The Office of the College Registrar

The commencement page serves as a central hub for all information related to graduation ceremonies, ensuring students, families, and faculty stay informed about the event details. It typically includes schedules, venue locations, parking instructions, and links for streaming the ceremony live. The page may also feature the previous commencement ceremony to include congratulatory messages, profiles of keynote speakers, and a guide for post-ceremony activities. This user-friendly platform is essential for managing the logistics of commencement day and celebrating the achievements of graduates in an organized and accessible manner. Please click here.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also referred to as the Buckley Amendment, is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Please click here to learn more about FERPA.

Instructions on how to complete the FERPA electronic form.

This detailed schedule outlines key dates for the academic year, including semester start and end times, holidays, registration windows, test periods, and class modification deadlines. It’s designed to help all members of the academic community effectively plan their activities, keep track of important institutional dates, and stay on top of crucial academic events. To view the academic calendar dates, use the provided link for the Academic Calendar.  Be aware that the calendar shows only published dates and does not include information on dynamic sessions.

A course substitution is a course that takes the place of a required course in a curriculum, provided the course substitution meets the content and/or spirit of the required course. The course substitution forms are now located Inside TCC. Click Resource> Petition for Course Substitutions

HOW TO OBTAIN A COURSE SUBSTITUTION

Follow the steps below to obtain a course substitution:

• Gather sufficient documentation and justification to warrant a substitution. Course substitution requests must include a description of the course to be substituted and an explanation of how it meets the content and spirit of the requirement.
• Review your documentation with an academic advisor. Work with the advisor to complete the Petition for Course Substitution form. If the advisor believes the request merits further consideration, your student’s petition will be forwarded to the appropriate academic dean.

APPROVAL & NOTIFICATION

The Pathway/Discipline Deans will make a decision on the request usually within 5-7 business days. Once your petition has been processed the Office of the College Registrar will send notification via SIS messenger.

Instructions on how to access SIS messenger:

• Start by signing in to your MyTCC Account.
• Once logged in, locate and click on the “My Student Information” option (it should be the second box).
• You’re now in your Student Messaging Center. Here, you can view messages from TCC.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Credit is awarded or waived based on the curriculum indicated on the petition form. You must submit a new Petition for Course Substitution form if you change your curriculum.
• Approved substitutions will appear on your academic record as soon as the petition has been processed, as long as the course is either graded or enrolled. The substitution will not be visible on your student record in SIS if you have not yet enrolled in the substitute course.

To obtain the petition for course substitution form by selecting this link here.

Note: Course substitutions granted by TCC may not be transferable to other institutions.

1. What does domicile mean?
   “Domicile” is defined as the present, fixed home of an individual to which they returns following temporary absences and at which they intends to stay indefinitely. No individual may have more than one domicile at a time.” (SCHEV)
2. What are the initial requirements for in-state eligibility?
   Qualifying for in-state tuition requires a comprehensive residency verification process. You may need to submit evidence of:
   • State income tax payments
   • Local driver’s license
   • Minimum one-year residency in the state
   • Additional supporting documentation
     For dependent students, parents must provide extensive documentation. Tidewater Community College retains full authority over residency determinations.
3. Can I still qualify for in-state tuition if I am unable to establish domicile?
   In-state tuition eligibility may still be possible. Exceptions can be considered based on individual circumstances. For personalized guidance, please reach out to the domicile department at domicile@tcc.edu.
4. How long does the Transfer Evaluation process take?
   Credit posting occurs within 4-6 weeks after the Office of the College Registrar receives official transcripts and the transfer evaluation request form.
5. Can I use unofficial transcript(s)?
   TCC strictly requires official transcripts for all transfer credit evaluations.
6. What are the requirements for a course to transfer?
   Transfer Course Criteria:
   • Minimum grade: C-
   • TCC must offer an equivalent course
   • Course must be from a regionally accredited institution
   • For physical science courses with lecture and lab components:
     • Both portions must meet the minimum grade requirement
     • Both must be completed at the same institution
7. Do I have to wait for my evaluation to be completed before enrolling in classes?
   No. You may enroll in classes before your official evaluation is complete. An academic advisor can provide an unofficial review and guidance on potential transfer credits.
8. Can I receive credit for courses I took in High School?
   No. High school course completion alone doesn’t qualify for credit. However, AP and IB exam scores can be submitted for review.
9. I want to take a class elsewhere and transfer it back, can I do that?
   It’s possible to take courses elsewhere and transfer them back. However, consult your academic advisor first to ensure the institution and course will be accepted for transfer credit.
10. Can a student submit a graduation application even if their transfer credits and/or course substitution/waiver has not been evaluated or approved?
    Yes, students can apply for graduation before their transfer credits or course substitutions/waivers are finalized. Here’s what you need to do:
    • Transfer credits: Submit the Request Transfer Evaluation
    • Course substitutions/waivers: An academic advisor must submit this. Meet with your advisor to determine eligibility.
    • When filling out your graduation application:
      • Mark the boxes for transfer credits and course substitutions.
    • After submitting:
      • Wait for notifications in your SIS message center about credit evaluations and substitutions.
      • You don’t need to take any more steps.
      • Your graduation eligibility will be updated automatically.
11. What if a student has already submitted a graduation application for the term and wants to apply for another certificate or degree?
    The student will need to email the Graduate Team at graduate@tcc.edu requesting the additional academic plan be added to the application for review. The Student Information System (SIS) will not allow the student to submit an additional application once one has already been submitted.
12. What is the difference between course substitution and course waiver?
    Course Substitution: A course substitution is a course that takes the place of a required course in a curriculum, provided the course substitution meets the content and/or spirit of the required course.
    Course Waiver: A course waiver exempts a student from taking a required course to meet the program requirement because the academic dean has determined that the student already has the knowledge and skills taught in the course and would not benefit from repeating the course content.
13. How do I submit a support ticket through Parchment for an online official transcript?
    For assistance on issues with Parchment orders, please submit a support ticket here. Once you complete and submit the ticket, Parchment will reach out to assist you. You can also reach Parchment via phone at 847-716-3006.
14. When reviewing my academic records, what key areas should I focus on?
    When examining your academic records, focus on these key areas:
    • Course grades: Check that all semester grades are present and accurate.
    • Missing grades: Look for any courses without grades assigned.
    • Degree information: Verify that your degree conferment is listed correctly, including the exact date.
    • GPA calculation: Ensure your Grade Point Average (GPA) is accurately calculated and reflected.
    • Overall record completeness: Make sure all courses you’ve taken are included in your record.
      If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about your academic record, contact your registrar@tcc.edu or academic advisor for clarification or corrections.