Referral Report
_X_ Compliance___ Partial Compliance___ Non-Compliance
Narrative

Statement for Rationale for Judgment of Compliance 

Palo Alto College publishes admissions policies that are consistent with its mission.

 

 

The case for compliance is structured as follows:

  1. Palo Alto College is an open enrollment institution which aligns with its mission.
  2. The General Admission Requirements for the College are an application to the school, official transcripts, a bacterial meningitis vaccination, test preparation, placement exam, and refresher courses.
  3. The College publishes admissions policies in paper form, in the catalog, and on the College website.
  4. The College has one selective admission program within the Veterinary Technology department.

 

Open Enrollment Admission Aligned with College Mission

Palo Alto College admissions policies are based upon General Admission Requirements[1] approved by the President and Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees.  These requirements establish Open Enrollment Admissions [2]which align with the College’s mission statement, “to inspire, empower, and educate our community for leadership and success.” Instruction is provided for a broad range of students from diverse and varied backgrounds and educational preparation.  The College also embraces its commitment to admit students without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or sexual orientation in alignment with Board Policy H.1.1 Equal Education and Employment Opportunities[3].

 

General Admission Requirements

The General Admissions Requirements outline criteria necessary for a student to gain admission to the institution and provide instruction on each requirement in relation to each category of student type. Additionally, Board Policy F.2.1 Student Enrollment Requirements[4], Board Procedure F.2.1.1 State Residency[5], Board Procedure F.2.1.2 Early Admission of High School Students[6], Board Procedure F.2.1.3 F-1 Visa Student Requirements[7] and Palo Alto College Procedure S 4.0 College Admissions[8] outline guidelines and requirements for admission.

 

Students may complete the application online utilizing the statewide application, Apply Texas[9], or students may also visit the Palo Alto College Welcome Center in person for assistance in completing the application.  In addition to the application, students must also submit an official transcript. Individuals enrolling at Palo Alto College must complete the application process prior to registration for the term desired.

 

Dual Credit students and Early College High School (ECHS) students will also meet the general admissions requirements with the exception of the final high school transcript that will be submitted upon their high school graduation as noted within the Dual Credit Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)[10] and ECHS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)[11] entered into with each high school partner.  A high school programs verification of eligibility form signed by the high school principal and high school registrar is included in the student’s record until a final high school transcript is received.  A parent consent form is also included in the student’s record.

 

International students must follow policies regarding international admissions to Palo Alto College in alignment with College Procedure S 20.0 International Students[12].  International students with transcripts from foreign institutions must submit the official transcript that includes translation into English and interpretation of eligibility to be admitted as a high school graduate or transfer student.

 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board[13] as well as state legislation Senate Bill 1107 require that all entering students show evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccine or a booster dose if they are under the age of 22.

 

In addition, students must meet federal and state regulatory requirements as well as nationally accepted practices and professional standards. According to the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)[14], admissions requirements for students must include a placement exam as well as a pre-assessment activity.  TSI is a state-mandated initiative developed to assess a student’s college readiness in reading, writing, and math unless he or she qualifies for an exemption.  Students assessed at a level below college level must be provided with an academic success plan that may include developmental education. This legislation is further delineated through the Texas Education Code 51.3062 as well as The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C[15]. Furthermore, international students must provide documentation of having English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.

 

Exemptions from the TSI [16]examination are outlined in the Palo Alto College Catalog[17] and may include:

  • Official scores from college entrance exams, i.e. ACT/SAT
  • High school exit exams such as End of Course Examinations, i.e. STAAR
  • Transfer grades for previous coursework completed
  • Previously earned degree
  • Level 1 certificate program enrollment
  • Military service
  • College Prep

 

Students who place into developmental levels in reading, writing, and/or math are required to complete refresher coursework with a Palo Alto College faculty member.  Refresher courses allow students the opportunity to ask questions about relevant course content and further build their skill level in the three content areas.  Students then have the option of re-testing at the end of the course to validate correct course placement.

 

Publication of Admissions Policies and Requirements

All admissions requirements[18] are outlined in the Palo Alto College Catalog as well as online on the Palo Alto College Website[19].  Additionally, students are also provided with an enrollment checklist[20] listing each of the enrollment steps necessary to complete the admissions process.

 

Selective Admissions Process

Veterinary Technology

The Veterinary Technology program is a selective admission program accredited [21]by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)[22] and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).  Students seeking entry into the Veterinary Technology program must meet all of the general admission requirements for entry into the institution and upon matriculation must meet additional criteria for entry into the program.  The required credentials are listed in the Palo Alto College Catalog[23], the Palo Alto College website[24] under Veterinary Technology, and in paper form on the Veterinary Technology Program Flyer[25]. All completed applications are reviewed with the selected number of qualified candidates being admitted into the program and notified by June 15. Supplemental admission requirements for the Veterinary Technology program include:

  • College level readiness on all parts of the TSI Examination
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in all required pre-requisite coursework
  • Three letters of recommendation (one of which must be from a licensed veterinarian)
  • 80 hours of work experience in a veterinary clinic
  • Completed Veterinary Technology Application for Admission

 

As articulated in Board Policy A.1.1[26], the College District is known by the assumed names of “Alamo Colleges” and “Alamo Colleges District” or the “Alamo Community College District.” References to these assumed names in the narrative and any supporting documentation are equivalent.

Evidence
[ 1 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_1_General Admission Requirements 
[ 2 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_2 Open Enrollment Admissions 
[ 3 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_3_H.1.1 Equal Education and Employment Opportunities 
[ 4 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_4_F.2.1 Student Enrollment Requirements 
[ 5 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_5_F.2.1.1 State Residency 
[ 6 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_6_F.2.1.2 Early Admission of High School Students 
[ 7 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_7_F.2.1.3 F1 Visa Student Requirements 
[ 8 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_8_S 4.0 College Admissions 
[ 9 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_9_Apply Texas 
[ 10 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_10_Dual Credit Memorandum of Understanding 
[ 11 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_11_ECHS Memorandum of Understanding 
[ 12 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_12_S 20.0 International Students 
[ 13 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_13_Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 
[ 14 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_14_Texas Success Initiative 
[ 15 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_15_Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C 
[ 16 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_16_Exemptions from TSI 
[ 17 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_17_Palo Alto College Catalog 
[ 18 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_18_Admissions Requirements 
[ 19 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_19_Palo Alto College Website 
[ 20 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_20_Enrollment Checklist 
[ 21 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_21_Accredited 
[ 22 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_22_American Veterinay Medical Association (AVMA) 
[ 23 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_23_Palo Alto College Catalog Veterinary Technology 
[ 24 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_24_Palo Alto College Website Veterinary Technology 
[ 25 ]   File  CR 3.4.3_25_Veterinary Technology Program 
[ 26 ]   File  Policy A.1.1 
Palo Alto College