South Puget Sound Community College

Academic Policies

As a comprehensive, open-door community college, the mission of South Puget Sound Community College is to provide quality educational opportunities to meet the intellectual, academic, vocational, career, personal and developmental needs of its students and members of the community.

Every attempt is made, through testing, counseling and advising, to guide each student into a program of study that is appropriate to his or her level of ability and interest. Policies are developed and standards are enforced to ensure satisfactory academic progress.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered, including the first class session. Instructors may set an attendance policy for each class, and it is the responsibility of the student to know and comply with each individual attendance policy.

Instructors who want to drop a student for attendance reasons will include their attendance information in their class syllabi.

Students who fail to attend the first class session and/or comply with the established attendance policy for the class forfeit the right to continue in class and will be subject to an administrative withdrawal.

Students unable to attend the first class session may leave a message for the instructor by calling the appropriate division office.

Grading Policy

Instructors are responsible for explaining their grading policies at the beginning of each course. This will be in the form of a course syllabus.

The following grades apply:

A	(4.0)	Superior achievement
A-	(3.67)
B+	(3.33)
B	(3.0)	High achievement
B-	(2.67)
C+	(2.33)
C	(2.0)	Satisfactory achievement
C-	(1.67)
D+	(1.33)
D	(1.0)	Minimum achieved
D-	(0.67)
F	(0.0)	Failure to meet minimum course requirement

Y Course in progress; the course must be completed and graded by the end of the following quarter.

I Incomplete, no grade points calculated. (see note)

S Passing with credit; not computed in grade point average.

W Student withdrawal; no grade points calculated.

V Administrative withdrawal; no grade points calculated.

N Audit; not calculated in grade point average.

Note: "I" indicates that the student has not completed specific requirements for a class due to extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Prior to issuing an "I" grade, the instructor must complete an Incomplete Agreement form indicating what requirements must be completed, the expected completion date and method of evaluation. The form must be signed by the instructor and the student. Failure to complete the requirements by the end of the subsequent quarter will result in a grade of "F."

Academic Standards Policy

It is the intent of the college to offer programs of study in which students can succeed. Every attempt is made, through testing, counseling and advising, to guide each student into a program of study that is appropriate to his or her level of ability and interest. Standards are enforced to ensure satisfactory academic progress.

All students are expected to maintain a satisfactory grade point average for credits attempted. A minimum GPA of 1.75 must be maintained through 29 credits attempted; a minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained once the student has attempted 30 or more credits; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation with a degree or certificate.

Academic deficiency is defined as failure to maintain the minimum grade point average requirements, as stated above. After the first quarter in which a student is academically deficient, he or she will be placed on academic probation.

The college may suggest a reduction in credit-hour load, counseling, enrollment in developmental classes or a change in program. After the second consecutive quarter in which a student is academically deficient, the student will be dismissed from the college.

The Academic Standards Committee monitors the college's policy and the academic progress of students. A student may appeal action relating to academic standing by notifying the committee in writing, stating his or her position and any extenuating circumstances.

Re-admission Procedures

Students who are dismissed may seek readmission through an appeal process. Students who wish to be readmitted after an academic dismissal must write a letter of appeal explaining the circumstances that led to the dismissal. They must also meet with a counselor in the Counseling and Career Center to develop an Academic Plan. The Academic Standards Committee meets mid-quarter to review letters of appeal and academic plans. Consult with Enrollment Services for a schedule of deadlines for submission of appeals.

Grade Forgiveness

The Academic Standards Committee may review a student's previous academic record at South Puget Sound Community College with the intent of recomputing the cumulative grade point average under the listed conditions.

Grade Reporting

Students may receive final grade reports at the end of each quarter by phone, kiosk, the on-campus student self-service centers, or through the college's Web site. Grades are withheld if the student has not fulfilled all obligations to the college, financial and otherwise.

For more information on academic policies and procedures, e-mail Lyn Sharp at lsharp@spscc.ctc.edu.