Academic Regulations

Academic Council

The Academic Council has the responsibility of approving the college’s academic policies and its instructional courses and programs. The Senior vice President of Academic Affairs serves as Chairperson. Each instructional department of the College is represented on the Academic Council by one or more selected faculty members. Additionally, the Vice President of Student Services represents the other CNCC academic service and support areas on the Academic Council.

Attendance Policy

College faculty believe that regular class attendance is necessary if students are to receive maximum benefits from their work, and students are expected to attend all sessions of the classes for which they are registered. The individual instructor may determine the appropriate attendance and tardiness policy for each class. Such a policy will be clearly outlined at the beginning of each semester. Students have the responsibility of learning the instructor’s policy on attendance and abiding by it.

Students should explain the reasons for absence to their instructors. The student is responsible for making up work missed due to any absence, including those involving college-sponsored athletic, academic, or recreational trips. Students will not be penalized for absences due to college-sponsored activities; however, instructors reserve the right to assign relevant, alternative work for missed class time due to such an activity. Absences for extenuating circumstances or activities outside of a college-sponsored activity may be excused by the appropriate Dean of Academics or the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs with notification to the faculty.

Administrative Drop

A student can be dropped from a course for non-attendance (see Drop for Non-Attendance Policy ) or after the course drop deadline through the petition or appeals process.

Administrative Withdrawal

The college reserves the right to withdraw a student from one or more classes, or from all classes in which he/she is enrolled if, in the judgment of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, through consultation with other college personnel, such action is deemed in the best interest of the student and/or the college. Examples of reasons for administrative withdrawal are failure to pay registration tuition and fees; failure to provide admission credentials; failure to remove “holds” in a timely manner; or inappropriate behavior in class, laboratory, or field studies environments. In those instances where the student is administratively withdrawn from class or from the college due to inappropriate behavior in the learning environment, the student shall have the right of appeal to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, and finally to the President of the college.

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to officially drop or withdraw from a course through the Registrar’s Office prior to required deadlines. Failure to do so may impact a student’s grade, official transcript, and college financial account.

Student Credit Load

The minimum credit load to be a full-time student during a 16 week semester is 12 credit hours. Students expecting to complete an Associate Degree in two years will typically need to complete between 15 and 18 credit hours per semester.

Except where otherwise prescribed by the student’s specific program, eighteen semester credit hours is the maximum number of credits for which a student is allowed to enroll during a full sixteen-week semester, six semester hours for a student enrolled in a five-week summer term, nine semester hours in an eight-week summer term, and twelve semester hours for an entire eleven-week summer session. A student may exceed the enrollment limits outlined above only by recommendation of their advisor(s) and the approval of an Advising staff member.

Primary Instructional Delivery Methods

(CL) Classroom Based: Class meetings are on-site and in-person. Course augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(HF) HyFlex: A highly flexible experience where the course is delivered entirely remotely in real-time, entirely in person in real-time, or a combination of the two. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(HL) HyFlex with Lab: A highly flexible experience where the course is delivered entirely remotely in real-time, entirely in-person in real-time, or a combination of the two. Lab will require in-person attendance. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(I) - Independent Study Course: Course is offered in a physical space where an instructor and student work together to augment or complete a degree requirement that is not obtainable within the current course schedule. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(IN) Internship - Course is offered on campus in a physical space or off-campus in a designated work environment. Students work with an instructor or mentor that guides the student experience. Student reflection is an important element of these courses. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(ON) Online: Class is entirely online with no real-time expectations. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(RH) Remote Hybrid: Class will have some live real-time remotely delivered meetings at pre-determined times and some on-line components. Percentage of on-line versus remote real-time can vary by class. There is no scheduled in-person attendance. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

(RM) Remote Real-Time: Class will be taught in real-time, with 100% remote delivery at pre-determined times. There is no scheduled in-person attendance. Class will be 100% real-time live meetings delivered remotely via technology. Course is augmented by the learning management system (LMS).

Secondary Instructional Methods

(CB) Competency Based: Student’s will have a fixed amount of time to meet specific competencies before receiving credit for the class. Course augmented by the learning management system (LM

(CE) Continuing Education: Code is reserved for non-credit courses, students take these courses through their college continuing education, community education, and/or work force development office and do not receive academic credit.

(CO) CO@ Courses: Students at CNCC can complete coursework by completing CO@ courses offered by other CCCS colleges. Courses with CO@ are delivered in an Learning Management System (LMS) and it is up to the student to check in regularly with the instructor. CNCC does not monitor student completion of coursework, and there are no set times for students to “meet” during the course. Students that are highly motivated are most likely to succeed in these courses. For details about CO@ courses, visit the Course Schedules Webpage.

(R) Rural College Consortium courses: Students at CNCC can complete coursework by completing Rural College Consortium courses offered by other rural colleges in CCCS. Courses with RCC are real-time via WebEx or Zoom provided by the instructor in the Learning Management System. CNCC does not monitor student completion of coursework, and there are set days and times for students to attend during the course. Students that are highly motivated are most likely to succeed in these courses. For details about Rural College Consortium courses, visit the Course Schedules Webpage.

Credit Hour Policy

Background and Scope:

Colorado Northwestern Community College offers classes on a semester system:

• Fall and spring semesters consist of a minimum of 15 weeks, plus one week for exams.
• Special sessions within fall and spring, as well as summer sessions, are typically less than 15 weeks and must adhere to the policy in terms of contact hours and the amount of work required.

The faculty and program administrators are responsible for developing, maintaining and evaluating the curriculum within an academic program, although college requirements must still be met. Assignment of credit hours for courses are determined within the program based on content and course learning objectives.

This operational policy provides relevant definitions and descriptions of credit and contact hour requirements for various course types and delivery methods used at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC). Any staff and faulty involved with curriculum development and course scheduling must adhere to the policy described in the document below.

Definitions:

1. Federal Credit Hour: “A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:
   1. one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of- class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
   2. at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other activities as established by an institution, including laboratory work, internships, practical, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.” 34CFR 600.2 (https://fsapartners.ed.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/dpcletters/GEN1106.pdf); downloaded February 18, 2022.
2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Policy - Assignment of Credits, Program Length, and Tuition:
   “Assignment of Credit Hours. The institution’s assignment and award of credit hours shall conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education. Those institutions seeking, or participating in, Title IV federal financial aid, shall demonstrate that they have policies determining the credit hours awarded to courses and programs in keeping with commonly-accepted practices and with the federal definition of the credit hour, as reproduced herein for reference only, and that institutions also have procedures that result in an appropriate awarding of institutional credit in conformity with the policies established by the institution.” FDCR.A.10.020 (https://www.hlcommission.org/Policies/assignment-of-credits.html); downloaded February 18, 2022.
3. Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) Base Contact Hour: Since 1985, CCHE and institutions of higher education have established criteria for assigning credit hour values to courses. The typical relationship between base contact hours, credit hours, and types of faculty involvement are provided starting on page 7 of the CCHE FTE Reporting Guidelines (https://highered.colorado.gov/publications/policies/Current/v-partb-Guidelines.pdf) downloaded February 18, 2022.
   
   “Base Contact Hour: The faculty base contact hour represents a standard measurement of consumption of faculty resources by students. It consists of the number of scheduled minutes of instructional activity involving direct contact of faculty with students in a given term utilizing a particular method of instruction.” The standard measurement for a faculty Base Contact Hour for a semester system term is: One base contact hour = a minimum of 750 minutes. This translates to a minimum of fifteen 50-minute hours per semester.

CNCC Course Type and Contact Hour Requirements:

The following table summarizes the minimum contact hour requirements for instruction as designated by schedule type code in banner. The standard measurement of class time is a contact hour which is the equivalent of 50 minutes of instruction (teaching time). For example, a 3 credit lecture (LEC schedule type) course must have 45 contact hours or 2250 minutes of instruction over the duration of the course.

Associate Degrees and Certificates

Scheduling Breaks:

In order to allow appropriate breaks for students and faculty in longer classes while meeting required contact hours, a break of up to 15 minutes is added for each 120 minutes (2 hours) of consecutive class time. The timing of breaks is up to the instructor.

Examples:

• Classes meeting 120 - 239 minutes = 15 minutes of break time will be scheduled
• Classes meeting 240 - 359 minutes = 30 minutes of break time will be scheduled
• Classes meeting 360 - 480 minutes = 45 minutes of break time will be scheduled
• Classes meeting over 480 minutes = 60 minutes of break time will be scheduled

Examples of Contact Hour Conversion to Credit Hour:

• Lecture
  • 15 contact hours in banner = 1 credit hour
  • That is a ratio of 1:1
  • In actual time, that is 12.5 hours, or 750 minutes.
  • That means, if a class meets for 75 minutes twice a week for fifteen weeks:
    • 75x2 = 150x15 = 2,250 minutes total instruction time
    • 2,250/750 = 3 credits.
• Academic Lab
  • 30 contact hours in banner = 1 credit hour
  • That is a ratio of 2:1
  • In actual time, that is 25 hours, or 1,500 minutes.
  • That means, if a class meets for 200 minutes once a week for fifteen weeks:
    • 200x1 = 200x15 = 3,000 minutes total instruction time
    • 3,000/1,500 = 2 credits

Class Format and Delivery Methods:

*Instructional method includes Banner code.

• CB - Competency Based
  • EAB Display: Competency Based
  • Student Experience: Students will have a fixed amount of time to meet specific competencies before receiving credit for the class.
  • Note: This mode is self-paced
• CE - Continuing Education
  • EAB Display: Not Displayed
  • Student Experience: Code is reserved for non-credit courses, students take these courses through their college continuing education, community education, and/or work force development office and do not receive academic credit.
• CL - Classroom Based
  • EAB Display: On Campus: In-person
  • Student Experience: Class meetings are on-site and in-person.
  • Note: This mode is Traditional/Face-to-Face
• HF - HyFlex
  • EAB Display: Live: Remote or In-person
  • Student Experience: A highly flexible experience where the course is delivered entirely remotely in real-time, entirely in person in real-time, or a combination of the two.
• HL - HyFlex with Lab
  • EAB Display: Live: Remote or In-person With In-person Lab
  • Student Experience: A highly flexible experience where the course is delivered entirely remotely in real-time, entirely in-person in real-time, or a combination of the two.
  • Lab will require in-person attendance.
• HY - Hybrid
  • EAB Display: Hybrid
  • Student Experience: Class will have some live in-person components, and some on-line components. Percentage of on-line versus in-person can vary by class.
• ON - Online
  • EAB Display: Online
  • Student Experience: Class is entirely online with no real-time expectations.
• RH - Remote Hybrid
  • EAB Display: Live: Remote/Online Hybrid
  • Student Experience: Class will have some live real-time remotely delivered meetings at pre-determined times and some on-line components. Percentage of on-line versus remote-real time can vary by class. There is no scheduled in person attendance.
• RM - Remote Real-Time
  • EAB Display: Live: Remote Only
  • Student Experience: Class will be taught in real-time, with 100% remote delivery at pre-determined times. There is no scheduled in person attendance. Class will be 100% real-time live meetings delivered remotely via technology.
• 34CFR 600.2 (https://fsapartners.ed.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/dpcletters/GEN1106.pdf) downloaded February 18, 2022.
• CCHE FTE Reporting Guidelines (https://highered.colorado.gov/publications/policies/Current/v-partb-Guidelines.pdf). Version 2019, effective July 1, 2019. downloaded February 18, 2022
• Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) FTE Reporting Guidelines (https://highered.colorado.gov/publications/policies/Current/v-partb-Guidelines.pdf) downloaded February 18, 2022
• FDCR.A.10.020 (https://www.hlcommission.org/Policies/assignment-of-credits.html) downloaded February 18, 2022.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are given in most courses, and students are responsible for taking all assigned final examinations as they are listed in the examination schedule. Final examinations will not be given in advance of the scheduled time.

Independent Study Policy

Application for Independent Study should be completed by the student and the instructor and approved by the appropriate Dean of Academic Affairs or the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to the beginning of the semester during which the proposed project will be brought to completion. The following conditions apply:

1. Approvals will be based on
   1. the student’s course load;
   2. the student’s grade point average;
   3. availability of other courses from the same category;
   4. assessment of the student’s ability to successfully complete the course; and
   5. extenuating circumstances necessitating the independent study request.
2. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be earned by independent study.
3. Independent study courses shall be completed within the term for which the student registered.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

The PLA addressed in this procedure is defined as knowledge or skills that have been attained outside the traditional academic environment and that have not been previously evaluated for and awarded college credit.

Procedure:

• Standards for Awarding PLA Credit
  • PLA Credit is not awarded for experience, but rather for college level learning which entails knowledge, skills and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning experiences.
  • Once a student has been admitted to the College and has chosen a program of study, the student becomes eligible for PLA Credit.
  • Academic credit will be awarded only for those courses directly applicable to the student’s declared program as outlined in college publications.
  • A student may use PLA Credit to fulfill any degree, certificate or graduation requirement, but a mandatory 25% of credits must be earned at the College that will confer the degree or certificate.
  • All work assessed for PLA Credit must meet or exceed “C” level work. Minimum cut-off scores on standardized tests are set at “C” level work.
  • PLA Credit will be assessed by faculty subject matter experts as determined by the College
• Methods for Awarding PLA Credit: Approved methods available for awarding PLA Credit include: Standardized Tests, Institutional Challenge Examinations, Published Guides, Portfolios and successful completion of a CCCS approved Colorado Department of Corrections CTE certificate program.
  • Standardized Tests
    • National standardized tests such as The College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP), both general and subject examinations; Advanced Placement Program (AP); and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
    • DSST Exams (formerly known as DANTES Exams); UExcel Exams (formerly known as Excelsior College Examinations); and other nationally recognized industry testing, training, licensing or certification programs.
    • To receive college credit, students who take any standardized test must request that their scores be sent directly to the CNCC Records Office. There is no charge for CNCC to evaluate standardized test results for credit.
    • Only one Standardized Test or Institutional Challenge Examination for a particular course will be permitted during any one semester.
  • Institutional Challenge Examinations
    • Institutionally approved examinations, such as objective tests, essays, and oral, hands-on or simulated demonstrations will be used to evaluate the student’s competencies specific to the course being challenged.
    • Institutional challenge examinations are the equivalent of a comprehensive final examination for the course being challenged.
    • The cost for Institutional Challenge Examinations is $45.00 per credit hour.
    • Only one Standardized Test or Institutional Challenge Examination for a particular course will be permitted during any one semester.
  • Published Guides: The System accepts credit recommendations for both military and industry evaluated training programs and credentials from the following local and nationally recognized entities.
    • Educational Experience in the Armed Services as documented on the Joint Services Transcript (JST): The credit recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE), as published in The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, will be used to evaluate military training and learning experiences.
    • ACE Workforce Training as documented on the ACE Transcript: National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.
    • Workforce and other Non-Accredited Training as documented on The National College Credit Recommendations Service (NCCRS) transcript. In the event of conflicting credit recommendations between the ACE and NCCRS organizations for the same training or credential, the ACE recommendations will take precedence.
    • Faculty Evaluated Local Industry and Workplace Training: Individual colleges may use information obtained through their own prior learning assessment evaluations for local industry and training programs. As appropriate, these evaluations should be shared with other colleges to support students moving around the state.
    • To receive college credit based upon Published Guides, students must request that the transcripts be sent directly to the CNCC Admissions and Records Office. There is no charge for CNCC to evaluate credit from published guides.
  • Certificates/Licensure:
    • The cost for evaluation of certificates or licensure brought in for credit is a $75.00 flat fee.
• Portfolios: Knowledge and skills acquired through work and life experiences may be validated through a formal portfolio assessment process.
  • Development of Portfolio
    • Upon request from a student, each College will provide a course, workshop, or orientation session designed to assist students in identifying, describing and documenting skills and knowledge gained through prior learning experiences. Each College will also provide, upon request, more detailed information regarding the required format of the portfolio. When developing their portfolios, students must address each of the evaluative criteria delineated below:
      • The learning must be demonstrable and verifiable;
      • The learning content must have both theoretical and applied components;
      • The learning must be college level;
      • The learning must be currently applicable to the student’s certificate or degree requirements; and
      • The learning must be equivalent to the competencies of a specific course or courses.
  • Evaluation of Portfolio
    • Evaluation of the portfolio will be conducted by subject matter expert(s), designated by the System or College.
    • The portfolio work must be evaluated as “C” level or above and contain evidence of proficiency in the competencies in the course(s), in order to award academic credit.
    • The evaluator should be prepared to produce documentation to defend the evaluation, including rubrics and notes. No partial credit will be awarded.
    • The student may appeal the evaluation decision according to the appeal process outlined in the CCCS PLA Credit Manual. Colleges are responsible for developing the process and publicizing information to students.
    • Only one portfolio evaluation for a particular course will be permitted during any one semester. The cost for a portfolio evaluation is $65 per credit hour.
• Transfer of Credit
  • Within the System: PLA Credit must be accepted for transfer amongst all colleges, provided that the credits apply to a degree or certificate program at the institution the student is entering.
  • To State Colleges and Universities: Transfer guides and articulation agreements shall include information on the transfer of PLA Credit as stipulated in the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) Policy and General Procedures for Transfer.
• PLA Credit Crosswalk Matrix
  • The System Chancellor or designee shall be responsible for maintaining and updating a comprehensive PLA Credit Crosswalk Matrix document for recognized Standardized Test, Published Guide and Faculty Evaluated Local Industry and Workplace Training crosswalks, which have been assessed by CCCS faculty and found to be equivalent to CNCC’s courses. These assessments must meet all evaluation criteria outlined in the CCCS PLA Credit Manual. Requests for revision should be made to the System Chancellor or designee.
• Colorado Department of Corrections
  • A student who completes coursework at a Colorado Department of Corrections facility may transfer any career and technical postsecondary course credits with a grade of “C” or better earned, while enrolled in the approved program. These eligible career/technical credits may be applied to the requirements of a program leading to a certificate or to an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of General Studies degree at a Community College within CCCS. Transfer is limited to Career and Technical (CTE) coursework.
  • Post-Secondary credits accepted in transfer from the Colorado Department of Corrections must come from a State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) approved CTE certificate program and be instructed by CCCS credentialed faculty.
  • An annual review of Department of Correction programs will be completed by the CCCS Chief Academic Officer/Provost or their designee.
• Military Education and Training
  • Each College will provide active duty and veteran military students with specific guidance to help them select a program of study that optimizes the use of their prior learning assessment credit toward a degree or certificate completion.
• Additional Provisions
  • Posting of Credit: A student may apply for PLA Credit at any time, as long as the student is admitted and has identified a program of study to which the PLA Credit will apply.
  • FTE Considerations: Credits awarded for prior learning will not be counted for FTE enrollments or state entitlement.
  • Records and Transcripts: Official transcripts shall designate all PLA Credit awarded. Such credit shall be identified by specific course, number of semester credit hours, and PLA Credit method of award. No letter grades will be posted for PLA Credit. All documentation used as a basis for PLA Credit awarded will be maintained by the college consistent with institutional policies on record retention.
  • Cost: Colleges may charge assessment fees to the student based on the method of assessment and as determined in the PLA Credit Cost Matrix in the CCCS PLA Credit Manual. The evaluation fee to be charged shall not exceed 50% of the standard tuition rate per credit.
  • Students should be given the information necessary to understand that PLA Credit fees are non-refundable, even if the student fails to earn credit.
  • Students should be given the information necessary to understand that requests for re-evaluation will be charged at the same rate as first time assessments.

Classification of Students

Freshman: Student with fewer than 30 passing semester hours of college credit.
Sophomore: Student with 30 or more passing semester hours of college credit.
Full-time Student: Student carrying 12 or more semester hours of credit during a semester.
Part-time Student: Student carrying fewer than 12 semester hours of credit during a semester.

Grading System:

Grades are earned in each course, and the grade is recorded on the student’s permanent record. Grade definitions are as follows:

A - Superior (4 grade points per credit earned)
B - Good (3 grade points per credit earned)
C - Average (2 grade points per credit earned)
D - Poor (1 grade point per credit earned)
F - Failure (0 grade points per credit earned)
W - Withdrawal (not computed in grade point average)
AD - Administrative Drop (not computed in grade point average)
WX - Administrative Withdrawal Appeal/No Fault (not computed in grade point average)
WD - Administrative Withdrawal Other/Cause (not computed in grade point average)
I - Incomplete (not computed in grade point average)
P - Pass C or better (not computed in grade point average, but included in hours earned)
F - Fail Below C (not computed in grade point average, and not included in hours earned
P/A - Passing Developmental A Level
P/B - Passing Developmental B Level
P/C - Passing Developmental C Level
F/D - Not Passing Developmental D Level
F/F - Not Passing Developmental F Level
I/F - Incomplete Development Incomplete
AU - Audit (not computed in grade point average)
R - Repeat
Z - Grade not yet reported
SP - Satisfactory Progress

Computation of Grade Point Average (GPA)

A three-credit course with a grade of “A” would earn 12 grade points (3 credit hours times 4 quality points). Total grade points accumulated by a student are divided by total credits attempted (excluding W, P, and I grades) to calculate a student’s cumulative GPA. Grades awarded for developmental courses will not be included in a student’s GPA.

Repeating Courses

All students taking credit bearing courses will be limited in the number of times that they can take the same course.

• Certain courses are exempt from the repeat course procedure due to the nature/offering of the course.
• If a student has taken a course twice or more and attempts to register for the course an additional time, the student will not be able to register for that particular course until an action plan is created and approval granted by the appropriate Dean of Academics . Please note that the student is able to register for other courses without needing an action plan or approval as per college rules and regulations.
• If the appropriate Dean of Academics does not feel that the registration is warranted, the student may appeal via the college’s designated appeal policy.
• If a student has taken a course three times and wants to register for the course a fourth time, the student must appeal to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Each registration for the a course and each grade received will be listed on the transcript. On the transcript a notation will follow the course indicating that the course was repeated and designating whether the course will be included in the GPA. The highest grade will be used in the GPA calculation. There will be no limitations on course grades that are eligible for repeat. All credit hours earned for initial and repeated courses will be deducted from a student’s remaining COF stipend eligible hours.

“Repeated” courses may be applied only one time to a certificate or degree, except for variable credit courses and designated courses that may be repeated for professional or personal development. Each institution will designate courses that may be “repeated” within program requirements.

Developmental education courses are eligible to be repeated. All developmental education courses will appear on the transcript. Individual colleges may choose to specify a limit for the number of times a developmental education course may be repeated.
Change of Grade

A grade reported to the Admissions and Records Office may be changed upon recommendation of the faculty member issuing the grade and then upon authorization by the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Grade changes must be reported no later than one semester (not including the summer semester) following completion of the course.

Academic Standing Rules

Academic Progress Standards

During a student’s educational experience, CNCC will monitor satisfactory progress through an Academic Alert process. The academic standards apply to all students who have completed nine or more credits in residence. “In residence” refers to courses taken at CNCC. Courses taken elsewhere and transferred in do not apply.

Student Academic Status may be reassigned at any time due to academic or student conduct violations. These changes are based on student history, severity of the violations, and professional programmatic requirements which can vary by the student’s course of study. After a finding of violation of the Code of Conduct, restriction of student’s privileges for a designated period of time including the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any College regulations during the probationary period.

Academic Standing is based on three factors:

1. Student Conduct Violations
2. Academic Integrity Violations
3. Student’s Term and Cumulative GPA - (Process Below)

Academic Standing:

Academic Standing describes a student’s successful progression with respect to maintaining progress toward their degree or certificate program. Academic Standing applies to all students who have completed 9 or more credits at a CCCS College. Academic Standing shall be applied consistently and uniformly within each College. Colleges will determine Academic Standing following the posting of the majority of term grades for each semester, and academic standing may be recalculated based on late or adjusted grades. For students who have completed fewer than 9 credit hours, the College will monitor satisfactory academic progress through an Academic Alert process. These students are not subject to Academic Standing.

Academic Standing values include the following:

• “Initial Standing” - Student has completed fewer than 9 cumulative credit hours with a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00 for all classes completed.
• “Academic Alert” - Student has completed fewer than 9 cumulative credits with a cumulative GPA less than 2.00 for all classes completed.
• “Good Standing” - Student has completed at least 9 cumulative credit hours and has a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00 for all classes completed.
• “Performance Support” - Student has completed at least 9 cumulative credit hours and has a cumulative GPA less than 2.00 for all classes completed. This value was previously referred to as “Academic Probation.”
  • By the conclusion of the Performance Support term, the student must raise their cumulative GPA to at least 2.00. If this condition is met, the student returns to Good Standing. Otherwise, the student will be Performance Improving or on Academic Suspension as outlined below.
• “Returning Support” - Student is returning from Academic Suspension.
  • By the conclusion of the Returning Support term, the student must raise their cumulative GPA to at least 2.00. If this condition is met, the student returns to Good Standing. Otherwise, the student will be Performance Improving or on Academic Suspension as outlined below.
• “Performance Improving” - If a student on Performance Support or Returning Support earns a term GPA of at least 2.00 for all classes completed during the term but fails to raise their cumulative GPA to at least 2.00 for all classes completed, the student will be allowed to attend the next term as Performance Improving. This value was previously referred to as “Probation Continuing.”
  • As long as the student continues earning a term GPA of at least 2.00 during each term, they will be permitted to continue attending. The student will remain on Performance Improving until the cumulative GPA is at least 2.00, at which time they will return to Good Standing.
  • If the student does not earn a term GPA of at least 2.00 while on Performance Improving, they will be placed on Academic Suspension.
• “Academic Suspension” - If a student on Performance Support, Returning Support or Performance Improving earns a term GPA of less than 2.00 for all classes completed during the term, the student will be suspended and will not be allowed to enroll at the College issuing the suspension for the next term unless an appeal is approved. The student may be dropped from all registered courses for an upcoming term at the College based on the College’s procedures.

Academic Suspension:

All academic suspensions are for one term only. If a student who has served a suspension wishes to return, the student will be allowed to re-enroll only after meeting with an Advising and Retention Specialist. The student will be placed on Returning Support for their return semester. Students suspended from one College are not suspended from other Colleges within the System.

Appeals Process:

Students placed on Academic Suspension will be notified of their status and given the opportunity to appeal. Students must appeal their suspension based on procedures developed by the College issuing the suspension in order to continue enrolling at that College. Each College’s appeal process should incorporate an element where the student demonstrates what has changed and why they will perform better in the future. Appeal consideration will be based on statements and documentation as submitted by the student. College processes for approving or denying appeals must be based upon objective factors.

If the College approves an appeal, appeals for subsequent Academic Suspensions should address why the student was unsuccessful on the prior appeal, and what additional measures have been taken to ensure success.

If the student’s suspension appeal is approved, the student will be placed on Performance Support.

If the student’s suspension appeal is not approved, the student may be dropped from all courses registered for in upcoming terms at the College, based on the College’s procedures.

Academic Renewal:

In order to help CCCS students achieve success, returning students may request a one-time academic renewal from a CCCS College where up to 30 credit hours of poor academic performance may be excluded from their GPA calculation. The following procedures apply to applications for academic renewal:

• Students must wait a minimum of two academic years from the last term being considered for academic renewal.
• Students must be enrolled and have completed at least 6 hours with a 2.00 term GPA to be awarded academic renewal. For a Reverse Transfer Degree only, the student may fulfill this requirement by demonstrating enrollment in at least 6 credit hours with a 2.00 term GPA during the last semester of attendance at the four-year institution.
• A maximum of 30 credit hours can be excluded from the GPA.
• Grades approved for academic renewal remain on the transcript but are excluded from the GPA calculations.
• Academic renewal applies to D and F grades only.
• Students can only apply for academic renewal once, and if awarded, it is not reversible.

Notwithstanding the above procedures, a CCCS College may automatically grant academic renewal for students through the statewide Colorado Reverse Transfer Program if the student’s four-year institution data shows they have been successfully progressing, and granting academic renewal will result in the awarding of an Associate’s degree.

NOTE: Federal and state financial aid eligibility rules require all attempted credits be included when determining the length of time to completion. Therefore, coursework excluded as part of the Academic Renewal is included when calculating financial aid eligibility.

Revising this Procedure
CCCS reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this procedure at any time and the change shall become effective immediately.

NOTE: Academic appeals are different from Financial Aid appeals. Please contact the financial aid office regarding Financial Aid appeals.

Expulsion

Expulsion from the college shall mean that the student is not allowed to enroll for any classes at the college for four semesters, including the summer semester. Expelled students wishing to re-enter the College must make application for readmission and will be readmitted at the discretion of the Vice President of Student Services.

Academic Distinction Lists

Any student who completes 12 or more credit hours (not including developmental courses) in one semester and earns a term GPA of 4.0 will be placed on the President’s Academic Distinction List. Any student who completes 12 or more credit hours (not including developmental courses) in one semester and earns a term GPA of 3.75 to 3.99 will be placed on the Vice President’s Academic Distinction List. Any student who completes 12 or more credit hours (not including developmental courses) in one semester and earns a term GPA of 3.5 to 3.74 will be placed on the Dean’s List.

Recalculation of Grade Point Average

A student who re-enrolls at CNCC after an absence of two of more years may petition the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs to have their cumulative hours recalculated. The petitioning student must be enrolled and have completed at least 6 hours with a 2.0 minimum GPA. Up to 30 credits can be excluded from the GPA. If the petition is approved, the student resumes his/her academic program and begins with a new cumulative grade point average. All courses taken will remain on the permanent record, but only courses with marks of “A”, “B”, or “C” will be allowed toward degree requirements and count in the total hours earned.

Transcripts

The Records Office will send a transcript of credits to other collegiate institutions or outside agencies through an online request process. To order official transcripts, visit the Transcript Request Webpage. Official transcripts cost between $3.00 and $37.00 depending on the delivery method.

The transfer of academic credit to the college is governed by the following policies and procedures:

1. Transfer credits will be accepted from regionally accredited institutions. Credits taken within 15 years of admission to CNCC will be accepted unless restricted by program requirements. Credits taken more than 15 years prior to admission will be evaluated for transferability on a course-by-course basis.
2. Courses accepted in transfer MUST match the content and meet or exceed the rigor of the accepting institution as determined by the professional judgment of the Transfer Evaluator or Department Chair.
3. Transfer credit is accepted as specified by legislated and Colorado Community College System (CCCS) articulation agreements.
4. Transcripts will be evaluated for course relevant to the student’s selected degree/plan of study at the time of the evaluation. If the student changes majors transcripts can be requested to be re-evaluated upon completion of the Change of Major Form.
5. The college may examine credits to insure that the content is not outdated or obsolete.
6. Courses will be evaluated against the Colorado Common Course Numbering System (CCCNS) Catalog.
7. The official transcript will include courses taken at the institution and those transfer credits requested by the student.
8. Courses will be transcribed with CCCNS course number, title, prefix and the number of credits awarded by the transferring institution.
9. Grades for transfer courses will be recorded, but will not show on the official transcript or be reflected in the student’s GPA.
10. Pre-requisite courses below the 100 level will not be accepted in transfer, but will be noted in the student’s academic record.
11. A grade of “C”, “P”, “S” or better is required for transfer. Transfer credit will not be awarded for courses with “D”, “F” or “U” grades. Individual colleges may choose to grant an exception to this rule and accept transfer courses with a grade of “D” on a case-by-case basis.
12. Transfer courses that have the GT (Guaranteed Transfer) designation will be flagged as GT courses. If the course is not present in the CCCNS, then it will be transcribed with the prefix GTP for GT-Pathways, the course number 999 and the course title that matches the GT designation, ex., CO1, AH3, MA1, etc.
13. Transfer credits will be awarded as governed by CCHE and State Board policies and System Chancellor procedures.

Transfer Dispute Appeals Process

Students may file an appeal if they feel that coursework was not properly evaluated.

1. Student should contact the Transcript Evaluator and/or the Registrar to request clarification within 15 calendar days of the date of the evaluation notification.
2. The appeal must be submitted to the Registrar in writing within 15 calendar days of the date of the evaluation notification.
3. The decisions regarding course transferability and/or placement made in the initial transcript evaluation will be binding if the student fails to file a written appeal within 15 calendar days.
4. The Transfer Credit Appeal Committee, composed of the program director, appropriate Dean of Academics, and outside faculty member will have 30 calendar days to review the student’s appeal and inform the student in writing of the committee’s decision on the appeal including the rationale for that decision. In addition, the student shall be informed in writing of the appeal process.
5. The student is informed by the committee of the remaining appeal options. Failure to do so will result in the committee’s decision being considered null and void. The student’s request prevails and cannot be overturned by the college.

Appeals beyond the initial decision should be made in writing to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, within 15 calendar days of the postmark date of the letter notifying the student of the committee’s decision. If the student fails to file an appeal within this time period, the original or initial decision shall be binding. The college will hear and reach a decision on the appeal within 15 calendar days after the appeal is filed. Next, the student will be notified in writing by the college of its decision regarding the transfer appeal and the rationale for the decision. In addition, the student may appeal the decision to CCCS.

Academic Integrity

The foundation of a college is truth and knowledge, each of which relies in a fundamental manner upon academic integrity, which is diminished significantly by academic dishonesty. A pervasive attitude promoting academic integrity enhances the sense of community and adds value to the educational process. All at CNCC are responsible for and affected by the cooperative commitment to academic integrity.

CNCC considers academic dishonesty to be a serious offense, which will be dealt with by appropriate disciplinary action.

Cheating

The word “cheating” refers to the acts of giving, utilizing, or receiving unpermitted aid during examinations or in the preparation of homework, reports, or any other class work that the instructor will use as a basis for evaluation. The following are some specific examples of cheating; however, these examples are not necessarily the only forms of cheating. Students are cheating if:

• They prepare, prior to an exam, written information, which they then use during the exam without the instructor’s knowledge or permission.
• They obtain from or give to another student any unpermitted information during an exam or while preparing class work.
• They change the answers on an exam or an assignment after it has been returned, and then ask the instructor to re-grade that exam or assignment.
• They have another person prepare reports or take exams for them.
• They turn in, as their own, written assignments or reports that have been either purchased or borrowed from another source (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Equation Solvers, and other assistive technology not approved by the instructor or college administration).

Plagiarism

The word “plagiarism” refers to the use of another person’s work or the work of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) without giving proper credit to that person. When copying verbatim (i.e., words, phrases, sentences, or entire passages) or paraphrasing another person’s work or the work of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) (i.e., borrowing but rewording that person’s or AI’s facts, opinion, or ideas), a student must give proper credit through the use of appropriate documentation.

Actions Taken Against Academic Dishonesty

If an instructor detects an act of academic dishonesty, the following actions will be taken:

1. The instructor will meet individually with the student to discuss the incident. If the incident involved “cheating” as defined in the Course Catalog the instructor will discuss this with the student and how to avoid another cheating incident in the future. If the incident involved “plagiarism” the instructor will ensure the student understands how to give proper credit using appropriate documentation to avoid a future incident.
2. The instructor will have the opportunity to award a grade appropriate to the incident.
3. The instructor will send written notification to the appropriate Dean of Academics along with all documentation supporting the claim of academic dishonesty as it relates to “cheating” and “plagiarism” in the Course Catalog.
4. The appropriate Dean of Academics will have an intervention conversation with the student to discuss the incident and how to avoid a second incident. Dean of Academics and student will fill out the Academic Success Plan form.

Should the appropriate Dean of Academics receive notification for a violation of academic integrity (from the same course or from any other CNCC course in which the student is enrolled), the following actions will be taken in addition to the above actions:

1. The instructor will award a zero for the assignment or exam.
2. The student will be placed on disciplinary notice and will remain on disciplinary status for the remainder of their enrollment at CNCC.
3. The student will be required to meet personally with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee to discuss the seriousness of academic dishonesty and consequences for further violations.
4. The student will be prohibited from dropping or withdrawing from the course to avoid a failing grade resulting from an academic dishonesty sanction. Written notification will be sent to the Registrar prohibiting such action.

Should the appropriate Dean of Academics receive a second notification for a violation of academic integrity (from the same course or from any other CNCC course in which the student is enrolled), the following actions will be taken:

1. The student will immediately be suspended from the college for one academic year. The Vice President of Student Service will personally meet with the student and present a written letter of suspension
2. The student will receive a grade of “F” in the course for which he or she has been reported for dishonesty and a grade of “WD” Administrative Withdrawal for all other courses in which the student is enrolled. A copy of the Vice President’s letter will be sent to the Registrar, and the letter will be maintained in the student’s permanent student file.

Applying for Re-Admission after Suspension for Academic Dishonesty:

A student wishing to reapply to CNCC after being suspended for academic dishonesty will be required to write a letter to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs indicating a desire to be readmitted. The letter should include information or verification that supports the student’s commitment to academic integrity should he or she be readmitted. The Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs will notify the student in writing of his or her decision to readmit and send a copy of the letter to the Registrar. A meeting with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs will be required upon the student’s return to set the expectations and requirements of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs for the student allowed back into CNCC.

Academic Appeals Procedure

The purpose of the academic appeals procedure outlined below is to secure equitable solutions to problems of an academic nature that affect a student’s academic progress.

Timelines for Submission of an Appeal:

• All academic appeals must be submitted in a timely fashion. Formal academic actions (suspension, dishonesty policy sanctions etc.) must be filed within ten days of notification to the student.
• Final grade appeals must be initiated by the student within thirty calendar days of the awarding of the grade.

Academic Appeal Process:

1. The student will meet with the instructor and attempt to resolve the problem.
2. If a resolution cannot be reached between the student and the instructor, the student may request to meet with the instructor and the program director. An attempt will be made to reach an acceptable resolution.
3. If the issue is not resolved with the instructor and the program director, the student may submit a written statement to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs describing the exact nature of the complaint and the remedy the student is seeking. The written appeal must be submitted within the specified timelines noted above.
4. The Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs (SVPAA) will review the statement and, at his or her discretion, reach a decision or convene an administrative hearing. If the SVPAA deems it necessary to convene an administrative hearing, appropriate committee members will be selected by the SVPAA based on the nature of the appeal. The student and the instructor may submit to the hearing committee written statements by other individuals having information regarding the complaint. The committee may request a personal meeting with the student, the faculty member or others as appropriate.
5. Following either the decision of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs or the administrative hearing, both student and instructor will receive written notification of the decision within ten calendar days.
6. If the appeal is approved a meeting with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs (SVPAA) will be required upon the student’s return to set the expectations and requirements of the SVPAA for the student allowed back into CNCC.

Petition for Review:

Subsequent to the appeals decision by the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs the student may submit a written request to the President for review of the proceedings. The Petition for Review must be submitted within ten calendar days of the notification of the initial decision. Failure to meet the ten-day deadline will result in the initial decision made by the Vice President of Instruction and Vice President of Student Affairs as being final and not subject to additional review.

NOTE: Appeals/grievances of a non-academic nature are filed with the Vice President of Student Services in accordance with current student grievance procedures.

Assessment of New Student Learning

CNCC believes it is important to assess students’ progress toward achieving their learning goals. Reviewing student assessment results helps college faculty and administration make changes that help improve teaching, learning, and student satisfaction. CNCC has identified four general education outcomes as priorities: 1) To equip students with skills necessary for creative problem solving, critical thinking, and analysis of values; 2) To equip students with the communication skills necessary for effective listening, speaking, reading, and writing; 3) To equip students with the knowledge and skill necessary to function in a diverse society and workplace as appropriate to the specific discipline; 4) To equip students with the necessary technical skills to succeed in today and tomorrow’s workforce as appropriate to the specific discipline. Each instructor constructs assessment goals for specific classes that measure student progress towards the four key outcomes. These assessment goals are evaluated each semester by the instructor and at the departmental level to ensure the highest possible quality of instruction and student learning at CNCC.

Student Bill of Rights

The General Assembly implemented the Student Bill of Rights (C.R.S. 23-1-125) to assure that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education have the following rights:

• A quality general education experience that develops competencies in reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and critical thinking through an integrated arts and science experience.
• Students should be able to complete their Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programs in no more than sixty credit hours or their baccalaureate programs in no more than one hundred twenty credit hours, unless there are additional degree requirements recognized by the commission.
• A student can sign a two-year or four-year graduation agreement that formalizes a plan for that student to obtain a degree in two or four years, unless there are additional degree requirements recognized by the commission.
• Students have a right to clear and concise information concerning which courses must be completed successfully to complete their degrees.
• Students have a right to know which courses are transferable among the state public two- and four-year institutions of higher education.
• Students, upon successful completion of core general education courses, should have those courses satisfy the core course requirements of all Colorado public institutions of higher education.
• Students have a right to know if courses from one or more public higher education institutions satisfy the student’s graduation requirements.

A student’s credit for the completion of the core requirements and core courses shall not expire for ten years from the date of initial enrollment and shall be transferable.

Graduation Requirements

CNCC grants the degrees of Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of General Studies, and the Certificate of Completion. Students must meet degree/certificate requirements outlined in the College Catalog, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on all work attempted at CNCC, and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses to be applied to the certificate or degree. Students desiring to obtain multiple degrees from CNCC (example - an AA and an AS), must have 12 unique credits applied to each degree. Certain programs may require higher standards on coursework applicable to the degree. Such requirements can be obtained from the appropriate Program Director or the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students should consult with their advisor for specific requirements for each of the degrees. To be awarded an Bachelor Degree, minimum of 25% of the total credit hours required or a minimum of 30 credit hours (whichever is less) must be completed at CNCC; and to be awarded an Associate Degree or Certificate of Completion, a minimum of 25% of the total credit hours required or a minimum of 15 credit hours, whichever is less, must be completed at CNCC. For certificates requiring less than 15 credits, 50% of the total credit hours required must be completed at CNCC.

Students planning to graduate must file a Graduation Application with the Admissions and Records Office. The applications must be filed during the registration period of the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

Graduation Honors

Graduation Honors recognizes outstanding academic achievement throughout a student’s academic career at the home institution. The honors are awarded to students who complete the requirements for an associate degree or certificate and have completed at least 60 credits, 15 of which must be completed at CNCC and earn a 3.5 or better cumulative grade point average at the institution. Only college-level courses completed at the institution will be included in the GPA calculation.

The three levels of recognition are defined as follows and will be posted on the student’s transcript -

Cum Laude (“with honor”) 3.50 to 3.749 Cumulative GPA
Magna Cum Laude (“with great honor”) 3.75 to 3.99 Cumulative GPA
Summa Cum Laude (“with highest honor”) 4.0 Cumulative GPA