Admissions

General Information

Hudson Valley Community College’s Admissions staff offers guidance, counseling and support services to assist students in finding areas of study best suited to their interest, aptitudes and abilities. The Admissions Office is responsible for providing initial, relevant information about academic opportunities at the college. Interested students can contact the office to receive program information, Applications for Admission and to discuss initial academic plans with an Admissions representative. In addition, the office coordinates the review of Applications for Admission to degree and certificate programs.

Students who are interested in working toward a degree must complete the application process described on the following pages. Students not planning to complete a Hudson Valley Community College degree, but who wish to be matriculated (formally accepted into a program) for other reasons, must complete the application process as well.

The Office of Continuing Education assists students who wish to take college course work as a non-degree student. For part-time, non-degree course information, contact the Office of Continuing Education at (518) 629-7338.

All students who wish to become eligible for Federal or New York State financial aid must be admitted to a degree program for the purpose of earning a degree or certificate.

General Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission are considered without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disabling condition or sexual orientation.

• Applicants must provide evidence of a diploma from an accredited high school or an equivalency diploma.
• High school seniors, who apply for admission during their senior year, must demonstrate adequate scholastic achievement based on their junior or latest senior year academic record.
• Applicants must select a desired program choice. Each academic program has specific program entrance requirements established to ensure student success in the program. Applicants must provide official documentation of having met the requirements for the chosen program. These requirements may be met through high school and/or college course work. Please see specific programs  information.
• The college recommends, but does not require, that applicants complete the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as an aid to course placement and scholarship consideration.
• Applicants who have previously been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may not be able to receive final licensure in certain fields upon completion of the degree or certificate. Also, certain career opportunities from some programs may be limited. For more specific details and advice, the applicant should discuss his/her situation with the appropriate department chairperson.

Early Admission Program

Hudson Valley Community College recognizes that certain high school students may benefit by beginning their college study early. The Early Admission Program (EAP) allows qualified students the opportunity to fulfill high school graduation requirements through completed college credit. High school students who have successfully completed their junior year and who have achieved an overall high school average of 80 (B) or better are encouraged to consider the Early Admission Program.

Students interested in the Early Admission Program will need to complete the following to be considered:

1. High school juniors must complete the Application for Admission and submit it to their guidance counselor. Students will apply to the Liberal Arts and Science - Humanities and Social Science program.
2. The guidance counselor then completes the Early Admission Agreement form. This, along with a Transcript Release Form, is then submitted to the Admissions Office.
3. Accepted applicants will be invited to the college to take the placement test. Following the test, students will be given information about the final step in the process, academic advisement. During the advisement session, students will pick out their classes and learn the further steps to enrollment.

Proof of high school graduation for the Early Admission Program:

1. At the end of each term, the Hudson Valley Community College registrar will send the high school a copy of the student’s college transcript.
2. At the end of the term/year in which the student will graduate from high school, the high school is required to send Hudson Valley Community College an official transcript to show proof of graduation.
3. If the student fails to complete high school diploma requirements, the student should consider taking a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) examination or request an Equivalency Diploma based on completion of 24 college credits.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides the one-on-one tutorial and counseling services for New York State applicants who are considered academically at risk and from low-income households, according to definitions set forth by the State University of New York.

Applicants must complete the Hudson Valley Community College Application for Admission and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Early Information Form to be considered for enrollment in the program. Both applications are available in the Admissions Office and EOP Office.

In order to meet the eligibility requirements of EOP, applicants must be:

1. A graduate of a New York State accredited high school and a resident of New York State (at least 12 months prior to the first term of enrollment).
2. Academically under-prepared for college level work (high school averages under 80) and/or be a recipient of the General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
3. A first-time college student and apply during his/her first term of enrollment. Selection of eligible applicants is conducted by the EOP director.

EOP students are entitled to $150 to $300 in personal expenses per academic year.

For more information contact the director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at (518) 629-7325.

High School Equivalency Program (24-Credit Hour Program)

The High School Equivalency Program is for New York State residents who meet one of the following criteria:

• Non-high school graduate
• Graduate from a non-registered school within New York State
• Individual with correspondence school diplomas

The High School Equivalency Program of the New York State Education Department has established the following guidelines for granting an equivalency diploma based on earned college credit.

A student who has not earned a high school diploma may be issued a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma if the student successfully completes 24 college credits (specific course distribution is noted below). Hudson Valley Community College does not grant the New York State High School Equivalency Diploma. The college offers the courses necessary to apply for the diploma through the New York State Education Department.

24-College Credit Distribution for High School Equivalency Diploma:

• 6-credits-English language arts
• 3-credits-mathematics
• 3-credits-natural science
• 3-credits-social science
• 3-credits-humanities
• 6-credits-college degree program requirements

Upon completion of the 24 credits, the student must submit the required application form, fee and transcript request to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will forward the appropriate paperwork to the New York State Education Department for certification and awarding of the equivalency diploma. Specific information may be found at www.acces.nysed.gov/aepp/college-credit-and-out-state-testing. Students admitted to the 24-Credit Hour Program may be considered by the college as a recognized candidate for matriculation into the Individual Studies Degree program and are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, if a student successfully passes the required sections of the ACCUPLACER placement test, the applicant may be eligible for New York State aid (Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP.)

Hudson Valley Community College will consider an Application for Admission from students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalency, providing they meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Student has reached “maximum” compulsory school attendance age.*
2. The student must contact the Admissions Office for an individual appointment to discuss and determine eligibility for enrollment.
3. The student must take a placement test to determine if, in the judgment of the college, the student has a reasonable chance of succeeding in college course work.
4. The student must enroll in the course work recommended by the college following placement testing, a personal interview with an academic advisor and submission of supportive academic transcripts or recommendations as requested by the college.

* Maximum compulsory school attendance age is reached when the school year in which the student turned 16 (or in some districts, 17) has ended (June 30). Students of compulsory school age who have yet to complete a four-year high school program and who seek to enroll in full-time college study are required to submit verification from the school district of residence that he/she will be meeting the compulsory education requirements through full-time college study. This verification must be in the form of an approved Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) that includes such full-time college study.

Successful applicants to this program will only be admitted to the college’s Individual Studies program.

Students who have or will be graduating with an Individual Education Program (IEP) diploma should apply to the 24-Credit Hour Program.

New York State has established specific course requirements which must be completed to obtain an equivalency diploma. Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure the requirements are met.

Admission to the 24-Credit Hour Program does not automatically qualify students for state and federal financial aid (refer to Financial Aid  section). Consult with an Admissions representative for more information.

International Students

International students are accepted for admission to the college through the Admissions Office. International students should request application forms 10 to 12 months before they intend to begin studies at Hudson Valley Community College. This will allow time for exchange of correspondence and evaluation of all necessary documents. An international student must present, for admission, a translated, notarized copy of all academic credentials.

If it is necessary to determine course equivalencies international students are required to utilize a credential evaluation service that is a member of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), a fee-based credentialing service. This service will evaluate transcript(s) and then provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation that can be presented to Hudson Valley Community College for potential transfer credit evaluation.

Disclaimer: Please note that the College will review the evaluation and transfer credits appropriately. All credits may not be transferable to Hudson Valley Community College; the course-by-course transcript evaluation provided by the credential evaluation service is used as a reference guide. While the College accepts a credential evaluation service from a member of NACES, other U.S. higher education institutions may not use the same services for their credential evaluation.

International applicants must display proficiency in English and they are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). To gain admittance to the college, a minimum score of 500 is required on the paper-based test, a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based test or a minimum score of 61 on the iBT version. The Advanced Placement International English Exam (APIEL) is also accepted with a minimum score of “3.” Finally, after admission, the international student applicant must demonstrate sufficient economic resources to cover the cost of education and living in the United States. For specific information about the application requirements for international students [those applicants are in or will need to be in F-1, M-1 or J-1 (student) status], please see Application Requirements for International Students. Specific inquiries should be directed to the Coordinator of International Student Services at (518) 629-7567or via e-mail at international@hvcc.edu.

All foreign-born students residing in the United States of America who have obtained permanent resident status must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (“green card”) when filing the Application for Admission to the college.

For information regarding English as a Second Language courses, refer to the Course Description  section of this catalog.

Application for Admission Procedures and Policies

Students are encouraged to apply early. Applications for admission are processed on a continuous basis and should be received by the Admissions Office prior to the beginning of classes. Students who have previously applied to or attended Hudson Valley Community College should contact the Admissions Office for specific directions on completing the application process.

Generally, the application process is as follows:

1. All applicants must submit a completed Hudson Valley Community College or SUNY Application for Admission. Applications and college literature are available from the Admissions Office, area high schools, community agencies and libraries. An online Application for Admission also can be obtained and completed by visiting the Hudson Valley Community College website at www.hvcc.edu/application.
2. Applicants must submit an official, final high school transcript. This and all required documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office at Hudson Valley Community College.
   • If still enrolled in high school, submit the completed application to the high school guidance office. The guidance office should then forward your application along with an official high school transcript to the Admissions Office. Upon completion of your high school diploma or equivalency, you must submit official, final academic records to complete the admission process.
   • Applicants who have graduated from high school should request that an official, final high school transcript, with proof of graduation, be sent to the Admissions Office.
   • Applicants who hold a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) must submit a copy of their score report.
   • Transfer students must indicate all collegiate institutions the student has previously or is currently attending on the Application for Admission. In addition to the high school transcript, official transcripts of all completed college work must be forwarded to the Admissions Office. When deemed reasonable by both the director of admissions and the department chairperson, a student may request an irrevocable waiver of this requirement. When requesting such a waiver, the student will agree that he/she does not seek transfer credit or advanced standing from courses taken at the school from which the waiver is requested.
3. The Admissions process generally involves review of the completed Application for Admission and all academic transcripts. Personal interviews are not usually required, however, the college may require an interview with individual applicants for counseling or clarification. The student is notified of the resulting admission decision through written correspondence.
4. An official acceptance notification will be made conditional if any part of the student’s application requirements are incomplete. The acceptance will be finalized upon satisfactory completion of any course work currently in progress, demonstration of basic competency in the areas of reading, writing and math skills, receipt of any required documentation or other needed information.

Wait List Policy

Wait lists are created when a program meets maximum capacity for an entrance term. The criteria listed for both competitive and non-competitive programs will be used to identify who is placed on a wait list. The size of the program and departmental projections will determine the number of students on a wait list. If a student is not accepted from the wait list, he/she will be notified shortly after the start of the semester and will be given first consideration for the program when the next entrance term becomes available.

Priority for Acceptance for Non-Competitive Programs

New completed applications for admission, including reactivated and readmit applications, will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. However, change of curriculum requests and responses to program filled letters submitted on or before Oct. 5 for the spring entrance term and Feb. 15 for the fall entrance term will be given priority for acceptance. Following those dates, all change of curriculum requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis as well.

In all cases, department chairpersons/advisors can request special consideration for students who have had previous coursework in the related discipline at Hudson Valley Community College or who have been previously tested and advised for the upcoming semester.

Priority for Acceptance for Competitive Programs

Department chairpersons of competitive programs reserve the right to rank all students based on academic ability. (See department’s website for specific information on the criteria/tests used to determine academic ranking.)

In all cases, department chairpersons/advisors can request special consideration for students that have had previous coursework in the related discipline at Hudson Valley Community College or who have been previously tested and advised for the upcoming semester.

1) Dental Hygiene

Applicants for the Dental Hygiene program must submit a complete Application for Admission by Feb. 1 to be considered for acceptance to the following Fall term. Applications received after Feb. 1 will be considered on a space available basis. A completed Application for Admission includes the application or change of major form, an official high school transcript and official transcripts of all college course work. Admission to the Dental Hygiene program is selective. An Admissions Review Committee including, but not limited to, the Dental Hygiene department chairperson and an Admissions representative will select the applicants to be accepted for Fall admission. This is a very competitive program; it is likely that some students will be placed on a wait list while others, less qualified, will be advised to choose another option or reapply in the future. A published set of guidelines highlighting the criteria used to evaluate candidates can be obtained from the Dental Hygiene pages of the college’s website: www.hvcc.edu/dentalhygiene.

2) Mortuary Science

Admission to the Mortuary Science program will require a complete application for admission to be on file at the Admissions Office no later than Feb. 1 if a student wishes to be a candidate for admission. Qualified applications received after Feb. 1 will be considered on a space available basis. Applications are accepted for admission into the fall term only and are determine through a qualified selective admission process.

Applicants should mail their applications to the Admissions Office well in advance of the Feb. 1 deadline to assure receipt of all materials. For more information, contact the Admissions Office.

3) Nursing

Applicants for the Nursing program must submit a completed application for admission by Feb. 1 to be considered for acceptance for the following fall term. Applications received after Feb. 1 will be considered on a space available basis. A completed application for admission includes: the application or change of major form; an official high school transcript; and official transcripts of all college course work. Please note that admission to the Nursing Program is a selective/competitive process.

An Admissions Review Committee including, but not limited to, the Nursing department chairperson and an Admissions representative will select the applicants to be accepted for fall admission. There is no wait list for the Nursing Program. If a student wishes to be considered for the following year, the student must reapply to the Nursing Program.

This is a very competitive program. For those students not selected, they will be advised to choose another option or reapply in the future. A published set of guidelines highlighting the criteria used to evaluate candidates can be obtained from the Nursing Program pages found on the college’s website: www.hvcc.edu/nursing.

4) Radiologic Technology

Applicants for the Radiologic Technology program must submit a complete Application for Admission by Feb. 1 to be considered for acceptance in the following Fall term. Applications received after Feb. 1 will be considered on a space available basis. A completed Application for Admission includes the application or change of major form, an official high school transcript and official transcripts of all college course work. Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is competitive. An Admissions Review Committee including, but not limited to, the Radiologic Technology department chairperson and an Admissions representative will select the applicants to be accepted for Fall admission. This is a competitive program; it is likely that some students will be placed on a wait list, while others will be advised to consider another curriculum or reapply for a future semester. A published set of guidelines highlighting the criteria used to evaluate candidates can be obtained from the Radiologic Technology pages of the college’s website: www.hvcc.edu/xray.

Readmission Policy for Health Science Programs

Unsatisfactory pre-clinical, clinical, practicum and academic performance will result in students being dismissed from a health science program. The respective health science program faculty will make all recommendations for readmission. All decisions will be based upon an individual student review process. Readmission will require students to successfully repeat previous clinical, practicum, and/or academic courses that faculty require. In addition, if a student is dismissed from the program, the student may be required to provide evidence of growth in necessary areas as identified by the faculty at the time of dismissal. Dismissed students must reapply under the program’s current admission procedure.

Once a student has been readmitted to a program, core curricular courses must be completed in term sequence without interruption. Any student who misses a term may not be permitted to continue in the program.

Behavioral Dismissal Policy for Health Science Programs

Students who are dismissed from Health Science Programs at Hudson Valley or other institutions due to inappropriate or dangerous clinical behavior and/or personal misconduct during patient interactions will not be allowed admission to any Hudson Valley Health Science program or Health Science course with a clinical component. A notation will be placed on the student’s academic transcript indicating the student was dismissed from the program.

Admission Review Board

In fulfilling its mission to provide accessible, educational opportunities that address the diverse needs of the community, Hudson Valley Community College’s Admission Review Board serves as a screening committee for those applicants who have been convicted of a felony or dismissed for disciplinary reasons from another college or university as noted on their application for admission.

Applicants who indicate that they have been convicted of a felony are required to complete the Admission Review Form and return it to the chairperson of the Review Board along with a copy of their conviction record and a character reference letter from the Department of Corrections or another professional source (clergy member, high school official, employer, etc.). If applicable, applicants must also submit any psychological evaluation(s) related to their felony conviction(s) and/or release from incarceration within the past five (5) years, and/or conditions of parole/probation.

Applicants who have been dismissed from another college or university due to disciplinary reasons must complete the Admission Review Form and detail the circumstances of their dismissal. The completed form must be returned to the chairperson of the Review Board for admissions consideration.

Based on the extent and/or circumstances of an applicant’s record and/or severity of the circumstances that resulted in an applicant’s dismissal from a previous college or university, the Review Board may interview an applicant before making its decision and/or deny admission if the applicant is deemed to be a risk to campus safety. In addition, admission to particular programs and/or job placement on campus may be affected, however, alternative programs and/or placements may be possible.

The college maintains the confidentiality of all documentation that is required by law. Once all documentation is received and a decision is rendered, the applicant will be contacted by a member of the Admission Review Board.

The Review Board includes:

Director of Public Safety (co-chairperson)
Director of Student Life (co-chairperson)
Admissions Counselor
Executive Director of Student Development and Wellness
Registrar

For more information, please contact the Director of Student Life at (518) 629-7348.