Admission and Records

General Admission Requirements

An applicant who has not previously attended a duly accredited postsecondary institution will be designated as a first-time college student or a native student. All first-time college students must attend an orientation session to complete advisement and orientation activities before registration. It is also required that first-time college students take The Wildcat Way, (ORI 101), a college orientation course.

Admission Requirements

For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution, an applicant must provide:

One primary form of documentation such as:

• Unexpired Alabama driver’s license
• Unexpired Alabama identification card
• Unexpired U.S. passport
• Unexpired U.S. permanent resident card
• Resident Alien Card - Pre 1997
• Unexpired Driver’s License or instruction permit from another state or possession that verifies lawful presence, dated 2000 and beyond
• U.S. Alien Registration Receipt Card (form I-151) prior to 1978
• BIA or tribal identification card with photo 

Applicants should submit the identification in person.  Those applicants unable to present indentification in person must submit a legible copy by mail or the they may email a copy to admiss@bishop.edu.  

Applicants must submit the Certification of Eligibility for In-State Residency form and the primary form of documentation prior to beginnning the registration process.

Applicants who fail to satisfy the forms of identification requirement will not be admitted to the College.

Residency Policy

FOR PURPOSES OF ASSESSING TUITION, APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION SHALL BE CLASSIFIED IN ONE OF THREE CATEGORIES AS OUTLINED BELOW:

1. A resident student shall be charged the in-state tuition rate established by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
   1. A resident student is an applicant for admission who is a citizen of the United States or a duly registered resident in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding application for admission, or whose non-estranged spouse has resided and had habitation, home, and permanent abode in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding application for admission. Consequently, an out of-state student cannot retain Resident Student status simply by attending school for 12 months in the State of Alabama.
   2. In the case of minor dependents seeking admission, the parents, parent, or legal guardian of such minor dependent must have resided in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding application for admission. If the parents are divorced, the residency of the parent to whom the court has granted custody will determine residence.
   3. In determining Resident Student status for the purpose of charging tuition, the burden of proof lies with the applicant for admission.
2. An individual claiming to be a resident shall certify by assigned statement each of the following:
   1. A specific address or location within the State of Alabama as his or her residence.
   2. An intention to remain at this address indefinitely.
   3. Possession of more substantial connections with the State of Alabama than with any other state.
3. Though certification of an address and intent to remain in the state indefinitely shall be prerequisites to establishing status as a resident, ultimate determination of that status shall be made by the institution by evaluating the presence or absence of connections with the State of Alabama. This evaluation shall include the consideration of all the following connections.
   1. Consideration of the location of high school graduation.
   2. Payment of Alabama state income taxes as a resident.
   3. Ownership of a residence or other real property in the state and payment of state ad valorem taxes on the residence or property.
   4. Full-time employment in the state.
   5. Residence in the state of a spouse, parents, or children.
   6. Previous periods of residency in the state continuing for one year or more.
   7. Voter registration and voting in the state
   8. Possession of state or local licenses to do business or practice a profession in the state.
   9. Ownership of personal property in the state, payment of state taxes on the property
   10. Possession of state license plates.
   11. Continuous physical presence in the state for a purpose other than attending school, except for temporary absences for travel, military service, and temporary employment.
   12. Membership in religious, professional, business, civic, or social organizations in the state.
   13. Maintenance in the state of checking and savings accounts, safe deposit boxes, or investment accounts.
   14. In-state address shown on selective service registration, driver’s license, automobile title registration, hunting and fishing licenses, insurance policies, stock and bond registrations, last will and testament, annuities, or retirement plans.

Students determined to be eligible for resident tuition will maintain that eligibility upon reenrollment within one full academic year of their most previous enrollment unless there is evidence that the student subsequently has abandoned resident status, for example, registering to vote in another state. Students failing to re-enroll within one full academic year must establish eligibility upon re-enrollment.

1. A Non-Resident Student, one who does not meet the standard of having resided in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding application for admission, shall be charged the instate tuition rate established by the State Board of Education under the following circumstances, provided such student is a citizen of the United States.
   1. The dependent student whose supporting person is a full-time permanent employee of the institution at which the student is registering; or whose supporting person can verify full-time permanent employment in Alabama and will commence said employment within 90 days of registration; or whose supporting person is a member of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders for duties other than attending school; or whose supporting person is an accredited member of a consular staff assigned to duties in Alabama.
   2. The student is not a dependent (as defined by Internal Revenue Codes) who is a full-time permanent employee of the institution at which the student is registering or is the spouse of such an employee; or can verify full-time employment within the State of Alabama or is the spouse of such an employee and will commence said employment within 90 days of registration with the institution; or is a member of or the spouse of a member of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders for duties other than attending school; or is an accredited member of or the spouse of an accredited member of a consular staff assigned to duties in Alabama.
2. In determining Non-Resident Student status for the purpose of charging tuition, the burden of proof lies with the applicant for admission. The college may request proof that the applicant meets the stipulations noted above prior to admission.
3. The student is eligible for in-state tuition if the student resides in the state and county noted below, and attends any designated campus of Bishop State Community College:
   • Escambia County - Florida
   • Okaloosa County - Florida*
   • Santa Rosa County - Florida
   • Walton County - Florida*
   • George County - Mississippi
   • Greene County - Mississippi
   • Harrison County - Mississippi
   • Perry County - Mississippi
   • Stone County - Mississippi
   • * As of March 2020 Okaloosa County FL and Walton County FL are no longer eligible for in-state tution rates.
4. Out-of-State Student: Any applicant for admission who does not fall into one of the categories noted above shall be charged a minimum tuition of two times the resident tuition rate charged by the institution. Students initially classified as ineligible for resident tuition will retain that classification for tuition purposes until they provide documentation that they have qualified for resident tuition.
5. Provisional Enrollment: There are several third-party agencies responsible for the payment of tuition and fees for students attending Bishop State Community College. Because payments are not usually received by the end of the registration period, payment of tuition and fees may be deferred for 30 calendar days after the last day of registration for students receiving financial assistance from third party agencies (private, federal, and state). However, federal and state agency payments may be extended beyond the 30 calendar days after the registration period in accordance with each individual program’s procedures.

For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution, all international applicants must provide: a VISA acceptable to the United States and an official translated copy of the student’s high school/college transcript, a minimum score on an approved English as a Foreign Language exam as specified in the guidelines, signed notarized statement verifying adequate financial support, and documentation demonstrating adequate health and life insurance, which must be maintained during enrollment.

The credentials of an applicant from a foreign country for admission to the college are evaluated under the established general regulations governing admission. An applicant for admission to the College who has received disciplinary action from another institution or agency may be denied admission to the College.

Residency Policy for Veterans, Dependents, and Spouses

For the purpose of assessing tuition, students who are veterans, dependents, and spouses will receive in-state tuition rates if classified as one of the following:

• The student is a member or spouse of a member of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders other than attending school.
• Commencing on May 22, 2012, the student has been a member of the Alabama National Guard for a period of at least two years immediately preceding qualification for resident tuition and continues to be a member of the Alabama National guard while enrolled at the public institution of higher education.
• The student is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, provided that the veteran has become a resident of Alabama and satisfies at least one of the following conditions:
  • The veteran has served on active duty for a continuous period of time, not less than two (2) years, and has received an honorable discharge as verified by a United States Department of Defense Form 214 within five (5) years of enrolling at an Alabama public institution of higher education.
  • The veteran is currently serving in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, as verified by a memorandum from the commanding officer of the veteran student.
  • The veteran has been assigned a service-connected disability by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The student is an out-of-state veteran who resides within ninety (90) miles of a campus located in Alabama and has enrolled at an institution whose board of trustees has voted to allow nonresident in-state tuition for active and retired military.
• The student is, at the time of registration, a minor whose supporting person is a member of the United States Military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders for duties other than attending school

Alabama National Guardsmen (SB315)

No public institution of higher education in the state of Alabama shall impose a non-resident free on an Alabama National Guard member in good standing and meet the following requirements:

• The individual is 17 years of age or over.
• The individual is a member of the Alabama National Guard in good standing throughout the period or semester for which that individual receives education benefits as indicated by continued satisfactory participation in the Alabama National Guard as required by all applicable laws and regulations of the Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force, and the Alabama National Guard, and there is no unfavorable administrative action pending against him or her.

Addendum to the Residency Policy for Veterans, Dependents, and Spouses - Terms Beginning after March 1, 2019 (PL 115-251 Sec. 301)

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• Anyone using educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment (VR&E), also be charged the resident rate.  Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above.  When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.

Admission to Courses Creditable Toward an Associate Degree

To be eligible for admission to courses creditable toward an associate degree, a first-time college student must meet one of the following criteria:

• Applicants with an Alabama High School Diploma, a high school diploma of another state equivalent to an Alabama high school diploma, or an equivalent diploma issued by a non-public regionally and/or state accredited high school; OR
• Applicants who have attended a non-accredited high school who have successfully completed courses of study on the secondary level (as evidenced by an official transcript) may be admitted; OR
• Applicants who cannot comply with either of the above conditions may be admitted upon presentation of a Certificate of High School Equivalency (GED Certificate) evidenced by an official copy of scores from the testing site. The applicant must hold the GED Certificate prior to enrollment.

Admission to Non-Credit Special Courses

The College offers non-credit, short-term, special courses for which admission requirements will be established by the nature of the particular course. Application for regular college admission is not required for a student who intends to take special courses only. Additional information about these courses may be obtained by contacting the Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Department at 251-405-7082 or 251-405-7118.

A. First Time College Students

Unconditional Admission of First-Time College Students
Applicants must have on file at the College a completed application for admission and either an official transcript from the high school attended or an official GED Certificate. If required, applicants must also have on file proof of passage of the Alabama Public High School Graduation Examination or evidence of a minimum ACT score of 16 or the equivalent score on the SAT. For admission to courses not creditable toward an associate degree, applicants must have on file documented ability to benefit. All male students between the ages of 18 and 26 must register by law with the U.S. Selective Service System.

Conditional Admission of First-Time College Students
Applicants who do not have on file an official transcript from the high school attended or an official GED certificate may be granted Conditional Admission for one semester only. All required admissions records must be received by the College prior to registration for the second semester for continued enrollment. If all required admissions records have not been received by the College prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript, but the transcript will read CONTINUED ENROLLMENT DENIED PENDING RECEIPT OF ADMISSIONS RECORDS. This notation will be removed from the transcript only upon receipt of all required admissions records.

B. Transfer Students

Applicants who have previously attended another regionally accredited or Council on Occupational Education accredited postsecondary institution will be considered transfer students and will be required to furnish official transcripts of all work attempted at all said institutions. Transfer students who meet requirements for admission to courses creditable toward an associate degree shall be classified as “Degree-Eligible” students. Transfer students who do not meet these requirements shall be classified as “Non-Degree-Eligible” students. Applicants who have been suspended from another institution for academic or disciplinary reasons will not be considered for admission except upon appeal to the Admissions Committee or Dean of Students.

Unconditional Admission of Transfer Students
For unconditional admission, transfer students must have submitted to the College an application for admission and official transcripts from all duly accredited postsecondary institutions attended and are also required to submit an official high school transcript or GED. Applicants who have completed the Baccalaureate Degree will be required to submit only the transcript from the institution granting the degree unless transfer credit is required from an instution other than the one the Baccalaureate Degree was awarded.  Some programs may require all college transcripts be submitted regardless of the degree that was obtained. Transfer students who meet requirements for admission to a course creditable toward an associate degree shall be classified as “Degree-Eligible” students. Transfer students who do not meet these requirements shall be classified as “Non-Degree-Eligible” students.

Conditional Admission of Transfer Students
Transfer students who do not have on file official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended and any additional documents required by the institution may be granted Conditional Admission. No transfer student shall be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless all required admissions records have been received by the College prior to registration for the second semester.

If all required admissions records have not been received by the College prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript, but the transcript will read CONTINUED ENROLLMENT DENIED PENDING RECEIPT OF ADMISSIONS RECORDS. This notation will be removed from the transcript only upon receipt of all required admissions records.

Initial Academic Status of Transfer Students
Transfer students whose cumulative grade point average at the transfer institution(s) is less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale will be admitted only on Academic Probation. The transcript will read ADMITTED ON ACADEMIC PROBATION. Applicants who have been academically suspended from another regionally accredited postsecondary institution may be admitted as a transfer student only after following the appeals process established at the institution for “native” students who have been academically suspended. If the transfer student is admitted upon appeal, the student will enter the institution on Academic Probation. The transcript will read ADMITTED UPON APPEAL-ACADEMIC PROBATION. Transfer students whose cumulative grade point average at the transfer institution(s) is 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale will be admitted on CLEAR academic status.

General Principles for Transfer of Credit

1. Courses completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a grade of C or better will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements.
2. A transfer grade of “D” can be accepted towards fulfilling graduation requirements when the transfer student’s cumulative GPA from the institution’s trancript where the grade lies is a 2.0.  Some programs will not accept grades of “D” towards degree completion.

C. Transient Students

Any student who attends another postsecondary institution and seeks credit for transfer to that parent institution may be admitted to Bishop State as a transient student. The student must submit an application for admission, primary form of documentation, Certification of Eligibility for In-State Residency form, and a “letter of transiency” from the institution which certifies that the credit earned at the College will be accepted as a part of the student’s academic program.  The transient letter must be received prior to the student registering for courses.  Students may only register for courses listed on the letter of transiency.  A student is not required to file transcripts of previously earned credits from other postsecondary institutions.

D. International Students

Bishop State Community College encourages the enrollment of students from other countries. The institution subscribes to the principles of international education and to the concept that mutual respect, appreciation, and tolerance of others can be accomplished through education and understanding. The credentials of an applicant for admission from a foreign country are evaluated under the general regulations governing admission. Application documents should be submitted to the Office of the Advisor of International Students four months prior to the opening of the semester of desired admittance. This will allow time for the processing of documents and records relative to entrance and, if the applicant is admitted, obtaining a valid passport visa.

• All students must submit an official translated copy of the high school transcript indicating course credit equivalent to American high school graduation.
• Students must complete admission forms required of all International Students by the Office of the Advisor of International Students.
• All students must submit a signed notarized statement declaring that they have adequate funds to cover the costs of attending Bishop State Community College.
• Students must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 500. (This does not apply to foreign students from English-speaking countries).
• All students must have current immunization records. All international students are required to meet with the International Student Advisor, Mrs. Yolanda McNeil at 1-251-405-7002, located on the Main Campus. Entering students shall provide documentation demonstrating adequate health and life insurance which must be maintained during all period of enrollment.

International Student Insurance Requirements
The College requires all international students with non-immigrant visas to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for them and for any dependents who accompany them. This insurance must be valid during each semester they enroll. Students who are on practical training after completing their degree requirements are also subject to this regulation.

The minimum standards of health and life insurance coverage are as follows:

• Daily room and board rate sufficient to cover the cost of a semi-private room at a local hospital
• Outpatient coverage for physicians’ charges, laboratory costs, ambulance service, prescription drugs, and similar procedures subject to a deductible not greater than $100
• A minimum coverage of 80% of reasonable charges after the deductible is met
• A minimum, major-medical coverage of $25,000
• Repatriation coverage to prepare the remains of a deceased student and return him or her to his or her country of residence
• Medical evacuation coverage to return the student to his or her country of residence in case of extreme medical emergency

If international students do not have insurance, the College’s endorsed policy will be made available to them. Other policies may be accepted as meeting or exceeding the minimum standards of coverage by the Adviser of International Students prior to the start of the students’ first semester enrolled at Bishop State Community College.

The entire cost of the minimum required insurance and any deductibles which must be met are the sole responsibility of the student. The cost to the student will be $800 per year and/or $400 per semester, which is subject to change.

E. Accelerated High School Program

Bishop State Community College offers the high school accelerated program for high school students who may desire to earn college credit while enrolled in high school.  Note:  Credit towards high school graduation will not be awareded.

Information must be obtained from the office of admissions. A student is eligible for early admission if the student meets all of the following criteria:

• The student has successfully completed the 10th grade
• The student provides certification from the local principal or his or her designee certifying that the student has a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. An unofficial transcript will satisfy this requirement.
• The student provides a certification letter from the local principal or his or her designee certifying that the student is recommended to be admitted under this policy.
• In the absence of an Alabama driver’s license or state-issued ID card, a student may provide a certified copy of their birth certificate to establish U.S. citizenship and a printout of the student information profile sheet from iNow signed and dated by their high school principal to establish current residency and identification. The profile sheet must show the student’s home address and include the student’s photo.
• The student may enroll only in Postsecondary courses for which high school prerequisites have been completed (For example: a student may not take English Composition until all required high school English courses have been completed)
• All seniors must submit their ACT scores or take the ACCUPLACER Test.
• Exceptions may be granted for students documented as gifted and talented only in accordance with the standards included in the State Plan of Exceptional Children and Youth. Exceptions apply only to the first two requirements.

F. Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School Students:

Bishop State Community College provides post-secondary instructional opportunities to eligible high school students through the State Board of Education Policy 801.03, Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School Students. This policy allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school classes, and to receive both high school and college credit where appropriate. There must be on file at Bishop State Community College a formal written agreement between the student’s local school board and Bishop State Community College before approval for Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit admission is granted.

1. To be eligible the student must meet the following requirements:

• Students must satisfy the requirements prescribed in Procedure 801.01: Admission: General, with the exception of proof of high school graduation or GED completion.
• In the absence of an Alabama driver’s license or state-issued ID card, a student may provide a certified copy of their birth certificate to establish U.S. citizenship and a printout of the student information profile sheet from iNow signed and dated by their high school principal to establish current residency and identification. The profile sheet must show the student’s home address and include the student’s photo.
• Students must be in grade 10, 11, or 12. An exception may be granted by the Chancellor for students documented as gifted and talented in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code §290-8-9.12.
• Students seeking enrollment in Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit coursework must have a minimum cumulative (unweighted) high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for academic coursework or an average of 2.0 for technical coursework. 
• Students must have written approval of the appropriate principal or career and technical education program representative (if applicable) and counselor. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit eligibility for students enrolled in private, home school/private tutor, parochial, or church/religious secondary educational entities must be documented in writing by an appropriate school official. Approval from secondary school officials indicates that the student has demonstrated both academic readiness and social maturity.
• The ACCS institution has the right to restrict a student’s enrollment on the basis of academic readiness, social maturity, health and safety concerns, course availability, and/or local institutional policy.

2. Placement and Pre-Requisites:

• All dually enrolled students must take a state-approved college placement test, where minimum placement is required, specifically for college-level English, math or reading courses. Students in the 10th or 11th grade registering only for career and technical courses may take a stateapproved placement test but are not required to do so. Colleges must ensure that all students take a state-approved college placement test prior to registering for dual enrollment courses for the 12th grade year.
• Students must meet all applicable pre-requisites prior to enrolling in courses.
• Developmental courses (those numbered below 100) are not offered through dual enrollment.

3. Continuous Eligibility for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit:

• Students who meet the criteria for initial admission for a Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit program as specified in Section 2 will maintain continuous eligibility so long as they earn a grade of C or better in all attempted college courses.
• Students who fail to meet this minimum grade requirement or who withdraw from a course will be suspended from the program for a minimum of one term. The one-term suspension may not be served during the summer. The student may not re-enroll until the suspension has been served. For re-entry, the student must reapply to the program and must meet the minimum grade point average requirements as identified in Section 1. 

Students may enroll in occupational/technical courses/programs in accordance with guidelines of the Alabama Community College System.

All credit for coursework completed under these provisions is held in escrow until the student provides proof of high school graduation (final high school transcripts). Transcripts issued prior to a student’s high school graduation will be labeled “conditional credit”. Upon proof of high school graduation, this notation will be removed from the transcript.

Three semester credit hours at the postsecondary level shall equal one credit at the high school level in the same or related subject

Admission of Ability to Benefit Students

Applicants to courses and programs comprised exclusively of courses not creditable toward an associate degree may be admitted if they meet the above standards or if they are at least 16 years of age and have not been enrolled in secondary education for at least one calendar year (or upon the recommendation of the local superintendent) and have specifically documented ability to benefit. The College may establish higher or additional requirements for a specific program or service when student enrollment must be limited to assure ability to benefit. These students shall be classified as “Non- Degree-Eligible” students and shall not be allowed to enroll in courses creditable toward an associate degree.

Admission to Specialized Programs

Several occupational programs such as Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Cosmetology, Truck Driving, and Health Information Technology have special admission requirements. Please refer to the admission requirements for these programs, or contact the appropriate department for additional information. (In addition to the policies and procedures in this catalog, all nursing and physical therapist assistant students are governed by program handbooks that take precedence over the catalog in the areas covered by the program handbooks.)

Readmission

Applicants previously admitted for a specific semester who did not enroll will be required to complete a new application for admission and may be reqired to resubmit documentaion to satisfy admissions requirements. Students who wish to continue enrollment should pre-register for the succeeding semester. Former students previously enrolled at Bishop State Community College, who have not been in attendance for one semester, excluding the summer, will be required to complete a new application for admission and may be reqired to resubmit documentaion to satisfy admissions requirements. (If these students have attended college elsewhere during this period, they must follow the admission process required of all transfer students.) Readmitted students must comply with any curriculum or policy changes.

Readmission to Specialized Programs: Students seeking readmission to specialized programs (such as Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Health Information Technology) should refer to the programs section of the catalog for that particular program.

Placement Assessment Requirements

All students who attend Bishop State will be placed in English and Mathematics courses using placement guidelines enforced by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Listed below are the ways a student’s placement can be determined.

1. ACT Score: If you obtain a copy of your ACT scores* from the school you attended or from the ACT website, (http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores.html), the college can use your scores to determine your placement criteria. *ACT scores are valid for 5 years.
2. Official High School Transcript: If you obtain an official high school transcript* from the high school you attended, it can be used to determine your placement criteria. *Official High School transcripts MUST come from the school. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for placement purposes.
3. Accuplacer Test: All students that cannot obtain either of the first two previous options can schedule to take the Accuplacer Placement Test. You can call the Learning Assistance Center at (251) 405-7100 to schedule the test by phone.

To review the placement guidelines for English and Math please click on the links below:

English Placement Guidelines  

Math Placement Guidelines  

Placement Assessment Retest Policy

In order that retesting is not abused, acceptable reasons for retesting include: (1) attempting to improve scores for higher course placement, (2) never enrolled in English, reading or mathematics courses, and (3) ACCUPLACER test or any other assessment was taken over five years ago. The retesting fee is $10.00 per component. Retesting fees must be paid in the Business Office prior to retesting. Students must present their receipt in order to retest.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP)

Credit awarded through nontraditional means for academic transfer courses may only be awarded by examination or nationally recognized guidelines (AP, CLEP, ACT/PEP, DANTES, Challenge Exams, ACE PONSI/CREDIT, and ACE/MILITARY). Students enrolled at Bishop State Community College may be awarded college credit-by-examination for acceptable scores on specified CLEP examinations. Credit through subject area examinations is equated to specific courses and may be recommended by divisional chairpersons. Transfer CLEP credits are acceptable if earned by re-evaluation in accordance with current Bishop State Community College CLEP policies. No examination credit can be transferred or earned for any course for which a student has received a grade. A student may not attempt credit-by- examination for a course in which he or she has acceptable credit for more advanced courses.

CLEP credit hours are applied toward meeting graduation requirements, but will not affect a student’s grade point average since no grade or quality points are awarded for CLEP examinations. Students enrolled at Bishop State Community College may be awarded college credit with a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement subject examinations for a minimum of one course in the subject area corresponding to the test. Additional AP credit may be awarded at the discretion of the College. Credit awarded through nontraditional means is not applicable toward the minimum of 25 percent of semester credit hours that must be completed at the college granting the degree.

Technical credits can be awarded through an articulation agreement between Bishop State Community College and secondary institutions in Mobile and Baldwin Counties of Alabama. However, because of accreditation standards, students are required to pass competency examinations in order to receive credit for a particular course, according to accreditation standards.

Awarding Credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

1. Credit for prior learning can be awarded only after the assessment of prior learning experiences and only for documented learning that demonstrates achievement of all terminal objectives for a specific course or courses.
2. Course credit earned through prior learning shall be noted on the student’s transcript as having been awarded through PLA.
3. Credit for academic transfer courses awarded through PLA may only be awarded by examination or nationally recognized guidelines (AP, CLEP, ACT/PEP, DANTES, Challenge Exams, ACE PONSI/CREDIT, and ACE/MILITARY). Credit for experiential learning (portfolio review) may not be awarded for academic transfer courses.
4. In the process of determining if credit can be awarded for prior learning, colleges shall charge students only for the cost of the PLA services and not for the amount of credit awarded.
5. There shall be a charge of $25 for each portfolio review to assess experiential learning for college credit. Documentation must be provided for each course for which credit through experiential learning is requested, and the $25 fee applies to each review of the documentation. For example, an individual is charged $50 if the person is seeking credit through experiential learning for two courses, and thereby requires portfolio reviews in relation to those two courses. Students seeking credit for academic transfer courses through examination or nationally recognized guidelines are not charged a fee for PLA or for credits awarded through PLA.
6. Credit awarded through PLA does not count toward the minimum of 25 percent of semester credit hours that must be completed at the college granting the degree as referenced in Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees policy 706.01.
7. Before receiving credit through PLA for a course, an individual must meet enrollment requirements of the course.
8. Credit may not be awarded twice for the same learning.

Procedures for Prior Learning Assessment

1. The student must enroll at the College and meet all admission requirements for the program in which course credit for prior learning is being sought.
2. The student must make application to the College for prior learning assessment and credit for experiential learning.
3. At least one person from each college shall be trained in the standards, principles, and procedures of PLA (college PLA contact). This person must successfully complete PLA training provided by the Alabama Community Collge System. This person shall provide related training and technical assistance to other college personnel having PLA responsibilities.
4. In the portfolio assessment process, an instructor of a course for which credit for experiential learning is being sought shall evaluate the student’s work and training experience in the program field and determine if the student should be considered for PLA. Evidence of experiential learning may include certifications, licensures, continuing education units, employer verification of tasks performed, and examples or demonstrations of skills possessed. If the student is deemed a candidate for PLA, the instructor shall recommend the student to the college PLA contact (or conduct the PLA if the instructor is trained to do so) and specify the course(s) for which the student may be eligible to receive credit for experiential learning.
5. Portfolio assessment by alone may be used for PLA only when the following methods cannot be used: Challenge Exams, CLEP, ACT/PEP, DANTES, ACE/PONSI, AP, ACE/CREDIT, and ACE/MILITARY.
6. Credit for academic transfer courses can be awarded only by examination or national recognized guidelines of the following assessment courses:
   1. Challenge Exams
   2. College Level Examination Program (CLEP);
   3. American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program (ACT/PEP)
   4. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Support (DANTES)
   5. American Council on Education’s Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (ACE/PONSI)
   6. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program
   7. American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Services (ACE/CREDIT)
   8. American Council on Education Military Program (ACE/MILITARY)

Boris Login

BORIS allows students to register and pay for their classes online, view transcripts and degree plans, plus many other functions. It is available to ALL ADMITTED STUDENTS!

1. Open your Internet browser and go to Bishop State’s home page, www.bishop.edu.
2. Click on the BORIS link at the top of the page.  On the next page click on BORIS LOGIN FOR STUDENTS.
3. At the User ID prompt, enter your 7-digit Student Number. 
4. At the PIN prompt, enter your 6- digit date of birth (MMDDYY). For Example, if your date of birth is March 12, 1978, you would enter 031278.
5. Click Login. You should see the BORIS menu.
6. If you do not know your student number or have forgotten you pin you mail email admiss@bishop.edu.  You will need to provide your name as it appears on your records, your date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your social security number.  You may also call 251-405-7005, you will be asked for the same information.

Campus E-mail

If you are a registered student at Bishop State, then we have assigned you a campus e-mail address. You will be able to send and receive e-mail using this address from any Internet browser in the world.

Login Instructions

To find out what your Campus E-mail address is, login to the BORIS system and select the “View My Information” link, and your campus e-mail address will be displayed on that page. When you login to the campus e-mail system, type your full campus e-mail address at the Username prompt. Your password will initially be your 8-digit date of birth (in the format MMDDYYYY). You will be required to change your password when you login. Remember your new password!

Online Students

If you register for an online class, you MUST use this e-mail address for class correspondence and to receive your initial online course login and password. Your campus e-mail address will also be printed on the student schedule page that you receive from the Business Office when your registration is completed, if you pay for your classes in person.

Having E-mail Trouble?

If you are having trouble accessing your Campus E-mail account, call 251-405-7070 or send a message from your personal e-mail account to itservices@bishop.edu. Be sure to include your student number, your name, and the problem you are having.

Course Auditing

Registration for audited courses must be declared by the end of the late registration period. Audited courses will not be paid by the Pell Grant program, certain scholarships, and certain agencies responsible for tuition. Course auditing must be approved by the Academic or Technical Dean before enrolling.

Schedule Changes

Drop/Add Period: Students may drop and add courses during the official drop/add late registration period as indicated on the college calendar.  Students who have been authorized by their academic adviser to register on BORIS may drop/add courses at any time until the last day of the drop/add late registration perion. 

Withdrawals

1. Withdrawals from a Course
   Once a student enrolls in a regular or online course, failure to attend or login would constitute a no show; however, it is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw. Following the official Drop/Add period, a student who wishes to withdraw from a course may do so by following these steps:
   1. A student may withdraw from a course online through the Drop/Add period by logging on to their BORIS account however, if enrolled in only one course, the student must report to the Office of Admissions and Records or complete the online eWithdrawal form.
   2. A student may withdraw from a course after the Drop/Add period, by filling out the paper Withdrawal Form or by completing the eWithdrawal within the designated time frame for withdrawal from a class. Students must complete the form and SUBMIT it in order for the withdrawal to be processed.
   3. To withdraw from a class obtain the Withdrawal Form from the Office of Admissions and Records or complete the online eWithdrawal by going to https://www.bishop.edu/ewithdrawal.
   4. Paper Withdrawal Forms should be filled out and returned to the Office of Admissions and Records, eWithdrawals will be processed once they are submitted from the Bishop State website.
2. Withdrawals from the College
   Upon entering Bishop State Community College, the student assumes the responsibility of completing the academic program in which he or she is registered. Once a student enrolls, failure to attend the class or login would constitute a no show; however, it is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from the College by these steps:
   1. Students should report to the Academic Advising and Counseling Center located on the second floor of the Oliver H. Delchamps, Jr. Student Life Complex to fill out a Complete Voluntary Withdrawal Form.  Students will be counseled before their withdrawal is processed. 
   2. Students may also submit withdrawal forms to thier home campus or fill out an electronic withdrawal form by clicking on the following link, https://www.bishop.edu/ewithdrawal.  Withdrawal forms submitted at another campus or electronically will be sent to the Academic Advising and Counseling Center before they are processed.  An adviser from the center will make a reasonable effort to contact the student within 3 business days of the withdrawal’s submission to counsel the student.  The adviser will process the withdrawal form automatically if the student cannot be reached during the 3 day period.
   3. It is the responsiblity of the student to initiate the withdrawal and submission process.  Instructors and counselors cannot request that you be withdrawn from the College on your behalf.

Academic Bankruptcy

Academic bankruptcy is the removal of one to three semesters of grades from the calculation of a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The following apply to any request for academic bankruptcy:

1. Academic bankruptcy is initiated by filling out the Request for Academic Bankruptcy Form.
2. Upon receipt of the student’s request, the college will inform the student that an award of academic bankruptcy may impact his/her financial aid status.
3. Academic bankruptcy may only be declared once and may be applied to no more than three (3) semesters, which do not have to be consecutive.
4. The bankrupted courses and grades remain on the transcript but are not calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA.
5. None of the coursework taken during a semester for which academic bankruptcy is declared, including hours completed satisfactorily, will be used to fulfill degree requirements.
6. Developmental courses successfully completed during a period of academic bankruptcy can be used to fulfill prerequisites.
7. To be eligible for academic bankruptcy, the student must have completed 12 semester credit hours of coursework at the college since the most recent semester for which the academic bankruptcy is requested. A grade of “C”, “S”, or higher is required in each course in 12 semester credit hours in the post-bankruptcy period.
8. When a student receives a declaration of academic bankruptcy, a permanent notation of “ACADEMIC BANKRUPTCY” will be reflected on the transcript for each semester affected.
9. Approval of the academic bankruptcy status at a college does not guarantee other institutions will honor that status. This determination will be made by the respective transfer institution(s).

Course Forgiveness

When a course is repeated, the last grade awarded (excluding grades of W) replaces the previous grade in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The grade point average during the term in which the course was first attempted will not be affected. When a course is repeated more than once, all grades for the course - excluding the first grade - will be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The transcript will list each course in which a student has enrolled; however, a course may be counted only once toward fulfillment of credit hours for graduation. A student may request course forgiveness in the office of Admissions and Records. No veteran or person eligible for veterans’ benefits who has satisfactorily completed a course will be allowed to repeat a course for higher or better grade to improve his or her GPA. Additionally, all grades will be posted on the transcript and computed in the cumulative grade point average for any course repeated.

Graduation Requirements

A student shall be awarded the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Occupational Technologies degrees, Certificate, or a Short-Term Certificate, upon satisfactory completion of the requirements of the specific program as specified by the college. A student must:

1. Satisfactorily pass all required courses and complete the prescribed number of credit hours in a degree or certificate program as outlined in the student’s degree plan. Check the College’s website or your program advisor for your degree plan requirements.
2. Earn a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at the College. The calculation of the grade point average for graduation shall not include grades earned in institutional (developmental) credit courses. A course may be counted only once for purposes of meeting graduation requirements.
3. Officially transfer all credits from other postsecondary institutions, if applicable.
4. Complete at least 25% of total credit hours in the program at Bishop State Community College, if seeking an award.
5. Complete all general education requirements and elective requirements as listed in the degree plan of study.
6. Meet satisfactory attainment of general education core competencies through classroom assessment activities or exit examination, prior to receiving an associate degree. (Applicable to all students receiving AA, AS, AAS, and AOT degrees).
7. After completion of all program requirements, Bishop State will award the appropriate degree or certificate at the time that the student becomes eligible. 

   The Registrar’s Office will send notification letters to all potential graduates each term.  A separate letter will be sent after the term ends to notify students who have completed all of their graduation requirements that their award has been conferred.  Students who wish to receive a printed diploma or participate in the commencement program that is held annually at the end of the spring semester must complete an Application for Graduation in the Admissions Office on the Main Campus when the student comes to pay graduation fees.

   Students who do not receive a graduation letter but who believe that they should be graduating should consult with their academic adviser

   Candidates for Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Occupational Technologies degrees who will be participating in the graduation ceremony are required to take the WorkKeys Assessment prior to graduation.  There is no fee for taking the assessment.

8. Coursework transferred or accepted for credit toward an undergraduate degree must represent collegiate coursework relevant to the degree with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in the institution’s own undergraduate degree programs.
9. Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.
10. Pay the $50 graduation fee.  Students who receive multiple related degrees during the same graduation cycle (Fall to Summer), will only have to pay one $50 fee.  (Example: A student earns their Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate in Fall 2018, and then completes their Registered Nursing Associate in Applied Science in Summer 2019, will only pay one $50 fee for both awards.)  Students who earn degrees during different cycles must pay $50 for each cycle.  (Example: A student who earns their Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certicate in Fall 2018, and then completes their Air Conditioning with Electrical Associate in Applied Technologies in Fall 2019, will pay two $50 fees.)
11. The College Registrar shall approve the formal award when the student meets all requirements for graduation satisfactorily.
12. The Academic/Technical Dean shall have final approval of the awards to be conferred.

1. The student may not have more than 9 hours of coursework to complete their program of study.
2. The student must pre-register for all needed coursework prior to ordering their graduation regalia. (Some programs do not allow students to pre-register for classes until after the end of the current semester which may preclude them from praticipating in the spring graduation ceremony).
3.  The student understands that participating in the graduation ceremony does not mean that they have graduated or are entitled to receive an award.  
4. The student must successfully complete the summer semester before their transcript will be coded for graduation and their diploma is issued.

New Student Orientation

New students are required to attend the Wildcat Welcome orientation session prior to registering at Bishop State Community College. The orientation session is designed to acquaint students with college life and the academic environment, advisement process, policies and procedures, student services, and extracurricular activities available on campus. The orientation includes placement testing, introductory to academic programs and requirements, selection of a major field of study, and advisement on class schedule preparation and registration. In addition to the orientation session, new students are required to enroll in The Wildcat Way, (ORI 101 ), a one credit hour course designed to give face-to-face information about college life.

Registration

The regular registration period for each semester is indicated in the college calendar located on the College’s website bishop.edu. Instructions will be sent to new students prior to new student orientation. Counseling is available to new applicants who have questions concerning registration and course requirements. All students are expected to complete registration on the dates announced for registration. A student has not finalized enrollment until he or she has completed all requirements of registration and paid all tuition and fees. After students have registered, they are expected to attend all classes in accordance with their schedules beginning with the first scheduled day of classes.