must be submitted to the Chancellor for approval with substantial documentation.
5. The student must submit a signed, notarized statement verifying adequate financial support and a complete financial statement from the last three months.
6. For Transfer Students Only: The student must complete and return the Transfer Recommendation of Student’s Non-Immigration Status prior to admission. International students in the United States with an F- 1 visa from another institution may be accepted for full-time study at Shelton State Community College.
7. F-1 visa holders are required to be enrolled full-time (12 semester hours or more) and should be progressing satisfactorily toward a degree.
8. The student must meet all immigration and naturalization service requirements and complete forms necessary for attendance at Shelton State.
9. The student must pay nonresident tuition and fees. International student tuition is two times that of resident of the state of Alabama.
10. The student must secure private housing since Shelton State provides no dormitory facilities.
11. The student must be accepted by the Primary Designated School Official (PSDO). The final decision for acceptance of international students who have met the preceding conditions will be made by the PDSO.
12. The student must take the designated placement assessment before being admitted to the College. International students are required to register for appropriate English and reading courses.
13. The student must be aware of additional information for International Students
    1. General Definitions
       1. Purpose of Visa - The nonimmigrant visa is a stamp that a U.S. embassy or consulate affixes to a page in an alien’s passport to indicate the kind of nonimmigrant status or classification that a person is seeking in the U.S. For example, a person seeking to enter the U.S. for an F-1 student status applies to the embassy or consulate for an F-1 visa stamp in his/her passport. The visa gives the holder the right to “knock at the door” of the U.S. at a port of entry. The visa stamp alone does not give a person the right to enter the U.S. The visa holder generally must show additional documents at the port of entry.
       2. Form I-94 and the authorized period of stay - Most nonimmigrants coming to the U.S. are admitted for a specific period of time, and the immigration officer at the port of entry puts an expiration date on the I-94. F-1 students and their F-2 dependents are admitted for the duration of status which is abbreviated by the immigration officer as “D/S” on both the form I-94 and the Form I-20. This notation means that their permission to remain in the U.S. continues for the duration of time that they maintain F-1 student or F-2 dependent status.
    2. Visa and Admission Process
       1. Student applies to college or university and is accepted.
       2. School issues I-20 and sends it to the student.
       3. Student pays a one-time SEVIS fee.
       4. The fee must be paid at least three business days prior to applying for the visa or applying for admission at a U.S. port of entry for those exempt from the visa requirement.
       5. SEVIS fee can only be processed by the Department of Homeland Security via mail or the internet (note: for more information on the SEVIS fee visit http://www.ice.gov/i901/faq).
       6. If the F-1 visa application is denied, the SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if the student reapplies for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of the denial, the student will not have to pay the fee again.
       7. Student goes to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an F-1 visa.
       8. Consular officer reviews the application, confirms that the SEVIS fee has been paid, runs required security checks, and grants the F-1 visa. Consular officer enters a notice in SEVIS that the visa has been issued.
       9. Student arrives at a U.S. port of entry (POE).
       10. Immigration officer at the POE reviews the passport, F-1 visa, and I-20, processes the student through US-VISIT, and admits the student in F-1 status. Once date and port of entry data is processed by the POE data system, that data should be transmitted to SEVIS, to notify the PDSO that the student has entered using the school’s I-20.
    3. Requirements for Maintaining F-1 Status
       1. Report to the PDSO for SEVIS Registration upon arriving at the school.
       2. Attend authorized school.
          1. For the first entry for initial school attendance, the school listed on the visa and on the I-20 must be the same, and that is the school the student must attend.
          2. Carry a full course of study and make normal academic progress towards completion of program. Twelve (12) semester credit hours is considered full-time at Shelton State Community College.
          3. An F-1 student may enroll in no more than one online or distance education course (or the equivalent of three credits) towards a full-course of study per academic term.
       3. Transfer or extend program in a timely manner.
       4. To transfer, the student must not only have a new school to attend but must be eligible to transfer based on having maintained status at the previous school. The student must also maintain continuity in the program of study. In general, an absence from the U.S. or any other academic break of more than five months terminates F-1 status.
       5. Refrain from unauthorized work. F-1 students have a broad range of employment options, but they are not permitted to work at will in any job they choose. All F-1 employment must be approved either by the PDSO or by USCIS, depending on the kind of employment. Any work outside those parameters is unauthorized work and is a violation of student status, thus making the student ineligible for the normal benefits attendant to F-1 status. In particular, unauthorized work makes a student ineligible for reinstatement.
       6. When traveling abroad, the student must always return in proper F-1 status. F-1 students should avoid returning in some other status such as B-2 tourist. Students usually do this because they fail to obtain, or fear to attempt to obtain, an updated F1 visa stamp in the passport and they believe the B-2 would be easier/faster/safer. Under the current regulations, it is not legal for them to enroll in classes if they are in B-2 status.
       7. Report any changes of address to the PDSO within 10 days of the change. The PDSO will update SEVIS within 21 days.
       8. File timely request for extension of stay, change of status, transfer, optional practical training, and other benefits.
       9. Remain in the U.S. for no longer than 60 days after completing the full course of study unless you have followed procedures and applied for other benefits which you may be entitled to under regulations.
       10. Obey all state and federal laws including laws regulating domestic disputes, child endangerment, sexual assault, and driving while under the influence.
    4. Transfer Procedures
       F-1 regulations permit a student to transfer from one SEVIS-approved school to another. When transferring from another college or university, an F-1 visa holder is required to submit a Transfer Recommendation Form prior to Shelton State Community College issuing an I-20. Transfer students must meet international admission standards as well as submit a Transfer Recommendation Form to the International Office. Students are urged to apply in advance of the time they wish to enroll. The student must submit documentation demonstrating adequate health and life insurance. Both must be maintained during enrollment. Students who do not present their own health insurance must purchase a health insurance policy through the College. Students are required to pay for international insurance coverage at the time of registration. (Note: spring and summer semesters are combined unless the summer is the student’s first semester.)

    5. Transient Students

       A transfer student who attends another postsecondary institution and seeks credit for transfer to that parent institution may be admitted to the College as a transient student. The student must submit an application for admission, an official letter from the institution which certifies that the credit earned at the College will be accepted as a part of the student’s academic program and provide evidence of meeting required Prerequisites prior to registering. Students must submit a transient letter (e.g., letter of good standing, course approval letter) to Enrollment Services prior to the semester for which he/she is registering. Any transient student who fails to provide appropriate prerequisite documentation may be administratively withdrawn, and no refund will be provided. The student must maintain the recommended hours required by the host institution while in transient status.

    6. Permanent Residents
       1. Permanent residents do not have to provide financial documentation demonstrating the ability to pay.
       2. Proof of medical insurance is not required.
       3. Students who have permanent resident status must provide a copy of their permanent resident card. These students should refer to the Shelton State Community College Catalog for guidelines concerning establishing residency in the state of Alabama.
       4. Permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid.
       5. For more information on permanent resident admission policies and procedures, please contact Enrollment Services.

14. Financial Information for International Students

1. Tuition and Fees: International student tuition is two (2) times that of residents of the state of Alabama. Actual tuition and fee charges will vary depending on the number and type of courses a student takes each term. Refer to the Tuition and Fee Schedule .
2. Books and Supplies: Expect to pay at least $500 in expenses for books and supplies for a full course load (12 undergraduate hours). Cost may be higher for some programs.
3. Medical Insurance: Students who do not present their own health insurance must purchase a health insurance policy through the College. Students are required to pay for international insurance coverage at the time of registration.
4. Living Expenses: These expenses include transportation, room and board, personal expenses, and childcare, if needed. Students should add $3600 per dependent to the estimated budget. These expenses vary greatly from student to student.
   NOTE: Students and their financial sponsors should plan to meet the estimated expenses for the duration of the student’s studies. Immigration regulations generally prohibit off-campus employment during a student’s first year of study in the U.S. On campus employment opportunities are few in number and sometimes may be difficult to obtain. Students and their financial sponsors should not plan to meet any cost through on-campus or off-campus employment.
   1. All estimates are subject to change without notice. This document reflects estimated cost for academic students the 2023-2024 calendar year which ends in August 2024. Additional fees and expenses may apply based on registration and lifestyle.
   2. Three semester (fall, spring, summer) estimate based on 30 annual hours or 12 months.

NOTE: No student will be allowed to enroll for a second term unless all required admissions records have been received by the College prior to registration for the second term. If all required admissions records have not been received by the College prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript, but an official transcript will not be released until receipt of all required admissions records.

Programs Requiring Special Admission

The following programs require additional admission requirements. The College reserves the right to add additional programs.

• Nursing Programs - For more information, call 205.391.2443.
• Respiratory Therapy Program (RPT) - For more information, call 205.391.2654.
• Health Information Technology Program (HIT) - For more information, call 205.391.2654.
• Mercedes Benz Industrial Mechatronics Program - For more information, visit https://mbusi.com/employment/training/109-mechatronics-program.
• Mercedes Benz Automotive Technician Program - For more information, visit https://mbusi.com/employment/training/mercedes-tech-program.
• Nucor Technical Academy - For more information, visit https://www.nucor.com/nucor-technical-academy/.

Non-Credit Opportunities

Shelton State Community College offers many non-credit programs and activities through the Center for Workforce Development, the Wellness Center, Community Education programs, and the Adult Education program. Each unit establishes admission requirements for programs and activities. These admission requirements, which vary considerably among programs and activities, are designed to ensure participants are those for whom each specific program or activity is designed and are available in the materials published by the College and on its website, www.sheltonstate.edu.

Nondiscrimination Policy

It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System and Shelton State Community College that no student shall be discriminated against on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law. The College complies with nondiscriminatory regulations under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX Education Amendment of 1972; Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.