Admission to LCHC

Description (TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) Policy)

College academic programs are offered to the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) students who have demonstrated a clear and convincing record of rehabilitation while incarcerated as well as demonstrated an aptitude and ability to do college level study.

Eligible students will be responsible for the cost of all tuition, fees, and tests associated with the program.  The student may pay these costs at registration by following the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) I-25 withdrawal procedures, outside pay, or the student will reimburse the state for these expenses after release TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RDP)-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER).  The student also may apply for the Texas Public Education grant (TPEG) or the Britt-Hodgin Second Chance Scholarship.  Hazelwood benefits are available to any eligible Texas veteran.  Reimbursement of the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) loan for post-secondary programs will be required for all incarcerated students who enroll in college courses and use those funds.

Students may apply for a Britt-Hodgin Second Chance Scholarship that will pay a one-time award of 6 SCH’s (semester credit hours) in the semester that the student receives the award.  No student may receive Britt Hodgin Second Chance Scholarship funds for more than one semester in any calendar year.

Post secondary academic programs consist of community and university college credit courses, all of which may lead to degree completion.  Technical certification programs are also available through the community colleges.  College programming within Texas Department of Criminal Justice is provided through inter-agency/inter-local contracts with colleges and universities servicing the geographical areas where units are located.  All students participating in these programs must meet the academic criteria for admission as outlined in the respective college or university catalog. The TDCJ Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) has academic criteria that must also be met, which includes the requirement that all students receive security and classification clearance before entry into a program.

The University of Houston Clear Lake graduate program is available for qualified students.  Tuition and fee expenses associated with this program are the student’s responsibility.

The following are the colleges and universities, by unit, with which TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) contracts for college academic programs.

For available programming at each facility, contact the Lee College counselor.

TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) College Admission Policy

In order for an student to participate in college programs, he/she must meet the following criteria as established by TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RDP).

These eligibility criteria shall be met by the certification date (day of record) for each class.

The student shall have a verified high school diploma, GED certificate, or at least nine (9) hours of transferable academic college credit from an accredited institution.

students must be within 10 years of initial parole review date, however, according to TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD), if the student is past that date, he must be within 10 years of projected release or max date.

students must not have stacked sentences. If on the last sentence they many enroll.

Most students with FIR votes will not be approved by TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) for college enrollment.

students who receive a reduction in time earning status, custody level or conviction of a major case after the course certification date shall not be dropped from class unless required by the Warden and/or Unit Classification Committee.  They will, however, be restricted from re-enrolling the next semester until they  have met re-enrollment requirements.

For re-enrollment, students may not have had a major disciplinary conviction for six (6) months prior to the class certification date.

students shall be at least G2/P2 custody and line class I status, or G3/P3 custody with the warden’s written approval.

The student’s projected release or maximum expiration date shall be later than the end of the semester in which the student shall be enrolled.

students with a parole approval date (FI/FIR) shall participate only at the discretion of the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD).

If the student’s voted parole calculated date is the same as the maximum expiration date, and a SA is listed on the parole action computer screen, this indicates a “Serve All.”  students with a “Serve All” status shall be considered ineligible for State reimbursement; all costs shall be paid through TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) I-25, direct payment to the college, grants, scholarships, or Hazelwood.

The student shall not have a verified Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal or felony detainer.  students in these categories may participate on a space-available basis if they pay all reimbursable costs at registration by TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) I-25, direct pay, Hazelwood or college scholarship.

The college shall be responsible for determining the student’s readiness to take the TSIA test and the time frame to take the test.  Additional information regarding TSIA testing requirements and exemptions can be found under Student Services, subsection Texas Success Initiative Policies.

Targeting priorities for students reimbursing the State, based on length of sentence, are listed below.

• Eligible students who plan to reimburse the State shall have an initial parole review date that is within ten (10) years.

For eligibility of State reimbursable funding based on current TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RDP) screening criteria, contact a Lee College counselor for specifics.

Post Degree Program Participation

If an student wants to continue taking courses at the same level of instruction in which he already has a degree (whether earned inside or outside of TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD)) rather than work toward a higher degree, the following shall apply.

The student shall pay for the cost of all courses at registration by TDCJ-PSER, I-25, direct payment to the college, or qualify for Pell, Hazelwood or any college grants or scholarships.

The student shall meet all other eligibility requirements.

The student must be approved by TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD).

students who have earned a degree (inside or outside of TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD)) shall not be considered for unit transfer for the same level of degree.  If all eligible criteria are met, students may request a transfer to participate in the next higher degree.

If an student has a degree, he is still allowed one technical trade. 

Technical Program

Qualified students shall be placed into vocational training programs in priority order with the least amount of time remaining based on projected release date or maximum expiration date.

In addition, the following requirements shall be met:

• The student shall have a verified high school diploma, GED certificate, or at least nine (9) hours of transferable college academic credit from an accredited institution.  students assigned to prisons shall be at least G2/P2 custody and line class I status, with no major disciplinary for six (6) months from hearing date, or students who are G3/P3 custody and line class I status with the warden’s written approval.
• If an student received a reduction in time earning status, custody level or conviction of a major case after the course certification date, the student shall not be dropped from class unless required by the warden or Unit Classification Committee.
• The student’s projected release or maximum expiration date shall be later than the end of the semester in which the student shall be enrolled.
• students with a parole “FI/FIR” action date shall be looked at on a case by case basis.
• students with a “Serve All” status are not eligible for State reimbursement and shall be required to pay all reimbursable costs at registration or qualify for grant, Pell, or scholarship funding.
• students must not have stacked sentences.
• Per TDCJ policy, sex offenders are restricted from enrolling in the following programs:
  • Computer Networking
  • Computer Repair
  • Computer Web Authoring
  • Data Processing
  • Drafting
  • Truck Driving
• The student shall not be on the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) suspension from college participation list.  If the student has a college eligibility date on or before the certification date, he shall be considered eligible.
• students may participate in one (1) college level vocational program.  Prior degrees (associate, baccalaureate, master’s) shall not prohibit eligible students from participation.  A written request may be submitted by the student for an exemption or waiver to the eligibility criteria.  Appropriate TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) staff shall notify the college in writing of the approval or denial of the request.  The following examples of requested exceptions are only allowed if space is available in the classroom.
• students who have taken one or more vocational programs more than ten years ago may request an exception to attend another vocational trade using the RPD waiver request form.
• students whose initial degree plan on file requires them to enroll in an additional vocational trade. (i.e., Basic and Advanced Culinary Arts).
• The student shall not have a verified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal or felony detainer.  students in this category may participate on a space available basis if they pay all reimbursable costs at registration by the TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) I-25 process or direct pay.
• The student shall meet minimum requirements as established by the appropriate medical and/or classification staff if required for the requested course.
• The student is responsible for all costs of vocational/technical programs at the time of registration.  Funding can be provided by TDCJ-Loan/Post-Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER), TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) I-25, direct pay, or any grants or scholarships for which the student is qualified.
• In order to receive a CDL for the Truck Driving Program, an student 1) must be a State approved Trusty, 2) must obtain an original social security card, 3) and must submit a certified copy of his birth certificate.  He must also be cleared by the Department of Public Safety Office, approved by State Classification Committee, and pass a Department of Transportation physical exam.

**No sex offenders; Refer to TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) Administrative Directive 4.09 - Sex offernder Identification Criteria and Methods of Recording Information

Transfer Students

Students who wish to transfer to Lee College from other institutions of higher education must complete the Lee College Transcript Request form in order to request transcripts.

Students who claim to be TSIA-exempt or to have met college readiness standards by other means must produce transcripts or other documentation to prove TSIA completion prior to enrollment.  Without this documentation, students will be treated as first-time college students for TSIA purposes.

Other transfer students must produce official college transcripts prior to enrollment.  See the college counselor for completion of the Lee College request for transcripts form.

Credit for college-level work completed at accredited institutions listed in the Higher Education Directory will be awarded according to the following conditions:

• The office of Admissions and Records determines the total number of semester credit hours which students may transfer to Lee College from other institutions.  Students who are pursuing associate degrees should contact their Huntsville Center counselor to request that their transfer work be evaluated.  Also, students seeking certificates of completion who have transfer work in the same program of study should request an evaluation of their transcripts.
• Credit for courses equivalent to those listed in this catalog will be given for satisfactory completion of the courses earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
• Transferred courses that are not required by the student’s current degree plan may be accepted as elective courses for the student’s degree.  A minimum of 25 percent of total coursework (i.e., total semester credit hours) required by student’s degree program or 50 percent of the course work required by the student’s certificate of completion program, must be taken in residence at Lee College for the student to become eligible to receive a certificate of completion or an associate’s degree from Lee College.  Transfer students should consult with a Lee College counselor regarding their transfer hours and degree programs.
• Students may be required to obtain official course descriptions from colleges previously attended before transfer credit can be awarded.
• Courses in which students earned grades of “D,” “F,” and “Incomplete” will not be accepted for transfer credit by Lee College.
• While course credit hours transfer, only grades earned in Lee College courses will be utilized to calculate G.P.A., which is used to determine eligibility to graduate.  At Lee College, students’ cumulative grade point averages - which are based solely on grades earned at the College - are used to determine their eligibility to receive honors at graduation.
• Credit will be considered for military courses based upon the evaluation recommendations outlined in the American Council on Education Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services Manual.

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA)

Each public institution of higher education in Texas is required to assess basic skills of admitted students in three components: reading, writing, and mathematics. Developmental interventions and supports are available to those students who test below college level:

• All students entering Lee College, unless exempt, must have assessment scores in all components from an approved test to determine readiness to meet course prerequisites and/or to enroll in college level academic coursework.
• A student who has a deficiency in one or more areas will be co-enrolled in a developmental bridge intervention and the entry-level, credit course within the same semester for the respective subject area.
• Students may not enroll in corequisite (“C-rule”) courses (see list below) without the appropriate test score or being co-enrolled in a developmental bridge intervention.

Who needs to take the TSIA?

Students who test as college ready will be allowed to enter entry level college coursework.  All Texas public colleges and universities must abide by the passing scores as set by the state.  Information on cut scores and college ready standards are found in the Counseling Center.

Exemptions are outlined below and includes exemptions based on ACT or SAT scores, Veteran status, and the completion of a degree.  Students who are exempt based on these standards will be deemed college ready and eligible for entry level coursework.  For information on the TSIA, cut scores and other information related to testing, contact the unit Lee College advisor.

Exemptions

A student may be exempt from the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative based on state approved exemptions.

The following students are exempt from the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative:

• Students are exempt who have met the qualifying standards on the ACT or SAT as follows:
  • ACT - composite score of 23 or higher with a minimum of 19 on the English and mathematics test.  Partial exemption (either reading/writing or math) is granted with a composite score of 23 and a minimum of 19 on either the English test or mathematics test.  The score is good for 5 years from the date of the test.
• In May, 2016, the SAT was revised with a new scoring system and new benchmarks established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:
  • SAT (previous standards) - results on critical reading and math scores added together which equal or exceed 1070 (with a minimum of 500 on each test).  Partial exemption is granted for writing/reading or math with a combined score of 1070 and a minimum of 500 on either critical reading or math.  Scores are good for 5 years from the date of the test.
  • SAT (new standards) - Evidence-based Reading and Writing of 480 or higher and a Math score of 530 or higher
• Students who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree.
• A student who is on active duty serving as a member in the United Sates armed forces, National Guard, or as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the US and has been serving for at least t three years preceding enrollment
• A student who on or after August 1, 1990 was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the US or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
• A student who is enrolled in a certificate program (level one, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent).

Transfer Students

A student who transfers college-level courses from a regionally accredited or public institution may use transferred courses that are equivalent to the following to satisfy the success initiative in the given area.  Students must have earned a “C” or better in each course for exemption in each respective area.

“C” Rule Courses:

Any advanced mathematics course for which the above are prerequisites.

Students who have completed the highest level of developmental coursework from a Texas public institution of higher education in reading, writing, or math will be considered college ready.  Any student transferring to Lee College from another Texas public institution of higher education, who is noted on the incoming transcript as “complete” or “satisfied” for all or part of TSIA will continue in that status at Lee College.

Transfer students who cannot satisfy all or any part of TSIA through prior coursework must be tested prior to enrollment, just as with first time in college students.

Learning Strategies/Learning Pathways Course Requirement Based on Placement Scores.

Advisement

Students who have not completed the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) are encouraged to see an advisor each semester prior to registration.  The advisor will monitor their progress toward completing required developmental coursework and will assist with course scheduling.

Students with Disabilities

A student who has a documented disability must contact the Counselor for Students with Disabilities prior to testing to make arrangements for any necessary accommodations on any TSIA.  Documentation of the disability is required.

Counseling and Advising Services

Lee College employs counselors/advisors whose duties include helping students select courses in which they can succeed and which lead to the realization of their educational goals.  In addition, counselors/advisors can answer questions related to TSIA, financial aid, and the transferability of courses either to or from Lee College.

Lee College is dedicated to providing quality instruction and services to all of the students it enrolls.  Students who are having difficulty with classes, student services, other students, or are considering withdrawing from the college for other reasons, must speak with a counselor/advisor before dropping a class or failing to attend classes on a regular basis.

The LCHC counselors/advisors act as the Liaison between the student and TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD).  A student may make an appointment to see a Lee College counselor by sending an I-60 to the Lee counselor through the unit education office.  Students may also contact counselors/advisors via truck mail, or TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD), P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342, or by US mail at the following address:

Lee College Huntsville Center

168 C Colonel Etheredge Blvd.

Huntsville, TX 77340

Reentry Services

“In 2017, the Lee College Huntsville Center (LCHC) initiated Reentry services for its current and former incarcerated students. These services are primarily divided into two categories: Student Services and Alumni Services. Student Services cater to the needs of present students who are incarcerated, as well as those who have graduated from LCHC. These services encompass individual correspondence which offers information and resources regarding reentry, vocational lectures on LCHC reentry services, and a six-week, in-person Reentry course at each facility facilitated by Lee College.

On the other hand, Alumni Services are tailored for students of LCHC who were once incarcerated but have since been released. These services offer referrals to a range of organizations that supply crucial services to those reintegrating into society, including employment, identification, housing, and school enrollment. In addition, we conduct weekly online networking and support groups, alumni events, and foster a sense of community for those who opt to participate.”

Degree Plans (TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) Policy)

students are required to complete their degree(s) in the most efficient manner possible.  students shall have a degree plan by the end of the first semester of enrollment in the college’s program.

A copy of each student’s degree plan shall be filed by the college in the unit education department.

Degree plans cannot be changed at the student’s request without the written approval of TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD), PO Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342

Transfer of Courses to Universities

The credits earned at Lee College in academic courses are generally accepted by other accredited colleges and universities to satisfy specific course requirements or count as electives.  Students are responsible for knowing the requirements associated with the degrees they seek, for enrolling in courses that fit into degree programs and for taking courses in proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year school should be aware that each university determines its own list of courses required for each degree it offers, and different colleges require different courses for the same degree.  Therefore, students who plan to transfer to other institutions should use the degree plan requirements at that institution to guide their choice of courses at Lee College.  The best source of information regarding degree plan requirements is the official catalog of the institution.

Student Financial Aid

TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER)

Interest free loan given by TDCJ.  This loan covers the cost of up to 2 academic courses per semester and 1 technical program; this only applies to the Lee College Huntsville Center programs.

TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) only allows a student to take one college vocational program.  However, PSER will pay for 2 if the 2nd advanced certificate is needed for the degree.

Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)

These funds are generated from a portion of the tuition recognized by the state. TPEG is a grant and students are not required to reimburse these funds. A student must utilize PSER funds if the student is eligible prior to TPEG being awarded. Student eligibility is determind on a case-by-case basis. Students must complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility for TEPEG. 

Non-citizens and students participating in some Continuing Education and Dual Enrollment classes may be eligible for some TPEG funds. 

Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the building blocks of all financial aid. Congress sets Pell Grant award amounts each year. 

The amount of Pell Grant you may receive is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution that is calculated by the Department of Education , the Financial Aid Budget or Cost of Attendance and your enrollment status. 

Incarcerated individuals are granted based on the cost of tuition and fees only, and students must meet all other Pell Grant regulations. 

Students in Continuing Education, Dual Enrollment and certain non-citizens may not be eligible for federal aid.  

Hazelwood Act

• Home of record must be in Texas at the time of enlistment
• Must have been discharged under honorable conditions
• 180 Active days of service
• 10 years elapsed since military discharge/separation date
• Will cover tuition only

Counselors/advisors will also assist veteran students with completion of the paperwork required to utilize veterans’ educational benefits.

Veterans Educational Benefits

You DD214 is needed.  Chapter 30 - the Montgomery GI Bill.

Britt-Hodgin Second Chance Scholarship

See an LCHC faculty member or counselor for an application form.

Financial Aid Warning

The records of all students who received state or federal financial aid are reviewed by the Financial Aid Office at least annually.  Those students whose overall course completion rates and/or overall GPAs fall below the standards established in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy are placed on Financial Aid Warning.  Students who are on Financial Aid Warning and have not met the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards at the end of the following term are placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Financial Aid Suspension

Students who fail to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards after a semester of Financial Aid Warning, as well as students who have dropped or failed all of the courses that they attempted in a semester/term, allowed their cumulative GPAs to drop below the level set in the Satisfactory Academic Progress, and/or exceeded the maximum number of credits allowed for their programs are placed on Financial Aid Suspension.  Students on Financial Aid Suspension are ineligible to receive state or federal financial aid.  They may, however, use the financial aid appeal process to seek restoration of their financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Appeals

Students on Financial Aid Suspension may appeal for reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility.  This process is meant for students whose grades and/or coursework suffered because of extenuating circumstances such as illness, injury, or death in the family and students who have exceeded the maximum number of credits allowed for their programs because they changed majors and/or pursued multiple degrees.  The appeal process, including the number of appeals allowed, is included in the SAP Policy.

Financial Aid:  Probation

Students whose financial aid appeals have been granted are placed on probation.  Students in this status are eligible to receive state and federal financial aid provided that they comply with the restrictions outlined in the SAP Policy. Students are removed from this status when their overall course completion rates and GPAs meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and other charges, along with related regulations and requirements, are subject to change as necessitated by college and/or state legislative actions.  Counselors can provide students with tuition and fee totals for the next semester.

State Reimbursement Costs (TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) Loan)

State Reimbursable Costs (TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) loan) include tuition and fees for college credit associate and baccalaureate level courses, required testing and graduation fees, TSIA tests required at the time of college entry, and for all developmental study courses required as a result of TSIA testing.

As a State Reimbursable Cost, the state will pay for only the cost of 2 or fewer academic courses each semester.  Additional courses each semester will be at the expense of the student, which will be paid at registration from personal funds.

myBooks is an inclusive-access program allowing students to have their textbooks and course materials by the first day of class. Studies show that student success increases when students have the correct learning materials from the start of class. With myBooks, students will have access to learning materials for each course they take. If you’re taking a class, you’ll get the required course materials for that class on or before the first day of class.

Refunds

The College shall charge the TDCJ for students who are enrolled and attending as of the official class certification date each semester or enrollment period.  No pro-rated changes prior to certification date shall be allowed.  Refunds for tuition and fees paid by personal funds or direct payment shall be refunded in accordance with the College’s tuition refund policy.

Huntsville Campus= HUNTSVILLE Calendar

(by class start date)

TDCJ-Loan/Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) Responsibilities

The TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) - maintains account records for each student who enrolls in college-level State Reimbursable Costs programs.  The recording of such financial information became effective September 1, 1995, or the first enrollment period after the date.

TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) maintains the student account records on the Post Secondary Education Reimbursement (PSER) system, which is accessible on the TDCJ Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD).  Account data is taken from the college/university billings and TSIA enrollment documents.

Each student’s PSER account includes costs of tuition and fees by college and semester enrollment period.  Any test fees related to the class will also appear.  Each student’s account has a total amount owed.  The TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD) will make account statements available to all students. 

It shall be the responsibility of the Parole Division to collect the reimbursement amount due from parolees and mandatory supervision releases.  Payments for State Reimbursable Cost items may be made by the ex-student in a lump sum or in monthly payments.  Monthly  payments shall be determined by the Parole Division based on the ex-student’s ability to pay.

Once reimbursement payments are made, the student’s account balance will be adjusted accordingly by the Parole Division or other collecting party.

Upon release if there are questions regarding the balance owed, contact:

PSER Reimbursement

TDCJ-Rehabilitation Programs Division (RPD)

Cashier’s Office

P.O. Box 4015

Huntsville, TX 77342

Student Payment from Personal Funds

Rather than reimbursing the state after release, the student may opt to pay for all coursework by completing the Inmate Withdrawal Form (I-25).  Also, in the event an student elects to enroll in more than one academic course each semester, he may do so by completing the I-25 for the amount which is in excess of the cost of the initial course.

Additional I-25’s will be completed by students who wish to participate in a course for which the state will not pay, such as a second vocational program or an additional degree at the same level.

Processing of Withdrawal Forms (I-25)

The following procedures should be followed in processing I-25’s.

The I-25 should be made payable to the college or university in the appropriate amount owed for the academic course, TSIA test, or vocational program in which the student is enrolling.

The trust fund account of each student submitting an I-25 must be checked by the Unit Warden to ascertain whether the student has sufficient funds to cover the tuition payment.