Academic Policies

Randolph Community College expects the utmost integrity in its students’ academic endeavors and behavior. Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with these high standards of academic honesty. Consequently, Randolph Community College will not accept any incident that threatens the integrity of the academic learning environment.

Violations

Violations to the Academic Integrity Policy include, but are not limited to:

Cheating

• The taking or acquiring possession of any academic material from another without permission
• Receiving or giving help during tests, quizzes, or other assignments (in or out of class if prohibited by the instructor)
• Copying or attempting to copy another person’s test, quiz, or other assignment
• Allowing another to copy your test, quiz, or other assignment
• Unauthorized use of materials or electronic devices during a test
• The intentional communication with another student on specific questions of a quiz/test/exam prior to that student taking said quiz/test/exam
• Taking a quiz/test for another student
• Paying another person to write or edit a term paper
• Submission of a term paper or assignment in more than one class unless approved in advance by the instructor

Plagiarism – the use of another’s original words or ideas as though they were your own

• Turning in someone else’s work as your own
• Copying a phrase, sentence, or passage from someone else or another source (Internet, print media, etc.) without proper citation
• Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not
• Downloading or buying a term paper from the Internet and submitting it as your own work

*Please note that the list of examples above is not exhaustive. There may be other instances of cheating and/or plagiarism that would violate this policy.

Sanctions

The following sanctions for violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will be imposed by the instructor, department head, division chair/director/coordinator, dean, or vice president for instructional services:

• First offense – a grade of 0 on the test, quiz, or assignment
• Second offense – a grade of “F” for the course and academic probation for one semester
• Third offense – suspension or expulsion from the College

With each violation, the vice president for instructional services will be notified in writing. These sanctions are not on a per course or per semester basis, but rather for your entire academic career at Randolph Community College.

Appeals Process

The appeals process varies depending on the offense. For the first offense, a student wishing to contest the penalty would follow the procedure outlined below.

• Student appeals to the instructor of the course in which the violation occurred to discuss the violation and determine fault.
• If student contests the instructor’s decision, the department head for the curriculum program in which the course is offered hears both parties and corroborates, modifies, or dismisses penalty. NOTE: This step is only for students in curriculum classes.
• If student contests the instructor’s decision (department head for curriculum students), the division chair/director/coordinator for the division in which the course is offered, hears both parties and corroborates, modifies, or dismisses penalty.
• A student may appeal to the dean to contest the decisions of the division chair/director/coordinator. The decision of the dean is final.

For the second and third offenses, the student may contest by following the above procedure and further appealing to the vice president for instructional services. The vice president will hear all parties involved and corroborate, modify, or dismiss the penalty. The decision of the vice president for instructional services is final.

Since the third offense results in suspension, the student may submit a written request to the president to overturn the penalty. This request must be submitted to the president within five working days of the decision of the vice president for instructional services. The president will approve, modify (including penalty of expulsion), or overturn the decision of the vice president for instructional services and notify the student in writing of the decision within ten working days of the appeal. The decision of the president is final.

“WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?” PLAGIARISM.ORG. IPARADIGMS, N.D. NOVEMBER 20, 2012.

At the end of each semester, a student’s cumulative and term grade point average is examined. The grade point average is computed based on grades assigned as described in the Grading System policy.

Curriculum students who have a cumulative grade point average below a 2.0, will be placed on academic probation. When a student is placed on probation, he/she is notified in writing. Any student on academic probation must complete all required interventions to maintain enrollment. Failure to comply may result in academic suspension.

Curriculum students on probation who fail to make satisfactory improvement in their grade point averages by earning at least a 2.0 term grade point average will be placed on academic suspension. Students on academic suspension are not eligible to register for curriculum courses the following semester. After the duration of suspension is completed, students may request readmission within the parameters established by the Readmission policy.

Students receiving veteran’s benefits must adhere to this policy to remain eligible. Students receiving financial aid must adhere to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy published by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. Students must meet their program of study (e.g., Associate Degree Nursing) standards of progress in order to remain in the program.

The success of students in their academic endeavors is of paramount importance to Randolph Community College. In order to facilitate this, the College has made multiple resources available to assist students who are experiencing personal and academic difficulties.

Students will be notified by designated RCC faculty and staff throughout a semester when academic progress is unsatisfactory.

Faculty and staff work collaboratively using a student retention system to help identify appropriate resources to assist in the improvement of student academic progress, as well as follow up with students. Each instructor will encourage each identified student to schedule an appointment with him/her if additional assistance is needed.

Attendance plays a critical role in student success in all classes. Satisfactory progress is difficult without regular attendance. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor, regarding any anticipated absences to make arrangements for continued progress in the course. To remain enrolled in a course a student must be in attendance on or before the census date (10% point of the course). To meet the census date requirement, students registered in a traditional (face-to-face) course must physically attend class and be recorded as present at least one time on or before the census date of the class or they will be removed from the course and not allowed to remain in the class. Students registered in a hybrid or blended course must physically attend class or complete the syllabus quiz on or before the census date of the class to be counted as present or they will be removed from the course and not allowed to remain in the class. Students registered in an online course must complete the syllabus quiz on or before the census date of the course to be counted as present or they will be removed from the course and not allowed to remain in the class. Departments and individual instructors may not waive this requirement.

Students are responsible for course content when absent and for being prepared for the class following the absence. Students should refer to the course syllabus for the guidelines on make-up work. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of circumstances which may have caused him/her to be absent. The student is responsible for making arrangements with the instructor to complete any work missed and for completing the work in a timely manner. Instructors are encouraged to give consideration for absences caused by college-related activities and other extenuating circumstances. An instructor may forgive an absence if the student has a valid reason for the absence, has made arrangements with the instructor to complete the work missed and completes such work in a timely manner. It may not be possible to make up work missed in selected labs or clinics. Therefore, absences from certain labs or clinics may not be forgiven.

Some programs may have outside regulatory bodies that require a minimum of class attendance hours (i.e., Nursing, Radiography, Cosmetology, Medical Assisting). Each instructor will include attendance requirements and criteria for tardiness on the course syllabus. Additionally, attendance is required for students receiving benefits from outside entities that require attendance (i.e., Veterans Education Benefits).

During the schedule adjustment period, students may drop or add courses using Student planning in Self-Service. After the schedule adjustment period and through the course census date, student may drop a course using Student Planning in Self-Service. After the course census date, but before the withdrawal deadline, students may withdraw from a course by completing the official course withdrawal form. Students who fail to meet the requirements established for a course and do not withdraw by the deadline may receive a failing grade for the course.  Students are responsible for initiating the withdrawal process.

Military and Jury Duty Absences

Military leave and jury duty absence(s) will be considered an excused absence when the instructor has received prior official notification. Responsibility for initiating such notification rests with the student: a student reporting for military drill or jury duty must provide the instructor with a letter from the commanding officer or the Clerk of Court prior to the absence(s). The student is responsible for making up all work missed in a timely manner.
Any student in the United States Armed Forces who has received temporary or permanent reassignment as a result of a military operations and any student who is a National Guard service member placed onto State active duty status during an academic term shall be given:

1. The opportunity to make up any test or work missed during the excused absence.
2. The option, when feasible, to continue classes and coursework during the academic term through online participation for the period of time the student is placed on active duty.
3. The option a receiving a temporary grade of “Incomplete-Military” (IN) or “Absent Final Exam-Military (AB)” for any course that the student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active duty status; however, the student must complete the course requirements within a period of time specified by the college to avoid receiving a failing grade for the course.
4. Permission to drop, with no penalty, any course that the student was unable to complete as a result of being placed on State active duty status.
5. Permission to drop, with no financial penalty, any course that the student was unable to complete as a result of the excused absence as set forth in 1E SBCCC 900.4.

School Absences for Religious Observances

Randolph Community College recognizes that students’ religious affiliations vary and requirements regarding observances of special days may also vary. The College and the state of North Carolina (23 N.C.A.C. 02C .0213 “School Absences for Religious Observances”) allow students two excused days of absences each academic year for religious observances. Randolph Community College defines an academic year as beginning on the first day of classes for fall term and ending with the last day of classes for the following summer term. In order for a student to request an excused absence, they must request the absence by completing a “Religious Observance Request Form” and submitting it at least two (2) weeks prior to the observance to the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration located in the Student Services Center. Students will be required to make up any work, activities, or missed tests as a result of an excused absence for religious observance.

Auditing a course is the privilege of being present in class when space permits. An audit indicates attendance only and is not an indication of successful completion or passing a course section. No credit is awarded and no examinations are required. Auditing a course does not fulfill any prerequisite requirements. Attendance, participation in class, etc., are at the discretion of the instructor. Audits are reported on transcripts as a grade of “AU,” unless utilizing the Senior Citizen Option described below, and do not affect earned credits or GPA.

A student must register officially for the course and pay regular tuition, unless utilizing the Senior Citizen Option described below, during the specified registration and schedule adjustment period. A student may audit a particular course only once. Under extreme circumstances, a student may request to audit a course a second time through the approval process of department head, division chair, dean of curriculum programs and vice president for instructional services.

Students who receive financial aid should consult with the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs before auditing a course.

Senior Citizen Audit Option: Any student who is at least 65 years old may audit courses without payment of any required registration fee or tuition for the audit provided the audit is approved in accordance with policies adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges and there is no cost to the State. A student may be charged local fees associated with these course sections. A student will be allowed to audit a class under this section only on a space available basis after completing the admissions process. This section does not apply to audits of courses provided on a self-supporting basis. No credit is awarded, no examinations are required and no grade is reported on a student transcript for students who use this option.

Transfer Credit

The College reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at other universities, colleges, and institutions. Transfer credit is defined as course credit awarded by the college for comparable courses earned at another institution.

Students who have attended other institutions of higher learning may transfer credit earned in comparable courses or programs of study by submitting official transcripts. Direct transfer of credit may be granted if the student is transferring from a regionally accredited institution. Non-regionally accredited institutions may be approved on a case-by-case-basis. Transfer credit from other institutions may not exceed 75% of course requirements for completion of a degree, diploma or certificate program. Courses eligible for transfer must have a grade of “C” or higher.

Transfer credit awarded will not count toward the GPA.  Transfer credit is processed by the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration in partnership with the department head as approved by the vice president for instructional services.

Credit for Prior Learning (Non-Course Credit)

Credit for Prior Learning (non-course credit) is defined as course credit awarded by the college for completion of an exam, military training, or experiential learning. Non-course credit is available for College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES), Advance Placement (AP) exams, military service, and experiential learning. Non-course credit may not exceed 75% of course requirements for completion of a degree, diploma, or certificate program. Non-course credit awarded will not count toward the GPA.

For exams (e.g., CLEP), the Director of Admissions, Records and Registration (Registrar) and the appropriate Associate Dean maintains a matrix indicating required exam scores to earn credit for specific courses. Upon receipt of exam scores, non-course credit is awarded by the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration based on the matrix.

For military service and experiential learning, the Request for Credit form and required documentation is submitted by the student to the department head for credit recommendations and approved by the vice president for instructional services to be processed by the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration.

Articulated Credit

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System have a statewide articulation agreement in which students may be eligible to receive college credit after completion of identified Career-Technical Education (CTE) courses in high school. This creates a systematic and seamless process in which students can move from high school to community college without having to duplicate efforts or repeat courses.

Criteria used to award college credit for identified CTE courses include:

• Final grade of B or higher in the course
• A score of 93 or higher on the on the standardized CTE post-assessment test; an industry credential recognized by RCC may be use in lieu of the CTE post-assessment; or upon successful demonstration of content mastery on the course Performance Based Measure as certificated by the CTE Teacher.
• Students must enroll at the community college within two years of their high school graduation date to receive Articulated Credit.

In order to receive Articulated Credit, the student must provide a copy of the industry credential and an official high school transcript that includes the CTE post-assessment scores. The student must inform the RCC Registrar that he/she wishes to receive Articulated Credit. Students are encouraged to consult their high school career development coordinator to verify courses that are included in the Articulated Credit agreement.

Internal Articulated Credit for Continuing Education

A student may be granted articulated curriculum credit upon successful completion of a noncredit, continuing education course.

Criteria to award college credit includes the following:

• Final course grade of “C” or better.
• Comprehensive demonstration of course competencies and student learning outcomes, verifying skills attainment.
• The student must enroll in a curriculum program within 2 years of completing the continuing education course to receive articulated credit.

Articulated courses must have equivalent course hours of instruction, course content and student learning outcomes. Noncredit course instruction must be provided by a qualified instructor in accordance with curriculum faculty standards. A student may be asked to provide documentation of an earned industry-recognized credential and/or demonstrate competency of course outcomes to verify mastery of specific skills related to the learning outcomes of the course being considered for articulated credit. The student may receive articulated credit for the curriculum course if it is determined the student has demonstrated competence in course content, satisfactorily meeting all learning outcomes for the course.

This is to promote successful progression in the curriculum program of study and to ensure the student’s safety when entering a program utilizing specialized equipment. Credit may not exceed 75% of course requirements in a program of study for completion of a degree, diploma, or certificate program.

Credit by Proficiency Exam

Eligible students may request of their instructor to earn credit by proficiency exam. Faculty author, maintain, and administer the proficiency exams, which are approved by the dean of curriculum programs.

Eligible students are those who:

• Are accepted to the College and have met the prerequisites for the course,
• Have occupational experiences and/or background closely related to course objectives,
• Are registered and paid in a course that proficiency exams are permitted,
• Do not have credit for the course
• Have not previously attempted the course (including audit) or the exam.

Hours awarded will not count toward the GPA. A maximum of 25 percent of credit toward graduation will be allowed per student per curriculum in proficiency hours. It is the student’s responsibility to request the exam and to provide any required documentation to the instructor administering the exam. All proficiency examinations must be completed prior tothe start of the semester in which the course would normally first be taken. Upon completion of the exam, the instructor recommends credit for the course to be approved by the vice president for instructional services and processed by the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration.

Change of Major

If a student changes his/her major, it is the student’s responsibility to request external transcripts to be evaluated for transfer credit in the new major on the Change of Major form.

Appeals and Exceptions

Even though the Student Services Division processes the awarding of credit, the Instructional Services Division is the approving authority. Therefore, student appeals follow the academic grievance procedures and exception to policy must have the written approval of the vice president for instructional services. The final decision for awarding transfer credit, non-course credit, and/or credit by proficiency exam is the vice president for instructional services. 

Note: Some colleges do not accept transfer credit for courses if credit was gained through proficiency testing, transfer, or non-course work. It is the responsibility of the student to determine whether another school will accept transfer credit for any course in which RCC grants credit.

Credit hours granted cannot be used for the purpose of financial aid, including U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Assistance.

Courses offered through Curriculum programs are selected from courses approved by the N.C. Community College System through the Common Course Library. Each Curriculum program offered by RCC is approved by the Curriculum Committee of the College, the RCC Board of Trustees, the Department of Community Colleges, and the State Board of Community Colleges. This is also the process for changes in courses being offered within each Curriculum program. Challenges to the appropriateness of course content should be directed using the following sequence: instructor for the course, Associate Dean, Vice President for Instructional Services. If the complaint or concern regarding the course content is not resolved at any of these levels, the policy listed in items 1-4 below will be followed.

Courses offered through Continuing Education are approved by the vice president for workforce development and continuing education and/or other state agencies or accrediting bodies. Challenges to the appropriateness of course content should be directed using the following sequence: appropriate director, vice president for workforce development and continued education.

If the complaint or concern regarding the course content is not resolved at either of these levels the following policy will be applied:

1. The individual or group making the complaint will be expected to make a formal statement to the president of the College that specifies the nature of the inappropriate materials and present specific evidence that justifies the claim;
2. The president will appoint an ad hoc committee that includes at least two individuals with academic or professional credentials in the field or a related discipline of the course under review;
3. The committee must review the course and render a recommendation to the president within 10 working days after receipt of the complaint;
4. The ad hoc committee will adhere to the following procedures:

• Review the American Association of University Professor’s Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure;
• Review any professional standards of academic freedom or professional standards specific to the area of concern;
• Examine the course outline, syllabus, or other class materials in addition to the specific elements of the complaint;
• Solicit responses from the instructor(s) and students as necessary;
• Evaluate the materials, instructional interpretations, or method of presentation in the context of the course, professional standards, or within the definition of academic freedom;
• Seek guidance from appropriate academic or professional organizations if necessary;
• Submit a report of the committee’s findings and recommendations to the president of the College. The decision concerning the complaint will reside with the president unless he/she determines Board of Trustee action is appropriate.

A curriculum program is an organized sequence of courses leading to an associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate. Curriculum programs are designed to provide education, training, or retraining for the work force, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, or to confer general liberal arts degrees.

Credits for courses are awarded based on a semester hour credit. Credit hours for courses are determined and awarded using the following procedures as established by the State Board of Community Colleges Code (SBCCC).

Credit Hours

• Class: Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 16 hours of lecture and other instruction provided in a class under the supervision of an instructor.
• Clinical Practice: Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 48 hours of clinical practice. Clinical practice provides an opportunity for health science students to apply knowledge and skills in their delivery of care in a health care setting. A qualified faculty member, clinical instructor, or preceptor, as defined by the program related approving or accrediting body, shall supervise clinical practice to provide the student with learning experiences related to the program and to monitor and assess the student’s application of skills. Clinical practice may utilize experiences that simulate realistic clinical experiences to meet the curriculum and course objectives. The percentage of simulation experiences substituting for traditional clinical practice and the qualifications of faculty providing the simulation experience must comply with the guidelines of the applicable health science accrediting and approving bodies.
• Experiential Laboratory: Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 32 hours of "experiential laboratory work." Experiential laboratory work means instruction given to a student by an instructor to increase the student's knowledge and skills without immediate student application.
• Faculty Directed Laboratory: Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 48 hours of "faculty directed laboratory." Faculty directed laboratory means instructional activities are demonstrated or conducted by an instructor with immediate student application.
• Work-Based Learning: Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each 160 hours of work-based learning (WBL curriculum prefix courses). Work-based learning is the development of job skills by providing the student with employment that is directly related to the educational program, and coordinated by a college representative.

Maximum Credit Hour Load

In the interest of student success, the maximum number of credit hours for which a student may register in one semester without the approval of the program head is set at 21.

• Any student may enroll for up to 21 credit hours of classes for which he or she is eligible and in which there are seats available.
• A student’s request to take more than 21 hours in one semester must be approved by the student’s advisor, the program head of the program in which the student is enrolled, the division chair, the dean of curriculum programs, and vice president for instructional services.
• The 21 hours includes developmental, audited, and credit courses.

Randolph Community College offers distance education courses as an option and convenience to students. Online delivery is a quality, convenient, and flexible alternative for students who require flexible scheduling, who are unable or choose not to travel to and from campus, who cannot fit a course into their schedule, or who learn better in an online environment, often discover that distance education courses are a good choice. Delivery method for these courses may be offered in online and hybrid formats.

The College expects employees and students to use computers, networks, network access, telephones, and other information technologies in a responsible, considerate, ethical, and lawful manner. Compliance with policies that ensure the security and integrity of all College information systems is mandatory and critical to ensure continuing provision of technological resources to the entire RCC community. This policy applies to all students, faculty and staff of the College and to all users of technology resources provided by the College.

Randolph Community College understands that information technology has become vital in its mission of teaching and training. Thus, the College owns a variety of technological resources which are provided primarily to support the academic and administrative functions of the College. These technological resources enable users to locate and disseminate information, to communicate and collaborate with others in a global setting, and to build the necessary strategic technologies for the current and future needs of the College community.

Use of RCC technology resources shall be consistent with local, state, and federal law and in accordance with all College policies and procedures. Disregard for the rights of authorship, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the College community. Access to technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and as such, can be withdrawn from those who use it irresponsibly. Users of RCC technology resources who are determined by the College to have purposely violated any of the information technologies policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension of access to technology resources, discharge, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, and/or legal action

Guidelines for Network/Internet Access

The College provides network and Internet access to aid in the transfer of information electronically. These networks may be used for a wide variety of on- and off-campus communications relating to College business. This policy addresses acceptable use of network and Internet access.

Network resources should be used in an effective, efficient, ethical, considerate and lawful manner. Users of networks are expected to demonstrate respect for intellectual property, data ownership, system security, and individuals’ rights to freedom from intimidation or harassment.

Network and Internet use shall comply with local, state, and federal law and RCC policies and procedures. Generally, a user’s network and Internet use will not be monitored except in the following types of situations: the user gives prior consent, the College needs to ensure the security or operating performance of its systems or networks, the College has a reasonable concern that a violation of College policy or applicable law has occurred, or the College is complying with a valid subpoena or search warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. While general content review will not typically be undertaken, monitoring of electronic information may occur for these reasons and others as necessary. For these reasons, the College cannot guarantee the privacy of electronic communications.

Network and Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and as such, can be withdrawn from those who use it irresponsibly. Unauthorized use of the network, intentional deletion or damage to files and data belonging to other users or copyright violations may be considered theft pursuant to some state and federal laws.

To ensure appropriate use of information systems and networks, users must do the following:

1. Use resources only for authorized purposes;
2. Protect any user ID and password from unauthorized use;
3. Access only files and data that are publicly available, or to which the user has been given authorized access;
4. Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license agreements;
5. Be considerate in the use of shared network resources; users should refrain from monopolizing systems, overworking networks with excessive data transfers or downloads, and abusing disk space on workstations or network servers with personal data;
6. Immediately inform the network administrator of any occurrence of a computer virus.

Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Intentionally using information systems or networks to send or receive offensive, insulting, harassing, attacking, or obscene text and/or images;
2. Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating computer viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files on workstations or servers;
3. Using the computer to perpetrate any form of fraud, or software, film or music piracy;
4. Attempting to circumvent, subvert, or damage system software or security measures;
5. Using another person’s user ID/password or trespassing in another user’s files or folders without permission;
6. Intentionally wasting limited resources including network bandwidth;
7. Employing the network for commercial purposes;
8. Creating, modifying, executing, or retransmitting any computer program intended to obscure the true identity of the sender of electronic mail or electronic messages including, but not limited to, forgery of messages and/or alteration of system and/or user data used to identify the sender of messages;
9. Violating any copyright laws;
10. Engaging in personal social networking activities that conflict with work commitments and misusing state Internet resources for personal use;
11. Visiting Internet sites that contain obscene, hateful, pornographic or otherwise illegal material;
12. Publishing defamatory and/or knowingly false material about RCC, RCC employees and/or RCC students on social networking sites, 'blogs' (online journals), 'wikis' and any online publishing format.

Food and beverage are allowed in all general purpose classrooms at the discretion of the instructor with the following restrictions:

• All beverages must have lids.
• All spills must be cleaned up immediately by the person responsible for the spill.
• All trash must be placed in appropriate receptacles.
• Outside groups may request permission for food and beverage on the Building Utilization Request Form.

Food and beverage are NOT allowed in the following buildings/rooms:

• Administration/Education Center 018, 117 and Photographic Technology (AE 301 through 348)
• Agricultural Science Greenhouse
• Archdale Center 107 and 108
• Assessment Center (Building 300)
• Business Education Center 107, 111, 113, 114, 116, and 117
• Campus Store
• Computer Technology Center 103, 104, 114, 118, and 120
• CEIC 102, 103, 104, 106 (Computer Lab), 107, 108 (Computer Lab), 109, 117, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 127, 131 (Computer Lab), 151, 153, and 223.
• Design Center 102 (Testing Room), 103 (Computer Lab), 104 & 108 (Math Labs), 105A (CAD Lab), 109, 110, Resource Room, and Sample Room
• Learning Resources Center - First Floor: Auditorium, Library, Computer Lab; Second Floor: Lab Area, Writing Center, Classrooms
• Math & Science Center Lab
• RSS Allied Health Center 103 (Lecture Hall), RSS 203 and 2017 (Computer Lab), Nursing Labs, RAD Labs, Medical Assisting Labs, and SIMS Rooms
• Vocation-Technical Center 201 and 203

Letter symbols are used in the evaluation of achievement in all programs. Grade points are assigned to letter grades in computing grade point averages. Grade point averages are determined by dividing total quality points earned by total credit hours attempted. Cumulative grade point averages are determined by dividing total quality points by total credit hours attempted for a period of more than one semester.

Curriculum Grading System

• Used in Calculating Academic GPA
  • A - Excellent
    • Grade Point Earned: 4.0
  • B - Very Good
    • Grade Point Earned: 3.0
  • C - Satisfactory
    • Grade Point Earned: 2.0
  • D - Poor
    • Grade Point Earned: 1.0
  • F - Failing
    • Grade Point Earned: 0.0

• Not Used in Calculating Academic GPA
  • P* - Passing (Corequisite Course - Developmental Studies)
  • R* - Repeat (Corequisite Course - Developmental Studies)
  • P1 - Pass Tier 1 (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • P2 - Pass Tier 2 (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • P3 - Pass Tier 3 (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • TP - Transfer of P Grade (Corequisite Course - Developmental Studies)
  • TP1 - Transfer of P1 Grade (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • TP2 - Transfer of P2 Grade (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • TP3 - Transfer of P3 Grade (Transition Course - Developmental Studies)
  • TA - Transfer of A Grade
  • TB - Transfer of B Grade
  • TC - Transfer of C Grade
  • TR - Transfer Credit
  • TD - Transfer Developmental Credit
  • I - Incomplete
  • IE - Incomplete Emergency
  • IN - Incomplete-Military
  • AB - Absent Final Exam-Military
  • AU - Audit
  • SR - Senior Citizen Audit
  • X - Credit by Proficiency
  • W - Withdrawal
  • WE - Withdrawal Emergency
  • AW - Administrative Withdrawal

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade "I" is assigned at the discretion of the instructor for incomplete course work. In the course(s) for which an "I" is assigned, hours will not be counted in quality point computation for that semester. An "I" must be completed no later than the end of the following semester, or it automatically becomes an "F." The exceptions are for developmental courses, which automatically becomes an “R*.” An “incomplete (IN)” or “absent from the final exam (AB)” will be completed within a period of time specified by the college to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that a student is unable to complete due to temporary or permanent reassignment as a result of military operations or a National Guard service member placed onto State active duty status.

An Incomplete-Military grade “IN” or Absent Final Exam-Military “AB” will be completed within a period of time specified by the college to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that a student is unable to complete due to temporary or permanent reassignment as a result of military operations or a National Guard service member placed onto State active duty status.

An Incomplete Emergency “IE” will be completed within a period of time specified by the college, a maximum of one year, to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that a student is unable to complete given the unique nature of a national emergency.

Audit

Auditing a course is the privilege of being present in class when space permits. An audit indicates attendance only and is not an indication of successful completion or passing a course section. No credit is awarded and no examinations are required. Auditing a course does not fulfill any prerequisite requirements. Attendance, participation in class, etc., are at the discretion of the instructor. Audits are reported on transcripts as a grade of "AU" or “SR” for a Senior Citizen Audit Option described below, and do not affect earned credits or GPA.

A student must register officially for the course and pay regular tuition, unless utilizing the Senior Citizen Audit Option described below, during the specified registration and schedule adjustment period. A student may audit a particular course only once. Under extreme circumstances, a student may request to audit a course a second time through the approval process of Department Head, Division Chair, Dean of Curriculum Programs and Vice President for Instructional Services.

Students who receive financial aid should consult with the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs before auditing a course.

Senior Citizen Audit Option: Any student who is at least 65 years old may audit courses without payment of any required registration fee or tuition for the audit provided the audit is approved in accordance with policies adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges and there is no cost to the State. A student may be charged local fees associated with these course sections. A student will be allowed to audit a class under this section only on a space available basis after completing the admissions process. This section does not apply to audits of courses provided on a self-supporting basis. No credit is awarded and no examinations are required. A grade of “SR” is reported on a student transcript for students who use this option.

No Show

Students registering for class and never attending will be removed from the course with a status reason of "NS" and a status of “X.” A letter grade is not assigned; therefore, it does not affect the academic GPA.

Withdrawal Grades

Students needing to withdraw from a course should review the Withdrawal/Drop/Add Section policy.

College & Career Readiness and Continuing Education

Grades assigned in the College & Career Readiness and Continuing Education programs are not used in calculating the academic GPA nor the financial aid GPA.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students receiving financial aid must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy requirements according to federal, state and/or local rules and regulations. Some grades assigned that are not used in calculating a curriculum academic GPA may be used when calculating a GPA for financial aid.

Developmental Studies Courses

All Developmental Studies courses have a two-fold pass requirement. A student must have a passing grade at the end of the course AND must pass the exit exam given at the end of the course. Students who meet both requirements complete the course with a passing grade and receive course credit. Students who do not complete both requirements must retake the course.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are issued to students each semester, provided their credentials and financial obligations to the College are in order. Grade reports will be posted to each student account in WebAdvisor/ Colleague Self-Service. Please note that grade reports will not be posted to student WebAdvisor/ Colleague Self-Service accounts until all grades have been verified in the Registrar’s Office. No grades may be given over the phone or fax.

Academic Recognition

Curriculum students enrolled in 12 credit hours for the semester excluding college preparatory hours and proficiency hours who receive no incompletes and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 are eligible to be recognized on the following lists:

• President’s List—GPA of 4.0
• Dean’s List—GPA of 3.5 to 3.99

• Step 1: Students submit graduation application in Student Self-Service for each degree, diploma, and/or certificate for which they wish to apply.
• Step 2: Students receive an automated email regarding receipt of their submitted graduation application.
• Step 3: Students and their assigned faculty advisors work together to review the program requirements needed for graduation.
• Step 4: Faculty Advisors notify the Registrar of the student’s eligibility to graduate.
• Step 5: If a student is eligible to graduate, the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration sends an email to the student’s RCC email address regarding their “Walking Pass” voucher.
• Step 6: If a student plans to participate in the graduation ceremony, the student must take the voucher email to the RCC Campus Store to indicate they would like to participate in the ceremony.

2. Students must complete all required courses within their curriculum as published in their Catalog of Record.

3. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 and a 2.0 average in their major courses as defined by the Curriculum Standards.

4. Health program students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all major and major-related courses with no grade less than a “C”. See Programs of Study section in the catalog for specifies.

Randolph Community College has no facilities or staff for medical treatment other than for minor first aid and assumes no responsibility for injuries or sickness of students. All medical emergencies need to call 911, and then call the RCC switchboard at 336-633-0200 to inform the College of the emergency. Students should report all accidents to their instructor and complete an incident report, which then should be forwarded to the director of safety and emergency preparedness, even if the accident is perceived to be minor.

Student accident insurance is provided for curriculum students and is paid for through the student activity fees. Claim forms are available through the Business Office. Continuing Education students are covered under the student accident insurance if they are enrolled in a course at the time of incident that has the student accident insurance fee included in the cost of the course. Continuing Education students are encouraged to check with their instructor to see if the course in which they are enrolled has this student insurance fee. The College reserves the right to change fees as needed.

An incomplete grade (“I,” “IN,” or “AB”) is assigned at the discretion of the instructor for incomplete course work. In the course(s) for which an incomplete grade is assigned, hours will not be counted in quality point computation for that semester. An “I” must be completed the following semester, or it automatically becomes an “F.” The exceptions are for developmental courses using the modular delivery methods, an “I” must be completed within the following 4 weeks, or it automatically becomes an “F.” An “incomplete (IN)” or “absent from the final exam (AB)” will be completed within a period of time specified by the college to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that a student is unable to complete due to temporary or permanent reassignment as a result of military operations or a National Guard service member placed onto State active duty status.

Courses may have prerequisite or corequisite course requirements. All students are required to successfully complete course prerequisites listed before enrolling. All students must simultaneously enroll in corequisite courses. Students who do not have confirmed prior credit, equivalency via placement assessment scores, or transfer equivalency that satisfies the stated prerequisites will be administratively dropped from the course. Students who are not simultaneously enrolled in or have prior credit for a corequisite will be administratively dropped from the course.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of eligible students enrolled in a postsecondary institution in relation to their education records.

• “Eligible student” is defined as a student 18 years of age or older, or a student who entersa postsecondary institution at any age.
• “Education record” is defined as those records that contain information directly related to the student and that are maintained by the educational institution.

Specific FERPA Rights

The law provides eligible students with specific rights under FERPA:

• The right to inspect and review information contained in their education records within 45 days after the institution receives the request.
• The right to request that a school amend records that are believed to be inaccurate or  misleading; to have a hearing if the outcome of the request is unsatisfactory; and submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if they feel that the decisions of the hearing panel are unacceptable.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education (Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20202) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with FERPA requirements.
• The right to provide written consent prior to the institution disclosing personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Limitations for Record Review

There are times when FERPA does not require a school to disclose educational records for a
student to inspect and review, such as:

• Education records of other students, even if they are contained within the same record of the student requesting the review.
• Financial records of parents.
• Confidential letters and recommendations associated with admission, employment, or academic honors.

Directory Information

FERPA permits the release of some general student information known as “directory information” without written approval of students. Although these items have been deemed directory information and may be released without consent, it is the practice of the college to avoid releasing a student’s address and telephone number without written authorization, unless the third-party requesting the directory information meets one of the exceptions to consent requirements.

Randolph Community College considers the following directory information:

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Photograph
• Major field of study
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Dates of attendance
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended by the student
• Degrees, honors, and awards received

Students may formally request that the Randolph Community College not release Directory Information by submitting a request form to the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration.  Once the request has been made, every reasonable effort will be made to safeguard the confidentiality of directory information. The request will become effective the date the form is submitted and will remain in effect until the student submits a written request to remove the restriction.   

Exceptions to Consent Requirements

Disclosure of education records without consent is permitted in certain circumstances.  Some examples of when disclosure is permitted without consent are:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest, including administrators, faculty, and staff members.  This exception may also apply to outsourcing services provided certain conditions are met.
• Other schools to which a student is transferring.
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes.
• Appropriate parties in connection with student financial aid if the information is necessary for such purposes as to: determine eligibility for the aid; determine the amount of aid; determine the conditions for the aid; or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
• Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the institution.
• Accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
• Persons involved in an emergency situation (typically local, state or federal law enforcement, trained medical personnel, public health officials, and parents) in order to protect the health or safety of students or of other persons.  There must be an actual, impending, or imminent emergency and the disclosure should be limited to period of time of the emergency.
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
• Parents of a dependent student as defined by the IRS for tax purposes.
• Parents of a student related to the student’s violation of any Federal, State, local or institutional law or policy regarding the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substance if the student perpetrated a disciplinary violation, as determined by the institution, and the student is under the age of 21 years of age; and
• Military recruiters in compliance with the Solomon Amendment for students age 17 and older.

Contact Information

The Director of Admissions, Records and Registration (Registrar) directs the procedures for students interested in inspecting or reviewing their education records and for students who do not want their directory information released by the institution.  The Director has also been designated by the College to consider and coordinate inspection and review requests from third parties for students’ educational records.  If the Director is unavailable, the Assistant Director of Admissions, Records and Registration will coordinate the inspection and review requests.

For additional information on FERPA, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Academic Suspension

Students who have been suspended from a curriculum program for academic reasons must complete the readmission process. The request should be submitted to the Office of Student Success at least one month prior to the semester in which they wish to seek readmission. Restrictions may be imposed. Failure to meet the restrictions may result in the student's dismissal. If readmission is denied, the student may appeal using the Student Grievance Policy (Due Process) procedures beginning with the Vice President for Student Services. (See Student Grievance Policy (Due Process) for additional information)

Disciplinary Suspension

Students who have been suspended from the College for disciplinary reasons may request readmission after the suspension has ended. The request should be in writing to the Vice President for Student Services and at least one month prior to the semester in which they wish to seek readmission. The Vice President for Student Services hears and decides the request. Restrictions may be imposed. Failure to meet the restrictions may result in suspension or expulsion. If readmission is denied, the student may appeal in writing to the president within 5 working days of the date of the notification letter. (See Student Grievance Policy (Due Process) for additional information)

Expulsion

Students who have been expelled may request readmission to the college. The request should be in writing to the president at least one month prior to the semester in which they wish to seek readmission. The president hears and decides the request. Restrictions may be imposed and failure to meet the restrictions may result in the student’s expulsion. The president’s decision is final.

Students who wish to start a curriculum program of study over with a new grade point average (GPA) should make written request to their student success counselor at least one month prior to the semester they wish to enroll.

The request is reviewed by the student success counselor. If reentry is granted, then each course in the curriculum must be repeated, meeting all prerequisites. A student may repeat a curriculum with a new grade point average only once.

Previous grades are not actually removed from the student’s transcript but are not calculated into the student’s new GPA at Randolph Community College. Colleges to which the student may transfer in the future may choose to recalculate GPA based on all grades received.

Federal financial aid and Veterans regulations will be adhered to with respect to this procedure. Students considering reentry to a curriculum program should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs.

FERPA permits the release of some general student information known as “directory information” without written approval of students. Although these items have been deemed directory information and may be released without consent, it is the practice of the college to avoid releasing a student’s address and telephone number without written authorization, unless the third-party requesting the directory information meets one of the exceptions to consent requirements.

Randolph Community College considers the following directory information

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Photograph
• Major field of study
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Dates of attendance
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended by the student
• Degrees, honors, and awards received

Students may formally request that the Randolph Community College not release Directory Information by submitting a request form to the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration. Once the request has been made, every reasonable effort will be made to safeguard the confidentiality of directory information. The request will become effective the date the form is submitted and will remain in effect until the student submits a written request to remove the restriction.

Exceptions to Consent Requirements

Disclosure of education records without consent is permitted in certain circumstances. Some
examples of when disclosure is permitted without consent are:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest, including administrators, faculty, and staff members. This exception may also apply to outsourcing services provided certain conditions are met.
• Other schools to which a student is transferring.
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes.
• Appropriate parties in connection with student financial aid if the information is
  necessary for such purposes as to: determine eligibility for the aid; determine the amount of aid; determine the conditions for the aid; or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
• Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the institution.
• Accrediting agencies carrying out their accreditation function.
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
• Persons involved in an emergency situation (typically local, state or federal law enforcement, trained medical personnel, public health officials, and parents) in order to protect the health or safety of students or of other persons. There must be an actual, impending, or imminent emergency and the disclosure should be limited to period of time of the emergency.
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
• Parents of a dependent student as defined by the IRS for tax purposes.
• Parents of a student related to the student’s violation of any Federal, State, local or institutional law or policy regarding the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substance if the student perpetrated a disciplinary violation, as determined by the institution, and the student is under the age of 21 years of age; and
• Military recruiters in compliance with the Solomon Amendment for students age 17 and older.

Contact Information

The Director of Admissions, Records and Registration (Registrar) directs the procedures for students interested in inspecting or reviewing their education records and for students who do not want their directory information released by the institution. The Director has also been designated by the College to consider and coordinate inspection and review requests from third parties for students’ educational records. If the Director is unavailable, the Assistant Director of Admissions, Records and Registration will coordinate the inspection and review requests.

For additional information on FERPA, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Students who fail a required course must repeat that course to graduate. Students who have completed course requirements and graduated from a curriculum may not repeat a course within that curriculum for credit, but students may repeat a course in that curriculum through an audit procedure. Students may not repeat a course where they have previously received a grade of “B” or better in order to raise their quality point average. For purposes of readmission, the student may be required to repeat some courses.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1991 requires institutions to make available to applicants and currently enrolled students the number of students who were successful in their program.

This information and much more beneficial information may be found at here or by visiting the Welcome Center on the Asheboro Campus.

1. The student meets with a faculty advisor or department head to complete the change of major form.
2. Both the student and the faculty advisor or department head signs the change of major form.
3. The faculty advisor or department head forwards the change of major form to the department head or division chair for additional signatures.
4. The change of major form is then sent to the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration for processing. If the change of major is submitted after the 10% point of a term, the request will take effect the following term.

Dropping or Adding a Class After Classes Have Started but Before the Schedule Adjustment Period Ends

Students who need to drop or add a course after classes have started, but before the schedule adjustment period ends, can do so using Student Planning in Self-Service or by visiting with a Student Services counselor or their advisor. If adding a course during this time, the student must be prepared to pay the day they add a course. If dropping a course during this time, the student will receive a 75% refund. Students enrolled in paired or co-requisite courses are not allowed to withdraw from only one course in the pairing; students must withdraw from both courses.

Transferring Sections

Students who need to transfer from one course section to another can do so in Self-Service or by visiting with a Student Services counselor or their advisor, as long as it is before the end date of the schedule adjustment period. Students that need to transfer from one section to another after the end date of the schedule adjustment period must provide documentation of the extenuating circumstance that prevented the adjustment from occurring during the schedule adjustment period to the dean of curriculum programs or the director of admissions, records and registration (registrar). Once the course section transfer has been approved by the faculty for each course section, department head, associate dean, and dean of curriculum programs, the director of admissions, records and registration (registrar) will process the course section transfer request.

Withdrawing After the Schedule Adjustment Period but Before the Withdrawal Deadline

Students who need to withdraw from a course after the end date of the schedule adjustment period, but before withdrawal deadline, must complete the official withdrawal process. Students are responsible for initiating the withdrawal process. The student will receive a status of W and a grade of W for the course once the official course withdrawal form is processed. There is no refund associated with this withdrawal. Students enrolled in paired or co-requisite courses are not allowed to withdraw from only one course in the pairing; students must withdraw from both courses. 

Withdrawing After the Withdrawal Deadline

Students who do not complete a course and do not withdraw by the deadline may receive a failing grade for the course. Students who need to withdraw from a course after withdrawl deadline will not be approved for an official withdrawal but may request an administrative withdrawal. The Office of Admissions, Records and Registration will contact the student and explain the option of administrative withdrawal. There is no refund associated with this withdrawal.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students who need to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline may request an administrative withdrawal from the director of admissions, records and registration (registrar) based on documented extenuating circumstances. Students requesting an administrative withdrawal from a class must complete the administrative withdrawal process, which includes submitting an administrative withdrawal form, submitting copies of documentation for the extenuating circumstance. The Office of Admissions, Records and Registration will contact the student with the outcome of the request. The student, if approved, will receive a status of W and a grade of AW for the course. There is no refund associated with this withdrawal.

Withdrawal Emergency

Students who need to withdraw at any point during a semester as a result of a national emergency may request a Withdrawal Emergency to avoid grade penalty. The Office of Admissions, Records and Registration will assist the student in this process to ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and processed in a timely manner. The student, if approved, will receive a status of W and a grade of WE for the course. There is no refund associated with this withdrawal.