TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE Dual Credit Program

Transcription

1 TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE Dual Credit Program MANUAL FOR COLLEGE AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development MISSION STATEMENT To provide a comprehensive collegiate experience that is anchored in the rich traditions of a quality education, vibrant student life and community service. STATEMENT OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance or access to receive these services should contact Disability Services at (903) , Toll Free (800) Tyler Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia or call (404) for questions about the accreditation of Tyler Junior College. 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section I INTRODUCTION...3 Section II PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES Memorandum of Understanding...4 Classification of Dual Credit Faculty Members...4 Credentialing of Dual Credit Faculty Members...4 Dual Credit Faculty Member Teaching Load...4 Dual Credit Program Procedures...5 Identification of Dual Credit Faculty Members...5 Dual Credit Faculty Selection & Dismissal Process...6 Dual Credit Faculty Member Approval Process...6 Guideline & Standards for Faculty Performance and Evaluation.7-9 Responsibilities...9 Textbooks/Contact Hours...10 Continuation & Expectations...11 Due Dates...12 Tuition & Student Fees...13 Student Evaluation...13 Confidentiality...13 Instructor Costs & Compensation...14 Section III ADMISSION...15 Steps to Admission...15 Eligibility Criteria...15 Registration...15 Maximum Course Load...15 Section IV GRANTING OF COLLEGE CREDIT...16 Transcripts...16 State Approved Credit...16 Transfer of Academic Dual Credit Courses...16 Section V CONTACT INFORMATION...17 APPENDIX Sample Memorandum of Understanding Dual Credit Student Check List...27 Dual Credit Registration Form...28 Dual Credit Fee Chart...29 Articulated/Technical Dual Credit Courses Academic Transfer Dual Credit Course List Fall

3 SECTION I: INTRODUCTION Tyler Junior College (TJC) allows eligible high school students to enroll in college courses while attending high school and permits them to take courses in place of, or in addition to, the normal course load at their high schools. High school students must be eligible to participate in the program to receive college credit. In addition, high school students admitted to the program must meet the same requirements as all other college students within the guidelines established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). College credit earned upon successful completion of the course may be applied towards an associate degree at TJC or may transfer to other colleges and universities. Students planning to transfer should meet with an academic advisor at the transferring institution to gain information regarding the transfer of technical or academic courses. Working in collaboration with School Districts and high school personnel, TJC invites qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in the Dual Credit program. Students participating in the Dual Credit program may receive college credit only or both high school and college credit academic and technical Dual Credit - as determined by the policy of the student s high school. This program provides an enriched and challenging learning experience at an affordable cost. Many students will take these classes at their local high school campus, enjoying the benefits of high school participation while earning college-level credit. Some Dual Credit courses, such as Air Conditioning, Automotive and Welding, are taught on the TJC West Campus. The Dual Credit program also encourages collaboration between professional educators at the high school and the college level. Faculty members work together to develop curricula that meet standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Curriculum content must address the identified college-level learning outcomes. Benefits to the community in developing a better-prepared workforce will accrue as the Dual Credit program expands. This innovative program exemplifies how TJC is fulfilling its mission to provide quality academic education in order to open pathways to satisfying careers. 3

4 SECTION II: PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES The selection and offering of Dual Credit courses is a shared responsibility between TJC and each School District. Each institutional representative is responsible for upholding all course requirements and agreements. Memorandum of Understanding: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) authorizes the offering of Dual Credit courses at participating School Districts or Tyler Junior College (See Appendix). Tyler Junior College s Board of Trustees or designee, as well as the school board or designee of each participating School District, approves the MOU, which outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement between TJC and each participating School District. The MOU remains in effect until an agreement is updated, recorded, and placed on file with the participating School District and with Tyler Junior College. Classification of Dual Credit Faculty Members: Dual Credit faculty members are either high school instructors who have been approved to teach TJC Dual Credit college courses at their high schools or TJC faculty (adjunct or full-time). The classification of Dual Credit faculty members is facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TJC and participating School Districts. Credentialing of Dual Credit Faculty Members: Dual Credit faculty members must meet the Tyler Junior College Guidelines and Standards For Documentation of Faculty Credentials in the course/discipline in question. The College has adopted the Guidelines for Faculty Credentials, published by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for defining faculty qualifications. All degrees earned by faculty and which fulfill the requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Principles of Accreditation must be from a regionally accredited institution. The College is committed to recruiting and selecting faculty whose highest degree is earned from a broad representation of regionally accredited institutions. Tyler Junior College is responsible for ensuring that all Dual Credit courses are taught by qualified faculty members regardless of location of the class. Dual Credit Faculty Member Teaching Load: Dual Credit faculty members who are full-time employees of their School District and adjunct or full-time faculty members at TJC are contractually obligated to teach an assigned number of classes during the day by his/her respective school. The MOU between TJC and participating School Districts states that upon mutual agreement, the College will conduct enrollment registration at the School District each semester for all qualified students who have met all testing requirements and request enrollment. Therefore, the number of classes that are offered for 4

5 dual enrollment is determined by the number of qualifying students and may vary from high school to high school and from semester to semester. DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM PROCEDURES The responsibilities of the School Districts and of Tyler Junior College in the identification, application, and approval of Dual Credit faculty members are outlined as follows: IDENTIFICATION OF DUAL CREDIT FACULTY The High School Principal or Designee will: Identify prospective Dual Credit faculty members who meet the credentialing criteria By June 1st of each year: Submit the transcripts of any faculty members who meet the requirements for teaching TJC courses to the Director of Dual Credit and Early College Development at Tyler Junior College. Submit a letter of support for the prospective Dual Credit faculty member indicating the faculty member s teaching history and potential contributions to the Dual Credit program and to Tyler Junior College. Tyler Junior College will: Communicate with the School District regarding the qualifications for Dual Credit faculty members. Meet with prospective Dual Credit faculty members and provide a TJC Application for Employment for interested high school instructors to complete. Evaluate each prospective Dual Credit faculty member s credentials and official transcripts before forwarding the documents to the appropriate Department Chair. Assure that the applicant submits the application packet to the TJC Office of Human Resources for review and processing after approval by the respective TJC Department Chair and Dean. An official transcript must accompany the submission. Process agreements for Dual Credit faculty each semester based on the number of sections they teach. DUAL CREDIT FACULTY SELECTION & DISMISSAL PROCESS Dual Credit Faculty Selection Process: A high school teacher who is identified as a prospective Dual Credit faculty member must complete a TJC application packet that will include: TJC Application for Employment Letter of intent Résumé Any certifications, awards, and/or any other documents pertinent to the course that the applicant will be teaching or pertinent to professional credentialing List of professional references 5

6 Prior to selection: The TJC Department Chair will have the option to conduct reference checks. Dual Credit faculty members must ensure that official transcript(s) from an accredited college or university where the degree was awarded are mailed directly to the TJC Office of Human Resources. The official transcript(s) must be received in the Office of Human Resources before the start of the college semester in order to secure the Dual Credit faculty member s status and to ensure the course offering for the semester. The prospective Dual Credit faculty member is responsible for contacting the TJC Office of Human Resources to determine application deadlines and procedures. The faculty member may visit the TJC website, call (903) or visit the Human Resources Office located in the White Administrative Services Center on TJC s main campus. Dual Credit Faculty Dismissal Process: The TJC Board Policy Manual outlines the dismissal process for faculty members. DUAL CREDIT FACULTY MEMBER APPROVAL PROCESS The approval process for the Dual Credit faculty member who will teach a Dual Credit course will be consistent with the standards used to hire a faculty member for a course taught on the TJC campus. Merely having the credentials to teach college courses is no assurance of approval into the program. The Department Chair has full authority to interview and make the final decision regarding the approval of faculty teaching courses for TJC in the high schools based on credentials, teaching experience, presentation, subject knowledge and other instructional factors related to the subject matter, or to recommend dismissal of faculty members to the Dean. A high school teacher who is identified as a prospective Dual Credit faculty member must be approved by the TJC Department Chair in the appropriate teaching discipline. Once the Department Chair reviews transcripts and completes a Credential Evaluation Summary to demonstrate that the prospective faculty member meets TJC qualifications, the Dean and Provost must approve the form. At that time, the faculty member s file will be submitted to the Office of Human Resources for review and approval pending proper submission of all related documents. Initial Approval of a High School Instructor as Dual Credit Faculty Member: The Department Chair will use the following approval process: Examine the candidate s application packet Conduct the initial interview with the applicant Review and confirm that the candidate s academic credentials meet the TJC standards for faculty qualifications If desired, arrange a committee interview (committee comprised of up to three faculty members who teach in the appropriate discipline and one faculty member from outside of the department). When a committee is used, the applicant will be asked to meet with the committee for an interview and demonstrate teaching proficiency. If this option is selected by the Chair, the committee will conclude its activities and submit its assessment 6

7 form to the Dean and the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development by the end of June. Continuation of High School Instructor as Dual Credit Faculty: After initial approval, a Dual Credit faculty member may continue teaching Dual Credit courses without repeating the approval process contingent upon the following two items: 1) Dual Credit courses are being taught continuously each year in the same discipline and/or teaching area; and 2) Dual Credit faculty member adequately meets all faculty evaluation requirements, departmental requirements, responsibilities and procedures. DUAL CREDIT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR FACULTY PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TJC and participating School Districts, the College will monitor the quality of instruction in order to assure compliance with the standards established by the State of Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the College, and the School District. Mission: The Faculty Performance and Development Evaluation System provides a venue for all faculty members to be proactive and responsive in the improvement of instruction through multifaceted evaluations and development opportunities. Process: The Faculty Performance and Development Evaluation System is built upon instructional observations through: Official self-evaluation by individual faculty members. Official evaluation conducted annually in face-to-face meetings by each faculty member s supervisor to plan, demonstrate, and complete professional goals/objectives to enhance job performance (Faculty Performance and Development Evaluation Form). Official unannounced classroom observations (announced for Dual Credit faculty) by a supervisor as needed. Student evaluations conducted in each class during every long semester. It is the sole responsibility of each school s Dean to acquire all official evaluation documents, forward copies to the Office of Human Resources for permanent storage, and make employment recommendations. 7

8 Department Chair Responsibilities: When a Dual Credit faculty member has been approved, the appropriate Department Chair should: Meet with the Dual Credit faculty member to discuss the particular requirements for the department as needed. Provide the Dual Credit faculty member access to the electronic version of the Employee Handbook which outlines professional guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and expectations. Provide the Dual Credit faculty member access to the Student Handbook which details add/drop and withdrawal policies, student code of conduct, grading policies, critical dates, and other pertinent information. Provide assistance to the Dual Credit faculty member as a mentor or assign a full-time faculty mentor in the same discipline to ensure that appropriate academic expectations have been set and are being followed. The Chair will provide the overall guidance and support to the Dual Credit faculty member. Provide information about Dual Credit faculty mentors to the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development. Provide the Dual Credit faculty member with the opportunity to attend at least one department meeting during the semester. Provide contact hour information to the Dual Credit faculty member and explain how many instructional hours must be met to ensure fulfilling contact hour requirements. Provide Dual Credit faculty members with opportunities for professional development available through the Office of Human Resources and/or the Department. Monitoring process: The Department Chair will have the option to conduct multiple observations during the first year that the Dual Credit faculty member is teaching the college-level course at the high school. The time for observations should be coordinated with the Dual Credit faculty member prior to the observation. Should the Department Chair have difficulty in contacting the Dual Credit faculty member through TJC and School District communication or phone calls, an observation may be conducted without prior arrangements. These multiple observations would provide assurances to the Chair that the Dual Credit faculty member is following the college course syllabus and is teaching the course at the required level of rigor. The Chair will have the option to require that the Dual Credit faculty member attend monthly agreed-upon departmental meetings at TJC. The meeting schedules will be provided to the Dual Credit faculty member before the beginning of each semester so that the Dual Credit faculty member can coordinate teaching responsibilities at the high school and attending the required departmental meetings. Classroom Observation: All Dual Credit faculty teaching Dual Credit courses shall be observed by a supervisor using the same criteria utilized for full-time and/or adjunct faculty. New Dual Credit faculty members will be observed during the first semester of teaching. 8

9 All Dual Credit faculty members will have a minimum of one observation per year. However, the Chair of the department has the option to conduct additional observations each semester as part of the monitoring process. TJC Policy and Procedures: Whether the Dual Credit faculty member is a full-time employee of the School District wherein the Dual Credit course(s) are taught or is TJC adjunct or full-time faculty, each is expected to follow all TJC and School District policies as applicable during the instructional time designated for Dual Credit courses. RESPONSIBILITIES Dual Credit Faculty Member Responsibilities When Teaching a TJC Dual Credit Course Curriculum, Course Competencies, and Teaching Requirements: Dual Credit faculty members will develop the course outlines or syllabi, including the following: a description of content, teaching strategies, performance measures, grading standards, resource materials, objectives/outcomes, and course calendar. The syllabus must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate TJC Department Chair. Once approved by the Department Chair, the syllabus must be posted online through the faculty access system. Dual Credit faculty members will post their vitae online through the faculty access system. Dual Credit faculty members will complete all TJC departmental requirements such as diagnostic tests and student learning outcomes. Dual Credit faculty members will teach the course. Due to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools guidelines, if a Dual Credit faculty member is unable to teach the course, arrangements must be made by contacting the Department Chair prior to absence. Dual Credit faculty members will be provided official class rosters and will be responsible for checking their accuracy by the 12 th class day each semester. Any discrepancies should be reported to the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development prior to the 12 th class day. Dual Credit faculty members will advise students concerning their academic progress prior to the deadline for dropping/withdrawing from the class. Dual Credit faculty members will assign each student a letter grade for TJC dual enrollment courses (this will occur at the end of the course semester. TJC adjunct and full-time faculty members will not give six week grades). Once a grade is entered, it can be changed only as a result of an error in the grade issued, an error in processing the grade, or in the instance of an Incomplete grade. A grade change form should be submitted to the Department Chair when necessary. In some circumstances, the grade reported to the high school and to TJC might differ. Dual Credit faculty members will provide the Department Chair, as requested, a copy of the grade sheet for the class showing all exam scores, the term paper score (if any), the final exam score and the final course grade. 9

10 Dual Credit faculty members will participate with the assigned TJC Department Chair in aligning the high school and college learning outcomes. Dual Credit faculty members will attend TJC planning meetings and staff development activities, including Dual Credit training workshops. Dual Credit faculty members will assist in the identification of potential Dual Credit students. Textbooks: Dual Credit faculty members are expected to use approved textbooks for the TJC Dual Credit course. Textbooks must be college-level and approved by the appropriate Department Chair. Textbooks must be available to the students on the first day of class. According to the established MOU, college-approved textbooks purchased by the School District will be used for a standard minimum of three years from the date of the purchase. Chairs may request a change of textbook prior to the three-year minimum if the textbook is for a technology-based course. A new textbook adoption must be approved by the appropriate Dean and communicated to the Director of Dual Credit and Early College Development by April 1. Contact Hours Pertaining to Dual Credit Faculty: Dual Credit faculty members are obligated to meet the required number of contact hours per semester. Therefore, absences, dismissal of classes and early release (except in emergency), are in violation of the contract between the Dual Credit faculty member, the College and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In order to ensure meeting required contact hours, Dual Credit faculty members are expected to make up lost contact hours. Contact Hours Pertaining to Dual Credit Students: Contact hours for students are equally important. Students enrolled in Dual Credit courses are required to maintain regular and punctual attendance in class and laboratories. The student is responsible for communication with the faculty member concerning any absence. The student may be required to present evidence to support an absence, and make up work for class absences will be permitted only as specified by the faculty member in the course syllabus. Withdrawal from a course is the responsibility of the student and not taking the appropriate steps may result in an F for the course. In addition to guidelines related to attendance, a faculty member may withdraw a student prior to the withdrawal deadline when, in the opinion of the faculty member, the student would have difficulty in successfully completing the course. If a faculty member withdraws a Dual Credit student, the Registrar s Office and the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development should be notified. In line with the importance of contact hours and attendance, students may not be added to a course after the census date unless an error occurred in the registration process. Dual Credit faculty will be notified of the official class start date each semester by the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development. 10

11 Student Evaluation of Faculty Performance: Dual Credit faculty members will be evaluated by the students once each semester using the same evaluation instrument used on the TJC campus. The student evaluation forms will be disbursed to the Dual Credit faculty members either as paper copies or online to students through their TJC accounts. Paper evaluations must be returned to the Dean s Office by the designated date. Composite evaluations will be posted on the TJC website by course. CONTINUATION OF DUAL CREDIT COURSE OFFERINGS In accordance with the MOU, TJC will set the student tuition and fees for the college courses that are held at the high school and taught by either a Dual Credit faculty member or by a TJC faculty member. The MOU is a binding agreement, and should either party fail to adhere to its responsibilities therein without correcting the documented infraction; the College retains the right to consider removing Dual Credit courses from the site. The responsibilities in question include those expected from Dual Credit faculty members, the high school and/or School District, and TJC. EXPECTATIONS OF HIGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS For Dual Credit ISD Faculty: Submit names of all Dual Credit faculty members by June 1 each year. Support each Dual Credit faculty member s attendance at TJC s professional development days. Support each Dual Credit faculty member s attendance at TJC departmental meetings. For TJC Faculty: Request a TJC faculty member (adjunct or full-time) to teach a college course at the high school by April 1 for fall semester classes, and September 1 for the spring semester classes. Exceptions to these deadlines may be presented to the appropriate Department Chair for consideration, but the ultimate decision rests with the Chair due to the impact on the staffing of courses on TJC s campuses. Provide TJC faculty with information regarding important high school policies. For High School and School District Administration: Adhere to TJC s board policies over the School District s board policies during the instructional time for the Dual Credit course. Adhere to TJC s disciplinary procedures for faculty members and students. Discipline in classes is the responsibility of the School District and the high school site. Adhere to TJC s complaint procedures for faculty members and students. Ensure instructional integrity by allowing the faculty member to teach the course in the same manner as it is taught on the TJC campus. Submit requests for new course offerings by the designated deadline. Purchase and have available the required number of textbooks for all students prior to the first day of Dual Credit courses. 11

12 Ensure that the classroom used to teach Dual Credit courses is an adequate environment with few or no interruptions, that it is located as far as possible from the main student traffic areas, and that the technology in the classroom is adequate for the course being offered. Finalize student enrollment prior to the start of the class for classes taught by TJC faculty. Schedule changes to add students to a course should not be made after two class meetings. Additional enrollments beyond two class meetings and above the maximum class size require the faculty member s approval. Provide notice two class days ahead of time regarding changes to instructional time including, but not limited to: school assemblies, pep-rallies, special events, Benchmark Testing and standardized testing. Accept the faculty member s attendance requirements as supported by the TJC Board Policy Manual. DUE DATES January 1 April 1 April 1 June 1 June 30 June 30 September 1 Each School District will submit a request for the addition of new course(s) to be offered on its campus for the fall semester. TJC Chairs will communicate new textbook adoption needs to the appropriate Dean and Director of Dual Credit and Early College Development. Each School District will submit its request for a TJC faculty member (adjunct or full-time) to teach a college course at the high school for the fall semester. Each School District will identify prospective Dual Credit faculty members who meet credentialing criteria for the fall semester. A TJC Chair who uses a division/department standing committee to approve a Dual Credit faculty member will conclude those activities and submit an assessment form to the appropriate Dean and the Director of Dual Credit and Early College Development. Each School District will submit a request for the addition of new course(s) to be offered on its campus for the spring semester. Each School District will submit its request for a TJC faculty member (adjunct or full-time) to teach a college course at the high school for the spring semester. 12

13 TUITION AND STUDENT FEES When the School District provides the instructor and the instructor is approved as a TJC Dual Credit instructor, the School District or student is responsible for tuition and fees. Appropriate fees will be waived (see Appendix for a schedule of student tuition and fees). STUDENT EVALUATION Each student will be informed by the instructor of his/her grade status prior to the last day to drop/withdraw at TJC. Withdrawal from the college course does not result in a withdrawal from the high school course and withdrawal from the high school course does result in the student being withdrawn from the college course. It is the responsibility of the high school personnel to advise each student concerning his/her academic progress in the high school component of the course. It is the responsibility of the instructor and the School District to ensure that when withdrawing/dropping a student from a Dual Credit class, the required Dual Credit Class Change Form (see Appendix) is completed and forwarded to the Office of Dual Credit and Early College Development immediately. CONFIDENTIALITY TJC instructors teaching the college course are prohibited by law from sharing individual student grade information with anyone but the student taking the class. Exceptions to this are in the case of a court order, emergency situation or as stated in FERPA (The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974). FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy rights of students. Anyone enrolled at Tyler Junior College is protected under FERPA, including Dual Credit students, regardless of age. School officials may not disclose personally identifiable information about students nor permit inspection of their records without written permission unless such action is covered by certain exceptions permitted by FERPA. One such exception allows access to records if the student is a dependent for income tax purposes. A Certification of Dependency form and a copy of the most recent year s tax return must be filed in the TJC Registrar s Office to have access under this exception. The agreement with the local independent School District does allow student records to be shared with appropriate school personnel identified by the School District. 13

14 INSTRUCTOR COSTS TO ISD The School District assumes responsibility for reasonable and documented expenses incurred by high school faculty. When the College provides an instructor on the high school campus, the School District will reimburse TJC for the instructor s cost and mileage from the TJC campus location to the location of the ISD campus. Current semester costs are: 3 hour per week course $ hour per week course $2672 $.0.56 per mile is added for mileage, as applicable The cost of a TJC faculty member might vary from the standard cost listed above based on the number of teaching overloads and annual salary of the instructor. In addition, the mileage rate could vary from the rate listed to agree with the maximum mileage reimbursement rate set by the state. INSTRUCTOR COMPENSATION BY TJC TJC will compensate credentialed instructors provided by the School District as follows: Academic Transfer Dual Credit Instructors Compensation for Academic Transfer Dual Credit instructors varies based on the number of contact hours for the course taught and the instructor s years of service. Contact TJC s Office of Human Resources for more information. Early College High School Instructors 10 or more students completing $400/course course Fewer than 10 students $200/course completing course Technical Dual Credit Instructors (on High School Campus) 10 or more students completing $400/course course Fewer than 10 students $200/course completing course 14

15 SECTION III: ADMISSION Steps to Admission: All interested students must complete a TJC Admissions Application and Dual Credit/Early Admissions Registration Form. Approval signatures of both the designated high school official and a parent/guardian must be obtained on the Dual Credit/Early Admissions Registration Form. Each student must provide a copy of his/her current high school transcript indicating junior or senior status and whether he/she has met the standard scores to be designated as college ready due to high score performance. If a student has not met the standard score requirements, he/she may be exempt in math and/or English due to THECB exemption standards (TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter C, 4.54). Students who are not exempt must take the TSI Assessment, which is administered by Tyler Junior College. A fee will be assessed when the examination is given. Students wishing to enroll in career and technology classes must meet the standards for enrollment as set forth in THECB standards (TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85). All welding, auto mechanics, electrical, and A/C students must pass the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) prior to enrollment. Eligibility Criteria: In order for a student to be admitted to the Dual Credit program, he/she must: Be classified as a junior or senior at his/her high school (exceptions for outstanding students) Obtain a high school official s approval and parental/guardian approval, and Achieve minimum pre-requisite course scores on the ACT, SAT, PLAN, PSAT or STAAR in accordance with THECB standards (Texas Education Code ). Also refer to the Dual Credit Checklist in the Appendix for enrollment steps. Registration: Upon mutual agreement, TJC will assist with registration at the School District. Maximum Course Load: High school students may enroll in up to two college courses per semester; however, the College s provost or designee and the high school principal or designee must approve enrollment in more than two college courses under special consideration. 15

16 SECTION IV: GRANTING OF COLLEGE CREDIT Transcripts: TJC is responsible for maintaining a college transcript for each Dual Credit student. The high school and School District are responsible for maintaining the high school transcript. All courses for which college credit is awarded are identified on the college transcript as regular college-level course work. After high school graduation and after the College has received an official high school transcript, and at the student s request, the College will provide an official TJC transcript showing credit for the completed college-level course work. State Approved Credit: For a student to receive state-approved high school credit for the college course, the college class must have a state-accredited counterpart, as determined by the high school. Students who enroll independently in college courses not designated for Dual Credit by their high schools might not receive credit toward high school graduation requirements as determined by the School District. Transfer of Academic Dual Credit Courses: Each college or university reserves the right to: Accept college credits transferred from another higher education institution. Apply them appropriately to a student s transcript. It is the responsibility of the student to seek information from institutions to which he/she desires to transfer concerning the acceptance of Dual Credit course work and its application to a degree in the desired major. 16

17 SECTION V: CONTACT INFORMATION Dr. Tam Nannen Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs Tel: Fax: David Hubbard Director, Dual Credit and Early College Development Tel: Fax: Stephanie Mayo Coordinator, Dual Credit Programs Tel: Fax: , ATTN: Dual Credit Office Interim Dean, Humanities, Communication and Fine Arts Tel: Dr. Clayton Allen Dean, Professional and Technical Programs Tel: Roger Grimm Director, Testing/Career Services Tel: Crawford Reyes Dual Credit Office Staff Technician Tel: Fax: , ATTN: Dual Credit Office Janna Chancey Dean, Enrollment Management Services Tel: Tom Elder Director of Academic Services/Registrar Tel: Dr. Kenneth Murphy Dean, Engineering, Mathematics and Sciences Tel: Sarah Harrison 17

18 APPENDIX 17

19 Sample Memorandum of Understanding Memorandum of Understanding for the Dual Credit Program TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE, A PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGE AUTHORIZED UNDER THE Laws of the State of Texas (herein called The College or TJC ) and School District (herein called School District ) enter the following contract for the school year and for the terms of which WITNESS THE FOLLOWING: 1. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to facilitate cooperation between TJC and the School District in the provision of Dual Credit courses for qualified students. Operating procedures and guidelines for specific programs are addressed through the Dual Credit Manual maintained by TJC. 2. PROVISION OF ELIGIBLE COURSES: TJC will issue transcripts when the Dual Credit courses have been completed. a. Courses must be identified as i. College-level academic courses (based on the current edition of TJC s Catalog and TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85) OR. ii. Workforce education courses (based on the current edition of the Workforce Education Course Manual). b. Instruction, instructional materials, and grading must be at the equivalent level of instruction, instructional materials, and grading used for the identical course taught on the campuses of TJC. c. Dual credit faculty assignments and courses to be taught at the high school are listed on the TJC website. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES Tyler Junior College is responsible for: a. Providing a college credit course that is the equivalent to a course that is offered on the campuses of TJC. b. Providing an orientation for the classroom instructor. c. Paying instructors (see Dual Credit Manual). 18

20 d. Periodically evaluating all faculty. A representative of TJC may visit the high school campus during the term of this contract to administer an evaluation instrument. The results of that evaluation will be available through the TJC website. e. Registering qualified students. f. Providing a syllabus for each student. g. Posting grades based on the TJC grading system to the student s transcript no later than five (5) work days after the conclusion of the school district s semester once grades have been received from the high school instructor. (Six weeks grades are not given.) h. Maintaining written policy prior to approving a student to enroll in more than two (2) dual credit courses per semester. i. Adhering to the policy that students enrolling in more than two (2) dual credit courses per semester must pass all courses during the semester with a grade of C or better to continue to enroll in more than two (2) dual credit courses in the following semester. The School District is responsible for: a. Ensuring that tuition and books are paid, if applicable. b. Working with TJC in scheduling courses. c. Communicating with TJC in a timely manner when a student has been dropped from a course. d. Providing TJC s Dual Credit and Early College Development Office with a high school calendar prior to the beginning day of each semester in which a TJC course will be taught on the high school campus. e. Sending a copy of the class syllabus for each class taught by School District faculty to the appropriate department chair at TJC. This should be done in accordance with established TJC deadlines. f. Sending a copy of the final exam for each class taught by School District faculty to the appropriate department chair at TJC. This should be done at the end of each semester. g. Maintaining discipline in the high school classroom environment. h. Providing the name, address and phone number of the primary contact person(s) from the School District with whom TJC personnel can communicate regarding the Dual Credit program at the School District s site. i. Providing TJC with information regarding students who qualify for Disability Services as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of The Instructors are responsible for: a. Adhering to TJC policies, course syllabi, handbooks, and standards, including but not limited to the TJC Dual Credit policies and/or handbooks. b. Working with the TJC department chairs to ensure that the quality of instruction is maintained. c. Teaching assigned courses, with the same level of rigor of a regular college course, according to approved course syllabi and learning outcomes associated with course [TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85 (f)]. 19

21 d. Providing each student with a syllabus/class outline that explains the expectations of the instructor, learning outcomes, attendance policy, academic honesty policy, and other information needed by the student. (Examples: timelines, required class materials, outside assignments, etc.). e. Checking student enrollment in the course. f. Arriving on time for classes. g. Maintaining control of the class. h. Meeting all TJC deadlines for submission of class rosters, student grade reports, enrollment/no-show reports, etc. i. Maintaining accurate attendance records for all classes. j. Assigning grades in accordance with TJC policy. k. Maintaining a copy of grades for each Dual Credit class at the high school. l. Attending faculty meetings and other special meetings required by TJC. m. Providing the College with updated Curriculum Vitae, which includes educational and workforce history. n. Participating in evaluation procedures in relation to the above stated requirements under this agreement. [TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85 (e)(2) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Principles of Accreditation ]. 4. COURSE COMPLIANCE: Designated TJC personnel will monitor the quality of instruction in order to assure compliance with the standards established by the State of Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), TJC, and the School District. The College will ensure that a Dual Credit course and the corresponding course offered at the campus of the College are equivalent with respect to learning outcomes. 5. SELECTION OF INSTRUCTORS: In most cases, instructors will be employees of the School District and will meet the applicable hiring standards of the district. TJC will be responsible for adhering to all requirements of the credentialing process as set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The approval process for a Dual Credit faculty member who will teach a Dual Credit course will be consistent with the standards used to hire a faculty member for the course taught on the TJC campuses. The department chair has full authority to interview and to make the final decision based on credentials, teaching experience, presentation, subject knowledge and other instructional factors related to the subject matter. A high school teacher who is identified as a prospective technical dual credit faculty member must be approved by the TJC department chair in the teaching discipline. His/her selection should then be communicated to the School District Partnership Office and the Office of Human Resources. Dual Credit faculty must meet the same qualifications as TJC faculty in their areas of instruction. The TJC department chair will have the option to conduct multiple observations during the first year that the instructor is teaching the Dual Credit course. The time for observations should be coordinated with the Dual Credit faculty member prior to the observation. All Dual Credit faculty will have a minimum of one observation per year; however, the department chair has the option to conduct additional observations each semester as part of the monitoring process. Dual Credit faculty will be evaluated using the same process as other TJC faculty. 20

22 6. FACILITIES: Dual Credit courses included in this Memorandum will be taught on the School District s campus, the TJC campus, or by distance education. For Dual Credit courses taught exclusively to high school students on the high school campus and for Dual Credit courses taught electronically, Tyler Junior College shall comply with applicable rules and procedures for offering courses at a distance as related to Approval of Distance Education Courses and Programs for Public Institutions and Approval of Off-Campus and Self-Supporting Courses and Programs for Public Institutions. In addition, Dual Credit courses taught electronically shall comply with the Principles of Good Practice for Courses Offered Electronically. 7. TUITION AND FEES: See Dual Credit Manual. Payment of Tuition and Fees: Check one of the options below that applies to your situation: Site agrees to pay full tuition and fees per enrollment. Site agrees to pay half tuition and fees per enrollment. Site agrees that students shall pay full tuition and fees. Other arrangements (please list): Payment of Textbooks: Check one of the options below that applies to your situation: School District agrees to purchase textbooks and relevant instructional supplies. School District agrees that students shall purchase textbooks and relevant instructional supplies. 8. BOOKS AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: All textbooks, equipment and supplemental materials required for classes, as determined by this agreement, are the responsibility of the School District. 9. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY: In order for a student to be admitted to the Dual Credit Program, he/she must meet the following eligibility requirements: a. Be in the eleventh or twelfth grade and meet all eligibility requirements in the THECB guidelines. 21

23 b. A student may enroll only in those Dual Credit courses for which the student has demonstrated eligibility. In the event of conflict, the THECB Rules govern. 10. STUDENT ENROLLMENT & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABILITY: Upon mutual agreement, TJC will conduct enrollment registration at the School District site for all qualified students. Students in Dual Credit classes will be eligible to utilize all TJC student services. Students must follow TJC Student Handbook rules when accessing on-campus services. a. Students must successfully complete courses with a grade of C or better to be eligible to enroll in subsequent courses. b. Regular policies applicable to courses taught at the college s campus must also apply to technical dual credit courses. These policies include the appeal process for disputed grades, drop policy, the communication of grading policy to students, when the syllabus must be distributed, etc. c. Students in Dual Credit courses must be eligible to utilize the same or comparable support services that are afforded college students on the TJC campuses. The College is responsible for ensuring timely and efficient access to such services, to learning materials, and to other benefits for which the student may be eligible. d. For Dual Credit courses, college credit should be transcripted immediately upon a student s completion of the performance required in the course. 11. FUNDING: a. State funding for college courses offered for dual credit will be available to both the School District and TJC based on current funding rules of the State Board of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. [TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85 (i)(1)] b. TJC may only claim funding for students getting college credit in core curriculum, career and technical education, and foreign language Dual Credit courses. [TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, 4.85 (i)(2)] 12. INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR: TJC s Dual Credit Program schedule will comply with the School District s instructional calendar. 13. MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT: This MOU may be amended by mutual written agreement of both parties. 14. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT: TJC and the School District reserves the right to terminate this MOU upon service of written notice to the other party ninety (90) days prior to the day of termination. In this event, the date of termination will be the day after the end of the semester during which the ninety (90) day period expires. 15. INDEMNIFICATION: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BOTH PARTIES WILL AND DO HEREBY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, PROTECT, DEFEND WITH RESPECTIVE COUNSEL, AND HOLD HARMLESS THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATED ENTERPRISES, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ATTORNEYS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS 22

24 (COLLECTIVELY INDEMNITEES ) FROM AND AGAINST ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIENS, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, EXPENSES, AND OTHER CLAIMS OF ANY NATURE, KIND, OR DESCRIPTION, INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS INCURRED INVESTIGATING, DEFENDING OR SETTLING ANY OF THE FOREGOING (COLLECTIVELY CLAIMS ) BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY, ARISING OUT OF, CAUSED BY, OR RESULTING FROM EITHER PARTY S PERFORMANCE UNDER OR BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT ARE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY NEGLIGENT ACT, NEGLIGENT OMISSION OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF EITHER PARTY, ANYONE DIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY EITHER PARTY OR ANYONE FOR WHOSE ACTS AS EITHER PARTY MAY BE LIABLE. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WILL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO ELIMINATE OR REDUCE ANY OTHER INDEMNIFICATION OR RIGHT WHICH ANY INDEMNITY HAS BY LAW OR EQUITY. 16. VENUE; GOVERNING LAW: Smith County, Tyler Texas, will be the proper place of venue for suit on or in respect to this Agreement. This Agreement and all of the rights and obligations of the parties and all of the terms and conditions will be construed, interpreted and applied in accordance with and governed by and enforced under the laws of the State of Texas. 17. PUBLIC INFORMATION: TJC strictly adheres to all statutes, court decisions and the opinions of the Texas Attorney General with respect to disclosure of public information under the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code. 18. CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFEGUARDING OF TJC RECORDS; PRESS RELEASES; PUBLIC INFORMATION: Under this agreement the School District may: (1) create, (2) receive from or on behalf of TJC, or (3) have access to, records or record systems (collectively, TJC Records ). Among other things, TJC Records may contain social security numbers, credit card numbers, or data protected or made confidential or sensitive by applicable laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law No: ), the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act (ITEPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g (FERPA). If TJC records are subject to FERPA, (1) TJC will designate the School District as a TJC official with a legitimate educational interest in TJC records, and (2) the School District will acknowledge that its improper disclosure or re-disclosure of personally identifiable information from TJC records will result in the School District s exclusion from eligibility to contract with TJC for at least five (5) years. The School District represents, warrants, and agrees that it will: (1) hold TJC records in strict confidence and will not use or disclose TJC records except as (a) permitted or required by this Agreement, (b) required by applicable laws, or (c) otherwise authorized by TJC in writing; (2) safeguard TJC records according to reasonable administrative, physical and technical standards (such as standards established by (i) the National Institute of Standards and Technology and (ii) the Center for Internet Security, as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) that are no less rigorous than the standards by which the School District protects its own confidential information; (3) continually monitor its operations and take any action necessary to assure that TJC records are safeguarded and the confidentiality of TJC records is maintained in accordance with all applicable laws, including FERPA, ITEPA and the Gramm-Leach 23