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2018/2019 fcc catalog
S. “Departmental Exam” refers to a
comprehensive departmental examination
which allows students to earn credit by
examination in subject areas where no CLEP
exam is available. Students pay an assessment
fee for the exam to be scored prior to taking
the exam. Upon successful completion of
the departmental exam, credit is awarded.
T. “Elective Courses” refers to optional courses
that students may choose to take as part of
their degree/certificate program, which may
count toward graduation requirements.
U. “FCC General Education CORE
Requirements” refers to core courses that
are required for all students in order to earn a
college degree. Based on program, there are
specific general education CORE requirements.
V. “Grade Point Average (GPA)” refers to a
numerical measurement of a student’s overall
academic achievement which is calculated by
multiplying the number value of the grade (or
quality points) by the number of semester hours
attempted, and then dividing the number of
quality points by the number of credits attempted.
W. “Graduation”refers to the receiving or
conferring of an academic degree or certificate.
Degrees and certificates are conferred four
(4) times per year. Commencement is the
ceremony each May which celebrates the
conferring of the degrees and certificates
awarded that academic year. Students
completing degree requirements and graduation
at other times of the year may participate
in the May Commencement Ceremony.
X. “Graduation Application” refers to the
formal application process for all students
planning to receive a certificate, degree, or
Letter of Recognition. Students must complete
and submit a graduation application by the
designated deadlines published by the College.
Y. “Hybrid Course” refers to a course
that combines online and on-campus
classroom instruction.
Z.“Independent Study” refers to a course which
permits students to follow individual interests
beyond the limits of a more formalized course.
AA.“International Baccalaureate (IB)”refers to
an international educational foundation
providing education to primary, middle
and high school students. Award of credit
by FCC for IB participation is not automatic.
Students must have official candidate
score results sent to FCC for evaluation.
BB. “Letter(s) of Recognition” refers to a
program of study available in selected career
programs and requiring fewer, more specialized
courses than a Certificate. These specialized
courses may not be substituted, and students
must submit a graduation application in order
to be awarded a Letter of Recognition.
CC. “Major” refers to a student’s chosen field of
study, which requires the successful completion
of a specified number of credit hours.
DD. “Online course” refers to a course
taught entirely online. Instructor-student
communication is facilitated by electronic
technologies. Online classes require one (1)
proctored exam with student picture ID.
Not all FCC courses are offered online.
EE. “Placement tests”refers to a series
of computer-based assessments that
measure the reading, writing, and math
skills needed for college-level coursework.
Placement test scores help to determine
what courses are appropriate for students.
FF. “Portfolio Assessment” refers to a process
that enables students to effectively document
prior learning acquired through employment,
training, self-study, volunteer work, civic activities,
etc. Students must demonstrate that they have
acquired college-level skills directly related to the
core learning outcomes of their program of study.
Students pay an assessment fee for the portfolio
to be reviewed. Upon successful completion
of the portfolio review, credit is awarded.
GG. “Program” refers to a structured and
coherent course of study with clearly defined
objectives and intended student learning
outcomes, requiring the completion of a
specified number of course credits from
among a prescribed group of courses, which
leads to the award of a certificate or degree.
All programs must be approved by MHEC.
HH. “Student” refers to an individual who is
registered at the College, either full or part-
time, in a credit or continuing education
class or classes who has either paid or made
arrangement for payment of tuition and/or fees.
II. “Transcript”refers to a student’s
academic record.
JJ. “Transfer Credit” refers to coursework
completed at another college or university,
provided that the other institution is accredited
or recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education. Transfer credit is also awarded
through other FCC approved non-college
programs, education and training.
KK. “Withdrawal Period” refers to the period
of time in which students can withdraw from a
course which occurs after the Add/Drop period
and concludes on a specific date as published
in the schedule of classes. When a student
withdraws from a course, a designation of“W”
will appear on his/her academic transcript.
III. Academic Standards
A. Awarding of Credit
FCC believes that learning is a lifelong process and
knowledge is acquired in many different ways.
FCC awards credits for coursework completed at
accredited colleges and universities as recognized
by the U. S. Department of Education. In addition
to the traditional classroom setting, FCC recognizes
that mastery of college-level knowledge and
skills may occur as a result of non-credit training
and non-traditional learning experiences such as
employment, military training and experience,
noncollegiate training programs, and advanced
high school courses.
1. Transfer Credits
a. No more than forty-five (45) credits in
transfer may be awarded toward an
Associate Degree. If the previous institution
was under the quarter system, credits
must be converted to semester hours;
quarter hours are multiplied by two-thirds
(2/3) to equal semester credit hours.
b. Transfer credit awarded is based on the
major a student has declared. Not all
credits may be accepted depending on
the student’s declared major. If a student
changes his/her major after the transfer
evaluation, the student may request that
his/her transfer record be reevaluated.
c. Credits, not grades, are transferred into the
College; therefore, grades from transfer
courses are not calculated into the GPA at
the College. Students submitting a grade of
Pass from another institution must show that
the equivalent of a grade of “C” or better was
attained to have transfer credit awarded.
2. College and University Credit
Credits may be granted for coursework
completed at accredited colleges and universities
as recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education. Students must have submitted an
admissions application to the College along
with official transcripts from previously attended
institutions to have credits evaluated. The
College follows the MHEC General Education
and Transfer Policies. In general, courses will
be evaluated to determine equivalency to
FCC courses. Courses not equivalent to FCC
coursework can be transferred as elective
credit assuming that the student’s chosen
major allows for elective credit. Credits will be
awarded based on the following standards: