TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT MANUAL

Transcription

1 TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT MANUAL FOR ADMINISTRATION AND EMBEDDED FACULTY

2 Table of Contents TVCC Mission Statement... 1 TVCC Affirmative Action Statement... 2 Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)... 3 Dual Credit Introduction Dual Credit Delivery Systems Course Scheduling... 8 Contracting with Embedded Faculty... 9 TVCC Policies and Procedures Application and Enrollment of High School Students Expectations & Responsibilities of the Student Admissions Committee, Scholastic Probation, Scholastic Suspension Attendance and Absence Policy Cheating/Plagiarism Policy Adding and/or Dropping Classes TVCC Refund Policy Testing Bacterial Meningitis TVCC Services Embedded Faculty Expectations and Responsibilities of the Embedded Faculty Embedded Faculty Evaluations Syllabus Textbooks Class Rosters Drop Policy ii

3 Class Student Faculty Evaluations Grades Cardinal Connection Contacts Appendix TVCC Dual Credit Faculty Application TVCC Dual Credit Agreement to Teach TVCC Faculty Vitae TVCC Course Syllabus Template TVCC Concurrent Student Check Lists TVCC Dual Credit/Concurrent Application Bacterial Meningitis Information Form TVCC Dual Credit Costs TVCC Faculty Evaluation Template TVCC Schedule Change Form TVCC Grade Change Form iii

4 TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Trinity Valley Community College is a learning-centered college that provides quality academic, workforce, college preparatory, student support, and community service programs that prepare and empower students for success and promote and enhance life-long learning for all communities served. TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The TVCC Statement of Purpose is determined in statute identified in the Texas Education Code, Section , which states that the charge of each public community college shall be to provide the following: Technical programs up to two years in length leading to an associate degree or certificates; Vocational programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled or skilled occupations; Freshman and/or sophomore courses in arts and sciences; Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading; Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy that allow the enrollment of disadvantaged students; A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals; Workforce development program designed to meet local and statewide needs; Adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults; and Other purposes as may be prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for post-secondary education in Texas. TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE VALUES Trinity Valley Community College adopted The Valley Way as our service standards. Value - We will value our students and understand that without them we would not be here. Accountability We will hold ourselves and each other accountable. Lasting Traditions We will continue to have pride in our institution, while we pursue excellence for both colleagues and students. Learning Environment We will foster a safe and inclusive learning environment in which our students and staff feel respected by, and connected to, one another. Ethical Behavior We will choose to be ethical in all of our dealings. You First We will value individuality and the opinions of others. Every voice has the right to be heard, and every word will be spoken with respect. 1

5 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, lay-offs, termination, rate of pay, and other forms of compensation; the recruitment and admission of students; the availability of student loans, grants, and scholarships; the opportunity to participate in student activities; the provision of student services; the use of college housing; and the operation of any programs and activities shall be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran s status. TVCC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution which provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination or harassment in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503, 504); Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974; Article 522lk V.A.C.S.; and Executive Orders and TVCC will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. Questions or problems related to Title IX and Section 504 compliance activities should be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer in the Human Resource Department, 100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, Texas, ( ). The effective date of this catalog is the beginning of the 2012 fall semester. A student must graduate by August 31, 2017, to be eligible for graduation under the provisions of this catalog. 2

6 FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 In compliance with the Texas Open Records Act and the Buckley Amendment (Public Law ), TVCC will consider the following information to be public or directory information unless the individual student properly advises the registrar s office in writing that his/her name not be included or released as public information: Name Date and place of birth Current & permanent address Telephone listing Major & minor Current class schedule Number of hours enrolled current semester Classification Marital status address Degrees & awards received Dates of attendance Participation in officially recognized activities & sports Weight & height of members of athletic teams All previous educational agencies or institutions attended TVCC administration, counselors, staff, and instructors are allowed to communicate with the individual student, the high school counselor, high school administration, and the Dual Credit High School Liaison regarding student progress, grades, student schedule, student attendance, tuition owed, etc. TVCC employees are not allowed to discuss individual students with anyone, including parents, without a signed FERPA Waiver. TVCC staff will communicate to the high school, where parents may request information from the high school staff regarding students dual credit courses. 3

7 DUAL CREDIT INTRODUCTION This manual is a guide for school district administrators and embedded faculty as they engage in the dual credit program at Trinity Valley Community College. The Trinity Valley Community College Catalog should be consulted for questions, as well as the Trinity Valley Community College website. The catalog can be found at and the college homepage is Dual Credit refers to the process by which a high school student enrolls in a college course and receives simultaneous credit for the course from both the college and the high school. Dual credit courses include both academic courses as well as technical courses. Concurrent enrollment refers to the process by which an eligible high school student enrolls in college-level academic or technical courses while still enrolled in high school and receives college credit without receiving high school credit for these courses. High school students residing in the TVCC service area may be eligible to receive dual credit toward high school graduation for successfully completing certain TVCC courses. Dual credit courses can be offered at the high school campus during regular high school hours, via Internet or ITV, or on any of the TVCC campuses. High school students may enroll in dual credit courses once they have successfully completed their sophomore year of high school; received permission from their parent/guardian and high school counselor; submitted an official high school transcript; completed all TVCC admissions requirements and prerequisites for courses they wish to take; met the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements; and taken any required placement tests prior to enrollment OR submitted acceptable exemption scores on the ASPIRE, ACT, PLAN, PSAT, SAT, or STAAR. All beginning dual credit students are limited to two courses per semester as per THECB/TEA policy. Returning dual credit students may take more than two courses per semester IF approved by the Vice President of Instruction, recommended by the high school counselor, and have maintained at least a 2.0 or C average in all TVCC courses. Dual credit students may have a tuition waiver on two courses per semester. The TVCC Dual Credit program is approved to offer over fifty-percent of the AA and/or AAS degree on fourteen high school campuses. High school students taking TVCC courses will conduct themselves as college students as expected in a collegiate classroom environment. Statutory authority for concurrent enrollment and dual credit is contained in the Texas Administrative Code and How does Dual Credit work? Students begin by consulting their high school counselor to determine if dual credit courses are available and if the student is eligible for enrollment. Students must demonstrate college readiness through standardized test results and achieve the appropriate scores for dual credit admission. Students must meet all TVCC admission requirements and the prerequisites for each course. High school counselors help students with the TVCC admission, enrollment, and registration process. 4

8 What subjects are available? Only courses contained within the TVCC Core, Workforce Education courses, and foreign language courses may be used for dual credit. Courses approved for dual credit for a high school student must be applicable to a college or university certificate or degree. TVCC offers a wide selection of courses to dual credit students at the three TVCC campuses, high schools, and in several different formats. Students must consult with the high school counselor about which subjects are available and most appropriate for graduation requirements, but the most common subjects have been the TVCC Core Subjects. These include, but are not limited to English, Government, Math, and History. Other selections may include courses in Fine Arts, Speech, Economics, Sciences, and Workforce Training areas. Kinesiology (PE) courses are not available to dual credit students due to State of Texas funding restrictions for those courses. Dual Credit Liaisons Dual Credit Liaisons are school district contacts that serve as the contact person for the dual credit program on that high school campus. This individual might handle course scheduling, computer lab scheduling for online courses, troubleshooting, etc. If the school district has a designated Dual Credit Liaison, please send that individual s contact information to the Director of Dual Credit. University Interscholastic League (UIL) TVCC encourages the student to consult the Constitution and Contest Rules of the UIL concerning eligibility for course work beyond high school level in subject areas in which the student may participate in UIL. Under UIL rules, taking college courses in a field of study in which the student may compete in UIL may disqualify a student from competition. TVCC Partner School Districts Taxing district schools include: Athens, Athens Christian Preparatory, Brownsboro, Chandler, Crandall, Cross Roads, Eustace, Frankston, Kaufman, Kemp, LaPoynor, Mabank, Malakoff, Murchison, Palestine, Poetry Community Christian, Scurry-Rosser, Terrell, and Trinidad. Tax-Paying schools include: Canton, Cayuga, Edgewood, Elkhart, Forney, North Forney, Fruitvale, Martins Mill, Neches, Rains, Slocum, Westwood, and Wills Point. 5

9 DUAL CREDIT DELIVERY SYSTEMS Courses may be delivered using a variety of methods as listed below. College Campus - A high school student earns both high school and college credit for a course taught on the college campus. The high school student will attend class with college students. High school counselors work with TVCC Dual Credit to enroll students in class times that fit within the school day, or TVCC provides college courses at night. High School Campus - A high school student earns both high school and college credit for a course taught in the high school facility, with an embedded high school instructor. The instructor must meet all qualifications for faculty teaching each respective course on the college campus and be approved by the appropriate TVCC department. Distance Education - The Unites States Distance Learning Association defines distance learning as The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. Distance learning at Trinity Valley Community College offers opportunities for students to further their education goals when employment, family responsibilities or other scheduling or distance problems prevent regular attendance on one of the college s campuses. TVCC s distance learning program utilizes Internet or Web-based courses and two-way live instructional television to provide online degrees. Online courses use the Blackboard course management system. Specific login instructions for Blackboard may be obtained from the distance learning office. Students should note that many TVCC distance learning courses may require major examinations to be taken in a proctored environment either at designated testing centers or through approved proctors. This may result in students having to travel to their nearest TVCC campus for exams. For information about Distance Learning at TVCC please visit our website at or us at ecourseshelp@tvcc.edu Internet courses include a $30.00 internet fee for each individual distance learning courses. o Online Course - An online course is completed entirely over the Internet. Dual credit students earn both high school and college credit. A high school student may enroll in an online course integrated with college students and participate independently at home. A high school student may enroll in an online course composed of only high school students and dedicated to dual credit. The high school may arrange for a group of students to meet in a computer lab and participate in an online course with a high school liaison present. Students are encouraged to participate in an online assessment to assess their compatibility with online college courses before they enroll. A report is provided at the conclusion of the assessment. Go this webpage: 6

10 o Interactive Video Course - Students will participate in a class taught in an interactive classroom at the high school campus. The instructor will be a TVCC faculty member who is teaching from a TVCC site or an embedded high school instructor teaching from another high school. 7

11 COURSE SCHEDULING In an attempt to ease dual credit scheduling and registration, TVCC creates specific course sections for the school districts each semester. The Director of Dual Credit will request school districts course needs each semester (i.e. Fall courses will be requested in the Spring semester, etc.). The following information should be submitted: Name of the course Instructor preference Mode of delivery Scheduled time Approximate number of students The dual credit schedule will be created from the information provided. The proposed schedule will be ed to the district for final approval, before it is made official. The final schedule will include the name of the course, section number, instructor, mode of delivery, number of seats available, and the time. Please refer to notifications from the Director of Dual Credit regarding due dates for submission. Dual Credit Course Stipends TVCC will pay a stipend of $500 to the District for dual credit courses taught by Embedded Faculty on the District campus. The stipend amount is contingent upon 10 dual credit students enrolled in the course on the Official TVCC Census Date. The District will be paid on a per student basis for less than 10 dual credit students. Biology Fees TVCC will reimburse the District for biology lab fees when the labs and supplies are furnished by the District on the high school campus. The high school biology labs must be approved by the TVCC Biology Department before use and before scheduling of courses on the high school campus. 8

12 CONTRACTING WITH EMBEDDED FACULTY TVCC allows high school instructors that meet TVCC requirements to teach embedded dual credit courses on the high school campus. In order to serve as an instructor of record at TVCC, instructors of academic transfer courses offered for dual credit must have completed at least 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline and have a master's degree. Degrees and graduate credit hours held by faculty members, whether full time or part-time, must have been earned at a U. S. regionally accredited institution. In order to serve as an instructor of record at TVCC, instructors of career and technology courses offered for dual credit must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the teaching discipline, or associate's degree and demonstrated competencies (three years work experience) in the teaching discipline. Degrees and graduate credit hours held by faculty members, whether full time or part-time, must have been earned at a U. S. regionally accredited institution. In order for high school instructors to be considered as embedded faculty, the instructor s undergraduate and graduate transcripts will be submitted to the Director of Dual Credit. The TVCC Division Chairperson will review the transcripts and decide upon contracting with the individual instructor. At the point of approval, the following documentation must be submitted to the Director of Dual Credit: TVCC Employment Application Official College Transcripts Dual Credit Faculty Application Dual Credit Faculty Agreement to Teach Faculty Vitae Course Syllabus The Director of Dual Credit, in conjunction with the TVCC Division Chairperson will complete the instructor s Faculty Roster and Personnel Action Request (PAR). 9

13 TVCC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 10

14 APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS To be eligible for enrollment in dual credit courses offered, students must have at least junior year high school standing. Exceptions to this requirement for students with demonstrated outstanding academic performance and capability (as evidenced by grade-point average, PSAT/NMSQT scores, STAAR, PLAN or other assessment indicators) must be approved by the high school principal or counselor and TVCC Vice President of Instruction. Applicants to dual credit and concurrent and early admission programs must submit the following documents: TVCC Application for Admission form (first-time students) TVCC Dual Credit/Concurrent Application (each semester) Current High School Transcript (first time students) Official TSI test results (most current) Proof of Bacterial Meningitis shot that is not more than five years old if taking internet or classes on one of the TVCC campuses. Early dual credit registration is also available to students and school districts. The aforementioned documents are required for early registration, as well. Early submission of documentation ensures an easier enrollment process, as well as more course options for students. Please refer to notifications from the Director of Dual Credit in regards to early enrollment dates and registration procedures for TVCC campuses. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a high school student must have completed their sophomore year and shall not enroll in more than two college credit courses each semester without prior approval from the Vice President of Instruction. The TVCC Sophomore Exception Procedure is: a. Student must be TSI Complete on all sections of Reading and Writing, if they are enrolling in anything other than Math (i.e. ASPIRE, ACT, PLAN, PSAT, STAAR, TSI Assessment) b. Student must be TSI Complete in Math, if they are enrolling in a Math course (i.e. ASPIRE, ACT, PLAN, PSAT, SAT, STAAR, New TSI Assessment) c. Student must possess a GPA of a 3.0 or above d. Student must present an original signed letter of recommendation from the high school principal e. Student must meet all TVCC admission requirements f. Student must meet with TVCC officials for an interview g. Students are only allowed to enroll in a maximum of two (2) courses while they are Sophomores Student must provide the following documentation: a. Most recent test scores b. Copy of high school transcript c. Letter of recommendation from the principal Beginning dual credit students may obtain special approval from the Vice President of Instruction to take three courses per semester if the student has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA or B average at the 11

15 high school. Returning students may obtain special approval from the Vice President of Instruction to take more than two courses per semester if the student has maintained at least a 2.0 GPA or C average in all TVCC courses. The awarding of high school credit for graduation is at the discretion and approval of the District. Criteria for Home-Schooled Students Home-Schooled students must meet all aforementioned requirements for admission and registration. For more information, contact: Registrar s Office at , or Director of Dual Credit at Tuition Payment Process The cost of tuition and fees will be based on the current Trinity Valley Community College tuition and fee schedule for eligible dual credit courses. Students will have tuition waived on up to two courses that are offered for dual credit per semester. Students will be responsible for payment of fees and books. Students who reside in the TVCC taxing district pay a General Fee per semester hour. Students who reside outside the TVCC taxing district pay a General Fee per semester hour, as well as an Out-of- District Fee per semester hour. Additional fees, dependent upon the course, include internet and lab fees. Payment of Tuition and Fees A student or parent may make full payment in person by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover Credit Cards. A student or parent may also enroll in an Online Tuition/Fee Payment and Installment Plan, through Cardinal Connection. For more information, go to Dual credit students will be dropped from their courses for non-payment of tuition/fees. If the school district will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees, and/or books, a list of students, ID numbers, specific enrolled courses, and specific textbooks will be provided by the school district to the appropriate Financial Aid representative at the appropriate TVCC campus by the date specified by TVCC. Textbooks Textbooks can be purchased at the TVCC Bookstore or may be purchased online, at various websites. To access information regarding textbooks for your course, please go to 12

16 EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT 1. A dual credit course is a college course in all respects. The curriculum and teaching methods are the same as used in other college courses. Students will be expected to conduct themselves as college students, and regular academic policies applicable to courses taught at the college's main campus also apply to dual credit courses. See the TVCC College Catalog at 2. To prepare for college course assignments, all college students should expect to invest at least as much time out-of-class as in-class reading and studying. All students should schedule more study time when they have an exam or when projects are due. 3. High school courses may not address the same controversial issues or subject matter as a college course. Dual Credit students should be prepared to participate in college level class discussions. 4. The instructor is available to answer any questions a student may have. If students have any concerns about their performance in the course or are not sure of an assignment, the student should speak with the instructor. 5. The student should pay careful attention to the instructor s system for assigning grades. The instructor s grading system is covered in the course syllabus which is distributed at the beginning of each course. a. Do not expect to repeat work in order to improve a grade. b. Do not expect to do extra work to bring up a low grade. c. Do not expect to receive extra credit for attendance. 6. High school extra-curricular activities may conflict with a dual credit course. Students are responsible for all materials related to the course whether or not they are in class the day the information is given or the assignment is made. Students will need to talk to their instructor to make arrangements for receiving handouts, classroom information, obtaining lecture notes, or turning in work. Parents and students should seriously discuss priorities before and during enrollment in a dual credit course. Keep in mind, an absence is defined as a student not being in class. Students must notify TVCC instructors of standardized testing (STAAR, etc.) schedules and make arrangements for assignments and/or exams. 7. While taking courses through TVCC, the student must adhere to all college policies and regulations contained in the college catalog, student handbook, class schedule, and course syllabus. 8. Students will access the course syllabus to review course requirements, expectations, assignments, testing, textbooks, and other pertinent information before the course begins. Online syllabi can be accessed via the TVCC Online Schedule at 13

17 ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE The purpose of the Admissions Committee is to hear the appeals of students who are on scholastic probation or suspension. The Appeals Committee meets prior to the beginning of each semester. The Admissions Committee reviews admissions criteria on an annual basis. SCHOLASTIC PROBATION If a student s cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, the student will be placed on probation. The student must meet with the Admissions Committee before registering for the next semester. The purpose of the Committee is to determine the best course of action to help the student succeed. Therefore, the Committee will specify the conditions under which the student will be allowed to register for the next semester. These conditions may consist of assigning the student a monitor for the semester, designating the courses the student must take, limiting the number of semester credit hours or other requirements as determined by the Committee. The student must comply with the conditions and requirements specified by the Committee, or the student will be subject to dismissal from the College. SCHOLASTIC SUSPENSION A student who is on scholastic probation and who fails to attain a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. will be placed on scholastic suspension and may be denied readmission to the College for the next semester. The student may appeal this action to the Admissions Committee if there are extenuating circumstances that may have affected his or her ability to achieve a 2.0 G.P.A. The Admissions Committee may prescribe specific courses, limit the number of semester credit hours and assign a monitor to whom the student must report on a scheduled basis. A student who does not follow the requirements as specified by the Committee will be subject to dismissal from the College. After the period of scholastic suspension, the student may be readmitted on scholastic probation with the approval of the Admissions Committee. Should the student again fail to meet the requirements for removal from probation, the student will be placed on scholastic suspension for one calendar year. The student may be admitted only upon the approval of the Admissions Committee. A student who is on academic suspension from another institution is ineligible for admission to Trinity Valley Community College unless approval from the Admissions Committee has been given. 14

18 ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE POLICY Responsibility for class attendance rests with the student. Regular and punctual attendance at all classes is expected. When a student has a legitimate reason for being absent, the instructor has the option of permitting the student to make up work missed and may require an explanation for the absence. The college reserves the right to evaluate individual cases of nonattendance. In general, students are graded on the basis of intellectual effort and performance. In many cases, class participation is a significant measure of performance, and nonattendance can adversely affect a student s grade. When, in the judgment of the instructor, a student has been absent to such a degree as to jeopardize the chances of success in the course, the instructor may recommend to the Guidance and Counseling office that the student be dropped from the course. However, instructors are not required to drop students from a course. To provide some consistency to the attendance policy, instructors may drop students for nonattendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences: FALL OR SPRING SEMESTER 9 absences Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes 6 absences Tuesday, Thursday classes 6 absences Monday, Wednesday classes 3 absences Classes meeting one time per week SUMMER SEMESTER 2 absences Classes meeting 2 evenings per week 4 absences Classes meeting 4 days per week It is the student s responsibility to officially drop a course or verify that the instructor has initiated the drop procedure. Students that drop all developmental classes will be placed on developmental probation. **High School Counselors must notify the TVCC Director of Dual Credit of standardized testing (STAAR, etc.) schedules so TVCC instructors can be notified of potential students absences. 15

19 CHEATING/PLAGIARISM POLICY Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Cheating on a test shall include: a. Copying from another student s test paper b. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test c. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator d. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an un-administered test e. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test f. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, to take a test, and g. Bringing another person to obtain an un-administered test or information about an unadministered test. Plagiarism shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one s own written work. Collusion shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements. Instructors define their own classroom policy regarding cheating/plagiarism and what the punishment shall be. Punishment might include receiving a failing grade on the assignment, receiving a failing grade in the course, or others. 16

20 ADDING AND/OR DROPPING COURSES Students may receive permission from the Guidance and Counseling Center to change from one class to another only during the time designated in the college calendar. After classes begin, schedule change procedures must be initiated in the Guidance Center. Appropriate signatures must be secured and the Schedule Change form must be returned to the Registrar s office before the change is official. No course may be changed or added after the date designated by the college calendar. A student who officially withdraws or drops from one or more courses will receive the grade of W if such withdrawal is completed by the deadline specified in the college calendar. Dual credit students are not allowed to drop a course using the online procedure. Dual credit students must discuss dropping a course with their high school counselor before the process begins. Dropping a course will affect a students high school graduation plan and it is imperative the high school is aware. Also, once a student drops a course, a W will stand on their college transcript. If a student feels overwhelmed, un-prepared, or is failing a course, a consultation with the high school counselor to discuss dropping options needs to take place as soon as possible. It is the student s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course or verify that the instructor has initiated the withdrawal procedure. Contact the Director of Dual Credit for more information. 17

21 TVCC REFUND POLICY Students who officially drop a class or withdraw from Trinity Valley Community College will have their tuition and mandatory fees refunded according to the following schedule: FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS Prior to the first class day 100% (a $15.00 matriculation fee will be charged) During the first fifteen class days 70% During the sixteenth through twentieth class days 25% After the twentieth class day none SUMMER SEMESTERS Prior to the first class day 100% (a $15.00 matriculation fee will be charged) During the first five class days 70% During the sixth and seventh class days 25% After the seventh class day none FOR SEMESTERS OTHER THAN FALL, SPRING, AND SUMMER Prior to the first class day 100% (a $15.00 matriculation fee will be charged) After classes begin, see table. Length of Term Last day for Last day for in Weeks 70% refund 25% refund 2 or less 2 N/A or longer Refunds will be mailed to the student approximately four weeks after the end of the applicable refund period. 18

22 TESTING TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE PROGRAM (TSI)* The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was mandated by Texas law in 2003 and went into effect in September of The purpose of TSI is to ensure that all students enrolling in public higher education in Texas possess the academic skills needed to perform effectively in college-level coursework. TSI includes a testing component designed to identify and provide diagnostic information about the reading, writing and mathematics skills of each student. The state approved assessment instrument is the TSI Assessment. The cut scores for College Readiness are: 1. Math: Reading: Writing: a. Essay: 5 OR b. 4 with Multiple Choice score of 363 A student may be exempted from the requirement to take the approved TSI Assessment if the student meets one of the following circumstances: 1. Meets or exceeds qualifying standards on the ACT or SAT tests. a. ACT: Composite score of 23 with a minimum score of 19 on both English and math is required for full exemption. Scores may be no more than five years old. b. SAT: Composite score of 1070 with a minimum score of 500 on both reading and math is required for full exemption. Scores may be no more than five years old. c. STAAR: Algebra I Level 2 (4000) & passing grade in high school Algebra II Course OR Algebra II Level 2 (4000) English II Level 2 (4000) d. PSAT/NMSQT: Combined score of 107 with a minimum of 50 on the critical reading and/or mathematics test. An eligible high school student who has enrolled in dual credit under this provision, during their junior year and earns a grade of C or better, has demonstrated eligibility to enroll in dual credit courses in the twelfth grade. A student who does not earn a C or better during their junior year, must demonstrate eligibility to enroll in dual credit courses in the twelfth grade (ACT, SAT, STAAR, TSI). e. ASPIRE/PLAN: Composite score of 23 with a 19 or higher in mathematics and English. An eligible high school student who has enrolled in dual credit under this provision, during their junior year and earns a grade of C or better, has demonstrated eligibility to enroll in dual credit courses in the twelfth grade. A student who does not earn a C or better during their junior year, must demonstrate eligibility to enroll in dual credit courses in the twelfth grade (ACT, SAT, STAAR, TSI). 2. Partial TSI exemption a. Students who meet one of the following testing criteria can be partially exempt from the TSI requirements: 19

23 i. ACT Reading & Writing: Composite score of 23 or higher with a score of 19 or higher on the English subtest. Student must take the math section of a test approved for TSI purposes. ii. ACT Math: Composite score of 23 or higher with a score of 19 or higher on the math subtest. Student must take the reading and writing sections of a test approved for TSI purposes. iii. SAT Reading & Writing: Composite score of 1070 or higher with a score of 500 or higher on the reading subtest. Student must take the math section of a test approved for TSI purposes. iv. SAT Math: A composite score of 1070 or higher, with a score of 500 or higher on the math subtest. Student must take the reading and writing sections of a test approved for TSI purposes. b. Note: The composite score and the subtest scores must be earned on the same test administration. c. ACT and SAT partial exemptions are only valid for tests dated April 2004 or later. For additional information on Texas Success Initiative policies or test dates at TVCC, contact the Testing Center at Athens or the Guidance Centers at Athens, Palestine, or Terrell. 20

24 PLACEMENT AND CREDIT ON THE BASIS OF ACT/SAT AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT (CEEB) SCORES Students who have ACT, SAT or College Board Advance Placement scores that equal or surpass those listed below may be eligible to receive advance placement and/or credit in English and mathematics. Scores can be no more than five years old. The credits stated below are in accordance with Trinity Valley Community College policies and do not guarantee acceptance by transfer universities. When a student plans to transfer to another institution, it is the student s responsibility to contact the university to verify acceptance of credit by examination. SAT, ACT AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCORES Subject Area Minimum Scores Course Exemption Credit Course Sem. Hours ACT SAT English ENGL 1301 ENGL English ENGL 1302 ENGL Mathematics MATH 1314 MATH Mathematics MATH 2312 MATH ADVANCED PLACEMENT (CEEB) SCORES AP Exam AP Score Course Credit Sem Hrs. Biology 4 BIOL Calculus AB 3 MATH Calculus BC 3 MATH Calculus BC (cont.) 4 MATH 2413, Chemistry 3 CHEM 1405, Economics - Macro 4 ECON Economics Micro 4 ECON English Language & Composition 3 ENGL English Lang. & Comp. (cont.) 4 or 5 ENGL 1301 & English Literature & Composition 3 ENGL English Lit. & Comp. (cont.) 4 or 5 ENGL 2332 &

25 Music Theory 4 or 5 MUSI 1311, 1312, 1116, Piano (non-piano majors only) 4 or 5 MUSI Spanish Language 3 SPAN 1411 & Spanish Language (cont.) 5 SPAN 1411, 1412, Spanish Literature 3 SPAN Statistics 4 MATH Physics B 3 PHYS 1401, Physics C- Mechanics 3 PHYS Physics C - Electricity & Magnetism 3 PHYS AP Introductory Psychology 4 or 5 PSYC Human Geography 3 GEOG AP U.S. History 4 or 5 HIST 1301/HIST AP U.S. Government/Constitution 4 or 5 GOVT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS As of January 1, 2012, Texas state law (Senate Bill 1107) requires that college students under 30 years of age must provide proof of receiving an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster within the last 5 years. Dual credit students who are not taking classes on a TVCC campus are exempt from this requirement. Therefore, if students are enrolling only in classes taught on their high school campus, they are not required to show proof of vaccination. However, dual credit students seeking to enroll in a course taught on a TVCC campus or an online course with proctored exams must provide proof of vaccination prior to registration. Exemptions from the vaccine are available in cases in which a physician has determined that receiving the vaccination is not in the best interest of the student, or through completion of the conscientious objection (including religious belief) process through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Visit for more information. 22

26 TVCC SERVICES 23

27 GUIDANCE SERVICES The sole purpose of Guidance Services is to enhance and help make relevant the experiences of the student while he or she attends Trinity Valley Community College. The guidance program at Trinity Valley Community College is, therefore, student centered. The chief objective should be the total development of the individual as nearly as possible to the limit of his/her potential. The task of the guidance program is to make all of the resources of the institution known and available to students so that they learn, primarily by their own experiences and efforts, to make wise decisions, to solve their problems independently and to become a well-balanced and increasingly mature person in all aspects of life. Specifically, the guidance program provides services in the following areas: recruiting, testing, counseling (personal, educational, and vocational), registration, orientation, faculty advising and placement. These services are implemented by the program director and the full-time professional counselors, a secretary and student assistant. COUNSELING Individual, academic, vocational and personal counseling is available to all students. As an aid to counseling, tests are administered and interpreted as a means of helping students to better understand themselves and their motives and clarify their objectives. Through the occupational and vocational information provided, students are assisted in selecting the best educational program that is compatible with their ability, interests and aptitude. For those who choose to go on to a university, a plan of courses is designed to correspond with the student s choice of major and transfer university. As one component of the counseling and guidance program, counselors assist students in planning their programs of study. Fall enrollees receive their program advisement during the summer, provided they have satisfied all admission requirements. Summer advisement is strongly encouraged to ensure adequate advisement time, give the student a better choice of classes and times and possibly eliminate waiting in line during the fall semester registration. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS Trinity Valley Community College welcomes the student with academic potential who has a special need as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to assisting qualified students. Trinity Valley Community College provides equal opportunities for academically qualified students with disabilities and ensures access to a wide variety of resources and programs. TVCC is committed to assisting qualified students. For a copy of TVCC's STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HANDBOOK click /Guidance/files/Student with Disabilities Handbook.pdf. The passage of Section 504, Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that the college make certain special arrangements for students with disabilities such as moving classes to accessible locations when necessary, allowing the use of tape recorders, sign language interpreters, or other educational auxiliary aids, making special test arrangements, etc. This does not mean that less should be required of the student with a disability than of others, but only that reasonable accommodations should be made to ensure that students with a disability have access to an education. The college will make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with a diagnosed physical and/or learning disability who have been admitted to the college and request accommodations. 24

28 Cardinal Academic Performance Services (CAPS) Office, located in the Baugh Technology Building #320, ph serves as a liaison for students with disabilities. Students not attending the Athens Campus should contact the counselor on the campus they are attending. A Request for Accommodations Form must be completed prior to the beginning of each semester. Appropriate documentation of physical or psycho/educational evaluation or Rehabilitation Agency referral must be submitted before any accommodations can be arranged. This evaluation and/or referral must clearly document the disability and support the need for accommodation. Reasonable accommodation requests and documentation may be subject to review by the ADA Compliance Committee. The deadline for applying for assistance with the CAPS Office is normally four weeks prior to the beginning of the initial semester of enrollment, to allow time to provide adequate coordination of services. The deadline for applying for subsequent continuous semesters of enrollment is two weeks prior to the beginning of regular college registration for that fall or spring semester. PLACEMENT SERVICES The placement office assists TVCC students, ex-students, faculty, staff and community residents in their efforts to choose a career and seek employment. Available services include assistance with job interviewing, job search and the development of resumes and cover letters. The placement office sponsors workshops and job fairs; maintains announcements on job vacancies, credential files and company literature files; and provides information on employers, employment, salaries and supply-and-demand trends. There is no fee for these services. For more information about placement services, please go to: or call CARDINAL SUCCESS CENTER Cardinal Success Centers (CSC) are located on the Athens, Palestine and Terrell campuses. Centers provide areas where professional tutoring by faculty, staff, and students is available. Professional tutors donate time weekly to assist students. The tutoring services are free and complement the Cardinal Academic Performance Services (CAPS) peer tutoring program. The Athens Campus CSC is located in the Baugh Technology Center and open during the fall, spring and summer semesters. It provides 50+ computers for academic and personal use, a quiet place for study groups to meet and other resources such as textbooks, calculators, headphones, access to computer-assisted learning, and an assortment of software. A valid student ID card is required for entry. The coordinator, an assistant coordinator and student workers staff the center in Athens; it operates Monday through Friday and for a limited period on Sunday afternoons. Please contact center staff for campus specific services and hours of operation. The CAPS program is designed to provide academic advisement, counseling, tutoring, educational aids and cultural enrichment experiences for TVCC students. 25

29 The CAPS program will assist students to overcome barriers in the pursuit of furthering their education at TVCC. The program will provide tutorial services, one-on-one and group sessions, individual assessment of special needs, basic study skills instruction, college survival seminars, career guidance and planning, graduate and transfer information, special assistance for handicapped students and programs designed to assist returning adult students. An intensified tutoring assistance program is offered without charge to the eligible student through the CAPS program. Qualified tutors conduct individual and group tutoring sessions in English, math, history, government, science, general business, Spanish, economics, and accounting. LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER (LRC) Trinity Valley Community College has four Learning Resource Centers (LRC). These centers are located on the first floor of the Ginger Murchison Learning Resource Center building on the Athens Campus, in the Anderson Building on the Palestine campus, in the M. L. Risinger Learning Resource Center building on the Terrell campus, and in the Administration Building on the Health Science campus. Generally, all campuses have study areas, circulating books, reference books, reserve materials, study carrels, coin-operated copy machines, newspapers, computers, periodicals, journals and access to online databases. Books are classified by the Library of Congress Classification system and housed in open stacks. Online catalogs are available in each Learning Resource Center for searching the collection. In addition, remote access to the library catalog and online databases is available. For orientation, training and information about online services, see the library staff. Assistance is available to groups or individuals needing help with any of the services. The hours of operation are posted; a current identification card is required for transactions. Books, microfilm, computers and other materials are available for academic research and class assignments. All provided resources are designed for use by the college student for academic use and personal enrichment. 26

30 EMBEDDED FACULTY 27

31 EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMBEDDED FACULTY The TVCC Division Chairperson of the program area is the official college contact regarding instructional content for college courses taught for dual credit. All course content, learning outcomes, and instructional objectives will be consistent with courses taught on the College campus. All TVCC instructors must have a syllabus posted on the TVCC website that incorporates instructional objectives and intellectual competencies. Faculty teaching college courses for dual credit are expected to carry out the following: Teach assigned classes according to approved course syllabi and learning outcomes (LEAPS) associated with course. Provide each student with a syllabus/class outline that explains the expectations of the instructor, learning outcomes, attendance expectations, and other information needed by the student (Examples: required class materials, outside assignments, course pre-requisites, etc.). Check student enrollment in the course. If a student s name does not appear on the class roll they may not attend class. Students should be instructed to contact the Director of Dual Credit or TVCC Registrar to complete the enrollment process. Arrive on time for classes or notify the Director of Dual Credit as early as possible of an inability to meet a class. Maintain control of the class. If there is a discipline problem that requires immediate attention, contact the administrator in charge on that campus. Additionally, report any classroom discipline problems to the Director of Dual Credit. Submit Textbook Request Forms to the Textbook Request System for each course taught EVERY semester. Keep class record books, lesson assignments, and other necessary materials or equipment available for substitute instructors. Submit all required class rosters, student grade reports, and required documentation on schedule. Maintain accurate attendance records for all classes. Assign both an alphanumeric and numeric grade on the Cardinal Connection grade sheet as follows: o A=Excellent (90-100) o B=Good (80-89) o C=Fair (70-79) o D=Poor (passing) (60-69) o F=Failure (below 60) o W=Withdrew (student initiated drop) There should also be back-up data to justify the grade assigned in the course (list of grades collected for quizzes, completion of projects, skills demonstrated, etc.). Maintain a copy of grade books for each dual credit course. If TVCC personnel need to review grade books, the Director of Dual Credit will request and receive a copy at that time. Check TVCC Cardinal Mail on a regular basis. This is one form of official communication from the college. 28

32 Attend faculty meetings and other special meetings called by the Director of Dual Credit, Division Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Associate Vice President of Workforce Education, Vice President of Instruction, or the President, when possible. Direct students with disabilities to the TVCC Disabilities Coordinator for appropriate action. The instructor should not give opinions about disabilities or provide accommodations for disabilities prior to receiving appropriate direction from the TVCC Disabilities Coordinator. Provide the institution with an updated Curriculum Vita, which includes educational history. Keeps Director of Dual Credit informed regarding matters affecting the welfare of students, faculty, and the institution. Participate in evaluation procedures in relation to the above stated requirements under this agreement. If embedded faculty are teaching online and receive s from students, faculty are expected to respond within 24 hours during the weekday, and within 72 hours during the weekend/holidays. SEMESTER TIMELINE By the beginning of each semester, the following items must be completed: Semester course syllabus posted on the TVCC website Submission of semester Faculty Teaching Agreement By the end of each semester, the following items must be completed: Student evaluations completed Faculty evaluations completed Submission of next semester s Book Request to the TVCC Bookstore Semester grades submitted by Noon on Tuesday of the week of TVCC Graduation Please refer to the notifications sent by the Director of Dual Credit for specific timelines and due dates. 29

33 EMBEDDED FACULTY EVALUATIONS The Director of Dual Credit, in consultation with appropriate TVCC staff, will evaluate the performance of embedded faculty teaching college courses offered as dual credit. The evaluation will be forwarded to the appropriate Associate Vice President for a decision regarding whether the faculty member will be able to continue teaching college courses as dual credit. In the event that it is determined that a faculty member is not going to be allowed to continue, the District will be informed in a timely manner. In addition to the results of the Student Evaluations and an evaluation of achieving learning outcomes (LEAPS), the Director of Dual Credit will also evaluate the following: Submission of Teaching Agreements on-time Submission of Book Requests on-time Submission of grades on-time Submission of Syllabus on-time Student participation of Student Evaluations Expectations and Responsibilities of Embedded Faculty mentioned above The following evaluation procedure will proceed: The evaluation instrument will be disseminated, via , to the embedded faculty by the Director of Dual Credit for the self-evaluation portion. The results of Student Evaluations will be utilized during this portion. (You will have received an to your TVCC account with a link that takes you to the evaluation results). Embedded faculty will return the evaluation instrument, via , by the due date and the Director of Dual Credit will finalize the evaluation. Director of Dual Credit will return the finalized evaluation, via , to the embedded faculty for final comments, discussion, and signature. Director of Dual Credit will submit final evaluation to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. 30

34 SYLLABUS A syllabus is the information that explains what will be covered in the course. The syllabus needs to explain how you determine student grades, textbook information (title, author, edition), attendance policy, testing, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) policy, cheating policy and anything else you deem important. Please do not provide the textbook title, author, and edition on your syllabi A link is included in the Syllabus Template. The syllabus needs to be given to students at the first class meeting, or show the students where to find the syllabus on the TVCC web page so that they can print the syllabi. Be sure the syllabus you provide to the students is the same one that is posted to the TVCC web page. The syllabi are posted to the TVCC website prior to students registering for the semester. You will receive an letting you know when you can upload your syllabi. If the course has a lab (separate section #) the same syllabus will also need to be posted for the lab. The syllabi must be in PDF format before it can be uploaded to the TVCC web page. There are 2 different syllabus templates: One for regular lecture courses and another one for internet/distance education courses (see Lecture Syllabus Form on next several pages). A syllabus will need to be done each semester for uploading to the TVCC website. Be sure to enter the semester information in the upper right hand corner. When you create the syllabi you will save it in Word (that will be the format you will use to make the changes in), once you have made the changes to the syllabi you will need to save it in PDF Format before uploading. Saving in PDF Format: You will need to have Adobe PDF downloaded in your computer. You can download Adobe PDF for free at Once you have Adobe PDF downloaded to your computer, find the syllabi that you want to download. Click "File" Click "Save as Adobe PDF" in a few seconds the syllabi in PDF format will show up on the screen. Then continue the steps for uploading your syllabi. How to Upload Syllabus to TVCC website: Go to the TVCC web page Click "Faculty and Staff' (top right hand corner) From the Drop Down Menu click "Login Central" Click "Syllabus System" Enter your Cardinal ID (User Name) Enter password (Cardinal Password) Click "Log In" Enter TVIN, Cardinal ID & Last Name Enter semester/year Click "Edit Class Syllabus" Click "Manage Files" Click "Browse" 31

35 Locate the PDF version of the syllabus you are trying to upload. Click on the file (it will be highlighted in blue when selected) Click "Open" Click "Upload File" At this point if there are other syllabi you need to upload click "Browse" OR if this is the only syllabi you need to upload Click "Done" This will take you back to the "Edit Class Syllabus" page. Select the course/section you wish to attach the syllabus to. Click "Edit" Locate the PDF syllabus file which you want to attach to the section and click on the syllabi Click "Make Current" When you are finished uploading all syllabi click "Done View Syllabus from TVCC website: Go to TVCC web page Go to "Students" tab Scroll down and click on "Schedule of Classes" Enter semester Enter campus Enter subject Enter instructor Click "Load Schedule" This screen will show a listing of the courses (see below). The course name and number will show up in blue if a syllabus has been uploaded for it. To view the syllabus click on the course name. The last column shows how many are enrolled in the course. What if I upload the wrong syllabi? Go back to the syllabi list Enter what semester you are working with Find the syllabus that needs to be taken out and click "Manage" On the list you will see the active syllabi marked, click on the dot next to it Click "Delete Selected Files" (bottom of screen), this will remove the syllabus so you can follow the steps and upload a different one. 32

36 TEXTBOOKS TVCC will provide the current textbook you need for your class along with any additional materials that go with the textbook if they are available (test bank, instructor text, etc.). You will need to contact your division chairperson or the Director of Dual Credit to request instructor edition textbooks and materials. Selecting and Viewing Class Books in the Cardinal Connection 1. After signing in to the Cardinal Connection, select Work with My Classes (Current & Upcoming Semesters) from the following screen: 2. From the class list, highlight the desired classes you wish to select or view the books for, then click on Display/Select Books: 33

37 3. If the timeframe for selecting the semester s books is not active, you will only be able to display the books. If you are able to select books, go to the next step. If view only, you will see one of the next two screens: Screen when no books have been selected for a class: Screen displaying selected books: 34

38 4. When within the book selection timeframe, you will see the following screen: Books have not been previously selected Books have previously been selected (note that the selected book(s) is highlighted): 5. Highlight the book(s) for the class. If you want to use all the approved books, highlight All Textbooks Required, all the approved books will be selected. If not selecting any of the approved books, select See Instructor. The See Instructor option should be avoided whenever possible as the student will not be able to get the book list or book costs for the course. Select Books: To complete the book selection, press Select. The following screen will be displayed: 35

39 Press Select to confirm the book selection. Press Exit to return to the book selection screen. If Select was chosen, the following screen will be displayed: Press Continue to exit the program. Cancel Book Selection: To cancel the book selection, press Exit. The following screen will be displayed: 36