Admission is based on the availability of space and qualifications of the applicant. SUNY Westchester Community College adheres to the policy that no person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap is excluded from, or is subject to, discrimination in any program or activity. Information collected on the application (Section 355(2) (i) Education Law) will be used to evaluate an individual’s request for admission. Except as required by applicable law or as set forth by any college policy, SUNY Westchester Community College reserves the right to make discretionary admissions decisions and to admit or deny candidates for any lawful reason. Failure to provide information could prevent an individual’s application from being processed.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Possess a local or Regent’s high school diploma (an I.E.P. [Individual Education Plan] certificate of completion is not a recognized diploma)
Possess a high school equivalency diploma (GED)
Be admitted under the Home-Schooled Student requirements
Be admitted through the New York State 24 College Credit GED Program

NOTE: As per College Policy, applications are processed using self-reported data. Documents (i.e. transcripts) are not required to proceed with application processing and enrollment. Also, if application fee is not submitted at the time of application, the application will be processed without the application fee. Fee is added to Bursars office tuition bill.Complete admissions requirements are available at the Admissions Information Checklist

1.1.2 Admission Review Process For Individuals With Prior Conduct History

Updated: September 2024

Policy Statement

Westchester Community College strives to balance its open access mission with its commitment to maintain the safety and overall well-being of its community. Applicants for admission who have a disciplinary record that resulted in a suspension, expulsion or dismissal from any prior educational institution (i.e. high school, other college, vocational school, etc.) are subject to additional review as part of the admissions process for Westchester Community College. Consistent with the SUNY policy titled Admission of Persons with Disciplinary Dismissals, Westchester Community College will review applicants who affirm that they have been suspended or expelled from a college or other educational institution for disciplinary reasons. Westchester Community College reserves the right to make discretionary admissions decisions and to admit or deny applicants for any lawful reason.

Definitions

Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities: The College’s chief student conduct officer or their designee.
Exceptional Admissions Committee (EAC): A group of professionals employed by the College with knowledge or expertise to help review cases involving applicants who were previously dismissed, suspended, or expelled from previously attended institutions. Examples of members of the EAC may include, but is not limited to:
- Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities (Chair)
- Director of Security
- Director of Mental Health & Counseling Services
- Chief Diversity Officer
- CARE Team Case Manager

Procedures

Upon receipt of an application that indicates an applicant has been suspended, expelled, or dismissed from a previous educational institution[1], the College will:
1. Place a hold on the applicant’s account, preventing further registration action, via the Admissions Office.
2. The student will need to complete the Applicant Dismissed From Prior Educational Institution Form. This form will ask the applicant to provide the following:
  1. Basic Demographic Information of Applicant
  2. Name(s) & dates of attendance of institution(s) they were previously suspended, expelled or dismissed from
  3. Personal statement that includes: (a) a narrative of the incident that led to the suspension, expulsion or dismissal; (b) what the applicant learned from the experience; (c) what, if any, actions has the applicant taken to ensure they will not engage in the same behavior that lead to their suspension, expulsion or dismissal; and (d) why they want to attend Westchester Community College.
  4. Copies of the applicant’s conduct documents from their previous institutions that: (a) identifies any charges brought against them; (b) identifies the outcome of conduct meetings, including outcomes to charges, sanctions imposed, and any rationales provided for these decisions; and (c) any other documentation the previous institution sent the applicant about the incident in question or the conduct meeting*.
  5. Any other evidence the student wishes the college to review.

*These documents are required for individuals with conduct history resulting in a suspension, expulsion or dismissal from a previously attended institution of higher education. These records are optional, but strongly encouraged for students with conduct history resulting in a suspension, expulsion or dismissal from a previously attended secondary school.

A completed Applicant Dismissed From Prior Educational Institution Form will be forwarded to the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

In all instances, the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities reserves the right to call the Exceptional Admissions Committee (EAC) to consult with them on all aspects of a case.
The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities may request additional information from the applicant and may require an interview with the applicant, which may include members of the EAC.

Evidence Review and Outcome. The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities will review appropriate information to determine if the applicant will be admitted to the college. Based on the outcome of this review, the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities, with consultation from the EAC as deemed appropriate by the Director of the Student Rights and Responsibilities, may take any of the following actions:
1. Admit the applicant to Westchester Community College.
2. Admit the applicant to Westchester Community College with conditions.
3. Deny the applicant admission to Westchester Community College.

The decision of the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities may be appealed to the Dean of Student Life. See F. Appeal for more information.

Notification of Outcome. The Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities will notify the applicant as to the outcome of their application for admission. Student Life will be responsible for lifting any holds for students admitted to the institution. Student Life will be responsible for monitoring and working with newly admitted students who are admitted with conditions.
Appeal. A student may file a written appeal to the Dean of Student Life or designee within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the letter from the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

A student may only file an appeal for the following considerations:
1. New Information: is there new information not previously available to the student that may change the outcome of the decision?
2. Procedural Errors: Were there any procedural irregularities that materially affected the outcome?
3. Unreasonable Decision: Given the proper facts, criteria, and procedures, was the decision a reasonable one?
4. After reviewing the matter fully, the Dean of Student Life or designee will issue a written decision affirming or reversing the decision. The Dean of Student Life will notify the student of their decision. The decision of the Dean of Student Life or designee shall be final.

[1] Question 29 on the admissions application asks, “Have you ever been suspended, expelled, or dismissed from a previous educational institution (college, university, high school, vocational school, etc.) for disciplinary (conduct) reasons? “

1.2 Tuition and Fee Refunds

1.2.1 Refund Policy for Undergraduate Academic Courses

In the event the college cancels a course, 100% of tuition and refundable fees will be refunded. Please see the list of non-refundable fees below.
Depending on the length of the session and when the course is dropped by a student, the student will be refunded a percentage of tuition only (not fees), according to the schedule below.
As of the first day of any session (whether it be on the main campus, online or at an extension site), students who fail to make payment or other arrangements to cover their full account will be responsible for the charges incurred according to the refund schedule. If you do not plan on attending Westchester Community College, you must drop your classes prior to the first day of the semester in which you are registered in order to qualify for a 100% refund of tuition and refundable fees. If you do not, all tuition and fees are your responsibility.
Refunds are issued on the basis of credits registered for, and not the full time tuition. You will never be charged more than full time tuition

Refund Policy – 14- and 15-Week Semesters (Fall/Spring Semesters Including Distance Learning courses & 14-week Extension Sites)

When Course Is Dropped	Refund Amount
Before official start of the semester	100%
During the first week	75% (Tuition Only)
During the second week	50% (Tuition Only)
During the third week	25% (Tuition Only)
After the third week	No Refund

Please see list of non-refundable fees below

Refund Policy – Courses held for LESS than 14 weeks (Including Distance Learning & Summer courses, Winter Session)

When Course Is Dropped	Refund Amount
Before the official start date of the session (NOT the first class meeting)	100% *
First five calendar days of session	25% (Tuition Only)

1.2.2 Non-Refundable Fees

Registration fees, administrative payment plan fees, application fees, assessment fees, add/drop fees, late registration fees, and return check fees are non-refundable. After the semester’s start date the FSA fees, FSA equipment fees, FSA cultural arts fees, paramedic fees, lab fees, and malpractice insurance fees are non-refundable.

1.2.3 Return of Title IV Funds Policy When Withdrawing from Classes

If a student withdraws from all classes before completing more than 60% of the semester, they may be required to return a portion of the federal financial aid received.

Federal law requires the Financial Aid Office to recalculate aid eligibility when a student withdraws, drops out, is dismissed, or takes a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of the payment period or semester. All Title IV federal financial aid programs must be reviewed in these cases.

The return calculation determines the percentage of “earned” versus “unearned” aid. This percentage is based on the number of days the student attended divided by the total number of days in the payment period.

If more than 60% of the semester has been completed, the student is considered to have earned 100% of the aid and no funds are returned.
If less than 60% has been completed, the unearned portion of aid must be returned to the federal programs.

Please note: Federal regulations do not allow exceptions to this rule, regardless of personal or medical circumstances.

Federal funds are returned in the following order:

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
PLUS Loans
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Other Title IV assistance

Additional Important Information:

Students who are no longer enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours at the time loan funds are scheduled to be disbursed are ineligible for those funds. The loan will be cancelled and funds returned to the U.S. Department of Education.
Returning Title IV funds may result in a balance owed to the college. Students should contact the Bursar’s Office to make payment arrangements if a balance is due.
While federal regulations cannot be appealed, students may submit a written appeal to the Tuition Refund Committee if they believe extenuating circumstances may qualify them for an exception to the institutional refund policy.

For questions about the Return of Title IV funds, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

1.2.4 Tuition Refunds for Active Military Duty

Policy
The tuition/refund/credit policy (modeled on the ad hoc policy adopted in 1990-1991 during Operation Desert Storm) was adopted by the Cabinet on February 26, 1996. It is to be applied to Westchester Community College students in present and future situations of activation to military duty (extended active duty).

Procedure for Tuition Refund for Active Military Duty

Any student called to extended active duty should bring documentation of that order to the College and make an appointment with the counselor in charge of veteran’s affairs.
Upon verification of the legitimacy of the orders, the counselor will arrange for the student to meet with each of his/her teachers.
The student will be free to exercise any or all of the options outlined below on a course-by- course basis. (The choice will depend upon the time in the semester the call up occurs, the expected duration of the military assignment, the amount of prior notice given to the student by the military, and the nature of the subject matter of the course.) The following option(s) can be followed:Withdrawal from the course with a full refund and no permanent citation on the transcript (i.e., equivalent to “never attended”).

Withdrawal from the course with a full refund and no permanent citation on the transcript (i.e., equivalent to “never attended”).
Withdrawal as above, but no refund. Rather, the student would be given a letter permitting him/her to repeat the course at some future time at no cost.
Student and teacher agree that so much work has been completed that an “I” (incomplete) could be assigned. The deadline for making up the remaining work should be extended beyond the current rule (end of next regular semester) to the end of the next regular semester after the student is released from active duty. Here no refund is involved.
In some cases it might be possible for the student to take work with him/her on active duty and upon completion of these assignments be awarded a grade. This option would only be available if both the student and the faculty member agreed that this was possible. In this case no refund is involved.

What this policy does not do is award college credit for incomplete work. This would be a disadvantage to both the student and the College. Rather, it facilitates the completion of the work by making accommodations in the rules. If at any time a student who has selected any option, other than “A” or “B”, finds that he/she is not able to complete the work after all, a refund would be issued upon a written request from the student.

1.2.5 Appealing a Refund

A student who wishes to appeal a refund should visit the Tuition Refund Appeal page or the Medical Appeal page for more information.

1.3 Financial Aid

1.3.1 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements

Federal regulations require students to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. SUNY WCC evaluates SAP at the end of each semester, using three required measures:

Qualitative Requirement (Cumulative GPA)

Students must maintain a 2.00 cumulative GPA once they have attempted 48 or more cumulative credits.
Developmental and transfer credits are included in the cumulative attempted credits.

Quantitative Requirement (Completion Rate)

Students must successfully complete a minimum percentage of the courses they attempt.
The completion rate is determined by dividing earned credits by attempted credits.

Maximum Time Frame

A student must declare an academic program and must be taking courses that apply to that degree or certificate.
Students must complete their degree or certificate program within 150% of the published length of the program in credit hours.
- Example: If a program requires 60 credits, financial aid eligibility ends once the student attempts 90 credits (60 × 1.5).
All attempted credits are counted toward this limit, including transfer credits accepted by WCC.
Developmental credits are excluded.
Students who change academic programs will have all prior credits counted toward the maximum time frame of the new program.

Additional Information

Students who do not meet SAP requirements may have their financial aid suspended.
SAP standards apply to all Title IV federal aid programs.
Students may appeal if they have extenuating circumstances that prevented them from meeting SAP requirements.

1.3.2. Aid For Part-Time Study (APTS) Progress Standards

APTS students are allowed up to a maximum of 48 points of eligibility. These points include any points earned as a TAP recipient or for any other state grant. Each APTS award uses 3 points and each TAP award uses 6 points.

State Aid Points	3	6	9	12	15	18	21	24	27	30	36	39	42	45	48
Minimum Degree Credits Earned	0	3	3	9	9	18	18	30	30	45	45	60	75	75	75

APTS recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at all times to be eligible. Financial aid rules and regulations are subject to change. Students are strongly urged to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss any concerns regarding eligibility for aid.

1.3.3 Financial Aid Code of Conduct and Ethical Principles

SUNY Westchester Community College observes the code of conduct laws enacted by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) (Sunshine Act) enacted August 14, 2008, the Agreement on Code of Conduct between SUNY State Operated Campuses and New York State Attorney General, April 3, 2007, and the State of New York SLATE Act. This code of conduct and ethical principles is based on the principle that the primary goal of the Office of Student Financial Assistance professionals is to help students achieve their educational potential by providing appropriate financial resources. To this end, the financial aid professionals shall:

Be committed to removing possible financial barriers for those wishing to pursue postsecondary education.
Support efforts to encourage students, as early as the elementary grades, to aspire to and plan for education beyond high school.
Make every effort to assist students in receiving financial aid to help meet their financial need.
Advocate in the students’ interest at the institutional, state and federal level.
Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age or economic status.
Respect the dignity and protect the privacy of students, and ensure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.

The code of conduct outlined below pertains to all staff in the Office of Student Financial Assistance as well as the Vice President of the college to whom the office reports. All relevant employees will agree to the following to ensure transparency in the administration of the student financial aid programs and avoid conflicts of interest. Do not undertake any employment, compensated or not which is in conflict with proper discharge of their duties or might impair their objectivity or independence of judgment in the exercise of their duties at this institution.

Do not use their positions or information received to solicit or secure financial gain, unwarranted privileges by accepting cash payments, stocks, club memberships, gifts, entertainment, expense-paid trips, or other forms of inappropriate remuneration from any business entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.
Adhere to all institutional policies as well as other local, state or federal requirements that are applicable to their conduct or job performance.
Provide accurate, unbiased and transparent information which in no way reflects any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain and ensure that students and parents fully understand their rights, obligations and alternatives.
Ensure that students and parents understand that SUNY Westchester Community College does not participate in a preferred lender list which directs students to a preferred lender. To this end students must be made to understand that, as long as SUNY Westchester Community College participates in the FFELP Loan programs:

Financial Aid professionals at SUNY Westchester Community College are prohibited from recommending any lender.
Students are free to select a lender and guarantor of their choice.
Students and parents should be made to understand the process of selecting a lender and applying for a loan.

The school will promptly certify any loan from any lender selected by a borrower.
Clearly inform students that, although they are directed to NYSHESC to choose a lender and complete the Master Promissory Note, they are free to choose a lender not on the HESC website. Similarly, they must be told that they are free to use a guarantor other than HESC.
The college does not have a preferred lender list for alternative loans. Financial Assistance personnel will not make any recommendations to the student as to the choice of a lender.
Do not permit an employee or agent of a lender or guarantor to staff the offices, represent his/herself as an employee of the institution or conduct Loan Entrance workshops.
The Office of Student Financial Assistance will promptly process any alternative loan submitted for certification according to the regulations of the lender. However, prior to certifying an alternative loan, the College will inform students of the availability of the cheaper federal loan programs and advise students to complete the FAFSA to assess their eligibility for the federal loans. Financial aid professionals are free to provide students with information to assist them in making a comparison of benefits for the students to make an informed choice of a lender.

NOTE: Items 4 to 7 will no longer be applicable once SUNY Westchester Community College stops participating in the FFELP loan program and switches to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loan Program and the Federal Direct Parent Loan Program.

1.4 Immunization Requirements Policy

NY State Public Health Law Section 2165 mandates that all students born on or after January 1, 1957 who wish to register for more than five (5) credits with an in-person component in any single semester provide documentation of proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella includes one of the following:

Proof of two doses of the MMR live vaccine, with the first dose given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, and the second at least 28 days after the first dose;
Proof of two doses of the live measles vaccine, with the first dose given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday and the second at least 28 days after the first dose, AND (2) one dose of the live mumps vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, AND (3) one dose of live rubella vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday;
Serological proof of MMR immunity (titer).

Exemptions to Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination Requirement

There are currently two exemptions to the measles, mumps, and rubella immunization requirement that a student may submit an appeal for:

Medical Exemption: A medical exemption can be granted for students who provide documentation (using the WCC MMR Medical Exemption Form) that is written by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, stating that the student has a health condition, which is a valid contraindication of receiving a specific vaccine. A permanent or temporary exemption may then be granted by the College.
Religious Exemption: A student may be exempt from vaccination if, in the opinion of the WCC Health Services Coordinator or Staff Nurses, the student (parent or guardian of students under 18 years of age) holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs, which are contrary to the practice of measles, mumps and rubella immunizations. Using the WCC MMR Religious Exemption Form , the statement must indicate why the vaccination for all or three of diseases is contrary to the religious belief. Request for exemptions must be in writing and signed by the student or parent if the student is under age 18. General philosophical or moral objections to such vaccine shall not suffice as the basis for a religious exemption.

In order for the College to consider a request for a religious or medical exemption to the MMR Vaccine Requirement, the student MUST submit the appropriate WCC form. Only WCC forms completed in their entirety will be accepted and reviewed.

It may take the college up to ten (10) business days to review a request for an exemption and notify the student of the outcome.

Should a measles, mumps or rubella outbreak occur on campus, students who are approved for an exemption to the vaccine requirement may be required to remain off-campus until the Westchester County Department of Health deems it safe to return.

Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization Requirement

NY State Public Health Law Section 2167 requires that Westchester Community College distributes written information about meningococcal meningitis and meningitis immunization to all students (or parents/guardians for students under the age of 18 years). This information will be located on the College’s website on the Student Immunization Requirement webpage.

The law also requires all students regardless of age, registering for more than 5 credits, have one of the following on file with the College:

Proof of immunization in the past five years for meningococcal meningitis disease
A signed acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and a refusal of the meningitis immunization.

Registration Hold

At SUNY Westchester Community College, all students are required to demonstrate their compliance with the immunization requirement prior to registering for classes. A registration hold is placed on all student’s accounts that will not permit a student to register for six or more credits with an in-person component until acceptable proof of immunization is submitted and accepted by the college.

MMR Compliance: Prior to the registration hold being lifted, one of the following must be on file with the College’s Health Services Office:

Proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella diseases before registering.
An approved medical exemption.
An approved religious exemption.

Meningococcal Meningitis Compliance: Prior to the registration hold being lifted, one of the following must be on file with the College’s Health Services Office:

Proof of immunization in the past five years for meningococcal meningitis disease
A signed acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and a refusal of the meningitis immunization.

Procedures

Students should submit documents showing proof of immunization at the same time they submit their application for admissions into Westchester Community College. Students must provide copies of their immunization records from doctors, schools, or serology lab reports. Students may also have a physician complete the Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR), and Meningitis Immunization Requirement Form.

Students appealing the requirement must send completed Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Medical Exemption Forms or Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Religious Exemption Forms to the Health Services Office.

There are three ways a student can submit their Immunization Forms to the WCC Health Services Office:

Upload completed digital copies of their immunization forms and supporting documentation by visiting the Health Services Drop Box on the Health Services website.
Send completed, hard-copy, original versions of required immunization forms to the Health Services Office, located in Student Center Room 181. Students may hand deliver these forms or mail them to:

WCC Health Services Office
Student Center 181
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY, 10595

Fax completed, hard-copy forms to the Health Services Office at 914-606-6423

1.5 Accessibility Services Policy

In accordance with Section 504 of the United States Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SUNY Westchester Community College does not discriminate on the basis of disability in educational programs, activities, and employment. SUNY WCC may be required to accommodate an otherwise qualified individual with a disability by making a reasonable modification in its services, programs, or activities. For additional information visit the Accessibility Services Guidelines & Procedures.

1.6 Prior Learning Assessment

1.6.1 Credit for Work Completed Elsewhere

Matriculated students may obtain credit for college level work completed in addition to their regular college courses. A few basic rules apply. The college can grant credit only for specific equivalent coursework in the student’s curriculum, and the number of credits for each specific course cannot exceed the credit value of that course.

A student may be granted a maximum of 50 percent of the required credits for a degree or certificate at Westchester Community College through one or more of the following methods:

Advanced Standing: Transfer credit can be granted in equivalent courses completed at other accredited institutions of collegiate rank.

Courses transferred as specific courses (not electives) must be determined to be the equivalent of the Westchester Community College courses they will replace.
Within the requirements for the various curricula, there may be specific courses that must be taken at Westchester Community College.
The post-secondary institutions from which credits are received must be regionally/nationally accredited at the time the courses were taken.
Transfer of international credits is at the discretion of the college. International credits must be evaluated by an outside accrediting agency prior to submission.
Any course deemed equivalent to a college-level course at Westchester Community College in which the student has received a grade of “C” (i.e., 2.0) or better will be accepted for transfer credit.
Courses in which grades of “P” (Pass) and “S” (Satisfactory) will also be accepted for transfer credit, provided the standard for achieving those grades is 2.0 or better.
In some curricula, arrangements have been made with certain high schools and other educational institutions for consideration of advanced standing of work completed at those schools.
A student cannot earn duplicate credit by transfer for courses already successfully completed at WCC.

Examination: Through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP), a student may successfully complete examinations in a variety of subject areas and can be granted college credit.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Visit CLEP Exams and Equivalent Courses . See the CLEP page at College Board for testing sites in New York State.
Advanced Placement (AP): Visit Advanced Placement Exams . AP courses and examinations are given at most high schools.
A student cannot earn duplicate credit for examination programs and college studies covering the same material.

Students who wish to have CLEP or AP scores evaluated to satisfy Westchester Community College degree requirements should submit official copies of the scores to the Transfer Credit Evaluator in the Registrar’s Office.

Credit for Studies Completed while Serving in the Military: Students who have engaged in a course of study while serving in the military may be eligible to receive college credit at Westchester Community College

The coursework completed in the military must be applicable to the program of study (degree) in which the student wishes to enroll (or is enrolled) at Westchester Community College.
Students must submit the following documents to the Transcript Evaluator in the Admissions Office: AARTS1 transcript, or a SMART2, or a CCAF3 transcript AND An ACE4 recommendation/transcript OR the DD214 (for Physical Education transfer credit).
Students may earn generic credit identified by discipline or type of degree requirement OR credit for a specific, parallel course.
Transfer credit may fulfill core, program or elective requirements.
AARTS - Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System
SMARTS - Sailor/Marine American Council of Education Registry Transcript System
CCAF - Community College of the Air Force
ACE – American Council on Education

Credit for Studies Completed while attending Police Academies:

WCC has articulation agreements with the Westchester County Police Academy, the Westchester County Department of Corrections Academy and the New York City Police Department to accept transfer courses applicable to the student’s program of study at the discretion of the curriculum chair of the Criminal Justice-Police AAS and Criminal Justice-Corrections AAS degrees.

For further information contact: Transfer Credit Evaluator, Registrar’s Office, Westchester Community College

1.7 Maximum Credit Load

Students enrolling during the Fall and Spring semesters may not register for more than 19 credits without obtaining special permission from both their Curriculum Chair and the appropriate School Dean.

Students entering or continuing at the college who are required to take ENG 91 - Writing for College 1 or ENG 92 - Writing for College 2 along with a non-credit mathematics course (Computational Skills or Beginning Algebra) or College Reading and Study Skills may take no more than 14 charged credits.

Students may not register for more than two courses in any single Summer Session by the School Dean.

1.8 Online Courses

Students with a GPA below 2.0 at Westchester Community College require special permission from a counselor to register for a fully online course.

1.9 Developmental Education Courses

All first-time matriculated students must be advised by an Academic Counselor prior to registration. For students placing in any number of developmental courses, specific course selection will be decided upon in consultation with either an Academic Counselor or a Curriculum Chair.

Below are the minimum course requirements for full-time matriculated students:

Full-time matriculated students placed into one or two developmental courses must take those courses within their first semester at the College.
Full-time matriculated students placed into three developmental courses must enroll in at least two of those courses within their first semester at the College; these students must take the third developmental course in the following semester. These students are strongly advised to enroll in all three developmental courses within their first semester.

Below are the minimum course requirements for part-time matriculated students:

Part-time matriculated students placed into one or two developmental courses must take those courses prior to enrolling in a third credit-bearing course. These students are strongly advised to enroll in their developmental courses within their first semester at the College.
Part-time matriculated students placed into three developmental courses must enroll in all those courses prior to enrolling in a third credit-bearing course. These students are strongly advised to enroll in their developmental courses within their first year at the College.

Westchester Community College provides students with further assistance through the Academic Support Center, which provides free tutoring in developmental and college-level courses. Students in developmental courses are strongly advised to take advantage of these services to expedite their skill development.

Registration in College-level Courses

Students placing into developmental courses may be able to enroll in a number of credit-bearing courses, but should check the specific course pre-requisites and/or co-requisites. These students are encouraged to consult with an Academic Counselor when registering for courses.

There are two types of Developmental Courses, those that are prerequisite to a credit course and those that are co-requisite/support classes to a credit course.

Prerequisite developmental courses, which do not satisfy a degree such as: READ 93, ENG 91, ENG 92, ESL94, MATH 92, MATH 93, MATH 94 are graded as follows:
- Grades of A - D indicate successful completion of the course but are not used in grade point average calculations.
- Grade of F indicates the course was not successfully completed and is not used in grade point average calculations. Student will be required to repeat this course.
Co-requisite/support classes are taken concurrently with credit bearing courses to support course content. Co-requisite/support classes such as: ENG 99, MATH 88, MATH 95, and MATH 99 are graded as follows:
- The grading for these co-requisite/support classes will be Pass/Fail
- Grades for co-requisite/support classes are not used in grade point average calculations.
- Student must pass BOTH the credit course and the co-requisite/support class; if they fail either, they fail both, and must repeat both.

Approved by SUNY WCC Cabinet March 29, 2021

1.10 Changing Curriculum (Program of Study)

Policy

Matriculated students should select their major/program plan to best suit their educational and career goals and aspirations. If a student’s goals and aspirations alter and students feel they must change their major/program plan, students must meet with their respective advisor to consult about the potential impact this change may have toward their degree completion. Major/program plan changes will be processed only by the Registrar’s Office and are subject to advisor approval.

Procedure

Requests to change curriculum should be made prior to the selection of courses for the next semester.
Students must secure a Curriculum Change Request Form
After having consulted with their counselors, students must receive approval from the Curriculum Chair of the curriculum they wish to enter.
After obtaining the approval signature from the curriculum chair of the curriculum being entered, students must take the Curriculum Change Request Form to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

1.11 Withdrawal

1.11.1 Withdrawal from a Course

Deadlines

Withdrawal Type	Deadline
Student-initiated withdrawal from a course	Last day of ninth week of semester
Faculty-assigned course-withdrawal grade of WP/WF	After ninth week of semester
Student-initiated withdrawal from the college	Last day of classes before final exams
For semesters shorter than 15 weeks	See academic calendar for the withdrawal deadline

Student-Initiated Withdrawal from a Course

The deadline for withdrawal from a course with a grade of “W” is the last day of the ninth week of the semester. A grade of “W” does not affect a student’s GPA. However, it is important to use withdrawals wisely. If unsure, it is best to consult with the instructor or academic counselor. Prior to withdrawal, financial aid recipients are urged to consult with a financial aid counselor to determine if current or future financial aid maybe negatively affected.

While it is the right of a student to withdraw from a course, withdrawal without following the procedure listed below may result in the student’s failure of the course.

Procedure to withdraw from credit-bearing courses

Students may withdraw from credit-bearing courses by logging in to My WCC and following the instructions for “How to Drop Course(s) Online.”

Procedure to withdraw from zero-credit courses

Student meets with a Counselor, Curriculum Chair, Department Chair or School Dean.
The Counselor, Curriculum Chair, Department Chair or School Dean will release the hold that is placed on these zero-credit courses and withdraw the student.

Faculty-Assigned Course-Withdrawal Grade of WP/WF

After the ninth week of the semester, the course instructor may allow a student with extenuating circumstances to withdraw from the course by assigning a grade of WP (withdrawal-passing: student is passing at the time of withdrawal) or WF (withdrawal-failing: student is failing at the time of withdrawal). A grade of WP or WF does not affect a student’s GPA, however a grade of WP or WF can negatively affect a student’s current or future financial aid eligibility.

This is not a student right, and it is reserved only for unusual and extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. The reasons for withdrawing must be serious and compelling (not merely poor attendance or grades). The student must be able to, upon request, provide clear and complete documentation of the situation from a qualified professional such as a physician.

The following are sample guidelines for acceptable serious and compelling reasons:

Medical: Serious illness or injury of the student or of his/her immediate family, which has resulted in the inability to make up course material missed.
Financial: A student’s financial situation has become so critical that it has resulted in the inability to make up course material missed.
Personal: Serious family crisis or death in a family, which has resulted in the inability to make up course material missed.

Student- Initiated Complete Withdrawal from College - All Courses

Students may withdraw from all courses at the College up until the last day of classes before final examinations. A grade of “W” will be assigned for all classes. A grade of “W” does not affect a student’s GPA. The reasons for withdrawing should be serious and compelling, not merely poor attendance or grades.

1.11.2 Withdrawal from College

Procedure to withdraw from College

The student should:

Obtain a withdrawal form from the Counseling Office or the Registrar’s Office.
Allow enough time to complete the form and obtain all required signatures,
Notify all instructors of the withdrawal,
Check with the Library, the Financial Aid Office, and the Bursar’s Office to ensure if there are no outstanding obligations,
Meet with the counselor for final approval, and
Submit the form to the registrar before the deadline date.

If a student is not physically able to follow this process, the student may designate anyone with proper identification and written consent from the student, to fulfil these obligations. Withdrawal from the College can negatively affect a student’s current or future financial aid eligibility. Students who withdraw from the College and wish to register for the next semester may do so.

1.12 Involuntary Withdrawal

1.12.1 Policy

Students whose behavior poses a threat to (a) the health or safety of others or oneself; (b) significant property damage; and/or (c) significantly disrupting college operations and functions, may be subject to an involuntary withdrawal from the College. To make this determination, the college will conduct an individualized assessment to determine: (a) the nature, duration, and severity of the risk of harm; (b) the probability that the risk of harm will actually occur; and (c) whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will sufficiently mitigate the risk.

If the college determines that no reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures can be implemented to address identified threats, a student may be involuntarily withdrawn from the college.

This policy is not intended to be disciplinary in nature, but to support the student and to maintain the safety and lawful activity and order of the college community.

Implications of an Involuntary Withdrawal

A student who is involuntarily withdrawn is unable to:

register for and attend classes;
participate in any college activities;
be present on college property;
qualify for a tuition refund appeal.

In addition, a student will receive a grade of “W” for courses in which they are currently enrolled. A grade of “W” does not affect a student’s GPA. Students who are involuntarily withdrawn are not eligible to return the same semester* an involuntary withdrawal was initiated.

A hold will be placed on a student’s account preventing them from registering for classes or taking any further enrollment activity.

1.12.2 Procedures for Review and Outcome

Individualized Assessment

Recognizing the uniqueness of individuals and situations within the college community, the WCC CARE Team will conduct an individualized assessment for students who may pose a threat to: (a) the health or safety of others or oneself; (b) of significant property damage; and/or (c) of significantly disrupting college operations and functions. A student will receive written notice that will include: (a) the reason(s) why the student is being requested to complete an assessment; (b) possible outcomes from the assessment; and (c) information how to access this policy. In the written notice, the student will be encouraged to respond and provide any documentation or other information in support of their response. The student will be given five (5) business days to respond.

A student may be issued interim restrictions or conditions, up to and including an interim separation from the College, as determined by the CARE Team, VPSAIS or designee, when it is believed that they pose an immediate threat to any or all of the following: (a) the health or safety of others or oneself; (b) of significant property damage; and/or (c) of significantly disrupting college operations and functions. Interim restrictions or conditions, including interim separation, will be in effect until there is a final resolution as to the outcome of the process, up to and including the conclusion of an appeal. During an interim separation, a student is denied access to college premises and may not participate in college programs or activities, including participation in classes.

The objective of the individualized assessment process is to gather information to allow the college to determine: (The individualized assessment process may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

Mandatory participation in a violence risk assessment or psychological assessment. The CARE Team, Vice President of Student Access, Involvement and Success or designee may initiate this mandate. These assessments may be conducted by trained college personnel. Students or the CARE Team may also opt to have an external evaluator, who is approved by the CARE Team or designee, conduct a mandated assessment. The college will provide the external evaluator with information about the student’s status on campus with a release to allow for communication between the CARE Team and the external provider. Any expense related to an external evaluator will be the responsibility of the student.
A student may be requested to release information to the CARE Team from a health care provider who currently or has previously treated them.
Review of information related to the student’s academic/college record, including, but not limited to: academic performance (i.e., grades, attendance, class participation/behavior), conduct records, utilization of support services, incident reports from campus officials/offices, etc.
Review of information obtained by or provided to the CARE Team from the student or an outside community organization (i.e., law enforcement, prior institutions attended, etc.).

Outcome

Using the information available from the individualized assessment and other available supporting documentation/information, the CARE Team will determine:

the nature, duration, and severity of the risk of harm;
the probability that the risk of harm will actually occur; and
whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will sufficiently mitigate the risk.

The CARE Team will base their determination on observable behaviors, not on a diagnosis.

The CARE Team may impose any of the following outcomes:

the student may continue or immediately return to campus with or without modifications, restrictions, or other conditions; or
the student will be involuntarily withdrawn from the college for a prescribed period of time with or without specified conditions for return and will only be allowed to return to the college after establishing that their behavior no longer constitutes a direct or substantial threat.

The student will be given written notification as to the decision of the CARE Team and informed of their right to appeal the decision to the Vice President of Student Access, Involvement and Success (VPSAIS) or designee. The student will be told they have up to two (2) business days to file an appeal by completing the Involuntary Withdrawal Appeal Form .

Appeal

The request for appeal must specify the particular substantive and/or procedural basis for the appeal and must be made on grounds other than general dissatisfaction with the decision of the CARE Team.

The review by the VPSAIS or designee will be limited to the following considerations:

New Information: is there new information not previously available to the student that may change the outcome of the decision?
Procedural Errors: Were there any procedural irregularities that materially affected the outcome?
Unreasonable Decision: Given the proper facts, criteria, and procedures, was the decision a reasonable one?

After reviewing the matter fully, the VPSAIS or designee will issue a written decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the decision. The decision of the VPSAIS or designee shall be final.

1.13 Readmittance

Returning student who attended SUNY WCC less than seven years ago or graduated from SUNY WCC and want to take additional courses, are reactivated in the Registrar’s Office. However, students who attended SUNY WCC seven (7) years ago or more, must submit a new admission application and transcripts.

1.14 Courses By Senior Citizens Legislation

In 1974 two (2) bills were approved (S9595-C and S10782) by the Legislature related to auditing of courses by persons sixty years of age or over. The basic bill (S9595-C) amends the Education Law to add to the specification of powers and duties of the Board of Trustees the authority to promulgate regulations for the State-operated campuses which “permit persons sixty years of age or over to audit courses given therein without tuition, examination, grading or credit upon a space available basis, as determined by the Presidents of each such institution, provided that such audit attendance does not deny course attendance at a state-operated institution for an individual who is otherwise qualified.”

A closely similar provision authorizes community colleges to permit identical audit opportunities, except that the companion bill (S10782) states that the provisions of the basic amendment “shall not affect any state aid to community colleges.”

This legislation is in keeping with commitments that were made to the concept of lifelong learning. The only requirements for registration are as follows:

A thirty-seven dollar senior audit fee and a thirteen-dollar student fee, per semester.
Proof of age and Westchester County residency.
Senior citizens may take up to two courses per semester for this fee.
Classes not available under this program include courses with labs, hands-on and foreign language courses.
Senior citizen auditors shall not be included on class rosters, and they will not receive a grade. They will be registered in a non-credit class entitled Senior Audit.

1.15 Registration

New Matriculating Students

Must see an academic counselor for advisement.
Submit immunization records to our Health Office.
Take our Placement test, or when applicable provide ACT/SAT/Regents scores or have transfer credit which waives the placement exam.
Must activate their MyWCC account and set up a password for MyWCC enrollment access.
Registration services are available online through self-service at MyWCC using a student ID and password.

Continuing/Returning Students

Continuing /Returning students (those who have taken at least 1 credit at the College in the past) are able to register online through MyWCC if they have attended the College within the last 2 years.
If it has been more than 2 years but less than 7, students should contact the Registrar’s Office in order to be reactivated. Reactivation can also be done in-person at extension sites including (Mt. Vernon, Yonkers Cross County, Ossining and Peekskill).
If it has been more than 7 years, students must fill out a new application in the Admissions Office.
New students who filled out an application in the past but never took classes will have to contact the Admissions Office to have their account activated for the desired semester.
Alumni who graduated from SUNY Westchester Community College and wish to continue to study must complete the 2nd Degree Form with the Registrar’s Office to have enrollment access restored for the desired semester.

A second Associate degree for a specific concentration in a discipline which a student has already completed a degree is not academically recognized nor allowable.

Registration services are available online through self-service at MyWCC using a student ID and password.

Visiting Students (Non-Matriculated)

Email: Summerregistration@sunywcc.edu

As a non-matriculated student, they are considered College Math and College English ready and have met the ‘readiness’ prerequisite. They can register for any class that requires them to be ENG 101 ready or College Level Math ready. Students who would like to register for a course that has a different prerequisite must show that they have met the prerequisite in order to register for the course. All other prerequisites must be met before any student may register based on course requirements. They can submit an unofficial college transcript demonstrating that they have completed the prerequisite course for classes which they’d would like to enroll. Unofficial college transcripts may be emailed to the Registrar’s Office at visitingstudentregistration@sunywcc.edu. Students should include their SUNY WCC ID number and the exact course and section they would like to take. Permissions are added and students are notified that they can register.

For more information visit the website

For a course description, please visit the College’s catalog

Registration services are available online through self-service with MyWCC and the College Scheduler using a student ID and password.

1.16 Reverse Transfer

Students who transferred from SUNY WCC without completing a degree have the opportunity to complete.

Reverse Transfer credits back to SUNY WCC by having official college transcripts sent from their new school for review by a SUNY WCC transfer evaluator and a counselor.

For more information email Registrar@sunywcc.edu or Counseling@sunywcc.edu

1.17 SUNY Cross Registration

Degree seeking SUNY WCC students wishing to enroll at SUNY WCC and another SUNY school in the same semester should complete a Cross Registration Request/Application.

This form is not for SUNY WCC students planning to transfer to another SUNY college after they graduate from SUNY WCC.

This Application is not for students wishing to take courses at non-SUNY schools or CUNY schools. Students from other SUNY schools wishing to take classes at SUNY WCC should contact their home advising office about the cross-registration process.