Admissions

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College as degree-seeking students must have graduated from high school or passed the GED or TASC Assessment.  To apply the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

1. Complete Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Degree Seeking Application.
2. $25 Application Fee.
3. ACT/SAT/or other placement test scores such as the WV Grade 11 Math and English Assessments (Accuplacer is given to students without scores; for cutoff scores to be placed in foundation level classes, please review the Support Services  section of this catalog).
4. Official transcripts.
   1. High School*, GED or TASC scores
   2. Any and all colleges attended

*Determining Validity of High School Completion
Upon receipt of the high school completion documentation, Admissions Office staff confirms the diploma is valid typically by reviewing the high school seal and/or signature.  If there is reason to believe the diploma is inauthentic or granted by an ineligible post-secondary institution, further review may be necessary.  Typically, validity is determined by the confirming the high school’s accreditation status with the agency that has jurisdiction over the high school. If unable to validate through the accrediting agency and/or if additional information is needed, the Admissions Office performs due diligence with actions such as, contacting the high school for additional information, consulting with other post-secondary school leadership located in proximity to the high school in question.

Admission to Limited Enrollment Programs

The following associate degree programs have additional requirements for admission into the program.

1. Board of Governors, A.A.S.   
2. Electric Utility Technology, A.A.S.  
3. Nursing A.S.N.  
4. Physical Therapist Assisting, A.A.S.  
5. Technical Studies, A.A.S.  
6. Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.  

Types of Enrollment

First-time Freshmen

Students who have never attended a college or university before are classified as freshmen and must:

1. Complete Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Degree Seeking Application.
2. Pay the $25 Application Fee.
3. Submit ACT/SAT/or other placement test scores such as the WV Grade 11 Math and English Assessments (Accuplacer is given to students without scores; for cutoff scores to be placed in foundation level classes, please review the Support Services section of this catalog).
4. Provide official transcripts.
   1. High School, GED or TASC scores
5. Complete separate Financial Aid paperwork (FAFSA) if interested in applying for Financial Aid.
6. Register for and complete an Orientation/Registration Session (included with acceptance letter).

Readmits

Students who have previously attended Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, have not attended another institution since prior enrollment, and would like to re-enroll are classified as readmitted students and must:

1. Complete Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Degree Seeking Application.
2. Pay the $25 Application Fee.
3. Check BRIDGE to make sure you have no holds from previous attendance on your academic record. Holds or suspensions may prevent you from being readmitted.
4. Complete separate Financial Aid paperwork (FAFSA) if interested in applying for Financial Aid.
5. Register for and complete an Orientation/Registration Session (included with acceptance letter).

Continuing students who have not been registered for one or two semesters (not including summer), can meet with their academic advisor to register for courses without reapplying for admission. (NOTE: This policy does not apply to students who have been suspended, attended another institution while not at BRCTC (see Transfer/Readmit below), or who have not been enrolled for longer than two semesters).

Transfers

Students who have previously attended any other college (s) or university (ies) are classified as transfer students. Transfer students must:

1. Complete Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Degree Seeking Application.
2. Pay the $25 Application Fee.
3. Provide previous official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
4. Provide official High School transcripts, TASC Assessment, or GED Scores, unless you meet both of the following qualifications:
   1. You have 15 or more college credits from an accredited college and/or program recognized by the US Department of Education.
   2. It has been 5 years or more since you graduated or received a GED/TASC Assessment.
5. Complete separate Financial Aid paperwork (FAFSA) if interested in applying for Financial Aid.
6. Register for and complete an Orientation/Registration Session (included with acceptance letter).

For an associate’s degree, a student must complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The last 12 hours of coursework for an associate’s degree must be completed at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. For the Board of Governors, Occupational Development, and Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science degrees, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited institution and at least 3 credit hours at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Transfer/Readmits

Students who have previously attended Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and then attended any other college(s) or university(ies) during their absence are considered transfer/readmit students. Transfer/Readmits must:

1. Complete Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Degree Seeking Application.
2. Pay the $25 Application Fee.
3. Provide official transcripts from schools attended during absence from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
4. Complete separate Financial Aid paperwork (FAFSA) if interested in applying for Financial Aid.
5. Register for and complete an Orientation/Registration Session (included with acceptance letter).

For an associate’s degree, a student must complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The last 12 hours of coursework for an associate’s degree must be completed at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. For the Board of Governors, Occupational Development, and Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science degrees, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited institution and at least 3 credit hours at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Absence from College/Readmission

Degree-seeking students in good academic standing who must discontinue their studies for a brief time will be considered eligible to re-enroll in future semesters, as long as they return after no more than two consecutive regular semesters (not including summer sessions), and do not take courses at another institution during that time without prior approval from the College.

Students who are on suspension, who take courses at another institution without prior approval, or who are absent from studies for more than three consecutive regular semesters (not including summer sessions), must re-apply for admission to the College.

Students wishing to return after an absence of no more than two consecutive regular semesters should make an appointment with their advisor and register for classes via BRIDGE.

Orientation/Registration

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s Orientation/Registration is required for all incoming associate degrees and/or certificate-seeking students. The Orientation/Registration will cost the student $25.00. The purpose of the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s Orientation/Registration is to familiarize students with policies, procedures, online services, campus services, and other academic and campus information and to register for classes. Orientation/Registration may be completed self-paced online and/or in-person. Below are the steps to registering for Orientation/Registration:

1. Admitted students will receive an email with their acceptance letter indicating Orientation/Registration instructions.
2. Follow instructions included in the acceptance letter regarding Orientation/Registration.
3. Complete Placement Testing prior to Orientation/Registration if needed. Contact the Testing Center at 304-260-4380, extension 2114 testing@blueridgectc.edu with questions regarding testing.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree students are those who wish to take courses at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College but do not desire to enroll in any specific program or pursue a degree.

• Non-degree students are generally not eligible for Financial Aid.  Some specialized programs may be eligible but they have a separate registration process.
• Non-degree students are not assigned an advisor.
• Steps to enroll:
  1. Complete the non-degree application (available online at www.blueridgectc.edu).
  2. Submit placement test scores or unofficial college transcripts for proper placement in certain courses requiring pre-requisites.  If no placement scores are available, schedule a Placement Test at the Testing Center.
  3. Students will receive an email with directions on payment, book(s), confirmation of registration, and instructions regarding BRIDGE.
  4. Pay the required tuition fee after registration.

Note: Once all of the above paperwork is received, non-degree students may continue to register for upcoming semesters in Bridge.  If the student does not register for two consecutive semesters, the student will need to reapply.  If the student wishes to become degree-seeking, they will need to apply as a degree-seeking student.  Non-degree students do not have priority registration in BRIDGE.

High School Students

Students who are currently enrolled in high school and wish to take college-level courses at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College are classified as high school students.

• Students must have at least a 2.0 high school GPA.
• Students must have placement test scores for proper placement in math or English. For specific score requirements, please refer to the Support Services  section of this catalog.
• The total number of high school and college instructional hours in one semester is not to exceed 19.
• Steps to enroll:
  1. Complete the non-degree application (available online at www.blueridgectc.edu), if you have a minimum of a 2.0 high school GPA.
  2. Submit placement test scores or unofficial college transcripts for proper placement in certain courses requiring pre-requisites. If no placement scores are available, schedule a Placement Test at the Testing Center.
  3. Submit a current unofficial transcript of high school courses taken.
  4. Home-schooled students must also submit a letter of current registration from the county in which they are enrolled.
  5. Submit all of the above together in one packet to the Admissions Office.
  6. Pay the required tuition fee after registration.

Note: All of the above paperwork is required once per academic year. Students continuing each semester may register through Bridge.

Fee Waiver

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College recognize the American College Test’s or College Board’s Application Fee Waiver Program for economically-disadvantaged students. The appropriate request for a fee waiver should be submitted by the High School Guidance Counselor with the admissions application form.

Admission of Differently-abled Students

Different abilities can create barriers with admittance into certain programs at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. College officials seek to provide accommodations to support students with different abilities. The college must have reasonable notice from the student to enroll in the Office of Accessibility Services. The student may be asked to provide documentation regarding their condition, disability, or accomodation needs. Previous IEP or 504 plans do NOT automatically transfer, because accommodations at the collegiate level are self-reported. Please refer to the website for the Accessibility Services Student Handbook to learn more about the intake process and documentation guidelines. Inquiries or requests should be directed to the Office of Accessibility Services at access@blueridgectc.edu.

Classification for Residency for Admissions and Fee Purposes

General

The institutional officer designated by the President shall assign students enrolling in a West Virginia public institution of higher education a residency status for admission, tuition, and fee purposes. In determining residency classification, the issue is essentially one of domicile. In general, the domicile of a person is that person’s true, fixed, permanent home, and place of habitation. The decision shall be based upon information furnished by the student and all other relevant information. The designated officer is authorized to require such written documents, affidavits, verifications, or other evidence as is deemed necessary to establish the domicile of a student. The burden of establishing domicile for admission, tuition, and fee purposes is upon the student. If there is a question as to domicile, the matter must be brought to the attention of the designated officer at least two weeks prior to the deadline for the payment of tuition and fees. Any student found to have made a false or misleading statement concerning domicile shall be subject to institutional disciplinary action and will be charged the non-resident fees for each academic term theretofore attended. The previous determination of a student’s domiciliary status by one institution is not conclusive or binding when subsequently considered by another institution; however, assuming no change of facts, the prior judgment should be given strong consideration in the interest of consistency. Out-of-state students being assessed resident tuition and fees as a result of reciprocity agreement may not transfer said reciprocity status to another public institution in West Virginia.

Residence Determined by Domicile

Domicile within the state means the adoption of the state as a fixed permanent home and involves personal presence within the state with no intent on the part of the applicant or, in the case of the dependent student, the applicant’s parent(s) to return to another state or county. Residing with relatives (other than the parent(s)/legal guardian) does not, in and of itself, cause the student to attain domicile in this state for admission of fee payment purposes. West Virginia domicile may be established upon the completion of at least 12 months of continued presence within the state prior to the date of registration, provided that such 12 months’ presence is not primarily for the purpose of attendance at any institution of higher education in West Virginia. The establishment of West Virginia domicile with less than 12 months’ presence prior to the date of registration must be supported by evidence of positive and unequivocal action. In determining domicile, institutional officials should give consideration to such factors as the ownership or lease of a permanently-occupied home in West Virginia, full-time employment within the state, paying West Virginia property tax, filing West Virginia income tax returns, registering of motor vehicles in West Virginia, possessing a valid West Virginia driver’s license, and marriage to a person already domiciled in West Virginia. Proof of a number of these actions should be considered only as evidence that may be used in determining whether or not a domicile has been established. Factors militating against the establishment of West Virginia domicile might include such considerations as the student not being self-supporting, being claimed as a dependent on federal or state income tax returns or on the parents’ health insurance policy if the parents reside out of state, receiving financial assistance from state student aid programs in other states, and leaving the state when school is not in session.

Dependency Status

A dependent student is one who is listed as a dependent on the federal or state income tax return of his or her parent(s) or legal guardian or who receives major financial support from that person. Such a student maintains the same domicile as that of the parent(s) or legal guardian. In the event the parents are divorced or legally separated, the dependent student takes the domicile of the parent with whom he or she lives or to whom he or she has been assigned by court order. However, a dependent student who enrolls and is properly classified as an in-state student maintains that classification as long as the enrollment is continuous and that student does not attain independence and establish domicile in another state. A nonresident student, who becomes independent while a student at an institution of higher education in West Virginia, does not, by reason of such independence alone, attain domicile in this state for admission or fee payment purposes.

Change of Residence

A person who has been classified as an out-of-state student and who seeks resident status in West Virginia must assume the burden of providing conclusive evidence that he or she has established domicile in West Virginia with the intention of making a permanent home in this state. The intent to remain indefinitely in West Virginia is evidenced not only by a person’s statements but also by that person’s actions. In making a determination regarding a request for a change in residency status, the designated institutional officer shall consider those actions referenced in the Residence Determined by Domicile above. The change in classification, if deemed to be warranted, shall be effective for the academic term or semester next following the date of the application for reclassification.

Metro Fee

A metro fee was established in Fall 2016.  Those students from bordering counties pay a lesser fee than out-of-state students.  Neighboring counties include:

• Frederick County, Maryland
• Washington County, Maryland
• Franklin County, Pennsylvania
• Fulton County, Pennsylvania
• Clarke County, Virginia
• Frederick County, Virginia
• Loudoun County, Virginia

Aliens

An alien who is in the United States on a resident visa or who has filed a petition for naturalization in the naturalization court, and who has established a bona fide domicile in West Virginia as defined in Residence Determined by Domicile, may be eligible for in-state residency classification, provided that person is in the state for purposes other than to attempt to qualify for residency status as a student. Political refugees admitted into the United States for an indefinite period of time and without restriction on the maintenance of a foreign domicile may be eligible for an in-state classification as defined in Residence Determined by Domicile. Any person holding a student or other temporary visa cannot be classified as an in-state student. Currently, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is not a SEVIS institution; therefore, we cannot accept students on an F-1 VISA.

Former Domicile

A person who was formerly domiciled in the state of West Virginia and who would have been eligible for an in-state residency classification at the time of his/her departure from the state may be immediately eligible for classification as a West Virginia resident provided such person returns to West Virginia within a one-year period of time and satisfies the conditions of Residence Determined by Domicile of these rules regarding proof of domicile and intent to remain permanently in West Virginia.

Appeal Process

The initial determination of residency classification by the Registrar may be appealed to the institutional committee on residency appeals, which is established by the President to receive and act on appeals of initial residency decisions. The decision of the institutional committee on residency appeals may be appealed to the President of the Institution. The appeal shall end at the institutional level.