Tidewater Community College, founded in 1968, is

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1 THE COLLEGE THE COLLEGE Tidewater Community College, founded in 1968, is one of twenty-three two-year colleges that make up the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Serving the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, the college offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the educational and training needs of its service area. Programs of study lead to the associate degree, diploma, or certificate; they include the first two years of university parallel instruction and over 60 occupational/technical programs. The college also offers both credit and non-credit continuing education and special training programs. Tidewater Community College has grown from a single location to four campuses, administrative offices, a regional visual arts center, an historical theater, and an advanced technology center. Classes are also offered at off-campus locations. The Portsmouth Campus, formerly the site of Frederick College, was donated by Frederick W. Beazley and the Beazley Foundation. It opened in the fall of 1968 as the original site of TCC. Overlooking Hampton Roads harbor, the campus is located west of the city of Portsmouth, near Interstate 664. The Frederick W. Beazley Classroom Building houses academic programs, administration, the Learning Resources Center, and student services. The Visual Arts Center, TCC at Olde Towne Portsmouth, opened in the spring of 1995 as the site of the college s art programs. As a regional center for the arts, the center contains the Belle B. Goodman Gallery, as well as classroom and studio facilities. The Norfolk Campus opened January 1997 in Norfolk as a part of the city s redevelopment effort. The Martin Building, donated by the heirs of Alvah H. Martin, houses the campus Learning Resources Center, classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, and training and conference facilities. The Mason C. Andrews Science Building houses student services, laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices. The Stanley C. Walker Technologies Building houses computer laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices. The TCC Jeanne and George Roper Center for Performing Arts houses a theater that seats over 600, classrooms, and computer laboratories. College administrative offices are located in Norfolk. The District Administration Offices are located at 121 College Place and 253 Monticello Avenue. The building at 121 College Place houses the office of the President and the offices of Academic and Student Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness, and Grants. The Monticello Building houses the offices of Finance, Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Payroll, Purchasing, Marketing, Creative Services, and Publications. The Office of Information Systems is located on the Portsmouth Campus. The Virginia Beach Campus was established in temporary quarters on Camp Pendleton, a state military reservation, in A permanent campus was constructed on land donated by the City of Virginia Beach at the geographical center of the city and opened in the fall of The campus now consists of five academic buildings, a Learning Resources Center, a building housing administrative and student services, all named for the boroughs of Virginia Beach, and a new Advanced Technology Center. The Chesapeake Campus was established in 1973 when the City of Chesapeake purchased the former Chesapeake College. The campus is located between the rapidly growing communities of Great Bridge and Deep Creek. The George B. Pass Building houses academic programs, administration, laboratories, student services, and the Learning Resources Center. The Marian P. Whitehurst Technology Center houses academic programs, administration, laboratories, and a conference center. Accreditation and Recognition Tidewater Community College, a member of the Virginia Community College System, is approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the State Board for Community Colleges, and the Virginia Community College System. Tidewater Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. The commission can be contacted at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033; telephone number (404) Curricula of the college are approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Tidewater Community College Board. Two-year associate degree programs are also approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 15

2 PROGRAMS General Information Certain curricula of the college are accredited by specialized accrediting organizations. They include health science programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the American Dietetic Association, the American Association of Medical Assisting, the American Council on Occupational Therapy Education, the American Health Information Management Association, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Virginia Board of Nursing, and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for EMT Professions. Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. The Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation exists to accept contributions and gifts that will be used for the support of the college, its programs, and its students. The foundation is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Gifts and contributions to the foundation are tax deductible for the donor and can be made in the form of money, negotiable securities, equipment, facilities, supplies, real estate, or buildings. Donors can name the foundation in estate planning and as a beneficiary to insurance policies, or memorial funds can be established through the foundation on behalf of individuals and families. Tidewater Community College Mission Statement Tidewater Community College provides collegiate education and training to adults of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their individual goals and contribute as citizens and workers to the vitality of an increasingly global community. Commitments That Inform The Mission: Open access to high-quality, affordable education to prepare students for transfer to a four-year baccalaureate institution, as well as for entry or advancement in the workforce. Cultural diversity as a critically important strength for students to meet the changing needs of a pluralistic, democratic society. Lifelong learning to heighten the awareness of students to multiple paths for achievement while helping them pursue the choices most conducive to their individual needs. Partnerships and proactive responsiveness to develop cutting-edge programs that meet the changing needs of students and industry, while contributing to the economic, civic and cultural vitality of the region, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the international community. A comprehensive range of programs and services recognized for excellence by leaders of business, industry, and government, and by educators in K-12 education and four-year colleges and universities. Virginia Tidewater Consortium Tidewater Community College is a member of the Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Continuing Education. For further information, contact Enrollment Services or visit PROGRAMS Tidewater Community College is a comprehensive institution of higher education offering programs of instruction generally extending no longer than two years beyond the high school level. Occupational-Technical Education Occupational and technical education programs prepare you for employment. They are designed to meet the increasing demand for technicians, paraprofessionals, skilled craft workers, and specialized clerical workers for employment in industry, business, government, and the professions. These programs, which normally require two years or less of training beyond high school, include preparation for agricultural, business, engineering, health and medical, industrial, service, and other technical and occupational fields. The curricula are offered primarily to meet regional needs. College Transfer Education The college transfer programs include first and second year courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional programs designed to meet standards acceptable for transfer to baccalaureate (four-year) degree programs. TCC transfer courses closely parallel those offered at four-year institutions. 16

3 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION General Education Courses in general education contain the common knowledge and skills you need to be effective as a person, an employee, a consumer, and a citizen. Both the college s accrediting organization and the State Board for Community Colleges require that all curricula include general education components. Developmental Studies Developmental courses prepare you for admission to the college s transfer and occupational-technical programs by helping you develop the basic skills and understanding necessary to succeed in college-level courses. Mandatory placement testing will determine whether you are required to enroll in developmental courses. (See Assessment and Placement Testing, page 19.) classes are of comparable academic quality and transfer exactly like their classroom counterparts. For technical requirements, resources for students, student success strategies, and schedules of classes, visit the Distance Learning website at or call (757) for additional information. ADMISSIONS INFORMATION Admission to the College You are eligible for admission to Tidewater Community College if you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, or if you are 18 years of age or older and able to benefit from a program of instruction. The college reserves the right to evaluate special cases and to refuse admission if such a refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the college. Continuing Education Continuing Education programs are designed to make lifelong learning possible for residents of the college s service area. These programs include credit and non-credit courses and are offered during day, evening, and weekend hours. Workforce Development TCC offers smart training solutions for business, industry, and government clients. Employees need the right knowledge and skills for optimum job performance. Results-oriented profiles, assessments, training, and education will help retain your valuable associates. TCC offers World Class Workforce Development Programs at either the college s or client s location. Our business, industry and government training centers offer resultsoriented, customized training for successful employers. Of course, we also offer traditional credit courses, certification programs, collaboration services, teleconferencing, and other business essential services. TCC is getting down to business. Call us for more information at (757) Naval Apprentice Program The Portsmouth Campus provides academic coursework for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Cooperative Education Apprentice Program. Contact the Student Development Office at the Portsmouth Campus for more information. Distance Learning Tidewater Community College offers a variety of classes through distance delivery, including telecourses, teleconference classes, and web-based online classes. Students are able to select from a range of courses toward the A.S. in Social Sciences. Taught by TCC faculty, these When you submit an application to the college, you are making a voluntary decision to participate in its programs, and abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of Tidewater Community College and the State Board for Community Colleges. When the college accepts your application, it extends to you the privilege of joining the college community. You may remain a part of that community as long as you meet the required academic and behavior standards of the college and the Virginia Community College System. For a complete statement of student rights and responsibilities, refer to the TCC Student Handbook available on each campus. It is the policy of the Virginia Community College System and Tidewater Community College to maintain and promote equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, sex or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification), religion, disability, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Tidewater Community College is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Applicants with disabilities are not required to identify themselves. However, if you require special assistance in the admissions process or need academic accommodations because of a disability or chronic health problem, you should contact Disability Services at your home campus 45 days prior to the first day of classes. If you are seeking accommodations or program modifications, you must provide documentation that is less than three years old. New students are required to take placement tests and see a counselor for interpretation of the results (for more 17

4 General Information information see Assessment and Placement Testing on page 19). All students are advised to consult with an academic advisor or counselor to investigate their educational interests and plan admission to a specific program. You may be admitted as a curricular or non-curricular student. Curricular students are those who have been admitted to one of the college s programs. To be admitted as a curricular student you must: Submit a completed official Application for Admission. Complete Student Assessment Program placement testing. Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended. High school transcripts are not required if your record is more than 10 years old or if the college determines they are not necessary for admission to the college or to a particular curriculum. Non-curricular students, those who have not requested formal admission to a curriculum, must: Submit a completed official Application for Admission. Admission Under Special Provisions Generally, enrollment of high school students at Tidewater Community College is intended to enhance and enrich the student s traditional education experience. Enrollment in developmental studies courses generally is prohibited because it takes the place of traditional experiences that should be available through other agencies or from a home schoolteacher or tutor. Special admission applicants must test free of all developmental studies courses that are prerequisites to credit courses, except that seniors enrolled in their final term prior to high school graduation may enroll in developmental studies courses. Normally, admission of students under 16 years of age will not be considered. The applicant who is admitted under special provisions will be classified as non-curricular until he/she qualifies for admission as a regular student. All high school-aged students applying for admission under special provisions must meet with the Campus Dean for Student Services or designee to review the content of the requested course(s) and the appropriateness of enrollment. Registration is normally limited to part-time enrollment. Continued enrollment will be reviewed each term and authorized by the Campus Dean for Student Services or designee based on educational merit. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations must be discussed with the student and parent to clarify disclosure regulations. Students who do not meet the general admission requirements to the college, but apply under the special provisions offered to high school-aged students, may be considered if they meet one of the following criteria. 1. Are at least 16 years of age and have completed their sophomore year (10th grade) of high school. A high school transcript may be required to demonstrate successful completion of 10th grade courses. 2. Have a written recommendation from the high school principal or designee, who must certify that the student is enrolled or is eligible for enrollment at the high school and can likely benefit from a program of instruction at Tidewater Community College. Applicants who are not eligible for enrollment at the high school will not be considered for admission to Tidewater Community College. 3. Are home-schooled students and can provide a copy of their authorization to home school provided by the division school system. 4. Are home-schooled students and can provide official evidence that they are performing at their appropriate grade level, as determined by the division superintendent. Options include: results from the same or alternate forms of standardized achievement tests used in the Virginia State Assessment Program or results from other assessments which, in the judgment of the division superintendent, indicate that the student is achieving at an adequate level. 5. Are home-schooled students and can provide a written recommendation from their tutor or teacher certifying that the applicant is performing at the required grade level and can likely benefit from a program of instruction at Tidewater Community College. Applicants will participate in the placement-testing program to demonstrate prerequisite academic preparedness. All applicants shall meet course prerequisites as determined by the college. The college reserves the right to evaluate special cases and to refuse admission to an applicant if such refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the college. 18

5 ASSESSMENT AND PLACEMENT TESTING CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS Curricular A curricular student is either a full-time or a part-time student working toward completion of a certificate or associate degree at the college. You are classified as a curricular student when you have been placed in one of the college s specific programs of study, called a curriculum. To be placed in a curriculum, you must be a high school graduate or have earned a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED), have completed required developmental courses, or have been otherwise determined to be qualified for admission. Your academic file must contain all of the information required for admission to the college. Non-Curricular If you have not requested admission to a curriculum, you are classified as a non-curricular student. As a noncurricular student, you may register for courses for any of the following reasons: To upgrade skills for your current job. To develop skills for a new job. To explore a new career. For personal satisfaction or general knowledge. As a transient student taking classes at TCC while maintaining primary enrollment with another college or university. As a non-degree transfer student taking classes at TCC for transfer to another college or university without completing graduation requirements for a TCC program. As a high school student (See Admission Under Special Provisions page 18.) Because you have not met all of the general or specific admission requirements as stated in the TCC Catalog but, have been accepted by the college with special approval to take classes normally for one semester. Because you seek admission to a program with restricted enrollment. Full-Time You are considered a full-time student if you have enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of course work in a semester or summer session. Part-Time You are considered a part-time student if you are carrying fewer than 12 credit hours during a semester or summer session. Academic Load The minimum full-time academic load is 12 credit hours. The maximum load, without special permission, is 18 credit hours. Student Level You are classified as a freshman until you complete 30 credits of course work in a degree program. You are classified as a sophomore after you complete 30 credits of course work in a degree program. Campus of Record You must select a campus of record Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Virginia Beach when you apply for admission. You can take classes and perform many administrative functions at any campus, but a copy of your records will be maintained at your designated campus of record. To change your campus of record classification, contact Enrollment Services on any campus. ASSESSMENT AND PLACEMENT TESTING Your success in a program of study at TCC requires that you have fundamental skills in English (reading and writing) and mathematics. To make sure that you are prepared to benefit from your courses, the college has developed the Student Assessment Program for placement testing. A computerized placement program, COMPASS, is used to evaluate your reading, writing, and mathematics skills. These tests are not admissions tests. Instead, they help you identify your academic strengths, recognize specific skills you need to work on, and plan the best sequence of courses. You may take the placement tests on any campus. You must pay a testing fee at the campus Business Office prior to reporting to the exam site and present your receipt and a photo ID at the exam site. Students whose native language is not English should provide documentation of English proficiency. For information about the ESL Placement Test, contact the International Student Services Office or visit the Assessment Testing webpage at admission/placement.htm. Students with documented disabilities should contact Student Development or Disabilities Services for placement testing accommodations. 19

6 General Information For more information on the Student Assessment Program, contact campus Enrollment Services. Required Testing If you are a new student and you plan to enter an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program, you must take the English (reading and writing) and mathematics placement tests and must see a counselor to review test results. If you wish to enroll in any college-level English course or History course, you must take the placement tests for English (reading and writing). If you wish to enroll in any mathematics course, you must take the mathematics placement test. If you have completed nine credit hours at TCC and have a grade point average below 2.0, you must take the placement tests before enrolling in any additional credit course work. If English is not your native language, you must document English proficiency or take the ESL Placement Test before taking any courses at the college. If the test results and an oral interview with the International Student Advisor and/or ESL Director indicate that you need ESL instruction, you must successfully complete the required ESL courses before you enroll in any non-esl courses. If you are applying for admission under special provisions (see page 18), you must participate in the placement testing program to demonstrate prerequisite academic preparedness. You may be exempt from placement testing if you present evidence of satisfactory performance (a grade of C or better) in post secondary courses in English and mathematics at another institution before taking placement tests at TCC. You may be exempt from placement testing if you scored a certain level on either the ACT or SAT tests. You are exempt if you have the following scores on either the ACT or SAT instruments within the last three (3) years: Required Enrollment in Developmental Courses If you do not achieve the appropriate scores on the English (reading and writing) placement tests, you must enroll in developmental and/or study skills courses and complete them successfully before enrolling in other English courses or History courses. If you do not achieve the appropriate scores on the mathematics placement test, you must enroll in developmental courses and complete them successfully before enrolling in other mathematics courses. If you do not achieve an appropriate score on the reading portion of the English placement test, you must successfully complete the required developmental reading and/or study skills courses before enrolling in most college-level courses. If your ESL test results and an advisor interview indicate a need for ESL instruction, you must successfully complete the prescribed ESL courses before enrolling in non-esl courses. If you have not scored at the established level on the ACT or SAT tests. Developmental courses prescribed through the Student Assessment Program are considered prerequisites, and the college reserves the right to withdraw you at any time from classes in which you have enrolled without completing the appropriate prerequisite course(s). Ability to Benefit Student Assessment Program test results may constitute official documentation of your ability to benefit from instruction at TCC. This documentation may be required if you do not have a high school diploma or GED. It is required if you apply for financial aid. Non-native English speakers who have not graduated from high school, either in the U.S. or abroad, must contact the Office of International Student Services (ISS) at the Virginia Beach Campus ( ) for appropriate testing to document their ability to benefit. ACT Verbal (Writing and Reading), minimum score 21 ACT Mathematics, minimum score 21 SAT Verbal (Writing and Reading), minimum score 500 SAT Mathematics, minimum score

7 OTHER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OTHER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Admission Requirements for International Students In addition to the general admission requirements of the college, all international applicants must also meet the admission requirements established by the International Student Services Office (ISS) before enrolling at the college. Non-immigrant students holding or seeking F1 status can obtain the necessary forms and instruction on how to apply for an I-20 from the International Student Services office. Please visit the International Student Services website for specific application deadlines for international students at As a non-immigrant applicant, you must provide original financial documents, notarized by a bank official, that meet the minimum financial requirements set by the college. You must also submit a notarized affidavit of support indicating the amount of income you will receive while attending college, the source of that income, and the manner in which you will meet housing needs and medical expenses. Upon arrival at the college, F1 students are required to submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements as established by the International Student Services Office. If you are applying to TCC from outside the local area, you are required to submit an official TOEFL report to Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus (ETS Institutional Code: 5787). Applicants from within the local area should contact the International Student Services Office to arrange English language testing. For more information on TCC s English language requirements, refer to the Required Testing section of this catalog. If you have obtained a student visa to attend another college, you may be eligible for admission to TCC as a transfer student. Contact TCC s International Student Services Office for information regarding F1 transfer applications. If you have not maintained your status at the institution you previously attended, you will be advised to seek reinstatement from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (no longer INS). Prospective students in non-immigrant classes other than F1 are required to meet with the International Student Advisor to determine admission eligibility and/or limitations. For more information on international student admission, contact the International Student Services Office or visit the ISS webpage at Students must provide evidence of English language proficiency if their native language is not English. This requirement may be satisfied by providing proof of one of the following: In addition to achieving a score of 90 or above on TCC s ESL placement test, a student must display written and oral skills typical of an advanced ESL student who is prepared to begin a limited amount of college-level work, and complete an oral interview without the assistance of an interpreter. Paper TOEFL score of 550. Computer-based TOEFL score of 213. SAT Verbal score of 480 or higher. ACT English score of 21. Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade of A, B, or C. British O Level English pass (grade A-C). Possession of an American degree (associate, bachelor, or master) or the equivalent from an accredited institution located in a country where English is the native language. Successful completion of one college-level English course at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This course must be equivalent to Tidewater Community College s English Composition I (ENG 111). Successful completion is defined as obtaining a grade of C (2.0) or higher. Successful completion of Tidewater Community College s ESL Bridge Courses. English As A Second Language (ESL) Students If English is not your native language, you will be required to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test. If the test results and an interview with your advisor indicate that you need ESL instruction, you must successfully complete the recommended ESL courses before you enroll in non-esl courses. TCC offers an intensive ESL program consisting of four levels: intermediate I and II, advanced, and bridge. The bridge program helps you make the transition from ESL to non-esl courses. All levels of courses help you improve your ability to listen, read, speak, and write English at the college level. The courses will also help you improve your communication skills for personal or business reasons. ESL courses 21

8 CREDIT FOR OTHER EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE General Information 22 are offered at the Virginia Beach Campus. For more information, contact the Office of International Student Services at the Virginia Beach Campus, (757) Admission to Specific Courses You must successfully complete some courses before you may enroll in others. These prerequisite courses are listed in each semester s TCC Schedule of Classes. Developmental and ESL courses identified through the college s Student Assessment Program are also considered prerequisites. The college reserves the right to withdraw you from courses in which you have enrolled without successfully completing the appropriate prerequisites. The college s SIS system will not allow you to register for a course if you have not successfully completed the prerequisite. Admission to Specific Curricula If you are applying for admission to an associate degree program (Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Arts, or Associate in Applied Science), you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, have completed prescribed developmental courses, or otherwise be considered eligible by the college. You may also be required to submit additional information with your application. Some curricula impose requirements in addition to the general college admission requirements. Check the curriculum of your choice to see if you have met the prerequisites or specific admission requirements. If you do not meet all the requirements, you may be able to make up deficiencies by taking developmental courses or other prerequisites. In some cases, you may qualify to be placed in another appropriate curriculum, or you may be classified as non-curricular until you satisfy the requirements and are admitted to the curriculum of your choice. Curriculum Changes To change curricula, consult a counselor or academic advisor to make sure you meet any prerequisites for the new program. You must complete a Curricula Change form, available from campus Enrollment Services. If you are certified for veteran s benefits, you must also notify the Veterans Affairs Office on your home campus of the change. Admission Priorities When enrollments must be limited for any curriculum, priority shall be given to all qualified applicants who are residents of the political subdivisions supporting the college and to Virginia residents not having access to a given program at their local community college, provided such students apply for admission to the program prior to registration or by a deadline established by the college. In addition, residents of localities with which the college has clinical-site or other agreements may receive equal consideration for admission. Reapplication If you have interrupted your enrollment at the college for more than three years, you must reapply by submitting an updated application for admission to campus Enrollment Services. Senior Citizens Higher Education Act Any person 60 years or older who has been domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year qualifies for free tuition benefits for credit classes on a space available basis if his or her Virginia taxable income is not more than $15,000. Any person 60 years or older, regardless of income level who has been domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year, qualifies for free tuition to audit credit classes or non-credit classes on a space available basis. For further information, contact Enrollment Services on any campus for credit classes, and Workforce Development for non-credit classes. Registration dates for these classes are restricted to those listed in the class schedule for credit. For non-credit classes, registration is available on the first day the class meets. CREDIT FOR OTHER EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Transferring from Other Colleges You may receive credit for course work completed successfully at other postsecondary institutions, if they have been granted regional accreditation by the Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent commission for senior, community, and junior colleges for other regional accreditation associations. To have previous course work evaluated and to receive credit for it, you must first apply for admission to the college and be classified as a curricular student. You must then have your official transcripts, with appropriate college seal and authentication, mailed directly from the sending institution to the TCC Central Records Office. The college will not accept hand-carried transcripts for evaluation of transfer credit. You must also submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation form, available from campus

9 Enrollment Services, to the Central Records Office, 7000 College Drive, Portsmouth, Virginia 23707, before the evaluation will be conducted. Generally, you will not receive credit for courses in which you received a grade lower than C. Grades of S or P will not receive transfer credit unless your transcript or other official documentation indicates that they are equivalent to a grade of C. The dean of the academic division in which you are enrolled will determine if and how the evaluated transfer credit may be used. When course content is equivalent and applies to your program of study, the course and credit will transfer. Grades and grade points do not transfer. You may be advised to repeat courses to ensure that you make satisfactory progress in your curriculum. If you plan to take credit courses at another institution for transfer back to TCC, you may want to consult the appropriate TCC academic dean and obtain prior written approval. Transcripts from Institutions Outside the U.S. For more information, contact the International Student Services Office or visit transcripts.htm. Credit for Successful Tech Prep Participation Tech Prep programs facilitate a seamless transition from high school to postsecondary education and the job market. Participants take a sequence of courses, integrating academic and occupational preparation, designed for a specific career cluster. To receive TCC credit for articulated work in Tech Prep, you must have earned a grade of B or better and enrolled at TCC within two academic years after graduation from a participating high school. To participate in a Tech Prep Program, see your high school counselor. Tech Prep program credit is valid ONLY in the equivalent TCC program. Credit by Examination If you feel you are qualified to receive credit for certain college courses because of your educational background, work experience, or former independent study, you may receive college credit through participation in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the Educational Testing Service, the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), or the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program subject standardized tests (DANTES). You may receive college credit by earning acceptable scores on these special college-level exams. Where no standardized examination exists, academic deans may authorize the administration of locally-developed challenge exams. You may also receive credit through the Advanced Placement program (AP). All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the TCC Central Records Office. You must also submit a Request for Evaluation. For more information, contact Enrollment Services. Credit by Examination for Information Technologies Certifications Possession of industry-recognized certifications means that a student may be prepared to challenge for credit a Tidewater Community College course that covers much of the same material. Students who hold these certifications may have the knowledge and skills that could result in credit being awarded. However, TCC s courses provide instructional content that frequently goes beyond the scope of the knowledge and skills found in a particular certification. Therefore, testing is required to determine if a student is to be awarded credit for the course that relates to the certification. The procedure for such testing follows: Students who hold industry-recognized certification in information technology (such as Microsoft, Novell, etc.) must present the certification documentation to the appropriate campus academic dean for evaluation for credit. In order to be eligible for such an evaluation, the student must be enrolled in one of the college s Information Systems Technology (IST) curricula. Based on the information presented, the dean will determine what course(s) the student is eligible to challenge. The student will be informed of the objectives for the course that form the basis of the challenge examination. In order to be granted credit for the course, the student must successfully pass a TCC examination that includes both a written and a hands-on component. A faculty member in the appropriate discipline will grade the examination. If credit is awarded, there will be no letter grade assigned on the student s transcript. Rather, a code 23

10 REGISTRATION INFORMATION General Information will be placed on the transcript indicating credit was awarded by exam. Upon recommendation of the faculty, the appropriate academic dean shall submit the necessary substitution form to the campus Enrollment Services office to be entered on the student s record. Substitution of Curriculum Requirements If you have credit for a course and want to substitute that course for one required in your curriculum, consult a counselor or academic advisor. A Substitution Form (available from campus Enrollment Services) must be completed and approved by the academic dean for your curriculum. Substitutions are curriculum-specific and catalog year-specific. If you transfer from one curriculum to another, or from one catalog year to another, substitutions originally granted may not apply to your new curriculum. Credit for Military Service Experience and Education Credit may be allowed for courses you completed in military service schools if such credit is recommended in the American Council on Education s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, and if the work is applicable to your program of study. To receive this credit, you must submit the appropriate documentation and an evaluation request to the Central Records Office. As a veteran, you may also receive a waiver of credit for physical education requirements by submitting a discharge certificate or other appropriate certification to Enrollment Services or, if you are receiving veterans benefits, to the Veterans Affairs Office. This waiver carries no credit, so you must substitute elective credits to meet the total requirements for your curriculum. Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Tidewater Community College is an institutional member of Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), a group of approximately 1,000 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military throughout the world. This program is designed to ease the transfer of course credits, provide flexible academic residency requirements, and earn credit for appropriate military training and experience. Within the framework of SOC, Tidewater Community College actively participates in SOCAD, SOCNAV, and SOCMAR. The SOCNAV program is available for naval, marine, and coast guard personnel. The SOCAD program is available for army, army reserve, and national guard personnel. These programs guarantee the transfer of comparable courses among participating colleges and universities. The college also participates in the Concurrent Admissions Program (CONAP) offered by SOC in cooperation with the U. S. Army or the U. S. Army Reserve. For more information, consult Enrollment Services at the Virginia Beach Campus. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration TCC and the Virginia Community College System have converted to a new student information system. This new system, which provides access via the World Wide Web, allows students to register, pay tuition, and obtain realtime information about their courses, enrollment status, and grades. For additional benefits and the most current information about how this system operates, please see the college class schedule booklet or visit the college s website at You may register to take courses at TCC online, by using the touchtone telephone registration system, coming in person to any campus or off-campus registration site, or mailing in your materials by the deadline listed in the TCC Schedule of Classes. If you are currently enrolled and in good academic and financial standing at the college, you may take advantage of early priority touchtone or online registration. If you are a curricular student, see your academic advisor during the registration period listed in the college calendar. Students with academic blocks on their records because they are on academic suspension or dismissal may not register until granted readmission. Students with administrative blocks on their records holds due to unpaid library charges, financial aid overpayments, or other student debts to the college may not register until their record is cleared. Complete registration procedures are outlined in the TCC Schedule of Classes published each semester. Academic Load The full-time course load is 12 to 18 credit hours. Talk to a counselor about taking an academic load that will be compatible with your work schedule, family responsibilities, health, and other obligations. As a rule, one credit hour of course work requires at least two hours of study outside of class each week. 24

11 If you wish to take more than 18 credit hours of course work, you must obtain the approval of the campus provost or designee. If you have received an academic warning or are on academic probation, you may be required to take a reduced course load for the next semester. Academic Advisors and Counselors Counselors are professional staff located in the campus student development or counseling center. Academic advisors are faculty members who help students plan a course of study in their academic area. Both are available to act as academic consultants. They will help you plan your program of study for graduation, employment, or transfer. You are encouraged to consult a counselor or an academic advisor before each registration period and to confer with a couselor or academic advisor frequently during the semester regarding academic matters. It is your responsibility, however, to fulfill graduation requirements. Minimum Enrollment Requirement for Classes Each course is offered on condition of adequate enrollment. The college reserves the right to cancel or discontinue any course offered, either because of inadequate enrollment or for any other reason deemed appropriate by the college. Auditing a Course To audit a course attend class without taking the examination or receiving credit you must obtain the permission of the appropriate academic dean (or designee) on the campus where the course is taught. You must then register for the course and pay the regular tuition. Courses you are auditing are not counted as part of your academic load when full-time or part-time status is reported to the Financial Aid Office, or to an external party such as the Social Security Administration, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Veterans Administration, an employer, or a health insurance carrier. For more information on auditing a course see the TCC Student Handbook. Change of Registration Any action you take after your initial registration is a change of registration. You must always follow official procedures for making any changes in your program after registration. A change is not official until you have carried out the appropriate procedures, either online, through the touchtone system, in person, or by providing written permission to a representative who acts for you. Consult a counselor or academic advisor when changing registration to prevent any problem with your permanent college records, your financial aid status, or your veteran s benefits. After making any change, be sure to obtain an enrollment worksheet from Enrollment Services or secure a new study plan from the website. Types of Changes Adding a course means enrolling in a new course during the add period published in the TCC Schedule of Classes. You may need special permission from the provost or designee to add a course after the first meeting. Dropping a course means you have officially left a course on or before the last day to drop for a tuition refund published in the TCC Schedule of Classes. Enrollment in the course will not appear on your college record, and you will not receive a grade for it. Withdrawing from a course means officially leaving the course after the refund period. Enrollment in the course will appear on your college record, and you will receive a grade of W for it. The college reserves the right to withdraw a student for just cause. The deadlines for adding and dropping courses and withdrawing without academic penalty from regular session courses are published every semester in the TCC Schedule of Classes and the college academic calendar. Contact Enrollment Services for the last date to withdraw from special session courses. For information on how your grades may be affected by these actions, read the following sections. Course Withdrawal You may withdraw from a course without academic penalty during the first 60 percent of a session and receive a grade of W (Withdrawal). The last day to withdraw without academic penalty from regular session courses is published in the TCC Schedule of Classes. Contact Enrollment Services for the last day to withdraw from dynamic session courses. After that date, if you withdraw or are withdrawn from a course, you will receive a failing grade of F or U except when making satisfactory progress and under mitigating circumstances, which must be approved 25

12 FINANCIAL INFORMATION General Information by the course instructor and the appropriate academic administrator. A copy of the withdrawal form and supporting documentation must be placed in the student s academic file. Do not stop attending college without officially withdrawing from all your classes. Failure to properly withdraw from college may result in the assignment of F or U grades to your permanent record. Please see a counselor or an academic advisor to consider your options before withdrawing from college. Effective Date of Official College and Course Withdrawal When you withdraw from a class or from the college, your official withdrawal is effective on the date it is processed by the college, not the date of the last class you attended, unless the two dates are the same. If you are withdrawn from a course, your official withdrawal date is the last day you attended class, as reported by your instructor. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Tuition and Fees Current tuition and fees are available by calling (757) Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. The college assesses students an institutional fee and a student activity fee. These fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per-credit-hour basis up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. The State Board for Community Colleges mandates a per-credit-hour technology fee used to finance major improvements in information technology at Virginia s community colleges. TCC charges a flat fee for Student Assessment Program testing. A fee of $20.00 is charged for each returned check. facilities or requiring special equipment. You may also have to pay transportation, admission, and other expenses related to field trips. Students in certain programs must pay for required testing, uniforms, tools, calculators, art supplies, or other curriculum-related expenses. Charges You are expected to pay charges for any property (such as laboratory or shop equipment, supplies, library books and materials) that you damage or lose. Student Domicile The college determines your eligibility for in-state tuition rates (domiciliary status) based on information supplied by you, your spouse, your parents, or your legal guardian on the Application of Admission. This determination is made under provisions of Section of the Code of Virginia. A copy of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia s Guidelines for Determining Domicile and Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates is on file at the reserve desk of each campus Learning Resources Center or is available on the State Council of Higher Education website at For more information on domicile determination, the appeal procedure, and appeal deadlines consult the TCC Student Handbook. Refunds You may drop regular session courses and receive full refunds through the Last Day to Drop for Tuition Refund as listed in the TCC Schedule of Classes. The last day for tuition refund for dynamic session classes are different. Contact Enrollment Services for these dates. To be eligible for a refund, you must drop the class(es) through the touchtone system, online, by completing an official drop form (which must be processed by Enrollment Services before the deadline) or by sending a letter listing the class(es) (postmarked on or before the published refund date) to Enrollment Services. 26 Books and Materials You are expected to buy any books, supplies, and consumable materials needed for your studies. The estimated cost of such items averages more than $350 per semester for a full-time student. Books and most supplies are available at a bookstore on each campus or via the Internet at or Other Expenses You may be required to pay facilities use and equipment fees for physical education instruction held in specialized For more information on refunds, including the appeal process, consult the TCC Student Handbook. Services Denied for Debt You may not register or attend classes, and the college will not issue transcripts, certificates, or degrees to you, until you have paid in full all amounts due the college. See the TCC Student Handbook for college policy on returned checks or other debts.

13 STUDENT FINANCIAL AID STUDENT FINANCIAL AID Financial assistance is provided for students through one or more of the following sources: grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. To be considered for most financial aid programs, you must apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1, and demonstrate need every school year. Campus-based aid is awarded on a first-come, first- served basis until funds are depleted. To remain eligible for most programs, you must comply with Standards of Satisfactory Progress and meet the college s required cumulative grade point average (GPA). Applications are available at each campus financial aid office or can be filed electronically at Be sure to download and mail in the signature page or your application will not be considered. If you withdraw from all classes, federal regulations require that a portion of tuition and fees covered by a financial aid program be refunded to that program. The percentage refunded to the program depends on the withdrawal date. The college may also retain an administrative fee when refunds are calculated. Financial aid personnel are available on each campus to provide information about programs, application procedures, and eligibility. The financial aid offices administer the following programs to help you to obtain funds for college: GRANTS Federal Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) State College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP) Commonwealth Award (COMA) Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP) Undergraduate Student Financial Aid Program (Last Dollar) Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) SCHOLARSHIPS Private Local TCC Foundation scholarships EMPLOYMENT Federal Work-Study (FWS) Service Corps Awards LOANS Federal Stafford Student Loans (FSSL Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Federal Parents Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) SPECIAL PROGRAMS Rehabilitative Services. The college cooperates with the State Department of Rehabilitative Services in providing education and training for persons with special disabilities. Virginia National Guard Tuition Assistance. Based on available funds, members of the National Guard who have been prior participants in the program may be considered for additional grants. Inquiries should be made to the Unit Commander. Virginia Program for Children and Spouses of Deceased Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Rescue Squad Personnel. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides financial assistance for attendance at public higher education institutions to children or spouses of law enforcement officers; firefighters or rescue squad members; a sworn law enforcement officer; a special agent of the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control; a State Correctional, regional or local jail officer; a Sheriff; a Deputy Sheriff; or a member of the Virginia National Guard while serving in the Virginia National Guard or as a member of the United States Armed Forces who were killed in the line of duty. This assistance covers the cost of tuition and required fees. For more information, contact your campus Business Manager. To be eligible, the applicant must meet the following criteria: 1. The child must be between 16 and 25 years of age. 2. The deceased parent was domiciled in Virginia at the time of death. 3. The chief administrator of the law enforcement agency, the State Fire Marshall, or appropriate agency must certify that the deceased parent was employed or serving 27

14 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS General Information as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or member of a rescue squad and was killed in the line of duty. 4. The applicant shall be offered admission to a public institution of higher education according to the normal admission policies and procedures. 5. The institution shall determine the eligibility of the applicant for these benefits and shall ascertain that the recipients are in attendance and making satisfactory progress. 6. While enrolled, the recipient must make satisfactory progress as determined by the standards of progress of the public higher education institution. months of tuition-free education and required fees at any state supported educational institution. Individuals entitled to this benefit may use it to pursue a vocational, technical, undergraduate, or graduate program of instruction. Generally, programs listed in the academic catalogs of state supported institutions are acceptable, provided they have a clearly defined educational objective the certificate or degree. Applications are available in the Veterans Affairs office on each campus. The application should be submitted at least four months before the expected date of enrollment. 28 Virginia War Orphans Education Program. The Virginia War Orphans Education Program provides educational assistance for children of certain veterans or service personnel. The recipient does not pay for tuition or required fees. To be eligible for assistance under this program, an applicant must meet the following basic eligibility requirements: One of the applicant s parents must have served in the armed forces of the United States and must be permanently and totally disabled due to war or other armed conflict; or must have died as a result of war or other period of armed conflict; or must be a prisoner of war or listed as missing in action. The applicant s parent, on which eligibility is based, must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such residency is established if the parent meets one of the following: 1. The parent entered military service from Virginia. 2. The parent lived in Virginia for ten consecutive years prior to the child s application for benefits under the program. 3. If the veteran parent is deceased, that parent must have lived in Virginia for ten consecutive years immediately prior to his or her death. 4. The surviving parent must have been a citizen of Virginia for ten years prior to marrying the veteran or a citizen of Virginia ten consecutive years prior to the date of application. The applicant cannot be less than 16 years of age, nor more than 25 years of age. The applicant must use this entitlement to attend either a state supported secondary or postsecondary educational institution. Eligible individuals are entitled to a maximum of 48 For more information on the financial aid programs described here, consult the TCC Student Handbook, the TCC Scholarship brochure, or contact your campus Financial Aid office. Tax Credits Two recently enacted tax credits provide benefits for community college students. The HOPE Scholarship tax credit may apply to the first two years of a college or vocational school program. The Lifetime Learning tax credit is for adults who want to return to school, change careers, or upgrade skills. Consult your tax advisor to see if you are eligible for these credits. ACADEMIC REGULATIONS Degrees and Certificates The college offers the following degrees and certificates upon successful completion of one of the approved programs. The Associate in Arts Degree (AA) is awarded to students majoring in the fine or liberal arts who may plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after completing their community college program. The Associate in Science Degree (AS) is awarded to students majoring in specialized pre-professional programs who may plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after completing their community college program. The Associate in Applied Arts Degree (AAA) is awarded to students majoring in one of the occupational/technical curricula who may plan to obtain full-time employment immediately upon graduation from college.

15 The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is awarded to students majoring in one of the occupational/ technical curricula who may plan to obtain full-time employment immediately upon graduation from college. The Certificate is awarded to students who complete one of the approved non-degree curricula consisting of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in an occupational area. The Career Studies Certificate is awarded to students who complete one of the approved non-degree curricula; a program of study of less than 30 semester credit hours in length. Degrees and certificates are awarded twice each year at the college commencement ceremonies following the fall semester and the spring semester. Course Credits The semester-hour credit for each course is listed after the title in the course description found at the back of the TCC Catalog, pages Each semester-hour of credit given for a course is based on one academic hour (50 minutes) of formalized, structured instructional time per week for fifteen weeks. This totals 750 minutes of instruction. In addition, each course requires an examination/evaluation period. Courses may consist of lectures, out-of-class study, laboratory and shop study, or combinations thereof, with credit awarded as follows: 1. One academic hour of lecture (including lecture, seminar, discussion or other similar experiences) per week for 15 weeks plus the examination/evaluation period equals one collegiate semester-hour credit. 2. Two to five hours, depending on the academic discipline, of laboratory (including laboratory, shop, clinical training, supervised work experience, coordinated internship, or other similar experiences) per week for 15 weeks plus the examination/evaluation period equals one collegiate semester-hour credit. 3. One to five credits with variable hours for the general usage courses: Coordinated Internship, Cooperative Education, Seminar and Project, Studies in, Supervised Study, and Topics in. Course Numbering Courses numbered less than 100, ESL courses numbered 11 through 20, and developmental studies courses numbered 1-9 are not applicable toward associate degree programs. Some developmental courses, with the approval of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (or designee), may provide credit applicable to certificate programs. Courses numbered 10 through 99 (except for approved ESL courses) are basic occupational courses for certificate and diploma programs. The credits earned in these courses are applicable toward certificate programs but are not applicable toward an associate degree and do not qualify for federal financial aid. Courses numbered 100 through 299 are freshman and sophomore courses applicable toward associate degree and certificate programs. Grading System The grades of A, B, C, D, P and S are passing grades. Grades of F and U are failing grades. R and I are interim grades. Grades of W and X are final grades carrying no credit. Explanation of Grades The quality of your performance in any academic course is reported by a letter grade, which the instructor is responsible for assigning. Each grade carries the number of grade points listed below. To determine your semester grade point average, multiply the number of credits for a class by the number of points awarded for the grade received. Then divide the total number of grade points earned that semester by the number of credits attempted that semester. Courses that do not generate grade points, such as developmental courses, are not included in the calculation of credits attempted. The cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned in all courses by the total number of credits attempted. See the TCC Student Handbook for more information. A Excellent 4 grade points per credit B Good 3 grade points per credit C Average 2 grade points per credit D Poor 1 grade point per credit F Failure 0 grade points per credit P Pass No grade point credit. This grade applies only to specialized courses and seminars approved by the 29

16 General Information appropriate academic dean. A maximum of seven semester credit hours may be applied toward a degree or certificate. R Re-enroll No grade point credit. The grade of R is assigned when you have made satisfactory progress but have not completed all of the instructional objectives for developmental studies or ESL courses. You must reenroll in the class to complete the course objectives. S Satisfactory No grade point credit. The grade of S is assigned for satisfactory completion of course objectives in developmental studies and ESL courses. U Unsatisfactory No grade point credit. The grade of U is assigned when you have not made satisfactory progress in developmental studies, ESL courses, or courses taken on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. W Withdrawal No credit. A grade of W is awarded to students who withdraw or are withdrawn from a course after the add/ drop period but prior to the completion of 60 percent of the session. After that time, the student will receive a grade of F except when making satisfactory progress and under mitigating circumstances, which must be approved by the course instructor and the appropriate academic dean. A copy of the withdrawal form and any supporting documentation must be placed in the student s academic file. X Audit No credit. Permission of the appropriate academic dean or designee is required to audit a course. After the last day for students to withdraw from class without penalty, the grade X is invalid for students enrolled in the course for credit. I Incomplete No credit. Used for verifiable unavoidable reasons. Since the incomplete extends the enrollment in the course, requirements for satisfactory completion will be established through student/faculty consultation. The I grade may be assigned only in the case of mitigating circumstances beyond the student s control, such as illness, and only after at least 75 percent of the course has been satisfactorily completed. It is the student s responsibility to notify the instructor of the student s desire for a grade of I. Incomplete grades assigned for the fall semester must be made up by the last day of instruction in the following spring semester; incomplete grades assigned at the end of the spring semester and summer term must be made up by the last day of instruction in the following fall semester, unless the instructor establishes an earlier deadline. In exceptional cases, extensions of time needed to complete course work for I grades may be granted beyond the subsequent semester, with the written approval of the campus provost. The instructor must submit a Grade Change form to change the grade from I to the grade received after completed course work. If the work is not completed in time, another grade (B, C, D, F, R, U, or W) must be assigned based on the course work already completed. The W grade will be awarded only under mitigating circumstances, documented by the student and approved by the course instructor and the campus provost. A copy of the withdrawal form and any supporting documentation must be placed in the student s academic file. Grading Non-Credit Activities The following designators will be utilized to indicate progress for those following a career path that includes non-credit courses for reporting to training contractors, funding agencies, or the legislature. No grade point credit shall be assigned to the designators. Grades for non-credit courses where CEUs are awarded: P Pass Used to indicate a passing grade for non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops where CEUs are awarded in accordance with SACS accreditation standards. F Fail Used to indicate a failure for non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops. I Incomplete No credit for passing is represented by this grade of incomplete. This grade extends the student s enrollment in this course, seminar, or workshop and successful completion will be determined through student/faculty consultation. An incomplete grade of AI@ may become a passing grade of AP@ or a failing grade of AF@ based upon the student s compliance with the faculty/student 30

17 agreement for successfully completing the course, seminar, or workshop. As non-credit instruction is normally not semester-based instruction, a student will be allowed a six-month period (from the last day of class) to complete the requirements for successfully passing the program of instruction. Inaction, failure to communicate with the faculty, or failure on the part of the student to comply with the faculty/student agreement will result in a grade of AF@ being awarded at the end of this period. The faculty instructor or program head for non-credit may award a grade of AW@ for withdrawal based upon justifiable circumstances or conditions beyond the students control that would limit/curtail the students ability to complete the program. W Withdrawal Used when students withdraw or are withdrawn after the refund period is over. This designator signifies that the student officially dropped after the refund period with the intention of not attending the class. Designations for non-credit courses where CEUs are not awarded: S Completion Used to indicate course completion. This grade, when used for non-credit instruction, indicates completion of a non-ceu course that that does not require a student assessment or 90% attendance for successful completion. F Fail Indicates failure to meet the requirements for an S grade in a non-credit course that does not awards CEUs. N No Show Used when a paid registrant does not attend the course and does not withdraw. W Withdrawal Used when students withdraw or are withdrawn after the refund period is over. This designator signifies that the student officially dropped after the refund period with the intention of not attending the class. Grades for Repeated Credit Courses When students repeat a course, generally only the last grade earned is counted in the computation of the cumulative GPA and toward satisfying curricular requirements. All grades, credits completed, credits attempted, and quality points for previous enrollments are no longer applicable, but they are NOT removed from the transcript. (See Repeated Course Policy.) Cumulative GPA and Grades for Repeated Courses Your cumulative GPA, which includes all courses attempted, is computed each semester and is maintained on a continuing basis as a record of your academic standing. When you repeat a course, normally only the last grade earned is counted in the computation of your cumulative GPA and as satisfying curricular requirements. All grades, credits completed, credits attempted, and quality points for previous enrollments are no longer applicable. (See Repeated Course Policy.) Repeated Course Policy Effective with the summer 1994 term, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) implemented a policy which provided that when a course was repeated, only the most recent attempt would be used in the calculation of a student s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The policy applied only to courses attempted and repeated during summer 1994 and later. While only the most recent attempt was used in the calculation of the cumulative GPA, all previous attempts remain on the academic record and cannot be removed. Effective with the fall 1996 semester, the policy was made retroactive to summer Therefore, when students repeat a course fall 1996 or later that was attempted summer 1988 or later, only the most recent attempt is used to calculate the cumulative GPA. Courses completed and repeated during the initial period of the repeat policy (summer summer 1996) for which GPA adjustments have already been made are not affected. Only the latest attempt is used in determining if graduation requirements are met. Some courses are exempt from consideration as repeats and an adjustment to GPA is not made. Exempted courses are those numbered in the 90 s, 93 s, 95 s, 96 s, 97 s, 98 s, and 99 s, courses identified by the phrase may be repeated for credit, and selected other courses. Periodically, the VCCS will rename or renumber courses, but they remain equivalent to the courses as previously named or numbered. In such cases, completion of a renumbered/ renamed course may be determined to be a repeat of a course completed previously under a different department and/or course number. These determinations are made on a college-wide basis, and exceptions cannot be made for an individual student. 31

18 OTHER ACADEMIC REGULATIONS General Information Implementation of this policy does not affect any GPA calculations for prior terms or any academic, financial, or administrative events that have occurred in the past. Direct any questions to the coordinator of enrollment services. Limit on Repeating a Course You will be limited to two attempts in the same credit or developmental course. (Grades of A, B, C, D, F, I, P, R, S, U, X and W count as attempts.) The appropriate academic dean must approve exceptions to this policy. This limitation does not apply to certain courses identified as repeatable. Final Grade Appeal The college s grade appeal procedure provides you with a process for contesting final grades awarded to you. There are only two grounds for a grade appeal: 1. the grade was assigned in a manner other than that prescribed on the course syllabus, either as originally stated or as amended by the instructor with appropriate notice; or 2. the grade was assigned in a manner different than that used for other students in the class. You must submit your written grade appeal to the dean of student services, or their designee on the campus where the course was scheduled, within ten working days of the first day of classes of the next academic term. Grades received during the term may be appealed using the Student Grievance Procedure. See the TCC Student Handbook for both Grade Appeal and Student Grievance Procedures. OTHER ACADEMIC REGULATIONS Course Prerequisites You must successfully complete some courses before enrolling in others. These prerequisites that you must complete are listed in each semester s TCC Schedule of Classes, or are developmental courses identified through the college s Student Assessment Program. The college reserves the right to withdraw you from courses in which you have enrolled without successfully completing the appropriate prerequisites. (See Assessment and Placement Testing, page 19 for more details.) Course Corequisites A corequisite is a course you must take along with another course, unless you have already completed it successfully. Corequisites are listed in the TCC Schedule of Classes or are developmental courses identified through the college s Student Assessment Program. The college reserves the right to withdraw you from courses in which you have enrolled if you are not also enrolled in the corequisite course or have not completed it successfully. Required Declaration of Curriculum By the time you have accumulated 24 semester hours of credit, you are expected to declare a curriculum. If you are uncertain about a curriculum, contact your counselor or academic advisor. Examinations You are expected to take examinations as scheduled. No exceptions will be made without the permission of the academic dean and the instructor of the course. Course Attendance You are expected to be present and on time at all scheduled class and laboratory meetings. Instructors do not have to admit you if you arrive late. If you add a class or register after the first day of classes, you are counted absent from all class meetings you miss. When your absences in a course equal the number of weekly class sessions of that course, your standing in that class may be in jeopardy. If you are absent more than 20 percent of scheduled instructional time for a course, your attendance may be defined as unsatisfactory. This calculation includes absences occurring during the add/drop period. Your instructor may establish a more stringent policy; so make sure that you understand the attendance requirements for each course you take. When an instructor determines that your absences constitute unsatisfactory attendance, they may withdraw you from the course. You will receive a grade of W during the first 60 percent of a course. If you are withdrawn after 60 percent of the class, you will receive a grade of F, except under mitigating circumstances. (See Course Withdrawal, page 25). You are not eligible for a refund of tuition and fees when an instructor withdraws you for unsatisfactory attendance in a course. 32

19 ACADEMIC STANDING/ ACADEMIC RENEWAL POLICY ACADEMIC STANDING You are in good academic standing if you maintain a 2.0 semester grade point average on all work. Academic Warning You will be placed on academic warning when your semester grade point average is less than 2.0. Academic Probation You will be placed on academic probation when: 1. You have attempted twelve or more credit hours, and 2. Your cumulative grade point average is less than 1.5. The statement Placed on Academic Probation will appear on your permanent record. You must consult a counselor before you register and will usually be required to carry a reduced course load the next semester. Note that although a grade point average between 1.5 and 1.99 may not result in formal academic probation, you must earn a minimum of 2.0 in your curriculum to receive an associate degree. Academic Dismissal You are placed on academic dismissal when: 1. Your semester grade point average is less than 2.0, 2. Your past status is academic suspension, and 3. Your current status is reinstatement. OR, 1. Your semester grade point average is less than 2.0, 2. Your past status is dismissal, and 3. Your current status is reinstatement. The statement Placed on Academic Dismissal will appear on your permanent record. Academic dismissal is normally permanent. You may reapply with good cause by submitting an Application for Readmission. ACADEMIC RENEWAL POLICY Students who return to the college after a separation of five years or more may petition for academic renewal by submitting an Academic Renewal Petition Form to Enrollment Services. Academic Suspension You will be placed on academic suspension when: 1. You have attempted more than 23 credit hours, 2. Your current status is academic probation, and 3. Your semester grade point average is less than 1.5. The statement Placed on Academic Suspension will appear on your permanent record. Academic Suspension is usually imposed for a specific period of time. Whatever the time period, you may not re-enroll at the college until you are formally reinstated. To be considered for reinstatement, you must submit an Application for Readmission available from campus Enrollment Services. Following your reinstatement after academic suspension, you must earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average for the semester you return and a minimum 1.5 grade point average in each following semester you attend. You will remain on academic probation until your cumulative grade point average is raised to a minimum of 1.5. If you are eligible for academic renewal, D and F grades earned prior to re-enrollment will not be used in calculating your cumulative and curriculum grade point averages. These grades will not be deleted from the official college transcript. The notice Academic Renewal has been granted and the effective dates will appear on your transcript. Conditions of Academic Renewal 1. You must have enrolled at the college as of summer 1994, or any term thereafter. 2. You must demonstrate a renewed academic interest and effort by earning at least a 2.5 grade point average in the first 12 semester hours completed after re-enrollment before you can petition for academic renewal. The qualifying 2.5 grade point average is defined as a grade point average calculation involving all courses and attempts taken in any term (or terms) up to the point that the twelfth semester hour is completed. In other words, the 2.5 grade point average must be achieved based upon a calculation of all courses and attempts within the qualifying period of re-enrollment. 3. All grades you have received at the college will remain a part of your official transcript. 4. You will receive degree credit only for courses in which you earned grades of C or better prior to academic renewal, providing that such courses meet current curriculum requirements. 33

20 HONORS/GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS General Information 5. Total hours for graduation will be based on all course work taken at the college after readmission, former course work for which a grade of C or better was earned, and credits transferred from other colleges or universities. 6. The academic renewal policy may be used only once. Once approved, it cannot be revoked. HONORS President s Honor Roll If you have earned a minimum of 20 hours of credit at the college, you will be included on the president s honor roll for each semester that your cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or higher. Dean s List If you carry a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit and earn a grade point average of 3.2 or higher for the semester, you will be included on the dean s list for that semester. Graduation Honors Students who have fulfilled the requirements for AA, AS, AAA, AAS and one-year certificate programs are eligible for graduation honors, based on the cumulative grade point averages listed below. Honors are not awarded for the career studies certificate. 3.2 Cum laude (with honor) 3.5 Magna cum laude (with high honor) 3.8 Summa cum laude (with highest honor) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS It is the student s responsibility to fulfill graduation requirements. Catalog Determination and Degree Designation The catalog year used to determine graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time you were admitted to the curriculum from which you plan to graduate, as long as the catalog is not more than six years old (including the year in which you plan to graduate). In addition, you may choose any subsequent catalog as long as it is not more than six years old (including the year in which you plan to graduate). Only your degree major will appear on the diploma when you graduate. Your degree major and specialization(s), if any, will appear on your permanent record (transcript). While you may be eligible to receive more than one certificate or degree, you can be awarded only one specialization within any degree. Multiple specializations within the same degree will appear on your transcript if you apply for them. Required Computer Competencies The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) endorses the principle of computer competency for all students intent on completing a curriculum in excess of 45 semester credits. You must demonstrate all of the following competencies defined by the VCCS: Working knowledge of computing concepts, components, and operations to accomplish educational and career tasks. Use of the appropriate components of an integrated productivity software package involving word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and/or communication applications. Ability to access, retrieve, and apply networked information resources, e.g., on-line catalog, virtual libraries, the Internet and world wide web. Use of telecommunication software, e.g., electronic mail, listservs, bulletin boards, and/or news groups, to communicate with faculty, students, and information providers. You must also fulfill the requirements of your specific program. Contact your campus Enrollment Services office for information on the ways in which you may fulfill these requirements. Students with disabilities that may be related to achieving and documenting computer competencies should contact the Disability Services representative at their home campus. Successful completion of computer competency tests does not carry any academic credit. Outcome Assessment Requirement You may be required to take tests or complete a survey designed to measure achievement in general education or selected major areas prior to graduation, for the purpose of evaluating the college s academic programs. No minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation. Test results will remain confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of improving the college s programs. 34