fcc-catalog

187 / 236

• 301.846.2400 181
2020 - 2021 FCC Academic Catalog
Q. “College Level Examination Program
(CLEP)” refers to a group of standardized
tests offered by the College Board which
assesses college-level knowledge in several
subjects and offers students the opportunity
to receive credit for certain coursework
after demonstrating their proficiency. A
full listing of CLEP exams and the required
scores to earn credit at FCC are listed in the
Academic Catalog. Official score reports
must be submitted to Registration and
Records in order for credit to be awarded.
R. “Commencement”is the ceremony each
May which celebrates the conferring of
the degrees and certificates awarded
that academic year. Students completing
degree and graduation requirements
within the previous year may participate
in the May Commencement Ceremony.
S. “Continuously Enrolled” refers to the
requirement that a student be enrolled
continuously with breaks no longer
than four (4) consecutive full academic
semesters (fall or spring semesters).
T. “Course” refers to a unit of study
identified in the College catalog that
is defined by a specific title, course
number, and description, and for which
credit may or may not be awarded.
U. “Credit Hour”refers to a unit of measure
applied toward the total number of
hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, certificate, or
other formal award, which represents:
1. A minimum of 15 hours (50 minutes each)
of lecture, seminar, or discussion class time;
2. A minimum of 30 hours (50 minutes each)
of supervised laboratory or studio time;
3. A minimum of 45 hours (50 minutes
each) of instructional situations
such as practica, internships, and
cooperative educational placements;
4. A minimum of 37.5 hours of
instruction per credit delivered online
or by other electronic media.
V. “Deemed to Meet”refers to students who
have earned an associate degree or higher
from an accredited and U.S. Department of
Education approved college or university that
may be deemed to have satisfied the general
education core in their new program of study.
This provision does not relieve students of the
obligation to complete specific academic
program requirements or course prerequisites.
W. “DSST (Defense Standardized Subject
Tests) formerly DANTES (Defense
Activity for Non-Traditional Education
Support)”refers to a national credit-by
examination program providing students
the opportunity to receive credit for college-
level achievement. Official score reports
must be submitted to Registration and
Records in order for credit to be awarded.
X. “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.
Y. “Elective Courses” refers to the choice of
courses that students elect to take as part
of their degree/certificate program, which
may count toward graduation requirements.
Z. “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.
AA. “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.
BB. “Graduation” refers to the receiving or
conferring of an academic degree or
certificate. Degrees and certificates are
conferred three (3) times per year.
CC. “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.
DD.“Hybrid Course”refers to a course
that combines online and on-campus
classroom instruction.
EE. “Independent Study” refers to a
course which permits students to
follow individual interests beyond the
limits of a more formalized course.
FF. “Internships”refers to a form of experiential
learning that integrates knowledge and
theory learned in the classroom with
practical application and skills development
in a professional-workplace setting.
Internship placements are directly related
to a student’s program of study and provide
students with an opportunity to earn
academic credit, as well as to develop
professional skills and competencies.
GG.“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 Registration and Records for evaluation.
HH.“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.
II. “Major” refers to a student’s chosen field
of study, which requires the successful
completion of a specified number of
credit hours and coursework requirements
as defined in the Academic Catalog.
JJ. “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.
KK. “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.
LL. “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 must enroll in Prior
Learning Assessment Course (PLAC 101) and
pay an assessment fee for the portfolio to
be reviewed. Upon successful completion of
the portfolio review, credit may be awarded.