Students are expected to register for course work as well as pay tuition and fees during advertised registration times established by the Registrar. Formal registration for all curriculum courses is closed at the end of late registration each semester. Students registering, but failing to meet financial obligations will be removed from class rolls at the close of each day.
Any exceptions to the registration procedures must be approved by the Assistant Vice President of Student Services and through the appropriate Educational Services Office, but only then by justifiable cause. Students may initiate drop/add requests only after completing the registration process (for additional information on drop/add procedures, please refer to section on Drop/Add in this publication).
Most classes, credit and non-credit, are scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.
Registration Information
Change of Name, Address and/or Social Security Number
In order that official records may be kept up-to-date, change of name, address, and/or Social Security Number must be reported immediately to the Business Office located in Building 2. A change in Social Security Number will require appropriate verification.
Contact Hours
The contact hours shown in the course descriptions are minimal. The policy of the College permits students to pursue laboratory work beyond hours indicated in this publication.
Credit Hours
Semester hours of credit are awarded as follows: one semester hour of credit for each hour per week of class work; one semester hour of credit for each two hours per week of lab work; one semester hour of credit for every three hours of shop work; and one semester of credit for every ten hours of cooperative work experience. A student may take up to a maximum of 25 credit hours per semester.
Drop/Add Procedures and Withdrawal
A student may drop or add a course at any time within the scheduled drop/add period under the following provisions:
- The student must request authorization from his instructor and/or advisor to drop/add a course or courses.
- Absences are computed from the first class meeting regardless of add date.
- A student adding a course will be responsible for all makeup work required.
Online drop forms are available on the RCC website.
Through the first ten weeks of the semester (adjusted for summer term) the student who withdraws or is dropped will receive a “W”. For the remainder of the semester the student who withdraws or is dropped will receive a grade of “WF”.
Should a student who has dropped for attendance reasons and received a grade of “WF” desire to appeal that grade he or she may do so. The appeal will be made in writing and must be documented. An appeal must be made within five weeks of the drop form submission. An example of an appropriate appeal would be extended hospitalization and a doctors note documenting the illness. The Assistant Vice President for Student Services will review the appeal and within five working days, grant or deny a grade change with the approval of the course instructor. If the appeal is granted, the grade will be changed from “WF” to “W” only.
In the last eight days of the class if a student fails to attend class in accordance with prescribed policy, an “I” or incomplete may be given at the discretion of the instructor. The granting of an “I” should not violate any attendance policy that requires a student be dropped.
A student withdrawing from the College during the academic year is recommended to meet with an academic advisor and a financial aid advisor prior to completing an online withdrawal form.
Department of Education Unofficial Withdrawal Policy
- If a student is withdrawn from a class by the professor before the deadline to withdraw from a class without penalty for reasons other than excessive absences, then that student shall receive a final grade of W for the class (Withdraw) by the professor.
- If a student is withdrawn from a class by the professor after the deadline to withdraw from a class without penalty for reasons other than excessive absences, then that student shall receive a final grade of WF for the class (Withdraw Failing) by the professor.
- If a student initiates a course withdrawal or complete withdrawal himself or herself, then the student does not fall under the Unofficial Withdrawal Policy, and will be assigned final grades(s) according to the College’s Course Withdrawal Policy.
- If, at the end of a semester, a student has received all grades of F and/or WF, then it shall be determined that the student has unofficially withdrawn from the College and his/her name shall be given to the Director of Financial Aid for Federal financial aid eligibility determination.
Financial Obligations
Student records will not be released until financial obligations are cleared by the student.
Semester System
Robeson Community College operates on the semester system. The fall and spring semesters are each approximately sixteen weeks in length. The College is in session five days and four nights a week. The summer session is approximately eight weeks in length.
Section Changes
Section changes after the census date (10% point) of the class are not permitted. Students seeking relief due to extreme circumstances should talk with the program director in charge of the course discipline.
Transfer Information
Transfer Agreements
RCC students who complete the University Transfer Program and receive the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science Degree are eligible to transfer to any four year college or university. Specific transfer agreements in Business, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Nursing and Electrical/Electronics Technology, have been arranged with some senior colleges. For more information, contact the RCC Admissions Office or Counseling Center.
Transfer to Other Colleges
Students who wish to transfer from one college to another, or to any other institution, should make application at the Records and Registration Office for an official transcript five days before it is needed.
The college to which the student is transferring determines the number of hours of credit it will allow in transfer. Some four-year institutions grant full credit for work completed in the community college. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should check early with that institution’s admission office to determine requirements. Official transcripts will be released to other accredited and approved institutions upon written request. Official transcripts may be released to the student.
Academic Progress
Standards of Acceptable Academic Progress
Each student enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program is expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of requirements for that program. A 2.0 grade point average is required for graduation in all programs. Students are expected to maintain this average to be considered in good academic standing.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Robeson Community College is required by federal regulations to define and administer standards of progress for students seeking federal aid. Federal student aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work Study. All students who wish to qualify for financial aid while attending RCC will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Minimum GPA
- Completion of a degree within a maximum number of credit hours
- Minimum credit hour completion rate
Minimum GPA
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average at or above 2.0. GPA requirements must be met each semester. Student GPA’s will be evaluated at the end of each semester once final grades are submitted. If the GPA falls below the minimum required GPA, the student will be on financial aid probation. If the cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two (2) consecutive semesters, financial aid will be terminated until a 2.0 GPA is achieved. Cumulative GPA is calculated from the beginning date of enrollment.
Completion of a Degree Within a Maximum Number of Credit Hours
Students receiving financial aid will have a maximum time frame in which they are expected to complete their program. Federal regulations state that the maximum time frame can be no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program for full time students (per student handbook/catalog). This time frame will be measured in credit hours.
Example: A25120 Business Administration requires 67 credit hours to complete the program. 72 x 1.5 = 101
So, the student in this program may attempt up to 101 credit hours to complete the program. Once the student has attempted the maximum number of credit hours and not earned a degree, financial aid will be terminated.
Minimum Semester Credit Hour Completion Rate Requirement
In order to complete a program within the 150% time frame, the student must complete 67% of the credit hours attempted each semester. The percentage earned will be evaluated at least once per year to determine Quantitative Satisfactory Progress. The student must have earned 67% of the credit hours attempted to be considered making satisfactory progress.
Example:
Fall semester – attempted (registered) 14 credit hours
Spring semester – attempted 12 credit hours
14 + 12 = 26 26 x .67 = 17.42 credit hours
The student must have earned/completed 17 credit hours by the end of spring semester to be considered making satisfactory progress. Only passing grades will be considered as hours earned. Repeating a class will count as hours attempted.
Financial Aid Probation
Students not making satisfactory progress due to GPA or the 67% rule will be placed on financial aid probation. Students on financial aid probation will be allowed one semester to achieve satisfactory progress. During the probationary period, the students may be eligible to receive financial aid. At the end of the probationary period, academic progress will be evaluated to determine whether requirements have been met. If not, financial aid will be terminated until Satisfactory Academic Progress is achieved.
Tips for Achieving Satisfactory Progress:
- Be aware that withdrawing from classes will count as hours attempted but not earned.
- Be cautious about changing majors. Time frames are cumulative and do not start over with the new program.
- Follow your curriculum carefully. Taking classes that are not required will use part of your allotted time frame.
- Be aware that prerequisites for programs will count toward your maximum time frame once you are accepted into the program.
- “Attempted hours” include all hours a student is registered for at the end of the drop/add period. (Please refer to the Academic Calendar for these dates.) Note: Please do not confuse the “drop/add” period, which is usually the first week of class, with the last day to withdraw with a W, which is at the 60% point of the semester.
RCC Returning Students: Returning students will have their cumulative GPA carried forward and hours attempted will be reviewed in accordance with the satisfactory progress regulations. Satisfactory progress is cumulative and includes all periods of enrollment at a school, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid. The student’s progress will be evaluated as stated in the preceding sections.
Transfer Students: Students transferring to RCC from another school will be considered as making satisfactory progress at the time of enrollment. However, all transfer credit hours applicable to the student’s program of study will be counted towards maximum time frame.
Dropping Classes/Withdrawal from Classes for Financial Aid Purposes
Failing to enroll/report to classes for which you received federal funds may require repayment by you to the Pell Grant program. You should see the Financial Aid office before dropping classes to discuss how your aid eligibility may be affected.
Precollege (Developmental Non-Credit) Coursework
Developmental Education courses (designated by course numbers below 100, ex., DRE 097 ) are included in the calculation of satisfactory academic progress. However, there is a limit on the amount of non-credit remedial coursework that can be included in a student’s enrollment status or cost of attendance. Developmental credit hours attempted in excess of 30 total semester credit hours cannot be counted towards enrollment status for federal and state grants.
*** It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of his/her Satisfactory Academic Progress status for financial aid eligibility. To determine a student’s academic progress status and eligibility for financial aid, a student’s academic record will be evaluated at the end of each term.
Appeal Process: A student who has become ineligible for financial aid due to a failure to meet the minimum guidelines for satisfactory academic progress may appeal his/her status to the Financial Aid Office. Appeals will be considered for special circumstances. These may include:
- Extended student/family illness or injury
- Death of a relative
- Change of degree program.
All appeals must be made in writing explaining the basis for the appeal. Students may pick up a copy of the Appeals Application in the Financial Aid office. All appeals along with supporting documentation must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office, Robeson Community College, P.O. Box 1420, Lumberton, NC 28359. Note: Students on approved financial aid appeal are not eligible for the Federal Loan Programs or for Federal Work-Study.
Academic Probation
Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. The student will be required to consult with his faculty advisor and counselor to review academic progress and plan a strategy for improving academic progress.
A student who is on academic probation may return to good standing by meeting the requirements outlined in the Standards of Acceptable Academic Progress or by passing at least 12 hours the next semester of enrollment with a semester grade point average of at least 2.0. A student will remain in good standing as long as the student continues to meet the Standards of Acceptable Progress or passes at least 12 hours each semester with a semester grade point average of at least 2.0 per term enrolled.
While on academic probation, a student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. These activities include: holding an elected office or committee assignment in the Student Government Association, or any other activities which require the student to represent RCC officially. Students placed on academic probation are not eligible for financial aid and cannot participate in early registration for the next term.
Academic Suspension
Satisfactory progress is the responsibility of the student. A student who has been on academic probation for one semester may be suspended from college if he/she is unsuccessful in meeting the guidelines to return to good standing.
Academic suspension will be for one semester. At the end of one semester, the student may apply for readmission. Students who do not attain the required grade point average for two semesters following reinstatement to the College may be suspended permanently.
Students may appeal notice of suspension to the Assistant Vice President of Student Services. The Assistant Vice President will meet with student, student’s counselor, and faculty advisor.
Graduation
Criteria for Graduating with Distinction
Graduates who have earned a grade point average of 3.5 and have completed at least one-fourth of their degree or diploma requirements in residence at Robeson Community College will be granted a degree or diploma with distinction. Only courses required in the assigned program of study will be considered in the calculation of a grade point average in determining academic distinction. The College furnishes cords to be worn for the graduation exercise.
Graduation Requirements
The Registrar reviews records for each prospective graduate to determine that all requirements and obligations have been met.
- Students must submit applications for graduation to the Registrar before registering for the final semester of study. It is the student’s responsibility to complete this form. Students planning to participate as candidates for graduation in the May commencement are advised to submit their applications by the deadline of January 15. Late applicants might not be able to claim their diplomas until several weeks after the graduation ceremony. Applications are available in the Records and Registration Office.
- Complete all required courses.
- Transferring students must complete a minimum of twenty five (25) percent of the total number of credit hours required for a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Robeson Community College.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Make an appointment with the Registrar to review graduation status.
- Have final grades on courses originally graded “I”.
- Must have all financial obligations to the college taken care of, including those with the Business Office, the Library, or any other financial debt to the College.
- Commencement exercises are held in May at the end of the spring semester and at the end of summer term.
Robeson Community College is not obligated to offer courses not listed in the current catalog and student handbook. Those students not continuously enrolled may be required to meet the graduation requirements of the catalog and student handbook that is current at the time of their re-enrollment.
Diplomas
Upon graduation, students should check for errors in the spelling of their name on diplomas. Any corrections must be filed with the Records and Registration Office within thirty (30) calendar days after graduation.
The replacing of a diploma for any reason after that time will be at the student’s expense.
Marshals
Marshals may consist of five students selected from the Ambassador or Honors College programs.
Academic Distinction
The names of student scholars earning academic distinction are published at the end of each semester.
Criteria for President’s Scholars
DEGREE: All full-time students enrolled in the two year associate degree programs achieving a grade point average of 4.0 for the semester.
DIPLOMA: All full-time students enrolled in one year diploma programs achieving a grade point average of 4.0 for the semester.
Only courses at the 100 level or above will be considered in the calculation of a grade point average in determining President’s Scholar. Hours earned by taking proficiency tests will not be included in determining President’s Scholar status.
Criteria for Academic Scholar
DEGREE: All full-time students enrolled in two year associate degree programs achieving a grade point average of 3.5 and above for the semester.
DIPLOMA: All full-time students enrolled in one year diploma programs achieving a grade point average of 3.5 and above for the semester.
Only courses at the 100 level or above will be considered in the calculation of a grade point average in determining Academic Scholar. Hours earned by taking proficiency tests will not be included in determining Academic Scholar status.
Criteria for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Students eligible for membership in the Honor Society must be enrolled in a two-year program of study and must have completed 12 semester hours at Robeson Community College and have a program grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Only courses required in the assigned program of study will be considered in the calculation of a grade point average in determining Honors status.
Criteria for National Technical Honor Society
Students eligible for membership in the Honor Society must be actively enrolled in a certificate, degree or diploma program, excluding college transfer, and must have completed 12 semester hours at Robeson Community College and have a program grade point average of 3.25 or higher. This Honor Society is available to part-time and full-time students. Students must be nominated by at least one teaching faculty member.
No more than 20 percent of the active students in any major, program, degree, diploma or certificate track shall be eligible for membership. If more than 20 percent of the enrolled students (as defined herein) could qualify for membership, then the eligibility and nominations will be selected from the top 20 percent of that group. In the event of a further tie, the department chair or program director should select the candidate(s).
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