Section 700: Instructional Programs

701.01: Program Policy

Enterprise State Community College prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any educational program or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, gender, age or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law.

702.01: Requests for New Instructional Programs

ESCC follows both an internal and external process to request new instructional programs.

Internally, any new program must be approved first by the Dean of Instruction, then the Instructional Council, and then the President’s Council.

A new program approved at the local level must also be approved externally by ACCS, ACHE, and SACS. Thus, externally, the College follows the Chancellor’s procedure and timeline.

703.01: Instructional Quality

ESCC utilizes several processes to ensure students are provided quality instruction.

1. The multi-faceted faculty evaluation process includes the following:

a. Student evaluations of instructors are conducted electronically each term.

b. A self-evaluation is conducted annually by each full-term and adjunct faculty member. These evaluations are reviewed and commented on by the division chairperson before being sent to the Dean of Instruction. Evaluations are filed with Human Resources.

c. Division chairs are responsible for classroom observations. Each non-tenured and adjunct faculty member is observed each year. Tenured faculty are observed, at a minimum, once every three years.

d. Online courses are evaluated regularly.

2. Questions in the yearly Institutional Climate Survey and Departmental Performance Survey provide opportunities for College stakeholders to provide input on and for the College to analyze any issues related to classroom technology, facilities support, and professional development.

3. Program reviews are initiated by the Institutional Effectiveness office on a rotating basis which ensures each program is reviewed at least once every five years. For career and technical programs, Program Directors and relevant faculty members complete the review.

a. A letter from the Instructional Dean, along with a Comprehensive Program Review template is sent to each program/division director during the summer term prior to their annual review.

b. Each program director completes the Comprehensive Program Review to provide in-depth information including, but not limited to, program description, program background, curriculum design, faculty needs, program costs (including equipment and facilities), occupational demand and median pay, student job placement, as well as strengths and weaknesses of the program. The review concludes with an action plan for each program.

c. The final Comprehensive Program Review is submitted to the Dean of Instruction for review and final program viability determination. The Dean of Instruction presents his findings to the President’s Council and notifies the program/division director with the final program determination. Any follow up recommendations or action plans required by the program/division director are due to the Dean of Instruction within six months of the final notification.

The general education/academic transfer program (AA/AS) review is conducted in much the same way as career and technical education programs outlined above. However, the charge for this responsibility in AA/AS program reviews falls to the General Education Assessment Subcommittee. This committee includes representatives from each of the College’s divisions which deliver general education courses.

704.01: Instructional Sites

ESCC follows both an internal and external process to request approval for new instructional sites.

Internally, any new site must be approved first by the Dean of Instruction, then the Instructional Council, and then the President’s Council.

Externally, the College follows the Chancellor’s procedure for this policy.

705.01: Categories of Instruction for Calculation of Credit Hours

The ratio of weekly contact hours to credit hours varies based on the type of instruction. The six general categories of instruction include (1) Theory, (2) Experimental Laboratory, (3) Practical Application Laboratory, (4) Clinical Practice, (5) Preceptorship, and (6) Internship.

1. Theory. Instruction focused on principles, concepts, or ideas. Generally requires extensive out-of-class preparation prior to class each week as well as follow-up assignments. Theory instruction is the term which will be used to include lecture, recitation, discussion, demonstration, seminar, and other standard classroom instruction. Theory instruction is under the direct supervision of an instructor. Ratio: 1:1 (one hour of credit for one hour of theory instruction)

2. Experimental Laboratory. Instruction focused on experimentation in a classroom, laboratory, or studio through teacher-assisted, hands-on learning experiences. An experimental laboratory is generally required in conjunction with the theory of an academic course. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include out-of-class assignments such as practice and/or laboratory report writing. Experimental laboratory instruction is generally under the direct supervision of an instructor. Ratio: 2:1 (one hour of credit for two hours of experimental instruction) or 3:1 (one hour of credit for three hours of experimental instruction)

3. Practical Application Laboratory. Experience-based instruction focused on real world activities, albeit in a simulated environment for the purpose of developing occupational competencies related to the use of equipment, tools, machines, and other program-specific work products. A practical application laboratory is generally required in career and technical programs and requires limited out-of-class assignments per week. Emphasis is in the use of equipment, tools, machines, etc. found within the lab environment. Practical application laboratory involves the development of manual skills and job proficiency and is under the direct supervision of an instructor. Ratio: 2:1 or 3:1, depending on program. (one hour of credit for two or three hours of practical application instruction)

4. Clinical Practice. Experience-based instruction focused on real world activities, generally in healthcare and service occupation programs, offered in a real world environment, for the purpose of developing skills related to the discipline. A clinical practice laboratory is generally required in healthcare related fields. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include out-of-class assignments. Clinical Practice is under the direct supervision of an instructor. Out-of-class assignments each week are used to prepare the student for the clinical experience. Ratio: 3:1 (one hour of credit for three hours of clinical practice instruction)

5. Preceptorship. Advanced experience-based instruction, under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, for the purpose of enhancing occupational competencies. The course instructor works with the healthcare professional to determine the clinical assignments for students. The instructor must be readily available for consultation with the healthcare professionals. Ratio: 3:1 or 5:1 (one hour of credit for three hours or five hours of preceptorship instruction) NOTE: Programs of study for which accreditation and/or licensing bodies require a different ratio must comply with discipline-specific time-to-credit criteria.

6. Internship. Internship includes cooperative education, apprenticeships, practicums, and sponsored work instruction. Internship involves the development of job skills by providing the student with a structured employment situation that is directly related to, and coordinated with, the educational program. Student activity in internship is planned and coordinated jointly by an institutional representative and the employer, with the employer having the responsibility for control and supervision of the student on the job. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include out-of-class assignments. Ratio: 5:1 (one hour of credit for five hours of “internship” instruction) NOTE: Programs of study for which accreditation and/or licensing bodies require a different ratio must comply with discipline-specific time-to-credit criteria.

706.01: Credit Earned Through Non-Traditional Means

College credit may be earned at ESCC for learning obtained through non-traditional means, including, but not limited to nationally recognized examinations, credit awarded for prior learning, military training credit, and local and state-wide articulation agreements.

Credit awarded through non-traditional means shall not be included in the 25 percent of total credit hours that must be completed at the College.

Academic credit is not awarded for continuing education units.

While ESCC awards credit as specified in this policy, this credit may not be transferrable to other institutions. A statement in the College’s Catalog alerts students of this possibility.

1. Academic Examinations

Credit may be earned through nationally recognized examinations, such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI), and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES/DSST). An official score report is required for credit award.

A. Advanced Placement (AP) credit is awarded as follows:

AP Test Name	Minimum Grade for Credit	Course Awarded	Credit Hours
Business, CIS Division
Computer Science A	3	CIS255	3
Computer Science Principles	3	CIS150	3
Principles of Macroeconomics	3	ECO231	3
Principles of Microeconomics	3	ECO232	3
English, Foreign Languages, and Communication Division
English Language Composition	3	ENG101	3
English Literature Composition	3	ENG101	3
English Language Composition AND English Literature Composition	3	ENG101 and ENG102	6
Spanish Language	3	SPA101	4
Spanish Language	4	SPA101 and SPA102	8
Spanish Literature	3	SPA101	4
Spanish Literature	4	SPA101 and SPA102	8
Fine Arts
Art History	3	ART100	3
Studio Art: Drawing	3	ART113	3
Studio Art: 2D Design	3	ART121	3
History and Social Sciences
European History	3	HIS101	3
Psychology	3	PSY200	3
U.S. Government & Politics	3	POL211	3
United States History	3	HIS201	3
United States History	4	HIS201 and HIS202	6
World History	3	HIS121	3
World History	4	HIS121 and HIS122	6
Mathematics
Calculus AB	3	MTH125	4
Calculus BC	3	MTH125 and MTH126	8
Statistics	3	MTH 265 *	3
*This course does not meet the minimum mathematics course requirement for graduation.
Science
Biology	3	BIO103	4
Chemistry	3	CHM111 and CHM112	4
Physics 1: Algebra-Based	3	PHY201	4
Physics 2: Algebra-Based	3	PHY202	4
Physics C: Mechanics	3	PHY213	4
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism	3	PHY214	4

B. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit is awarded as follows:

CLEP Test Name	Minimum Grade for Credit	Course Awarded	Credit Hours
Business, CIS Division
Financial Accounting	50	BUS241	3
Information Systems	50	CIS146	3
Principles of Management	50	BUS275	3
Principles of Marketing	50	BUS285	3
Principles of Macroeconomics	50	ECO231	3
Principles of Microeconomics	50	ECO232	3
English, Foreign Languages, and Communication Division
American Literature	50	ENG252	3
College Composition	50	ENG101 and ENG102	6
English Literature	50	ENG262	3
Spanish Language Level I	50	SPA101 and SPA102	8
History and Social Sciences
American Government	50	POL 211	3
History of the United States I	50	HIS 201	3
History of the United States II	50	HIS 202	3
Human Growth and Development	50	PSY 210	3
Introductory Psychology	50	PSY 200	3
Introductory Sociology	50	SOC 200	3
Western Civilization I	50	HIS 101	3
Western Civilization II	50	HIS 102	3
Mathematics
Calculus	50	MTH 125	4
College Algebra	50	MTH 112	3
Precalculus	50	MTH 113	3
Science
Chemistry	50	CHM111 and CHM112	8
Natural Sciences	50	BIO103 and PHS112	8

C. Based on parameters set by the Department of Defense and in conjunction with the College’s subject matter expert, the Registrar will evaluate credit for United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES/DSST) examinations.

2. Credit earned for transcripted military training

A. ESCC awards credit for academic and technical courses based on equivalent transcripted military training as shown on an Ace Joint Service Transcript or an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force.

B. Evaluation of military transcripts will be conducted by the College’s registrar in cooperation with the subject matter expert for the credit under consideration.

3. Career and Technical Education Credit Earned for Articulation

A. Students completing courses in the approved Statewide Career and Technical Education Articulation Agreement will receive articulated credit.

4. Earned Credit through Prior Learning Assessment

A. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows a student to receive college level credit for experiential learning that took place in a non-traditional learning environment, such as on-the-job training, military training, professional development seminars, volunteerism, and experience in-field.

B. In conjunction with the College’s subject matter expert, the Registrar will award PLA credit. Any course credit earned from prior learning shall be noted on the student’s transcript as having been awarded through PLA.

709.01: International Educational Experiences

International educational experiences must be approved by the President.

The President will monitor, up to the date of departure, the U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or Public Announcement list. In the event that the country or countries being visited appear(s) on the Travel Warning or Travel Alert list for any time period to be included during the scheduled trip, the President is advised to cancel the trip in the interest of the safety of students. If the President chooses to allow travel to countries on the Travel Warning or Travel Alert list, participants must be notified in writing that the country appears on the list and must be provided information regarding cancellation options.

The President will require participants to purchase a liability policy that will provide coverage in the event of medical, legal, and/or other travel-related emergencies.

Upon approval by the Chancellor, travel expenses for college personnel serving as chaperones may be paid by the College. See policy 316.01: Travel.

710.01: Live Work

Provided it does not compete with private enterprise, Enterprise State Community College offers live work when the instructional program requires such projects for the acquisition of career and technical skills leading to employment.

Live work is a paid or contracted service performed by students under real-world working conditions as an integral part of a course of study to enhance their knowledge and skills.

1. Administration: The College’s President is responsible for the administration and control of live work. All live work performed must be approved by the President or a designee identified in writing. The President shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate records and ensuring that the state prescribed and approved accounting procedures are followed.

The Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee must be notified in advance of all off-campus live work projects. In addition, the Chancellor must approve requests to build structures on campus for resale that exceed $5,000. The College must adhere to state bid laws when providing live work.

2. The scope and extent of live work will be well defined in writing before approval. Individuals and organizations requesting live work assume all associated risks. The following individuals and organizations may request live work:

A. Tax supported programs and institutions

B. Active and retired public employees/officials

C. Students in Alabama Community College System institutions

D. Program advisory committee members

E. Charitable organizations

F. The general public when the live work is of a recurring, small-scale nature, such as health and beauty services

G. Other individuals and organizations when the President justifies in writing why the live work is necessary for the training program and files a signed copy with the Chancellor or a designated representative

3. The College documents all live work performed during the fiscal year (October 1- September 30) and prepares a Live Work Summary Report for submission to the Director of Career and Technical Education by October 31.

4. Release of Institution Liability

The person, program, institution, or organization for which live work is done shall:

4.1. Assume all responsibility for the results of the work being done by students;

4.2. Bear all actual costs of materials and parts involved and pay a service charge as follows:

a. The total charges (cost plus a service charge) for live work will be no less than cost

plus 10 percent and not more than cost plus 20 percent; in no case shall the total

charge be less than $5.00.

b. When a licensed training program, such as health and beauty services, is operated,

services may be provided to the public using a schedule of charges established by

the President.

c. In exceptional cases such as the construction of a public building or a charitable

project, a reduced service charge for the indirect expense of live work may

be applied provided the Chancellor or a designee concurs in writing.

d. Colleges must establish and publish a timeframe for payment and pick up of a

completed live work project. Any project not paid for and picked up within

the designated timeframe will become property of the college and normal surplus

property procedures will apply.

5. Restrictions on Live Work

To avoid competition with private enterprise, live work is restricted as follows:

5.1. Live work will be performed only when it is a related learning outcome of the specific CTE course being offered for skills leading to employment.

5.2. Live work will not be performed when there is any connection with or relation to the making of a financial profit by a program, organization, institution, or individual.

5.3. No person shall use the institution for personal gain or profit.

711.01: Program Advisory Committees

1. A Program Advisory Committee will be established for each career and technical program.

2. Each Program Advisory Committee will meet once or twice per year as required by state and federal regulations and guidelines.

3. Each Program Advisory Committee will include representatives from business and industry, representatives from economic development authorities, and a graduate of the program. Each member should be able to provide expertise related to the program.

4. Membership lists and meeting minutes will be made available to the Chancellor upon request.

712.01: Degrees and Awards

Enterprise State Community College is authorized to award associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates.

Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: An undergraduate award signifying successful completion of a prescribed course of study (60 to 64 semester credit hours) designed for students planning to transfer to a senior institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree in the liberal arts.

Associate in Science (AS) Degree: An undergraduate award signifying successful completion of a prescribed course of study (60 to 64 semester credit hours) designed for students planning to transfer to a senior institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree in the sciences or a specialized professional field.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree: An undergraduate award signifying successful completion of a prescribed course of study (60 to 76 semester credit hours) that offers specialization in a technical, business, or semi-professional field qualifying the student for employment upon graduation while providing the possibility for transfer of some credit to a senior institution.

Certificate (CER): An undergraduate award (less than a degree) signifying the successful completion of a prescribed course of study (30 to 60 semester hours) that provides the student with a specialized set of skills for employment or professional advancement. Certificates are not designed for transfer to a senior institution.

CTE Short-Term Certificate (STC): An undergraduate award signifying the successful completion of a prescribed course of study (9 to 29 semester credit hours) equipping the student with a focused set of skills for an entry-level position in business and industry. CTE Short-term certificates are not designed for transfer to a senior institution.

Requirements for Degrees and Certificates

Degree programs offered by ESCC reflect coherent courses of study compatible with the College’s mission, are based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education, and include general education components ensuring a breadth of knowledge that promotes intellectual inquiry and critical thinking. Each degree consists of coursework from each of the five areas as defined by the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee.

The following table provides the required distribution of semester credit hours among Areas I through V for each award.

Areas of Study		Credit Hours Required By Award
Areas of Study		AA	AS	AAS	CER	CTE STC
Area I	Written Composition	6	6	3 – 6	3 - 6	0 – 3
Area II	Humanities and Fine Arts	12	12	3 – 6	0 - 6	0
Area III	Natural Science and Mathematics	11	11	6 – 11	3-7	0 – 3
Area IV	History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences	12	12	3 – 6	0	0
Area V	Technical Core, Technical Concentration, and Electives	19 – 23	19 – 23	31– 61	11 – 54	9 – 29
Areas I – V	Total Hours Required	60 – 64	60 – 64	60 – 76	30 – 60	9 – 29

Note: Expanded charts for each award are available from ACCS.

POLICY NAME:	715.01: Graduation Requirements: Degrees and Certificates
EFFECTIVE:	09/24/2021
CROSS REFERENCE:

713.01: Grading System: General

Each course for which a student has registered must be assigned one of the letter grades as follows:

GRADE	DEFINITION	QUALITY POINTS
A	Excellent	4
B	Good	3
C	Average	2
D	Poor	1
F	Failure	0
I	Incomplete. Assigned according to local policy to an individual student who fails to complete the required course work before the scheduled course end date. An incomplete grade must be made up no later than the end of the following semester or the grade becomes an F.	0
AU	Audit. Course taken for no credit. Credit hours will not be averaged into the grade point average. Must be declared by the end of the registration period and may not be changed thereafter.	0
W	Official withdrawal from a course or from the institution within a time period designated by the institution. Credit hours will not be averaged into the grade point average.	0

Withdrawal from a Course

Withdrawals from an individual class must be initiated by the student, either online or in-person. All withdrawals must be processed before the last day to withdraw as noted in the official College Calendar.

Students receiving financial assistance should consider the impact of a withdrawal on their financial aid eligibility and should consult the College Catalog and Student Handbook section on Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for financial aid recipients.

A grade of “F” will be assigned to a student who voluntarily discontinues class attendance without following the required withdrawal procedure.

Change of Grade

An instructor may change a student’s grade for either of two reasons:

1. The instructor made a mathematical or clerical error in the initial grade report.

2. The instructor reported a grade of “I,” and the student later completed the course requirements.

Instructors must follow the Registrar’s procedure to complete a change of grade.

Incomplete Grades

Faculty members should impress upon their students the necessity of completing course requirements on time. If, however, students are absent from a final exam or have not completed some other course requirement for a valid reason, the instructor may record their grade as “I” (Incomplete).

Students then have the responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor for completing their work. The instructor and student will agree to a date, not to exceed one semester, by which time the work must be completed.

If the student cannot, for valid reasons, complete the work within the time agreed upon, the instructor may ask the Dean of Instruction to grant an extension.

Instructors must advise their students that an "I" automatically becomes an "F" if students fail to complete their work in accordance with the above regulations.

713.02: Grading System: Repetition of Courses and Course Forgiveness

Any course for which the student has previously registered may be repeated. However, a course may be counted only once toward fulfillment of credit hours for graduation.

The student is responsible for initiating the forgiveness policy by making a request of the Registrar.

Course forgiveness occurs when a student repeats a course and the last grade awarded (excluding a grade of W) replaces the previous grade in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The grade point average during the term in which the course was first attempted will not be affected. The official transcript will list the course and grade each time it is attempted.

When a student completes a course more than once, all grades for the course (excluding the first grade) will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average. Official transcripts at the institution will list each course in which a student was enrolled.

Students are responsible for checking financial aid regulations regarding repetition of courses.

713.03: Grading System: Academic Bankruptcy

Academic bankruptcy is the removal of one to three semesters of grades from the calculation of a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The following apply to any request for academic bankruptcy:

Academic bankruptcy is initiated by a written request from the student to the registrar/records official.
Upon receipt of the student’s request, the college will inform the student that an award of academic bankruptcy may impact his/her financial aid status.
Academic bankruptcy may only be declared once and may be applied to no more than three (3) semesters, which do not have to be consecutive.
The bankrupted courses and grades remain on the transcript but are not calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA.
None of the coursework taken during a semester for which academic bankruptcy is declared, including hours completed satisfactorily, will be used to fulfill degree requirements.
Developmental courses successfully completed during a period of academic bankruptcy can be used to fulfill prerequisites.
To be eligible for academic bankruptcy, the student must have completed 12 semester credit hours of coursework at the college since the most recent semester for which the academic bankruptcy is requested. A grade of “C”, “S”, or higher is required in each course in 12 semester credit hours in the post-bankruptcy period.
When a student receives a declaration of academic bankruptcy, a permanent notation of “ACADEMIC BANKRUPTCY” will be reflected on the transcript for each semester affected.
Approval of the academic bankruptcy status at a college does not guarantee other institutions will honor that status. This determination will be made by the respective transfer institution(s).

713.04: Grading System: Student Course Overload

The course load for a full-time student will be 12 to 19 credit hours per semester. More than 19 credit hours will constitute a student overload. A student course overload must be approved by the Dean of Instruction. No student will be approved for more than 24 credit hours in any one term for any reason.

714.01: Standards of Academic Progress

Application of Standards of Progress

Required Grade Point Average (GPA) Levels for Students According to Number of Hours

Attempted at the Institution

Students who have attempted 12-21 semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 1.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Students who have attempted 22-32 semester credit hours at the institution must

maintain a 1.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Students who have attempted 33 or more semester credit hours at the institution

must maintain a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

When the Cumulative GPA is at or above the GPA required for the total number of credit hours

attempted at the institution, the student's status is Clear.

When a student's Cumulative GPA is below the GPA required for the number of credit hours

attempted at the institution, the student is placed on Academic Probation.

When the Cumulative GPA of a student who is on Academic Probation remains

below the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the

institution but the semester GPA is 2.0 or above, the student remains on

Academic Probation.

When the Cumulative GPA is at or above the GPA required for the total number

of credit hours attempted at the institution, the student’s status is Clear.

The student who is suspended for one semester may appeal. If, after appeal, the student

is readmitted without serving the one semester suspension, the transcript will read

SUSPENDED--ONE SEMESTER/ READMITTED UPON APPEAL.

The student who is readmitted upon appeal re-enters the institution on Academic

Probation.

A student who is on Academic Probation after being suspended for one semester

(whether the student has served the suspension or has been readmitted upon appeal)

without having since achieved Clear academic status and whose Cumulative GPA falls

below the level required for the total number of hours attempted at the institution but

whose semester GPA is 2.0 or above will remain on Academic Probation until the

student achieves the required GPA for the total number of hours attempted.

A student returning from a one term or one year suspension and, while on academic probation, fails to obtain the required GPA for the number of hours attempted and fails to maintain a term GPA of 2.0, will be placed on a one year suspension.

The student may appeal a one term or one year suspension.

The permanent student record will reflect the student’s status (except when the status is clear). When appropriate, the record will reflect ACADEMIC PROBATION, ACADEMIC SUSPENSION-ONE TERM, ACADEMIC SUSPENSION-ONE YEAR, ACADEMIC PROBATION-ONE YEAR, ONE TERM SUSPENSION READMITTED ON APPEAL, OR ONE YEAR SUSPENSION-READMITTED ON APPEAL.

Exceptions:

Programs within the institution which are subject to external licensure, certification, and/or accreditation or which are fewer than four semesters in length may have higher standards of progress than the institutional standards of progress.

Transfer students must adhere to the same Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as a native student.

A transfer student who is admitted on Academic Probation retains that status until the student has attempted at least 12 semester credit hours at the institution.

Special Satisfactory Academic Progress standards have been established for students enrolled in institutional credit courses carrying optional grades and for students who wish to remain eligible to receive Title IV federal financial aid.

Students eligible for federal financial aid must adhere to the federal financial aid minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in order to receive aid.

To be eligible for Veterans Administration benefits, students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements applicable to all students at the college.

Definition of Terms:

Grade Point Average (GPA) – The average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted during any one term at the institution based on a 4 point scale. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) - The average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution based on a 4 point scale.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) - The average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution based on a 4 point scale.

Clear Academic Status - The status of a student whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is at or above the level required by this policy for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution.

Academic Probation

Academic probation is the status of a student whose Cumulative GPA falls below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution; or

The status of a student who was on Academic Probation the previous term and whose Cumulative GPA for that term remained below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution but whose GPA for that term was 2.0 or above.

One Semester Academic Suspension - The status of a student who was on Academic Probation the previous term but who has never been suspended or who, since suspension, had achieved Clear Academic Status and whose Cumulative GPA that term was below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution and whose GPA for that term was below 2.0.

One Year Academic Suspension - The status of a student who was on Academic Probation the previous term and who had been previously suspended without having achieved Clear Academic Status and whose Cumulative GPA that term remained below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution and whose GPA for that term was below 2.0.

Appeal of Suspension - The process by which an institution shall allow a student suspended for one term or one year (whether a native student or a transfer student) to request readmission without having to serve the suspension.

Application of Standards of Progress

Required Grade Point Average (GPA) Levels for Students According to Number of Hours Attempted at the Institution

Students who have attempted 12-21 semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 1.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Students who have attempted 22-32 semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 1.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Students who have attempted 33 or more semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

When the Cumulative GPA is at or above the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution, the student's status is Clear.

When a student's Cumulative GPA is below the GPA required for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution, the student is placed on Academic Probation.

When the Cumulative GPA of a student who is on Academic Probation remains below the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution but the semester GPA is 2.0 or above, the student remains on Academic Probation.

When the Cumulative GPA is at or above the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution, the student’s status is Clear.

The student who is suspended for one semester may appeal. If, after appeal, the student is readmitted without serving the one semester suspension, the transcript will read SUSPENDED--ONE SEMESTER/ READMITTED UPON APPEAL.

The student who is readmitted upon appeal re-enters the institution on Academic Probation.

A student who is on Academic Probation after being suspended for one semester (whether the student has served the suspension or has been readmitted upon appeal) without having since achieved Clear academic status and whose Cumulative GPA falls below the level required for the total number of hours attempted at the institution but whose semester GPA is 2.0 or above will remain on Academic Probation until the student achieves the required GPA for the total number of hours attempted.

The student may appeal a one term or one year suspension.

The permanent student record will reflect the student’s status (except when the status is clear). When appropriate, the record will reflect ACADEMIC PROBATION, ACADEMIC SUSPENSION-ONE TERM, ACADEMIC SUSPENSION-ONE YEAR, ACADEMIC PROBATION-ONE YEAR, ONE TERM SUSPENSIONREADMITTED ON APPEAL, OR ONE YEAR SUSPENSION-READMITTED ON APPEAL.

Exceptions:

Transfer students must adhere to the same Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as a native student.

A transfer student who is admitted on Academic Probation retains that status until the student has attempted at least 12 semester credit hours at the institution.

Students eligible for federal financial aid must adhere to the federal financial aid minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in order to receive aid.

To be eligible for Veterans Administration benefits, students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements applicable to all students at the college.

Definition of Terms:

Academic Probation

Academic probation is the status of a student whose Cumulative GPA falls below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution; or

715.01: Graduation Requirements: Degrees and Certificates

ESCC is authorized to award the appropriate degree or certificate to a student who has completed an approved program of study, attained a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average over all coursework attempted at the College, and earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree or certificate at the College.

1. In meeting the requirement for a 2.0 cumulative grade point average over all coursework attempted at the College, a course may be counted only once.

2. A student is not required to pay graduation fees or participate in commencement ceremonies in order to be designated as a graduate on the transcript.

3. The chief academic officer shall approve the formal award when the student meets all requirements for graduation.

4. Transcripts will not be provided to a student or forwarded to any other institution or organization until after the student has fulfilled all financial obligations to the college.

716.01: Academic Honors

The College recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence

Each term, the following honors will be acknowledged:
- President's List: Inclusion on the President’s List requires successful completion of at least 12 credit hours of college-level courses and a 4.0 semester grade point average (GPA), both within that semester/term.

Dean's List: Inclusion on the Dean’s List requires successful completion of at least 12 credit hours of college-level courses and a semester grade point average (GPA) between 3.5 and 3.9, both within that semester/term.

2. The following honors for college-level coursework leading to a degree or certificate will be acknowledged and noted on transcripts:

Graduation with Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude) 3.90 to 4.00 GPA
Graduation with High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) 3.70 to 3.89 GPA
Graduation with Honors (Cum Laude) 3.50 to 3.69 GPA
Graduation with Distinction 3.50 to 4.00 GPA (for Certificate programs only)

Calculation of the grade point average (GPA) for graduation honors shall be identical to that method used to calculate the GPA to fulfill graduation requirements for the degree or certificate earned.

3. In an Honors Assembly each spring, the College recognizes those students who have distinguished themselves by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher and earning at least 36 hours and have been enrolled as a full-time student at least one term during the academic year. Additional students may be recognized as outstanding students by the academic divisions and president of the College.

717.01: Course Directory

The College utilizes The Alabama Community College System Course Directory, a comprehensive system of common course names, numbers, and descriptions, and follows the ACCS process for requesting a new course addition to the Course Directory.

718.01: Correctional Education

Enterprise State Community College follows all federal and state laws and requirements and follows ACCS policies and procedures when offering Adult Education instruction in local correctional facilities.

719.01: Academic Freedom

Enterprise State Community College supports the concept of academic freedom. In the development of knowledge, research endeavors, and creative activities, faculty and students must be free to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and scholarly criticism. Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing discipline-related subjects. Faculty and students must be able to examine ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence. At no time shall the principle of academic freedom prevent the institution from taking proper efforts to assure the best possible instruction for all students in accordance with the mission and objectives of the institution.

721.01 Continuing Education

Enterprise State Community College offers continuing education activities, which may include non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops provided to business and industry, organizations, governmental agencies, and the general public. These may include skills courses, personal enrichment, and professional development activities.

Fee structures are determined based on community and industry needs.

Individual instructor contracts will include curriculum standards and course objectives. Depending on the course, the instructor contract can include curriculum development.

Any continuing education offered through third party vendors (including internet-based course offerings) shall meet the same standards as those offered in traditional continuing education classroom settings.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be awarded in accordance with guidelines established by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training or by other appropriately recognized entities.

722.01 Developmental Education

ESCC offers developmental education courses in math and English to foster academic competencies necessary for student success in college-level courses.

Placement in developmental courses is determined through scores on the ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER. A student's high school coursework and GPA may also be considered.

ESCC encourages students who place into a developmental course to enroll within the first two semesters and to remain in the discipline until academic competencies are developed.

Instructors assign grades of A, B, C, D, F, or I, with a minimum grade of 70 percent required to pass each course. Developmental course grades are not calculated in the GPA for the awarding of honors.

723.01: Calendar: Instruction

Enterprise State Community College operates on the semester system. ESCC’s yearly calendar will be developed on the local level with the following minimum requirements.

1. The fall semester must begin in August and end in December. Spring semester must begin in January and end in May.

2. The calendar shall include instructional, non-instructional, registration, drop/add, final examination days, and holidays.

a. The academic year (fall and spring semesters) instructional calendar shall include 175 days. The summer term shall include 54 days.

b. The fall and spring semesters shall each contain a minimum of 78 instructional days with a minimum of three examination days per semester. The summer term shall include a minimum of 50 instructional days with a minimum of two examination days.

c. At least one registration day is required per term.

d. The calendar shall include two to three drop/add days per term for fall and spring semesters and a maximum of two days for the summer term.

3. The fall semester will include two days for statewide professional development.

4. A minimum of two local professional development days are required for the year.

5. Days that the institution is officially open are duty days for all full-time non-instructional personnel.

724.01: Loaning Training Equipment

The College is authorized to loan training equipment to system colleges, Alabama Technology Network, or secondary CTE programs within the state of Alabama. The Business Office must maintain records of all loaned equipment, including responsible party and equipment location.