Academic advisors are available to assist students planning to complete a degree or certificate program at Germanna. Academic advisors are faculty resource persons (usually instructors in a particular program area who are most familiar with the curriculum offerings) who assist students in planning their programs and setting up their schedules. Academic advisors help students determine which classes to take first and when they should schedule courses in order to graduate within the desired timeframe.
Regular Course Credits : The credit for each course is indicated after the title in the course description. One credit is equivalent to one semester hour. Each credit given for a course is based on approximately three hours of study per week by the student. This may consist of lectures, out of class study, laboratory and shop work, or combinations thereof.
Developmental Course Credits : Courses numbered 01-09 do not satisfy graduation requirements and do not transfer to four-year institutions. Developmental courses carry 1 to 3 credits for the purpose of tuition payment.
The quality of performance in any academic course is reported by a letter grade, the assignment of which is the responsibility of the instructor. These grades denote the character of study and are assigned quality points as follows:
A (Excellent) - 4 grade points per credit
B (Good) - 3 grade points per credit
C (Average) - 2 grade points per credit
D (Poor) - 1 grade point per credit
F (Failure) - 0 grade points per credit
I (Incomplete) : No credit. Used for verifiable unavoidable reasons. Since the incomplete extends enrollment in the course, requirements for satisfactory completion will be established through student/faculty consultation. A course for which the grade of "I" (incomplete) has been awarded must be completed by the end of the subsequent semester or another grade (A, B, C, D, F, U) must be awarded by the instructor based upon course work which has been completed. If that subsequent semester is in the summer, the deadline is extended to the end of the fall semester.
P (Pass) : No grade point credit. Applies only to selected non-developmental courses. Only seven credit hours of "P" grades may be applied toward graduation.
U (Unsatisfactory) : No credit. Applies to Developmental Studies, non-credit courses, and selected credit courses.
W (Withdrawal) : No credit. A grade of "W" is awarded to students who withdraw or are withdrawn from a course after the add/drop period but prior to the completion of 60% of the session. To remain in good standing, the student must initiate and process the withdrawal form before the withdrawal deadline. After that time, the student will receive a grade of "F," except under mitigating circumstances which must be approved by the Dean of Instructional Services. This must be documented and placed in the student's academic file.
R (Re-enroll) : No credit until the course objectives are completed. To be used only for Developmental Studies (numbered 01-09) to permit re-enrollment for the completion of course objectives.
S (Satisfactory) : No grade point credit. Used only for satisfactory completion of a Developmental Studies course (numbered 01-09).
X (Audit) : No credit. Permission of the instructional director or another appropriate academic administrator is required to audit a course. After the last day for students to withdraw from a class without penalty, the audit grade "X" is invalid for students enrolled in the course for credit.
Note : The grades of A, B, C, D, P, and S are passing grades. Grades F and U are failing grades. R and I are interim grades. Grades of W and X are final grades carrying no credit.
Class attendance is an integral part of a sound academic program for most classes at Germanna. However, alternate teaching techniques, which may not require class attendance, may also be a part of a sound academic program. Class attendance requirements are found in the course outline which the instructor provides to students in each course. Germanna students are expected to be present and on time at all regularly scheduled classes and laboratory meetings.
When a faculty member determines that a student has not met the class attendance requirements in the course outline, which will usually conform to the statement at the end of this Standard, the faculty member may submit a form, showing the last date of attendance by the student, to the Admissions and Records Office. A "W" will be recorded in lieu of a grade for all withdrawals, whether initiated by the student or by the faculty member, during the first nine weeks. Students withdrawn after nine weeks will receive a grade of "F" except under mitigating circumstances. Documentation of such circumstances must be placed in the student's academic file in order that a "W" may be recorded. Frequent absences may result in the termination of Veterans Benefits and other programs of financial assistance.
| If class meeting times during the week are: |
Excused absences permitted are: |
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| 1 | 2 | |
| 2 | 4 | |
| 3 | 6 | |
| 4 | 8 |
Germanna Community College does not mail grade reports. Students must obtain their grades by logging on to GCC Online. Final grades are a part of the student's permanent academic record.
The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted. Developmental credits are not included in this computation. An overall GPA, including all courses attempted, is computed each semester.
| How to Figure Grade Point Average | |||||||
A =4 grade points B =3 grade points C = 2 grade points D =1 grade point F = 0 grade points EXAMPLE |
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| Dept. | No. | Sec. | Course Title | Credits Attempted |
Credits Completed |
Grade | Quality Points |
| BIO | 102 | 01 | General Biology II | 4 | 4 | B (3) | 12 |
| MTH | 120 | 01 | Introduction to Mathematics | 3 | 3 | A (4) | 12 |
| ENG | 111 | 03 | College Composition I | 3 | 3 | B (3) | 9 |
| IST | 114 | 01 | Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems | 3 | 3 | B (3) | 9 |
| PED | 126 | 01 | Archery | 1 | 1 | B (3) | 3 |
| BUS | 200 | 01 | Principles of Management | 3 | 3 | B (3) | 9 |
| Semester Totals | 17 | 17 | 54 | ||||
| ______ Semester GPA: 3.18 Quality points are computed by multiplying the number of credits completed by the grades earned. For example, for BIO 102-01 (4 credits), the student earned a B grade (3 points): 4 credits X 3 points = 12 quality points. Semester grade point average is computed by dividing the total quality points earned by the total credits attempted. For example, 54 divided by 17 = 3.18 semester GPA. "P," "U," "W," "R," "S," and "X" grades do not count towards the grade point average. |
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The College keeps students informed of their academic standing. A statement will be entered on the student's grade report to indicate academic warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Similarly, a statement will indicate when acceptable academic standing has been achieved. The College will assist students to increase their effectiveness in meeting the academic standards of the institution and ultimately to attain graduation. Students are expected to maintain a 2.0 "C" grade point average and to make normal academic progress toward graduation.
Good Academic Standing : Students are considered to be in "good academic standing" if they maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 per semester, are eligible to re-enroll at the College, and are not on academic suspension or dismissal status.
President's List : Any full-time student who has completed a minimum of 20 credits at Germanna Community College and whose cumulative GPA is 3.500 or above will be placed on the President's List. In addition, at the time a student completes a minimum of 35 credits at Germanna Community College with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, the student will be placed on the President's List for that semester. The statement "President's List" will be printed on the grade report and transcript.
Dean's List : Any full-time student who has completed a minimum of 20 credits at Germanna Community College and whose semester GPA is at least 3.200 but below 3.500 will be placed on the Dean's List. In addition, at the time a student completes a minimum of 35 credits at Germanna Community College with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.200 but below 3.500, the student will be placed on the Dean's List for that semester. The statement "Dean's List" will be printed on the grade report and transcript.
Academic Warning : Students who fail to attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for any semester or who fail any course will receive an academic warning. The statement "Academic Warning" will be printed on the grade report and transcript.
Academic Probation : Students who fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.5 will be on academic probation until such time as their cumulative average is 1.5 or better. The statement "Academic Probation" will be printed on their permanent records. Generally, persons on probation are ineligible to hold office in student organizations unless special permission is granted by the Director of Student Development Services or another appropriate College administrator. Students usually will be required to carry a lighter course load the following semester. Students shall be subject to probation status only after they have attempted 12 semester credit hours.
Academic Suspension : Students on academic probation who fail to attain a GPA of 1.5 for the next semester for which they are in attendance will be subject to academic suspension for one semester. The statement "Academic Suspension" will be printed on the student's permanent records. Students are subject to suspension only after attempting 24 credit hours. Students who have been informed that they are on academic suspension may submit an appeal in writing to the Registrar. Reinstatement after the suspension period is not automatic. Approval is required by the Registrar upon the recommendation of the College Admissions Committee.
Petition for Reinstatement : The suspended student must submit a formal written petition for readmission/reinstatement to the Registrar. The petition will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee within 30 working days.
Academic Dismissal : Students who do not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA for the semester of reinstatement to the College following academic suspension will be academically dismissed. Students who have been placed on academic suspension and achieve a 2.0 GPA for the semester of their reinstatement must maintain at least a cumulative 1.5 GPA in each subsequent semester of attendance. Students remain on probation until their cumulative GPA is raised to a minimum of 1.5. Failure to attain a cumulative 1.5 GPA in each subsequent semester until cumulative GPA reaches 1.5 will result in academic dismissal.
Academic dismissal normally is permanent unless the student believes he/she has a "good cause" for appeal which may be accomplished by following the procedures outlined concerning Petition for Reinstatement. The statement "Academic Dismissal" will be printed on the grade report and transcript.
Academic Renewal : Students who return to the College after a separation of 5 years or more may petition for academic renewal. The request must be in writing and submitted to the Admissions and Records Office.
If a student is determined to be eligible for academic renewal, "D" and "F" grades earned prior to re-enrollment will be deleted from the cumulative and curriculum GPA, subject to the following conditions:
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Prior to petitioning for academic renewal, the student must demonstrate a renewed academic interest and effort by earning at least a 2.5 GPA in the first 12 semester hours completed after re-enrollment. |
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All grades received at the College will be a part of the student's official transcript. |
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Students will receive degree credit only for courses in which grades of "C" or better were earned prior to academic renewal, providing that such courses meet current curriculum requirements. |
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Total hours for graduation will be based on all course work taken at the College after readmission, as well as former course work for which a grade of "C" or better was earned, and credits transferred from other colleges or universities. |
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The academic renewal policy may be used only once and cannot be revoked once approved. |
Contact the Admissions and Records Office for further information.
All students are expected to take their final examinations at regularly scheduled times.
The minimum full-time load is 12 semester hours, and the normal maximum full-time load is 18 semester hours. A student wishing to carry an academic load of 19 credits or more, not counting STD 100, must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and approval from the Dean of Instruction or his/her designee.
If the student has received academic warning or is on academic probation , he/she may be required to take less than the normal course load.
Developmental Studies classes allow students to review academic skills acquired previously and to develop new skills needed for admission to their chosen program of study. The goal of the College is to provide each student with an opportunity for success, and the preparation offered by developmental classes can supply the necessary background. Scores on placement tests provide advisors with objective information that can be used to place students in the most appropriate classes.
Developmental courses are numbered 01-09 and are available in writing, reading, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Developmental courses carry credits, but these are primarily for calculating student course loads. The credits do not apply toward graduation and are not counted in a student's grade point average.
Students who experience difficulty with an entry-level class for which there is a preparatory developmental course may drop/add into a developmental course which is better suited to their skills. However, course changes after the end of the drop/add period require the approvals of the course instructor, the campus instructional director, and the Dean of Instruction.
Grades in developmental courses are S (Pass), R (Re-enroll), or U (Unsatisfactory). A grade of S (Pass) means that the student has satisfactorily completed the course objectives.
Students making satisfactory progress but not completing all of the objectives for a developmental course will receive an R (Re-enroll) and must re-enroll to complete the instructional objectives. A course may be repeated only one time.
Students not making satisfactory progress will receive a U (Unsatisfactory). Instructors will recommend consultation with a counselor to determine a sequence of courses for the student. Any questions concerning Developmental Studies or student placement in developmental classes should be directed to the campus academic office or counseling center.
The following degrees or certificates are offered upon successful completion of approved programs at the College.
Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree (AA&S) is awarded to students who complete requirements in the following degree programs: Business Administration, Education, General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Science. This degree is appropriate for those students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions after completing a program of study at Germanna.
Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is awarded to students who complete major requirements in one of the occupational-technical curricula and may plan to obtain full-time employment upon graduation from college. AAS degree programs include: Accounting, Electronics, Information Systems, Management, Nursing, and Police Science.
Certificate (C) is awarded to students who complete one of the approved non-degree curricula which are usually less than two years in length.
Career Studies Certificate (CS) is awarded to students who complete one of the career studies programs. Career studies programs are developed and implemented in response to community needs when institutional resources permit.
The College reserves the right to withdraw program offerings if there is not sufficient demand or for other appropriate reasons.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
General Education Requirements : General Education is that portion of the collegiate experience which addresses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values characteristic of educated persons. It is unbounded by disciplines and honors the connections among bodies of knowledge. The following elements embody the essence of general education:
Communication : The student should be able to read, write, speak, listen, and seek needed information effectively.
Learning Skills and Critical Thinking : The student should be able to address a variety of problems, select or create solutions to problems, and implement solutions.
Interpersonal Skills and Human Relations : The student should be able to identify personal values, understand how personal values develop, and comprehend the implications of decisions made on the basis of personally held values.
Computational and Computer Skills : The student should possess skills to understand and interpret numerical data; skills to manipulate data in a logical manner; and knowledge of basic computer elements, functions, and applications.
Understanding Culture and Society : The student should be able to identify those activities and institutions which constitute the social aspect of cultures, understand the impact that social institutions have on individuals and cultures, and appreciate one's own as well as others' personal functioning within social institutions. The student should understand the impact that art in its various forms has upon individuals within cultures.
Understanding Science and Technology : The student should be able to identify those activities and products which constitute the scientific-technological aspects of cultures and to understand the impact of such activities and products on the individuals and physical environment in cultures.
Wellness : The student should develop attitudes, values, and skills which promote physical and emotional well-being.
Associate Degree Requirements (AA&S and AAS) : To be eligible for graduation with an Associate Degree, from the College, a student must have:
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Met graduation requirements. A student must have completed all requirements listed in the catalog in effect at his/her date of entry into a specific curriculum or have chosen to complete all requirements listed in any revision of the curriculum as presented in the subsequent catalog. |
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Completed the minimum number of credits for an Associate Degree, of which at least 25 percent must be acquired at the College. |
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Completed the general education requirements (courses such as English, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, History, Physical Education and Student Development) for an Associate Degree. |
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Earned a GPA of at least 2.0 on all work attempted which is applicable toward graduation in his/her particular curriculum. |
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Filed an application for graduation in the Admissions and Records Office by the required deadline. |
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Resolved all financial obligations to the College and returned all materials, including library books. |
Certificate Requirements : To be eligible for graduation with a Certificate from the College, a student must have:
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Fulfilled all requirements of the certificate curriculum as specified in the College catalog, with a minimum of 25% of the credits acquired at the College. |
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Earned a GPA of at least 2.0 on all work attempted which is applicable toward graduation in his/her curriculum. |
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Filed an application for graduation in the Admissions and Records Office by the required deadline. |
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Resolved all financial obligations to the College and returned all materials, including library books. |
Application for Graduation : Students should apply for graduation according to the following schedule:
| Degree/Certificate requirements completed : |
Apply for graduation by : |
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| Summer Term | April 1 | |
| Fall Semester | July 1 | |
| Spring Semester | October 1 |
Graduation Honors : Students who have attended Germanna Community College for a minimum of 25 percent of the total credits acquired are eligible for graduation honors. Appropriate honors based upon scholastic achievement are recorded in the student's permanent record as follows:
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3.2 GPA - Cum Laude (with honor)
3.5 GPA - Magna Cum Laude (with high honor)
3.8 GPA - Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor)