Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is orientation mandatory for international students?
Yes, all international students must participate in orientation.
When I arrive in Houston, where do I need to report my arrival?
You must go to the Office of International Student Services at 3100 Main, Houston, TX 77002 to report your arrival with a DSO. There may be consequences if you fail to do so.
What is a DSO?
DSO stands for designated school official. A DSO is responsible for reporting and updating information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) about the F-1 student's situation.
Do I have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) before I can be admitted to Houston Community College?
No, you do not have to take the TOEFL to be admitted to HCC; however, international students planning to enroll in an academic program must demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be accomplished by a counselor's recommendation to take an appropriate test.
What is the CELSA test?
A variety of assessment instruments are used to determine placement into programs and courses at HCC. One of the instruments we use to determine English proficiency for non-native speakers is the Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA), which we use for placement purposes.
What happens if I already took the TOEFL?
If you already took the TOEFL and scored over 550 or scored 213 on a computer-based test and 79 on an Internet-based test (iBT), you will be exempt from taking the Intensive English Program.
What is the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)?
The State of Texas and Houston Community College requires that all students must be tested to determine readiness to enroll in college-level courses. This requirement is referred to as the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). A major emphasis of TSI is to ensure that all students be tested to determine if they are "college ready" in reading, writing and mathematics. Testing is mandatory and must be completed prior to one's first enrollment at HCC, unless it is determined that the student has been waived or exempted from TSI requirement. See your college counselor for more information.
What happens if I just take classes without completing English for non-native speakers?
Any student who, in the determination of the instructor and counselor, cannot be expected to benefit from the class because of the student's limited command of the English language may be dropped from the class. The consequence of this is that you may lose your F-1 status. You need to assure that you are in the right program from the beginning, so please see your college counselor for proper advisement.
What is a degree plan? Do I need to have one?
An F-1 student is admitted to the United States to work towards "the attainment of a specific educational or professional objective." Therefore, it is important to develop your degree plan with a counselor. Counselors assist students in developing degree plans, which serve as a roadmap for students. Students who complete degree plans at the end of the first semester are more likely to achieve their educational goals within the expected time.
What does a counselor do?
Our master's- and doctoral-level counseling staff promotes access and success for all students through a total-collegiate experience. Counselors, in partnership with instructors, provide high-quality support services for the HCC student body. Our many locations provide easy access to counselors. After completing the required admission process with a DSO, you will see a counselor for advising.
Can I transfer my college credit from my home country toward my degree plan at HCC?
International students must have transcripts from their home country evaluated by an approved agency in order to have their credits transferred to HCC by the counselor.
How can I be a full-time student as my status requires?
A semester credit hour (SCH) student is full-time if the student is enrolled in 12 or more semester hours. For summer session, a student is full-time if enrolled in nine or more semester hours total for summer I and II.
What is a semester credit hour?
Academic credit is expressed in semester credit hours (SCH). Generally, one class lecture hour per week for the semester earns one SCH. A class meeting three lecture hours a week, therefore, has three SCH.
How does the course numbering system work?
A course number has four digits. The first digit identifies the level of the course: "0" indicates a developmental level, "1" indicates freshman, and "2" indicates sophomore level. The second digit indicates the SCH credit value of the course. The third and fourth digits distinguish the courses within a program area. For example, English 1301 is a freshman level (1), three semester-hour course (3).
How many classes can I miss?
A student may be dropped from a course or either receive a grade of "F" for absenteeism. After the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction, including lecture and laboratory, a student enrolled in a three credit-hour lecture/lab course meeting six hours per week (48 hours of instruction) may be dropped after six hours of absences. (Please refer to page 31 in the catalog for more details).
What happens if the instructor drops me from courses or I drop my courses and be less than a full-time student?
By immigration law you must pursue a "full course of study." This means you need to be enrolled in 12 semester credit hours to keep your status as an F-1 student. Under certain circumstances, your instructor may withdraw (W) you from class. This will affect your F-1 status, which means you will looe your status as an F-1 student.
What is a GPA?
Grade point average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the semester hour value of the course by the point value of the grade earned. An "A" in a three-hour course earns 12 grade points; a "B" earns nine points; a "C" earns six points; a "D" earns three points; and an "F" earns zero points. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total points earned by the semester hours completed with grades.
What are the minimum standards for continuing in college?
The minimum is a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (refer to the academic progress section in the catalog). You cannot make less than a 2.0 GPA, otherwise you may lose your F-1 status.
Can I transfer my courses from HCC to a university or any other college?
HCC has articulation agreements with Texas public senior institutions and some private institutions for the acceptance of transferred HCC credit (usually not more than 66 semester credit hours) toward university degree requirements. If you intend to transfer, consult with your counselor.
Can an international student work?
You may work up to 19.5 hours a week on campus, if you are in good academic standing. For special permission to work off campus CPT, OPT must be granted. For more information, contact your DSO.
How many distance education courses can I take as an international student?
Since January 1, 2003, no more than the equivalent of one online/distance education class or 3 SCH per semester may be counted towards the "full course of study" requirement.
If I lose my F-1 status, what do I need to do?
You may need to leave the United States to re-establish student status by re-entering the country with a new I-20 or by filing a reinstatement request with the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please see your DSO to determine the best course for you.
Do you have student clubs or organizations?
Yes we do!! We have more than 20 different student organizations for you to choose from. They are ethnically, academically and socially diverse and a great way to make new friends.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. All students holding an F‐1 Visa will be automatically enrolled and charged for the Houston Community College endorsed International Student and Accident & Sickness Insurance Program. You may download a copy of the Accident & Sickness Insurance booklet and access other helpful information from www.macori.com/hcc.
Health Insurance FAQ's
Can I apply for a waiver of the health insurance fee?
A waiver of the health insurance fee may be requested online at www.macori.com/hcc
(click on “Waive Online”) with proof of acceptable alternate insurance as follows:
I. Acceptable Alternate Health Insurance Plans:
A. A government or scholarship sponsored plan that meets Houston
Community College’s waiver criteria;
B. A job‐based employer health insurance plan (or covered as a dependent
under a job‐based employer health insurance plan).
Note: individual policies (Example: Plans offered online to individuals) are
not considered acceptable alternate health and will not be accepted.
For more information about the waiver criteria and deadlines visit Health Insurance Requirements and Waiver
When does school start, and when should I physically be in town?
We recommend that you be in Houston one month prior to starting school, so you can get settled in before classes begin. However, you may not enter the United States more than 30 days before your program start date listed on the I-20 form. You must report your entry into the United States at the Office of International Students at 3100 Main, Houston Texas, 77022 prior to registration.
If I do not finish my studies by the completion date on the I-20, what do I need to do to stay in school and finish my degree program?
You will have to meet with a counselor at 3100 Main and determine how much time is needed to complete your degree program. Then you must present new financial documents to verify the financial support needed to extend the date of your I-20 form. Your DSO will advise you. We can extend your program's end date in annual increments if requested by the student BEFORE the end date on your I-20 form. If you fail to extend the date, you may lose your F1 status.
Can CLEP scores be used to satisfy full time enrollment?
No CLEP scores cannot be used to satisfy full time enrollment. However, you can receive credits for a CLEP score.
