Academic Regulations

Catalog of Record

Students have the option of graduating under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment as long as the student remains continuously enrolled, but students must complete requirements within ten (10) years of the catalog selected.

Registration

Students are urged to register on the days designated in the College calendar. Students who enter after classes have begun are at a disadvantage and are responsible for all work prior to their entrance. New and returning students should begin the process at the Office of Admissions. Continuing students should see their advisors. WebADVISOR online registration is available for admitted students to select and register for classes for the following semester. All students except special/visiting students are required to speak to their advisor before registering online.

Semester Hours

The unit of measurement for credit purposes is the semester hour. One semester hour represents the credit earned in a lecture course that is scheduled for one class hour per week for 16 weeks. For laboratory work, two class hours per week in the laboratory are required for a single semester hour of credit. For shop work or clinical hours, three hours in the shop or clinic per week are required for a single hour of credit. For Work-Based Learning and internships, ten hours per week are required for a single hour of credit. Generally, a student should spend two clock hours in preparation for one class hour.

Semester Course Load

Students taking 12 credit hours or more are considered full-time students; students with 9-11 credit hours are considered 3/4 time, and students with 6-8 credit hours are considered 1/2 time. Students with less than six credit hours are less than half time.

The maximum credit hours for students enrolled in AA, AE, AS, AFA, AGE, AAS, diploma, or certificate programs is 18 hours. Students may enroll for more than the maximum hours with the approval of the division dean.

Special/visiting students normally will not be allowed to take more than 15 credit hours without declaring a major. Exceptions to this must be approved by the Dean of Student Services. Exceptions will be made only with sufficient justification and documentation.

College-Level Student Competencies

Students from Lenoir Community College’s certificate programs will be able to:

1. Perform entry-level technical skills appropriate to their areas of study and
2. Demonstrate mathematical skills appropriate to their areas of study

In addition to these, students from Lenoir Community College’s diploma programs will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively in reading, writing, speaking, and listening;
2. Demonstrate critical thinking and Problem-Solving Skills; and
3. Apply scientific principles within their area of study.

In addition to these, students from Lenoir Community College’s associate degree programs will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of basic information technologies;
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the humanities or fine arts to achieve philosophical, literary, and artistic expressions that constitute cultural understanding; and
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the social sciences to apply basic concepts involving relationships among individuals, groups, and social structures.

Program-level competencies have also been developed for all programs.

College Success

Curriculum students seeking a degree or diploma are required to take ACA 111 - College Student Success  or ACA 122 - College Transfer Success . These courses are designed to eliminate many of the problems normally faced by new students when they first enroll at the College. Students are acquainted with the College’s environment, policies, courses, staff and transfer readiness when applicable.

1. Students enrolled in certificate programs are not required to take ACA 111  or ACA 122 .
2. Students who have transferred from another post-secondary institution, who have not completed a course equivalent to ACA 111  or ACA 122 , are required to take either ACA 111  or ACA 122 .

Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in ACA 111  or ACA 122  during their first semester at the College.

Tutorial Center

The Tutorial Center is located on the first floor of the LAP/Science Building. It provides students with opportunities to (1) increase their knowledge and skills through research and computer-assisted instruction, (2) receive tutorial assistance in mastering required standards of performance in a particular program, and (3) increase their knowledge and skills through use of enrichment activities. Peer tutors are available to support students with the use of equipment and software. Online tutoring at no cost is also available to all LCC curriculum students in many subjects through a link in every Moodle course.

Academic Writing Support Services

Full-time English faculty provides academic support for curriculum students enrolled in LCC courses. Instructors focus on assisting students to reach their academic and personal goals through strengthening their writing skills. The English faculty has a vested interest in student success at LCC. All curriculum students are invited to seek out English faculty for assistance with strengthening their writing skills. Each writing session will be held in English faculty offices by appointment. Students can stop by the Tutoring Center for office and appointment information.

Virtual Transfer Center

The Virtual Transfer Center is designed to provide current and prospective students with information relevant to college and university transfer. This site is the online hub for college transfer information for LCC students. Students are encouraged to utilize the resources on this site to make sound decisions about selecting a college or university. Understanding the transfer pathway is critical to your success both here at LCC and at the next institution the student attends. The College is committed to student success and to help make the transition to the next level of education seamless.

Grading System and Quality Point Average

The 4.00 quality point system is used to calculate student grade point averages. Grade point averages are computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. The letter grades used are as follows:

When the grade “F,” “R,” “W,” or “IP” is received in a course, the student must reenroll and satisfactorily complete the course requirements in order to receive credit for the course.

Developmental/Transition courses are numbered 0-99, and letter grades are required. Grades awarded include “A,” “B,” “C,” “PA,” “PB,” “IP,” “R,” “I,” “P1,” “P2,” “P3,” and “W.” The hours attempted and grade points accumulated for developmental courses are counted in the semester and cumulative totals but do not count toward graduation requirements.

All grade changes other than “I” and “LA” must be approved by the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.

Significance of Course Prefix and Numbers

Courses with numbers of 0-99 are designed for students who have not demonstrated the necessary skills to enter the first year courses in a subject area. These courses give local credit only and do not count toward graduation.

Courses with numbers of 100-199 are freshman level; 200-299 are sophomore level. Courses are designated by a three-letter prefix which denotes the subject area. These courses are designed to fulfill requirements for all degrees, diplomas, and/or certificates.

Transition Courses

Designated transition courses should be completed within the first two semesters of enrollment at Lenoir Community College.  Transitions courses are offered in English and math each semester to prepare students for required program courses.  Advisors along with the Academic Transition Coordinator can advise students concerning the need to register for and complete transition courses.     

Course Prerequisites

A prerequisite is a course or test score which must be met prior to entering the desired course. Students must comply with state and local requirements that courses may not be taken until all prerequisites have been met.

Exceptions to this requirement must be requested by the division dean and approved by the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. Students will be required to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills for admission to the course by meeting the following criteria: (1) successful completion of credit by exam, (2) successful completion of a higher level or similar course; or (3) possession of a relevant and current licensure or certification.

Course Corequisites

A corequisite is a course or test score which must be taken simultaneously with the desired course. If a student drops or withdraws from one part of the required corequisite, then both parts must be dropped or withdrawn. For example: CHM 131  and CHM 131A –a student dropping or withdrawing from CHM 131  is required to also drop or withdraw from CHM 131A  since the state corequisite for CHM 131  is CHM 131A .

Repetition of Course Work

The division dean’s approval is required for students to repeat courses audited or passed with a grade of “C” or better. This includes courses taken at other institutions.

Students who repeat courses at Lenoir Community College will have all attempts shown on their official records, and all credit hours attempted will be computed in the cumulative grade point average. In no case will a Lenoir Community College student be allowed to enroll in the same or equivalent course(s) concurrently either here or at another institution. The required Permit to Repeat Course(s) form, available at the Registrar’s Office, must be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office at the time of registration.

Academic Forgiveness

A student who has not been enrolled in curriculum courses for 36 consecutive months may request the Registrar to evaluate the student’s academic record. Under this policy, the student may request that previous grades of “F” not be used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. Prior to reevaluation, the student must be readmitted to the College and complete at least 12 credit hours of course work. The student must maintain at least a 2.50 GPA on those 12 credit hours. The Registrar, at the request of the student, will reevaluate the cumulative grade point average as appropriate. A reevaluation is provided only once for each student. Note: Recipients of financial aid or veteran’s benefits may not be eligible for this forgiveness policy based on federal guidelines and regulations. The student should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Posting of Grades

As soon as the grades are recorded for each term, grades will be available through WebADVISOR. Faculty may also post grades in a non-identifiable form in convenient places so that students may view them.

Auditing Courses

Students who wish to audit courses must register through an advisor. Although students auditing a course receive no credit, at the discretion of the instructor, they may be required to attend classes regularly, participate in class discussions, and meet other course requirements. Any student auditing a class who does not meet requirements set by the instructor is subject to suspension from that class. Students auditing a course are charged the same fee as students taking courses for credit. Prerequisite and corequisite requirements must be met in order to audit a course.

Students wishing to audit class(es) must notify their advisors at the time of registration and their instructor(s) upon entry into the class(es). Audit cannot be changed to credit or credit to audit after the deadline for adding courses.

Adding Courses, Dropping Courses, and Withdrawing From the College

Students who find it necessary to add or drop courses or withdraw from college should confer with their instructors and advisors. Forms are secured from the advisors or the Registrar’s Office, and withdrawals must be signed by an advisor or the Dean of Student Services.

Courses may be added during the add period with advisor approval. Adding courses after the add period through the 10% point of the course requires the instructor’s approval. However, after the 10% point of the semester, courses may be added with the recommendation of the instructor and the division dean and with the approval of the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.

For courses dropped or withdrawals from the College prior to or at the 10% point of the semester, no grade is awarded. The course does not appear on the student’s permanent record.

After the 10% point, students who officially drop or withdraw receive a grade of a “W.”

CEEB Advanced Placement Program

Lenoir Community College participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Students who wish to present Advanced Placement Test Scores should have those scores sent directly to the Registrar from the College Board. Students entering a program who have demonstrated their achievement by meeting minimum scores upon taking the Advanced Placement Examinations may receive semester hour credit in the appropriate college course(s) as follows:

CLEP Placement Program

Lenoir Community College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Contact the Registrar for information on tests accepted, scores, and course credit for CLEP. A CLEP transcript must be forwarded to the Registrar before any credit can be awarded.

Credit by Examination

A curriculum student may petition the division dean for credit by examination. The dean coordinates with the instructor regarding the administration of the examination, which is administered in a manner appropriate to the course. The grade earned on the examination will be entered into the student’s record and credits earned will be applied toward graduation requirements. A student must be currently enrolled at Lenoir Community College for credit by examination.

A student is limited to one attempt at credit by examination per course. No tuition is charged for the examination. A student may not attempt credit by examination if enrolled in the course for which the credit by examination is being attempted. This includes courses which have been dropped or withdrawn from during the current term or during the term in which the student is enrolled for the same course. Credit by examination for developmental courses is not permitted.

Exceptions to this policy may be recommended by the division dean and approved by the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.

Credit by Articulation

Lenoir Community College participates in the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement. This is an agreement between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System. The agreement provides a seamless process that joins secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study.

To receive articulated credit, students must enroll at the community college within two years of their high school graduation date and meet the following criteria:

• Final grade of B or higher in the course and
• A score of 93 or higher on the standardized CTE post assessment

High school students who enroll in a Career and College Promise pathway may earn articulated college credit as described in this agreement while enrolled in high school if the CTE articulated college credit is part of their Career and College Promise pathway.

Community college officials verify eligibility and acceptance of articulated courses listed on the high school transcript. Students may be asked to submit supporting documentation and/or demonstrate proficiency to receive credit. Colleges must follow the criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in awarding credit.

Credit for Military Training

Lenoir Community College may recognize and grant credit to active military personnel, reservists, and veterans for military training and experience completed in the armed forces and work taken through the United States Armed Forces Institute. Credit granted is in accord with recommendations of the American Council on Education. Persons desiring credit for military training and experience must petition the Registrar for such credit and present authentic training records.

Active military personnel, reservists, and veterans will be awarded two hours of physical education credit for basic training upon presentation of DD-214 or other documentation.

Student Classification

Freshman—A student who has earned fewer than 32 semester hours of credit
Sophomore—A student who has earned 32 or more semester hours of credit
Full-time Student—A student who is registered for 12 or more semester hours
Part-time Student—A student who is registered fewer than 12 semester hours
Special/Visiting Student—A student who is not seeking a degree

Academic Honors

President’s List—Students who are enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours, have achieved a grade point average of 4.00, and are not enrolled in any class numbered below 100
Dean’s List—Students who are enrolled for a minimum of 12 semester hours, have achieved a grade point average from 3.25 through 3.99, are not enrolled in any class numbered below 100, and have no grade lower than a “C”
Graduation with Honors—awarded to students with a major grade point average between 3.50 and 3.749 upon completion of any degree or diploma program
Graduation with High Honors—awarded to students with a major grade point average 3.75 and above upon completion of any degree or diploma program

To be eligible for honors or high honors, students must complete 50 percent of their course work at Lenoir Community College. Students receiving an Incomplete (I) for any course are ineligible for the honors list.

Grade Point Average Calculation for Graduation

Graduation from Lenoir Community College is based on major grade point average, which includes only courses used to meet graduation requirements in a student’s major. Whenever courses are repeated, only the highest attempt is counted toward graduation.

Note: Where courses are repeated, all attempts are shown on the permanent student record.

Change of Major

Students who wish to change majors must have the signature of a counselor/advisor. Applicants who wish to change majors prior to initial registration should contact the Office of Admissions. A change of major that is requested after the 10% point of the semester is not effective until the next term.

Satisfactory Progress Policy

For the purpose of this policy, semester hours attempted are based upon all courses taken at Lenoir Community College including developmental. Grade point average is based only on courses taken at Lenoir Community College.

Standards: If students have earned a minimum GPA of 2.0 (excluding “I” grades) for the most recent semester of enrollment, they are considered for enrollment purposes to be making satisfactory progress. These students remain at this standing unless they fail to achieve a semester 2.0 GPA. At this time, the academic standing reverts to the standing of the semester immediately prior to that of satisfactory progress. To be eligible for financial aid, students must comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards as defined for financial aid.

Academic Warning: If students fail to maintain a 2.00 GPA, they are notified of “Academic Warning” status and required to attend a counseling session. Referral for learning assistance, reduced course load, and/or change of program may result from the session.

Academic Probation: If students fail to maintain a 2.00 GPA after two semesters of enrollment, they are notified of “Academic Probation” status and required to attend a counseling session. Referral for learning assistance, reduced course load, and/or change of program normally result(s) from this session.

Academic Suspension: If students fail to meet the requirements for satisfactory progress after one semester of academic probation, they are notified of “Academic Suspension” status and directed to a more appropriate program of study or suspended from attending classes for a period of one semester.

Students who wish to appeal their suspension must submit a written appeal to the Dean of Student Services. The dean, after reviewing the appeal, has the right to reinstate students in a probationary status.

Reinstatement: Students readmitted after academic suspension are placed on “Academic Probation” status and must meet the requirements set forth for academic probation.

Requirements for Graduation

General requirements for graduation in any degree, diploma, or certificate program are as follows. Refer to curriculum standard page for specific requirements.

1. All college financial obligations must be met.
2. A minimum of 25% of the credit hours or 9 credit hours (whichever is greater) required for completion of a program must have been earned through instruction offered by Lenoir Community College.
3. Required courses and electives must be completed in accordance with one of the programs listed in the catalog with a major grade point average of at least 2.00.
4. Application for graduation must be made by the deadline shown on the College calendar. Students should obtain a program evaluation (EVAL or PSPR) signed by their advisor. The signed evaluation is to be submitted along with an Application for Graduation to the Registrar.

Graduation

Students graduate at the close of any semester that requirements for graduation are fulfilled. Degrees, diplomas, and/or certificates for the spring semester are issued at formal commencement exercises held at the close of spring semester each year. Summer and fall graduates are mailed their degree, diplomas, and/or certificates as soon as possible following the end of the term and are encouraged to participate in the formal commencement exercises held at the close of the following spring semester.

A transcript certifying completion of the degree requirements is furnished upon request at the end of a student’s final semester.

Student participation in commencement exercises is encouraged.

Dismissal from a Program

If at any time during the semester, it is determined that a student is not a safe and dependable practitioner in the clinic, shop, lab, or similar area, and that the problem cannot be eliminated with reasonable accommodation, the student may be dismissed from the program with the concurrence of the Dean of Student Services. The student is afforded the right of due process.

Any time during the semester, a faculty member determines that a student may be dismissed from the College when the College official determines that a student:

1. Expresses an articulable, imminent, and significant threat to the applicant, other individuals, college employees, or the College environment or
2. Demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to the program’s practice, including documented evidence used in assisting the College in making safety determinations. In addition, if at any time a health sciences faculty member determines that a student
3. Presents problems in physical or emotional health which do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time or
4. Demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to the nursing practice and other health sciences programs, the student may be dismissed from the program.

Under no conditions will a student possess or use any illicit substances (drugs), alcohol, or substances illegally obtained while at the College. Any student who is found to possess or is found to be a user of such substances or alcoholic beverages will be evaluated for dismissal from the Gunsmithing Program.

While in the program or on LCC campus, a student may at any time be required to provide a urine or blood sample for testing to validate or disprove use of illicit/controlled substances/alcoholic beverages. Such testing will be at the student’s expense. Failure to submit to such testing or provide body fluid samples will be interpreted as supportive of impairment. Test values indicating use of illicit/controlled substances/alcoholic beverages will be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Attendance

Absences seriously disrupt students’ progress in a course and diminish the quality of group interaction. Students are expected to attend punctually all lecture and laboratory sessions in the courses for which they are registered, beginning with the first session following registration for the courses. Three late arrivals and/or early departures count as one absence, and students must be in attendance for 50% of the class time to be counted for the day’s attendance. Students should notify instructors of planned and emergency tardiness, absences, and early departures.

Although occasional absences may be unavoidable, they in no way excuse students from meeting the requirements of the courses. Absences (excused and/or unexcused) are calculated from the first class meeting following enrollment. “Excessive” absences are defined as absences totaling 15% of the scheduled class meetings. Fifteen percent translates into the following formula: for a 5 contact hour class, 15% = 12 hours of absences; 4 contact hours = 9; 3 contact hours = 7; 2 contact hours = 4; and 1 contact hour = 2.

However, students who miss two consecutive weeks are withdrawn from class on the first day of the third week. Students with prolonged absences should either contact their instructors so that they are not suspended or officially drop the classes so that attendance is not factored into their final grades. Please refer to the course documents for specific attendance requirements.

Attendance/participation in Distance Education (DE) courses directly affects students’ success in a course. LCC uses the Learning Management System Moodle to deliver online course content in DE courses. Per federal guidelines, students taking Internet courses must submit an assignment in each Internet course in Moodle by the 10% date to establish an initial enrollment date and to be fully enrolled in the course. Students who do not submit an assignment by the 10% date will be marked as “Never Attend” and withdrawn from the course. No exceptions. No refunds.

In DE courses, attendance is assessed by submitted assignments. Students not participating for two consecutive weeks or missing 15% of the assignments as defined by the course will be dropped from the course. It is important for students in a DE course to promptly inform their instructor of issues that may affect attendance/participation to minimize the chance of being dropped.

Dismissal for excessive or prolonged absences result in a grade of W (Withdrew) on the day of dismissal.

The classification of absences as excused requires verification and allows students to make up missed work, in accordance with the instructor’s make-up procedures, but they are still computed as absences in the 15% tabulation. Excused absences are identified as follows:

1. Personal illness or illness of dependents or spouse living in the household, if the illness requires a doctor’s supervision
2. Death in the family
3. Participation in authorized college activities
4. Others at the discretion of the instructor

Students may have up to two days of absences excused by the College per academic year for the purpose of observing religious holidays that students are required by their faith to observe. In anticipation of such an event, students must contact the Dean of Student Services in writing at least two weeks prior to the expected absence. The Dean will work with the students and their instructors to ensure timely make up of class requirements missed because of the absence.

All instructors adhere to the established procedure as printed in the LCC Catalog, notify students in writing of their make-up procedures, and when possible, confer with students with excessive absences and/or refer those students to counselors. Students’ grades, however, cannot be raised or lowered more than one letter grade based on excessive absences and/or attendance. This does not take into consideration the effects of students’ failure to comply with instructors’ make-up procedures.

The College recognizes that there may be individual cases in which a student should be allowed to make a formal appeal related to attendance for particular courses taken at the College. Students must follow the student grievance procedure outlined in this catalog.

Health Sciences students should refer to the specific Health Sciences and Nursing Program Handbook. All Health Sciences handbooks are available online in each course or on reserve in the Learning Resources Center.

Records

Information contained in the student’s permanent record is determined by the NCCCS office. The student’s permanent record is composed of personal information including the student’s name, address, student ID number, date of birth, and gender. Academic information included on the Permanent Student Record includes the title and number of courses taken, grades earned, hours attempted, hours earned, quality points, and grade point average by term and cumulatively. Other information includes secondary school attended, college major, graduation information, honors, membership in Phi Theta Kappa, and credits accepted from other colleges.

Student records are maintained in accordance with the Community College System Public Records Retention Schedule. Transcript, or transcripted academic records, are stored permanently in the College’s database management system. They are backed up hourly to a mirror system and nightly to a magnetic tape.

The Official Academic Record

A report of grades earned is available on WebADVISOR. Any disputes must be appealed through the instructor within two weeks of the official date of the end of the semester. Official records, of all students’ courses, credits, and grades earned are kept in the Registrar’s Office. Students should maintain a record of their courses, credits, and grades each term and check from time to time to see that their records agree with those of the College. The records may also help students determine their eligibility for any activity that requires them to meet specific scholastic standards. Copies of the official records are available to students upon written request.

Transcripts

All student records are held in confidence by the College. A student may request from the Registrar’s Office a transcript of his or her academic record. Transcripts shall be made available only upon request by the student. A statement authorizing release must be signed by the student before a transcript will be sent to employers or other agencies. Authorization for release of transcript forms are available in Student Services and online. There is a fee for each transcript requested.

Access to Student Education Records

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

Each student who is in attendance or who has been in attendance at the College, or parents of a dependent student who claim the student as an exemption on their federal income tax return, or anyone designated on the FERPA Release Form have the right to inspect and review the student education records maintained by the College or by any person acting on behalf of the College. The College does comply with a request to review an education record within a reasonable time, but in any event not more than 45 days after the request is made. Any student or parent of a dependent child desiring to review the student education records should make the request directly to the official custodian responsible for maintaining that record. A list of the types, the location, and the names of the official custodians of student education records is maintained in the Registrar’s Office and is readily available to the student or parent upon request.

The College makes available on a routine basis certain directory information on currently enrolled students without the prior written consent of the student. This policy is for the convenience of students, parents, other members of the college community, and the general public. However, such information is not to be released by the College if the student is not currently enrolled or if the student notifies the Registrar’s Office within seven days after registration day of the current term of enrollment that such directory information should not be released to anyone by the College. Directory information related to a student is limited to the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student, and other similar information as may be designated by the College.

Any student who believes that any right pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has been violated or that the college policy is not in compliance with the Act, may file a complaint directly with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW), 330 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201. Though it is not required as a condition to filing any complaint with HEW, the student is requested to discuss the grievance with the Dean of Student Services, Administration Building 140C, phone 252-527-6223, prior to filing a complaint with HEW. Strict compliance with the provisions of FERPA is the stated policy of the College. The College, through the Dean of Student Services, takes appropriate action in all cases involving a violation of the Privacy Act.