Academic Regulations

Grade Interpretation

Evaluation of student achievement in each course is made in relation to the attainment of the specific objectives of a course. At the beginning of a course, the instructor will distribute a syllabus explaining the objectives and the basis upon which grades are determined. Grades in each course are recorded in the student’s permanent record.

For an approved reason, such as serious illness, a student may receive an “I” if the student has failed to complete all requirements of a course. Such work must be made up within four weeks of the conclusion of the semester. Failure to do so in the prescribed period of the succeeding semester will result in “I” being changed to “F” on the permanent record. An incomplete grade is filed by the instructor with the Dean of Academic Affairs indicating the reasons for the incomplete grade. The instructor will inform the student that an Incomplete has been granted and will indicate conditions for its removal.

Letter grades have the following honor point values: A-4, B+- 3.5, B-3, C+-2.5, C-2, D-1, F-0. Other letter grades and temporary designators such as W, and AU, do not count in the Grade Point Average.

Grade Point Average

Raritan Valley Community College uses the system of grade points employed by most four-year colleges and universities to give an overall appraisal of the student’s level of achievement. This system is based on a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) and is computed in the following manner: Semester GPA: multiply the honor point of each grade by the number of credits designated for that course and add the results. The sum is divided by the total number of credits attempted during the semester. Cumulative GPA: use the same procedures used for the semester GPA but include all courses attempted at Raritan Valley Community College. Grades from courses transferred from another institution or credits earned by examination are not entered on the student’s transcript and should not be included in the calculations.

How to Compute a GPA

 *A developmental course for no college credit.

Examinations

A final examination is given at the end of each course unless there is a notice to the contrary. Students are required to take these examinations when scheduled. Students are not expected to take more than two final examinations on any given day. Any student having more than two exams scheduled for the same day, or two examinations scheduled at the same time, should inform the involved instructors and request that one of the examinations be rescheduled. If the instructors cannot resolve the conflict, the student should contact the Office of the Dean of Instruction. Make-up of final examinations is permitted only in unusual circumstances and at the instructor’s discretion.

Midterm Warning Report

At midterm students in academic difficulty will receive a midterm warning letter from the Director of Advising & Counseling. These letters are advisory in nature and will not become part of the student’s permanent record.

Students doing unsatisfactory work at this time should consult their instructors to determine ways to improve their academic performance. In cases where additional studying, tutoring, or changes in study habits cannot improve the student’s grade, withdrawal may be recommended.

Standards of Academic Progress

Good Standing

Each student’s academic record is evaluated at the conclusion of each semester or session. The College’s standard of academic progress requires that students maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better, which is defined as “Good Standing.” Accordingly, a minimum of 2.0 overall, in both cumulative and degree GPA, is required for graduation.

Academic Alert

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below the required minimum 2.0 are placed on “Academic Alert.” Students on Academic Alert are notified through their RVCC Lion’s Den email and encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of support services in order to improve their academic standing and return to good standing.

Academic Probation Alert

Students on Academic Alert whose cumulative GPA remains below the required minimum 2.0 are placed on Academic Probation Alert.

Students on Academic Probation Alert whose semester GPA is 2.0 or higher, but cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 will be continued on Academic Probation Alert.

Students on Academic Probation Alert whose semester GPA is below 2.0 but cumulative GPA is 1.6 or above will be continued on Academic Probation Alert.

Students on Academic Probation Alert are notified through their RVCC Lion’s Den e-mail. They are encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of support services in order to improve their academic standing and return to good standing. Students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor or Counselor for changes in registration and future registrations until they return to good standing. The Academic Advisor or Counselor may limit credit enrollment and may require enrollment in Student Development Courses.

Academic Suspension

Students on Academic Probation Alert whose cumulative GPA falls below 1.6, and semester GPA falls below 2.0 are placed on Academic Suspension.

Students may also be suspended from registering for one semester if they are in developmental courses and their progress is unsatisfactory as outlined in the Developmental Studies Policy.

Students on Academic Suspension are notified through their RVCC Lion’s Den e-mail, are removed from any future semester classes, and are prohibited from registering for one semester. They are given the opportunity to appeal.

Appeals of Academic Suspension

Suspended students are given the opportunity to appeal. A letter from the student to the Academic Standards Committee is required, addressing the relevant circumstances and strategies to improve performance. Those appealing will have their letters reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee and will receive written notice of the committee’s action through their Lion’s Den e-mail. Appeals must be submitted to the Advising & Counseling Office before the start of the semester. Students may also appeal by completing the procedures for Reenrollment following Academic Suspension; Academic Advisors and Counselors have authority to grant appeals according to guidelines established by the Academic Standards Committee.

Re-enrollment following Academic Suspension

Students who have been suspended and seek to re-enroll after a semester or more are required to complete an Application for Reinstatement from Academic Suspension and meet with an Academic Advisor or Counselor. The Academic Advisor or Counselor may limit credit enrollment and may require enrollment in Student Development Courses. Students reinstated from Academic Suspension will be placed on Academic Probation Alert for the semester.

Grade Appeals and Academic Complaints

Student complaints of an academic nature should initially be discussed between the student and the student’s instructor. Failing a satisfactory resolution of the problem at this level, the student should consult with the appropriate department chairperson. Should the student still feel that a satisfactory resolution has not been achieved, the student may request the Dean of Instruction to review the matter.

Students wishing to initiate a grade appeal must do so within four weeks of the beginning of the following semester, excluding Summer sessions. Other than in cases of computational or clerical error, grades may only be changed by following the grade appeal procedure.

Grade Appeal Procedure

A student who wishes to appeal a final grade shall proceed as follows:

1. Submit a written request for a grade change along with the rationale for such a request to the faculty member who assigned the grade. The appeal must be filed by the fourth week of the following semester (Summer sessions not included).
2. Within two weeks of filing such a request for a grade change by the student, the faculty member shall respond in writing rendering a decision about the request for change of a grade.

If the student wishes to further challenge the decision of the faculty member as described above, he/she shall follow the following procedure:

1. A petition for a grade change should be filed, in writing, with the appropriate chairperson after conferring with the instructor. The petition shall include a description of the student’s rationale for challenging the recorded grade with supportive documentation.
2. The chairperson shall:
   1. Interview the student.
   2. Interview the faculty member who assigned the grade.
   3. Review written material submitted by the student and faculty member. The chairperson shall also consult with senior faculty members familiar with the discipline involved with respect to the graded material under challenge.
   4. The chairperson shall render a written recommendation to the student and faculty member involved within one month from the date the chairperson received the petition.
3. If the grade was not revised through the above process, the student may further appeal to the Dean of Instruction. The Dean will review all materials and determine whether or not a grade change shall be approved, and shall advise the involved student and faculty member in writing of the decision. The decision of the Dean of Instruction shall be final.

Attendance

Students enrolled for credit or to audit courses are expected to attend all classes for every course in which they are registered.

Only illness, observance of religious holidays, or serious personal matters may explain an absence. To provide for these, a student is entitled, without question, to absences amounting to the equivalent of one week’s class time. Any absences in excess of that are handled individually by each instructor. It is the prerogative of the instructor to make exceptions for valid reasons, provided the student will be able to fulfill the course requirements. At the instructor’s option, absences amounting to one-fifth or more of the semester’s lecture or lab classes may result in administrative withdrawal of the student without prior notice or refund.

Students who know they will miss class should notify their instructor. In certain cases of absenteeism involving prolonged illness or similar difficulties, the Dean of Instruction may recommend that a student be permitted to continue to make up work.

Break in Enrollment

A student who has been continuously enrolled at RVCC must fulfill graduation requirements that were published at the time the student matriculated into the program, unless the student requests to update to a more recent catalog year.

A student who interrupts his/her studies for more than three years must apply for re-admission and fulfill the requirements in place upon re-enrollment. A student with a break of more than three years may use requirements in place during initial enrollment only if he/she had earned 50 credits prior to the break in enrollment and if the degree is still being offered.

A student whose program has been discontinued will be permitted two years to complete the program. RVCC will not award degrees for programs that have been discontinued for more than two years.

Auditing a Course

A student interested in attending class who does not want to receive credit may request permission to audit the class. Students interested in auditing a course must have permission of the faculty member teaching the course and comply with the course’s attendance requirements. Auditing a course costs the same as taking the course for credit.

A student may decide to audit a course up to the time designated in the academic calendar as the last day to receive a “W” grade. In order to audit a course, the student must complete a drop/add form, and receive the appropriate faculty member’s approval.

Credit Limit

Degree-seeking students may enroll for a maximum of 19 credit hours during fall or spring semesters, 12 credit hours during Summer semester and only for 1 course during the Winter session unless permission is granted. Non-degree students are limited to 9 credits per semester.

Exceptions must have approval from an advisor or counselor in Advising & Counseling Services.

Student Classification

Students with 29 or fewer credits will be classified as freshmen. Students with 30 credits or more will be classified as sophomores.

Directed Study

The College offers students the opportunity to study individually with an instructor. The two methods available are Independent Study and Guided Study. Any student interested in either of these options should contact the appropriate department and have all forms completed before registering.

Guided Study

Guided study is an existing course independently taught by an RVCC faculty member to accommodate student needs due to difficulty caused by College scheduling. The course number and outline will remain consistent with the College catalog.

Independent Study

Independent study is a new course independently taught by an RVCC faculty member to enhance student learning. The faculty member will design the course outline to meet the student’s goals and needs. The course number will be assigned by the Office of Academic Affairs as an independent study and the syllabus will remain on file in that office.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat any college-level course once without specific authorization. To repeat a college-level course more than once, a student must have the approval of the Dean of Student Services.

Courses in which students have received grades of W, AU, or P are not included in counting repeated courses.

When a college-level course is repeated, all enrollments in the course are included on the student’s permanent academic record, but only the highest grade earned at RVCC will be included in the student’s grade point average (GPA).

Developmental courses (course numbers below 100) are not governed by this policy.

Students receiving financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid office before repeating a course, since some financial aid programs do not pay for repeated courses.

Academic Renewal Program

The Academic Renewal Program is designed for students who attended RVCC, compiled an unsuccessful academic record, and subsequently left the College for an extended period of time. As a result of their work experience, maturity, or new interests, these students may now wish to return to college to pursue a program of study towards a degree.

To qualify for the Academic Renewal Program, a student must:

• Be matriculated into a degree or certificate program
• Have been away from RVCC for a minimum of five years (60 months)
• Upon returning to RVCC, complete a minimum of twelve credit hours, earning a GPA of 2.4 or better
• Be currently enrolled

Under the Academic Renewal Program:

• All grades earned prior to the five-year period are eliminated from the student’s GPA calculation
• Only the GPA is affected by this program. All other previous academic records will remain on the transcript
• Grades earned after returning to RVCC will be included in the new GPA calculations, including the twelve credits required to qualify for this program
• All courses taken prior to the five-year absence in which a grade of C or better was earned may be used to meet graduation requirements
• Credits awarded through evaluation (transfer, CLEP, life-learning experience, credit by in-house examination, military experience and Advanced Placement) are not changed by this program, regardless of their date.

Students are cautioned that not all colleges honor academic renewal. Transfer institutions may recalculate the GPA based on all credits attempted for purposes of admission consideration, scholarship and award eligibility, program admission, and other matters regarding academic standing.

Academic renewal will not affect Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid recipients. All courses in a student’s academic history are considered for financial aid eligibility. Students receiving Veterans Administration benefits will not be reimbursed for repeating courses that have already been passed.

The Academic Renewal option may be used only once; it is not available a second time, even after another five-year separation from the College.

Graduation Requirements

Commencement Ceremonies are held each year in May for spring semester graduates and in December for Summer and Fall graduates. Students should generate a Degree Evaluation Record, available on Lion’s Den, to determine whether all graduation requirements are met.

At the beginning of the semester during which graduation is anticipated, a student must complete an Application for Graduation and submit it to the Student Enrollment Center. The Graduation Fee must be paid to the Finance Office. Deadlines to apply for graduation are usually one month after the first day of each semester.

Students who have applied for graduation but fail to meet the requirements at the conclusion of the semester must re-submit an Application for Graduation when they intend to graduate, but are not required to pay an additional fee.

In addition to all course and credit requirements, students must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.0, both overall and within their program. Courses numbered below 100 are not applicable toward graduation requirements.

A student who has been continuously enrolled at RVCC must fulfill graduation requirements that were published at the time the student matriculated into the program, unless the student requests to update to a more recent catalog year. A student who interrupts his/her studies for more than three years must fulfill the requirements in place upon re-enrollment. A student with a break of more than three years may use requirements in place during initial enrollment only if he/she had earned 50 credits prior to the break in enrollment and if the degree is still being offered.

Students may transfer up to 45 credits toward an associate degree or 75 percent of the required credits for a certificate program, including those from other accredited institutions and those earned through other means. The course requirements of some selective programs may limit the application of transfer credits to degree requirements.

Students who have studied at RVCC and transfer prior to receiving a degree or certificate may transfer back coursework in order to complete graduation requirements, if the degree or certificate program is active at the time of readmission.

Students whose programs have been discontinued will be permitted two years to complete the program. RVCC will not award degrees for programs that have been discontinued for more than two years.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List recognizes outstanding students who, after reaching 12 cumulative earned hours, earn in a given semester six or more credits in college-level courses and achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or better with no grade lower than a “C” in any course. The Dean’s List is compiled every semester, excluding Summer.

President’s List

The President’s List recognizes those students who have achieved the highest level of academic accomplishment during a given semester. A full-time student (a minimum of 12 credits in credit-bearing courses) who receives “A” grades in all courses during a given semester with no “I” or “Withdrawal” grades, qualifies for the President’s List. The President’s List is compiled each fall and spring semester. Students on the President’s List shall not appear on the Dean’s List during the same semester.

Graduation With Honors

A student in an associate degree program meeting the following criteria will graduate with honors:

• An overall cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 based on credits earned and applied toward an associate degree
• No grades below a C (including grades that do not count in GPA calculations; i.e. remedial/developmental courses)
• No grades of WF
• A minimum of 33 credits in the curriculum of the awarded degree completed at RVCC.

Students with a degree grade point average of 3.5 - 3.79 will graduate Cum Laude (with honor); 3.8 - 3.99, Magna Cum Laude (with high honor); and 4.0, Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor).

Honors Achievement Award

In addition to taking honors courses, students may receive further academic recognition on their transcript through the Honors Achievement Award. For this award students must complete at least 15 credits of honors-level coursework (any combination of honors options and/or honors courses is acceptable) and must earn a “B” or better in each course counted towards the award. Students also will receive a certificate acknowledging that they have attained the Honors Achievement Award. Interested students are urged to begin taking honors courses as early as possible in their academic careers.