Admissions & Records

The Admissions Office is an essential component of Student Affairs. The Admissions & Records Office is responsible for the admission and registration processes and for the accuracy and maintenance of student records.

Main Campus Hours

Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday Early Closure* 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

*Early closures occur between the 4th-11th week of a semester

Hours during student vacation periods may vary and will be posted at the entrance.

Alisal, Castroville, King City and Soledad Education Center’s hours vary and will be posted on the Website and at each center.

Mailing Address:

Hartnell College

Attention: Admissions & Records

411 Central Avenue

Salinas, CA 93901

Applying to the College

Application for Admission

Online applications for admission are available in both English and Spanish. The link for the online application can be found on the Hartnell College website: www.hartnell.edu. New and returning students should submit applications early in the registration cycle to have the best opportunity to get courses. Students who have not attended, been absent from Hartnell for two or more primary semesters (Fall & Spring) must reapply admission before registering. Non-CCAP Dual Enrollment Students attending Hartnell must submit an Application for Admission upon enrolling for the first time, and subsequently when they have been absent from Hartnell for two or more primary semesters. Non-CCAP Dual Enrollment students must also submit a new admissions application at the time of their high school graduation to update enrollment status to First Time College Student.

Admissions Requirements

Criteria

In addition to the residency requirements, outlined in the next section, applicants will or may be admitted to the College as follows:

1. Any person over the age of 18 and possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent.

2. Other persons who are over the age 18 and who, in the judgment of the Superintendent/President or designee are capable of profiting from the instruction offered. Such persons shall be admitted as provisional students, and thereafter shall be required to comply with the District’s rules and regulations regarding scholastic achievement and other standards to be met by provisional or probationary students as a condition to being readmitted in any succeeding semester.

3. Persons who are apprentices as defined in Labor Code Section 3077.

Residence Requirements

Each person applying for admission to, or enrolled in, a California Community College is classified for tuition purposes as either a “resident” or “non-resident” of the State of California. The right of a student to attend any public community college in California as a resident requires that they:

1. be a citizen of the United States, or possess or be an applicant for a permanent-resident, amnesty of another visa type that does not preclude establishing domicile in the United States and meeting certain requirements.

2. be at least 19 years of age and have lived in California one year and one day prior to the residency determination date. (Note: A student who has not been a resident of California for more than one year and who is the dependent child for income tax purposes of a California resident who has been a resident since the above-noted residence determination date, is entitled to resident classification and must submit documentation with application.)

3. have parents or a guardian who has resided in California for one year and one day, if the student is younger than 18 years of age.

4. present evidence showing the student’s (or the student’s parents’ if student is under 19) intent to make California his/her permanent home.

5. manifest residency intent if the student is 19 years of age or over by maintaining a home in California continuously for the last two years, unless there is contrary evidence of intent.

6. manifest residency intent if the student is under 19 years of age, by both students and his/her parents maintaining a home in California continuously for the last two years, unless there is contrary evidence of intent.

If manifest intent cannot be shown within No. 5 and No. 6 above, the student is required to provide evidence of intent to make California his/her permanent home. Objective manifestations of this intent include but are not limited to:

1. payment of California state income tax as a resident.

2. registering to vote and voting in California.

3. licensing from California for professional practice.

4. showing California as the home address on a federal income tax return.

5. ownership of residential property or continuous occupancy of rented or leased property in California.

6. possessing California motor vehicle license plates.

7. possessing California driver’s license or California ID.

8. maintaining a permanent military address or home of record in California while in the armed services.

9. establishing and maintaining active California bank accounts.

10. being the petitioner for a divorce in California.

11. documentation of employment (check stub, letter from employer).

Students who are members of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or stationed in California on active duty are entitled to resident classification for purposes of determining the amount of tuition fees for the duration of their attendance at a community college as long as they remain on active duty.

A student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse and who is a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or stationed in California on active duty is entitled to resident classification for the purposes of determining the amount of tuition and fees. There is no limitation on the length of resident classification as long as the dependent remains continuously enrolled at that community college.

A student who was a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition for up to one year.

Students with visas will be evaluated for residency based on the type of visa, visa issue date, length of stay in California, and intent to maintain California as their permanent home.

A student who cannot qualify as a resident of California will be classified as a non-resident student. Non-resident fees will be applied.

Definition: “Manifested the intent” means having supportive documentation indicating the intention of making California one's legal state of residence. Students may be asked to submit this documentation to verify California residency. For further information, contact the Admissions & Records Office at (831) 755-6711.

Per section 54026, California Administrative Code, Title 5, the burden is on the student to clearly demonstrate both physical presence and intent to establish California residency.

California Residency Status Change

A student previously classified as a non-resident may be reclassified. A residence determination date is the day immediately preceding the opening day of instruction for any primary semester (fall/Spring) or summer session during which the student proposes to attend.

A student may request reclassification by completing a Residency Questionnaire available in the Admissions & Records Office. The request for reclassification must be submitted prior to the semester for which reclassification is to be effective. Extenuating circumstances may be considered in cases where a student failed to petition for reclassification prior to the residency determination date. In no cases, however, may a student receive a non-resident tuition refund after the date of first census.

Written documentation, evidence of both physical presence and intent will be required of the student in support of the reclassification.

A student shall be considered financially independent for the purposes of residence reclassification if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:

• Has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by their parent(s) in the calendar year prior to the year the reclassification application is made.

• Has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of their parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made.

  A student who has established financial independence may be reclassified as a resident if the student has met the requirements of Title 5 Sections 54020, 54022, and 54024.

The Admissions & Records Office will make a determination based on the evidence and notify the student no later than 14 days after the receipt of the request for reclassification.

Non-Residents

A non-resident student is one who has not had a legal residency in California for more than one year immediately preceding the beginning of the semester. Non-resident students are required to pay non-resident tuition in addition to enrollment fees. Unless the student qualifies for the exemptions listed below.

California Nonresident Tuition Exemptions Exemption from Nonresident Tuition (AB540, AB 2000, & AB68)

Any student, other than one with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services nonimmigrant visa status, who meets all of the following requirements, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition.

The student must have:

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The student must have: attended a combination of California high school, adult school, and California Community College for the equivalent of three years or more or attained credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent to three or more years of full-time high school course work and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or high schools in California for a total of three or more years

2. The student must have: graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the term (for example, passing the GED or California High School Proficiency exam). or completed an associate degree from a California Community College. or completed the minimum requirements at a California Community College for transfer to the California State University or the University of California.

3. The student must register as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California.

4. The student must file an affidavit with the college or university stating that if the student is a non-citizen without current or valid immigration status, the student has filed an application to legalize immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so

• Students who are nonimmigrants who are victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who have been granted T or U visa status, under Title 8 of the United States Code, sections 1101(a)(15)(T) or (U) are eligible for this exemption.

• Students who are nonimmigrants, other than those with T or U visa status as noted above, [for example, those who hold F (student) visas, B (visitor) visas, etc.] are not eligible for this exemption.

The student must file an exemption request including a signed affidavit with the college that indicates the student has met all applicable conditions described above. Student information obtained in the process is strictly confidential unless disclosures are required under law. Documentation to support the nonresident affidavit may be required if conflicting information is provided.

Nonresident students meeting the criteria will be exempted from the payment of nonresident tuition, but are not classified as California residents.

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (38.U.S.C. 3679(c))

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACA H.R. 3230) In August 2014, President Obama signed the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“VACA Act”), into law (Public Law No.: 113-146). Section 702 of the VACA Act (38 U.S.C. 3679(c)) requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disapprove programs of education under the Montgomery GI Bill ® -Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Post-9/11 GI Bill ® education benefit programs (Chapters 30 or 33, respectively, of Title 38, U.S. Code) at institutions of higher learning if the school charges qualifying veterans and dependents (“covered individuals”) tuition and fees in excess of the in-state rate for resident students for terms beginning after July 1, 2015. A “covered individual” is defined in the VACA Act as:

1. A Veteran who lives in the state in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

2. A spouse or child entitled to transferred education benefits who lives in the state in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

3. A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (provides Post-9/11 GI Bill ® benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty) who lives in the state in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

4. The new category includes individuals eligible for rehabilitation under 38 U.S. Code § 3102 pursuing a course of education with education assistance from the Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities ® (Chapter 31) education benefits program.

5. After expiration of the three year period following discharge or death as described in 38 U.S.C. 3679(c), a student who initially qualifies under the applicable requirements above will maintain “covered individual” status as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters or terms) at the institution, even if they enroll in multiple programs and shall continue to be exempt from paying nonresident tuition and other fees.

Eligibility Determination of Military Status

As it relates to verifying student eligibility for “covered individual” status and qualification for Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty ® or Post-9/11 GI Bill ® education benefits (Chapters 30 and 33, respectively, of Title 38, U.S. Code), districts will need to rely on actual evidence and not a selfcertification that the student meets the above criteria. Students eligible for VA education benefits are provided a “Certificate of Eligibility” (COE) by the VA that will confirm the approved education benefits for the veteran or eligible dependent (who is made eligible through the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) to basic educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, U.S. Code). The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a “DD 214”, may also be of assistance in confirming “covered individual” status at it will show the effective date of the veteran’s discharge from active service. Students are required to submit the Certificate of Eligibility and DD 214 to the Admissions and Records office for verification and reclassification of residency status. Students who obtain VACA residency classification are not eligible for the California College Promise Grant.

Students Associated with the Armed Forces

Students who are members of the armed forces of the United States and their dependents stationed in this state on active duty, except those assigned to California for educational purposes, are exempt from nonresident tuition. There is no requirement for the military person to establish residence; however, the student must be on active duty on the residence determination date. If a nonresident student who is a member of the military becomes separated from the military, he or she would be required to provide evidence of intent to establish California residence for a minimum of one year prior to the residence determination date. Effective Jan. 1, 1996, Assembly Bill 723 was added to the California Education Code to allow a member of the armed forces who was stationed in California on active duty for more than one year prior to being discharged from the service, to claim resident classification for up to one year if he or she lives in California after being discharged. After the one-year exception, the student would have to prove California residence had been established.

Credit for Prior Learning AB 1786

Credit for Prior Learning may be available to current or former members of the Armed Forces. See a counselor to review this opportunity and apply for consideration.

AB 2210

Education Code section 68075.6 grants an immediate nonresident tuition fee exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and refugee students who settled in California upon entering the United States. This exemption is granted for one year from the date the student settled in California upon entering the United States.

This exemption applies to the following:

• Iraqi citizens or nationals (and their spouses and children) who were employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq.

• Afghan and Iraqi translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the United States Armed Forces.

• Afghanistan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government or in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

• Refugee students admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States code.

Incorrect Residency Classification

A student incorrectly classified as a California resident is subject to reclassification as a nonresident and payment of nonresident tuition. If incorrect classification results from false or misleading statements, a student may be excluded from class or classes upon notification.

Reclassification

Reclassification to resident status must be requested by the student. Financial independence during the current year and preceding year will be considered at the time the student requests reclassification. Students who were previously classified as nonresidents must contact the Admissions and Records office to submit a residency reclassification petition and provide supporting documentation for consideration to be classified as a resident.

Information regarding requirements for reclassification is available in the Admissions and Records office.

Limitation of Residency Rules

The student is cautioned that this summary of rules regarding residency determination is by no means a complete explanation of their meaning or content. The student should also note that changes may have been made in the statutes and regulations between the time this statement is published and the beginning of the academic year. Further information regarding residency is available in the Admissions and Records office.

International Students

F-1 Visa Status

It is the policy of Hartnell College to provide international student advice to assist international students with admission, enrollment, matriculation and other supportive services. Hartnell College recognizes that a program for international students makes a significant contribution to the education of its students and to the promotion of international understanding in the District and throughout the world.

Admission

An international student designee is available to assist with the school admission procedures and the required documentation for the student F1 visa. Admission and I-20 requirements include:

1. completed International Student Application form.

2. original high school/college transcript(s), including an English translation and explanation of the grading system.

3. original score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Hartnell requires a score of 460 or higher on the paper-based test, 140 or higher on the computer-based test, or 48 or higher on the Internet-based test.

4. a notarized financial statement and bank statement from the sponsor verifying financial solvency. The estimated expense for a full academic year is $29,000.

The complete application packet must be on file in the International Student’s Office in the Admissions & Records Office by:

April 19, 2024 – Summer 2024 Session

May 31, 2024 – Fall 2024 Semester

November 1, 2024– Spring 2025 Semester

Transferring F-1 Students to Hartnell

An international student who is accepted by another collegiate institution with F-1 Student Status must attend that institution and successfully complete 12.0 units with a “C” average or better before being considered for admission to Hartnell College.

The complete application packet including a copy of the student’s I20 and transfer form must be on file by:

April 26, 2024 – Summer 2024 Session

July 19, 2024 – Fall 2024 Semester

December 6, 2024 – Spring 2025 Semester

Hartnell College international students must attend this institution and successfully complete 12.0 units with a “C” average or better before being released and transferred to another U.S. collegiate institution.

Hartnell College international students are responsible for any pending financial obligations with the Cashier’s Office prior to submitting the transfer request form to Admissions personnel.

English Placement

All international students will be required to take a diagnostic placement of English proficiency upon their arrival at Hartnell College. Based on the results of this placement and the evaluation of other approved measures of English proficiency allowed under AB 705, students will be counseled and may be advised to enroll in as many as 9.0 units of English consisting of grammar, composition, conversation, and/or vocabulary/spelling.

F-1 Visa Requirement

International students must enroll in a minimum of 12.0 units by the end of each fall and spring semester. Failure to comply will result in dismissal.

Maximum Enrollment

An international student is expected to complete a program in the most expeditious manner possible, generally in four or five semesters. The maximum enrollment permitted is 6 semesters.

Health Insurance

All Hartnell College international students and their accompanying dependents are required to have health insurance coverage. Students must show proof of health insurance coverage by the end of the first week of each fall and spring semester.

Tuition & Fees

International students shall pay non-resident tuition set by the Board of Trustees. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Refer to the semester class schedule for current fees. Full payment is due by the printed due dates.

Academic Dismissal

An international student who drops below full-time enrollment (12.0 units) or fails to provide proof of health insurance is subject to expulsion from Hartnell College.

Educational Plan

All international students must meet with a counselor to create an educational plan before enrolling in their second semester. An educational plan is a plan of coursework needed to meet the student’s goal. Once the educational plan has been completed, no changes will be allowed without prior approval from the international student designee. A copy of the educational plan must be on file with the International Student’s Office in the Admissions & Records Office prior to registering for classes their second semester.

Housing

Hartnell College does not have residential facilities on campus. The international student designee will assist students in securing accommodations, but the College is not responsible for arranging housing.

Guest Students

Hartnell College international students accepted by another collegiate institution must enroll in a minimum of 12.0 units concurrently. A minimum of 9.0 units must be taken at Hartnell College.

Distance Learning

International students may take online courses; however, a minimum of 9.0 units must be taken at a Hartnell College campus in a regular classroom setting in order to earn a Hartnell degree or certificate.

Employment

After one semester of successful study, international students may be permitted to work part-time on campus if there is an urgent financial need. Off-campus employment is subject to the rules of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Student Responsibility

International students must be familiar with the Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations as well as Hartnell College’s regulations on student conduct and enrollment and comply with those regulations. For more information, call (831) 755-6711 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website by scanning the QR code:

Dual Enrollment BP 5010

CCAP & Non-CCAP

Admission of K-12 Students

Within the first two weeks of a regular semester and the first three days of a summer term or intersession, the faculty member of record will retain the right to determine whether the student’s progress, participation and maturity are sufficient to continue or be dropped from the class.

A parent or guardian must complete a College Dual Enrollment NonCCAP Form requiring the signatures of the parent, student, and high school designee. The parent consent shall only be required once for the entirety of the student’s participation in Dual Enrollment, and shall remain in effect until the parent withdraws the consent in writing or the student graduates from high school.

The completed Dual Enrollment Non-CCAP packet must be submitted prior to or at the time of registration. Registration for Dual Enrollment Non-CCAP students is on a first-come first-serve basis. For specific dates, please consult the current class schedule. The Dual Enrollment Non-CCAP form can be found on our website at www.hartnell.edu search the College Readiness Office:

• Any student whose age or class level is equal to grades 9-12 is eligible to attend as a special part-time student or full-time student for advanced scholastic or vocational courses.

• Students in grades K-8 are not eligible to attend any credit or non-credit course at Hartnell College, except for those courses specifically designed for students at that grade and age level (academic camps for young students, children’s theater, etc.)

For additional information on College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) dual enrollment information and enrollment procedures as well as additional support and guidance for high school students please contact the Office of College Readiness at (831) 755-6772.

Procedures for High School Students

A student whose age or class level is equal to grades 9-12 may attend Hartnell College as either a special part-time student, a special full-time student, or a special summer session student for advanced scholastic, vocational, or physical education courses in accordance with the following procedures. All admitted students must complete the College’s Course Placement requirements if enrolling in an English/English for Multilingual Speakers or Math course. Course prerequisites must be met prior to registering.

Dual Enrollment Non-CCAP students may enroll in up to 11.0 units in the Fall and Spring semester, and up to 6.0 units in the Summer session.

Special Part-Time Students & Special Summer Session Students

1. Those enrolled in a public or private high school who must meet each of the following criteria:

A. Written parental or guardian consent

B. Written school principal or designee recommendation and consent

C. Skill level assessment through Hartnell College course placement process, if applicable

D. Written approval of a Hartnell College counselor

2. Those whose age or class level is equal to grades 9-12 and not enrolled in school must meet each of the following criteria:

A. Written parental or guardian consent

B. Verification of non-enrollment in high school from school principal or designee

C. Skill level assessment through Hartnell College course placement if applicable

D. Written approval of Hartnell College Vice President of Student Affairs

E. Written approval of Hartnell College Superintendent/President

Special Full-Time Students

1. Those enrolled in a public or private high school must meet each of the following criteria:

A. Written parental or guardian consent

B. Written school principal or designee recommendation and consent

C. Written approval of the governing board of the high school district in which the student is enrolled

D. Skill level assessment through Hartnell College course placement process if applicable

E. Written approval of Hartnell College Vice President of Student Affairs

2. Those whose age or class is equal to grades 9-12 and is not enrolled in school must meet each of the following criteria:

A. Written parental or guardian consent

B. Verification of non-enrollment in high school from school principal or designee

C. Skill level assessment through Hartnell College course placement process, if applicable

D. Written approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs

E. Written approval of Hartnell College Superintendent/President

Note: In addition, Dual Enrollment Non-CCAP students completing college courses will receive credit on their Hartnell College transcripts. A copy of the Hartnell College transcript is NOT automatically sent to the students’ schools. Students must request official transcripts in writing to the Admissions & Records Office.

Grades K-8*

Students in grades K-8 are not eligible to attend any credit or noncredit course at Hartnell College, except for those courses specifically designed for students at that grade and age level (academic camps for young students, children’s theater, etc.) Hartnell College Board Policy 5010.

For admission, students must meet each of the following criteria:

A. Written parental or guardian consent

B. Written school principal or designee recommendation and consent

C. Skill level assessment through Hartnell College placement assessment, if applicable.

D. Written approval of a Hartnell College Counselor.

E. Written approval from the Vice-President of Student Affairs

Note: By giving consent, parents of concurrently enrolled students agree and understand that the College is an adult learning environment and students are expected to behave accordingly. Additionally, they understand that classes will be taught at the college level and the curriculum and college procedures will not be modified nor will other accommodations be made.

Confidentiality Statement

Under Section 49061 of the Education Code, parents of community college students do not have a right of access to their children’s student records, regardless of whether the student is under the age of 18. Also, under federal law Section 1232g of Title 20 of the United States Code), there is a general right of parental access to student records, but not for college students, regardless of age.