Getting Started

Getting the right start in college can be critical to a student’s academic and lifelong success. Students should read and understand the following policies and guidelines for admission and registration to ensure the best beginning at Lamar Community College. Contact the Student Services Center at 719.336.1590 with any questions.

Admission Policies

Lamar Community College welcomes anyone who can benefit from its instructional programs and courses, including all high school graduates and non-high school graduates 17 years or older. Admission to the College does not guarantee enrollment in specific courses or programs that may have prerequisites or program admission requirements. Applicants with special program admission requirements should contact appropriate divisions. Students younger than 17 and not enrolled in an accredited high school may attend with special permission of the college.

The College also admits currently enrolled high school students wishing to participate in concurrent enrollment. Such students are admitted after approval has been received from the high school and the appropriate college administrator.

State Authorizations:

Lamar Community College operates uder the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) to establish comparable national standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education courses and programs.  SARA is inteneded to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by psotsecondary instituions in a state other than the one where they reside.  The following states do not participate in SARA; therefore, Lamar Community College is unable to enroll online students from these states:  CA, UT, HI, WI KY, NC, SC, FL, MC DE, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, NY, PA, DE, CN, MI.  Click here for additional information on the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements  http://nc-sara.org/

Application Procedures

All students must submit an Application for Admission declaring a program/area of study and immunization records to Student Services prior to registration. This is the Uniform Application form used by the Colorado Community College System and may be obtained at www.lamarcc.edu, from high school counselors, or from the College.

In-State Students

All students applying to LCC as an in-state student, are strongly encouraged to begin by registering for the College Opportunity Fund at https://cof.college-assist.org/cofapp/default.aspx. See the Tuition & Fees  section for more information on the College Opportunity Fund.

High School Graduates Entering College

1. Submit completed application form and immunization records, to Student Services.
2. Request that the high school forward final official transcript.

High School Students Participating in Concurrent Enrollment

1. Submit completed application form and Concurrent Enrollment Statewide Agreement Contract to high school contact.

Service Area High School Graduates Entering College with Concurrent Enrollment Credit

1. Submit completed CE High School Graduate Application for Admission to Student Services.
2. Request that the high school forward final official transcripts.

General Education Development (GED) Certificate Students

1. Submit completed application form to Student Services.
2. Submit a copy of GED test scores.

Home-Schooled Students

1. Submit completed application form and immunization records, to Student Services.
2. Submit results of a nationally standardized achievement test.
3. Submit transcripts from any high schools attended.

Re-Entering Students

1. Students who are returning after an absence of more than one year or three semesters (including summer) must complete a new application form.
2. If considering transferring credit hours from another institution, read “transfer students” section.

A student who has a break in enrollment of three consecutive semesters or more, including summer, must meet catalog program requirements in use at time of readmission. If Lamar Community College has discontinued or has given notice of discontinuance of the program in which the student was previously enrolled, the student cannot re-enroll in that program.

Transfer Students

1. Submit completed application form and immunization records, to Student Services.
2. Request that each college or university previously attended send official transcripts to Student Services.
3. See additional information below.

Transfer students who request credit for previous work at other institutions must submit an official transcript of all previous college work to Student Services.

Students on academic probation or suspension from another college may be admitted with probationary status. After completion of one term with satisfactory academic progress at LCC, a student is no longer on probation.

College Credit Earned While Student is in High School

Students who complete college-level courses at a college or university while attending high school may be allowed college credit providing the following conditions are met.

1. The college or university must be fully accredited and courses presented for credit must be transfer level.
2. Normally, the courses must not have been used for high school graduation unless prior agreement has been made between the high school and the college.
3. If the high school and the college enter into a formal written agreement in accordance with the State of Colorado’s Concurrent Enrollment, both the high school and the college may allow credit.
4. Student must request the college or university to send an official transcript showing the courses completed.

Students should direct further questions relating to the granting of college credit to the Transfer Coordinator.

Transfer of Credit from Accredited Institutions

Academic courses from other accredited institutions are generally accepted in transfer to LCC. Courses not equivalent in content to courses at LCC can be accepted as elective credit. Only courses indicating a grade of C or higher transfer.

The College accepts courses for transfer completed at an accredited college or university or other approved institution within 15 years before admission to Lamar Community College. Natural science courses, psychology courses, and computer courses must have been completed within the last 10 years.

Courses accepted in transfer to LCC may not all count toward a specific degree or certificate. Departmental requirements for the various associate degrees or occupational certificates vary considerably; therefore, the department head for a particular program determines what courses students must complete to satisfy departmental curriculum requirements.

Only credit earned in nontechnical subjects is initially accepted from technical institutes that are accredited by a regional collegiate accrediting association. LCC does not accept credit from unaccredited technical institutes, business schools, or other post-secondary institutions.

A student has the right to appeal the denial of transfer credit by following the academic grievance procedures listed in the Student Handbook .

Transfer of Credit from Unaccredited Institutions

LCC does not accept credit from institutions that a regional accrediting association does not recognize or accredit, with the exception of alternative online credits approved by the Colorado Community College System.  For a list of approved alternative online credits, see LCC’s Alternative Credit Project webpage.

International Students

International students are required to submit the following documents to Student Services:

1. LCC Application for Admission.
2. International Student Statement of Financial Support with current bank statement.
3. Official copy of high school transcripts in English (graduation should be identified).
4. TOEFL score (must score 46 or higher on the Internet-based exam). This requirement may be waived if the applicant is from a country where English is the official language.
5. Proof of health insurance.  Verification of health insurance is mandatory and must be obtained through the college.
6. Copy of immunization record.
7. Any transcripts for prior college coursework.
8. Submit an LCC Residence Hall housing application with $150.00 deposit.
9. Student must meet with the Admissions Counselor upon arrival to campus to finalize the admissions process.

An Application for Admission can be obtained through the LCC Student Services Center or on line at lamarcc.edu. Federal law authorizes Lamar Community College to enroll non-immigrant alien students who must submit acceptable evidence of his/her ability to pay the costs of his/her education, living, and traveling expenses and English proficiency by supplying the documentation above. 

Non-Immigrant Alien Students

Federal law authorizes Lamar Community College to enroll non-immigrant alien students who submit acceptable evidence of his/her ability to pay the costs of his/her education, living, and traveling expenses and English proficiency by supplying the documentation above. 

International Students Transferring to LCC

In additional to the above required documents, international students transferring an I-20 from another U.S. college or university to LCC must submit additional documentation to Student Services, including:

1. Copy of student’s current I-20.
2. International Student Transfer Form with the lower section completed by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the institution the student is transferring from with stated eligibility and transfer release date.
3. Student must meet with the Admissions Counselor upon arrival to campus to finalize the admissions process.

Immigration Status

International students are required to pay at the time of registration, maintain a minimum of 12 credit of coursework per semester, and sustain a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher. Applying for and maintaining immigration status is the responsibility of the student; Lamar Community College assumes no responsibility for any immigration violations. Students can receive guidance from the Admissions Counselor regarding changes or issues with their immigration status throughout the semester. 

Living Arrangements

International students who are under 21 are required to live in the LCC Residence Halls. They should be aware that residence halls are closed during Christmas and summer breaks, and they are required to make alternate living arrangements during those periods.

Veterans

LCC cooperates with the Veterans Administration and with the Colorado State Approving Agency for Veterans Education and Training. The College is approved for training of veterans under all applicable laws. Veterans or eligible persons are cautioned to obtain proper counseling and to complete proper registration to assure their courses of study are approved curricula.

Student Classification

• Full-time students are those enrolled for twelve (12) or more semester hours of work each semester.
• 3/4-time students are those taking between nine and eleven (9-11) semester hours of work each semester.
• Half-time students are those taking six-eight (6-8) semester hours of work each semester.
• Below half-time students are those taking five (5) or fewer semester hours of work each semester.
• Degree-seeking students declare an intent to complete a certificate or degree in a specific program of study.
• Non-degree-seeking students do not pursue a degree or certificate.
• Sophomores are those who have successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours.

Student Email/Contact Information

As the official communication method between LCC staff & faculty and students, all students are assigned a student email account, i.e., _________@student.cccs.edu.  Students are encouraged to activate their accounts as soon as possible after admittance to the college and check and check email regularly to receive timely communications. 

Student Email Activation via Lope Access

• Go to www.lamarcc.edu
• Click on the Lope Access Icon (on the right hand side of the screen). Consider saving the college’s website and Lope Access URLs as favorites on primary computer.
• In the username box enter student identification number (SID / located on  acceptance letter).  Use a capital ‘S’
• Student’s initial password is date of birth (MMDDYY); then click Login
• Select a Password Recovery Question and Answer; click on Submit
• New students will be asked to change password on first login
• Type and retype a NEW password (must be at least six (6) characters long with numbers and letters); click Save Changes
• To activate LCC student email address, click on the Student Email tab at the top of the Welcome tab (upper right hand corner); select preferred language and time zone
• Students are strongly encouraged to update all of their contact information in Lope Access (Welcome tab, Safety & Security channel / LCC Campus Emergency Notification System) to receive important college communications/updates via email and phone.

Staff are also available in the Student Services Center to assist in activating accounts.

If students are also employees of the Colorado Community College System, address changes must be made in person at the LCC Human Resources office.

Motor Vehicle Registration

LCC students who plan to park on campus MUST register all vehicles, including trailers, with the College. Parking permits are FREE and available from the Cashier in the Student Service Center.  The permit must be displayed on the rear bumper or windshield of the vehicle. A student may tape the permit to the inside of the rear window as an alternative.  Failure to comply could result in a ticket ($25 fine), installation of a wheel locking device, or towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense.

Identification Cards

The College issues photo I.D. cards to all on-campus students and staff who can provide a secure and verifiable document as proof of identity. (See SP 4-60) Cards are needed when checking materials out of the Learning Resource Center, testing, requesting information from Student Services, and for free admission to most College-sponsored events. Cards are valid for three academic years and are available through the Student Services Center. An additional charge of $25 is assessed for duplicate cards.

Orientation

Orientation activities are scheduled prior to the start of fall and spring classes. During this time, students have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and classmates. Orientation activities are designed to promote students’ success in and out of the classroom as well as foster the formation of greater community. Students also have an opportunity to meet representatives from area businesses and organizations. Parents may visit with various offices across campus to answer any questions they may have. Students can also take advantage of academic skill brush-up sessions, take basic skills assessments, confer with advisors, and register for courses, so they are ready for a successful semester.

Available as Needed

Basic Skills Assessment

An important part of a student’s orientation to LCC is the basic skills assessment process. To ensure that students are ready for college and the workplace, LCC complies with C.R.S. 23-1-113.3. which requires that new students demonstrate basic skill proficiencies in reading, writing, and mathematics. The assessment requirement may be met through ACT, SAT or college-administered Accuplacer* tests. Most students must meet the assessment requirement including the following:

• All first-time undergraduates who are degree-seeking or who convert to degree-seeking status.
• All first-time students ages 17, 18, or 19 (as of September 15 of the year of entry) whether high school graduates or not.
• All first-time degree-seeking students (certificate students not meeting the cutoff scores are encouraged but not required to take advantage of the remedial services offered through the College).

Students whose assessment scores do not meet the minimum cutoff scores established by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) are responsible for completing basic skills instruction during their first thirty (30) credit hours of attendance at the college. Those cutoff scores are as follows:

• Mathematics-ACT 23 (ACT 19 for MAT 120), SAT 460, Accuplacer 85 or equivalent CCPT scores
• Writing-ACT 18, SAT 440, Accuplacer 95 or equivalent CCPT scores
• Reading-ACT 17, SAT 430, Accuplacer 80 or equivalent CCPT scores

Students wishing to complete basic skills testing prior to arrival at LCC should contact Learning Support Services for assistance to identify qualified testing sites.

*The college-administered Accuplacer Assessment tests will be phased out and a the Community College Placement Assessment (McCann) will be implemented during the 2016-2017 Academic Year.

Accommodations

Students with a documented disability may be eligible for reasonable accommodations for the purpose of taking the basic skills assessments. A request for accommodation, accompanied by appropriate documentation, must be filed with the Special Populations Coordinator at least one week prior to assessment day. For more information, contact Special Populations.

Advising

An important part of getting started and keeping in line with educational goals is meeting regularly with a college advisor. Upon admission, Student Services assigns faculty advisors to all degree and certificate-seeking students and recommends that students work closely with advisors to plan their academic futures. Other students may request to be assigned an advisor. Assignments are made on the basis of the information reported on the application for admission.

Although students are responsible for reading the LCC Catalog and understanding the curriculum requirements for their majors, LCC encourages students to work directly with their assigned advisors to assure academic requirements are being fulfilled toward their degrees or certificates.

All changes of educational objectives must be made through Student Services. If a student wishes to change advisors, he or she must complete a Change of Advisor form, obtained in the Student Services Center.

Student Responsibilities in the Advisement Process

The student is expected to

• assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and successful completion of graduation requirements;
• attend general and program orientations;
• be knowledgeable about and adhere to relevant policies, procedures, and rules of the College and academic program;
• access and understand the college catalog;
• obtain the class schedule and review possible course options prior to meeting with the advisor;
• be prepared with accurate information and relevant materials when contacting the advisor;
• contact an advisor in a timely fashion for registration, advisement, or other necessary appointments;
• know and follow General Education requirements and major department requirements;
• obtain, process, and complete forms and signatures required for registration, course changes, or related affairs;
• contact an advisor immediately with concerns about academic progress in a particular class or during the course of the semester;
• monitor his/her progress with advisor’s assistance;
• request/complete a “change of advisor” form if desired;
• explain to the advisor his or her personal values, abilities, interests, and goals;
• maintain frequent contact with his or her advisor in order to keep abreast of academic information;
• be honest and ethical in interactions with the advisor;
• seek relevant information about career options and how they relate to a chosen educational program;
• file a written and complete degree plan with advisor;
• follow through on degree action plans identified during each advising session;
• consult advisor at least once a semester to decide on courses, review progress toward degree requirements, and discuss the suitability of other educational opportunities provided by the College;
• when informally advised by someone other than official advisor, inform advisor of record of information received.

Registration

Each semester, LCC publishes a schedule of courses online and in print. The schedule includes registration dates. Although LCC recommends working with an advisor to confirm coursework appropriate to students’ educational and career goals, students can register online using their student ID number and password. Registration instructions are available online. Students may also obtain staff assistance by contacting their academic advisor. 

Late Registration

After classes start, students may register through the first week of class for full-term classes. Students may enroll for short-term, classroom-based classes only through the first class meeting. After the open enrollment period, registration requires instructor approval. Students are encouraged to register well before the start of classes, as indicated in the semester class schedule. For additional information, call 719-336-1590.

Student Records

Enrollment and Degree Verification:  Effective November 1, 2014, Lamar Community College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as its agent to provide direct enrollment and degree verification.  The National Student Clearinghouse can be contacted either by visiting www.degreeverify.org or by mail at 2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300, Herndon, VA 20171.  For additional questions or concerns, call 703.742.4200. 

Student Services takes full responsibility for the security of academic records. Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have three primary rights, these are: 1) to inspect and review their educational records, 2) to have some control over disclosure of information from the education records, and 3) to seek to amend their education records. A complete copy of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is available at http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html and additional information is available in Legal Notices . Current or former students have complete access to their records in compliance with requirements under the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. 1232q. Students may view them upon request at the Student Services Center. If students feel the records contain errors, they may appeal in writing to the Registrar. The information in students’ files may be released only under specific conditions.

Directory Information

FERPA requires institutions to give students public notice of the categories of personally identifiable information, which the institution has designated as public or directory information. Colleges may disclose directory information without prior written consent of the student, unless the student requests in writing to the contrary no later than the first official class meeting date of each semester.  It is in the best interest of student safety and privacy to limit the disclosure of directory information to items that would provide immediate access to a student. Immediate access to a student could be obtained by disclosing a student address, telephone number, or class schedule. The following items will be designated as “directory information” by LCC. LCC may disclose any of this information without prior written consent, unless notified by the student in writing to the contrary by the first official class meeting date of each semester.

• Student name
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Dates of attendance
• Most recent eduational institution attended
• Enrollment status (i.e. full-time, three quarter-tme, half-time, less than half-time, withdrawn, graduated or deceased)
• Height, weight and high school attended (only for students who participate in officially recognized sports and activities)

Addresses (including mail and email are not released as Directory Information except for the following:

• Graduation lists released to news medica, which may include the student’s city of residence
• Other listings to the news media and college personnel for special awards, honors, and events
• Notification to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and other academic honor societies for students who are eligible to be considered for membership

Additionally, name, address, phone number, data and place of birth, level of education, most recently attended college, field of study, and degree(s) receive of students may be released to military recruiters upon request in accordance with the Solomon Amendment.  All other information contained in student records is considered private and not open to the public, without the student’s written consent. 

Students’ names and dates of attendance at LCC are considered public information. LCC responds to inquiries in this regard, whether they are made in person, by phone or in writing. Other items are also considered public information, but disclosure can be prevented. The Student Services Center must receive a written statement requesting the information to be withheld. Directory items can appear in college directories and publications or be disclosed by staff to anyone inquiring in person, by phone, or in writing.

Student names may be released for graduation listings and lists of special awards, honors, events, and to the news media. In addition, graduation lists which may include student e-mail and address information may be released to 4-year institutions at the discretion of the college. All other information contained in student records is considered private and not open to public without student consent.

Releasing Student Record Information

The following individuals have access to student records because of their official functions: LCC officials, officials at other schools and colleges to which the student applies, state or federal education authorities, officials evaluating the application for financial aid, state and local officials requesting reporting data, organizations conducting studies for educational institutions or agencies, accrediting organizations, parents of dependent students (proof of dependency is required), and the Veterans Administration. In addition, LCC may also provide information without consent to comply with Judicial orders, in emergencies where the information in the student file is needed to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the student or that of other persons, to institutions with whom LCC has transfer agreements and students have declared an intent to transfer to that institution, and in response to requests made by military recruiters who are granted access to students in higher education by the Solomon Amendment.
A complete copy of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is available at  http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
 
For more information on FERPA and definitions for italicized terms (see the Legal Notices  section.)

Procedure for Requesting Student Records

An eligible student or eligible parent wishing to review the student’s educational records must complete a “Request for Student Records” form available in the Student Services Center. Records are duplicated at a cost of $2.00 per sheet, not to exceed $50.00.

Per FERPA, the College

1. provides a copy of a student’s educational records from the opening of that term, at which time those records are discarded unless the applicant has notified Student Services of continued interest in attending the College;
2. makes arrangements for inspection of the requested records; or
3. presents an explanation if circumstances prevent the review of a student’s educational records.

The College complies with the request within a reasonable time frame not exceeding 45 days.

Procedure for Amending Records

An eligible student or eligible parent who believes the education records that relate to a student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy, must submit a written request to the Registrar who decides whether to amend those records in accordance with the request. (Denied requests may be appealed under Sec 99.21 of FERPA.)

Record Retention

Records of applicants who do not register for the term for which they have been admitted may be retained for 30 days.

Transcripts

The Student Services Center maintains student records and issues official transcripts. Students may request a copy of their LCC official transcript be sent to another college or to an employer by requesting an official  transcript online.  Official transcripts will only be released if there are no outstanding balances or existing holds on the student’s account.

LCC will accept electronic transcripts sent directly to transcripts@lamarcc.edu.  A received electronic transcript, once printed for the purpose of being scanned, will be considered an official transcript and marked as such. LCC will verify the authenticity of the electronic transcript (as is done when verifying the authenticity of paper transcripts).
 
Approved Electronic Transcript Delivery Modes:

1. eSCRIP-SAFE transcript delivery network.

2. Electronic Certified .pdf Transcripts with a digital signature available via a secure password-protected database.

These transcripts are password protected, provided by the sender and accepted and handled as official documentation.

Transcripts sent via any other method or to any other email address will not be accepted as official documents and will not be used for transfer purposes. 

LCC charges for all official transcript requests.  LCC and CCCS have contracted with Parchment Inc. to streamline the process for students to request their official transcript online and have them securely delivered either electronically or in a printed version, along with other official documents, to any destination worldwide.  Please see our website for cost and delivery methods.  Students who attended prior to our Student Information System upgrade will not be able to use this method, until academic history can be verified and entered.  Expect additional delays of two to four weeks. 

Veterans Benefits

Lamar Community College is approved to certify veteran educational benefits as an Institution of Higher Learning by the Colorado Office of Veterans Education and Training (9101 E Lowry Blvd. Denver, CO 80230-6011) and the VA Regional Office in St. Louis, MO (PO Box 66830, St. Louis, MO 63166-6830).  All of LCC’s Associate Degree Programs and most Certificate Programs are approved for veteran educational benefits.  Students may contact Student Services regarding the eligibility of any major program of study.  

LCC assists the Veterans Administration through the Student Services Office  by providing certification for educational benefits for Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill),  Chapter 33 (Post 911 G.I. Bill), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), Chapter 32 (Post-Vietnam era),  Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance),  Title 10, U.S. Code: Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve Members) and Chapter 1607 (REAP), and Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). Students eligible for any of these benefits must self-identify to Student Services.  Applicants should apply to use their benefits with the GI Bill website.  Veteran students should apply for admission and designate intent to complete a degree or certificate in an approved program at Lamar Community College. As a general rule, veteran students must maintain enrollment in at least 12 undergraduate credits, on campus, and spanning the entire length of term to receive their full benefit entitlement.   Each Chapter has specific requirements so veteran students should work closely with the Student Services Office when enrolled at LCC.   Students must notify the Student Services Office of any changes of address, major, or enrollment status. A description of the regulations governing the receipt of Veterans Educational Benefits, Standards Program is available in the Student Services Office.

Because of the processing time required by LCC to certify enrollment and by the VA to submit payments, veterans should be prepared to finance their school and living expenses for at least 60 days in to the semester.