Academic Regulations

Grading System

A grade reflects the faculty member’s evaluation of a student’s achievement in a specific course. The grading system at RVCC is a follows:

*Applies to certain developmental courses only.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete grade (I) is only given when an emergency prevents a student from completing all of the required work in a course.

A student receiving an Incomplete grade has four weeks from the end of the term in which the grade was assigned to complete the missing work. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the faculty member to make arrangements to complete the missing work. When the work is completed the faculty member assigns a final grade, replacing the “I” on the student’s permanent academic record. If the required work is not satisfactorily completed within the four-week time period, a grade of “F” is assigned, replacing the “I”.

Repeating a course for which an Incomplete grade was received has no effect on the resolution of the original grade. An Incomplete grade is counted as an “F” in computing a student’s cumulative grade point average for the awarding of a degree or certificate.

Satisfactory Progress Grades 

A Satisfactory Progress grade (X) may be given in certain developmental courses. To complete a course in which a Satisfactory Progress grade was assigned, the student must repeat the course and earn a credit-bearing grade. Courses in which Satisfactory Progress grades are assigned are not counted in computing a student’s grade point average.    

Pass Grades

A Pass grade (P) may be given in certain developmental courses. Courses in which Pass grades are assigned are not counted in computing the student’s grade point average.

Withdrawal Grades

No entry is recorded on a student’s permanent academic record for a course withdrawal executed before the official enrollment certification date. For a withdrawal executed after the official enrollment certification date, a Withdrawal (W) grade is entered on the student’s record. Withdrawal dates are published in the term Schedule of Classes.

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours counted, which may vary according to the use for which the GPA is intended.

 GPA = [Total Grade Points Earned] 
             [Total Credit Hours Counted]

Only credit hours and grades in courses taken at RVCC are used in computing a student’s RVCC grade point average.

How to Compute a GPA

 *A developmental course for no college credit.

  
Final Examinations

A final examination is given at the end of each course at the time and place published by the Registrar’s Office. Faculty members may not alter their examination schedules unless a specific change has been authorized by the Dean of Instruction.

Students are not expected to take more than two final examinations on any given day. If a student has more than two final examinations scheduled on a single day, he/she may appeal to have one of the examinations rescheduled. The line of appeal is first to the faculty member(s) and then to the Dean of Instruction.

Students are expected to take final examinations when they are scheduled or rescheduled. Missed examinations may be rescheduled at the discretion of the faculty member.   

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. Students are required to write a letter to the Academic Standards Committee, addressing the relevant circumstances and strategies to improve performance. The Academic Standards Committee reviews all appeal letters; students 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.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for every course in which they are enrolled. To accommodate students’ reasonable, personal situations that might prevent them from attending classes, each student is entitled to excused absences amounting to the equivalent of one week’s class time in a semester. Absences in excess of this standard are handled individually by each faculty member. A student with absences amounting to one-fifth or more of the term’s lecture or laboratory classes may be recommended to withdraw from the course. 

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 and Commencement

Graduation Requirements

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.

Commencement

RVCC holds Commencement Exercises in May of each year. A student may participate in Commencement Exercises if he/she meets any of the following criteria.

• Completed all program requirements at the end of the previous Fall semester or at the end of the previous Summer session.
• Will have completed all program requirements at the end of the current Spring semester.
• Has three or fewer courses remaining to be completed to fulfill all program requirements and is enrolled in those courses in the following Summer session. 

Graduation-with-honors designations for the Commencement Ceremony are based on the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) as follows.

• Summer and Fall Graduates – GPA at the end of the Graduation term.
• Spring Graduates – GPA at end of the previous Fall semester.

Recognition of Academic Achievement

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List of outstanding students is compiled and published at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. To be included on the Dean’s List a student must meet all of the following requirements.

• Have earned a minimum of 12 cumulative credit hours at RVCC in college-level courses.
• Earn a minimum of six college-level credit hours in the current Fall or Spring semester.
• Achieve a minimum semester GPA of 3.5 in college-level courses.
• Receive no grade lower than a “C” in any course for the semester.
• Not be eligible for inclusion on the President’s List of outstanding students.

President’s List

President’s List – The President’s List of outstanding students is compiled and published at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. To be included on the President’s List a student must meet all of the following requirements.

• Earn a minimum of 12 credit hours in college-level courses in the current Fall or Spring semester.
• Earn “A” grades in all courses for the semester.
• Have no “W” or “I” grades for the semester.

Degrees and Certificates with Honors

Students completing Associate degree requirements and meeting all of the following additional requirements receive degrees with honors.

• Achieve a minimum total cumulative RVCC GPA of 3.5.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative RVCC GPA of 3.5 on all courses applied toward the awarded degree.
• Receive no grade lower than a “C” in any college-level course applied toward the awarded degree.
• Complete, at RVCC, a minimum of 30 credits hours in courses applied toward the awarded degree.

Students completing Certificate requirements and meeting all of the following additional requirements receive certificates with honors.

• Complete a certificate requiring at least 30 semester credit hours.
• Achieve a minimum total cumulative RVCC GPA of 3.5.
• Achieve a minimum total cumulative RVCC GPA of 3.5 on all courses applied to the awarded certificate.
• Receive no grade lower than a “C” in any college-level course applied toward the awarded certificate.
• Complete, at RVCC, a minimum of 15 credits hours in courses applied toward the awarded certificate.

Honors are awarded on the basis of the student’s cumulative RVCC GPA on all courses applied to the awarded degree or certificate as follows.

Honors Achievement Award

To receive the Honors Achievement Award a student must meet all of the following requirements.

• Complete a minimum of 15 credit units in Honors-level courses.
• Receive no grade lower than a “B” in any of the Honors-level courses being counted for the award.