Academic Policies

Graduation Policies

Requirements for the Associate Degree

To be eligible for an Associate degree, students must

1.   Complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of college-level work, with a grade point average of 2.00 of higher.

2.   Complete a minimum of 15 credit hours at Harford Community College.

3.   Complete general education, diversity, physical education, testing and essential technical standards as applicable, and degree requirements in each program of student in which the degree is to be awarded. 

4.   Be recommended by the Associate Vice President for Student Development for graduation.

5.   Be conferred by the President and Board of Trustees of Harford Community College.

Requirements for Certificate

To be eligible for a Certificate, students must:

1. Complete the required courses of an approved certificate program with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher and such testing as may be required by the College.
    
2. Earn at least 25 percent of the credit hours at Harford Community College.
    
3. Demonstrate basic competencies in English, reading, and mathematics by completing the following:

·         English: Scoring at or above college level on the writing assessment or passing Basic Writing (English 012), or Integrated Reading and Writing (ENG 018) or ESL Basic Writing (ENG 060). The appropriate English course is determined by the specific certificate program requirements.

·         Reading: Scoring at or above college level on the reading assessment or passing Reading and Understanding College Textbooks (ENG 003) or Integrated Reading and Writing (ENG 018).

·         Mathematics: Scoring at or above the level of Introductory Algebra (MATH 002) or passing Fundamentals of Mathematics (MATH 001) or Pre-Algebra (MATH 010).

4. Complete testing and/or essential technical standards as applicable.
    
5. Be recommended by the Associate Vice President for Student Development for graduation.
    
6. Be conferred by the President and Board of Trustees of Harford Community College.

Requirements Applicable to All Students

Student Declaration of Degree or Certificate Program

Students who choose a degree or certificate program upon admission to the College must follow the program requirements in effect for the academic year (September 1 to August 31) for which they are admitted.

College Modification of Degree or Certificate Requirements

If the College changes the degree/certificate requirements after a student has been admitted/readmitted, the student may complete the graduation requirements in effect at the time of admission/readmission or may choose the full requirements of the new program.  Students who decide to change to the revised program requirements must notify the Registration and Records Office of their intent to change to the current College Catalog.

Student Change of Program

Students who change their program must complete the full requirements of the new program published in the College Catalog for the academic year (September 1 to August 31) in which the change is made.  Course substitutions, waivers, or in-residency appeals previously approved for a program of study will apply only to that program.  A change in program may also change the transfer courses and credits that apply to a program of study.  Students who decide to change their program of study must notify the Registration and Records Office of their intent.

Student Change of Educational Goal

Students who change their status from "Taking Courses" to seeks a degree or certificate must follow the program requirements in effect for the academic year (September 1 to August 31) in which the change is made.  Students who change their status from "Taking Courses" to seeking a degree must complete the College Academic Skills Assessment before the change of educational goal can be officially processed.  Students identified as needing to improve one or more basic skills will be required to enroll in the appropriate transitional studies course(s) prior to or concurrently with the program requirements.  Students who decide to seek a degree or certificate must notify the Registration and Records Office of their intent to change their academic goal.

Changes in Graduation Requirements

If the College changes a program in a way that prevents a student from meeting the graduation requirements in effect at the time of the student's admission, the change may necessitate appropriate course substitutions.  Course substitutions must be appealed through an appeal form filed at the Registration and Records Office.

Double/Multiple Major Declaration  With the exception of General Studies and Technical/Professional Studies, students may simultaneously pursue the requirements of two or more different majors.  Pursuit of more than one major should be discussed in the early stages with an advisor and must be declared on the Application for Graduation.  The student must follow the requirements in effect for the same year for all programs.  Upon successful completion of double or multiple majors that fall under one degree type (i.e., AA, AS, AAS, or AAT), students will be issued one diploma for that graduation term. Duplicate diplomas may be requested for a fee. In cases where students have successfully completed requirements for programs that fall under two or more degree types, a diploma for each type of degree will be issued. All majors will be announced at commencement ceremonies and annotated on the student's transcript of record.

Failure to meet the requirements for one of the two or more declared majors will result in the awarding of a single major degree.

Existing institutional policies governing graduation requirements and residency will remain in effect.

Additional Degree or Certificate

After completion of a degree or certificate, students may earn a subsequent degree or certificate by meeting the program requirements for that degree or certificate.  However, for each additional degree or certificate, the student must meet the residency requirement of an additional 15 credit hours for the Associate degree, or 25 percent of the credit hours for the Certificate since receipt of the last degree or certificate.  Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all courses completed for the additional degree or certificate.

Awarding Degrees and Certificates

Diplomas are conferred in August, December, and May of each year.  May graduation requirements must be met by May 31; December graduation requirements must be met by December 31; August graduation requirements must be met by August 31.  Students will receive notification from the Registration and Records Office when diplomas/certificates for each graduation term are available for pick up. If the student has an outstanding financial obligation to the College, diplomas will not be issued until the obligation is resolved.  The Registration and Records Office is authorized to issue letters of completion to students who need verification of program completion at other times.  Formal commencement ceremonies are held once a year in May for all graduating classes within the academic year.

The policies stated above are effective Fall 2012.  For policies relative to prior years, please refer to the appropriate year's catalog.

Application for Graduation

To apply for graduation from Harford Community College, click here .

Grades and Grade Reports

The following grading policy is in effect for all students, regardless of the year in which they enrolled at the College.  Deficiency reports for D or F academic performance are available to students approximately at the midpoint of the 15-week course.

Official grades and symbols earned by students in each course will be recorded, and, upon request from the student, will be issued to designated individuals or agencies after all final grade processing is complete.  Grade information is also available online.  If the student has an outstanding financial balance due payable to the College, transcripts will not be issued until the obligation is resolved.

Grades and Quality Points

• A - Excellent (4 Quality Points)
• B - Good (3 Quality Points)
• C - Average (2 Quality Points)
• D - Poor (1 Quality Point)
• F - Failure to meet course requirements (0 Quality Points)

Letter grades for transitional studies courses (courses below 100 level) will be noted with an *.  D* grades are not issued in transitional studies courses.

Symbols and Quality Points

• M - Making Progress (0 Quality Points)
• W - Withdrawal (0 Quality Points)
• I - Incomplete (0 Quality Points)
• K - Audit (0 Quality Points)
• N - No Grade Provided (0 Quality Points)
• R - Continuing Research (0 Quality Points)

M - Student is making progress but has not completed enough of the transitional studies course objectives to warrant an I grade.  Students earning an M grade in a course that is a prerequisite to a transitional or credit course

W - Indicates course withdrawal without a grade.  Withdrawal can be initiated by the student or by the College.  Thy symbol W is not used in computing the Grade Point Average (GPA).

I - Faculty member agrees that the student can meet course requirements without additional registration.  The symbol I must be resolved by completing the requirements of the course within a period prescribed by the instructor, but in no case later than 60 days after the end of the semester in which the I was awarded.  In the event the I is not resolved, the symbol will automatically convert to an F which will be used in computing the GPA.

K - Designates audit (not for credit).  The symbol K will not be used in computing the GPA.

N - The N symbol is assigned by the Registration and Records Office in the event that a grade is not provided by the instructor.  The N symbol must be resolved by the instructor.

R - Student is completing work on a portfolio and is awarded for satisfactory completion of APL 102, a continuing research component of the portfolio assessment program.  Students may earn up to two R symbols.  R is included in earned credits but is not used in computing GPA.

Change of Final Grade

In cases where a student alleges that a final course grade was unjustified, the student first attempts to resolve the conflict with the instructor by initiation the appeal process in writing no later than 60 days after the conclusion of the semester or term in which the grade was awarded.  With the appeal, the student must submit in writing his/her rationale supported by appropriate documentation.  If the conflict cannot be resolved, the complaint shall be present by the student to the division leader in which the course is offered and if necessary, the division leader may request documentation about the complaint.  The decision of the division leader is final.

Grade Point Average

Semester Grade Point Average

The semester grade point average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the number of credit hours in each course successfully completed by the number of points corresponding to the final grade for the course.  The total is then divided by the number of credit GPA hours completed during that semester.  The GPA is computer only on college level credit courses complete at Harford Community College.  Course for which a symbol (M, W, I, K, N, R) is awarded will not be considered in calculating the GPA.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The cumulative GPA is determined in the same manner as the semester GPA.  In the case of repeated courses, only the last grade earned will be used in computing the cumulative GPA.

Academic Standards for Credit Students

At the end of the fall and spring semesters and summer and winter sessions, each student's academic standing is reviewed.  Academic Standing is determined by the relationship between a student's GPA and the total cumulative GPA hours.  There are four levels of academic standing:  Good Academic Standing, Academic Warning, Academic Restriction and Academic Suspension.

Good Academic Standing, Academic Warning and Academic Restriction

Good Academic Standing

Students must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA as indicated on the table above to be placed in good academic standing.  Students are required to earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in order to be awarded an associate degree or a certificate.

During fall and spring semesters, students in good academic standing may register for a maximum of eighteen (18) credits which may include a combination of:

• Nine (9) credits during a seven (7) week session.
• Twelve (12) credits during a ten (10) week session.
• Six (6) credits during a five (5) week session.

During the entire summer session, students in good academic standing may register for a maximum of twelve (12) credits which may include a combination of six (6) credits during any single summer session.  If the session dates overlap, no more than six (6) credits may be taken.  During the winter session students in good academic standing can register for a maximum of four (4) credits.

Academic Warning

Students placed on academic warning will have this fact noted on their transcripts and the compliance results and they are required to

• Meet with advising staff before registering for any credit or transitional studies course.
• Meet with advising staff before making any changes to their class schedule.

Placement on academic warning will continue until the student's cumulative GPA increases above the level indicated on the Academic Progress Table.

Academic Restriction

Students placed on academic restriction will have this fact noted on their transcripts and the compliance results and they are required to

• Meet with advising staff before registering for any credit or transitional studies course.
• Meet with advising staff before making any changes to their class schedule.

Students placed on academic restriction may register for a maximum of seven (7) credits during fall and spring semesters and summer session and four (4) credits during winter session.

Students who attain a 2.50 GPA or higher in at least six (6) college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or higher) during a restricted semester, yet fail to meet the minimum cumulative GPA on the Academic Progress Table, may discuss waiver of the seven (7) credit limit with an academic advisor.

Placement on academic restriction will continue until the student's cumulative GPA increases above the level indicated on the Academic Progress Table.

Academic Suspension

After a student is on academic restriction for one semester and does not achieve the minimum GPA as listed on the Academic Suspension Table during the next semester of enrollment, the student will then be placed on academic suspension.

• Students will not be placed on academic suspension at the end of any review period in which they have achieved a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
• Students placed on academic suspension after the spring or summer semesters will not be allowed to re-enroll until the following winter semester.  Students placed on academic suspension after the fall or winter semesters will not be allowed to re-enroll until the following summer semester.
• After the semester of non-enrollment lapses:
• Students must see an advising staff member to request re-enrollment.
• Students who are removed from academic suspension will be on academic restriction and may not register for more than seven (7) credits.

Schedule Change - Dropping Classes and Refunds

You may drop classes during the official refund period and receive a full refund.  Dropped classes will not appear on your transcript.  Students with Financial Aid must officially drop their classes within the refund period to avoid being held personally liable for payment.  Refunds are based upon the date official notification is received by the Registration and Records Office.  If the notification is submitted by mail, the postmark is the official notification date.  You may also drop classes online via OwlNet.  Refund checks are mailed approximately four weeks after the official notification has been received.

Exceptions to the refund policy will be considered for documented extenuating circumstances, such as, but not limited to, serious illness/accident/medical condition, assignment to active duty in armed services, death in the immediate family, involuntary transfer or change in work hours by employer.  For more information, contact the Registration and Records Office.

Schedule Change - Adding Classes

Once a session begins, you will not be able to register for a class in OwlNet.  You must complete a credit schedule form and submit it to the Registration and Records Office.

Currently registered students may add courses as follows:

• For 15-week classroom and hybrid format classes, you may add a course up to the start of the second class meeting.
• For all other classroom and hybrid format classes (13-week, 10-week, 8-week, 5-week, 3-week, Term 1 and 2, Special Session, and Weekend), you may add a class up to the start time of the first class meeting.
• For online classes, you may add a course up to the first day of the semester, term, or session.

Withdrawal from Classes

After the refund deadline and before the official withdrawal deadline, you can withdraw from a class without academic penalty and a "W" will appear on your transcript.  No refund is granted after the refund deadline.  Non-attendance does not constitute automatic withdrawal.  You can withdraw online via OwlNet or at the Registration and Records Office.  Students who stop attending and fail to withdraw could be issued an "F" grade.

Late Withdrawal

An instructor and the faculty division dean may approve a student's request for withdrawal after the official withdrawal deadline but before the last day of the semester, term, or session for documented extenuating circumstances.  These circumstances include, but are not limited to, serious illness/accident/medical condition, assignment to active duty in armed services, death in the immediate family, involuntary transfer or change in work hours by employer.  Students are responsible for completing and submitting the Late Withdrawal form and documentation to the Registration and Records Office after receiving the required signatures.

Wait List Procedures

You may wait list a class through OwlNet or you may complete and submit a wait list form to the Registration and Records Office. You may wait list up to two sections ONLY of the same course.  If you wait list more than two sections of the same course, all wait listed sections of that particular course will be dropped.  As openings occur, you will receive an email notification to your HCC OwlMail account from Registration and Records which will prompt you to register for the wait listed course within a designated time frame.  If you fail to take action within that time frame, you will be automatically dropped from the wait list, and the next wait listed student will be notified that a space is available.

Auditing Classes

Students may register for audit (not for credit) during any registration.  Students may change from audit to credit at any time before the official refund deadline.  Students may change from credit to audit with the instructor's permission at any time before the official withdrawal deadline.  An instructor and the faculty division dean may approve a student's request for a change from credit to audit after the official withdrawal deadline but before the last day of the semester, term, or session for documented extenuating circumstances.  These circumstances include, but are not limited to, serious illness/accident/medical condition, assignment to active duty in armed forces, death in the immediate family, involuntary transfer or change in work hours by employer.  Audit classes require the same tuition and fees as regular credit classes.  Students auditing a course will be expected to meet the requirements set by the instructor. 

Repeating Classes

Students may repeat a course only one time. Students wishing to attempt a second repeat (third enrollment) or more must receive the approval of an advising staff member, faculty advisor, or academic division dean. Certain courses previously identified by the divisions (e.g. music ensembles, physical education activities, etc.) represent exceptions to the policy.  Only the last grade earned in a repeated course will be used in computing the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).  The symbol M is considered a repeat.  Symbols W and K are not considered repeats.

Refund Policy

Refunds will be granted to students withdrawing from the College or from individual credit courses according to the following policy:

Refund checks will be mailed approximately four weeks from the date of withdrawal.  Exceptions to the Refund Policy will be considered for documented extenuating circumstances, such as, but not limited to, serious illness/accident/medical condition, assignment to active duty in armed services, death in the immediate family, involuntary transfer or change in work hours by employer.

Students are required to submit a "Refund Exception Request" appeal form with appropriate documentation to the Registration and Records Office.  This request will be reviewed by the Refund Exception Committee which meets monthly.  Submission of the request does not guarantee a full or partial refund.  Decisions made by the committee are final.  Requests for refunds from prior semesters, sessions or terms will not be granted.

Students receiving any type of federal financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawal from courses.

INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

In cases where a student is unable or unwilling to request a voluntary withdrawal from the College, and the student poses a direct threat of harm to self or others or substantially impedes the continuance of normal College functions, the College reserves the right to involuntarily withdraw such student.

ACADEMIC RENEWAL

Students may request to have up to 16 college-level credits of D or F grades designated as XD or XF, respectively, on their academic transcript.  These grades must have been received in courses taken five or more years prior to the date of the request for academic renewal.  Additionally, the student must complete a minimum of 12 college-level credits with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA since the last semester for which the academic renewal is being requested.  These credits can be earned t any college/university.  Request for academic renewal can be made only one time.  Under no circumstance will grades earned by a student at HCC be deleted from the student's permanent record or be excluded from any transcripts sent by HCC; however, the XD or XF grades will no longer be calculated in the student's grade point average (GPA). 

It is recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to determine which courses are most appropriate for this request.  If the student disagrees with the determination of the Registration and Records Office, the student has the right to appeal the decision by filing an appeal form with the Registration and Records Office.  The student will be notified of the decision. 

Students should be aware that academic renewal granted by this institution may not be recognized by other institutions to which they may transfer.

COLLEGE-WIDE REQUIREMENTS IN COMPOSITION

Students must meet certain minimum composition requirements for written work submitted in all courses.  These requirements state:

1.  All papers must demonstrate that the student has a reasonable degree of skill in presenting material in a clear and logical manner.

2.  All papers must demonstrate college-level competence in grammar and in the mechanics of composition, spelling and punctuation.

3.  All graduates must attain at least a D grade in ENG 101 (English Composition) or pass a standardized college-wide writing examination.

Grades on papers that are poorly written, regardless of the course, may be reduced for the quality of the writing alone; in extreme cases, a failing grade in the course may be given for this reason alone.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND REQUIREMENTS

Students must meet certain minimum composition requirements for written work submitted in all courses.  These Requirements state:

1. All papers must demonstrate that the student has a reasonable degree of skill in presenting material in a clear and logical manner.

2. All papers must demonstrate college-level competence in grammar and in the mechanics of composition, spelling, and punctuation.

3. All graduates must attain at least a D grade in ENG 101 (English Composition) or pass a standardized college-wide writing examination.

Grades on papers that are poorly written, regardless of the course, may be reduced for the quality of the writing alone; in extreme cases, a failing grade in the course may be given for this reason alone.

A student whose first language is other than English will be required to take an examination to determine proficiency in English.  If it is determined that a student is not adequately proficient in English, the College requires appropriate remedial or language training before the continuation of a program.

Certificate or degree-seeking students completing ENG 012 (Basic Writing), ENG 018 (Integrated Reading and Writing), or ENG 060 (ESL Basic Writing) must enroll in ENG 101 (English Composition) at their next registration. ENG 101 (English Composition) must be completed with a grade of D or better prior to earning 18 college-level credits.  The 18 credits include transfer credits.

MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENTS

Students who are enrolled in associate degree programs are encouraged to enroll in mathematics as soon as possible.  Once students begin their required mathematics sequence as determined by their Academic Skills Assessment, enrollment in mathematics is recommended during subsequent semesters until the student has passes a college-level mathematics course. 

TRANSITIONAL STUDIES

Harford Community College expects competence in reading, writing, and mathematics as the necessary foundation for success in college.  The Educational and Transitional Studies Division offers transitional courses for students who demonstrate on the Academic Skills Assessment the need to improve one or more of the basic skills.  Transitional courses provide a supportive instructional environment that allows students to attain the basic skills and attitudes to perform effectively in college-level study.  

Transitional Studies courses are listed under the English, mathematics, human development and chemistry sections in the Schedule of Classes and begin with the number 0 or 00.  These courses are used to determine full-time or part-time status; however, credits earned are shown as "0" on the student's academic transcripts and cannot be applied toward fulfillment of a degree or certificate.  Grades earned in transitional studies courses are not computed into the student's GPA.

Students enrolling in transitional courses should allow one hour per week on campus in addition to class time.  This time is necessary to complete tests and quizzes in the Test Center and to take advantage of other support services.

If Academic Skills Assessment results indicate that a student needs to enroll in transitional courses, such courses must be completed prior to or concurrently with other college courses.  If enrolled in a degree or certificate program with an English Composition (ENG 101) requirement, the student must enroll in these courses at the next registration after successfully completing Basic Writing (ENG 012) or Integrated Reading and Writing (ENG 018). It is strongly recommended that students consult with an advisor before withdrawing from any Transitional Studies course.

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites are courses that must be completed before attending a higher level course.  Students can register for the next semester if presently enrolled in prerequisite course(s).  If the student does not successfully complete the prerequisite, the College has the right to drop administratively the student from the higher level course.

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