Admissions Policy

Approval Date: July 1, 2026                         

Last Revision Date: July 1, 2026

E-1 Ends
EL-0 General Executive Constraint
El-1 Treatment of Students
EL-5 Organization Culture
EL-8 Access to Education

Responsible Official: Vice President for Student Experience

Purpose

To establish the institutional standards that govern admission to Frederick Community College (FCC) and to affirm FCC's commitment to access, equity, student readiness, and a safe learning environment.

Scope

This policy applies to the admission of all current and prospective students to Frederick Community College and to admission into educational programs with additional requirements.

Definitions

See the Policy Glossary for definitions of hyperlinked terms in this policy.

Policy

Frederick Community College ("FCC" or the "College") is an open-admissions institution committed to lifelong learning and providing access to postsecondary education. The College prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law. (See Core Policy Standards, Non-Discrimination, for the full enumeration of protected characteristics.) Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to all programs of study and courses. Admission to a specific program of study shall be in accordance with the requirements and procedures established for the specific program of study as adopted by the College. A high school diploma is not required to participate in credit or continuing education courses or programs, provided the student demonstrates academic readiness through testing or other approved means.

Admission to the College may be denied or revoked for individuals whom the College determines may pose a potential risk to the safety, security, or educational environment of the College. Such determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis, and individuals will be afforded due process, including notification of the decision and an opportunity to respond.

Core Policy Standards

  1. Open Admissions and Access
    1. Frederick Community College ("FCC" or the "College") is an open-admissions institution committed to lifelong learning and providing access to postsecondary education. A student may be admitted to the College without being admitted to a specific credit or continuing education program.
  2. Non-Discrimination
    1. The College prohibits discrimination against any person based on age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment.
  3. Admission to Programs of Study
    1. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to all programs of study or courses. A high school diploma is not required for admission to the College or participation in credit or continuing education courses, provided a student demonstrates academic readiness through approved means. Students admitted without a high school diploma or GED may have limitations related to eligibility for federal financial aid, including Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
  4. Program-Specific Eligibility Requirements
    1. Certain degree, certificate, and letter of recognition programs may have additional eligibility or admission requirements. Admission to a specific program of study shall be granted in accordance with requirements adopted by the College and may include academic, regulatory, licensure, or capacity-based standards.
  5. Accuracy of Admission Information
    1. Admission to the College and admission to specific programs of study shall be based on verifiably accurate application materials and educational information submitted by the applicant. The College reserves the right to take appropriate action when information provided is incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading.
  6. Academic Readiness and Placement
    1. The College requires verification of academic readiness for students entering degree-seeking programs, unless otherwise exempted under College policy. Readiness and placement determinations are used to support appropriate course placement and student success.
  7. Safety, Security, and Educational Environment
    1. Admission to the College may be denied or revoked for individuals whom the College determines may pose a potential danger to the safety, security, or educational environment of the College. Such determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis, and individuals will be afforded due process, including notification of the decision and an opportunity to respond.
  8. Student Classification
    1. The College reserves the right to define and assign student classifications for institutional, state, and federal reporting and compliance purposes.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Vice President for Student Experience (Responsible Official): Ensures institutional compliance with this policy; approves related procedures and operational standards; ensures appropriate due-process mechanisms exist for admission denial/revocation determinations.
  • Admissions Office: Implements admissions procedures, maintains integrity of admission records, and communicates admission-related requirements and decisions.
  • Academic Units / Program Leadership: Establish and maintain program-specific admission criteria for selective or restricted programs consistent with this policy and applicable accreditation/licensure requirements.
  • Registration and Records / Registrar: Maintains official academic records and supports evaluation of transcripts and transfer credit in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Testing/Placement Functions (as designated): Administers readiness and placement mechanisms consistent with institutional policy and applicable requirements.
  • Financial Aid Office: Provides guidance on aid eligibility rules and ensures relevant notices are communicated.
  • Students/Applicants: Provide accurate information and comply with College requirements.