Admission and Registration

Admission Policy

The WETCC has an open–admission policy for most of its programs. However, the College does reserve the right to institute a selective admission policy in programs of study where limitation is necessary.

An applicant who wishes to apply for admission must have the following documents on file:

1. A completed and signed application and application packet for admission to WETCC.
2. An official transcript from an accredited or approved high school with the date of graduation or the official copy of the General Education Development (GED) examination which verifies completion of the five test areas, the scores, and the date of completion. Official transcript means a transcript bearing the original seal and signature of the official in charge of records from an educational institution.
3. Placement testing in Math, English, Writing, and Reading is required of all students. Testing can be scheduled by appointment or taken on posted test days. While placement testing is required, it does not exclude students from attending college.*
4. Submit official college transcript(s) directly from each institution attended if transferring to WETCC.
5. Submit Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood if a member of a federally recognized Tribe.

* Note: Students should contact the Admissions Office in Waadookoodaading to arrange to take the placement tests at least two weeks in advance of the semester beginning date.

If any of the above requirements are not satisfied, the student may be allowed to register with a "Conditional Admission" status. All admissions requirements must be met by the end of the semester or grades will be withheld.

All correspondence regarding admission to the college should be addressed to the Admissions Office. Each student is urged to make application for the upcoming semester as early as possible. If a student is denied admission to the college, he/she may appeal to the Admission and Financial Aid Officer for a case review. Any questions concerning appeal procedures should be addressed to the Admissions Office.

Re–entering Students

Students re–entering WETCC must meet the admission requirements of WETCC. You need to provide an official transcript of all previous college work. Any course accepted in transfer must meet the same criteria as the course listed in the WETCC catalog. Only regular credit college courses with a C or better will be accepted in transfer. Re–entry students with a GPA of at least 2.0 from another accredited institution will no longer be on probation.

Continuing Students

Continuing students complete the ´Continuing Student Admissions Form´ (annually). In addition, students must meet with their assigned advisor.

Transfer Students

If you are transferring to WETCC, the transfer application deadline for Spring semester is December 1st. For Fall semester, the transfer application deadline is August 1st.

Transfer Admission

Students who have graduated from high school or completed GED and have attended a post–secondary institution are classified as transfers in the admission process. In most cases, a high school diploma or GED is required for admission. Transfer students who have completed a minimum of 24 academic semester credit hours, or 36 academic quarter hour credits from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA generally will be admitted as a transfer student to WETCC. Students who have completed fewer than 24 academic semester credit hours are required to provide both their college and high school records to determine admission eligibility.

In addition to the admission documents and steps required for admission for new students, transfer students must submit Official transcripts from all previously attended post–secondary institutions. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the WETCC Admissions Office from the Registrar´s Office of each institution. Faxed transcrips or unofficial copies will not be accepted. Failure to declare all previous post–secondary attendance is regarded as a serious offense and may result in dismissal from the University and the withdrawal of all credits completed. Allow 2–3 weeks processing time for admission to the college. If transcripts are under a different name, due to a legal name change, it is your responsibility to have the name corrected so that the application and transcripts match.

Students may apply for admission before completion of studies at another college, but a final transcript must be forwarded before enrollment. Applicants are generally granted admission if they meet automatic admission requirements for freshmen and are in good academic standing. WETCC reserves the right to revoke admission to those students who, after final grades are received, do not meet the minimum GPA.

WETCC recognizes and upholds academic suspensions from other post–secondary institutions. Prospective students under suspension from another institution will not be considered for admission until one academic term has passed since the suspension. Summer session does not count as a term. Violation of this regulation will be regarded as a serious offense and may result in dismissal from the college and the withdrawal of all credits completed.

Transfer Credits

After a transfer student has been admitted to WETCC, transcripts will be evaluated for transfer credits. A written evaluation will state which courses transfer and which do not. How a student´s courses meet specific degree requirements may not be determined until after registration and declaration of a major.

The following criteria will be considered when evaluating transcripts for transfer:

1. The course from the previous college must match the course outcomes of the WETCC course.
2. Only regular credit college courses with a C or better will be accepted in transfer.

Questions regarding transfer credit evaluations should be directed to the Registrar Office in Waadookoodaading. Students should ask why decisions were made concerning specific courses to clear up misunderstandings.

If a student is not satisfied with the transfer credit evaluation and explanation, she can appeal with the following process:

1. The student completes and submits an appeal form including supporting supplemental materials such as course syllabus, course description, course reading list, etc. These forms can be obtained at the Registrar´s Office.
2. The appropriate academic department will review the appeal and issue a written decision.
3. The Registrar´s Office sends the student the written decision.

In order for a transfer student to receive an Associate Degree from WETCC a minimum of 20 semester hours must be taken as a student of WETCC. In order for a transfer student to receive a Certificate from WETCC a minimum of 30% of their semester hours must be taken as a student of WETCC with a C or better average (see graduation requirements).

Proof of Immunization

Minnesota State Law requires students to be immunized against mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus if they were born on January 1, 1957 (or later) and did not graduate from a Minnesota High School in 1997 or later. Students attending more than one course at WETCC are affected by this law.

The immunization record must indicate the month and year the student was immunized against measles, rubella and mumps, after having attained the age of 12 months. The immunization record must also indicate the month and year the student was immunized against Tetanus and diphtheria within ten years of the first registration at the institution. An immunization record is not required if the student submits a statement signed by a physician that shows:

1. The student did not receive the immunization because of medical reasons.
2. The student has experienced the natural disease against which the immunization protects.
3. A laboratory has confirmed the presence of adequate immunity.

The Immunization Law states that no student may remain enrolled in a post–secondary educational institution unless the student has submitted a statement that the student has received the appropriate medication exemption as outlined in the law, or the student submits a notarized statement that the student has not been immunized because of the student´s conscientiously–held beliefs.

All immunization requirements must be fulfilled and proof submitted prior to registration.

Determination of Residency

Residence status of students shall be determined at the time of registration. The permanent residence of the student´s parents (or guardian) is considered for students less than 21 years of age. For students 21 years of age or older, the student´s permanent residence is considered. WETCC charges a single tuition rate to all students regardless of residency. An application for reciprocity still must be completed as required by the students´ state of residency.

Exceptions to the above policies are:

• Students who have graduated from a Minnesota High School within two calendar years of application for admission to a Minnesota community college shall be granted resident status.
• Students who have graduated from a Minnesota high school and have resided in Minnesota substantially since graduation, shall be granted resident status. Service in the Armed Forces of the United States shall not be considered a disruption of continuous residence.
• Students who have been employed full time in Minnesota for one year immediately prior to the dates of entrance to college shall be granted resident status, provided all income derived from such employment was subject to taxation. Spouses of Minnesota residents, as defined above, shall be granted resident status, provided that they are living with the spouse, and that the couple´s place of residence is within the state of Minnesota. This rule shall apply regardless of the age of either spouse.
• Students serving in the armed services in Minnesota, as well as their spouses and children, shall be granted resident status.
• Aliens who are employed in Minnesota on a special visa for employment purposes and whose wages are subject to taxation by the State of Minnesota, shall be granted resident status. The employment period must be at least twelve months, immediate past or immediate future and must be documented by a contract or copy of the previous year´s tax return and the employment visa. This status shall also be granted to spouses and children of such employees.
• American Indians of 50% Indian blood who are born in Canada are to be considered residents for the purpose of registration in a Minnesota community college.
• Permanent residents in the United States, and who have been employed in the seasonal agricultural labor in the State of Minnesota for a cumulative time period of not less than one year during the past five years, shall be granted resident tuition status. This status shall also extend to the spouses and children of these individuals.

Student Classification

A student is classified according to his/her admission status. A student enrolled as a candidate for a degree and who is seeking eligibility for Financial Aid must meet admission requirements, unless conditional acceptance is given to allow attendance in school and requirements must be met in a specified amount of time. A student who has earned less than 25 semester hours of credit is classified as a freshman. A student who has earned 25 semester hours of credit or more is classified as a sophomore. A "full–time" student is one who is enrolled for at least twelve (12) semester hours of credit. A "part–time" student is one who is enrolled for fewer than twelve (12) semester hours of credit. Any student applying for admissions to WETCC will be admitted to one of the following classifications:

1. A "Regular" student who is either full–time or part–time is one who has satisfied the admission requirements and is enrolled as a candidate for a degree or certificate unless conditional acceptance is given. A regular student must have a high school diploma or equivalency or has completed a Department of Education approved Ability to Benefit test. The Department approves a number of equivalents to a high school diploma including GED, a state certificate, an academic transcript of completion of a two–year program or a high school transcript showing the student has excelled in high school. A regular student is eligible for financial aid.
2. A "Special" student is one who meets one of the following criteria:
   • is a continuing education student.
   • is a student enrolled in remedial coursework only (Under Level 100 classes).
   • is a current high school student who has earned 14 units and has the written approval of the high school counselor prior to registration. A high school student may register for a maximum of 8 hours per semester.
   • a current GED student who has passed three of the GED tests and wishes to enroll in English Stepping Stones 050 or Math Stepping Stones 050. The GED student must have a written approval of the GED Coordinatior and Admissions/Records Technician prior to registration.
   • Credits earned by a "Special" student cannot be counted toward a degree or certificate until all admission requirements have been satisfied. The institution will bank these credits. A special student cannot receive finanical aid.
3. A "Non–Traditional" student is one who does not meet the other criteria but may have the ability to benefit from certain courses. The registration of a non–traditional student is subject to the approval of the Academic Director. Proper documentation from an outside source showing the students ability to benefit may be required before the student is admitted. A non–traditional student is not eligible to receive financial aid.
4. An Auditing student is one who attends and participates in a class for no credit. Participation is at the discretion of the instructor.

Student Address Change

Students should notify the Admissions Office of any change of address or phone number so that the proper entry can be made in the student record.

Upon completion of the admissions procedures as outlined in the WETCC Catalog, a letter of admission and a recommended date to complete registration will be mailed to the student. For further information about admission or application status, call WETCC Admissions Office at (218) 936–5731.

Registration

Students should refer to the academic calendar at the front of catalog for specific dates for registration. The following documents must be on file before a student can register:

1. Completed application
2. High School or GED transcript
3. Completed immunization record
4. Official post secondary transcripts
5. Placement testing results

Registration Process

Orientation is an organized informational seminar required for registration. Orientation is held within the first two weeks of a semester. At the session, the registration officer and academic advisors present an overview of the information for WETCC students who intend to enroll in three or more credits and are applying for financial aid. If a student does not attend orientation, his/her registration will remain unofficial until he/she attends a one–on–one orientation with both the Registrar´s Office and the Financial Aid Office. A student may not attend class until this requirement is met.

Pre–registration is available for two weeks at the end of the each semester for currently enrolled students seeking enrollment for the next term. New and re–entered students may register only after the admissions process has been completed. See the academic calendar for pre–registration dates.

• Using the schedule of courses, a student and her or his advisor complete a registration form which includes a listing of the student´s intended classes. These courses should be appropriate to the student´s degree education plan. Academic advisors will assist students in preparing these plans. In order to be complete, the registration form must have the advisor´s signature on it.
• The student submits the completed form to the Registrar´s Office, who then processes the registration materials and notifies the instructors of the student´s official enrollment.
• Students who have outstanding debts to the college will not be allowed to register for subsequent semesters until all obligations are fulfilled. It is the student´s responsibility to make sure tuition and fees are paid and that documents are complete and on file.

Note: The registration form is a formal agreement with the college to pay for and complete all registered courses. Students may cancel registration at any time before the beginning of the semester without any financial obligation, but after the first week of the semester, a financial obligation for tuition and fees remains. Refer to the Financial Aid section of the catalog for more information.

Off–Campus Registration

Students who register at off–campus course locations will file their registration with their instructor/advisor. The instructor/advisor will be responsible for returning registration for processing.

Late Registration

A student who wishes to enter after the last day of registration cannot register without the permission of the Registrar´s office and the course instructor. A student who registers late assumes the responsibility for the make–up of missed work at the convenience of the instructor.

Drop/Add Policy

After a student submits the initial registration form to the Registrar, she or he can make changes in their course schedule up to the close of the date of the Last Day to Add/Drop published in the academic calendar for that semester. Courses dropped within this period will not appear on the student´s records. It is the student´s responsibility to refer to the Academic Calendar regarding the Last Day to Add/Drop. The procedure for adding or dropping a class is as follows:

1. Pick up the Add/Drop Form from the Registrar´s Office.
2. Fill in the classes added or dropped.
3. Obtain required signatures from faculty and advisor.
4. Return all books for dropped classes to Waadookoodaading.
5. Return completed form to Registrar´s Office. A change is not final until this procedure is complete. Failure to do so may affect a student´s financial aid award.

The close of the Last Day to Add/Drop establishes a student´s official enrollment for that semester, and students cannot make any additional changes to their schedule. The courses on his/her schedule after this date will remain permanently on the student´s academic transcript. Total credits registered for the semester must reflect the status listed for financial aid eligibility.

Course Cancellations

Courses with low enrollment may be canceled. The Registration office will inform the students and advisors when a course is canceled. When WETCC cancels a class and a student adds another class, an add/drop form must be filled out. There is no charge to the student.

Official Withdrawal Policy

A student may officially withdraw from courses by the Last Day to Withdraw published in the academic calendar for that semester. In order to officially withdraw, a student must complete a withdrawal form, have it signed by their assigned academic advisor, and submit the completed form to the Registrar. A student does not withdraw simply by absenting her/himself. The student will remain responsible for any financial liability they have incurred, less applicable refunds, and for any academic consequences due to this withdrawal.

If a student withdraws from all courses she or he must notify the Financial Office in addition to the Registrar. All courses from which a student has officially withdrawn will reflect a grade of "W" on her or his academic transcript. Courses from which a student has not officially withdrawn will reflect a grade of "NC".

Administrative Withdrawal

White Earth Tribal and Community College reserves the right to withdraw a student from any enrolled course. The purpose of administrative withdrawal is to limit the financial liability and academic consequences for the student and the financial liability of the institution. Some reasons for administrative withdrawal include, but are not limited to, missing three unexcused classes, gross misconduct, and academic dishonesty. The student will remain responsible for any financial liability they have incurred, less applicable refunds, and for any academic consequences due to this administrative withdrawal.

Tuition and Fees

The Council of Trustees for WETCC establishes tuition rates. The tuition rate for the 2005–2006 college calendar year is $90.00 per credit hour for residents. Special tuition waivers may be available. Please see the Business Office section of this handbook. Tuition and fees are payable to the White Earth Tribal and Community College Business Office.

Student Services Fee:

A non–refundable fee of $5.00 per–credit is charged to all students registering each semester.

Technology Fee:

A non–refundable fee of $5.00 is charged to students registering per computer class per semester.

Campus Maintenance Fee:

A non–refundable fee of $5.00 is charged to all students registering per class per semester.

Students are responsible for obtaining required course textbooks. Books are available at Waadookoodaading (Student Services Office). The cost of books and supplies vary depending upon the student´s area of study. Students are responsible for obtaining course required textbooks. They are allowed to charge book purchases only if grant money is to be used as payment. No other items are allowed to be charged. Students officially withdrawing may be eligible for a refund on returned books according to refund policies.

Tuition Refund Policy

Tuition refunds may be available due to withdrawal from all courses at WETCC when payment has already been made. Refunds of tuition and fees due to individual dropped courses will be granted only for drops occurring before the Last Day to Add/Drop each term. Refunds for students who have received Federal or State aid funding will be used first to repay those aid sources, up to the initial award amount received, before any funds are disbursed to the student. Failure to repay using one of these two methods will result in denial of any future federal aid plus a hold on certified transcripts, diplomas, and future registration.

Refunds of tuition and fees for total withdrawals from the college are based on the following schedules:

For Fall and Spring Terms

• 1st through the 6th class day of term – 100%
• 7th through the 10th class day of term – 75%
• 11th through the 15th class day of term – 50%
• 16th through the 20th class day of term – 25%
• After the 20th day of class – 0%

For Terms at least 3 weeks but less than 10 weeks (Summer Terms)

• 1st through the 3rd day of class – 100%
• 4th through the 10th day of class – 50%
• After the 10th day of class – 0%

Refunds in Cases of Death, Serious Illness or Injury

A full refund of tuition and fees shall be made in the case of death, injury, or illness requiring extensive hospital and/or convalescent care which prohibits return to classes within the calendar semester. College officials may require Doctor´s statements before a refund will be granted.

Credits and Refunds When Entering the Armed Forces

The granting of credits and refunds to a student who is enrolled at WETCC and leaves the College to join the armed forces of the United States shall be handled as follows:

• If the student leaves prior to the time when 3⁄4 of the sessions have elapsed, full refund of tuition and special fees will be made with no academic credit granted.
• If the student leaves during the last quarter of the semester, the college absence policy will be waived for the remainder of the term and the student will receive a grade for the work completed.
• If granted full credit in all courses, no refund of tuition and special fees will be made.

Withholding Diplomas and Transcripts of Credits

The college will withhold the issuance of diplomas and transcripts to students until all money due to the college has been paid. Students with unpaid college financial obligations may not be permitted to register for subsequent semesters until obligations have been met or other arrangements have been made. Student transcripts may also be held for incomplete or missing documents required on file.