DACC Catalog 2013-2014

Catalog - Academic Load Definitions

Academic Load Definitions

Note: Part-time students include anyone who is erolled in 1-11 credit hours for the Fall and Spring terms or 1-5 credit hours for the Summer term.

Maximum Credit Hour Load Procedure

Students are allowed to register for a full-time credit hour load, with counselor/advisor approval, up to the maximums stated below:

Any student who wishes to exceed the maximum credit hour load must have approval from the Director of Enrollment Services. The decision to approve requests to exceed the maximum load would be based upon the student’s academic strengths, class and work schedule, and reason for the request.

Student Classification

Freshman:
A student who has completed 29 or fewer semester hours of college work.

Sophomore:
A student who has completed 30 or more semester hours of college work.

Full-time Student:
A student registered for 12 or more semester hours.

Part-time Student:
A student registered for less than 12 semester hours.

Academic Standards of Progress

I. Grade System
The final semester grades are determined by the instructors, according to the grades the student earns in all phases of class work: class discussions, tests, daily work, laboratory work, reports, term papers, and the semester examinations. Final grades should reflect consistent improvement as well as averaged grades.

Grade reports are issued by the Records Office at the end of each semester. Mid-semester grades are posted by individual instructors.

A student may file notice and repeat any unsuccessfully completed course, and the higher grade earned will be used to compute the cumulative grade point average.

The letter system of grading is employed as follows:

The following grades do not affect grade point average.

(Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory are used in some courses.)

II. Minimum Satisfactory Grade Level
A student will be considered on academic probation if he or she fails to maintain the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) required for good standing as follows:

III. Academic Probation
A student placed on academic probation will be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours of enrollment for the next term. The following criteria also apply:

1. The student must earn a 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) or higher for the term.
2. The student will remain on probation until he/she attains a cumulative GPA for good standing (see above chart).

In the event that the student does not achieve either of the above criteria, the student will be placed on academic suspension for one term.

IV. Academic Probation "Grace Period"
The rapid pace of change in today's society requires everyone to be engaged in lifelong learning. Realizing that personal circumstances and attitudes change over time, returning students who have been absent for five years or more and who have had an unsuccessful academic experience will not be placed on academic probation during their first term of re-enrollment with the College. It is hoped that this "Grace Period" will support students who have an unsatisfactory academic record, but who desire to return to DACC and seriously pursue a course of study.

The returning student's cumulative GPA will be examined following the first term of re-enrollment, and DACC Standards of Progress will apply. Students may wish to explore the possibility of a grade exclusion at that time if appropriate. Please be advised that this "Grace Period" is not relevant to a previous financial aid warning, suspension or ineligible status which is governed by federal and/or state regulations.

V. Readmission
Before a suspended student will be readmitted he or she must prepare a Probation Contract which will identify the measures to be applied to improve the student’s GPA (e.g. change of program, remedial classes, tutorial or other academic support services, etc.). Enrollment for the next semester will be limited to a maximum of eleven (11) credit hours. The student must earn a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) or higher for the term. The student will remain on probation until he/she attains a cumulative GPA for good standing (see above chart). In the event that the student does not achieve either of the above mentioned criteria, the student will be placed on academic suspension for one term.

VI. Appeals
The student enrolled at DACC may appeal an academic suspension through the Associate Vice President of Student Services' Office by completing an Appeals Form. The student's appeal will be reviewed with respect to past/current academic standing and/or demonstrated ability to achieve academic success. Submission of an appeals form does not guarantee or suggest automatic reinstatement. The Associate Vice President of Student Services office located in room 104 of Lincoln Hall.

President's/Honor List

Danville Area Community College recognizes outstanding scholastic achievements of students each semester. Students who complete twelve or more degree credit hours and earn a 4.00 semester grade point average on a 4.0 scale have their names placed on the President's List. Students who complete twelve or more degree credit hours and earn a 3.50 semester grade point average on a 4.0 scale have their names placed on the Honor's List. 

Class Schedule Changes (Drop/Add Procedure)

Changes in class schedules may be made during formal registration and the first week of classes. Changes in schedules must be approved by a counselor/educational advisor in writing. Changes made after the first day of class must also be approved by the appropriate instructor.

Changes in class schedules for students receiving student aid may result in changes to previous awarded amounts. It is advised to check with the Financial Aid Office when making changes.

Student athletes should also consult with their coach before making any changes to their schedule. Changes in athlete schedules can affect the eligibility of the entire team.

Course Attendance

To maximize the probability of academic success, students are expected to attend all classes and scheduled laboratories for the courses in which they have enrolled. Attendance exceptions may be made by the course instructor. It is each student’s responsibility to become familiar with the attendance expectations of the instructor during the first week of class. Students who do not feel they can meet the attendance expectations for the course should withdraw during the first week of class. An instructor may withdraw students for excessive course absences.

Danville Area Community College recognizes and respects the broad diversity of religious beliefs and practices of its students in accordance with the University Religious Observances Act (110 ILCS 110/1.5). Please note, "religious observance" or "religious practice" includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief.

Illinois' Public Act 110 ILCS 110/1.5 states the following:
Sec. 1.5 Absence of student due to religious beliefs. (a) In this Section, "institution of higher learning" has the meaning ascribed to that term in the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. (b) Any student in an institution of higher learning, other than a religious or denominational institution of higher learning, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided that the student notifies the faculty member or instructor well in advance of any anticipated absence or a pending conflict between a scheduled class and the religious observance and provided that the make-up examination, study, or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon the institution. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the student such an opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this Section. (c) A copy of this Section shall be published by each institution of higher learning in the catalog of the institution containing the list of available courses.

Requirement of Absence Notification: DACC faculty and administrative personnel require 5 (five) calendar days of advance notice from students of upcoming religious observance absences to ensure the timeliness of the required actions.

Grievance Procedures: Students may contact the Dean of Student Services (Lincoln Hall, Room 104) in the event that reasonable accommodations have not been made in accordance with this policy. The Dean will work with the faculty member and appropriate academic administrators to work toward a reasonable accommodation for religious observance.

Withdrawal Policy

For classes that meet 5 weeks or longer, students may withdraw from a course up until the end of the week that 75% of the course has been completed (according to course start and end dates). For classes that meet 4 weeks or less, students may withdraw up until the Friday (or end of the week) prior to the end of the course. Since start/end dates vary, withdrawal dates will be posted every semester. It is the student's responsibility to know the dates. Withdrawal dates are posted on the DACC website at www.dacc.edu/ar/withdraw.html.

Non-attendance does not automatically withdraw a student from a class. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw him or herself. Students should contact the Admissions and Records Office or their Academic Advisor/Counselor by phone or in-person to officially withdraw. If receiving financial aid, students are encouraged to seek counseling prior to withdrawing from coursework, as their financial aid may affected. Failure to do so may result in the student owing refunds to Federal and/or State programs and result in restrictions for future student aid. Owing a debt to the school results in restrictions for future enrollment. Student athletes should also consult with their coach before withdrawing.

Examinations

Students are expected to be present for all examinations unless they are unable to attend due to serious illness, accident, or other reasons beyond the student’s control. No fee will be charged to make up hour, mid-term, or final examinations.

CAAP Assessment Requirement

Danville Area Community College requires all Associate Degree applicants for graduation to complete the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP). The CAAP assessment test is a form of exit assessment, the purpose of which is the improvement of instruction and student learning. Prospective graduates participate in an assessment session, approximately 45 minutes in length conducted in a group setting. Each participant completes a general education inventory and a survey of college outcomes. You may contact the Assessment Office for additional information and to schedule an appointment. There is no charge to the student for this assessment.

The CAAP consists of three exams in writing, reading, and mathematics. DACC's Assessment of General Education (AGE) will only measure one general education skill set per year; as a result students will be given only one exam. Upon completion, the exams will be sent off campus for scoring by ACT. Successful completion of this exam is a graduation requirement.

The DACC's Assessment of General Education (AGE) is designed to assess student learning in the general education core. Completion of the CAAP will be indicated on the student's transcript. General studies students will receive notification from the Registrar's Office when they are required to take the exam.

Final Examination

The Office of Instruction will authenticate legitimate absences from final examinations. Only serious illness, accident, or other reasons beyond the student’s control will be accepted as a legitimate absence. This entitles the student to make up the examination without a grade penalty.

The instructor will make the final decision in cases where the absence has not been authenticated by the Vice President of Instruction. In such cases the instructor has the option of lowering the course grade if the make-up is permitted.

It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for making up a final examination if absent at a regularly scheduled period. Make-up periods for final examinations will be scheduled within one week after the original examination period.

Students who have missed final examinations due to extenuating circumstances must arrange for making up the examination within thirty days after the scheduled final examination period.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College is an approved CLEP testing center. Examinations will be administered on scheduled dates by College personnel. Information regarding test registration procedures and fees is available from the Assessment Center. Information on the required scores for credit to be granted can be obtained on the DACC ebsite at www.dacc.edu/aac/toolbox/clep.html. The minimum score required and the number of semester hours awarded is generally based on guidelines set by the American Council on Education (ACE). An official CLEP transcript must be submitted to the Records Office for evaluation.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit:

Danville Area Community College recognizes credit earned through The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations. However, DACC requires a minimum score, set for each exam. The minimum score required and the number of semester hours awarded is generally based on guidelines set by the American Council on Education (ACE). Information on the credit awarded can be found on the DACC website at www.dacc.edu/aac/toolbox/ap-credit.html

Credit for Military Service

Members and former members of the Armed Services may be granted credit for military experience. Veterans must present a copy of their separation papers and/or their military transcript(s) to the Office of the Registrar for credit evaluation.

Credits In Escrow

Through Credits In Escrow, academically capable high school students may enroll in college credit courses while still enrolled in high school. The credits earned are placed in escrow pending graduation from high school at which time the credits are applied toward the student's college certificate or degree program.

Eligibility Criteria for Credits In Escrow:

1. High School Seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Students will be considered Seniors the summer after completion of the Junior year in High School.
2. High School Juniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.5 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Students will be considered Juniors the summer after completion of the Sophomore year in high school.
3. Appropriate placement scores in subject area disciplines which require stipulated entry level skills as required by the College.
4. A recommendation in writing from the high school principal, counselor, or other school designee which approves the student for enrollment in college credit course work.
5. Additionally, the High School will stipulate on the written recommendation the maximum number of courses and/or credit hours for which the student may enroll during any given term.
6. Payment of DACC tuition and fees by the student.

Exceptions:

High School students requesting an exception to the eligibility criteria excluding placement testing may be considered on an individual basis by the students' home high school.

Dual Enrollment Guidelines

Through the High School/College Dual Enrollment, academically capable high school students may enroll in college credit courses and receive credit toward both the high school diploma and a college certificate or degree program of study.

1. High School Seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Students will be considered Seniors the summer after completion of the Junior year in High School.
2. High School Juniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.5 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Students will be considered Juniors the summer after completion of the Sophomore year in high school.
3. Appropriate placement scores in subject area disciplines which require stipulated entry level skills as required by the College.
4. A recommendation in writing from the high school principal, counselor, or other school designee which approves the student for enrollment in the college credit course.
5. The College will waive tuition costs for Illinois high school students. The student will be responsible for payment of fees and instructional materials if applicable.
6. Note: Dual Enrollment coursework is not eligible credits for Federal and/or State Student Financial Aid (Federal Title IV or ILMAP/IIA)

Exceptions:

High School students requesting an exception to the eligibility criteria, excluding placement testing, may be considered on an individual basis by the students' home high school.