Academic Regulations

Grading System

The following grading system is used:

“AU” AUDIT –Indicates a student is registered to audit a course and attend classes without meeting all admission requirements for the course and without receiving credit. Students are not permitted to change from audit to credit after the drop/add period without meeting recommended admission requirements or from credit to audit after the drop/add period at the beginning of each term.

“I” INCOMPLETE –Indicates that a student has satisfactorily completed a substantial portion of the required coursework, but for non-academic reasons beyond the student’s control, has not been able to complete the course. It is at the discretion of the instructor as to whether an “I” grade is issued. The student must contact the instructor to develop plans for a timely completion of the course. If the required work is not completed on or before midterm of the following term, the “I” will automatically become an “F.” If a grade of “I” is received in a course that is a prerequisite to other courses, the student must complete the required prerequisite and receive a final grade to be eligible to enroll in other courses.

“IP” IN PROGRESS –Indicates that a course continues beyond the end of the term.

“TR” TRANSFER OF CREDIT - ‘Course grades less than “C” are not acceptable as transfer credit. Prior to spring semester 2012, courses accepted for transfer credit were assigned a grade of “TR” on the transcript. Transfer credits accepted beginning spring semester 2012 are assigned a grade of “TRA”, “TRB”, or “TRC”. The third letter indicates the grade earned in the course.’

“W” WITHDRAW –Signifies the student stopped attending and/or withdrew before midterm.

“WF” WITHDRAW FAILING –Signifies the student withdrew with a failing grade after midterm. “WF” carries a grade point value of “0.”

“WP” WITHDRAW PASSING –Signifies the student withdrew with a passing grade after midterm.

Grade Change Policy

If a student questions a grade received in a course, the student should contact the instructor with a petition to change a grade. The Registrar cannot change a grade without the approval and notification by the instructor. A student must petition for a grade change and have the change resolved by mid-term of the subsequent term.

Grade/Academic Decision Appeals

A student may appeal a final grade or any other academic decision. The student should first discuss the issue with the instructor who awarded the grade or made the academic decision. This appeal should take place within two weeks. If the consultation with the instructor does not satisfy the student, he or she may submit a written appeal to the academic dean. This appeal should occur within four weeks of the contested grade or decision. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the dean or director, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This appeal should occur within six weeks of the contested grade or decision. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs concerning the approval of a grade change is final.

Program/Course Grade Requirements

Specified courses in degree/diploma/technical certificate of credit programs of study may require a grade of "C" or higher as stated in the program description or course description sections of the College catalog. A grade of "C" or higher may be required for a specific course that is a prerequisite to a more advanced course.

Electives

In the program section, some programs list elective hours (general core, occupational specific and/or program electives). This number of elective hours is required for graduation from the program. Students may contact their program advisor for suggestions for appropriate course selections. Students on financial aid should have the course selections approved before registering. Students who have transfer credit that can be used for the elective hour requirement may not receive financial aid coverage for the cost of any additional elective courses.

Upper Level Course Substitution

Students, including those on financial aid, in diploma or Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) programs may take the upper level equivalent of the required English, math, and/or psychology course(s) if their ACCUPLACER, other acceptable entrance test scores, and/or prerequisites meet the degree level requirement for those areas.

Directed Independent Study (DIST)

On a limited basis, a directed independent study course may be offered. Permission of the instructor and the dean are required prior to registration for a directed independent study course where the following general guidelines apply:

1. There must be a legitimate hardship, usually one precluding a student’s graduation, to justify not enrolling in the regularly scheduled course.
2. The course in question must be one which can be adequately taught on a directed independent study basis.
3. The student must provide eveidence of his/her ability to complete the course successfully.
4. All directed independent study requests must be approved in writing by the instructor and the dean, and be assigned the proper course reference number (CRN), before the student can register for that course.

Practicum/Clinical/Internship Travel

Students enrolled in off-campus practicum or clinical courses will be required to travel to businesses, industries, or hospitals. All travel arrangements and costs for practicum/clinical courses must be provided by students.

Work Ethics

The work ethics grade is designed to evaluate and encourage good work habits. Performance factors and indicators include, but are not limited to, quality of work, ability to follow instructions, productivity, dependability, honesty, reliability, attendance and punctuality, attitude, integrity, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, and initiative.

Students will receive a work ethics grade (3, 2, 1, or 0) for all courses each term. The term work ethics grade will not affect the academic grade point average (GPA) of a student. The work ethics grade will be printed on the transcript.

Dean's List

The Dean's List is compiled each term. Students who attempt and earn 10 or more credit hours with a term grade point average of 3.5 or higher are placed on the Dean's List. Learning support classes are not calculated in the GPA.

Academic Probation and Suspension

A student who earns a term grade point average of less than 2.0 will be placed on academic probation during the next term of registration and enrollment. A student will be suspended for one term if a grade point average of less than 2.0 is earned during the term the individual is enrolled on academic probation. During the first term of enrollment after academic suspension, a student is placed on academic probation.

A student who fails or does not successfully complete (earn a grade of “C” or higher as required for courses specified in the college catalog) a course twice will not be allowed to repeat that course for one year and will be allowed to retake a third time on a space available basis only. After receiving academic counseling, the exception is general education courses for which the student may register for on a space available basis during the add/drop period for the term; however, a new or continuing student will be given registration priority over a student retaking a course(s) for the third time. A student who is academically suspended from a program twice will not be allowed to reenter that program. Students in either of the above categories are required to have academic advising by their advisor(s) before repeating a course. Reapplication for admission does not mandate acceptance to the same program after the first suspension from that program.

Students who do not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses attempted in their program of study as specified in NOTES as listed in the Program of Study section of the College catalog will be suspended from their program for one year. Before reentering the program, the student must complete an individualized remedial program assigned by the department head. Students who do not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any three courses with these prefixes will not be allowed to reenter that program or course(s).

Academic Suspension Appeals

If a student desires to appeal an academic suspension, the student must submit an appeal letter within two days of receiving the suspension letter to the appropriate dean. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the dean, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within two days of receiving the decision. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs concerning the approval of a suspension appeal is final.

Academic Good Standing

Academic Good Standing means that students are eligible to enroll or re-enroll. However, it should be noted that a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if they are in good standing or on academic probation.

Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

Students are considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress if they have been placed on academic suspension because of term grade point averages.

Proof of Registration

A student will be required to present proof of registration and payment of fees upon entering each course at the beginning of the term. This includes courses added during the drop/add period.

Drop/Add Period

A student may drop or add a course(s) without academic penalty before the first day of the term (drop/add period is one day before the term begins). Course(s) dropped during the drop/add period will not appear on the student’s transcript. Additionally, students with no financial obligation to the College may withdraw from courses during the first three (3) instructional days of the term without penalty.

Course Add Period

Students may add open and approved sections of courses through the first seven (7) calendar days of the term.

Attendance

Students are expected to be punctual and attend all classes for which they are registered. Attendance requirements vary by course and program and will be clearly stated on the course syllabus. Course participation includes completing activities such as submitting assignments, taking exams/quizzes, interactive tutorials or computer-assisted instruction. Students enrolled in online courses are expected to participate in the online class by completing assignments, contributing to online discussions, and maintaining contact with their instructor. Logging into the online class does not establish student enrollment and participation in the course.

Students must establish enrollment and course participation each semester before financial aid funds are disbursed. Student attendance will be monitored for the first seven calendar days of each semester. Monitoring attendance beyond the seventh day is at the instructor’s discretion.

Instructor Initiated Withdrawals

Throughout the course of the academic term, instructors will review their course rosters. In courses with a formal attendance policy, students who have violated the attendance policy will be reported as withdrawn by the instructor. In courses without formal attendance policies, instructors will conduct course censuses at predetermined dates during the term. During a census, students will be reported as withdrawn if, in the instructors best judgement, the student has fully stopped participating in the course. Students will be notified through their Smartweb e-mail at the time of the withdrawal.

Appeal Procedure for Instructor Initiated Withdrawals

A student withdrawn for violation of class participation/attendance regulations may appeal first to the instructor by submitting a written appeal via Smartweb e-mail within two (2) days after official notification of the withdrawal. The appeal email must contain:

• a written narrative stating the reason for each absence or explanation for lack of class participation.
• supporting documentation that explains the reason(s) for being absent or lack of class participation (e.g., doctor’s excuse, hospital documentation).

Based on the student’s documentation, circumstances, and class standing, the instructor may reinstate the student. If the student is not reinstated, the student may then appeal to the Dean by submitting a written appeal via Smartweb email within two (2) days after official notification from the instructor. If the student is not reinstated, the student may appeal the decision of the Dean to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs by submitting a written appeal via Smartweb email within two (2) days after official notification from the Dean.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal from Course(s)

A student who withdraws from a course(s) after the drop/add period, must complete a Schedule Change Form. This form must be signed by all required College personnel. Schedule Change Forms are available in the Office of Student Records at the Augusta Campus and in Student Services at the Waynesboro and Thomson Campuses and the Columbia County Center. A withdrawal is not official until the form is submitted to the Student Records office or Student Services office of our branch locations.

Withdrawal from Online Course(s)

If the student decides to drop an online course, he/she must complete an official drop form through the Office of Student Records, or email Najhee Jackson, Assistant Registrar (njackson@augustatech.edu) and Mike Violette, Registrar (mviolette@augustatech.edu), as well as the instructor to request a drop. Once the email has been received, the student will officially be dropped from the class. Online students requesting a withdrawal through e-mail must use their official Augusta Technical College e-mail address. Withdrawal requests will not be accepted from outside e-mail addresses. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Aid in advance of their withdrawal request to ensure they understand any adjustments to their aid package due to their withdrawal.

Repeat of Course

When a student repeats a credit course(s) for which he or she has already earned credit, the student’s official grade for graduation purposes will be the highest grade earned of all attempts. All grades earned remain on the official academic record and are computed in the cumulative grade point average.

Graduation Information

Graduates are students who have achieved regular program admission status and have successfully completed a program of study as outlined in the College catalog with a 2.0 or higher program grade point average. In addition, a grade of “C” or higher must be earned in courses specified in the College catalog. A student who has completed all courses in a program with less than a 2.0 program grade point average is not eligible to be a graduate, but may receive a transcript. When a student reenters after withdrawal or termination, the program of study in effect at the time of reentry must be completed. A student must complete at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for graduation in residence regardless of the amount of transfer and exemption credit awarded.

All Advisor Recommendation for Graduation forms will be evaluated by the Registrar. Students should see their advisors prior to midterm of the term before their last planned term of enrollment for graduation eligibility information. All eligible graduates are encouraged to participate in the ceremony. For participation in the graduation ceremony, applications for graduation must be submitted with the required fee to the College bookstore.

Graduates who do not wish to participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their degree/diploma/certificate any time after the graduation ceremony. No fee is required.

Honor Graduates

Degree and diploma graduates who have achieved a program grade point average of 3.5 or higher are recognized at graduation as honor graduates.

College Honor Code

“It is my honor to be an Augusta Technical College student. I pledge to do honor to myself, my classmates, and the College by doing my best and by following the Student Code of Conduct. I will not dishonor myself or the College by lying, cheating, stealing, or doing harm to another person or property. I understand that following an honor code is a reflection of my work ethic which is important to my success on the job and in life.”

Programs/Specialties

Majors –The opportunity to pursue two programs of study and receive two diplomas is available to students enrolled at the College. Upon registering for the last course/term for the first major, the student must complete an Application for Admission for the second major. The requirements, as listed in the catalog, must be satisfied for both majors. The term the student is accepted and enrolled for each major determines which catalog requirements must be met. If all requirements for both majors are completed prior to a graduation exercise, then both diplomas will be awarded. If not, the student will be permitted to participate in the second graduation exercise and receive the second diploma.

Specialties –Some majors at Augusta Technical College provide the opportunity to complete more than one area of specialization. However, only one diploma or TCC will be received. The distinction among specialties is made on the transcript.

Technical Certificates of Credit

Students enrolled in a technical certificate of credit program will receive a certificate upon successful completion of all program requirements with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.