Hill CollegeHill College Hill College
Hill County Johnson County Clifton Glen Rose

General Catalog for 2007-2009
ADMISSIONS

Visit the Hill College website at
www.hillcollege.edu
and/or contact individual departments
for changes and updates.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Hill College maintains an open admissions policy and constantly works to provide programs beneficial to all students.

Applications for admission and other documents necessary for admission should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Services. Students may be admitted to Hill College by any one of the following methods:

  1. High School Graduate. Graduates of accredited high schools will be admitted upon completion of an Application for Admission and presentation of an official transcript. Hill College defines an accredited high school as a Texas public high school authorized through the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or if located in a state other than Texas, that state's comparable agencies and/or regional accrediting association. Graduates from a non-accredited high school may be admitted under item 3 or 4 below.
  2. College Transfer. An individual who is a transfer student from another college must be eligible for readmission to the institution in which the student last enrolled. Transfer students must meet the academic requirements of Hill College. Only credits from accredited institutions will be accepted.
  3. General Education Development Test. A person who is at least 18 years of age but who has not graduated from high school will be admitted if their high school class has graduated and they have passed the General Education Development Test (GED).
  4. Individual Approval. A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and who did not graduate from an accredited high school, or an individual who graduated from a high school program not recognized by the Texas Education Agency, Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or an individual who graduated from a home school program may be considered for admission by Individual Approval. A request for admission by Individual Approval should be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. If approved for individual approval, the following limitations and conditions will be placed on the students enrollment: (1) an official Hill College transcript will not be issued until the student has either passed the GED or completed fifteen (15) semester hours of college level courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better and (2) placement testing may be required in order to determine the student's readiness for the college's curricular offerings. Individuals graduating from an unaccredited high school or home school must submit a notarized transcript or listing of studies. Other limitations and conditions may be established by the College.
  5. Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment of High School Students. Students who are currently attending high school may apply for the Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program at Hill College by completing an Application for Admission, submitting a letter of recommendation from their high school principal, and a current copy of their high school transcript. Other admission requirements apply: See Specialized Admissions - Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program. For additional information interested individuals should contact the Office of Admissions and Records.
  6. Readmission. A Hill College student who has not attended the previous long semester (fall or spring) must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions and Records. If the student has attended another college since his/her previous enrollment at Hill College, a current transcript of all college credits is required.
  7. International Students. Hill College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students seeking higher education in an academic field. International students seeking admission should submit the following:
    1. Application for admission. The application should be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of classes for any given semester.
    2. An official transcript of the last four years of secondary school. The official transcript must be an original with a certified English translation attached. The transcript must show each course completed and the grade earned as well as the date of graduation.
    3. An official transcript from each college or university attended. The official transcript must be an original with a certified English translation attached. The transcript must show each course completed and the grade earned.
    4. Proof of English proficiency is required, i.e., students applying for admission from English speaking countries, proof of ESL program completion, or TOEFL scores (go to www.hillcollege.edu for current TOEFL requirements). For more information regarding TOEFL, go to www.toefl.org or write to: Educational Testing Service
      Rosedale Road
      Princeton, New Jersey 08541
    5. Statement of financial support. This should include sponsor letters and proof of finances including bank statements.
    6. Two letters of reference or recommendation from individuals who have know them for at least one year.
    7. A $200 deposit (including a $50 non-refundable application processing fee) must be made before an I-20 will be issued. The deposit will be applied toward the health insurance premium for the first semester at Hill College. The student is responsible for payment of additional premiums at the time of registration. Health insurance must be maintained while on a Hill College I-20. The deposit may be applied toward tuition if proof of health insurance is provided. $150 of the deposit is refundable in the event of visa denial. Proof of visa denial and request of refund must be made within 90 days of visa denial.
    8. All international students are required to live on campus during their first semester at Hill College. Any exception must be approved by the Director of Student Life or Dean of Students. A housing application and a $50 non-refundable resident hall room fee must be made prior to an I-20 being issued.
    9. All items must be on file sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of classes. An I-20 will not be issued until each of the items requested above is on file in the Office of Admissions and Records.
    10. Students should be prepared to pay for and take a placement test prior to registration. Tuition, fees, and health insurance must be paid at the time of registration.
  8. Applicants not eligible for enrollment under one of the methods listed above should contact the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management who may refer the applicant to the Admissions Committee for further review.


    9. SPECIALIZED ADMISSIONS

    Admission to Hill College does not guarantee admission to specific courses or programs of study. Prerequisites are required for some courses, and some programs of study require special approval. In addition, program approval/accreditation requirements, program costs, and/or availability of facilities make it necessary for some programs to require specialized admission procedures in addition to those outlined above for general enrollment at the College. These procedures are designed to ensure fairness to each applicant in these programs.


    Cosmetology

    In addition to the general admission requirements to Hill College, applicants to the cosmetology program must meet the following requirements:

    1. The student must be a high school graduate or have completed a GED. This must be verified by an official transcript or GED transcript.
    2. The student must furnish a current health certificate signed by a doctor. The certificate must have been issued during the past year.
    3. The student must provide a money order for twenty-five dollars ($25.00) made out to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
    4. The student must complete a registration form for licensing by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.


    Nursing

    Vocational Nursing

    In addition to the general admission requirements to Hill College, applicants to the vocational nursing program must meet the following requirements:

    1. The student must be a high school graduate or have completed a GED. This must be verified by an official transcript or GED transcript.
    2. The student must achieve an acceptable score on the admissions entrance test.
    3. A Hill College physical form must be completed and signed by a qualified health care provider and submitted to the college and on or before the designated date.
    4. The student must submit three (3) Professional references. The Professional references should be sent to the Director from teachers, current or former employers. The Professional references should not be obtained from friends or relatives and should not be hand delivered.
    5. The student must demonstrate qualifications and aptitude that are acceptable.
    6. Completion of BIOL 2401, Anatomy & Physiology I, BIOL 2402, Anatomy & Physiology II, and PSYC 2301, General Psychology with a "C" or better from an accredited college prior to entry in the VN Program.
    7. Student must meet the eligibility guidelines per the clinical facilities, for example: criminal history, drug testing.

    Hill College maintains an open admission policy; however, the number of nursing students that can be accepted is limited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the availability of clinical instruction facilities. Since there are often more applicants for the nursing program than spaces available, applications for the nursing program will be screened by a selection committee. In addition to the general admission requirements to Hill College, all prospective candidates must have updated immunizations, completed physical (within three months of entrance), clear drug test, background check, and must take the pre-test when it is scheduled. Prospective candidates are selected for admission to the VN program based on a point system. Points are awarded for multiple areas including pre-entrance test scores and essay, professional references, medical experience, pre-LVN classes. Hill College reserves the right to refuse admission to the nursing program to any applicant whose application is deemed unsatisfactory.


    L.V.N. to A.D.N. Transition Program

    To be considered for possible selection in the L.V.N. - A.D.N. Transition Program, the prospective candidate must complete the following selection/testing criteria:

    1. Complete the general Hill College admissions process.
    2. Complete the L.V.N. – A.D.N. application.
    3. Submit 3 professional references (1-employer; 1-nursing/academic faculty;
      1-personal)
    4. Submit a current resume
    5. Submit all official college transcripts that document the completion of the following courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher
      • BIOL 2401-Anatomy & Physiology I (if older than 5 years contact the
        Health Science program)
      • BIOL 2402-Anatomy & Physiology II (if older than 5 years contact the
        Health Science Program)
      • PSYC 2301-General Psychology
      • ENGL 1301-Composition
      • COSC 1301-Introduction to Computer Science
      • PSYC 2314-Human Growth and Development
      • BIOL 2421-Microbiology (if older than 5 years contact the Health Science Program)
      • Choose one of the following:
          • CHEM 1406-Introductory Chemistry I MATH 1314-College Algebra
    6. Submit documentation that you are current and up to date on the following immunizations:
      • 2 – MMR’s
      • Tetanus (within the last 10 years)
      • Current negative TB
      • Varicella immunity
      • Hepatitis B Series completed
      • Current Health Care Provider CPR
    7. Completed physical form
    8. Documented TSI complete by a Hill College TSI officer
        NOTE: The prospective student is required to contact the Hill College counseling center to determine if they must complete further testing as required for general college admission.
    9. Complete the Critical Thinking Assessment test; the student must call the Hill College testing center for an appointment. Call 817.641.9887 x 253 or 254.582.2555 x 296.
        Take the HESI Critical Thinking test. Minimum passing on the HESI Critical Thinking is 700.

    Hill College maintains an open admission policy; however, the number of nursing students that can be accepted is limited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the availability of clinical instruction facilities. Since there are often more applicants for the nursing program than spaces available, applications for the nursing program will be screened by a selection committee. In addition to the general admission requirements to Hill College, all prospective candidates must have a current Texas LVN license, updated immunizations, completed physical (with three months of entrance), clear drug test, background check, and must take the pre-test when it is scheduled. Prospective candidates are selected for admission to the LVN to ADN program based on a point system. Points are awarded for multiple areas including pre-entrance test scores and essay, professional references, medical experience and GPA from prerequisites. Hill College reserves the right to refuse admission to the nursing program to any applicant whose application is deemed unsatisfactory.

    Texas Board of Nursing (BON) rules for all nursing programs are available at their website at http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursinglaw/rr.html or the students may contact the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) directly or may seek additional clarification from the director of the nursing program.


    Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program

    Hill College sponsors an Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program for the benefit of qualified high school students. Students who participate in the Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program have the opportunity to accelerate their college program to save both time and money. Students enrolled in high school may be admitted under the following conditions:

    1. Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year in an accredited high school and who seek to enroll in an academic course(s), a transfer course(s), or selected Technical Education courses in an Associate Degree Program may be admitted based on successful completion of the following:
      1. Present exit-level TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) scores in all areas and successfully have passed all parts of the appropriate test.
      2. Present a passing score on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test or an approved alternative assessment instrument in a least one area (mathematics, reading, or writing) as deemed applicable by the college for the intended course or program. (Students who are exempt from the TSI by rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and by the policies of Hill College are also exempt.)
      3. Students must have a completed Hill College Concurrent Enrollment Form signed by the superintendent, the high school principal, or designee.
      4. Students must submit an application for admission, and a current high school transcript (prior to graduation).
      5. Students are expected to be enrolled in no more than two college courses each semester. The Chief Academic Officer on a recommendation of a High School Official may grant a waiver to students who wish to enroll in more than two courses.
    2. Students who have completed their freshman year in an accredited high school and who seek to enroll in Technical Education courses often referred to as Occupational/Vocational courses, may be enrolled in Technical Education Courses through Hill College Division of Continuing Education & Corporate Training upon successful completion of the criteria listed in this section. Technical Education students will NOT be taking courses for semester hour college credit but rather, will be earning Continuing Education Units. If a student would like to apply for semester hour credit for high school concurrent Technical Education courses, upon graduation, the student must apply for admission to Hill College and be accepted to the college. Upon successful admission to Hill College, an admission or guidance counselor will advise the student on the best method to apply for college credit in selected areas either through departmental placement exam, approved Tech Prep articulated credit or other testing methods in place at the college. Hill College Policies and Procedures clearly state the mechanisms in place for award of college credit through any of the following: CLEP, AP, Departmental Exam, Tech Prep, etc.

      3. Technical Education Requirements:
      1. Students must have a completed Hill College Concurrent Enrollment Form for Technical Education Programs signed by the Superintendent, the high school principal, or designee. (MUST BE COMPLETE & SIGNED)
      2. Students are expected to be enrolled in four or more instructional clock hours (i.e., 4 - 50 minute periods) of high school and no more than two Technical Education courses each semester. The Vice President of Instruction may grant a waiver to students who request the opportunity to enroll in more than two Technical Education courses.
      3. Students must complete, sign, and date the Continuing and Technical Education Registration Form.
      Some students who are enrolled for Technical and Continuing Education (CE) courses may be placed in a classroom with students who are taking the same course for regular college credit. This is a practice known as INTEGRATED classes. The CE student will have the benefit of the same instruction but is not required to participate in the same assessment instruments. Outcomes and assessments will be reviewed by the instructor, the dean of continuing education & corporate training and designated personnel.

    3. Students who are enrolled in a non-traditional program of study (i.e., a home school or a non-accredited high school) and who have successfully completed their sophomore or junior year must satisfy the following:
      1. Student must present an application for admission, a current transcript or notarized statement or class standing and a Hill College Early Enrollment Form signed by a high school official.
      2. Present a passing score on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test or an approved alternative assessment instrument in a least one area (mathematics, reading, or writing) as deemed applicable by the college for the intended course or program. (Students who are exempt from the TSI by rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and by the policies of Hill College are also exempt.)

    All students who participate in the Early Admissions/Concurrent Enrollment Program must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing. Students will be enrolled provisionally on a semester by semester basis. Credit will be awarded according to state, local, and institutional policies in effect at the time of enrollment. Students participating in the Early Admissions/ Concurrent Enrollment Program must submit a final high school transcript upon graduation from their high school or a GED certificate.


    Veterans

    Veterans are admitted on the same basis as other students. Hill College is approved for Veterans Training under the GI Bill of Rights, Public Laws 358 and 550, and under the Vocational Rehabilitation Laws.


    ACADEMIC FRESH START FOR ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

    Texas Senate Bill 1321 (1993) allows students who were enrolled in a postsecondary institution 10 or more years ago to seek admission to Hill College without consideration of that work. Should the student seek admission under this option, then no college courses or credits ten (10) years or older will be evaluated. (A student's Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption based on work completed prior to the Fall of 1989 is retained regardless of any election of Academic Fresh Start.) This option does not relieve students from notifying the college of attendance at previous institutions nor of the need to submit transcripts indicating all previous course work attempted. For additional information on Academic Fresh Start, contact the Office of Enrollment Services.


    ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

    College administrators, faculty, and staff constitute the Admissions Committee. The committee shall consider individual student requests for admission or readmission when the student does not meet the college's standard admission requirements. Requests for hearings are made to the Office of Enrollment Services.


    CONTINUING EDUCATION & CORPORATE TRAINING

    Hill College is committed to the educational and cultural development of citizens throughout its service area. The Division of Continuing Education & Corporate Training is a major expression of the college's orientation toward our mission and public service. It recognizes that people do not outgrow their need and desire to learn but rather continue throughout life to want and to seek new knowledge, understanding, and skills. The specific goals of the program are to:

    1. Provide opportunities for people of all ages to enrich their cultural lives and pursue their personal interests;
    2. Provide workforce education and training to adults to assist them in acquiring or upgrading technical skills leading to employment or job advancement;
    3. Sponsor in-service training opportunities for area employers and professionals to satisfy organizational needs and educational requirements for licensing or credentialing; and,
    4. Provide other instruction as required to meet community needs.

    These programs typically consist of non credit experiences such as short courses, seminars, workshops, and lectures. They can be custom tailored for the convenience of the student, business, or an employee and may be offered at a variety of locations. Enrollment is open to all interested individuals regardless of education background; however, a few certification courses have additional admission requirements, these include certain specialized courses, such as real estate, massage therapy, or cosmetology. Each continuing education course normally requires the payment of a small fee which is determined by the length and nature of the learning activity.


    ADMISSION PROCEDURES

    The procedures for entering Hill College are as follow:

    1. Complete and return to the Office of Enrollment Services the following forms. (Forms are available from the Office of Enrollment Services or at our website at www.hillcollege.edu )
      1. A completed Application for Admission.
      2. If you are going to live on campus, a completed dormitory application (with the $50.00 non-refundable housing processing fee) and health forms are required. (All International Students are required to live in Hill College dormitories.)
    2. Submit all required official transcripts. If you are a first- time college student, request your high school transcript be sent to the Office of Enrollment Services at Hill College. If you are a transfer student, request each college attended to send a complete transcript of credits directly to the Office of Enrollment Services at Hill College. A personally delivered transcript will not be accepted as an official record unless it is delivered in a sealed college envelope. (If not a high school graduate, send the GED scores)
    3. Request any scores on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP), ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, American College Testing Program (ACT), or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) be forwarded to Hill College.
    4. Registration must be accomplished by the student in person.


    TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI)

    The 78th Texas Legislature passed SB 286 repealing the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) and creating the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) regarding student assessment and developmental education. The TSI requires mandatory advising and assessment for all students. The bill authorizes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to prescribe assessment instruments with a statewide passing standard. The TSI requires an institution to develop an individualized plan for each student who needs to attain college readiness. The initiative allows an institution to determine when a student is ready to perform freshman-level academic coursework. The institution must make its determination on an individual basis according to the needs of the student. SB 286 requires each institution to report annually to the Coordinating Board on the success of its students and the effectiveness of its Success Initiative.

    Hill College's Developmental Education Plan is designed to provide guidelines for students under the Texas Success Initiative. The following components are included in the plan: Developmental program mission, organization, program objectives, design, outcomes and policies; assessment requirements for concurrent credit high school students and college students; testing exemptions; plan for academic success; criteria for determining college readiness; re-test criteria; information for academic advising; and program reporting and evaluation. An Academic Success Plan will be developed by a counselor or developmental studies faculty advisor for students who do not meet the minimum passing academic standard.

    Under TSI, all students seeking a degree or level two vocational certificate are required to test unless otherwise exempt based on one of the following:

    1. Earned within the last five years, an ACT composite score of 23 or higher with individual mathematics and English scores of no less than 19. ACT scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
    2. Earned within the last five years, a SAT composite of 1070 or higher with a minimum of 500 on the verbal and math test. SAT scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
    3. A student who scores at least a 2200 in math on the exit-level TAKS is exempt from math testing. A student who scores at least a 2200 in English/Language Arts is exempt from reading and writing testing. These scores are valid for three years from the date of testing.
    4. Possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education.
    5. A student who transfers from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution and who have satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in math, English, and/or intensive reading (C or higher), as determined by the institution.
    6. A student who enrolls in a level-one vocational certificate program; a program of 42 or fewer semester credit hours.
    7. A student serving in the military or active duty as a member of the armed forces of the U.S., the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
    8. A student who on or after August 1, 1990 was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, of the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the U.S.
    9. A student who is a non-degree or non-certificate seeking study.


    Assessment Instruments

    Hill College administers the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) and the ACCUPLACER instruments to assess college readiness. ASSET and COMPASS scores are accepted from receiving institutions.


    Criteria for Determining College Readiness

    There are three ways for Hill College students to meet college readiness standards:

    1. Pass one of the recommended assessment instruments, e.g., Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, or ASSET.
    2. Successfully complete the sequence of the prescribed developmental education courses in the deficient area with a “C” or higher.
    3. Be exempt from testing.


    REGISTRATION

    The registration schedule is published in the schedule of classes of each semester and on the Hill College home page. Traditional fall, spring, and summer semester classes are available with mini semesters offered throughout the year. Registration includes completion of required forms, preparation of a class schedule, and payment of all tuition and fees. Registration must be completed by the student in person or via Campus Connect.


    FLEXIBLE ENTRY REGISTRATION

    Programs designated as Flexible Entry Programs include Air Conditioning/Refrigeration, Child Care and Development, Cosmetology, Industrial Design Technology, and Welding. The Information Processing program is an Open Entry/Open Exit program. The scheduled dates of entry for these programs is printed in each semesters Proposed Schedule of Classes. Information concerning other courses or programs scheduled at irregular times may be obtained from the Vice President of Instruction.


    CAMPUS CONNECT

    Through Campus Connect, on Hill College's Home Page at www.hillcollege.edu all students may view their transcript, final grades, account status, and class schedule. Students should connect the Office of Enrollment Services or the Counseling Office for information about on-line registration.