Frequently Asked Questions

WHO NEEDS ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT? All students enrolling for the first time are required to be academically assessed. Some returning students may need to participate in the assessment process to meet specific course and/or program prerequisites. Students usually choose from one of two programs: (1) The Assessment/Placement (A/P) program is designed for English as a first language students and for ESL students with a high school diploma from the USA; (2) The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed for ESL students who do not have a high school diploma from the USA. Both the A/P and ESL programs are approximately 3 hours in length and consist of a skills test and orientation. The A/P and ESL assessments may only be taken once. Appointments are not necessary for scheduled assessment exams.

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM ASSESSMENT? There are a number of ways to qualify for an exemption from assessment. Please note, however, that some courses and/or programs may have specific skill prerequisites where exemptions do not apply and assessment is required.

A STUDENT MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM ASSESSMENT IF HE/SHE HAS a) Earned a college degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the USA - indicate on application and provide copy of degree or official transcript to Admissions Office. b) Completed intermediate algebra AND college-level English composition at another regionally accredited college or university with a grade of "C" or better - provide official transcript to the Admissions Office. c) Decided to enroll in Level 1 basic skills course(s) in reading, English, and mathematics only. d) Decided to exercise a "one course waiver" in a course with prerequisite, "none." A student may subsequently enroll in one course per term, provided that the previous course to which the waiver applies was passed with a grade of "C" or better. e) An alternative assessment from other colleges - provide a copy of assessment results or unofficial transcripts to the Assessment Center or fax to the attention of the Assessment Center (209) 954-3833.

ARE THERE RETAKES OR AN APPEALS PROCESS? A student who thinks the A/P or ESL assessment did not measure his or her skill levels correctly, may request a retake. Please contact the Academic Assessment Center, Cunningham 220, for information regarding this retake. Further appeals may be made through the Admissions and Records Office, Holt 101.

For further assessment information, contact the Academic Assessment Center, (209) 954-5535. Effective July 1, 1991, federal regulations require that all students who do not have a high school diploma or a GED must pass a standardized test to receive Federal financial aid. For further assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office at (209) 954-5115 or visit the office, Holt 101.

Contact and Office Hours

Office Hours: Cunningham 220 Monday through Thursdays 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Number: (209) 954-5535

E-mail: assessmentcenter@deltacollege.edu

Fax Number: (209) 954-3833 Attn: Assessment Center