Getting Started

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation familiarizes prospective incoming and transfer students with essential information concerning College rules and regulations, student services and activities. Attendance is strongly recommended, since pertinent information is shared which enhances and improves a student’s opportunity for success.

Office of Admissions and Registrar

The Office of Admissions and Registrar directs and coordinates the admissions, registration and graduation programs of Del Mar College. The office assists students with admissions procedures, registration, graduation, transcript requests and other related student records information.

Admissions for Semester Hour Credit Programs

Del Mar College maintains an “open door” admissions policy under the authority of the Texas Administrative Code Title 19 and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to all programs of the College, because certain programs have limited enrollment due to special equipment needs or limitations of space. These admissions requirements are listed further in the catalog under specific programs.  Students who are undecided about their major should follow the Liberal Arts degree plan. All students must complete the Application for Admission to Del Mar College either online through the Texas Common Application Web site at www.applytexas.org (click on “Create a new 2 year application”) or by completing a paper application which can be obtained from the Admissions Office.  Students are encouraged to use their Social Security numbers as student permanent identification numbers because it will be less confusing when transferring to another college or applying for financial aid. Students choosing not to use their Social Security number or who do not have a Social Security number may obtain a unique matriculation number from the Office of Admissions and Registrar upon request. The Office of Admissions and Registrar is responsible for all admissions to the College. Any submission of false information is grounds for rejection of an application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment or appropriate disciplinary action. Students are reminded that all admissions documents should be submitted at least two weeks prior to registration to avoid delays.

First-Time College Student

1. Submit an official transcript from an accredited high school with date of graduation or GED (General Education Development) test scores.

2. Applicants that graduate from a nonaccredited high school or home school program must provide a notarized transcript with date of graduation.

3. Texas high school students who have not passed the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test and are applying to Del Mar College must receive individual approval from the Registrar. An official high school transcript and test scores (see #5) must be submitted before applying for individual approval.

4. A student who is 18 years of age or older may be exempt from the admissions requirements in 1 or 2 above and admitted on individual approval provided the Registrar is convinced the applicant’s record indicates ability to carry the college work assigned. Students admitted on this condition shall be subject to the same policies and regulations as all other students. Individual approval may be subject to conditions established by the U.S. Department of Education for special assessment.

5. All students are required to submit test scores from the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or the COMPASS Test. Some students may be exempt from these tests based on their SAT, SAT1, ACT or TAKS scores.

Special Programs for High School Students

Del Mar College, in conjunction with several area high schools, has designed various programs in which students can earn college credit while still attending high school. Requirements to participate in one of these programs can be obtained from high school counselors or the Del Mar College Admissions or Counseling and Advising Centers.  These programs are:

Dual Credit. This program is designed to offer students the opportunity to receive credit for a regular college course while simultaneously earning credit toward high school graduation. Only students from high schools with whom Del Mar College has a contractual agreement are eligible to enroll. High school counselors can verify eligibility requirements.

Early Admissions. This program is designed for high school students who have demonstrated the ability to accept academic challenge and responsibility. The program offers selected students the opportunity for study at the college level and to receive college credits while completing the requirements for high school graduation. However, the program will not compete with, nor take the place of, high school courses. 

To be eligible for Dual Credit or Early Admissions Programs, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completed sophomore year of high school.
• Approval of the high school counselor and parent or guardian.
• Meet the Del Mar College admissions requirements, including assessment.
• Take only those classes for which assessment levels are met.
• Take no more than two College courses per semester.
• Adhere to all policies of the College.

Information is available in the Office of Admissions and Registrar, or in area high school counseling offices. Standardized test norms and appropriate scores are subject to change.

High School Articulation Programs.

Del Mar College offers college credit for high school occupational studies in specific programs. For more information on these programs, contact the appropriate instructional department at Del Mar College or your high school counseling office.

Tech-Prep Programs.

Del Mar College is a participating member of the Coastal Bend Tech-Prep Consortium and has developed, in cooperation with area school districts, Tech-Prep Associate Degrees in some programs. These programs will enable high school students to receive from Del Mar College up to 16 semester hours of college credit in a technical area and prepare them to enter in-demand careers in the workforce. For more information, students should contact the appropriate instructional dean at Del Mar College, their high school counseling office or Tech-Prep Consortium office.

Returning Students

Students who were previously enrolled at Del Mar College but have been away for one or more long semesters (fall and/or spring) must submit a new Application for Admission and furnish the Registrar with official transcripts of study completed at other colleges during the period of absence. Returning students may need to be reassessed before registering for classes. The Office of Admissions and Registrar will determine if further testing is required.

Transfer Students

Applicants transferring from other institutions must submit current official transcripts of credit earned from each institution of higher education previously attended. Students that attended another higher education institution but earned no credit must submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate. Students whose previous course work does not include college credit in English and math must provide placement test scores. 

Transfer students unable to furnish a transcript prior to registration may be allowed to register with the understanding that an official transcript(s) must be on file in the Admissions Office within the first semester. A student who has not submitted all transcripts may be ineligible to register in any subsequent semesters until his or her file is complete.

Transfer students who wish to continue beyond one semester at Del Mar must file a degree plan with the appropriate department within the first semester. This action will initiate the evaluation of transcripts from other institutions.

Transfer students will be credited with all courses they are entitled to according to the transcript of record and can receive advanced standing if the former institution is recognized by one of the following associations:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Colleges and Schools
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Colleges and Schools

Transfer students who are eligible for readmission to their former school are eligible for admission to Del Mar College. Transfer students on scholastic probation will be admitted under the same status at Del Mar College. Students transferring from an institution on scholastic suspension must appeal for admissions through the Registrar.

If transfer students are on disciplinary probation at their former college, they must appear before the Vice President of Student Development before registering. If approved for admission, these students may be placed on disciplinary probation at Del Mar.

Transient Students

Applicants transferring from another institution of higher education for the summer terms only must provide an official transcript from their most recent institution attended and meet the eligibility requirements for the courses that they will register for at Del Mar College. Assessment scores may be required to be able to make this determination.

International Students

International students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by personal interview with an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) faculty member; or achieving a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or achieving a 50th percentile score on the ACT Assessment. Students who cannot demonstrate proficiency may seek individual approval from the Registrar.

Students are reminded that all admissions documents should be submitted at least two weeks prior to registration to avoid delays.

Transfer Disputes

According to an amendment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the following procedures shall be followed by Del Mar College in the resolution of transfer disputes involving lower division courses:

• If Del Mar College does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, Del Mar College shall give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied.

• The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Coordinating Board rules and/or guidelines.

• If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the institution at which the credit was earned within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of the denial, Del Mar College shall notify the commissioner of its denial and the reason for the denial.

The commissioner of higher education or the commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions. Students may consult with the Assistant to the Vice President of Instruction.

Right to an Academic Fresh Start

Due to Del Mar College’s open admissions policy, the Right to an Academic Fresh Start Act (SB 1321) does not apply to admission into the College. The legislation is specifically limited to those students seeking admission into a public institution of higher education with specific admission standards.

Students applying into competitive programs within the College who are thinking of utilizing this act should contact the Registrar.

Student Classification

Students who have completed college-level, non-developmental semester hours are classified as follows:

FRESHMAN: First year student, or less than 30 semester credit hours.

SOPHOMORE: A second year student who has completed the equivalent of one year of full-time undergraduate work; that is, at least 30 semester credit hours and not more than 72 semester credit hours.

UNCLASSIFIED: More than 72 semester hours; no associate degree.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Previously earned associate degree.

BACCALAUREATE OR ABOVE: Previously earned a baccalaureate or above degree.

Process of Registration

Students with complete admissions files may register on the Web or through their advisor on campus. Students with less than 24 hours of credit must see an advisor before registering for classes.

See Web site or appropriate credit class schedule for details about dates, times and procedures for registration.

• Some students will be eligible for multi-term registration.

• Faculty advising is available for students with majors selected. The Office of Admissions and Registrar can direct students to the appropriate department for advising. A list of advisors is also provided in the Testing, Assessment and Advising section of the College Catalog.

• Counseling and Advising professional staff advise students with a general liberal arts major and students who have not selected a major. Services are available in the Counseling and Advising Centers on East and West Campuses.

Change of Name, Address, Social Security Number or Major

A student who changes his/her name, address, social security number or major is required to submit the changes to the Office of Admissions and Registrar. A social security number or name change requires a legal document to support the change.

Any communication from the College using the name and address which is in its files is considered to be properly delivered.

Proof of Texas Residency

In accordance with state law, students who plan to register as Texas residents must prove to the satisfaction of the Office of Admissions and Registrar that they are legally entitled to pay in-state tuition. Documentation proving state residency must be presented at the time of application or readmission. Students who originally came to Texas from another state for the purpose of attending an educational institution are presumed to be nonresident unless they have legally established residency under the rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules: Chapter 21. Admissions personnel can help clarify residency status. Students who have had a break of a year or more in education must again show proof of Texas residency upon reapplying for admission.

Following are examples of acceptable proof that may be used to establish Texas residency.

• Texas high school or college transcript showing enrollment one year prior,

• Employer's statement confirming employment in Texas for the previous full year,

• Deed, mortgage papers, or property tax statements that name the student as the Texas property owner (appropriately dated),

• Valid Texas driver's license that is at least one year old at the time of enrollment, or

• Utility bills, cancelled checks, rent receipts, or lease agreements showing the student's Texas address for the previous full year.

Students who have not proven their Texas residency at the time of preregistration and/or registration will be considered out-of-state students and billed accordingly. Students must correct residency problems within the first week of the term to receive any type of refund.

Military Personnel and Military Dependents

In order to qualify for in-state and in-district tuition, military personnel or military dependents must submit a letter from the commanding officer or from the individual assigned to handle such duty, verifying Texas as the state of duty station. This verification must be submitted upon every enrollment at Del Mar College on or before registration. Forms are available from the Office of Admissions and Registrar.