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Academic Procedures

Academic Procedures

Registration Policies

Students have several registration options if they choose to register early for the upcoming semester. Early registration will permit students to have first choice of courses and class times. Payment of the appropriate College fees will hold these classes until full payment is made no later than three weeks before the start of classes. Fees are not refundable. Delaying registration until the beginning of the semester may result in desired classes and times being unavailable.

Students are strongly encouraged to be advised by an academic advisor. In addition, students must be in full compliance with all other college policies and requirements.

Registration is not complete until all forms are completed and submitted and tuition and fees are paid in full. Students who do not pay or make financial arrangements with the Business Office will have their registrations cancelled.

Full-time/Part-time Student Status

Students registering for 12 Credits or more at HCC are classified as Full-Time Student Status. Students registering between 6 and 11 Credits at HCC are classified as Part-Time Student Status.

Auditing Courses

A student not wishing credit may audit courses. This status may allow the student to participate in classroom activities. Tuition and fees are the same for audited classes.

Students must obtain the written approval of the instructor in order to audit a class. An Audit form signed by the class instructor must be completed within four weeks of the start of classes for a standard semester and earlier for summer or winter sessions. Forms are available at the Registrar's office. Full tuition and fees are due for any audited classes. While the student may ask to have papers critiqued, the instructor is not required to grade an auditor's course work. Audited classes are listed on the student's transcript as AU. While a student may in succeeding semesters take for credit a class previously audited, students may not petition to receive credit for an audited class and may not change to a credit basis during the semester.

Change of Major/Add a Secondary Program

Students who wish to change their enrollment from one major to another (for example, to change from General Studies to Fine Arts - Art) or add a secondary program should obtain the proper form from the Advising Office. The completed Change of Major form needs to be submitted to the Registrars Office, LH-L113A.

Attendance

With enrollment in college, students accept responsibility to take full advantage of their educational opportunity by regular attendance in classes and laboratories.

The college does not administer a uniform system of attendance regulations. At the beginning of each semester the instructor will provide a course outline and what he/she considers necessary for the successful completion of the subject matter. Students are expected to meet academic obligations or to assume the risks of failure.

The instructor will extend make-up of work missed because of absence or other reasons only when there is sufficient justification.
Lack of attendance cannot be the sole ground for exclusion from a course.

Repeating a Course/Higher Grade Prevails

Students may only repeat the same course twice in which they receive a grade of "C-" or lower (C-, D+, D-, F). Credit will be granted only once for a course unless otherwise specified in the course description. The student transcript will reflect all grades, but for the purpose of the computation of the GPA, the higher or highest grade prevails. Repeated courses that are counted in the computation of the GPA are noted with "I" on the transcript following the grade points to indicate "included" in calculation. Courses that are not counted in the computation of the GPA are noted with "E" on the transcripts following the grade points to indicate "excluded" in calculation.

Incomplete Work

If there are exceptional circumstances, a student whose work in a course is incomplete at the time of grading may request a grade of "I" from the course instructor. The instructor will complete an Incomplete Grade Form which lists what the student must do to complete the course requirements and a default grade if the student fails to do so. If the work for the course and the procedures for changing a grade are not completed within 10 weeks of the following regular semesters (fall or spring), the "I" automatically converts to the default grade provided by the faculty member. (Grades of "I" received at the end of the spring semester would automatically revert to the default grade at the end of the fall semester.)

The student is responsible for meeting with the instructor to make arrangements to complete course work.

If an extension of time beyond one semester is needed, a written request must be filed in the office of the Academic Dean prior to the end of the 10-week period. Extensions will be at the discretion of the instructor and the Academic Dean.

Withdrawing from College or Dropping a Course

Students dropping  a class within the first 2 weeks of class will no longer appear on a class  roster.  Weeks 3 through 6 are referred to as the “Automatic Withdrawal Period.”  During this time period students may drop classes without consulting faculty.  These students will receive a grade of ‘W’ for both the mid-term and final grade.

Drops: Weeks 7 through 12

Withdrawing from College or Dropping a Course

A student who wishes to drop a course or to withdraw from the college should follow the official procedure outlined below. Students who do not officially drop courses or withdraw from the college or fail to complete courses satisfactorily may be subject to probation, suspension or dismissal.

1. Contact a advisor in the Advising Office or a faculty advisor and follow his or her instructions.

2. Obtain an add/drop notice form from the Registrar's Office (by appointment only) or download the form online.

3. Students should ask for instructions from advisors on how to complete the request online. No drop or withdrawal requests can be accepted by telephone. Walk-In appointments by appointment only.

4. During Fall and Spring semesters, for all students who withdraw from the college or drop a course prior to, or during, the first two weeks of class of the semester, the course will not appear on the student's transcript. Courses withdrawn from or dropped prior to the Summer or Winter sessions will not appear on the student's transcript.

5. Students who drop a course or withdraw from the college after two weeks, but prior to the end of six weeks after the start of classes for a standard semester are entitled to receive a grade of "W" in each course from which they have officially dropped or withdrawn. After that time, through the 12th week of a standard semester, the faculty member has the option to assign a grade of "W" or "F." Before dropping a course, it is recommended that the student discuss the matter with the faculty member. (Refer to the section on Grading.) After the 12th week, no course can be dropped.


Online and Hybrid Courses

Online Courses

Online courses incorporate various technological components. All online courses contain the essential resources such as course outline, syllabus, reading and written assignments, quizzes and/or tests including any additional resources deemed necessary to assist learners with the subject matter. Online courses are accompanied by a textbook or e-book, and interactive learning activities. A learner will interact with faculty and other students either through discussion boards, blogs, journals, email, group collaborative assignments and/or synchronized learning (live chat), and audio or video technology. The online courses are accessible through the use of a home computer or any other supported technological hardware that provides Internet access. These courses are identified in the course schedule with the ONLN coding.

If you think you might be interested in taking an online course but aren't sure, take the self-assessment at www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL to help you decide whether online learning is right for you. Students should review the system technical computer requirements to ensure that they have the correct equipment for a successful online educational experience.

Online Environment Resources/Student Workshops

As a student at Housatonic Community College, you may find that many of your instructors utilize Blackboard. Through the use of Blackboard students now have course materials available online.

For additional information and sample course/workshops you may go to the following URL: www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL

The interactive tutorials will help you learn how to use the online tools that Blackboard provides to enhance learning and communication.

Accessing an Online Course

HCC's hybrid and online classes use the Blackboard course management system. You must be registered in a class before you will be able to log in.

Please go to the http://my.commnet.edu, login and select the Blackboard icon. You can log in to myCommnet using the 8 digits of your NetID* @student.commnet.edu and your chosen password.

If you have never signed on before please follow the directions found at www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL

* What is my NetID?

If your Banner ID is: @01234567

Then your NetID will be:  (and your chosen password)

ONCLR – Online courses with campus requirement

Some online courses may require a student to come to the campus to complete an exam (final, midterm). These courses are identified in the course schedule with the OLCR coding.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid Courses combine online work with regular on-campus class meetings, but do not have as many on-campus class meetings as the typical on-campus course. Hybrid classes typically require that 50% of the coursework take place in a classroom with a set schedule; the other 50% of the coursework is online using Blackboard.These courses are identified in the course schedule with the HYBR coding.

Hybrid Course Schedule

The online Class Schedule indicates where and when your hybrid class will meet. The instructors will explain procedures for online course work during the first class meeting. All hybrid courses meet in the classroom on the FIRST scheduled class day.

In both online courses and hybrid courses, students should expect an amount of work equivalent to what would be required in any college level course. Taking an online or hybrid course gives students greater flexibility in scheduling their time, however, online requirements will be as time-consuming and demanding as traditional courses offered on campus.


Terms You Need to Know

First Year Student: a student who has earned fewer than 30 credits towards the degree

Sophomore: a student who has earned at least 30 credits towards the degree

Credit or Credit Hour: a standard of measure of the amount of instruction time required to successfully complete a course

Definition of Credit Hour: 

The college defines a credit hour* as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than -

(1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of credit over a different period of time;

(2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

*Standards for Credit Hour of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Standards for Accreditation Revision, July 1, 2011. Adopted by Housatonic Community College Curriculum Committee, December 8, 2011.

Full-time Student Status: students registering for 12 credits or more at HCC.

Part-time Student Status: students registering for less than 12 credits at HCC.

GPA (Grade Point Average): a numerical computation of the student's academic grade.

Auditing: enrolling in and attending a course on a non-credit basis. The instructor's permission is needed and an audit form must be properly completed within the specified time limits for that semester or session.

Dropping a course: officially withdrawing from a course. Drop procedures require filing a "drop" form available from the Registrar's Office. Following the proper procedures can help prevent a failing grade or negative effect on the student's grade point average.

Withdrawing from Housatonic: officially withdrawing from all classes in a semester. Following the proper procedures (see the Registrar) can help the student return to Housatonic in good standing. Withdrawal procedures require the filing of a "drop" form for all courses.

Grading

Grades are Available at myCommNet

Semester grades can be obtained by the student in their myCommNet account at http://my.commnet.edu. Mid-term grades are posted mid-semester, final grades are posted at the completion of each semester. Unofficial transcripts may be printed from myCommNet at no cost.

Explanation of Grading System

Adopted May 1983, amended April 1990, April 2000, April 2001, April 2002.

I. Credits

A credit is a unit of academic achievement which is awarded upon the successful completion of a course.

Definition of Credit Hour: 

The college defines a credit hour* as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than -

(1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of credit over a different period of time;

(2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

*Standards for Credit Hour of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Standards for Accreditation Revision, July 1, 2011. Adopted by Housatonic Community College Curriculum Committee, December 8, 2011.

II. Semester Hours

A semester hour is a measure of time usually corresponding to 55 minutes of lecture once per week for an entire semester.

III. Grades

Grades are an indication of the standard of academic work performed and/or the status of the student in relation to a course and/or the college. The academic grading system consists of five basic grades of student performance:

"A," "B," "C," "D," "F," and three grades of student status: "I," "M," "W". In addition, participants enrolled in non-credit courses through Continuing Education/Lifelong Learning may be awarded Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis.

A letter grade of "A" through "F" indicates a student's performance in terms of what was done, how much was done, and how well the class work was done from the start to the completion of a class. Other academic grades indicate a student's status in terms of his/her entry or exit point from a class over time and condition (W) or at the close of the official grading period (I, M).

Administrative marks include: AU.

Academic Standard Grades

Grade Grade Points per Credit Hour
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0
D- 0.7
F 0
following grade indicates 
Developmental Studies course
0
I (Incomplete) 0
M (Developmental Studies courses only) 0
P (Satisfactory progress, mid-term grade only) 0
W (Withdrawal) 0
U (Unsatisfactory progress, mid-term grade only) 0
Administrative Marks
AU 0

IV. Mid-Term Grades

Mid-term grades are advisory grades indicating a student's progress through the first half of a standard semester. If a student is making satisfactory progress, he/she will be awarded a grade of "P" to indicate satisfactory progress. If a student is not making satisfactory progress, he/she will be awarded a grade of "U" to indicate unsatisfactory progress. A student in developmental courses may also be awarded an "M" grade to indicate that he/she is maintaining progress, but not sufficient to attain the mid-term grade of "P." When compared to traditional grades, the "P" grade equates to a grade of "C" or higher, while a grade of "U" equates to a "C-" or lower.

Mid-semester grades are merely estimates of the student's progress and are not entered on permanent records. However, grades of "W" and "AU" are considered permanent final grades when awarded either as mid-semester or final grades and entered on permanent records. The only mid-term grades assigned are "P," "U," and "M." Grades are not generally changed after one year of their issuance.

V. Statement on Satisfactory Progress*

1.The grading system employed by each college should accurately reflect the academic achievement of the student. In order to ensure appropriate use of State resources available for the education of its citizens, each college will develop procedures to monitor satisfactory progress through its warning, probation and suspension policy.

2. This policy shall be applicable to all students enrolled for developmental and/or credit courses, no matter the number of credits for which they are enrolled.

3. No course may be repeated for credit more than twice. The highest grade received will be used in calculating the student’s academic average. This does not apply to those courses that are designed to be repeated for additional credit.

4. Satisfactory completion of fifty percent of the credits attempted (this phrase means actual continued enrollment beyond the add/drop period) will be the minimum standard for good standing.

5. Students who have completed 11 or fewer credits whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 1.5 will be given a written warning. Students who have completed between 12 and 30 credits inclusive whose CGPA falls below 1.7, and those who have completed 31 or more credits whose CGPA falls below 2.0, will be given a written notice that they are placed on academic probation.

6. Students placed on academic probation will be required to take a reduced course load for one semester.

7. Students who, after being placed on academic probation for one semester and after taking a reduced course load, fail to attain the required CGPA as shown above will be notified in writing that they are suspended for one semester.

8. After the period of suspension, students may be reinstated, either as regular or probationary students, upon application to the college.

9. An appeals process will be established by each college, which provides for due process.

10. College procedures will be included in appropriate publications and communications.

(Adopted October 17, 1993, amended January 28, 2002, amended February 23, 2004, amended September 20, 2004)

* For more information see Academic Standards Criteria section of this catalog.

Definition of Grades & Administrative Marks

A-F

Academic Standard Grades. A letter grade of "A" through "F" indicates a student's performance in terms of the quantity and the quality of that work performance. Only these grades are considered in the determination of a grade point average (GPA) for a student. Any grade followed by the # sign indicates a Developmental Studies course and will not contribute any points to the student's GPA.

Incomplete. May be awarded by an instructor only when a majority of course requirements and assignments has been successfully completed. The "I" grade is a deferred grade, neither passing nor failing, on the official transcript. Incomplete work must be submitted to an instructor at least 14 days before the 10th week of the following regular semester so that grades can be submitted no later than the 10th week of the following regular semester, fall or spring.

M

Maintaining progress. An administrative transcript notation used only for Developmental Studies courses to indicate that the student is maintaining progress but not at the usual rate. It may be given to a student for a course only twice.

P

Passing. "P" is used as a Midterm Grade to indicate satisfactory progress (See IV above “Midterm Grades”). It is also used for students enrolled in non-credit courses. The CEU is a measurement (one unit equals ten class contact hours) nationally recognized by business, industry and professional organizations for evaluating an individual's effort toward professional growth. When "P" is used for a non-credit course, it may reflect performance at any of the passing levels (A, B, C, D). Permanent records of CEUs are kept by the Office of Continuing Education programs.

U

Unsatisfactory progress, mid-term grade only.

AU

Audit. "AU" is used for students wishing to take a credit course for no credit. Students must pay the regular fees and audit status must be indicated within four weeks of the start of class. The audit student will receive no credit and a grade of "AU" and may not change to a credit basis. The student may in succeeding semesters take for credit any course he/she has previously audited. Audit courses will be reflected on the student's record as "AU." The student may not petition for credit for the audited course.

W

Withdrawal. "W" is used for students who formally withdraw from a course. Students who withdraw through the Registrar's Office within the first two weeks of the semester receive no grade for the course. Students who formally withdraw after the 2nd week, but prior to the end of the 6th week of classes, automatically receive a grade of "W." After six weeks and up to the 12th week of classes, a "W" may be awarded by the instructor only if formal withdrawal is initiated by the student, and at the discretion of the instructor.

Transcripts

Students wishing to have an official copy of their transcript may request one online by accessing their myCommnet account. A request form, found on the college web site, may also be faxed or mailed to request transcripts. Transcripts, official or unofficial, will not be faxed. No telephone requests can be accepted. Transcript requests are normally processed within 10 working days. There is no charge for official transcripts; any questions contact the Registrar's Office at 203-332-5088.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of points of each grade by the total number of credit hours assigned to that course. The GPA is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Only the academic standard grades of "A," "B," "C," "D," "F" including plus and minus are used in calculating the GPA.

A student's transcript identifies two different Grade Point Average (GPA) ratios. The first is the Semester GPA which is based upon the courses a student has taken during the current semester. The second is a Cumulative GPA which consists of all of the courses a student has taken at the college and the grades received for these courses:

Example:

Course

Credit Hours

Grade

Grade Points x Credit Hours

Grade Points

ENG* E101 3 B+ 3.3 x 3 credits = 9.9
PSY* E111 3 D 1.0 x 3 credits = 3.0
MAT* E137 3 A 4.0 x 3 credits = 12.0
BIO* E105 4 B- 2.7 x 4 credits = 10.8
  13     35.7

The GPA for this student would be 2.74 for the semester (35.7 divided by 13 = 2.74).

Fresh Start for Readmit Students

The Fresh Start Option allows students who have not registered for college credit courses for two or more years and have a poor academic record to refresh their Grade Point Average (GPA) and develop a more favorable academic record. A poor academic record is defined as multiple courses completed with a GPA of less than 2.0. The only grades eligible for Fresh Start are those earned prior to readmission.

The Fresh Start Option may be used only once. A student must apply for this option prior to, or during, the first year after returning to HCC. Students are ineligible if they have completed a certificate or degree and the option will not apply to completed certificates or degrees.

If the request for the Fresh Start Option is approved, all grades previously earned will remain on the student’s transcript. The semesters for which Fresh Start is invoked will include a transcript symbol indicating that the policy is in effect. The original GPA will not be included in any subsequent computation of the new GPA.

A student must complete a minimum of 15 credits after returning to college under the Fresh Start Option to be eligible for a degree or certificate and for graduation honors. For more information, please contact the Advising Center at 203-332-5097.

Definition of Readmit Student

A "Readmit" student is a student returning to the college after an absence of at least 2 years (including summer and winter sessions).

Definition of a New Student

A "New" student is a first-time, first-year student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This definition includes students enrolled for the fall term who attended the same college for the first time in the prior summer term. This definition also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school - AP, Tech Prep/College Career Pathways, HS Partnership, etc.).

Appeal of Grades

A student who wishes to appeal an awarded grade should first confer with the faculty member concerned within 15 days from the time the Registrar posts grades. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that conference, the student may submit a written appeal with the Department Chair who will consult with the faculty member to help resolved the appeal. Once the Department Chair has concluded their review of the appeal and informed the student of their decision, the student may then contact the Academic Dean for further assistance. The written appeal must include the grade attained, the grade the student believes was earned in the course and the exact reason(s) the grade is incorrect. Reasons that a grade would be found to be incorrect are mathematical error or grade assigned on basis other than the criteria cited in the course syllabus.

Confidentiality of Student Records

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

These rights are included in the college Policies section in Appendix XVII.