Admissions Policy

Robeson Community College maintains an “Open Door” policy for all applicants that are high school graduates or hold a high school equivalency certificate (GED) which satisfies North Carolina standards. The College serves all students regardless of race, color, creed, sex, disability, or national origin. All applicants may be admitted to the different curricula based upon individual preparation and readiness. Some applicants may need to take a course or a series of courses to help them to prepare for their desired program of study. Robeson Community College reserves the right to selectively place students. The Admissions Office is responsible for administering all admission policies.

Application and information on the various educational programs offered at Robeson Community College may be obtained by contacting:

Office of Admissions
Robeson Community College
Post Office Box 1420
Lumberton, North Carolina 28359
Phone: (910) 272-3342
Website: www.robeson.edu [opens in a new tab]

Application and information on the various educational programs may also be found on the Admissions webpage [opens in a new tab].

All Robeson Community College general admission policies and procedures are updated on an annual basis by the Student Affairs Committee.

General Admission Requirements

1. Complete Residency Determination Service [opens in a new tab].

2. High School graduate or the equivalent - Applicants with equivalency certificates must meet minimum requirements set by North Carolina. A high school certificate is not an acceptable substitute for the diploma.

3. Complete an RCC Admissions Application [opens in a new tab] in person or online. There is no application fee.

4. Transcripts of all previous education - Students must obtain all official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended, even if no credits were earned. Transfer credits from accredited institutions allowed when applicable. Official transcripts should be mailed or hand delivered in an envelope sealed by a representative of the institutions(s) attended. (No faxed copies will be accepted) Home-schooled graduates will need to provide a sealed official and notarized transcript including the graduation date and proof that the home school was registered with the state (see High School Completion Validation section below).

5. Placement Assessment - RCC places students into pre-requisite, co-requisite and/or gateway courses based upon their high school unweighted cumulative GPA.  Upon special request, RCC will assess certain academic competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics for placement directly into gateway courses.

RCC places students who do not have an unweighted high school cumulative GPA directly into pre-requisite courses

• Students that do not meet any of the criteria listed will be placed into the gateway English and Math Course for their chosen Academic Program, the gateway English and Math course with a co-requisite course, or a Math and English Transition Course.
• Students are also able to place into the gateway English and Math by submitting other test scores such as satisfactory SAT, ACT, or NCDAP scores. These test scores must be sent to our Admissions Office and are considered official when our college receives them in a sealed envelope from the institution where the credit was earned. 
• Assessments are administered in the following areas: Reading, Editing/Revising, Write Placer (Essay), and Mathematics. Persons should contact the Admissions Office to schedule the placement exam. A testing date will be scheduled after the official transcripts are on file in the Admissions Office. There is no charge for taking the exam. Any person who has a disability that would require special accommodations during testing should notify a counselor in Counseling and Career Services prior to scheduling an exam date. 

The General Admissions process varies slightly for Prison Education Program (PEP) students.  PEP students complete a paper application for admission to Robeson Community College and they are not required to complete the Residency Determination Services (RDS).  PEP students also sign a Release Authorization allowing the Admissions staff to obtain official transcript from high school or high school equivalency diploma, as well as official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended on their behalf.   

High School Completion Validation

Robeson Community College recognizes valid high schools registered with their state department of education. However, if RCC has determined that a high school is not a valid diploma-granting institution, students will be ineligible for Federal and State financial aid. Students not completing such a program must complete the GED or attain an Adult High School diploma through a valid diploma-granting institution. 

High schools are defined as valid diploma-granting institutions if they have met any of the following requirements:

• Is Regionally Accredited
• Is registered with the NC Division of Non-Public Education as a homeschool
• Is an entity registered with the NC Division of Non-Public Education as a private school and it is providing secondary school education in the form of instruction
• High schools are defined as valid diploma-granting institutions if they have met any of the following requirements:

Secondary institutions outside of North Carolina will be determined as valid based on the above information, given the institution’s state department of education.

International high school transcripts must be translated by an accredited agency to verify their equivalency to a US high school diploma. Translators should be certified by the American Translators Association (ATA). For a complete list of members, visit the  ATA website [opens in a new window] (www.atanet.org) or the local chapter, Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters (CATI). Visit the CATI website [opens in a new window] (www.catiweb.org).

International college transcripts must be evaluated from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency such as World Education Services (WES) or through the Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). You can contact these agencies online at: NACES Website [opens in a new window] (https://www.naces.org/), WES Website [opens in a new window] (https://www.wes.org/), AACRAO Website [opens in a new window] (https://www.aacrao.org/).

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing applicants are required to take the ATI TEAS. Additional information about the exam may be obtained in Admissions. Additional information may also be obtained by visiting the TEAS & Placement Testing: Home & Quick Start webpage [opens in a new window]. Students are also able to purchase study manuals and practice assessments to assist with preparing for the TEAS on the TEAS® Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) website [opens in a new window].

Transferring Assessment Scores from Other Colleges

Robeson Community College uses the College Board’s NC DAP. These exams is a national assessment that can be taken at other colleges and transferred to Robeson Community College. Applicants who wish to take the exam, or who have taken the exam at another college, need to request to have their scores sent to the RCC Admissions Office. To facilitate the process of transferring scores, “Test Score Request” forms are available from the RCC Admissions Office.

Scores delivered by the applicant will not be accepted unless the report is in a SEALED envelope with an official’s signature across the seal. All test scores are valid for five (5) years after test date.

Admission of Undocumented Immigrants

An undocumented immigrant may apply and enroll in curriculum courses at Robeson Community College if he/she graduated from a United States public high school private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with state or local law. Undocumented immigrants with a General Educational Development (GED) diploma are not eligible to be admitted to a community college. An undocumented immigrant with a diploma from Adult High School that is located in the United States and operates or operated in compliance with state or local law is eligible to be admitted to a community college.

An undocumented immigrant shall not be considered a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes. All undocumented immigrants will be charged out-of-state tuition. Students who are lawfully present in the United States will have priority for a space in a class or program of study; if there are space limitations.

An undocumented immigrant shall take into account that federal law prohibits states from granting professional licenses to undocumented immigrants (i.e. Emergency Medical Science, Medical Sonography, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Cosmetic Arts programs, etc.). For additional information, please refer to the NC Administrative Code 23 NCAC 02C.0301 (admission to colleges).

RCC Retest Policy: Placement Test

Students who complete the college’s placement test are allowed only a total of two (2) retest sessions on the Reading, English, and Math assessments.  It is recommended that students complete remediation prior to retesting. If the student is already enrolled in developmental courses at the time he or she retests and if the scores on the retest place him or her out of developmental courses, the student will follow the college’s standard withdrawal and refund procedures for tuition and books if he or she chooses to exit the developmental course.

Other RCC Test Policies

Early College

Early College students must demonstrate college readiness based on their high school unweighted GPA or on an assessment or placement test to be eligible to enroll.

Career and College Promise

High school students applying for the Career and College Promise Pathways must demonstrate college readiness based on their high school unweighted GPA or on an assessment or placement test to be eligible to enroll in a College Transfer Pathway and/or a Career Technical Pathway upon meeting other academic criteria as determined by the North Carolina Community College System.

Health Sciences Admission Policy

All inquiries for admission into Health Science programs should be directed to the Admissions Office.

Admission to a Health Science Program is a competitive process. Interested students are advised to attend an information session at least two semesters prior to their planned enrollment.

Students applying for the Emergency Medical Science, Medical Sonography, Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy or Surgical Technology program admission must:

1. Meet all general admissions requirements as outlined in the current Robeson Community College Catalog/ Student Handbook.
2. Complete any developmental course work with a “C” or higher before making application to a health science program.
3. Have cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in related and general education course work for Emergency Medical Science and Respiratory Therapy; 2.8 or higher for Surgical Technology; and 3.0 for Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Sonography, and Radiography.
4. Adhere to the submission timelines specified in the Health Science admissions procedure. Provisional approval may be offered to applicants based on fulfillment of all admission requirements and criteria by the specified deadline. Final approval for admission will be made by the appropriate Health Science Program Director.

Health Science Programs – Essential Functions Needed for Completing Health Science Programs

The following guidelines are utilized in admitting qualified students: The activities identified below are examples of physical and emotional activities, which a student in the Health Science Program (Emergency Medical Science, Medical Sonography, Nursing, Nurse Aide I, Nurse Aide II, Radiography, Respiratory and Surgical Technology) must be able to perform for the successful completion of the program. If an applicant believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodation or modification, the applicant should consult Counseling and Career Services.

1. Critical thinking: Health Science students shall possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
   Example: Students must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations, develop or participate in development of nursing care plans.
2. Ethical behavior: Health Science students will provide services with respect for human dignity and uniqueness of the client unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attribute, or the nature of health problems.
   Example: Students will care for clients assigned regardless of race, religion, or diagnosis.
3. Legal behavior: Health Science students will provide care within the scope of practice as stated in the NC NURSING PRACTICE ACT or guidelines for respiratory therapy, radiography and surgical technology.
   Example: Students in the nursing program will learn to assess the patient’s physical and mental health.
4. Interpersonal skills: Health Science students shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of psychosocial cultural backgrounds.
   Example: Students shall establish rapport with clients and health care team members.
5. Communication skills: Health Science students shall possess communication abilities sufficient for verbal and nonverbal interaction with others.
   Example: Students shall be able to explain treatment procedures to clients/family, document client responses, and report to others responses to nursing care.
6. Mobility: Health Science students shall possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time.
   Example: Students will be able to move around in client’s room, move from room to room, move in small work areas, and administer CPR.
7. Motor skills: Health Science students shall possess gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
   Example: Students shall be able to calibrate equipment, position clients, administer injections, insert catheters.
8. Hearing skills: Health Science students shall possess auditory ability sufficient to monitor health needs and collect data.
   Example: Students shall be able to hear alarms, listen to heart and breath sounds, and hear a cry for help.
9. Visual skills: Health Science students shall possess visual ability sufficient for observation and data collection.
   Example: Students shall be able to observe color of skin and read scale on a syringe.
10. Tactile skills: Health Science students shall possess tactile ability sufficient for data collection.
    Example: Students shall be able to detect pulsation and feel skin temperature.
11. Weight-bearing: Health Science students shall possess the ability to lift and manipulate/move 40-50 pounds.
    Example: Students shall be able to move equipment, position patients.

Chemistry (CHM-131 and CHM-151) Placement

If a student has credit for high school chemistry that is less than five (5) years old, with a grade of “B” or higher, the student is eligible for direct placement into CHM 131  and CHM 151 .  For those students who did not take high school chemistry, or high school chemistry is greater than five (5) years old, they must take CHM 090 .

Foreign Student Admissions and Transfer Credit

Foreign students must meet the same admission requirements as other students. Included with the application should be a transcript from an authorized school or university. In addition an English translation of the transcript must be provided by a reputable credential evaluation service. All applicants from countries whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by scoring no less than 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or present other acceptable proof of the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language.

Robeson Community College does not issue the I-20 necessary to obtain an F-1 visa. Students with other visa types will be considered on an individual basis. For additional information concerning international student admissions, contact the Director of Admissions.

Special Credit Students

Students may be admitted under special provision that allows them to take up to twelve semester hours of credit courses before completing all admission requirements. However, an official high school transcript must be provided with the initial admissions application prior to beginning classes under the Special Credit criteria. Prior to registering for any additional hours beyond the twelve semester hours students must declare a major and complete all admission requirements. The only exception to the twelve hour policy is for the special credit student who intends to maintain that classification indefinitely and is not seeking a certificate, diploma, or degree. However, a special credit student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to continue as a student. The level of courses taken will determine the category of satisfactory progress under which the student will be evaluated.

Credit by Examination

Advanced placement is offered to students who because of their demonstrated abilities are qualified to accelerate their studies. To earn advanced placement, a student may take a proficiency examination in most subject areas which he/she can demonstrate a mastery of theory and practical application. A list of courses and/or subject areas which are not suitable nor allowable for proficiency exams may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Under no circumstances will credit be given when the challenge examination grade is less than “C”. Total credits earned by examination and/or transfer credit cannot exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the program requirements.

The following procedure will serve as guidelines in making application for all proficiency examinations:

1. The following persons will not be permitted to take proficiency examinations.

a. Persons who have taken the proficiency examination previously.

b. Persons who have either enrolled in and/or dropped from the course.

c. Persons who were enrolled in and failed the course.

d. Persons who have a cumulative grade point average less than 2.5.

2. For new students enrolled in a curriculum program, the Registrar may grant approval.

3. Submit an application to the Registrar for the proficiency exam. Application must be made during the drop/add period, and if approved, students are required to register/pay tuition and fees for the exam during        the drop/add period.

4. Application approval will be forwarded to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services for instructor assignment. NOTE: Only full-time instructors give proficiency exams.

5. Upon approval of the application, an examination in theory and practicum (where applicable) will be given. ALL EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN PRIOR TO THE MID-TERM OF THE SEMESTER.

6. After evaluation of the examination by the instructor, test results will be forwarded to the Registrar and the Assistant Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services.

7. Credit earned by proficiency examination will be entered on the student’s transcript as credit hours passed. No grade or quality point value will be assigned. Credit earned by proficiency examination will not be         used in determining grade point average (GPA) or verification of enrollment.

8. Applicants must be in a program of study. All prerequisites must be met where applicable.

9. Proficiencies are not approved for the Summer Term.

For credit by examination, full-time students enrolled in sixteen credit hours or more are exempt from additional tuition charges. However, students enrolled in less than 16 credit hours must pay the Cashier’s Office the tuition required by the state for each semester hour credit; this fee is not refundable.

Any exceptions to the above procedures and requirements must be approved by the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Support Services. Exceptions will be made only under rare circumstances.

Credit by Transfer

Robeson Community College may accept credits earned from technical institutes, colleges, universities, and any other educational institutions accredited by The Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and other regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

All applicants requesting transfer credit from another institution to RCC must submit an official transcript, and if necessary an appropriate catalog, to the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services. Applicants who wish to transfer from other educational institutions must be eligible to return to the school last attended. Any exception to this procedure must be approved by the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Support Services and only then by justifiable cause.

Applicants seeking transfer credit from institutions outside the United States will be asked to submit translated documents to an accredited agency through the NACES website and request that course-by-course evaluations and course descriptions be forwarded to Robeson Community College. NACES website is naces.org [opens in a new tab]. 

Only course grades of “C” or higher will be accepted and such courses must parallel the content of RCC courses. Pre-College English and mathematics courses from a North Carolina community college will be considered for transfer if the course reflects a passing grade. A grade of “TC” is awarded for all transfer credits. Transfer credits do not factor into a student’s grade point average. In some cases, courses over five (5) years old will not be considered. For a complete listing of these courses, please review section titled “Program Completion Requirements”.

The Registrar, in consultation with appropriate faculty, will determine the transfer credits allowable. In order for transfer credit to be awarded, the course must parallel the content, level, quality and credit hours of a RCC course. This evaluation will be made at the time of acceptance and the student will be notified in writing accordingly. Transfer credits will be posted to the student’s permanent record. In addition, transfer students must complete a minimum of twenty-five percent of the total number of credit hours required for a certificate, diploma, or degree program in residence at Robeson Community College.

Non-Traditional and Prior Learning Credits

CLEP/AP Credit

Students may request credit for subjects taken under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Advanced Placement (AP) Program. CLEP or AP credit may be evaluated for general or subject area examinations. Official test score reports from College Board must be submitted to the registrar for consideration of CLEP or AP credit. Test scores must meet the current score recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) in order to receive college credit. For College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement Program (AP) information and transcripts, see www.collegeboard.com [opens in a new tab]. Advanced credit awarded at prior/previous colleges must be supported by official test score reports to be considered for transfer credit. 

RCC may also award general education credits for acceptable completion of International Baccalaureate courses. International Baccalaureate transcripts may be obtained from: http://www.ibo.org/ [opens in a new tab].

Community Service Credit

Robeson Community College does not award credit based solely upon community service education.

Military Credits

Credits may be extended to Veterans for DANTES Credit or for educational experiences in the Armed Forces. An original transcript of military educational credits/experiences must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar for consideration of credit. All military credits are evaluated using the ACE Guide recommendations. Veterans may request a free copy of their military credits/experiences from the: Joint Services Transcript Portal [opens in a new window]. (Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy: Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans will need to register for a free account. All personnel in this list are considered service members for the purpose of registration.) Additional information about military transcripts can be found at: http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Transcripts-for-Military-Personnel.aspx [opens in a new tab].

Continuing Education to Curriculum Non-Course Credits

Students successfully completing a Basic Law Enforcement Training course (since 1985) accredited by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission may receive credit for a number of courses in the Criminal Justice Technology AAS program. See Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate and Criminal Justice Technology (A55180), AAS.

Certification Credits

Please consult with your advisor and the Registrar before registering for or skipping any of the listed courses if you hold any of the listed certifications.

• The following certifications apply to more than one program of study (major). If you have any of these certifications, please refer to your program of study to see if it requires any of the listed courses:
• Students who have a current listing of Nurse Aide I with the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry are eligible to receive non-course credit for Nurse Aide I (NAS 101).
• Students holding industry certifications (no more than 3 years old) may be eligible for non-course credit as follows: IC3 GSE or GS4 (CIS 110 or CIS 111); Certified Public Accountant (ACC 120 and ACC 121); MOS MS Excel 2016-Specialist (CTS 130).

• Several of Robeson Community College’s programs of study allow non-course credit for current certifications. These programs include, but are not limited to, Accounting, Business Administration, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Science, Information Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Medical Office Administration, and Nursing (LPN to RN and Paramedic to RN). If the courses are not listed above, please see the “Additional Curriculum Notes” or “Awarding of Non-Course Credit” section in your program of study for a list of certifications and courses.
• Other health field and industry non-credit courses, or training resulting in the successful completion of a nationally or state (North Carolina) recognized examination for certification or licensure, may also be considered for credit on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Learning Assessment

RCC awards applicable credits earned for nontraditional prior learning, however, credit is not awarded simply for experience but for measurable college-level learning which includes knowledge, skills, and competencies students have obtained as a result of their prior learning experiences. College credit may be granted on a case-by-case basis for prior learning only when it can be documented and falls within RCC regular credit course offerings.

Application for credit for prior learning must be approved prior to course enrollment regardless of method or type of prior learning. All mandatory institutional requirements for certificates and degree programs must be met and individuals are only eligible for prior learning credit once officially accepted as an RCC student.

Credit granted through one of the PLA options may be used to fulfill RCC program requirements; however transferability to other institutions is at the discretion of the receiving institution and is not guaranteed to transfer to other institutions.

Advanced placement is offered to applicants approved for enrollment who because of their demonstrated abilities are qualified to accelerate their studies. To earn advanced placement, a student may take a proficiency examination in most subject areas which he/she can demonstrate a mastery of theory and practical application. To be eligible to request a proficiency, all appropriate prerequisites must be met. For a complete description of policies relating to Credit by Examination, please refer to section on Credit by Examination  under Academic Policies and Procedures .

General Readmission Policies

Application for readmission is required of all students when one or more years have elapsed since their last enrollment. Students who have been suspended for disciplinary or academic reasons must appear before the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Support Services, or his or her designated representative and petition for readmission to the College.

Health Sciences Readmission Policy

All inquiries for readmission for Health Science programs should be directed to the Health Science Enrollment Coordinator. Applicants applying for Health Science program readmission must meet all general admissions requirements as outlined in the current Robeson Community College Catalog/Student Handbook. Upon receipt of required documentation, all inquiries for readmission will be reviewed by the appropriate Health Science Program Director for action. Final approval for readmission will be determined by the appropriate Health Science Program Director.  All requests for readmission must adhere to the timelines specified in the Health Science admissions procedures.

Applicants who exited the Health Science program within the last twelve (12) months must request readmission prior to 90 days of the semester for planned enrollment. Positions must be available in the class at the time of request for readmission, which will not require the hiring of additional instructional or clinical personnel.

Right of appeal – Upon notification, applicants have the option to appeal their readmission denial within five business days. The applicant must submit the appeal in writing to the respective Dean. The Dean will make a decision within three business days and provide a decision in writing to the student. If the decision provided is not acceptable to the student, the student may appeal the decision within three business days to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Support Services. The Vice President will render a decision in writing to the student within three business days. The decision of the Vice President is final.