Housatonic Community College

• Terms you need to know
• Grading
• Fresh Start for Readmit Students
• Appeal of Grades
• Academic Honors
• Academic Standards Criteria
• Independent Study
• For information on Registration Procedures visit the Registration Page

Terms You Need to Know...

Freshman - a student who has earned fewer than 30 credits

Sophomore - a student who has earned at least 30 credits

Credit or Credit Hour - a standard of measure of the amount of instruction time required to successfully complete a course

GPA (Grade Point Average) - a numerical computation of the student's academic grade

Auditing - enrolling in and attending a course on a non-credit basis. The instructor's permission is needed and an audit form must be properly completed within the specified time limits for that semester or session.

Dropping a course - officially withdrawing from a course. Drop procedures require filing a "drop" form available from the Registrar's Office. Following the proper procedures can help prevent a failing grade or negative effect on the student's grade point average.

Withdrawing from College - officially withdrawing from all classes in a semester. Following the proper procedures (see the Registrar) can help the student return to Housatonic in good standing. Withdrawal procedures require the filing of a drop form for all courses.

Grading

Grades are Available at myCommNet

Semester grades can be obtained by the student in their myCommNet account at http://my.commnet.edu. Mid-term grades are posted mid-semester, final grades are posted at the completion of each semester. Unofficial transcripts may be printed from myCommNet for free.

Explanation of Grading System

Adopted May 1983, amended April 1990, April 2000, April 2001, April 2002.

I. Credits

A credit is a unit of academic achievement which is awarded upon the successful completion of a course.

II. Semester Hours

A semester hour is a measure of time usually corresponding to 55 minutes of lecture once per week for an entire semester.

III. Grades

Grades are an indication of the standard of academic work performed and/or the status of the student in relation to a course and/or the College. The academic grading system consists of five basic grades of student performance:

"A," "B," "C," "D," "F," and four grades of student status: "I," "M," "W," "N." In addition, participants enrolled in non-credit courses through Continuing Education may be awarded Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis.

A letter grade of "A" through "F" indicates a student's performance in terms of what was done, how much was done, and how well the class work was done from the start to the completion of a class. Other academic grades indicate a student's status in terms of his/her entry or exit point from a class over time and condition (W, N) or at the close of the official grading period (I, M).

Administrative marks include: "AU," and "N."

Academic Standard Grades

IV. Mid-Term Grades

Mid-term grades are advisory grades indicating a student's progress through the first half of a standard semester. If a student is making satisfactory progress, he/she will be awarded a grade of "S" to indicate satisfactory progress. If a student is not making satisfactory progress, he/she will be awarded a grade of "U" to indicate unsatisfactory progress. A student in developmental courses may also be awarded an "M" grade to indicate that he/she is maintaining progress, but not sufficient to attain the mid-term grade of "S." When compared to traditional grades, the "S" grade equates to a grade of "C" or higher, while a grade of "U" equates to a "C-" or lower.

Mid-semester grades are merely estimates of the student's progress and are not entered on permanent records. However, grades of "W" and "AU" are considered permanent final grades when awarded either as mid-semester or final grades and entered on permanent records. The only mid-term grades assigned are "S," "U," and "M." Grades are not generally changed after one year of their issuance.

V. Statement on Satisfactory Progress

1. The grading system employed by each college should accurately reflect the academic achievement of the student. In order to ensure appropriate use of State resources available for the education of its citizens, each college will develop procedures to monitor satisfactory progress through its warning, probation and suspension policy.
2. This policy shall be applicable to all students enrolled for developmental and/or credit courses, no matter the number of credits for which they are enrolled.
3. No course may be repeated for credit more than twice. The highest grade received will be used in calculating the student’s academic average. This does not apply to those courses that are designed to be repeated for additional credit.
4. Satisfactory completion of fifty percent of the credits attempted (this phrase means actual continued enrollment beyond the add/drop period) will be the minimum standard for good standing.
5. Students who have completed 11 or fewer credits whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 1.5 will be given a written warning. Students who have completed between 12 and 30 credits inclusive whose CGPA falls below 1.7, and those who have completed 31 or more credits whose CGPA falls below 2.0, will be given a written notice that they are placed on academic probation.
6. Students placed on academic probation will be required to take a reduced course load for one semester.
7. Students who, after being placed on academic probation for one semester and after taking a reduced course load, fail to attain the required CGPA as shown above will be notified in writing that they are suspended for one semester.
8. After the period of suspension, students may be reinstated, either as regular or probationary students, upon application to the college.
9. An appeals process will be established by each college, which provides for due process.
10. College procedures will be included in appropriate publications and communications.

(Adopted October 17, 1993, amended January 28, 2002, amended February 23, 2004, amended September 20, 2004)

Definition of Grades & Administrative Marks

A-F

Academic Standard Grades. A letter grade of "A" through "F" indicates a student's performance in terms of the quantity and the quality of that work performance. Only these grades are considered in the determination of a grade point average (GPA) for a student. Any grade followed by the # sign indicates a Developmental Studies course and will not contribute any points to the student's GPA.

I

Incomplete. May be awarded by an instructor only when a majority of course requirements and assignments has been successfully completed. The "I" grade is a deferred grade, neither passing nor failing, on the official transcript. Incomplete work must be submitted to an instructor at least 14 days before the 10th week of the following regular semester so that grades can be submitted no later than the 10th week of the following regular semester, fall or spring.

M

Maintaining progress. An administrative transcript notation used only for Developmental Studies courses to indicate that the student is maintaining progress but not at the usual rate. It may be given to a student for a course only twice.

N

No Grade. A transcript notation for any situation where there is no grade reported at the end of the traditional semester (i.e., no grade received from a faculty member, courses in progress, or no basis for a grade).

P

Passing. "P" is used for students enrolled in non-credit courses. The CEU is a measurement (one unit equals ten class contact hours) nationally recognized by business, industry and professional organizations for evaluating an individual's effort toward professional growth. When "P" is used, it may reflect performance at any of the passing levels (A, B, C, D). Permanent records of CEUs are kept by the Office of Continuing Education programs.

S

Satisfactory progress, mid-term grade only

U

Unsatisfactory progress, mid-term grade only

AU

Audit. "AU" is used for students wishing to take a credit course for no credit. Students must pay the regular fees and audit status must be indicated within four weeks of the start of class. The audit student will receive no credit and a grade of "AU" and may not change to a credit basis. The student may in succeeding semesters take for credit any course he/she has previously audited. Audit courses will be reflected on the student's record as "AU." The student may not petition for credit for the audited course.

W

Withdrawal. "W" is used for students who formally withdraw from a course. Students who withdraw through the Registrar's Office within the first two weeks of the semester receive no grade for the course. Students who formally withdraw after the 2nd week, but prior to the end of the 6th week of classes, automatically receive a grade of "W." After six weeks and up to the 12th week of classes, a "W" may be awarded by the instructor only if formal withdrawal is initiated by the student, and at the discretion of the instructor.

Transcripts

Students wishing to have an official copy of their transcript may request one online by accessing their myCommnet account. A request form, found on the College web site, may also be faxed or mailed to request transcripts. Transcripts, official or unofficial, will not be faxed. No telephone requests can be accepted. Transcript requests are normally processed within 10 working days. There is no charge for official transcripts; any questions contact the Registrars Office at (203) 332-5088.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of points of each grade by the total number of credit hours assigned to that course. The GPA is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Only the academic standard grades of "A," "B," "C," "D," "F" including plus and minus are used in calculating the GPA.

A student's transcript identifies two different Grade Point Average (GPA) ratios. The first is the Semester GPA which is based upon the courses a student has taken during the current semester. The second is a Cumulative GPA which consists of all of the courses a student has taken at the College and the grades received for these courses:

Example:

Course	Credit Hours	Grade	Grade Points
ENG* E101	3	B+	9.9
PSY* E111	3	D	3.0
MAT* E137	3	A	12.0
BIO* E105	4	B-	10.8
	13		35.7

The GPA for this student would be 2.74 for the semester (35.7 divided by 13 = 2.74).

Fresh Start for Readmit Students

Fresh Start Option allows students who have not registered for college credit courses for two or more years and have a poor academic record to refresh their Grade Point Average (GPA) and develop a more favorable academic record. A poor academic record is defined as multiple courses completed with course grades of less than 2.0. The only grades eligible for Fresh Start are those earned prior to readmission.

The Fresh Start Option may be used only once. A student must apply for this option prior to, or during, the first semester after returning to HCC. Students are INELIGIBLE if they have completed a certificate or degree and the option will not apply to completed certificates or degrees.

If the request for the Fresh Start Option is approved, all grades previously earned will remain on the student's transcript. The semesters for which Fresh Start is involved will include a transcript symbol indicating that the policy is in effect. The original GPA will not be included in any subsequent computation of the new GPA. In accordance with the system policy on transfer grades, if the Fresh start option is approved, the student will receive credit for courses with a grade of "C" (not including "C-") or above, including "P" (Pass).

A student must complete a minimum of 15 credits after returning to college under the Fresh Start Option to be eligible for a degree or certificate, and for graduation honors. For more information, please contact the Counseling Center at 332-5097.

Definition of Readmit Student

A "Readmit" student is a student returning to the College after an absence of at least 2 years (including summer and winter sessions).

Definition of a New Student

A "New" student is a first-time first-year student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This definition includes students enrolled for the fall term who attended the same college for the first time in the prior summer term. This definition also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school - AP, Tech Prep/College Career Pathways, HS Partnership, etc.).

Appeal of Grades

A student who wishes to appeal an awarded grade should first confer with the faculty member concerned within 15 days from the time the Registrar posts grades. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that conference, the student may submit a written appeal with the Academic Dean who will consult with the faculty member and the appropriate department chair. The written appeal must include the grade attained, the grade the student believes was earned in the course and the exact reason(s) the grade is incorrect. Reasons that a grade is incorrect are mathematical error or grade assigned on basis other than the criteria cited in the course syllabus.

Academic Honors

Dean's List

There shall be a Dean's List of full-time students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.4 or higher. Part-time students who pursue three credits or more in a semester shall be eligible for semester honors. A course Withdrawal or Incomplete shall make the student ineligible for Dean's List recognition that semester. Upon completion of the Incomplete, the student may be recognized retroactively.

Academic Honor Societies

Phi Theta Kappa

A chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, is active at Housatonic. Students are inducted into the Chi Rho chapter each spring at a formal induction ceremony. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed 30 semester hours at Housatonic with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or better, receive recommendations from faculty members, and have a record of good citizenship and involvement with the College and the community.

Psi Beta©

Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges. It is the first two-year honor society approved for membership in the Association of College Honor Societies, which regulates membership requirements. Psi Beta was founded for the purpose of stimulating, encouraging, and recognizing students' outstanding scholarship and interest in psychology. Psychology students become members by invitation of the College chapter.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Housatonic has a chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma, the International Business Honor Society. This society encourages scholarship among two-year college students in business. To be eligible for membership, a student must be enrolled in a business curriculum and must have completed 40 academic credit hours in courses leading to a degree. Additionally, the student must have attained a 3.2 GPA in business courses and a 3.2 overall cumulative average. Members are eligible for scholarships at four-year institutions, and have networking and leadership opportunities available through a variety of activities.

Academic Standards Criteria

Satisfactory Progress

Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress during their enrollment at the College. See Appendix XI of College Catalog for Board Policy 3.8 Satisfactory Academic Progress (includes Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Student Financial Aid Recipients).

Student Academic Standing

To remain eligible for continued enrollment, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) equal to or above the minimum stated in the Academic Standards Criteria listed below. A student's combined academic standing is determined based on cumulative credit hours, overall GPA, and progress evaluation:

Written Warning:

Description: Student's cumulative grade point average is low, and the student is at risk of continued poor performance at the College. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to four (4) courses totaling no more than 13 credit hours including any required remedial courses. Students in this standing should seek additional advising, tutoring or other help that is available at the College. Please contact the Advising Center (LH- A111), the Academic Support Center (LH- B116), or the Counseling Office (LH- A108) for further assistance. (See chart for explanation.)

GPA Probation:

Description: Student's cumulative grade point average has fallen below the required level. (See chart for explanation)

Result: A student is limited to two (2) courses totaling no more than 7 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If the student has registered for more than 2 courses, s/he must contact the Counseling Office (LH- A108) or the Advising Center (LH- A111) immediately or student's course load may be automatically reduced for him or her.

Progress Probation:

Description: Student has not satisfactorily completed a minimum of 50 percent of student¹s class credits and is not making satisfactory progress towards the completion of his or her coursework, degree, and/or certificate. Grades of "F", "F#", "W", "N" and "N#" are considered unsatisfactory completions and can result in a student being placed into Progress Probation status. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to four (4) courses totaling no more than 13 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If student has registered for more than four (4) courses, student must contact the Counseling Office (LH- A108) or the Advising Center (LH- A111) immediately or student's course load may be automatically reduced for the student.

GPA and Progress Probation:

Description: Students who are on both GPA and Progress probation should read the two descriptions above. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to two (2) courses totaling no more than 7 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If the student has registered for more than 2 courses, s/he must contact the Counseling Office (LH- A108) or the Academic Advising Center (LH- A111) immediately or student's course load may be automatically reduced.

GPA Suspension (prohibits registration):

Description: Student's accumulated credits and cumulative grade point average are below the required level. Students who have been placed on GPA Probation for one semester and who have not attained the overall GPA to move back into good standing are placed on GPA suspension. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: The student is suspended and is not permitted to register for classes at Housatonic for the upcoming semester without prior approval. If student has already registered for the upcoming semester, student will be automatically dropped from all classes one week before the start of classes.

Progress Probation and GPA Suspension (prohibits registration):

Description: Students who are on both Progress Probation and GPA Suspension should read the two descriptions above. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is not permitted to register for classes at Housatonic for the upcoming semester without prior approval. If student has already registered for the upcoming semester, s/he will be automatically dropped from all classes one week before the start of classes.

Independent Study

Outstanding students may study a particular topic or set of topics outside of the classroom under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. The faculty member determines if the student is qualified to undertake the project and provides guidance to the student.

The project must be of an advanced nature and cannot duplicate an existing Housatonic course.

To register for an independent study course, a written study outline or contract must be submitted by the student and approved in writing by the faculty member supervising the project, the department head and the Academic Dean. Full tuition and fees are charged for independent study courses.