Admissions

General

James Sprunt Community College operates an “Open Door” admissions policy to all applicants who are legal residents of the United States and who are either high school graduates or are at least 18 years of age. Admission requirements for an emancipated minor shall be the same as for an applicant 18 years old or older. Any adult, whether a high school graduate or not, who makes application and can benefit from the programs is admitted to the college.

Applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts with a graduation date or equivalent transcripts with a completion date. Home school students must submit a copy of the home school’s approved registration form from the state in which they are registered (if applicable) and a home school transcript with graduation date.

When applicable, applicants will be given placement tests to aid in evaluating their potential for success in their chosen field. The tests will in no way deny admission to any student. If any evaluation of test scores or other evidence indicates that an applicant is not ready to enter the program of study selected, he/she may then be scheduled to enter the Basic General Education program in the preparation for his/her chosen program and/or encouraged to reexamine his/her educational and occupational goals.

See specific program requirements on the following pages of this section for further information.

James Sprunt Community College does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, political affiliation, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Pursuant to the State Board of Community College Code ID SBCCC 400.2(e), the James Sprunt Community College Board of Trustees approves the college to deny admission to an applicant that poses a significant, imminent, articulable threat to the safety of James Sprunt Community College, Faculty, Staff and Students.

Pursuant to the State Board of Community College Code ID SBCCC 400.2(d), the James Sprunt Community College Board of Trustees approves the following appeals process for applicants denied admission pursuant to Subsection (e): If an applicant wishes to request an appeal, he/she must do so in writing within 10 school days following notification of admissions denial. The Associate Vice President of Student Services and the College President, in those cases of admissions denial, shall each have 10 school days to make a disposition on the admissions appeal. The decision by the College President shall be final with no institutional appeals beyond this level.

Pursuant to the State Board of Community College Code ID SBCCC 400.2(g), James Sprunt Community College reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant who is not a resident of North Carolina who seeks enrollment in any distance education course if the applicant resides in a state where the college is not authorized to provide distance education in that state.

James Sprunt Community College reserves the right to refuse admission to any student who enrollment or continued presence is considered a risk for campus safety or disruption of the educational process.

How to Apply

The applicant is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. High school seniors are encouraged to apply early in their senior year. The academic year begins in the fall semester; however, applicants may enter most programs at the beginning of any semester. The applicant must have an application, official high school transcripts (or equivalent) and placement test (when applicable) on file in the Admissions Office prior to registration.

In order to be considered for admission into a Health Education Program, the applicant must have an application on file and all admission criteria met by the following deadlines:

• Associate Degree Nursing: February 1st of each year for consideration for the next fall semester.
• Practical Nursing: February 1st of each year for consideration for the next fall semester.

Applicants may apply online at www.jamessprunt.edu . Student Services offers a computer lab for completing applications if needed.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants seeking admission to all curriculum programs are required to complete the following:

• APPLICATION: This application can be obtained by accessing the college’s website at www.jamessprunt.edu. As part of the application process, all students must complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) online interview to determine residency status for tuition purposes.
• TRANSCRIPTS: Applicants are responsible for having an official high school transcript from their high school or the equivalent forwarded directly to the Admissions Specialist. Applicants who have attended other colleges, universities or post-secondary schools should submit official transcripts if they desire evaluation for transfer credit. Applicants who are receiving VA benefits, however, are required to submit all official college transcripts for evaluation. Credit will be granted for courses completed with a minimum grade of “C”, if they are comparable to courses in the program of study selected by the applicant. Also see section on “Transfer of Credits to James Sprunt Community College”.
• HEALTH FORM: Special physical forms are required by applicants in certain departments, such as the Health Education Department and Basic Law Enforcement Training. These forms are provided to the applicant by the department. A completed medical form is required by the college transfer department before a student can participate in the physical activity element of a physical education class. These forms are available from the Physical Education instructor.
• ADMISSIONS COUNSELING: This counseling allows applicants to discuss course placements, the admission and registration processes, program of study requirements and career opportunities.
• PLACEMENT TEST: Students applying for entrance to James Sprunt Community College may be required to take the RISE placement test. See requirements for transfer students under section “Transfer of Credits to James Sprunt Community College”. Students will be tested in the areas of math and English prior to admission into a program. Students will need to take the RISE placement test if they have:
  • An Adult High School Diploma prior to 2021
  • GED scores prior to 2014; GED scores since 2014 with a minimum score of less than 165 on all subject tests
  • HiSET scores that are less than 15 for all sections and/or less than 4 on the essay,
  • Graduated high school outside of the US, or
  • Some homeschooled students without an unweighted GPA.

Residency Determination Service (RDS)

All applicants’ residency for tuition purposes will be decided by the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS) to include, but not limited to, initial classifications, re-classifications, and appeals. The burden remains on the student to initiate and prove residency status. A computer lab, equipped with a scanner, is available in Student Services for any students needing assistance completing the RDS process or submitting requested documentation.

Students who disagree with the initial classification, may contact RDS at www.ncresidency.org, to begin either the reconsideration or appeal process. The RDS reconsideration process is for students who:

• need to correct certain errors in the data submitted during the RDS online interview,
• have had a change in personal circumstances since completing their current determination,
• did not submit the required documentation within the initial consideration timelines (such as military dependency information, tax returns, pay stubs, etc)

Students who request reconsideration will be required to complete the online interview process again based upon their current situation. Submitting a request for reconsideration does not guarantee the residency classification will change from non-resident to resident. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Admissions Specialist of any change in residency classification.

The RDS Appeal process is for students whose circumstances have not changed but who believe their residency classification is incorrect. Students have ten calendar days from the date of the determination they are appealing, or a status change due to a failed validation, to submit a Notification of Appeal through the RDS online system.

Additional Placement Test Exceptions

Special Students (Non-Degree Seeking) may take up to 12 credit hours in areas other than math and English or courses without math and/or English prerequisites before being tested.

Students who have obtained an Associate degree or higher are exempt from placement testing. Official transcripts documenting the degree are required for this exemption.

Students with transferable credit in Math and English may be exempt from placement testing. Official transcripts documenting these credits are required for this exemption.

Students who have previously tested, either at James Sprunt Community College or at another accredited institution, may use the previous test scores for admission purposes if:

• the tests are equivalent to those required for admission to James Sprunt Community College (RISE, Accuplacer, COMPASS, NC-DAP, and ASSET).
• the tests are not over ten years old.

Students testing on or after March 2016, with Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores of at least 530 on Math and 480 on Reading or Writing will be accepted in lieu of the college’s placement tests. Students testing prior to March 2016 must have scores of at least 500 on Math and 500 on Reading or Writing in order to be exempt from the placement test. SAT scores over ten years old are not accepted. Applicants should have an official copy of their scores forwarded to the Admissions Specialist.

The ACT Assessment Test may be substituted for the placement test if an applicant tested within the last ten years. Applicants should have an official copy of their scores forwarded to the Admission Specialist.

Health Education applicants should refer to the Programs of Study for additional information on admissions and testing.

Restrictions for Enrollment in Courses in a Program

Students who fall below the minimum high school GPA requirement or the cut-off scores on the placement test may enroll in courses within their program of study, except for college-level English and math, as well as courses with an English and math prerequisite or corequisite.

Course Placement Guide

Students will be placed into English and math courses based upon the following:

RISE English Placement Guide

RISE Math Placement Guide

Official score reports of prior placement testing (NCDAP, Accuplacer, and Compass) may be submitted to student services for evaluation. All placement test scores and previous developmental coursework are valid for 10 years. Unweighted US High School GPA WILL NOT expire after 10 years.

SAT- Students who earn a minimum of 480 on the reading and writing section may enroll in any gateway English course.   Students who earn a minimum of 530 on the math section may enroll in any gateway math course.

High School Equivalency Tests- Students who earn a minimum of 165 on all GED tests or 15 on all HiSET tests and 4 on the HiSET essay may enroll in any gateway course without a co-req. Students who earn a 145-164 on the GED may enroll in gateway w/ co-req. courses. Students who score below will take the RISE placement test. GED and HiSET scores are valid from 1/1/2014 to present.

Academic Programs

Students seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate must be enrolled in a designated program of study. A student may be approved for two different curriculum degree programs at a time (one primary and one secondary major). However, veteran students may only be in one major.

Notification of Acceptance

The Admission Specialist will send a letter of acknowledgment to the student upon receipt of application. A letter of full acceptance may be sent upon completion of all admission requirements. Students desiring admission to the Health Education programs must follow the procedures listed in this catalog.

Special Student Admissions

Applicants may be allowed to enroll as special students, not seeking a degree or diploma, and take up to 12 semester hours of credit without completing the placement test requirements for admission. However, no student may enroll in an English or math course required in an associate degree program or in courses with English or math prerequisites prior to being tested without approval of the Vice President of Curriculum.

All admission requirements must be completed once the student has declared a major area of study or completed 12 semester hours of credit.

Admission of Former Students

Former students are encouraged to enroll for additional study with the college. Students re-entering must follow general admission procedures. If the student has been out of school as result of disciplinary action or suspension, it will be necessary to consult the Associate Vice President of Student Services and petition for readmission to the college.

If the program in which the former student is applying for admission requires placement testing, the student must be retested if the student doesn’t meet exemption requirements listed in “Additional Placement Test Exemptions”.

See specific sections on Health Education Programs for readmission requirements.

Admission for Class Audit

Any eligible student may register for a class for audit on a space-available basis after having paid regular tuition and fees for that course. Students who audit classes do not receive credit for courses taken, and class discussion, tests, and exams are optional at the discretion of the instructor. Students are expected to attend class regularly, and a notation of the audited class will be made on the student’s permanent record represented by “AU”. An audit may be changed to a credit only during the scheduled period of adding courses. A student may not audit the same course more than two times unless approved by the Department Head, the instructor for the course, the Vice President of Curriculum, and the Registrar.

Nursing courses may be audited by nursing students only. The nursing student may audit those nursing courses for which he/she has received a grade, upon approval of the Department Head for Health Education.

Students may audit only the following physical education class unless approved by the Department Head and Registrar: PED 110 .

Adding or dropping an audit course is governed by the same procedures as adding or dropping a course for credit.

Admission of Foreign Students

James Sprunt Community College is not approved for attendance of non-immigrant students with F, M, or J visas. Students with other visas will be considered on an individual basis.

Admission of Undocumented Immigrant Applicants

James Sprunt Community College will accept for admission undocumented, non-immigrant applicants who have attended and graduated from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with State or Local laws as subject to 23 N.C.A.C 02C.0301. An undocumented immigrant with a diploma from an 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. Undocumented immigrants with a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, formerly called GED, are not considered to have graduated from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school and therefore are not eligible to be admitted to a community college. Undocumented immigrant applicants do not qualify for in-state tuition and shall be charged at the out-of-state tuition rate for curriculum programs.

Pursuant to the State Board of Community College Code 1D SBCCC 400.2(b) (5) and 1D SBCCC 400.2(b)(6), JSCC will not enroll undocumented students into a class or program of study for which there are waiting lists, nor register undocumented student for classes until the conclusion of the last published (i.e. late) registration period.

For the purpose of this section, “undocumented Immigrant” means any immigrant who is not lawfully present in the United States.

Veterans

Veterans who receive their high school diploma equivalency certificate through the USAFI should have their certificate reissued by the North Carolina State Board of Education in order to meet admission requirements. The minimum score for issuance of a North Carolina High School Diploma Equivalency Certificate varies depending on the test vendor. For the GED exam, a passing score is at least a 145 for each test subject. For the HISET exam, a passing score includes making at least an 8 on all subject tests, scoring at least 2 on the essay, and achieving a total scaled score of at least 45 on all five subtests.

Credit by Examination

A student may petition the division Department Head for credit by examination. The Department Head will coordinate with the instructor regarding the administration of the comprehensive examination. The grade earned on the examination will be entered into the student’s record and hours credit will be given toward graduation if applicable to the student’s major; however, no quality points will be awarded. A student must currently be enrolled at James Sprunt Community College for credit by examination.

A student is limited one attempt at credit by examination per course. No tuition is charged for the examination. A student may not attempt credit by examination if enrolled in the course for which the credit by examination is being attempted. This includes courses which have been dropped or withdrawn from during the current term or during the current terms in which the student is enrolled for the same course. Credit by examination cannot be attempted for developmental courses.

Credit Through Tech-Prep Articulation

A list is sent to the office of the Registrar from Duplin County Schools of current high school graduates and possible Tech-Prep courses. Students do not need to turn in anything for this process. To receive credit through Tech-Prep, students must enroll at James Sprunt Community College within two years of high school graduation and the course must be required in their declared program of study. Students who meet the criteria and receive credit will not be required to register and pay regular tuition and fees for those courses. A grade of “TP” will be put on the student’s transcript to denote credit achieved through Tech-Prep.

Advanced Placement

A freshman who scores 3 or above on the Advanced Placement tests, administered by the College Board, will receive appropriate college credit and advanced placement. Students taking Advanced Placement tests should have the score reports sent to the Counselor for evaluation concerning placement and credit.

Career and College Promise

The purpose of Career and College Promise is to offer structured opportunities for qualified high school students to dually enroll in community college courses that provide pathways that lead to a certificate, diploma, degree, or State or industry-recognized credential as well as provide entry-level jobs skills. Career and College Promise offers North Carolina high school students a clear path to success in college and/or in a career. The program is tuition-free to all North Carolina students who meet the eligibility requirements. Through a partnership of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, the University of North Carolina System and many independent colleges and universities, North Carolina is helping eligible high school students to begin earning college credit at a community college campus tuition-free. North Carolina community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise pathways aligned with the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready standards adopted by the State Board of Education:

1. A College Transfer Pathway leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college transfer credit.  James Sprunt Community College is approved to offer a College Transfer Pathway leading to the Associate in Arts, a College Transfer Pathway leading to the Associate in Science, a College Transfer Pathway leading to the Associate Degree Nursing, a College Transfer Pathway leading to the Associate in Arts for Teacher Prep, and a College Transfer Pathway leading to the Associate in Science for Teacher Prep.  High school students interested in this program should see their guidance counselor for additional information and the necessary forms.
2. A Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway leading to a certificate or diploma aligned with a high school career cluster.  James Sprunt Community College is approved to offer CTE pathways in Accounting and Finance, Advertising & Graphic Design, Agribusiness, Applied Animal Science, Business Administration, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Diesel and Heavy Equipment “Basic”, Diesel and Heavy Equipment “Advanced”, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Systems Technology, Information Technology Foundations, Office Administration General Office Assistant, School Age Education, Swine Management, and Welding, all of which lead to a certificate. 
3. A Workforce Continuing Education Pathway (WCEP) leading to a State or industry recognized credential aligned with a high school career cluster. James Sprunt Community College is approved to offer WCEP pathways in Basic EMT, Nurse Aide I, and Pharmacy Tech. High school students interested in this program should see their guidance counselor for additional information and the necessary forms.
4. A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway.  Duplin County Schools operates Duplin Early College High School (DECHS) on the James Sprunt Community College campus. Students enrolled at DECHS attend for five years.  At the end of the five years they will have had the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree or up to two years of college credit.  Students interested in attending DECHS should contact their middle school counselor for more information or the DECHS.

Disability Services

James Sprunt Community College is committed to seeing that students with disabilities have equal access to and participation in all programs of study. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act, students will receive reasonable accommodations to assure equal access to all programs and activities.

Students who wish to request accommodations must present documentation regarding the disability to a counselor in Student Services. Accommodations will be determined based upon the documentation and in consultation with the student. Students needing accommodations should make arrangements with the counselor prior to the beginning of the semester in order to provide ample time for arrangements to be made. Accommodations must be requested each semester.

James Sprunt Community College strives to support students who are pregnant in continuing their program of study. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy, in educational programs and activities. Students who may need accommodations can meet with a counselor to create a support plan. Documentation from a medical provider will assist the counselor in creating an accommodation plan that best supports the 27 individual student’s needs. Students are encouraged to contact a counselor as soon as possible to ensure supports are provided. For additional information, see a counselor in Student Services or call (910) 275-6368.

Specific Program Information

1. Two-Year Associate Degree Programs: The applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
2. One-Year Diploma Programs: The applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
3. College Transfer and General Education: The applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent. Additionally, the applicant is encouraged to complete the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). James Sprunt Community College is an official testing center for the SAT.
4. Reinforced Instruction for Student Excellence (RISE): This program is an integrated, student-centered program of instruction designed to increase the student’s opportunities for success in his/her academic experiences. Placement in the program is made by the student’s advisor based upon the applicant’s previous educational record and entrance placement tests. Depending upon the individual’s needs and occupational goals, he/she will be encouraged to strengthen knowledge and skills in Mathematics and English before entering curriculum courses in each discipline.
5. High School Equivalency (HSE): This is a certificate of high school equivalency and is recognized as the legal equivalency. Preparation is available on campus and at specified locations off campus. Refer to the section on Workforce Development and Continuing Education in the catalog for further information. The High School Equivalency exam is given on a referral basis upon recommendation from the College and Career Readiness Department.
6. Short-term Training Programs: Non-credit courses are available to persons 18 years of age or older. Refer to the Workforce Development and Continuing Education section in this catalog for further information.
7. Adult High School Diploma Program: This program is offered through a cooperative agreement between the Duplin County Public Schools and James Sprunt Community College. The program of study is individually designed to assist students in completing the requirements for the high school diploma. Placement in the program is based on the student’s prior academic record and placement test results. Refer to the section on Workforce Development and Continuing Education in this catalog for further information.
8. Human Resources Development (HRD): The Human Resources Develop Program is funded by the State and sponsored by the North Carolina Community College System. The mission of Human Resources Development is to educate and train individuals in transition and the emerging workforce for success in the workplace. HRD courses and programs provide employability skills training and assistance for all adults who are trying to find gainful employment, transitioning back into the workforce, or simply trying to redefine their professional niche in today’s global market. The various courses, workshops, and seminars are designed to address the current needs and trends of the complex and constantly-changing workforce. HRD’s primary objective is teaching individuals to assess their assets and limitations, develop a positive self-image, improve academic skills, and understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. HRD offers a variety of classes that give the students an avenue to explore employment opportunities of skills training that can be studied even further by enrolling at James Sprunt Community College. HRD is a dynamic and vital workforce development program that promotes community and economic development by focusing on meeting customer needs and serves as a gateway for proven economic, social, and educational success. All HRD courses are fee-waived to individuals who are unemployed or who have received notice of a layoff or pending layoff. HRD courses are also fee-waived to those who may be “underemployed”, as determined by state and federal guidelines. See “Fees” section in the Workforce Development/Continuing Education  section of this catalog.

Catalog of Record

A student who is not in continuous attendance for 12 calendar months or more must graduate under the provisions of the catalog in effect on the date of his/her last reentry or a subsequent issue.

Academic Probationary or Suspended Status

A student on academic probationary or suspended status from his/her last college or post-secondary institution may be admitted on a probationary status and may be subject to academic retention regulations as defined in this catalog.

Disciplinary Suspension

A student who has been suspended from his/her previous college or postsecondary school for disciplinary reasons may be admitted to James Sprunt Community College only when approved by the Associate Vice President of Student Services.

Library

The William H. Wiggs Library at James Sprunt Community College is responsible for developing and delivering learning resource services and programs which enrich and support the College curriculum and help students meet their educational goals.

The library is located on the first floor of the Helen A. Boyette Building.  The Library’s physical collection consists of books, audiovisual items, newspapers, and local history materials. These resources are supplemented by online subscription-based content, including research databases, e-books, audio books, streaming videos, and test preparation tools.  The Library houses two classrooms and three group study rooms. 

Computers are available for research and educational uses.  Patrons may print and make photocopies for a nominal fee.  Library staff provide a range of services including reference, research instruction, readers’ advisory, and interlibrary loan.  The Library also maintains a website to help students, faculty, and staff discover available resources and services. 

As a member of the Community College Libraries in North Carolina (CCLINC) consortium, the Library shares a catalog with over 50 other member libraries. The shared catalog provides access to the collections of each of the member libraries, and patrons may request items through interlibrary loan. JSCC students may borrow books for two weeks, with the option to renew twice. Audiovisual items may be renewed for one week.  After hours, patrons may return items to two drop box locations: one behind the Boyette Building and one in the Boyette Building lobby. 

Overdue fines are charged at a rate set by the library.  Three overdue notices are sent by email; after the third and final notice, a hold is placed on the student’s record.  This hold prevents class registration, as well as receipt of diplomas or transcripts until items are returned or paid for and overdue fines are paid in full.  Patrons may access the library’s online catalog to review their account for items on loan and to place renewal and hold requests.  Campus visitors are welcome to use the library resources but are not granted borrowing privileges.

The JSCC Makerspace is housed in the library, where students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus may use tools, including a 3-D printer, video and green screen technology, and a Cricut machine.  The Spartan Makerspace Series presents lectures, workshops and more in support of the Makerspace’s mission.

The William H. Wiggs library staff encourages students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus to take advantage of the array of resources and services available

Evening Offerings

James Sprunt Community College offers a variety of credit Curriculum courses and non-credit Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses during the evening hours. Courses may be offered on campus or at off-campus locations. In addition, some courses may be offered on the weekend. It is possible to complete certain curriculum programs by attending only evening classes.

Preparation for taking the High School Equivalency exam (HSE) or completion of the Adult High School Diploma Program may also be done during the evening hours.

Administrative Office Hours

Offices are normally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.

A counselor is on duty daily and upon request. The Veterans Affairs Office is open daily and upon request. A member of the Student Services Office is available to provide assistance to students Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.

Changes in Regulations

James Sprunt Community College reserves the right, without prior notice, to make changes in regulations, courses, fees, and other matters of policy and procedure as deemed necessary.