Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Freedom and Responsibility Policy

It is the policy of Robeson Community College to support the concept of academic freedom for its faculty, and as such respect the faculty member’s right to teach, investigate, and publish freely in accordance with the provisions and clarifications provided in this policy.

As representatives of Robeson Community College, instructors and students should exercise sound judgment in the interpretation and presentation of instructional materials.

The instructor/student has the freedom to interpret and/ or teach the subject within sound academic principles and practices without undue institutional censorship. However, each instructor/student should be mindful that controversial materials that have no relation to the course have no place in the classroom. Personal behavior both inside and outside the classroom, reflects upon the college. Each instructor/student must be responsible for his or her own behavior.

Patent and Copyright Policy

It is the policy of Robeson Community College to comply with all applicable laws regarding copyright use and ownership. As an institution devoted to the creation, discovery, and dissemination of knowledge, RCC shall support responsible, good faith exercise of full fair use rights as codified in 17 U.S.C. Section 107, by faculty, librarians, and staff in support of teaching and service activities and copyright ownership for creative, non-directed works by faculty, staff, and students subject to the “Copyright Use and Ownership Policy” and the “Patent Policy” on file in the Student Services Office.

Academic Expectations

Student Expectations of Faculty

The faculty members of Robeson Community College pledge to provide the highest level of service possible to all of their students all of the time. Your faculty member knows what students need to do to succeed in the course you are taking, and your instructor wants you to succeed. To this end, it is reasonable for students to expect that faculty will:

• Provide you with a syllabus that outlines the content and objectives of the course and spells out the instructor’s grading and attendance policies.
• Be a professional who will treat each student respectfully, equally, and honestly.
• Start class on time, be prepared, and use effective teaching strategies to promote learning of the subject material and provide activities for the full time allotted for all classes.
• Strive to create a positive environment in which you may pursue learning.
• Be accessible and approachable.
• Provide timely and consistent feedback regarding student progress.
• Provide reasonable assistance on an individual basis as may be necessary and appropriate.
• Preserve the academic integrity of the course.

Faculty Expectations of Students

Robeson Community College is an institution for adult learning. It is a partnership between instructors with the desire to teach and students with the desire to learn. Instructors seek to guide you, motivate you, and outline for you the body of knowledge to be learned. To this end, we believe it is reasonable to expect that students will:

• Treat other students and faculty with respect and treat the classroom as a professional environment.
• Accept the challenge of collegiate studying, thinking, and learning.
• Anticipate that the level and quantity of work in some courses will exceed prior experiences.
• Be informed about instructors’ policies presented in the course syllabus, as well as the policies of the college published in this publication
• Attend all classes, except when emergencies arise.
• Adhere to class start times and end times that are prescribed.
• Be an active participant in class.
• Study course material routinely.
• Refrain from any behavior that may distract others.
• Silence all cell phones, pagers, and other communications devices in every class.
• Use the internet for valid, academic purposes only while in any RCC campus computer lab.
• Transact personal business with the instructor (such as asking him or her to sign forms) before instruction begins or after class.
• Let no temptation cause you to compromise or surrender your integrity, ethics, or morals.

Computing Grade Point Average

The grade point average is computed by dividing points earned by the total credit hours attempted. In the preceding example, 48 divided by 20 equals 2.40 grade point average. All grades A through F, and Incompletes (treated as “F”), are counted in computing the grade point standing. Credit by transfer and credit by examination are not included in computing the grade point standing.

Auditing Courses

Registration and tuition charges for audited courses are the same as for courses taken for credit. Audited classes earn neither credit hour nor quality points. Requests to audit must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the last day to add classes.  Audits are reported on transcripts as “AU” and do not affect earned credits or influence the grade point average for the semester. However, audited courses do not count as successful completions for financial aid purposes. Therefore, students who receive financial aid should consult the financial aid office before electing to audit a course. Audits are not allowed in distance education courses. In health science programs, students must receive appropriate Program Director and Dean approval in order to audit a health science course.

A student may audit a course section only on a space available basis as determined by the college. A student who audits a course section shall not displace students enrolling or registering to receive a grade, academic credit, continuing education unit or certificate of completion in the course section. The student must receive approval to audit a course section consistent with RCC procedures.

A senior citizen may audit a course section without payment of any required tuition or registration fee, unless the class is self-supporting. Senior citizens shall pay the applicable self-supporting fee for enrollment or registration into a self-supporting course section.  In addition, senior citizens shall pay any applicable local fees to audit a course section consistent with the college’s local fee policies. An individual is a senior citizen if he/she is at least 65 years of age as of the first day of the applicable course section. The individual must provide proof of age through a driver’s license, State identification card, or other government-issued document.

Repeating Course Work

To raise a grade in any course, the student must reregister for the course. Only the best grade earned will be counted in calculating the total number of credit hours and grade point average. Any required course in which an “F” is received must be repeated and passed to graduate. Certain regulations may prohibit funding for repeating courses previously passed. It is the student’s responsibility to determine status in regard to their financial aid and/or veteran benefits.

Veteran students will not receive any educational benefits (pay) for courses previously attempted and passed.

Financial aid funding is available for students to repeat a previously “passed” course (grade of “D” or better) one additional time per course for a better grade.

Program {Major (Curriculum)} Change Procedures

To change from one curriculum to another or change from special credit status, students must complete an electronic change of request form on the website under Quick Links. When a program change is approved in the Registrar’s Office, the program change becomes effective at the beginning of the next semester.

Financial Aid/or Veterans Education Assistance recipients should consult with the Financial Aid Officer and/or the Veterans Affairs Officer prior to requesting a program change. Not all programs are approved for benefits.

Program Completion Requirements

Students are allowed a maximum of five years to complete a program. If the student does not complete the program within a five year period, he/she may be required to follow the current catalog and student handbook or state approved curriculum guide in selecting and registering for courses. RCC reserves the right not to award credit for courses over 10 years old or credits deemed to be obsolete. Exceptions may be made for general education courses. The following list of courses will not be counted towards graduation requirements if they are over five years old: CTS 130 , DBA 110 , NOS 110 , NOS 130 , NOS 230 .

Course changes within programs are generally not made more often than two years. Full-time students enrolling under the first year of a catalog can expect to complete graduation requirements with little or no change in course offerings. Part-time students and students who enroll at some time other than the first semester of the two-year period may experience some course changes in their programs. RCC staff and faculty will work with students to make adjustments in the affected course areas with minimal inconvenience to the student and without delaying the student’s projected date of graduation.