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2015-2016 CATALOGTarrant County Collegeis a Leader College.Additional general information available atwww.tccd.edu
Table of ContentsGENERAL INFORMATION . 5Accreditation and Affiliations . 5Achieving the Dream . 5Mission Statement . 5Institutional Goals. 5Role and Scope . 6Statement of Vision . 6Statement of Values. 6GENERAL REGULATIONS . 7Administrative Withdrawal. 7Change of Address . 7Official Communications . 7Religious Holy Days . 7Student Conduct and Discipline . 7Use of Legal Name . 8Use of Student Number . 8OFFICIAL NOTICES . 8Access to Student Records . 8The American Opportunity Tax Credit . 9Lifetime Learning Credit . 9Selective Service . 9Solomon Amendment . 10Student Right to Know - Crime Statistics . 10Student Right to Know - Graduation Statistics . 10Students Subject to Additional Tuition and Fees . 10Texas Tuition Rebate Program . 11INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION . 11The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) . 12STUDENT SERVICES . 13Advising and Counseling Centers . 13Career and Employment Services . 14Disability Support Services . 14Health Services . 14New Student Orientation . . 14Student Development Services. 14Student Handbook . 15Support Services . 15TCC Police Department . 15Parking Information . 16Testing Centers . 18Transfer Centers . 18ADMISSIONS INFORMATION . 19Admission Requirements for New Applicants . 192Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog
Bacterial Meningitis . 21Conditional Admission . 22Continuing Students . 22International Admissions. 22Right to an Academic Fresh Start . 23Specialized Admissions Program .24Transcript Requirements . 25TRANSFEROFCREDIT . .25Credit by Examination/Experience . 25Credit for Military Service . 26International Baccalaureate Diploma . 26Transcript Evaluation . 26REGISTRATIONINFORMATION .26Access to Online Services . 26Auditing a Course. 27First Time in College Students . .27Registration. 27THE TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) . .28Approved Exemptions and Waivers . 28Developmental Studies . 29Attendance in Developmental Courses . 30English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) . . .30Student Transition to College Success Course . 31TSI Completion Requirements. 31Course Placement Guide. 33TUITION AND FEES INFORMATION . 34Rules for Residency Determination . 34Appeal of Residency Determination . 34Reclassification of Residency Status . 34Tuition Categories . 34Tuition . 34Other TCC Charges . 35Payment Methods . 35Refund Policy . 36TCC Choice Card . 38Tuition Waivers and Exemptions. 38Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Reimbursed Programs . 40STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SERVICES . 40Introduction . 40General Eligibility Requirements . 41Required Applications . 41Student Financial Aid Services Notices . 41Stars of Tomorrow Program . 42Contact Information. 42Veterans' Educational Benefits . 42ACADEMIC INFORMATION. 43Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog3
Academic Standing . 43Attendance Policy . 44Classification of Students . 44Course Credit (Semester Credit Hour) . 44Course Load . 44Deans' List . 45Drops or Withdrawals . 45Drop Six Regulation. 46Final Examinations. 46Grades and Grade Points . 47Grade Review/Change of Grade . 47Incomplete Grades . 47Repeating a Course . 48Schedule of Classes . 48Terms and Special Sessions . 48Transcript of TCC Student Record . 48Transfer Dispute Resolution . 49GRADUATION INFORMATION . 49Requirements for Graduation. 49Graduation Honors . 50Graduate Guarantee Program . 50Transfer Guarantee. 50Guarantee for Job Competency . 51DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATION . 52Program of Study (Major) . 52Programs of Instruction . 52Transfer to a College/University . 53Core Curriculum . 53The Associate of Arts Degree . 58The Associate of Arts Degree in Cornerstone Honors Program . 59The Associate of Arts Degree in Kinesiology . . 61The Associate of Arts Degree in Music . 62The Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree . 65The Associate of Science Degree . 68The Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry. .70The Associate of Science Degree in Mathematics . .71The Associate of Science in Engineering Degree .72Fields of Study . 74The Associate of Applied Science Degree. 80Certificates of Completion . 81COURSE DESCRIPTIONS. 2534Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog
GENERAL INFORMATIONAccreditation and AffiliationsTarrant County College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges andSchools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commissionon Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-6794500, or http://www.sacscoc.org, for questions about the accreditation of Tarrant CountyCollege.The threefold purpose for publishing the Commission’s address and contactis to enable interested constituents (1) to learn about the accreditation status ofCounty College District, (2) to file a third-party comment at the time of TarrantCollege District’s decennial review, or (3) to file a complaint against TarrantCollege District for alleged noncompliance with a standard or requirement.numberTarrantCountyCountyNormal inquiries about Tarrant County College District, such as admissionrequirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly toTarrant County College District and not to the Commission’s Office.TCC's educational programs and courses are approved by the Texas Higher EducationCoordinating Board. Memberships also are held in the Texas Association of CommunityColleges, Association of Texas Colleges and Universities, and the American Associationof Community Colleges.Achieving the Dream Achieving the Dream is a national movement promoting evidence-based practicesaimed at increasing student completion, retention, and graduation. For Tarrant CountyCollege District, Achieving the Dream is about transforming the institution to use data toguide the design and implementation of strategies to increase student success. Since May2010, TCC has been an active member involved with Achieving the Dream. Broadengagement has included all segments of the college community, the Tarrant CountyCollege District Board of Trustees, and the greater Tarrant County community. All havebeen involved in reviewing data on the success of our students and dialoguing about whatis needed to improve their success. Based on these dialogues, TCC is focusing on twopriority areas: 1) create a comprehensive first-year-experience program for TCC students,and 2) increase student success in developmental education and gateway courses.TCC is committed to providing access to all students and is working to improvestudent success through Achieving the Dream.Mission StatementTarrant County College District, a comprehensive two-year institution established in1965, is dedicated to providing quality education that exceeds the expectations of thepeople of Tarrant County. Accordingly, the mission is as follows:Tarrant County College provides affordable and open access to quality teaching andlearning.Institutional GoalsTarrant County College District has developed the following goals to fulfill themission of the College.Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog5
I.Support student learning and success through excellence in teaching andlearning, support services, flexible instructional delivery systems, studentengagement, learning outcomes assessment, and dynamic curricula.II.Ensure affordability, accessibility and diversity reflective of the community.III.Promote institutional effectiveness through continuous improvement,collaboration with and service to the community, employee engagement,professional development, and optimal environment conducive to qualityteaching and learningRole and ScopeThe College implements its mission through a clearly defined set of programs,services and partnerships that include: University transfer programs;Workforce education programs;Technical programs;Developmental courses;Adult literacy courses;Community & Industry Education;An extensive curriculum; a highly qualified, enthusiastic, innovative faculty andstaff; appropriate technology, equipment, and learning resources; diverse modesof instruction and delivery; support services to foster student success; work andpartnerships in support of the cultural and economic development of thecommunity; and A commitment to institutional effectiveness, an ongoing process of selfexamination, self-improvement, and an unending pursuit of excellence.Statement of VisionTarrant County College will be a nationally recognized community college of choicefor academic excellence and lifelong learning.Statement of ValuesTarrant County College is committed to the following values:Student Success – belief in providing quality instruction, resources, and supportservices to assist our students in achieving their lifelong goals;Access – belief in providing educational opportunities for all members of thecommunity;Excellence – belief in providing outstanding quality in educational programs,administrative support, and services to its students, faculty and staff;Service to the Community – belief in the importance of engaging with thecommunity to enhance economic vitality and quality of life;Diversity – belief that the College should reflect the diversity of the community;Innovation and Creativity – belief in cultivating a learning environment thatevaluates and incorporates emerging technologies and methodologies toenhance the quality of instruction and administrative support for ourstudents, faculty and staff.6Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog
GENERAL REGULATIONSAdministrative WithdrawalThe College reserves the right to withdraw a student from class if, in the judgment ofCollege officials, such withdrawal is in the best interest of the student or the student bodyat large.Change of AddressStudents who change their home address or mailing address are expected to notify theCollege of this change immediately using Web Advisor, or by contacting the campusRegistrar's Office. Documentation may be required.Official CommunicationsA request that a student report to an administrative or faculty office may be made byletter, email, or telephone. Failure to comply with such a request may result in disciplinaryaction. Each student is responsible for monitoring his/her MyTCC email account forofficial communications.Communications to the entire student body are considered properly delivered whenthey are placed on official campus bulletin boards, on MyTCC (Blackboard) and/or on theTCC website. Each student is responsible for regularly checking the bulletin boards andwebsites.Religious Holy DaysIn accordance with state law, TCC allows an excused absence to students for theobservance of a "religious holy day," defined as a holy day observed by a religion whoseplaces of worship are exempt from property taxation under section 11.20, Tax Code.Students shall be excused from attending classes or other required activities,including exams, during time needed for travel for the purpose of the observance of areligious holy day. The law mandates that students are required to complete assignmentsor exams missed during the absence within a reasonable time.Student Conduct and DisciplineTarrant County College has established rules and regulations for student conduct andbehavior. These items may be found in the Student Handbook which is available on theTCC website. Failure to abide by all rules and regulations may be grounds for disciplinaryaction.The Vice President for Student Development Services is responsible for enforcingcampus student discipline as outlined in the Student Handbook and makesrecommendations to the President regarding student violations of College Regulations andadherence to the District’s disciplinary procedures. These procedures will assure promptand appropriate action, as well as provide due process in accordance with the guidelinesstipulated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog7
Use of Legal NameStudents are required to provide their full legal name to the College. Students'permanent records, including official transcripts, are required to identify students by theirfull legal name.Use of Student NumberA student number is required to identify students' permanent records. The automatedstudent information system assigns a random number, called the Colleague ID, to everystudent. The Colleague ID is used for all internal printed materials and provides additionalprotection to students’ privacy. Students are urged to become familiar with their ColleagueID and to use it when communicating with College offices.Students are requested to provide their Social Security Number to the College formaintenance of their student records. This number allows the College to meet federal andState reporting requirements, enables communication with financial aid providers andservice agencies, allows reporting to IRS regarding eligibility for the AmericanOpportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit, and substantially eases transfer ofinformation between the College and other colleges and universities. Students who do notprovide their Social Security Number risk loss of services and benefits and may encounterdelays when transferring from or to other institutions. The College makes every effort toprotect students' Social Security Numbers from inappropriate disclosure. Questions aboutCollege use of the Social Security Number should be forwarded to the District RecordsOffice or the campus Registrar’s Office.OFFICIAL NOTICESThe College provides the following information in response to federal or statemandates or as a service to the College community. Additional information about theseand other important topics is available through the TCC website.Access to Student RecordsThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (PL93-380), commonlyreferred to as FERPA, provides that all records pertaining to a student that are maintainedby the College must be open to inspection by the student and may not be made available toany other person without the written authorization of the student. FERPA gives parentscertain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer tothe student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the highschool level. A "student" is defined as a person who has registered and paid for one ormore Undergraduate (UG) or Continuing Education (CE) courses and who remains enrolledthrough the official date of record for that term.The act allows but does not mandate the release of directory information. Undersome circumstances, directory information may be released without the student's writtenpermission. Examples of these circumstances include:81.For legitimate educational purposes within TCC2.To officials at an institution in which the student seeks to enroll3.To comply with a court order or subpoena4.In connection with a health or safety emergency if necessary to protect thestudent and others5.To parents of a student who is a dependent for income tax purposesTarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog
6.If it is directory information7.To parents of a student younger than 21 years of age if the disclosure concernsdiscipline for violation of the campus drug and alcohol policy.TCC directory information includes name, current address, major, dates of attendance,full-time or part-time enrollment status, degrees and awards received and dates granted,previous educational institution(s) attended, and eligibility and participation in officiallyrecognized activities and sports. It should be noted that current address and telephonenumber are considered restricted directory information. These items are released only if alegitimate educational interest is established. NOTE: Email addresses are not considereddirectory information.Non-directory information is never releasedauthorization. These items include but are not limited to:1.Enrollment verification2.Grade point average (GPA)3.Academic standing4.Grades or transcripts.without the student’sofficialA student may request that all items of directory information be kept confidential bycontacting the campus Registrar's Office or District Records Office. A written request isrequired. The request may be canceled only upon receipt of the student's writtenauthorization.Questions concerning FERPA may be directed to the campus Registrar’s Office, theDistrict Records Office, or online through the TCC website.The American Opportunity CreditStudents may be eligible to claim an American Opportunity Credit (AOC) againsttheir federal income taxes. The AOC may be claimed for the qualified tuition and relatedexpenses of students enrolled at least half time for the first four years postsecondaryeducation when enrolled in a program leading to a degree, certificate or other recognizededucational credential. Eligible tuition and fees are determined by the IRS and will beoffset by any grants, scholarships or refunds received. More information is available atwww.irs.gov.Lifetime Learning CreditStudents may be eligible to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit against their federalincome taxes. The Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition andrelated expenses of students enrolled in eligible educational institutions.If a student is claiming an American Opportunity Credit, none of that student'sexpenses for that year may be applied toward the Lifetime Learning Credit. Moreinformation is available at www.irs.gov.Selective ServiceAlmost all males 18 through 25 years of age living in the United States must registerwith the Selective Service. Almost all non-citizens also are required to register, includingillegal aliens, legal permanent residents, and refugees. If a male non-citizen takes upresidence in the United States prior to his 26th birthday, he must register. Additionalinformation can be found on the TCC website.Tarrant County College 2015-2016 Catalog9
Solomon AmendmentThe Solomon Amendment allows military recruiters to request certain recruitinginformation from institutions about students. Most of the recruiting information data isconsidered directory information under FERPA or data that would normally be collectedby the institution. The 1995/1996 National Defense Authorization Act and the 1997Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act gave branches of the military access to studentinformation including student's name, address, telephone number, age or date of birth,class, and major. The Solomon Amendment requires institutions to cooperate and complywith requests from military recruiters for student information.Student Right to Know - Crime StatisticsThe Campus Annual Security Report can be viewed on the TCC website. A printedcopy of this report is available on request from any campus Police Department.Student Right to Know - Graduation StatisticsFederal law requires that all institutions of higher education disclose graduation ratesto students, applicants and potential students. Graduation rates for TCC can be providedupon request to the District Office of Institutional Intelligence and Research.Students Subject to Additional Tuition and FeesTarrant County College does not at this time require additional charges for thefollowing categories of excess hours but is required by law to inform students that chargesmay be instituted by TCC and/or may be incurred when attending other Texas colleges anduniversities. At this time, TCC only charges additional fees for repeated courses.Additional Charges for Students with Excessive Semester Credit HoursTexas legislation allows state colleges and universities to charge additional tuitionand/or fees for students who enter a Texas public higher education institution beginning infall 1999 and who exceed by more than 45 hours the semester credit hours required for thedegree. For undergraduate students initially enrolling fall 2006 or later, the limit is30 semester credit hours above the number of hours required for the degree. The legislationexempts technical and workforce education courses. At this time, TCC is not chargingadditional tuition for excessive hours.Additional Charges for Students Who Exceed 27 Developmental Semester CreditHoursTexas legislation allows state colleges and universities to charge additional tuitionand/or fees for students who exceed 27 semester credit hours in developmental courses. Itdoes not include any courses in study or thinking skills. At this time, TCC is not chargingadditional tuition for excess developmental hours.Additional Charges for Repeated CoursesThe Texas Legislature eliminated funding to higher education for courses that areattempted three or more times. An attempted course is defined as any course in which agrade is earned on the transcript, including repeated courses and courses dropped with agrade of “W”. State regulation allows an institution of higher education to charge a highertuitio
Tarrant County College District, a comprehensive two-year institution established in 1965, is dedicated to providing quality education that exceeds the expectations of the people of Tarrant County. Accordingly, the mission is as follows: Tarrant County College provides affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning.
