Open Admissions Procedure

Florence-Darlington Technical College operates on an open admissions policy as required by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. Florence-Darlington Technical College takes advantage of every effort to minimize geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to the post-secondary programs and services offered by the technical colleges. FDTC admits all qualified individuals who meet appropriate academic age and verified legal presence requirements.

In order to promote achievement by individuals with varied potential, open admissions is defined as a practice, which (1) admits to the College all citizens who can benefit from available learning opportunities, and (2) places into specific programs of study those students whose potential for success is commensurate with program admission standards.

The definition of open admissions implies a commitment to assess student potential and to provide appropriate placement within each program of study.

In support of this definition, FDTC adheres to the following procedures:

  1. Utilizes admissions procedures, which concentrate on career guidance and the assessment of competency in basic skills through the approved college placement tests.
  2. Utilizes minimum placement criteria for admission into curriculum courses. The criteria reflect an analysis of the entry-level skills for each curriculum. Those students not eligible for entry into curriculum level courses are referred to Adult Basic Education or other literacy programs as appropriate.
  3. Articulation between English 155 and Math 155 and each curriculum program has been established through the minimum competencies set in math, reading, and English on the approved college placement tests and course progression.
  4. Minimum academic standards and procedures have been established for academic probation for those students who do not maintain satisfactory progress.
  5. Specific entry-level skill have been established for admission into each program. The Admissions Testing Committee, in conjunction with the academic departments, establishes, monitors, and evaluates entrance requirements, testing procedures, and instruments used by FDTC for effective student placement. Specific skill taught in each program are identified by the individual departments, which include identifying reliable techniques for determining student performance.