FCC Academic Catalog 2016-2017

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2016/2017 fcc catalog
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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 course or courses
who has either paid or made arrangement for
payment of tuition and 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,
non-collegiate 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: