Academic Information

Catalog of Record

Students are expected to meet the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment into a curriculum program. Anyone not in continuous enrollment for more than one year (not including Summer) will be readmitted under the requirements of the catalog current at the time of their re-enrollment. A student who changes programs must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of the change of program.

The Catalog of Record is established for the convenience of the College and to inform a student about the curriculum expectations at the time of a student’s enrollment. The Catalog of Record is not a contract between the College and its students. The College can modify or eliminate curriculum programs without regard to any Catalog of Record. Whenever reasonably possible, the College will attempt to provide prior notice to students about curriculum and policy changes, but such changes may be implemented at any time. Whenever a policy or curriculum change adversely affects a student’s course of study established under a particular Catalog of Record, the College will attempt to advise the student about their options and course of study consistent with the College’s accreditation requirements and policies, and North Carolina law and regulation.

Change of Program

Students seeking a change of program should complete a Request for Change of Program form obtained from Student Services or an advisor. The change shall be effective at the beginning of the next semester, or later, as specified by the student. A student’s grade point average will not be recalculated when a student changes his/her program.

A complete listing of the programs of study for all college transfer degrees, applied degrees and the general education degree can be found in this catalog.

Course Substitution

Under extenuating circumstances, a student may request approval of a course substitution to comply with a required course in the relevant Program of Study. The course used as a substitute must have credit hours that are at least equal to the number of credit hours of the original course. The substitute course must have relevance to the curriculum and should also have relevance to the course for which the substitution is made.

A course substitution may be granted upon review and recommendation of the director/department chair to the dean and in consultation with the Chief Academic Officer. Consideration of any substitution involving a required core course as stipulated in the curriculum standard must receive additional approval by the North Carolina Community

College System Office staff. The course substitution form must be approved and submitted to the Registrar’s Office prior to the student registering for the substituted course. In rare instances, a course substitution may be requested at the time of graduation. In these situations, the course substitutions will be at the discretion of the Chief Academic Officer. The Registrar’s office will process the course substitutions at the time of the form submission.

If it becomes necessary to request a course substitution to comply with a prerequisite for a course in the student’s program of study, the student should follow the same process used to request a course substitution for a program requirement. The course substituted for the required pre-requisite should have equivalent subject content to the required course. Substitutions must be approved before the student registers for the course for which the pre-requisite substitution is being requested. Pre-requisite substitutions are rare.

Examination and Transfer Credit

Credit by Examination

Students can receive credit for college courses under the credit by examination policy. The College recognizes and awards credit for the following testing programs:

1. APP – Advanced Placement Program
2. CLEP – College Level Examination Program
3. DSST – DANTES Subject Standardized Tests
4. IBCC - International Baccalaureate College Credit

The College awards credit for APP, CLEP and DSST examinations based on the credit recommendations of the American Council on Education for comparable courses it offers. A maximum of 20 semester hours of credit is allowed under the Credit by Examination Policy. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s program; however, quality points are not awarded. A student desiring college credit through these programs must have the applicable testing agency forward the examination results to the College. Credit will be awarded based upon established criteria.

Credit by Departmental Exams

A student may receive credit by taking a departmental exam for a course in which he/she evidences previous work or educational experience. Students must first register and pay tuition for a given class in order to take a departmental exam and earn credit for the course. If the student does not successfully pass the examination, he/she may elect to remain in the course for credit or may elect to withdraw from the course. Courses completed by departmental examination are not used in computing a student’s full-time or part-time enrollment status. Quality points are not assigned for credit by exam. However, course credit and the credit hours are counted toward graduation requirements. Most colleges and universities do not accept Credit by Exam (CE) grades in transfer.

Procedures are as follows:

• The student submits the Credit by Exam form to the appropriate Academic Dean.
• If approved for a Credit by Exam opportunity, the Academic Dean makes the arrangements with the student for registration and for administering the departmental exam.
• Following successful completion of the exam, the Academic Dean will notify the Registrar by submitting the Credit by Exam form.
• Credit will be awarded for a grade of “C” or higher. Credit hours will be posted on the student’s permanent record using the grade symbol “CE.”

Students should contact Academic Deans as early as possible to schedule any exam to be used as a prerequisite verification for a higher-level transfer course.

Students who enter Craven Community College with only high school credit in foreign language may elect to begin their foreign language instruction in the first level course for the language of their interest, such as FRE 111, GER 111, or SPA 111, by presenting CLEP exam scores showing proficiency for level one courses. The LAUT department can provide information on CLEP testing.

Credit by Transfer

The college will complete an evaluation of transfer credits that may have been earned from another college or university or through advanced placement or other examinations. Transfer students must complete 25% of their coursework at Craven Community College to be eligible for graduation. Any credit earned with a grade of “C” or higher at an accredited institution will be accepted at Craven Community College provided it is appropriate to the student’s program and a comparable course is offered. The catalog and/or course descriptions from other institutions attended may be required for evaluation before credit is granted. Coursework over fifteen years old may not be accepted. Evaluation of such credits will be made on an individual basis.

Awarding Credit for Extra-Institutional Learning

Experiential learning is defined as learning that is attained outside of legally authorized and accredited post-secondary educational institutions. Craven CC may award credit for experiential learning based on documentation provided to the Registrar and recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) for comparable courses the college offers. Students may be awarded credit for professional/industry certifications as outlined in the Certification to Curriculum Crosswalk.

Note: A student must take a minimum of 25% of the required coursework at Craven CC for any certificate, diploma, or degree awarded. 

Course Syllabi

Course syllabi represent the instructor’s expectations and the student’s obligations for successful completion of a course. It is the student’s responsibility to read, understand, and follow a course syllabus. By taking a course, each student is promising to perform according to the requirements in the syllabus. Although a syllabus is not a legal contract, students will be fully accountable for performing according to the instructor’s expectations as set forth in the syllabus. A syllabus may be modified at any time by the instructor, and it is the student’s responsibility to be aware and understand any syllabus changes. Syllabus changes normally will be in writing, but instructors may make any change by verbal announcement during class. Instructors may make syllabus changes for the purposes of adapting to circumstances required for a particular course, maximizing educational opportunities, or reflecting changes in College policy or North Carolina law and regulation.

 

College Attendance Policy

Craven Community College has adopted a mandatory attendance policy. Faculty must document all attendance prior to the census date (10% point) and for the duration of each course. Attendance must be completed by the date listed on the academic calendar (just after the 10% date for each term). If students stop attending after the 10% and receive a grade of an “F,” the last date of attendance is required. After the census date, instructors will continue to observe the College Attendance Policy. Instructors cannot assign NA at the end of the semester. The instructor’s attendance policy must be stated in the class syllabus. The College attendance policy is as follows:

“Students are expected to be in class on time and are expected to attend all classes, laboratory periods, and shop sessions. A student WILL be automatically withdrawn from any course when absent more than 20 percent of the total class, laboratory, clinical or shop periods. Any three tardy notices in a given class may constitute one class absence. A tardy may also be assessed when a student leaves class early.” 

Absences in online/hybrid courses WILL be managed in the following manner:

• Faculty must ensure all online courses require activity each week for the duration of the semester.
• For any week in which a student fails to be active in a course, that week will constitute “one absence.”
• As is the case with seated classes, students WILL be automatically withdrawn from any course when absent more than 20 percent of the total class time.

Regardless of whether the course is being delivered in a seated format or online, instructors will provide specific course requirements in their syllabi.

Missing class for military assignment or for college-related activities will not constitute an absence when the instructor has received prior official notification such as a letter from the commanding officer in military matters or from approved college personnel for college- related activities.

Missing a maximum of two absences per academic year for religious observances will not constitute an absence when the instructor has received written notification from the student at least fourteen (14) working days prior to the date the student intends to be absent for the religious observance. Students shall be given the opportunity to make up any tests or other work missed due to the excused absence for religious observation. Responsibility for initiating such notifications rests with the student.

Any student facing a lengthy illness may apply for extended absences through ADA in Student Services. All ADA standards must be met for this exception to be granted. Students who cannot adhere to the attendance policy must officially withdraw from class(es) to avoid a possible failing grade(s). (See Withdrawal Procedures.) Refer to the Academic Calendar in Panther Portal or your course handout for the specific withdrawal deadline. For extenuating circumstances, refer to the paragraph "Grade: I" in the Academic Regulations section of the catalog.

Instructors must issue automatic withdrawals by the official withdrawal date for the term. After this date, students will receive a grade for the courses.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is regarded by the College as a breach of academic ethics and deserves consequences. Academic dishonesty includes acts such as cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information, forgery, alteration, or any use of identification or other projects with an intent to defraud. Acts of Academic Dishonesty will be addressed through the Academic Honesty Procedures.

Grades

Grade Descriptions for Developmental Studies Courses

Developmental Studies courses are designated by course numbers below 100 and do not earn quality points or count towards a student’s GPA. They are designed to enhance the skill sets of students who do not place into curriculum-level courses.

Grade Descriptions

A 10-point grading system is used to determine letter grades in curriculum-level courses. The letter grades, as described below, correspond to quality points used in calculating grade point averages

*It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor regarding work to be completed for the removal of the “I” grade. A Grade of “I” must Be Removed During the First Eight Weeks of the next Semester or it Automatically Becomes an “F.” (EXCEPTION: Spring semester incomplete grades must be removed no later than the first eight weeks of the next Fall semester. Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Health Information Technology and Medical Assisting students must remove an incomplete grade prior to the beginning of the next semester of study.) This policy may be waived through petition to and approval of the Chief Academic Officer.
**For course grade requirements for Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Assisting, and Health Information Technology programs see associated program handbooks.

Computation of Grade Point Average (GPA)

To calculate your grade point average (GPA). you must first calculate quality points by multiplying number of credits of a course by the numeric value of the grade earned. For example: An A (4 quality points) in Expository Writing (3 credits) produces 12 quality points (4 x 3 = 12), or a C (2 quality points) in Calculus I (4 credits) produces 8 quality points (2 x 4 = 8).

To determine GPA for a given semester, divide the quality points earned by the number of semester hour credits. The same formula, dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of credits calculated, is used to calculate the cumulative GPA.

The letter for each subject will be converted to a quality point equivalent. The quality points are then multiplied by the semester hours. The total quality points are then divided by the total hours to give the GPA.

Example:

Divide: 23 divided by 11 equals 2.09

Your grade point average is 2.09

Grade Reports

Students’ grades will be posted after each semester on WebAdvisor, the College’s online portal for student information.

Change of Grade

Students are responsible for checking the accuracy of their grades with the instructors. Awarding grades to students is the responsibility of the instructor. Once awarded, a grade may be changed only upon written explanation and authorization from the faculty to the Registrar using the Change of Grade Report form. Extraordinary circumstances will be referred to the instructor’s supervisor. Students may appeal a disputed grade through the Student Grade Appeals process.

Grade Appeal

The purpose of the Student Final Grade Appeal Process is to provide a student with a mechanism to appeal a disputed final grade, while respecting the academic authority of the instructor. This process recognizes the following:

• Every student has a right to receive a final grade based upon a fair and unprejudiced evaluation determined by a method that is applied consistently and is neither arbitrary nor capricious; and,
• Instructors have the right to assign a final grade based on any method that is professionally acceptable, submitted in writing to all students, and applied equally.

The following procedure will enable a student to exercise this right:

1. Any appeal of a final grade should be initiated within two weeks of the start of the following semester by the student conferring with the instructor to determine that there has been no mistake and to present his or her case.
2. If the case is not resolved by the instructor, the instructor will suggest that the student complete a “Student Grade Appeal” form which should be signed and dated by the instructor and submitted by the student to the department chair/dean who will hear his or her appeal. The submitted “Student Grade Appeal” form should have the course syllabus and any relevant coursework attached. This should be completed within two weeks from the date of the grade appeal meeting with the instructor.
3. If the case cannot be resolved at the department level, the student should submit to the supervising dean a copy of the “Student Grade Appeal” with appropriate signatures and dates and request an appointment. This should be completed within two weeks from the date of the grade appeal meeting with the department chair/program director.
4. If the issue is unresolved, the student may submit within two weeks a copy of the “Student Grade Appeal” which includes the dean’s signature to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO). The CAO may at his/her discretion create a committee of three individuals to hear the student’s appeal. The committee should consist of a member of the Student Government Association, a faculty member from the same department as the appealed instructor if possible (but excluding the department chair and appealed instructor), and a third member of the CAO’s choice.
5. The committee will make a recommendation to the CAO. The CAO will confer with the instructor for final determination. The student should be notified of the decision in writing within two weeks of the request. This decision is final.

Timeliness – Processing at each step cannot exceed two weeks; however, the time may be extended by agreement of both parties or by extenuating circumstances as decided by the administrator to whom the grievance is presented. If the administrator at each step does not meet processing time limitations, the student may then request higher administrative assistance in obtaining requested relief.

Academic Recognition

Dean’s List

To recognize students with outstanding scholastic records, the College publishes a Dean’s List on its website and in area newspapers after each semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must complete a minimum course load of 12 curriculum credit hours and achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester, without an incomplete (I) grade.

Phi Theta Kappa

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society of two-year colleges, is to promote scholarship, the development of leadership, and service by cultivating fellowship among qualified students. Students are invited to join the society once they have completed 12 hours of college course credit and earned a 3.5 or higher GPA.

Kappa Beta Delta

The purpose of the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business management and administration pursuing associate degrees, and to encourage and promote personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. The top 10% of students in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, information technology programs are invited to join once they have completed 12 hours of credit in an Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredited program.

Graduation with Distinction/Honors

Students who demonstrate high levels of scholarship through completion of their programs of study will graduate with distinction. This recognition is awarded to graduates who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better for all coursework completed at the College. 

Graduates receiving associate degrees who complete at least half of their semester hours in their program of study at the College and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or better, will earn honors as outlined below:

• 3.70 Cum Laude
• 3.80 Magna Cum Laude
• 3.90 Summa Cum Laude

All candidates will be recognized at the annual commencement ceremony.

Academic Forgiveness

A student who has not been enrolled in curriculum courses in the College for 24 consecutive months since his/her last grade of “F” may request that the Registrar re-evaluate the student’s academic records. This policy will allow a student to request that any previously earned grades of “F” be removed from the calculations of the cumulative grade point average. Prior to the re-evaluation, the student must enroll in the College and complete at least 12 credit hours with a minimum of a “C” (quality point average of 2.0) in each course. Previously earned grades of “F” will still be reflected on the transcript; however, at the student’s request, the Registrar will recalculate the student’s cumulative GPA as appropriate. This re-evaluation will be done only once for each student.

Good Academic Standing

A student who maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above is considered to be in good academic standing with the College. Some programs or curricula within the College have different, specific, or higher academic requirements which shall supersede general statements made in the General Catalog or other college publications. Each student shall be responsible for knowing and understanding the specific rules, regulations, and standards which apply in the program or curriculum in which he or she is enrolled.

Students whose averages fall below 2.0 will be notified. Students not maintaining good academic standing will be encouraged to consider a different program of study, developmental studies, lighter course load/work schedule, extra study in the Academic Support Center, or assistance of a tutor. During the next enrolled semester, the student should show significant progress toward satisfying graduation requirements.

Failure to maintain good academic standing may negatively impact a students’ ability to receive financial aid.

Academic Warning

A student who fails to maintain an overall/cumulative grade point average of 2.0 after one semester of enrollment will receive a notice from Student Services that he or she is placed on Academic Warning and is required to attend an advising session.  Referral for learning assistance, reduced course load, development of an academic action plan, and/or change of program may result from the session.

During the fall and spring semesters, students on academic warning may register for a maximum of nine (9) credit hours. Students are strongly encouraged to take either seated or hybrid classes.

During the summer semester, students may register for up to six (6) credit hours. Students are strongly encouraged to take either seated or hybrid classes.

Academic Probation

A student who fails to maintain an overall/cumulative GPA of 2.0 after two consecutive semesters of enrollment will receive notice of Academic Probation and is required to attend a comprehensive advising session. Referral for learning assistance, reduction in course load, development of an academic action plan, and a discussion of program/educational aspirations should result from this session.

During the fall and spring semesters, students on academic probation may register for a maximum of nine (9) credit hours. Students are strongly encouraged to take either seated or hybrid classes.

During the summer semester, students may register for up to six (6) credit hours. Students are strongly encouraged to take either seated or hybrid classes.

Students who attain a semester GPA of 2.5 or better meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.

Other Academic Related Information

• Each student participating in a field trip must sign a Release Form which must be returned to the appropriate dean/designee prior to the field trip. No student will be allowed to travel without a completed and signed Release Form.
• Persons attending a class, lab or shop must be registered students.
• When inclement weather or other conditions warrant closing the College, students are notified through the College’s website and Craven CC Guardian System. Local TV and radio stations are notified, and the information is posted on the College’s Facebook page and Twitter.

Student Records and Confidentiality

The College qualifies as an educational institution within the meaning of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and therefore all education records are private to the student and the College with the exceptions set forth in this Policy and as provided by law. Students shall be granted right of access to their records and such records shall be open to revision only as indicated in this Policy and upon the terms and conditions established by the College. See this policy in its entirety on the Craven CC website.

Consent Form for Release of Non-Directory Information

Students should notify the Registrar if they do not want directory information to be released. Directory information includes: student name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; participation in officially recognized courses, programs and other college activities; weight and height of athletic team members; degrees, honors and awards received; major field of study; dates of attendance and educational agencies or previous institutions attended.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts will not be released for a student who has an outstanding financial obligation to the College. All student records are held in confidence by the College. Transcripts will be released only upon request of the student. A student must authorize the release before a transcript will be sent to other colleges, employers, or other agencies. A transcript may be ordered online on the college website. There is a fee for each transcript.