Academic Policies

Davidson County Community College is committed to helping students reach their full academic potential and to preparing them for success in their careers and further academic pursuits. The College has adopted academic policies that are intended to help students achieve their educational goals. Each student is expected to make satisfactory progress toward reaching those goals.

Learning Competencies

Learning competencies are embedded in each associate degree program at the College. Each competency is equally important for the success of our graduates as they pursue careers and further study.

1. Communicate effectively.
2. Think critically.
3. Demonstrate information literacy.
4. Demonstrate interdependence.

Rights & Responsibilities

Students, instructors, administrators, and advisors have certain rights and responsibilities in order to ensure that the DCCC grading system is used to improve academic performance.

The student has the following rights:

1. to know the basis for their evaluation in each course;
2. to appeal a grade;
3. to have all policies and procedures, which they do not understand, explained simply and completely;
4. to be able with reasonable effort to make arrangements for appointments with instructors, administrators, and other staff members;
5. to be informed of their academic progress; and
6. to be given appropriate accommodations for documented disability.

The student has the following responsibilities:

1. to make a reasonable effort to meet all objectives and goals for each course taken;
2. to meet with their instructor(s) and advisor, particularly at the first indication of academic difficulty;
3. to set realistic educational goals with the help of an instructor and advisor;
4. to make arrangements with their instructor to complete necessary work and to remove an incomplete (“I”) grade within the time allowed but before the end of the subsequent semester;
5. to know and follow the procedures of the College when dropping a course and/or withdrawing from the College;
6. to meet periodically with their advisor to review their progress toward graduation;
7. to understand and follow all academic policies and procedures of the College as presented in the College catalog and to ask for help when they do not understand; and
8. to make their disability known and to provide valid documentation of the disability.

The instructor has the following rights:

1. to define performance requirements for specific grades;
2. to determine the best methods of developing information, knowledge, and skills for courses; and
3. to expect reasonable effort on the student’s part to attain the goals and objectives of the course.

The instructor has the following responsibilities:

1. to evaluate grading procedures periodically;
2. to inform students at the beginning of the course of the objectives of the course and the grading system to be used;
3. to investigate new and different ways to enhance and develop skills and to evaluate students;
4. to provide students with periodic feedback and opportunities for individualized assistance;
5. to maintain an atmosphere that facilitates learning; and
6. to maintain a relationship and rapport with students that facilitates learning.

Advisors and administrators have the following rights:

1. to have access to student records;
2. to receive a response regarding the disposition of referrals made to other programs and/or services in the College; and
3. to be provided with needed materials and information.

Advisors and administrators have the following responsibilities:

1. to provide means whereby students are informed of any policy and procedural changes;
2. to provide the necessary time, resources, and facilities needed for teaching and learning to take place;
3. to provide a grade appeal process;
4. to provide appropriate counseling and advisement services;
5. to provide leadership in continuing development and evaluation of a standard grading system; and
6. to respect the confidentiality of the student’s records.

Academic Integrity Policy

The College is committed to fostering a learning environment where students perform to the best of their own abilities and where academic integrity and honesty pervades.

True intellectual growth is dependent upon honest work. As scholars, Davidson County Community College students are expected to demonstrate integrity in all of their academic pursuits by doing their own work, without unauthorized assistance from others. The College will not tolerate academically dishonest acts such as, but not limited to, cheating, fabricating, plagiarizing (including multiple submissions of one’s own work), and/or assisting others in academically dishonest acts.

Cheating is defined by the College as gaining or receiving unauthorized help during any academic assignment including using or attempting to use unauthorized:

• information (e.g. notes, someone else’s work, test bank information),
• communication (e.g. talking, writing, or signing/signaling others),
• electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, blackberries, mp3 players, calculators, digital recorders/cameras, or other data storage device) during any academic assignment or test.

Fabricating is defined as generating false data, sources, or citations for any academic assignment.

Plagiarizing includes any attempt to pass another’s work off as one’s own, in part or in whole, without properly acknowledging the source. This includes directly quoting, summarizing, or using ideas, images, or data from another’s work without properly citing the source as well as submitting purchased or borrowed papers as one’s own. Submitting one’s own work for multiple assignments without the express consent of the instructor is also prohibited.

Assisting others in academically dishonest acts includes any activity that is intended to help another person cheat, fabricate, or plagiarize. These acts include, but are not limited to, allowing another to copy work, providing test questions or answers, unsanctioned collaboration, and completing an academic assignment for someone else.

Academic penalties for academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Failing grade for the assignment involved
• Failing grade for the course
• Removal from the course

Via the course syllabus, faculty will inform students in writing of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy. Therein, the faculty will list specific penalties they will invoke for academic dishonesty in the course. Students who remain enrolled and engaged in courses beyond the review of the syllabi are  considered to have read and agree to both the College’s policy and the academic penalties that may be invoked by each faculty member in each individual course. Academic penalties for violation of the policy can and may be applied differently by the faculty of the College.

Assessing the academic work of students is the purview of the instructor; therefore, issues regarding academic dishonesty should be resolved between the instructor and the student. However, any unresolved issues will be referred to the appropriate Academic Dean for further review. On the rare occasion when resolution is still unreachable, the infraction may be referred to the Vice President for Academic Programs and Services. The Vice President’s decision will be final.

Please note: Violation of the Academic Integrity policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. As outlined in the DCCC Student Code of Conduct, academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited. Students who violate the academic integrity policy will be reported to the Vice President, Student Affairs. Multiple violations may result in the Vice President issuing additional sanctions, up to and including expulsion, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Section.

Student Classification

The College uses the following student classification system:

1. Full-time: A student who is enrolled for 12 or more semester hours of course work at DCCC.
2. Part-time: A student who is enrolled for less than 12 semester hours of course work at DCCC.
3. Freshman: A student who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours of credit.
4. Sophomore: A student who has earned 30 or more semester hours of credit.

Credit Hour Policy

Davidson County Community College provides instruction for each course based on the number of contact hours listed in the North Carolina Community College Combined Course Library (CCL) for that particular course. Instruction is delivered by a variety of methods, including traditional and online formats or a combination of both. Students will participate in course instruction and outside studies to achieve the course learning outcomes.

A semester credit hour is an academic unit earned for no less than sixteen 50-minute sessions of classroom instruction or its equivalent with a normal expectation of two hours of outside study for each class session. This basic measure may be adjusted proportionately to reflect modified academic calendars and formats of study.

The award of credit hour(s) for asynchronous online and alternative delivery methods of instruction is reflective of the amount of student work necessary to achieve the course objectives and represents an equivalent amount of student work defined by the clock hours for the award of credit hour(s).

Laboratory, clinical, and work experience courses from the CCL convert from credit hours to contact hours per course using the following guidelines:

• Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 32 hours of “experiential laboratory work.” This consists of instruction given to a student by an instructor to increase the student’s knowledge and skills without immediate student application.
• Credit of one semester hour is awarded for 48 hours of “faculty directed laboratory work.” This involves structured and coordinated demonstration by an instructor with immediate student application.
• Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 48 hours of “clinical practice.” This is a structured, faculty-directed learning experience in a health sciences program, which develops job proficiency. Clinical practice requires significant preparation, coordination, and scheduling by the faculty and is under the supervision of an instructor or preceptor who is qualified for the particular program.
• Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 160 hours of “work experience” such as cooperative education, practicums, and internships. Student activity in work experience is planned and coordinated by a College representative, and the employer is responsible for the control and supervision of the student on the job.

Course Load Policy

A student who carries twelve (12) or more semester hours of course work is considered a full-time student. Registration in excess of 20 credit hours (13 hours in the summer term), including contact hours for pre-curriculum courses, requires written permission of the student’s academic advisor and the appropriate Associate Dean. Students who work should adjust their course loads accordingly.

Course Load for Veterans, Dependents & Reservists

A student enrolled in a College program and receiving Department of Veteran Affairs benefits is required to carry 12 credit hours in course work each semester in order to receive full educational benefits. Any student enrolled for 3/4 or 1/2 of the full-time requirements as mentioned above is eligible for proportionate compensation. Students enrolled less than 1/2 time are compensated for in-state tuition and fees only. Additional information is available from the Financial Aid Counselor/Veterans’ Services at the College.

Pre-curriculum Placement

The College provides pre-curriculum courses for students to enhance their opportunities for educational success in regular college courses of study. The academic placement of a student is based upon the student’s academic record and the College placement process. Depending upon the student’s needs, goals, and the results of a placement assessment, the student may be advised to enroll in pre-curriculum courses designed to assist in developing the academic skills necessary for success in college-level courses.

Student Success Course Policy

All first time in college students with an unweighted high school GPA less than 3.0 are required to complete a student success course in their first semester. If a student fails to complete the course in the first semester, he or she will be registered for it in the following term. If the course is not completed in the following term, the student will be blocked from registering for any other courses until the student success course has been completed.

Students Enrolling in External Instruction

Davidson County Community College offers a number of courses defined as “external instruction” for regularly enrolled students to meet program requirements. “External instruction” is defined as instruction received at a site or sites to which a student is sent by the College to participate in instructional activities. Within the scope of “external instruction” is practical training, which includes cooperative education courses, internships, directed practice, and clinical practicums. External instruction also includes hybrid and online instruction as well as traditional face-to-face experiences. The purpose of external instruction is to provide students practical occupational experience as an integral part of their formal education and to provide students with alternative means of scheduling educational experiences.

Transfer Credit

A transfer student is defined as a student entering the College who has attended another institution of higher education. In addition to submitting all other required application materials, students may have official transcript(s) sent directly to the College by the institution(s) which originally granted the creditor or hand carry the transcript(s) in a college stationary sealed envelope. “Faxed” transcripts are not considered official.

Davidson County Community College will consider granting credit for work done at institutions of higher education which are accredited by organizations which are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Courses submitted for transfer credit must be equivalent or determined to be appropriate substitutions for offerings at DCCC. Initial decisions regarding the transfer of credit for selected courses are made by the Director, Student Records and Registration. The Director may consult with the Associate Dean or Dean in the program of study, and/or the Vice President, Academic Affairs for final decisions.

However, students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution AND are enrolling in an applied science (A.A.S.) program will be considered to have fulfilled the general education requirements of courses in the following areas: communications (6 semester hours), humanities/fine arts (3 semester hours), social/behavioral sciences (3 semester hours), and natural sciences/mathematics (3 semester hours). These courses will be waived from the program requirements, meaning that a course-by-course evaluation will not be needed.

Students who have attended a college or university outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) before they can be reviewed for possible transfer credit. Evaluation of foreign transcripts by WES does not guarantee transfer credit will be granted, and the standard transfer credit policy will apply.

The College does not grant credit for a course in which a student earned a grade of “D” at another institution. However, a transfer student may be given credit for a sequence course taken at another institution if the student’s overall grade point average in the sequence is at least a “C.” Transfer credit is not awarded for credit by exam granted by other institutions.

Transfer students must pass at least 25% of the required semester hours of credit at this College in order to be eligible to graduate with a degree, diploma, or certificate. Grade point average for graduation, honors, and continuing enrollment is computed on courses taken at Davidson County Community College only.

Time Limitations on Previous Credits

It is the intent of the College that entering students will be successful. Time limitations may restrict the acceptance of credits from both internal and external sources if it is determined that course material or content is outdated. The Dean over the program of study in which the course is taught will make the decision regarding the acceptance of credit for such courses.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit Through Testing & Advanced Placement

The College gives advanced placement credit to students who have demonstrated ability to do advanced work through past academic achievement and/or assessment processes. Credit for prior learning is awarded using several means of evaluation including: College administered challenge exams, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Advanced Placement Program (AP), High School Career and Technical Education, and DSST (Formerly DANTES).

College Administered Challenge Examinations

A student who is currently registered at the College and who can document evidence of possible proficiency in a subject may request a challenge examination to measure competency in that subject. The performance on such an examination must be “C” or above in order to earn credit. A student who successfully completes a challenge examination will be awarded a grade of “CE” and credit hours for the course, but quality points will not be awarded and the grade is not included in the grade point average.

For more information on challenge examinations, a student should contact a faculty member or their academic advisor.

In order to take an examination for credit for an eligible course, the student must:

1. Secure a Credit by Examination Form from the advisor and obtain their signature (attesting to the fact that the student is requesting a challenge examination);
2. Present evidence that in the judgment of the instructor of the course and the Dean of the school in which the course is offered, previous experience or training indicates probable success on the examination and obtain their signatures (approving the request for the challenge exam; and
3. Register for the course and pay tuition at the same rate as for other courses. Tuition and fees are nonrefundable regardless of whether or not the student is awarded credit for the challenge exam.

Challenge examinations may be taken during any semester and taken at any time during the semester that is mutually convenient for both the instructor and the student.

The Student Records Office will forward the results of the examination to the student.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Board’s College Level Examination Program is a national testing program through which a person may obtain college credit in a particular subject area by demonstrating proficiency on an examination. DCCC does not administer these exams. Area colleges and public libraries administer the CLEP General and Subject exams. There is a charge for each exam and pre-registration is required.

The College awards credit for the subject area exams only. Students must request to have an official CLEP score report from the College Board be sent to the Director, Student Records and Registration. If the minimum score is achieved, a grade of “T” (Transfer) and credit hours for the course are awarded. No quality points are awarded, and the grade is not included in the grade point average.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) DCCC Equivalencies

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

The College gives credit for courses in which the College Board’s Advanced Placement Examinations have been given and in which appropriate levels of competence have been demonstrated. If a student has taken Advanced Placement exams in high school, he or she should request an official AP score report from the College Board to be sent to the Student Records Office for evaluation of credit. If credit is awarded, a grade of “T” (Transfer) and credit hours for the course are awarded. No quality points are awarded, and the grade is not included in the grade point average.

Advanced Placement (AP) DCCC Equivalencies

College Credit for High School Career & Technical Education

Students who successfully completed high school Career and Technical Education courses may receive credit for Davidson County Community College courses that cover the same content or skills development as identified by statewide or local articulation agreements. Students must have received a grade of “B” or higher in their high school course and achieved a grade of “A” on the standardized CTE post assessment. To receive credit, students must enroll at the community college within two years of their high school graduation. The Application for Articulated Credit should be submitted to the Student Records Office.

DSST (Formerly DANTES)

DSST is a testing service conducted by Prometric to enable students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired through nontraditional educational experiences. The College awards credit where applicable to the student’s program of study following the guidelines set by the American Council on Education. A grade of “T” and credit hours for the course(s) are awarded. No quality points are awarded, and the grade is not included in the grade point average.

DSST by Prometric (2008-present) DCCC Equivalencies

Professional Training & Certification Examinations

The College may award credit for courses in which the competencies have been demonstrated through selected state, national, or professional training, Armed Forces Services Courses and certification examination testing. This training and these examinations must be individually evaluated in collaboration with academic departments to identify individual course competencies for which credit is to be awarded. The College reserves the right to require students to complete additional competency testing to ensure the currency of knowledge prior to awarding course credit for certification examinations. Non-course credit for professional training and certifications is awarded on the student’s transcript. However, a grade is not recorded, quality points are not given, and the student’s GPA remains unchanged.

Awarding Credit for Continuing Education Units

The awarding of curriculum credit for completion of continuing education is built upon a series of mutually supporting forms.  These forms are found below.

1. A Continuing Education Course of Study to Curriculum Credit Equivalency form is created for any course designated for articulation credit.  Course competencies are identified, to include a comprehensive demonstration of all learning outcomes.  This form becomes valid when the Chief Academic Officer deems that equivalency to the designated curriculum course has been met.
2. A Continuing Education Justification of Faculty Qualifications form records all courses in which the designated faculty is credentialed to teach.  All relevant credentialing documentation for the designated faculty is attached to the form. This form becomes valid once signed by the Chief Academic Officer.
3. The Continuing Education Instructor Verification Form is completed for each student at the conclusion of an identified course and identifies specific competencies addressed in the course, to include a comprehensive evaluation of student outcomes.  The competency evaluation must be attached to the form.
4. The Course Articulation Cover Sheet specifies the unique course section, course name, and aligned curriculum course.

At the conclusion of the course, all documentation is forwarded to Student Records & Registration for articulation of credit.  Upon awarding of credit, the articulation packet is returned to the office of Continuing Education Audit and Reporting. 

Armed Forces Services Courses

Students who have completed Initial Entry Training in the US Armed Services are awarded four (4) semester hours of credit in physical education where applicable to their program of study. A grade of “T” and credit hours are awarded. No quality points are awarded and the grade is not included in the grade point average. A copy of the student’s Joint Services Transcript (JST) must be submitted to the Director, Student Records & Registration, in order for credit to be awarded.

Students who have taken college-level studies while in military service may be eligible to receive academic credit. The student should request to have their Joint Services Transcript (JST) sent directly to the Admissions Office at DCCC. A grade of “T” and credit hours for the course(s) are awarded. No quality points are awarded the grade is not included in the grade point average.

Credit When It’s Due (CWID)

CWID improves the rate of completion of the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees through the reverse transfer of credit. A reverse transfer of credit occurs when a public university or college, which can confer a baccalaureate degree, allows credit from courses taken at its school to be transferred to a community college so that that community college can confer an associate degree on the student who has already transferred to the four-year school.

Transcript level data from participating universities will be retrieved by the UNC General Administration (UNC-GA) office and disseminated to the proper community college for evaluation for the possible awarding of a degree. The file sent to the community college will include all data necessary for the process and awarding of the degree. The coursework completed by the student for degree consideration will be limited to courses with a grade of C- or higher. This data will be considered an official academic record for the student.

The transfer of credits and all pertinent data between UNC-GA, the universities and the community colleges, including notification to the student, will be processed pursuant to the policies and procedures of the institution that will be accepting the transfer credits in accordance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) regulations.

Further, the participating UNC and NCCCS campuses will fully comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with regard to the transcript level data disclosed among and between institutions for the purpose of accommodating reverse transfer, as well as any other individual student data that may be transferred.

The following are policies and procedures for North Carolina Community Colleges and universities participating in the CWID initiative. Students eligible for degree review as part of the CWID initiative will be those currently enrolled and future transfer students at one of the participating universities who transferred from one of the participating community colleges (CCs).

Policies

1. CCs are in agreement that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Colleges residency regulation of 25% of credits earned (16 credit hours) by the student will be the review limit for a degree by the granting institution.
2. The degree granting institution will be determined by the following:
3. Most recent CC attended meeting SACS residency regulations
4. If there is more than one CC meeting the above requirement, the CC from which student has received the most credits will review the student for the degree.
5. Only courses in which the student has received a grade of C- or higher from the university will be included in the data.
6. All credits received by the student from other schools (since the student attended the granting CC) will be included in the data if available for review in awarding the degree.
7. For the purpose of this student population the readmission application process and fee will be waived.
8. Each student will be processed for the degree based on the degree program that the CC determines per their rules and regulations, with the best interest of the student as the guiding principal.
9. Each CC will waive the graduation fee and graduation application to process and award the degree.
10. Upper division courses completed at a four-year institution may be considered for lower division substitution on a case-by-case basis.

Procedures

1. Student completes a minimum of 16 hours towards an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science at Davidson County Community College (DCCC).
2. Student who transfers to a participating 4-year university agrees to participate in CWID through their student services account at the university.
3. Student’s data will be sent to the DCCC upon completing 50 total credit hours as assessed by the information from the currently attended university. The student’s data will be sent each subsequent semester the student is enrolled until they have earned an associates degree or a total of 90 credits or until 5 years has passed from the time the student transferred into the university, whichever comes first.
4. Each semester the data is received, the DCCC Student Records Office will evaluate the student’s credit and inform the student through their university email address if an associate degree has been earned. The student should expect this email no later than three months after DCCC receives the data from UNC-GA. If a degree is earned, this will be applied to the student’s permanent record at DCCC at the end of the term after the student receives the email.

Assuming there is no hold on the student’s record, DCCC will print a diploma to be mailed to the student’s home address and send information about participating in commencement through their university email address. The student should expect to receive this information in April of the academic year the degree is awarded.

Additional questions may be answered on the FAQ web page on the CFNC website (http://www.cfnc.org/reversetransfer) or by the Director, Student Records and Registration.

Schedule Adjustment

Add Policy

A student may add a course through the second day of the Academic Period. An Academic Period is defined as an academic term or subdivision of an academic term during which the College schedules a set of course sections (i.e. 16 week, 1st 8 week, 12 week).

Drop Policy

A student may drop a course prior to the 10% date of the class without a grade on the student’s transcript.  A drop after the 10% date of the class and prior to or on the 75% date of the class is considered to be a withdrawal that will result in a grade of “W” on the student’s transcript.  A grade of “W” has no penalty on the student’s GPA.  After the 75% point in the class, the student will receive the earned grade from the instructor that will have an impact on the student’s GPA.

DCCC believes that students should take an active role in the learning process. If a student needs to withdraw from a course, the student must take the appropriate action to officially withdraw from a course on or before the 75% point of the class.  The actual date of the 75% point varies from semester to semester; therefore, students should refer to the Student Calendar for specific dates.  Tuition refunds can only be given in accordance with the college’s refund policy.

Procedure for Withdrawing from a Course or Courses after the Schedule Adjustment Period

Step 1.  Discuss with the faculty member their intention to withdraw.

Step 2.  After consult with the faculty member, if the student determines that a withdrawal is necessary, obtain the faculty signature on the Schedule Adjustment Form.  

Step 3.  Discuss with academic advising and, if applicable, with financial aid, the impact of the withdrawal on the student’s academic standing.

Step 4.  Complete the online Withdrawal Survey.

Medical Withdrawal

In order to declare an emergency or medical withdrawal from some or all courses, the student should submit to the Director, Student Records and Registration, a written request to drop the course and documentation supporting the request. A student allowed to drop a course for medical or emergency reasons will receive a grade of “W” for the course.

The request must be submitted to the Director, Student Records and Registration before the last day of the following semester. The Director will consult with the instructor(s) in making a decision. Appeals of the Director’s decision must be made in writing to the Vice President, Student Affairs within ten business days of the date of the original decision

Administrative Withdrawal

Students who violate the student code of conduct and are suspended or expelled from the college for disciplinary reasons may be involuntarily withdrawn from the College.  This administrative withdrawal constitutes a complete withdrawal from all courses, and a grade of “W” is recorded on the academic transcript. In addition, an administrative withdrawal may occur under circumstances when students are unable to withdraw themselves from a course and a grade of “W” is recorded on the academic transcript. 

Tuition refunds for administrative withdrawals will be considered according to the College’s refund policy. 

The Grading System

In order to keep students informed of academic progress, various grades are used. Courses for which quality points are not earned (pre-curriculum courses designed to assist the student in obtaining needed academic background) are taken on a Satisfactory (SA, SB, SC), Unsatisfactory (U), Pass (P) or Repeat (R) basis. Internship courses (courses designed to allow the student to gain meaningful cooperative occupational experiences in which the employer is involved in the grading of the student) are taken on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis.

Grade = A
The student has, in a superior way, met the objectives established for the course. Quality Points = 4 per semester hour

Grade = B
The student has more than adequately met the objectives established for the course. Quality Points = 3 per semester hour

Grade = C
The student has adequately met the objectives established for the course. Quality Points = 2 per semester hour

Grade = D
The student has minimally met the objectives established for the course. Quality Points = 1 per semester hour

Grade = F
The student failed to meet the objectives established for the course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = I
The student has completed the major portion of the course and due to extenuating circumstances has not been able to complete all the requirements. The student should be able to complete the course with minimal assistance from the instructor. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = SA
The student has, in a superior way, met the objectives established for a pre-curriculum course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = SB
The student has more than adequately met the objectives established in a pre-curriculum course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = SC
The student has adequately met the objectives in a pre-curriculum course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = U
The student failed to meet the objectives established in a pre-curriculum course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = P
The student met the objectives established for a pre-curriculum course or the student has met the objectives of a course, designated in the College catalog, as one in which students are graded Pass (P) or Fail (F). Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = R
The student failed to meet the objectives established for the pre-curriculum course and must repeat the course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = AU
Grade assigned for an audit in a curriculum course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = W
The student withdrew prior to the 75% point of the course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = CE
Grade assigned when the student receives credit for a course through challenge examination. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = CR
Grade assigned when curriculum credit has been granted for students completing a continuing education course. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Grade = T
Grade assigned when transfer credit is awarded. Quality Points = 0 per semester hour

Audit

A student wishing to attend a curriculum course without receiving formal credit may audit a course provided they have not previously audited or taken the course for credit unless approved by the Dean of the course (refer to Repeat of Courses section). They must officially register and pay for the course. Audited courses receive no credit, and the grade symbol “AU” will be recorded on the student’s transcript. A student auditing a course is expected to attend class, participate in discussions, and take examinations.

NOTE: Students receiving any financial aid or veterans’ benefits cannot count audited courses in their total hours.

To audit a course the student must:

1. register for the course in the normal registration process as required of any other course before the final date for adding courses in any given semester. Fees for auditing a course are the same as for taking a course for credit.
2. declare an audit on a Schedule Change Form and obtain the approval of an advisor and the course instructor.

An Incomplete Grade

When a student has completed the major portion of a course and due to extenuating circumstances has not been able to complete all the requirements, the instructor may give an Incomplete (I) grade. The student should be able to complete the course with minimal assistance from the instructor. The “I” grade does not count as hours attempted or hours earned.

Procedure

The student is responsible for contacting the instructor and making arrangements for completing the requirements for removing the “I” grade. If the student is unable to reach the instructor, the student should contact the instructor’s Associate Dean for the course.

If the “I” grade is not removed by the end of the twelfth week following the semester in which it was given, the grade will automatically convert to a grade of “F.” This procedure is followed regardless of whether the student is enrolled.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Academic progress is based on a 4.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) system. Only courses completed at DCCC are calculated in the student’s GPA.

• Term GPA is calculated each semester and is used to determine eligibility for Dean’s List and Academic Alert, Probation and Suspension.
• Program GPA is calculated using only the grades for courses included in the student’s program of study and is used to determine Honors and High Honors upon graduation. A final Program GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation with a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Cumulative GPA is calculated using grades from every course the student has completed at Davidson County Community College.

Computation of Grade Point Average

Students accumulate grade points based on grades earned per semester. The GPA is determined by dividing grade points earned by the number of semester credit hours attempted. The highest grade earned in a course will be used to calculate GPA.

Repeat of Courses

The repeat of courses is governed by the following:

1. Students may repeat a course for which they received a grade of “C” or below.
2. If a student elects to repeat a course for which a grade was earned or transfer credit was granted, the highest grade earned will become the grade of record. All grades received will remain on a student’s transcript. However, when a course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used in calculating the student’s grade point average (GPA).
3. A student may attempt to successfully (grade of “C” or above) complete a course a maximum of two times. Students who require a third attempt must have permission of the Dean or the Associate Dean for the course.
4. Students may not audit courses that have previously been audited or taken for credit, except as granted by the Dean of the School in which the course originates.

Appeal of Final Course Grade

The faculty is charged with the full responsibility of evaluating the academic progress of their students and assigning grades to denote the students’ achievements. The College relies upon the professional judgment of the faculty in these matters and ordinarily refrains from reviewing or participating in any instructor’s evaluation of student achievement. However, the College acknowledges that, on occasion, exceptional circumstances may arise in which a student should have the opportunity to appeal the final course grade (individual course assignments/test grades are not appealable). When circumstances warrant, a student may make use of the following appeals process.

Process for Appeal of Final Course Grade

1. If a student believes that a final course grade is inaccurate, the student shall contact the faculty member who assigned the final grade within five (5) business days of the posting of that semester’s final course grades in order to review the basis of the assigned grade. The faculty member will determine an outcome of the appeal request and inform the student.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the result and wishes to appeal, the student must submit a written statement explaining the reasons for appealing the grade to the instructor’s Associate Dean within five (5) business days of the outcome with the faculty. The student may contact the Director, Instructional Support Services (Davidson Campus), for assistance in writing the appeal letter. If the instructor is the Associate Dean, this step would be directed to the Dean of the School for the course.
3. The Associate Dean and Dean will review the appeal, assess the facts, and provide the student with written notification of the outcome of the appeal five (5) business days.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the result and wishes to appeal the decision, the student must submit a written statement explaining the reasons for appealing to the Vice President, Academic Affairs, within five (5) business days.
5. The Vice President, Academic Affairs, will review the appeal, assess the facts, and provide the student with written notification of the outcome of the appeal within five (5) business days.
6. If the student is not satisfied with the result and wishes to appeal the decision, the student must submit a written statement explaining the reasons for appealing to the President within five (5) business days.
7. The President will review the appeal, assess the facts and provide the student with written notification of the outcome of the appeal within five (5) business days.

Please Note: If the student believes the disputed grade was rendered on account of or was influenced by the student’s age, race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion or disability, the General Complaint Policy must be followed.

Grade Changes

Assigning grades to a student is the responsibility of the instructor of the course in which the student is registered. Once assigned, grades may be changed only when an authorization for the change is approved by the instructor or the Dean/Associate Dean in which the course is taught. The change is then submitted to the Student Records Office. In cases where the instructor cannot be consulted, the Associate Dean will act in the instructor’s place.

Grade Forgiveness

Students who return to the College after being out for a minimum of 36 consecutive months (three years) and wish to make a “fresh start” in pursuing educational goals may apply for grade forgiveness. Grade forgiveness allows for “F” or “WF” grades earned at the College three or more years prior to current enrollment to be eliminated from the cumulative GPA calculation. To qualify for grade forgiveness, students must meet the following criteria:

• Not have been enrolled at the College for a minimum of three years prior to current enrollment.
• Be currently enrolled in curriculum courses.
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit coursework with a grade of “C” or higher after returning to the College.

Additionally, the following points apply regarding the consideration of grade forgiveness:

• Grades earned at other colleges cannot be forgiven.
• Students may apply for grade forgiveness one time during their academic career at the College.
• If the previous course is no longer being offered at DCCC and the student has successfully completed another course that will be used as a substitute. 
• Forgiven grades remain on the transcript, but are not calculated in the cumulative GPA.

To request grade forgiveness, students must complete an Application for Grade Forgiveness and submit it to the Student Records Office. Students will be notified through their DCCC email of the decision, and in cases of approval, GPA recalculations will be made.

Course Requisites

Students must comply with the College requirements stipulating that courses may not be taken until all requisites have been met. There are occasions when exceptions may be deemed desirable and appropriate, but the instructor and Dean/Associate Dean must approve such exceptions. Instructors should state clearly the requisite of the course at the initial class meeting. Students not eligible for the course should be sent to academic advising immediately to process a schedule change.

Course Substitution

A student may apply to their advisor for approval of a course substitution. A course substitution requires final approval by the Dean/Associate Dean. The completed Course Substitution Form must be on file in the Records Office for audit purposes for graduation.

Academic Honors

Dean’s List

For the purpose of honoring the student for outstanding scholastic achievement, the College publishes a Dean’s List shortly after the end of each fall and spring semester. A student who has completed at least twelve semester hours of college-level course credit in a given semester and who has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.50 on all work attempted with no grade lower than a “C” in that same semester are placed on the Dean’s List. Students with an “Incomplete” grade in a given semester are not eligible for the Dean’s List.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is a national scholastic fraternity holding the same status in the community college that Phi Beta Kappa carries in senior colleges and universities. To be eligible for membership, a student must

1. be enrolled unconditionally in an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in General Education, or Associate in Applied Science degree program;
2. have successfully completed the minimum of 12 semester hours by the end of the fall semester;
3. have attained a 3.6 or higher cumulative grade point average; and
4. possess outstanding traits of character and citizenship.

Students meeting these requirements are notified of their selection in the spring and invited to join PTK. Those applying to join PTK are accepted into membership at a special induction ceremony.

Alpha Sigma Lambda

The Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society was established in 1946 to recognize the special achievements of nontraditional adult students who accomplish academic excellence while managing the demands of family, work, and community. It is not only the oldest, but also the largest chapter-based honor society for full-time and part-time adult students. Today, with more than 300 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States, Alpha Sigma Lambda offers a truly prestigious opportunity to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students. Members are selected from the highest 10 percent of the class, and invitation letters are mailed in March.

Scholar of Global Distinction Award

Students who complete each of the following will be eligible to receive the Scholar of Global Distinction Award, which will be documented on their transcript.

1. Globally Intensive Courses: Students will complete 15 credits in courses approved as having globally intensive content.
2. International Activities: Students will participate in at least two international events per semester for a total of eight.
3. Global Experience: Students will participate and provide appropriate documentation in 30 hours of global experience. Students may meet the requirement through travel abroad or domestic intercultural experience/service.

A Global Scholars Advisor will assist students in meeting the requirements. Globally intensive courses will be listed on the DCCC International Education web page on the College’s website.

Academic Standards

Academic Alert, Probation & Suspension

Satisfactory academic progress is essential to student success. To be in good academic standing, a minimum term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required of all students enrolled in certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. At the end of each academic term, students who have not attained or maintained a GPA of 2.0 will be notified. The Student Records Office manages the academic alert, probation, and suspension process by notifying students of their academic status and academic advisors monitor students’ progress toward goals.

Academic Alert - When a student’s term GPA first falls below a 2.0 the student will be placed on Academic Alert.  Students will be notified to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor prior to registering for future semesters.

Academic Probation - When a student’s term GPA remains below a 2.0 for a 2nd consecutive semester the student will be placed on Academic Probation and will not be able register for future semesters until the student meets with their academic advisor. Students receiving financial aid and veterans benefits must also meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss eligibility.

Academic Suspension - When a student’s term GPA remains below a 2.0 for a 3rd consecutive semester, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension and will not be allowed to continue courses at the college for a minimum of one fall or spring semester. The student will need to submit a readmission application prior any subsequent enrollment.

NOTE: A student on academic probation or suspension may not hold elective office or serve on College committees.

Programs with Special Criteria

Since requirements for progression in these programs are in addition to the general requirements of the College, a student suspended from these programs is not necessarily suspended from the College. Students who are eligible to remain enrolled may continue in their support courses and apply for readmission to one of these programs at a later time or may elect to change their major. Readmission to a health, wellness, or public safety programs is limited to one time.

• Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing Education students - The above policy applies and, in addition, a nursing student is placed on suspension status from the program for the following reasons:

1. demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to nursing practice as judged by the nursing faculty;
2. presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time; and/or
3. receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the ADN or PNE curriculum or receives a final clinical evaluation of “Unsatisfactory” in any nursing course.

• Cancer Information Management students - In addition, a Cancer Information Management student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any CIM, HIT, BIO, MED, and ENG prefix course.
• Central Sterile Processing students - In addition, a Central Sterile Processing student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below a “C” in any STP prefix course.
• Cosmetology students - In addition, a Cosmetology or Esthetics student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any COS prefix course, or any prerequisite or corequisite course
• Early Childhood Education - In addition, in order to progress in and complete the Early Childhood Education program, students will be required to have medical exams, a TB test, and/or criminal background checks.
• Emergency Medical Science students - In addition, an EMS student may be placed on suspension status from the program for the following reasons:

1. demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to emergency medical practice as judged by the EMS faculty;
2. presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to emergency medical practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time; or
3. receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any EMS prefix course in the curriculum or receives a grade of “D” or “F” in an EMS clinical course.

• Health Information Technology students - In addition, a Health Information Technology student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any HIT, BIO, MED or ENG prefix course.
• Human Services Technology students - In addition, a Human Services Technology student may be suspended from the program for the following reasons:

1. demonstrates behavior which conflicts with technical standards essential to practice as judged by HSE faculty;
2. presents physical or emotional issues which conflict with technical standards essential to human services practice and does not respond to appropriate coaching, counseling or treatment within a reasonable time;
3. violates ethical practice as defined by the National Organization for Human Services Code of Ethics, the HSE Student Handbook or the judgment of HSE faculty, service learning supervisor, or clinical/cooperative education supervisor; or
4. receives a final grade below a “C” in any HSE, ENG, CIS, PSY or SAB prefix course.

• Medical Assisting students - In addition, a Medical Assisting student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any required course in the Medical Assisting curriculum.
• Medical Laboratory Technology students - In addition, a Medical Laboratory Technology student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any MLT course or any prerequisite or corequisite course.
• Nurse Aide students - In addition, a Nurse Aide student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any NAS prefix course.
• Pharmacy Technology students - In addition, a Pharmacy Technology student is suspended from the program if the student (1) receives a final grade below “C” in any pharmacy technology course (PHM prefix); (2) receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the pharmacy curriculum or receives a final clinical evaluation of “unsatisfactory” in any PHM course; or (3) presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with the safety essential to pharmacy practice and which do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time.
• Surgical Technology students - In addition, a Surgical Technology student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below a “C” in any SUR or any prerequisite or co-requisite course.
• Therapeutic Massage students - In addition, a Therapeutic Massage student will be suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade below “C” in any MTH prefix course, or any prerequisite or corequisite course.
• Zoo & Aquarium Science students - A ZAS student is suspended from the program if the student (1) receives a final grades below “C” in any Zoo & Aquarium Science course (ZAS prefix); receives a final grade below “C” in any general education required course; (3) receives a final grade below “C” or unsatisfactory in any Zoo and Aquarium Science cooperative education course (WBL prefix); or (4) presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to the zookeeper profession and which do not respond to appropriate counseling within a reasonable period of time.

Readmission for Suspended Students

Students who have been suspended from the College for academic reasons must apply for readmission. Consideration of applications for readmission of students who have been suspended for any reason will be made in light of the applicant’s prior academic and disciplinary record, evidence of growth and maturity, good citizenship record, credits earned at another institution, and time elapsed since leaving the College.

Students readmitted to the College after an academic suspension will automatically be placed on academic probation for a period of one semester and may be required to participate in an appropriate support program and a term of probation.

Appeal of Academic Suspension

A student suspended from the College may appeal the suspension decision following the College’s General Complaint Policy starting at Step 2.

NOTE:

1. After a second suspension, regardless of program of study, the Vice President, Academic Affairs may specify no future enrollment if in their judgment such action is warranted.
2. Readmission to Health, Wellness, and Public Safety programs and the Zoo and Aquarium Science program may be limited to one time.

Graduation Requirements

A student who is not in continuous enrollment at the College or who changes from one major to another will graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment or major change. Continuous enrollment excludes the summer term.

Course requirements for a degree, diploma, or certificate will vary according to the curriculum. The student should refer to “My Progress” in Student Planning to identify the course requirements for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the Application for Graduation prior to the deadline listed on the student calendar during the semester in which they intend to graduate. Students who owe tuition, fees, and/or fines to the College may not participate in the commencement ceremony or receive official transcripts or the final credential until all balances are paid.

Students transferring to the College must pass at least 25% of the required semester hours of credit at the College in order to be eligible to graduate with a degree, diploma, or certificate. The 25% resident credit may not include transfer, CLEP, Advanced Placement or other forms of advanced standing credit.

The following policies and procedures will be used in determining the eligibility for graduation of a student at this institution:

1. A candidate for a degree, diploma, or certificate must have successfully completed all credit hours as specified in the College catalog for a specific degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. A candidate for a degree, diploma, or certificate must have completed all course work as set forth in the College catalog for a specific degree, diploma, or certificate except as indicated in number 4 below.
3. A candidate for a specific degree, diploma, or certificate must have earned at least a 2.0 grade point average. Only grades in those courses credited to the program for which they are to receive a degree, diploma, or certificate are included in the grade point average. When a student has more unrestricted elective hours than the program requires, the GPA will be calculated using elective courses with the highest grades for the specified number of unrestricted elective hours.
4. In determining a student’s eligibility for graduation, the College will adhere to the above policies except that upon written recommendation of the student’s advisor and the written approval of the Dean of the appropriate school. Course requirements may be waived or substitutions allowed within the provisions of the State Curriculum Standards.

Graduation with Honors

The College recognizes students who have done outstanding scholastic work as honor graduates. Graduation with High Honors is granted to students in degree, diploma, and certificate programs who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher. Graduation with Honors is granted to students in degree, diploma, and certificate programs who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 and less than 3.8. The determination of Honors or High Honors will be based upon the cumulative GPA of the previously completed semester.

Commencement Exercise

A commencement exercise to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates is held at the end of the spring semester. The specific date for commencement is listed in the student calendar. All students receiving degrees, diplomas, or certificates in the spring are encouraged to attend the commencement exercise. Students who meet graduation requirements at times other than the end of spring semester may participate in the commencement exercise the following spring. Students who have registered for the remaining courses needed to complete their diploma or degree requirements, excluding certificates, in the following summer term are within six (6) credit hours of completing a credential may participate in the spring commencement ceremony. However, students will not receive the credential or have it noted on the transcript until all graduation requirements are completed.

Prospective graduates who will complete program requirements on or before May 31, must file an Application for Graduation Form in early March; those who complete degree requirements on or before August 31, must file the application by early July; and those who complete degree requirements on or before December 31, must file the application in early November.