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General Admissions Philosophy

Three Rivers maintains an open admissions policy and extends the opportunity for higher education to individuals who demonstrate the motivation and maturity needed to benefit from community college instruction. The College provides educational opportunities to people regardless of age, religion, racial or ethnic background or disabilities.

The College accepts all graduates of accredited high schools, individuals who hold a General Educational Diploma (GED), mature adults who demonstrate the ability to perform academically at a college level, high school students accepted for early admission or those participating in the College Career Pathways Program or the High School Partnership Program.

Applications are accepted year-round for fall, spring, and summer sessions and may be printed from our website.  To request an Application for Admission form, interested students should contact the Admissions Office. Applications are also available at all high school guidance offices, in the College’s service area, and at the College’s Subase Office in Groton. An Application for Admission form is also provided in the back of this catalog.

Applicants who are new to Three Rivers may also apply online. Instructions are found in the Admissions section of the College’s home page at www.trcc.commnet.edu.

Admission to the College provides access to higher education and many other academic benefits. Academic excellence necessitates adherence to a code of standards. Placement tests and pre-requisite courses help to maintain the integrity of the level of instruction in the classroom. Applicants who lack the necessary math or English backgrounds may be admitted with the understanding that they will take advantage of the College’s developmental courses in math and English prior to pursuing the curricula of their chosen programs.

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How to Apply to the College
Degree or Certificate Students
1. New Students (first time attending college)
a. Complete the Application for Admission form (provided in the back of this catalog). A $20 non-refundable application fee must accompany the completed application form. (If you have attended another Connecticut Community College, you do not pay the fee again.) High school seniors may take the completed application and fee to their high school’s guidance office to be mailed to the College. Official high school transcripts and/or proof of high school completion must be submitted upon high school graduation.

b. Submit proof of high school completion. Adult students may submit other evidence of high school completion such as a photocopy of the original high school diploma in lieu of official transcripts. Students who have completed the high school equivalency test should submit a copy of their GED Certificate with the Application for Admission form. Adults who have not graduated from high school and those who are home schooled are strongly encouraged to take the GED examination. Once an applicant has submitted official transcripts from another school, they become the property of the College and will not be returned to the student. This applies even if the applicant does not enroll.

c. Take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT). Information about the test, and instructions on how to prepare for and schedule the test is sent to new students with the acceptance letter. More information on this requirement is included in the Additional Admissions Information section of this catalog. (Transfer students from other colleges please see next page.)

d. If you were born after December 31, 1956, submit proof of measles/rubella immunization to the Admissions Office. More information on this requirement is included in the Registration and Records section of this catalog. Graduates from Connecticut high schools from 1999 to present are exempt from this policy.

e. Admission to the Nursing Program requires the completion of special application materials available from the Admissions Office. Please see the Additional Admissions Information section of this catalog for details.

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2. Transfer Students
Transfer students from another regionally accredited institution of higher education who wish to transfer credits to Three Rivers must follow the steps for new students. Transfer students will be required to take the computerized placement test unless they have earned college-level credits including English equivalent to ENG*K101 and math equivalent to MAT *K137 with a "C" grade or higher. Unofficial transcripts or grade reports can be submitted for placement test waiver and/or registration into higher level courses.

In addition, transfer students wishing to receive credit at Three Rivers for course work completed at another college or university, or by CLEP or DSST (formerly DANTES), or through the military must request that an official transcript be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Once students are admitted into a degree or certificate program of study and registered for classes, their credits will be evaluated upon receipt of official transcripts from previous college(s). For detailed information about receiving credit by transfer, see the General Academic Information section of this catalog.

3. Readmission Students
Readmission students are former Three Rivers students who are returning to Three Rivers after an absence of at least two years (excluding summer and winter intersessions). Readmitting students must complete and submit an Application for Admission form (provided at the back of this catalog) before they are able to register for courses. An application fee is not required if paid at the time of initial application to the College. In addition, readmitting students are encouraged to contact an admissions advisor to discuss how prior course work at Three Rivers or at other colleges attended may apply to current degree requirements. In some cases, readmitting students may be required to take the Computerized Placement Test if they have not previously tested and have not completed college-level English and math courses with a "C" grade or higher. Readmitted students must meet the measles/rubella immunization requirements and have submitted proof of high school completion as described in this catalog.

Note: Students seeking readmission who have been on academic or disciplinary suspension should refer to the General Academic Information section of this catalog.

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4. International Students
Three Rivers is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students with a permanent residence outside of the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis and hold an appropriate visa. Applicants for a student visa (F-1 status) should contact the Admissions Office at (860) 383-5268 for more information at least six months in advance of the semester in which they wish to enroll. All admission application procedures must be completed no later than four months in advance, including:

a. Submit a completed Application for Admission form with translated copies of a transcript or diploma that certifies high school completion. A statement of educational equivalency by an authorized official or foreign credentialing service may be necessary.

b. Take the Computerized Placement Test to demonstrate English proficiency or submit official school transcripts when English is the native language of the prospective student’s country of origin. Three Rivers does not provide qualified intensive English as a Second Language instruction for F1 students. The College offers two (2) ESL courses, however it does not provide an ESL program of study.

c. Submit proof of financial sponsorship or proof of ability to cover educational and living expenses in U.S. currency. International students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. In addition, they must pay the out-of-state tuition and fee rate in full prior to the start of classes. They do not qualify for federal or state financial aid programs.

Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students are those who are taking credit courses but are not working towards a degree or certificate at Three Rivers. Persons applying as non-degree students must complete the required Application for Admission form. A $20 non-refundable application fee must accompany the completed application form. (The application fee will be waived if it has been submitted to another Connecticut Community College.) Non-degree students are ineligible for financial aid and some veterans’ benefits.

College transcripts are required when non-degree seeking students wish to 1) enroll in advanced courses that have pre-requisites or 2) be waived from the Computerized Placement Test (if required, evidence of college-level English and mathematics eligibility must be provided.) Applicants admitted as non-degree students may subsequently become degree candidates by complying with the degree seeking student requirements and completing a Program Change form available from our website or in the Student Services Center.

At Three Rivers, non-degree students generally include adults pursuing credit courses for personal interest or skill development for career advancement, college students home for the summer, students fulfilling requirements for other colleges, and senior citizens.

Non-degree students may be required to take the Computerized Placement Test. Information about how to prepare for and sign-up for a placement testing session is sent to new non-degree students with their acceptance packets. More information on this requirement is included in the Additional Admissions Information Section of this catalog.

Non-degree students must provide proof of measles/ rubella immunization when they register for 12 or more credits in a semester.

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Early Admission Students
1. High School Partnership Students
High school juniors and seniors attending schools participating in the High School Partnership Program are required to submit a special application available at participating high school guidance offices. Priority is given to high school seniors. They are also required to take the Computerized Placement Test. High School Partnership students are eligible for a scholarship to take one course in the designated semester; all tuition and fees are included. Course selections are determined by placement test scores. Scholarship recipients may enroll on a space available basis. To determine if a high school participates in this program, interested students should call Student Development at (860) 383-5217.

2. College Career Pathways Students
College Career Pathways is an integrated secondary and postsecondary education program (two years of high school with two years of college) designed to prepare students for tomorrow’s highly competitive careers. It provides a foundation of applied academics (courses incorporating hands-on experience and real-life applications) and the career skills needed for current and emerging careers. College Career Pathways links business, industry, and secondary and postsecondary schools through a consortium whose goal is to prepare students to eventually enter the workforce.

There is a formal articulation agreement between Three Rivers and many comprehensive and vocational-technical high schools throughout Eastern Connecticut. This agreement allows students to earn Three Rivers’ credits while taking their current or future high school courses. Students in the 10th grade apply to the program by submitting a special application available at participating high school guidance offices. Students who meet the criteria will register for designated college courses with their guidance counselor.

Up to 14 college credits may be earned by the end of the senior year of high school. Students may matriculate into an associate degree program at Three Rivers during their senior year of high school and receive a college transcript upon high school graduation. High school students interested in this program should speak with their guidance counselor or call the Three Rivers School to College Career Pathways Coordinator at (860) 885-2600.

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Additional Admissions Information
Computerized Placement Testing
After being admitted to the college, all new first-time students are required to complete an assessment of basic skills in mathematics, reading and writing. This un-timed computerized placement test is necessary to help advisors assess readiness for college-level classes and assist in selecting appropriate courses. Students then use this information to make decisions about the number of courses they will take, the sequence in which courses are taken and long-term educational planning.

Waiver of Computerized Placement Testing
Generally, students with an associate degree or higher and other transfer students who have earned 6 or more college-level credits including English equivalent to ENG*K101 and math equivalent to MAT*K137 with a "C" grade or higher are waived from the Computerized Placement Test when they provide unofficial transcripts of prior college coursework or a copy of their college degree.

Note: Degree recipient status is not an automatic exemption from pre-requisite standards.

Connecticut Community Colleges Nursing Program
Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, Norwalk Community College,
 Naugatuck Valley Community College, Three Rivers Community College

 Students seeking admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing program must fulfill nursing admission criteria to qualify for this selective admission program. These criteria are in addition to the general admission policies of the College.

Students accepted into the Associate Degree in Nursing Program begin in either the fall or spring semester.  Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program.

However, students may enter the College at any time to prepare for this program as pre-nursing students.  Prospective nursing applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a nursing information session to learn more about this selective admission program.  Call Nursing Admissions at 860-892-5702 for dates and times of upcoming sessions or visit the College website at www.trcc.commnet.edu and select the link for admissions, and then nursing admissions.

Application Process
College of First Choice

When applying to the five campus offices of the Connecticut Community Colleges Nursing Programs (CT-CCNP), students will complete a common application.  “College of First Choice” is the college that the applicant would most like to attend. Applicants seeking admission into the CT-CCNP must file a common nursing application and related documentation through the Admissions Office at the College of First Choice by February 1^st deadline date. 

College Application - Nursing Program Application

The nursing program requires the student to complete a common nursing application.  The nursing application can be obtained from any of the five campuses and are available by November 1st.  The application period for the nursing program is November 1st - February 1st of each year.  On the common nursing application, applicants can list up to three colleges to which the applicant would like to be considered.  An applicant should only list the college(s) to which s/he would be willing to commute.  The applicant may select a 2nd and 3rd choice college at the initial time of application which will eliminate the necessity for the applicant to apply to more than one College.

Students are only to submit a common nursing application at the College of First Choice.  Submission of a common nursing application to more than one of the five nursing colleges could affect the application status of a student.  Advisors/Counselors are available at each campus to guide applicants through the application process.

Application Requirements

Submit the following by the February 1^st deadline date:

• College application (separate from the nursing program application) with application fee of $20.00 for first-time applicant to any of the twelve Connecticut Community Colleges.
• Connecticut Community Colleges Nursing Program (CT-CCNP) application.
• Proof of high school completion.
• If the student is using their high school chemistry to satisfy the admission requirement, official High School transcripts are required.
• Official College/University transcripts from ALL colleges ever attended*
• Proof of Measles and Rubella immunization.

*Please be sure that all transcripts are the final transcripts.  Students taking courses in the fall semester prior to applying need to submit transcripts that include their fall grades.

Students who are currently attending one of the twelve Connecticut Community Colleges need to send all community college transcripts to the College of First Choice.  The twelve Connecticut Community Colleges are independent of one another and the College of First Choice will not be able to access your transcripts from another Connecticut Community College.

All application materials should be sent to the admission office at the College of First Choice and must be post marked no later than February 1st.  Late applications and transcripts will not be accepted.  Application will be accepted by admission offices from November 1st through February 1st.  All applications that are completed by the February 1st deadline will be reviewed and applicants will be notified by mail prior to May 1st as to their admission status. 

Admission Requirements

• HS graduate or equivalent
• One year of HS Chemistry with a lab or Connecticut Community College CHE 111 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher successfully completed within five years prior** to application deadline of February 1, 2009.

• Accuplacer score indicating placement into a course higher than Connecticut Community College MAT 136 or 137; or completion of Connecticut Community College MAT 136 or 137, or equivalent or higher, with a grade of C or higher successfully completed prior to application deadline of February 1, 2009.
• GPA 2.7 – Based on all college credits taken within the past five years and any college courses taken prior to five years that are transferred in to meet the nursing curriculum requirements.
• ATI-TEAS test score.  Applicants must have a composite score of 65% or higher. The test score will be valid for three years from the testing date.
• Computer literacy – A passing score on the computer proficiency test or completion of Connecticut Community College CSA*105 or CSC*101 or equivalent, with a grade of C or higher.
• Connecticut Community College BIO*211: Anatomy and Physiology I, or equivalent, with a grade of C+ or higher, successfully completed within five years prior** to application deadline of February 1, 2009.
• Connecticut Community College ENG*101: English Composition, or equivalent, with a grade of C+ or higher, successfully completed prior to application deadline of February 1, 2009.
• Connecticut Community College BIO*212: Anatomy and Physiology II, or equivalent, with a grade of C+ or  higher,  successfully completed within five years prior** to application deadline of February 1, 2009 or successfully completed during, but no later, than spring semester of application year.

** “Five years prior” is defined as having completed the course between December 2003 and February 1, 2009

There may be prerequisite course that must be successfully completed prior to taking the admission requirements. Please consult with the college catalog at the College of First Choice for specific information.  Also, students should complete the required Accuplacer computerized placement test.  The placement test maybe waived for students who have prior college English and/or mathematics credits.

Selection Process:  Rank, Random, Wait List

Rank Selection (60%): 

• All applicants will be ranked by the CT-CCNP. 

• Once each campus has their 60% - the remaining applicants will go into the random pool

Random Selection (40%):       

• Common pool of remaining applicants. 

• Applicants will be randomly selected from pool and placed in College of First Choice until campus is full. 

• If the College of First Choice Campus is filled, the applicant’s 2^nd choice, then 3^rd choice will be used to place the applicant. 

• Once all campuses are filled the remaining, applicants will go onto a wait list.

Wait List:

• Applicants on the wait list will be ranked using the original ranking from CT-CCNP.

• As openings occur, applicants will be selected in order and notified and offered the opening at that college. 

• The opening may not be at a college listed on the application.  The applicant will be offered the seat regardless of the colleges on the application. 

• An applicant can refuse the offer and will go back onto the wait list.

The wait list will not carry over from year to year. The wait list will be dissolved on August 15, 2009.  Applicants who are not selected from the wait list will need to submit a new application if they want to be considered for admission to the nursing program the following year.  Students would need to contact the admission office at the College of First Choice to see what application information is still on file.

Formula for Computing Ranking

25% = ATI TEAS score

25% = BIO*211 Anatomy & Physiology I grade

50% = GPA

ATI-TEAS Standardized Admission Test for Nursing

Applicants must obtain a composite score of 65% or higher on the ATI-TEAS test to be considered for admission.  Test results are valid for three years from the testing date.

Ø      The fee for the test is $25.00.

Ø      The test fee is non-refundable.

Ø      Students may not reschedule. 

Ø      The test is a multiple choice test that evaluates essential academic skills:  math, science, reading, and English.

Ø      The test will take approximately 3 ½ hours to complete.

Ø      It is recommended that applicants review biology, chemistry, and math content in preparation for taking the ATI-TEAS Test.

Ø      The ATI-TEAS Study Manual is available through www.atitesting.com, (cost is approximately $35.00). The study manual will assist the applicant in preparing for the exam.  The applicant can also subscribe to practice tests offered on-line by ATI.

Ø      For more information about the ATI-TEAS Test, visit the ATI website at www.atitesting.com.

Testing Schedule – All five campuses offer the ATI-TEAS Testing. Go to ATI's website www.atitesting.com/ctccteas for all the testing schedules and registration information.  If the test is taken at a site other than at one of the Connecticut Community Colleges, applicants must have official results sent by ATI to the College of First Choice by the application deadline.

An applicant may retake the ATI-TEAS test as many times as desired.

Ø      There must be a 45 day period between each testing.

Ø      Applicants may register to retest anytime, however, the testing date must be later than the 45 days.

Ø      Applicants applying to retake the TEAS test before the 45 day period is up will not be allowed to test and any testing fees paid will not be refunded. If an applicant should register for the test, when s/he arrives at the testing site the individual may not be allowed admittance.  If an applicant is inadvertently tested, the score will not be accepted.

Additional Information

Before being permitted to participate in clinical experiences, all students must have on file a health and immunization assessment by a Healthcare Provider which documents fitness to participate in the clinical area. This is to be documented per the instructions on the Health Assessment Form (available on the College Website on the Nursing Resources Page). All students must demonstrate proof of current Basic Life Support Certification as a Healthcare Provider through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Clinical experiences are provided at various community hospitals and other health care facilities within the broader Eastern Connecticut community.
In addition to regular tuition and fees, nursing students incur additional expenses such as: uniforms, nursing textbooks and supplies, nursing lab fee, cost of required standardized testing and transportation to clinical settings.

Please note that all nursing courses currently use an Internet based Course Management System that requires computer access and several specific software programs. If you have questions regarding computer requirements, please call the Nursing Division office at (860)383-5241.

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First Year Experience Course
New, first-time college students admitted to Liberal Arts and Sciences or General Studies programs are encouraged to take the First Year Experience course (IDS K105) in the first or second semester of their college program or before attaining 12 credits. Students in other degree programs are encouraged to enroll. This three-credit course is designed to help new students meet the expectations of college life.

Admission to English as a Second Language Courses
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Three Rivers Community College are designed to serve the needs of non-native speakers of English who have already attained basic fluency in English. These courses have been developed to enhance students’ fluency in English.

Admission to Developmental Courses
Students needing review in mathematics or English courses are required to complete specific courses determined by placement test scores prior to enrolling in college-level course work. These courses are designed to give students the foundational skills that are fundamental to successfully completing college-level courses. See ENG K094, COU 024, MAT 075, and MAT 095 in the Credit Course Description in this catalog.

Career Exploration Course
This course is designed to give undecided students (recent high school graduates and mature adult learners) an opportunity to explore their interests, abilities and career options. See COU K130 in the Credit Course Descriptions section of this catalog.

Veterans and Reservists
a. Veterans and other students eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits must complete the College’s application procedures for degree or certificate programs. In addition, such students MUST contact the VA Representative to request the VA’s application form. Those students who have served on active duty must also submit copies of their separation papers. Reservists eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606) must contact the College VA Representative and supply the Notice of Basic Eligibility form in order to file for benefits.

See the Tuition and Fee Information section for specific dates and times of service to determine eligibility. Connecticut tuition waiver may apply to some veterans. Married veterans who are eligible for Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefits and have remaining entitlement from old GI Bill (Chapter 34) benefits must have their marriage certificate and birth certificates of any children certified by either the Veterans Administration or the College VA Representative.

Since Veterans Administration benefits only cover courses which do not replicate any previously earned credits, students receiving VA benefits are advised to have their official military and/or educational transcripts submitted for an evaluation of Military Learning. This is done by submission of the appropriate form to the Cashier’s Office, accompanied by a $15 evaluation fee.

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Students with Disabilities
Three Rivers welcomes students with disabilities and strives to make their college experience successful. Students with documented disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992.

Disclosure of a disability must be voluntary. A confidential disabilities disclosure form is sent to all newly admitted students. Students who submit a self disclosure form will receive a letter indicating the name and phone number of the student’s disability service provider, requesting that they contact the disability service provider to arrange an appointment.

In instances when students have disabilities that are not discernible (i.e., learning disabilities, psychiatric or health-related disabilities), valid and reliable documentation to verify eligibility for services is required. Confidentiality of information is assured. Release of Information forms are available from both the Admissions and Student Development offices for student use in requesting documentation.

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Regional Student Program of the New England Board of Higher Education [RSP/NEBHE]
Each New England State admits qualified out-of-state New England residents to its public, degree-granting two-year colleges providing that the students are eligible by either of the following rules:

Rule 1: When a degree or certificate program is not offered at an in-state institution, a qualified student may enroll at any participating out-of-state institution offering that program.

Rule 2: When a degree or certificate program is offered at both in-state and out-of-state institutions, and the out-of-state institution is closer in traveling time to a qualified student’s legal residence, then the student may enroll out-of-state. Upon admission into a degree or certificate program at Three Rivers, qualified out-of-state students pay the in-state tuition plus a 50% surcharge. Additional information about the program may be obtained from the Three Rivers Admissions Office or from the New England Board of Higher Education, 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111; (617) 357-9620.

Admission for a Second Degree
Students who already hold an associate degree may earn a second degree in a different area of study at Three Rivers. A minimum of 25% of the coursework in the second degree must be specific to the second degree (not used in the first degree) and must be from Three Rivers Community College. This is the residency requirement for the second degree.

A student may earn two degrees simultaneously at Three Rivers by fulfilling all requirements stated in the above paragraph. Requests for additional degrees beyond the second require prior approval from the Academic Dean. Completion of requirements of an additional program option does not constitute a different degree. A student wishing to earn a certificate and degree in the same program must complete the requirements of the certificate prior to earning the degree.

Student Right-To-Know Act
In keeping with the Federal Student Right-To-Know Act (PL 102-26), information is available at http://www.commnet.edu/planning/Research/SRK/srk.htm concerning the completion or graduation rate of full-time degree or certificate seeking students. In reviewing this information it is important to understand that graduation information is reported by cohort years which represent the year that students first started at the college. All reporting is delayed by one year due to the federal reporting schedule.

Graduate information is always updated at the end of April each year. For example 2004 graduate information would be reported under the heading of the 2001 cohort after May 2005.

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College Catalog
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Contact: Web Administrator
Three Rivers Community College
7 Mahan Drive
Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 886-0177
Updated: 4/25/2008