The State of Colorado mandates that first-time undergraduate students at all state system community colleges be assessed in mathematics, writing, and reading prior to enrolling in the second semester of their college career. (Board Policy 9-41, 7/1/2004 and CCHE Statewide Remedial Education Policy)
As a result, students may be asked to take placement/assessment test(s) as part of the admissions process. These computer-based assessments are not pass or fail exams; rather tools to help determine the courses that best fit a student’s academic needs. They measure knowledge in the areas of mathematics, writing and reading. The results are shared with the student’s academic advisor and used to determine course placement and class scheduling.
If assessment/placement testing results indicate the need for developmental education or pre-college level coursework, (these courses are generally numbered less than 1000), a schedule will be developed which will allow for the timely completion of any developmental course, either prior to or concurrent with the beginning of the student’s program of study. The State of Colorado mandates (HB 1465) that a student must complete all required developmental courses within their first 30 credit hours of enrollment. In addition, students receiving financial aid may lose funding if developmental course work is not completed within the 30-credit hour limit.
Placement recommendations are dependent on whether the student is planning to take Career and Technical Education (CTE)/Quantitative Literacy courses or preparing to take Algebra. (If the student switches from one path to another, additional testing and advising may be needed for proper placement in courses towards the new path.)
Students needing an accommodation related to placement testing should contact the Disability Services Office.