Admission to College

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Temple College is committed to nondiscrimination practices based upon race, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, or veteran status. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and subsequent amendments, the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974; the Equal Pay act of 1963 and subsequent amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act and subsequent amendments, Texas Statute 6252-14-V.T.C.S., Executive Orders 11246 and 11758, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to students, employees, programs, activities, and applicants. Temple College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

Application for Admission

Prospective students may make formal application by submitting an Application for Admission to Temple College or by submitting online using the Texas Common Application and providing required transcripts for all institutions attended prior to registration. Admission to TC does not guarantee admission to specific courses or programs of study. Prerequisites are required for some courses, and departmental approval is required prior to registering for certain Health Sciences programs. Students may enroll in only one program of study at a time at Temple College. An exception is allowed when a student enrolls in a certificate program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The student may then enroll in both the certificate program and the AAS degree simultaneously. Temple College will refuse admission permanently or re-admission to any applicant who does not comply with admissions procedures.

Methods of Admission

1. High School Graduates: Graduates from an accredited high school must have an official copy of their high school transcript showing graduation date on file before final admission is granted.
2. High School Equivalency Test: Applicants who successfully complete the High School Equivalency Test and receive the Certificate of High School Equivalency must have their test scores and Certificate of Equivalency on file with the Admissions and Records Office before final admission can be granted.
3. Non-Traditional Secondary Educational Completion: Students who are under 18 years of age and who are applying for admission based on the completion of an independent study equivalent to the high school level in a non-traditional setting rather than through a public high school, accredited private high school, or home school may be admitted on an individual approval basis provided that they:
   1. Present a notarized record of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of successful completion. This work should be consistent with Texas Education Agency minimums for high school completion
   2. Comply with institutional testing requirements
   3. Agree to limitations or conditions of admission established by the institution.
4. Non-traditional High School Dual Credit: Students in non-traditional programs who seek Dual Credit enrollment in Temple College must meet the following conditions:
   1. High school students who enroll in Dual Credit classes must take the assessment test approved by the state of Texas or meet exemption criteria prior to enrolling in any college level course(s). The students must pass the section(s) related to the course(s) in which they intend to enroll. For testing scores and information please see Testing section of Temple College Catalog.
   2. Initially, all students eligible for enrollment must submit a general admission application, a new Dual Credit/Early Admission enrollment application, a residency form, and a high school transcript. Prior to enrolling in any consecutive semester, a Dual Credit/Early Admission application must be submitted. Upon graduation from high school, a high school completed transcript with graduation date posted must be submitted to the Temple College Admissions and Records office.
5. Early College/Middle College Enrollment for High School Students:   Initially, all high school students eligible for Early College enrollment must submit a general admission application, Dual Credit/Early Admission registration form and a current official high school transcript showing all work completed and the STAAR scores. Prior to enrolling in any consecutive semester, a new Dual Credit/Early Admission registration form must be submitted. Upon graduation from high school, an official high school transcript with graduation date, must be submitted to the Temple College Admissions and Records office before a Temple College transcript can be released.  Students must meet the testing requirements listed in the following paragraphs:
   1. High school students who enroll in early college classes must take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test or meet exemption criteria prior to enrolling in any college level courses. These students must pass the section(s) related to the course(s) in which they intend to enroll.
   2. High school students eligible for enrollment in a level-one certificate program must have taken all required sections STAAR test or all sections TSI Assessment test.
   3. High school students eligible for enrollment in a level-two certificate program must take the TSI assessment test or meet exemption criteria.
6. Early Admissions Enrollment for High School Students:  Initially, all high school students eligible for Early Admission enrollment must submit a general admission application, a Dual Credit/Early Admission registration form signed by a high school counselor, etc., and a current official high school transcript showing all work completed and the STAAR or PSAT scores. Prior to enrolling in any consecutive semester, a new Dual Credit/Early Admission registration form must be submitted. Upon graduation from high school, an official high school transcript with graduation date posted must be submitted to the Temple College Admissions and Records office before a Temple College transcript can be released.  Early Admission enrollment will not receive the Temple College dual credit discount. Students must meet the testing requirements listed in the following paragraphs.
   1. High school students who enroll in early admission classes must take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test or meet exemption criteria prior to enrolling in any college level courses. These students must pass the section(s) related to the course(s) in which they intend to enroll.
   2. High school students eligible for enrollment in a level-one certificate program must have taken all required sections of the STAAR test or all sections of the TSI Assessment test or all sections of the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT/National l Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).
   3. High school students eligible for enrollment in a level-two certificate program must take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test or meet exemption criteria.
7. Individual Approval: Applicants over 18 years of age may be admitted to Temple College without a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency examination.
8. Transfer Students: A student who is eligible to re-enter the college that they last attended is eligible for admission to Temple College by transfer of credits. The student is required as part of the admission process to submit official transcripts from all other institutions attended. Transcripts must bear the College seal date and appropriate signature and must be in a closed, sealed envelope to be considered official. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Admissions and Records office from the issuing institution(s). In some cases, Temple College will accept a hand-delivered transcript as long as the transcript is submitted in a closed, sealed envelope from the other institution. Transcripts that are not in a closed and sealed envelope will not be acceptable and will not be considered official. Students on academic probation at the transfer institution will be admitted on probation to Temple College and must earn a grade point average of 2.0 during their first semester in attendance at TC. If the student is on suspension from the transfer institution, TC will honor that suspension. Credit for courses passed (grade of D or better) may be transferred only from regionally accredited colleges or universities. No credit will be allowed from U.S. institutions not regionally accredited. Students with proficiencies gained in non-accredited institutions should see the section of this catalog on credit by examination. Students with non U.S. transcripts will be required to furnish an evaluation of their courses by a member of NACES, but transferable credit will not be given.  Please go to www.naces.org for a list of member evaluation organizations.
9. Readmission: A student who has not attended Temple College within the last 12 months must apply for readmission through the Admissions and Records office. If the student has attended any other colleges or universities since his/her previous enrollment at TC, the student is required to submit an official transcript from that institution. Official transcripts may be mailed directly to TC from the other institution or may be submitted in a closed, sealed envelope. The student will be placed under the current catalog year. 
10. Admission of Non-Citizen Students: TC recognizes three categories of non-citizen students. The following admission requirements apply to students who are not U.S. citizens:
    1. Permanent Resident Alien: Submit a copy of the I-797 or permanent resident card, and then meet the same admission requirements as a U.S. citizen.
    2. Refugee: Submit a copy of form I-94 indicating refugee status and then meet the same admission requirements as a U.S. citizen.
    3. Non-Immigrant: The following requirements apply to all applicants holding a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and non-citizen applicants who do not qualify for admission as a permanent resident or refugee.
       1. Temple College application for admission: Applicants must turn in an application for admission at least 60 days prior to the first class for the semester in which they are seeking admission. Applicants must pay the International Student Application fee as determined by the tuition and fee scheduled adopted by the Temple College Board of Trustees.
       2. USCIS paperwork: Applicants must contact the International Student Advisor regarding documents that may be needed for their non-immigrant status.
       3. Records of previous education: Applicants who have graduated from high school must submit an official high school transcript. Applicants who have college credit must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For list of member organizations, please visit www.naces.org.
       4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Applicants whose primary language is not English, must take the TOEFL exam or complete an ESL program at a previous college. Applicants must score 500 or above on the written exam, a 173 or above on the computerize exam, or a 61 or above on the IBT to be considered for admission. An application and a list of test centers for the TOEFL may be obtained by writing to: TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540 or visiting http://www.ets.org/toefl/.
       5. Proof of financial support: Applicants must submit proof of financial support during their time at TC. Applicants must also submit a current bank statement with conversion to U.S. dollars to satisfy this requirement. 30 days before enrolling applicants must contact the International Student Advisor for more information regarding financial documentation.
       6. All required documentation must be on file with the International Student Advisor before an admission decision can be made and proper non-immigrant documents issued.
       7. Temple College will refuse admission or readmission to any applicant or student that has had a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) violation.

 Immunizations

The Texas Legislature mandates that all students entering Temple College in the spring 2014 semester, and thereafter, under the age of 22 are required to show evidence (Certificate signed by a health practitioner or an official immunization record) of having had a vaccination against bacterial meningitis within a five-year period immediately preceding the first day of the semester. All first-time at Temple College students, transfer students, and students who have taken a leave of absence from Temple College in either a fall or spring semester must show evidence of having received this vaccination. Proof of vaccination must be provided to Admissions and Records prior to registration.

Acceptable Evidence of Vaccination Includes:

1. The month, day, and year the vaccination was administered, along with the signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel; or
2. An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority; or
3. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

A student, or a parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if, under one of the following circumstances, the student or a parent or guardian of a student submits one of the following to the institution:

1. An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or
2. An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious can be found at: https://corequestjc.dshs.texas.gov/ 

These exceptions do not apply during a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency declared by an appropriate official or authority from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Please note: If a student has previously taken the vaccine, he/she must still follow acceptable evidence of vaccination above. The bacterial meningitis vaccine lasts for up to five years. A conscientious exemption form is valid for two years.

Residency Requirements

Each student must meet eligibility requirements and may be required to show proof of both, Texas and Temple College District physical residency, in order to pay resident and in-district tuition and fees. H.B. 1147 requires all students to complete an Oath of Residency at the time of registration. If, as the answers to the questions are reviewed by college officials, there remain questions as to the students proper residency classification, the student must provide a copy of one or more appropriately dated documents which will establish Texas or in-district residency.

To qualify as a Texas resident, and individual must reside in Texas for one year and establish domicile in Texas prior to enrollment. An applicant or student who is claimed as a dependent on a parent’s or guardian’s most recent federal tax return will be classified based on the parent’s or guardian’s qualification for residency.

The student is responsible for enrolling under the proper residency classification and for providing documentation as required by the institution. If there is any question about classification as a resident of Texas, the student must seek clarification from the Director of Admissions and Records prior to enrollment.

Students classified as non-residents or out-of-district upon first enrollment at Temple College are presumed to be non-residents or out-of-district for the period during which they continue as students. Students who believe they are eligible for residency reclassification must submit a Request for Change of Residency Status form with appropriate documentation to the Admissions and Records office and meet the requirements for reclassification. This request must be submitted prior to the official census date of the term in order to have the request considered for that term.

Determining Texas Residency

The following persons shall be classified as Texas residents and entitled to pay in-state tuition

• A person who graduated from a public or accredited private high school in the state of Texas or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas and maintained a residence continuously in Texas for 36 months immediately preceding the date of graduation or receipt of the diploma equivalent and the 12 months preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls at Temple College.
• An independent person who established domicile in Texas at least 12 months before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls at Temple College and maintained domicile continuously in Texas for the 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls at Temple College.
• A dependent person whose parent or legal guardian established domicile in Texas at least 12 months before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolled and maintained domicile continuously in Texas for the 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls at Temple College.
• A person who is classified by a Texas institution of higher education as a resident of Texas in the previous fall or spring semester.
• A military person, spouse or dependent who can show that they are authorized to receive educational benefits for Veterans and has lived in Texas at least 12 months before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolled and maintains residency in Texas. The student will need to provide a letter of intent to establish residence in Texas and to reside in Texas while enrolled.

Determining In-District Residency

The following persons shall be classified as in-district residents and entitled to pay in-district tuition

1. An independent person who has met the Texas residency requirements and who established and maintained domicile in the Temple College District at least 6 months (can be coterminous with Texas residency requirement) before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls.
2. A dependent person whose parent or legal guardian has met the Texas residency requirements and who established and maintained domicile in the Temple College District at least 6 months (can be coterminous with Texas residency requirement) before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolled.

Residency Documentation

If the Admissions and Records Office or Temple College personnel determining residency requests proof of Texas residency or domicile in Texas or if the student requests to change their current residency status, the following documentation may be used to prove residency. The student has the burden on proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that domicile has been established and maintained.

Documents to prove domicile:

1. Employer-provided employment verification, proof of self-employment or living off earnings statement.
2. Ownership in real property sole or jointly located in Texas.
3. Marriage to a person who has established and maintained domicile in Texas.
4. Ownership in a Business in part or whole in Texas.

Documents to prove Texas residency:

1. A utility bill in the name of the person
2. A Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card with current address
3. A credit report showing the length and place of residence
4. Texas voter registration
5. Lease agreement which includes person’s name and length of lease
6. Pay stubs
7. Bank statement
8. A property tax statement showing payment of Temple College property taxes by person

Residency Waivers

1. Texas Property Exemption – Persons who own property in the Temple College District (property must pay the Temple College property taxes) are eligible to receive a waiver of the out-of-state or out-of-district fees for themselves and their dependents. The person, or dependents, applying for the waiver must prove property ownership by submitting a tax statement, property closing statement or other appropriate evidence of property ownership.
2. Military Personnel and Dependents Exemption - Persons in military service are presumed to maintain, during their entire period of active service, the same legal residence which was in effect at the time of entering the service. Education Code 54.058(b) provides that military personnel assigned to duty within the State of Texas, their spouses and their dependent children, shall be entitled to pay the same tuition as a resident of Texas regardless of the length of their physical presence in the state. To be entitled to pay resident tuition, military personnel must submit, at initial time of enrollment, a statement from their commanding officer regarding their military status or a copy of military orders showing assignment to Texas. This statement also must be obtained if active duty members seek resident tuition for their spouses or dependents. Spouses and dependents must submit a copy of their military dependent I.D. card. This statement is valid for one year.

Change of Residency

In order to request a change of residency status, a student must meet residency requirements as outlined in the Determining Residency Status section, complete and submit a Request for Residency Change form and submit documentation to prove appropriate length of residency. A list of acceptable documentation is located in the Residency Documentation section.

Transcripts

Transcripts must bear the college seal, date, and appropriate signature, and must be in a closed, sealed envelope to be considered official. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Admissions and Records office from the issuing institution(s). In some cases, Temple College will accept a hand-delivered transcript as long as the transcript is submitted in a closed, sealed envelope from the other institution. Transcripts that are not in a closed and sealed envelope will not be acceptable and will not be considered official. Students are responsible for submitting the required transcripts to the Admissions and Records office. Transcripts become the property of Temple College and cannot be returned to the student. Students who need official copies of another institution’s transcript should contact that institution directly. Transcripts are imaged into the institutions scanning system.

Academic Suspension and Probation from Other Colleges

Academic suspension and probation from another college will be honored at Temple College at the time of application for admission to Temple College.

Academic Fresh Start

An applicant for admission, who is a Texas resident, may seek to re-enter Temple College pursuant to the “academic fresh start” statute, Texas Education Code, 51.931. If the applicant informs the Admissions and Records office in writing of the election prior to registration, the institution will not consider academic course credits or grades earned by the applicant at Temple College 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll. An applicant who makes the election to apply under this statute may not receive any course credit for courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. For more information, contact the Admissions and Records Office.