catalog - Prairie State College

ENROLLMENT2006-2008 CATALOGENROLLMENT12ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATIONPrairie State College is a comprehensive community collegewith an open-door admissions policy for high school graduatesand recipients of a GED (or the equivalent). Currently enrolledhigh school students are also eligible to register for courseswith the written approval of their high school principal and parentsplus approval from one of their guidance counselors.All entering students will be assigned a counselor or advisorwho will help them explore their interests and select a programthat best meets their needs.GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSNew students who wish to follow a specific transfer or careerprogram for academic credit must take the COMPASSplacement test and provide evidence of a high school diplomaor GED certification. For more information, including COMPASStesting dates, consult a Credit Schedule or call the TestingCenter at (708) 709-3558.PSC provides a full range of developmental courses andsupport services to prepare students for enrollment in baccalaureatetransfer or career/technical programs.New students, students on academic probation and studentswho want to enroll in developmental courses must getthe signature of a PSC counselor or advisor prior to registeringfor classes.This step enables the counselor or advisor to helpstudents with course selection and ensure they meet programand degree requirements.Visit the Counseling & AcademicAdvising Center or call (708) 709-3506 for more information.TRANSFER DEGREE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:A.A.,A.S.,A.F.A.AND A.A.T.Students applying for admission to a baccalaureate (bachelor’s)transfer program must have 15 credits of high school in thefollowing:• 4 credits in English (written and oral communication, literature)• 3 credits in Mathematics• 3 credits in Social Studies• 3 credits in Science• 2 credits in electives (foreign language, art, music, vocationaleducation) (Illinois Public Act 86-0954)Students who do not meet these minimum requirementscan satisfy these deficiencies upon successful completion of 24transferable credit hours (with a minimum GPA of “C”), whichmust include ENG 101: Composition I (3), COMM 101:Principles of Communication (3), one social science course, one4-credit laboratory science course and one mathematics course(MATH 151: College Algebra (4) or higher).Complete information is found in the section DEGREES,CERTIFICATES, COURSES:Transfer Degrees.CAREER PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:A.A.S. DEGREES AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMSStudents may enroll in any career programs for which theymeet requirements. A few programs have special admissionsrequirements, such as Dental Hygiene, Nursing, LPN-ADNProgression Track, Paramedicine and Surgical Technology.Allother programs are open admissions.Contact the Admissions Office for information about thefollowing programs:Dental Hygiene. The Dental Hygiene program typically has aFebruary 15 application deadline and begins its academic yearduring the summer session (usually in early June).You may beginonly at this time and must be at least 18 years of age.You mustcomplete the full application process by the deadline date. Ifyou wish to apply, contact the Admissions Office for an applicationpacket at (708) 709-3515 or visit Room 1160.Nursing. The Associate Degree Nursing program typically has aFebruary 1 application deadline for its Fall semester classes.Youmust complete the full application process by the deadline date.Those who wish to apply should contact the Admissions Office atfor an application packet at (708) 709-3517 or visit Room 1160.LPN-ADN Progression Track. The LPN-ADN Progression Trackis a program designed for LPNs to become RNs. Students mustpass the proficiency test to receive credit for NURS 101.Interested LPNs should contact the Admissions Office at (708)709-3517 for information or visit Room 1160.Surgical Technology. The Surgical Technology program has anapplication deadline of March 15. Students must be 18 years ofage, complete COMPASS placement testing and submit transcriptsand proof of high school diploma or GED by the applicationdeadline. Contact the Admissions Office for an applicationpacket at (708) 709-3517 or visit Room 1160.Honors Program. Special sections of regular courses offerenhanced learning and transfer opportunities. Students are eligiblebased on COMPASS score or GPA. For more information,contact the Honors Program Advisor at (708) 709-3641.REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR NEW STUDENTSHere are the steps of registration:1.Apply for admission. Complete the application form andsubmit it to the Admissions Office in Room 1160.Application forms are also available on the PSC Web siteat www.prairiestate.edu and can then be mailed orbrought to Admissions.2. Forward all high school transcripts to Prairie StateCollege.The ACT test is not required for admission tothe College; however, students can have their ACT scoresincluded in their files. Request that your scores be sent toPSC (Site Code: 009590).3.Take the COMPASS placement test (allow approximatelythree hours).There is no need to register for the COM-PASS test, but call the Coordinator of Testing at (708)709-3558 for test dates and times or consult the currentsemester’s Credit Course Schedule.Your scores are usuallyavailable after four working days.4. Call the Counseling & Academic Advising Center at (708)709-3506 to make an appointment to obtain test resultsand meet with a counselor or advisor.5. Meet individually with a counselor or advisor to discusstest results and plan your academic schedule.The counselormust sign your schedule before you can register.6. Register for courses in the Admissions Office.