College Catalog
Policies and Procedures
Academic Advising
Upon enrollment at Sandhills, all regular students are assigned an academic advisor to assist in course scheduling, registration, and program planning, as well as to evaluate academic progress periodically.
Classes selected by first semester students must be approved by the academic advisor prior to registration. After the first semester, students may register in Self Service but are encouraged to consult with their assigned advisor. It is the intent of the advisor to place students receiving financial aid into only classes required for their program of study. Once the semester begins, the advisor must also approve registration changes, such as dropping and adding classes. Students receiving financial aid should always consult with a financial aid staff member prior to dropping or adding a class.
Although the academic advisor will help students become familiar with degree and diploma requirements in a chosen field, each student is ultimately responsible for the proper completion of his or her academic program, for familiarity with the college Catalog, for maintaining the grade average required, and for meeting all other degree requirements. The advisor will advise, but the final responsibility remains that of the student. In addition, college transfer students should know the requirements of both Sandhills Community College and the transferring institution.
Academic Freedom and Integrity
The faculty and staff at SCC recognize that student learning lies at the heart of all they do. To support student learning, they abide by the principles of academic freedom and integrity. Faculty and students must be free to examine all pertinent data, question assumptions, be guided by the evidence of scholarly research, and teach and study the substance of their discipline. Instructors are afforded the freedom to manage the learning environment of their courses. At the same time, students will be afforded a quality educational experience where learning is encouraged, evaluations are substantive and meaningful, and grades are awarded fairly.
College General Education Requirements
Sandhills Community College faculty has identified three primary goals of general education: reading comprehension, communication, and critical thinking. For each of these three goals, competencies have been developed to assess student attainment. Course-embedded assessments are used to measure the three competencies in the appropriate general education courses. The general education courses used for assessment are selected from various disciplines (humanities, science, mathematics, etc.) to capture a variety of ways to assess each of the core general education goals. Standard rubrics are used to assess student attainment of competencies.
Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is the ability to understand, dissect, and apply the meaning of a body of written text(s).
Demonstrated competencies:
- Students will be able to read and demonstrate comprehension of written materials.
Communication
Communication is the ability to apply college-level language skills individually and collaboratively to discover, organize, and convey information, ideas, and arguments in a manner appropriate to audience and purpose.
Demonstrated competencies:
- Students will demonstrate college-level language skills.
- Students will create and present original work using discipline specific material.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is the ability to use appropriate inquiry to reach a reasoned conclusion.
Demonstrated competencies:
- Students will demonstrate analytical reasoning abilities by drawing inferences.
General education outcomes assessment results will be reported in the aggregate because the results represent the college and not individual students or faculty. In addition, assessment results will be shared with faculty, staff, and students. The assessment results are to be regularly and systematically considered by the faculty, staff, and administrators in order to take action to improve student learning. General education assessment tools (tasks and scoring rubrics) and the process will be reviewed every four years to improve process validity and efficiency.
Alternative Methods for Achieving Course Credit
Credit by Examination
Students enrolled in Sandhills Community College may have developed knowledge and skills that match the knowledge and skills to be achieved in certain courses in the College. These achievements may be the result of work experience, military experience, or informal study.
To receive credit by examination, students must demonstrate proficiency by taking challenge examinations developed by departmental faculty or a standardized examination such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI).
Although any faculty advisor or counselor may initiate a credit by examination request, the specific courses to which credit by examination applies will be determined by the instructional departments. Students who seek consideration for credit by examination must obtain permission from the chairperson of the department in which the course is offered. Where applicable, the chairperson will arrange for the examination to be administered. The Vice President of Instruction must approve all credit awarded by challenge examination.
Students who wish to receive credit by examination through CLEP or USAFI should submit such certifications to the Office of Records and Registration. The Office of Records and Registration will award credit for exams that have received approval and meet the minimum score requirements. Other exams may be accepted pending consultation and approval from the appropriate department chairperson.
Currently approved CLEP exams: |
|
CLEP Exam Name |
SCC Equivalent Course |
America Government |
POL-120 |
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature |
ENG-131 |
College Mathematics |
MAT-143 |
History of the United States I |
HIS-131 |
History of the United States II |
HIS-132 |
Human Growth and Development |
PSY-241 |
Humanities |
HUM-211 |
Introductory Psychology |
PSY-150 |
Introductory Sociology |
SOC-210 |
Principles of Macroeconomics |
ECO-252 |
Principles of Microeconomics |
ECO-251 |
Spanish Language Level 1 |
SPA-111 and SPA-112 |
Spanish Language Level 2 |
SPA-111, SPA-112, and SPA-211 |
Western Civilization I |
HIS-121 |
Western Civilization II |
HIS-122 |
Upon the student’s successful completion of credit by examination, the symbol “CE” will be shown on academic transcripts, and credit hours will be awarded; however, no quality points will be assigned. Students should note that, typically, credit by examination hours do not transfer.
Workforce Continuing Education to Curriculum Prior Learning Credit
In some instances, Workforce Training courses in workforce continuing education (WCE) allow for matriculation to curriculum credit (CU) into A.A.S. programs through a prior learning WCE-to-CU Crosswalk review. Every WCE-to-CU Crosswalk is developed in coordination with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Vice President of Instruction, and the Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education.
Credit can be awarded when WCE subject matter experts provide clear documentation outlining course content in training programs that contain parallel course content and class/lab hours to CU courses offered in SCC curriculum programs. In such instances, the WCE Program Director prepares a WCE-to-CU Crosswalk for a specific WCE course and submits the WCE-to-CU Crosswalk to the Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education for further review.
The Vice President for Workforce Continuing Education reviews the crosswalk to ensure that the workforce training has parallel content and hours to NCCCS Common Course Library courses required in CU certificate, diploma, and/or degree programs offered at SCC.
After review, the Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education submits this crosswalk to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Vice President of Instruction. The Vice President consults with program coordinators and department chairs to review subject matter content to ensure parallel student learning outcomes and course requirements. The Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs then approves the WCE-to-CU Crosswalk to be used as documentation for this and future requests for each identified WCE-to-CU course considered for matriculation. These WCE-to-CU Crosswalks are housed in the Office of the Vice President of Instruction.
The Vice President of Instruction provides the Registrar with a WCE-to-CU Crosswalk approval for awarding credit for prior learning to be added to the student’s record as a TR grade for the appropriate curriculum course(s).
As is the case will all instances of alternatives credit, the student is responsible for initiating the request based on information provided students upon enrollment to the college.
ACA Credit by Exam
The College requires most incoming first-year students to take one of two first-year student orientation courses: (1) ACA-115 for students pursuing the A.A.S. degree, or (2) ACA-122 for students pursuing the A.A., A.A.T.P., A.E., A.F.A., A.G.E.-Nursing, A.S., and A.S.T.P. transfer degrees. Students who have earned an A.A.S. or higher may be eligible for Credit by Examination for ACA-115 and should see their academic program advisor. Students who have earned credit for ACA-122 may be eligible for an Academic Petition for ACA-115 and should see their academic program advisor. Students who transfer in 18 or more hours from an accredited four-year college or university may be eligible for Credit by Examination for ACA-122 and should contact the Coordinator of University Studies. Exceptions to the credit by exam requirement may be determined after a conference with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Advanced Placement Courses
Students who have taken any of the following Advanced Placement courses in high school and who have made the appropriate score on the AP exam can receive credit for the courses as part of the general education courses under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). The AP exam must be administered by the College Board and an official score report must be submitted to the SCC Office of Records and Registration. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College Board to request that exam scores be sent to SCC. The Director of Records and Registration will verify AP examination scores and record appropriate credit on the student’s transcript. One exception to this policy is the AP Art and Design course. Determination of credit for AP Art and Design will be made by the appropriate department chair with approval by the Vice President of Instruction. Please note: Students should be aware that if they receive AP course credit at Sandhills Community College but “do not complete the associate in arts or associate in science degree” before transferring to a UNC university, their AP scores will be evaluated on the “basis of the receiving institution’s AP policy,” according to the CAA. For the Associate in Engineering, the Associate in Fine Arts (Music, Theatre, Visual Arts), the Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation, and the Associate in Science Teacher Preparation degrees, AP course credits “awarded for a score of three or higher, are acceptable as part of a student’s successfully completed degree” under its respective agreement.
AP Course College Course and Required AP Exam Score |
|
Art and Design |
ART-121, ART-122, or ART-131, based upon portfolio |
Art History |
ART-114 and 115 with a score of 5; ART-114 only with a score of 3 or 4 |
Biology |
BIO-111 and 112 with a score of 5; BIO-111 only with a score of 3 or 4 |
Calculus AB |
MAT-271 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Calculus BC |
MAT-271 and MAT-272 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Chemistry |
CHM-151 and 152 with a score of 5; CHM-151 only with a score of 3 or 4 |
Computer Science A or Computer Science AB |
CIS-115 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Macroeconomics |
ECO-252 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Microeconomics |
ECO-251 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
English Language |
ENG-111 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
English Literature |
ENG-112 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Environmental Science |
BIO-140 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
French Language |
FRE-211 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
French Literature |
FRE-212 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Comp Government & Politics |
POL-210 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
U.S. Government & Politics |
POL-120 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Human Geography |
GEO-111 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Music Theory |
MUS-114 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Physics 1 |
PHY-151 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Physics 2 |
PHY-152 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Physics C: Mechanics |
PHY 251 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
PHY 252 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Pre-Calculus |
MAT 171 and MAT 172 with a score of 5; MAT 171 only with a score of 3 or 4 |
Psychology |
PSY-150 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Spanish Language |
SPA-211 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Spanish Literature |
SPA-212 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
Statistics |
MAT-152 with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
U.S. History |
HIS-131 and HIS-132 with a score of 5; HIS-131 only with a score of 3 or 4 |
World History |
HIS-112 only with a score of 3, 4, or 5 |
College Credit for High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses
Students who successfully completed high school CTE courses with a grade of B or higher in the course and a score of 93 or higher on the course post-assessment may receive credit for Sandhills Community College courses that cover the same content or skills development as identified in the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement. For some college courses, students must also demonstrate proficiency of course knowledge and skills by passing an examination administered by college personnel. To receive articulated credit, students must enroll in the community college within two years of their high school graduation date.
Credit for Experiential Learning
Students enrolled in degree, certificate, or diploma programs that have had career experience that they believe duplicates that required for a course may apply for credit by contacting the Director of Records and Registration and requesting the form on which the students will document the career experience. The Director of Records and Registration assesses the career experience in consultation with faculty in a program and the Vice President of Instruction. In some instances, that assessment includes a review of state, regional, or national certifications that verify a student’s knowledge in content parallel to a course.
If these parties determine that the experience duplicates the knowledge required for a course, the faculty member will recommend credit be given for courses for which required knowledge and skills have been demonstrated. Credit will be awarded by the Director of Records and Registration upon approval by the appropriate Department Chair and the Vice President of Instruction. The symbol “EL” on academic transcripts will indicate credit earned for experiential learning. Credit hours will be awarded for such credit; however, no quality points will be assigned. In determining experiential credit for coursework completed in continuing education non-credit coursework, the college references the NCCCS Continuing Education Master Course Listing and Business and Industry Guidelines.
The College periodically validates the evaluation process for awarding credit for experiential learning by reviewing the performance of students receiving such credit in follow-on courses or their program of study.
Credit for Military Training
Sandhills Community College prides itself in being a military friendly institution. The college recognizes prior military training and is often able to award college credit based on recommendations from the American Council on Education. Students seeking credit for military experience should request a Joint Services Transcript (JST). To find out more information on how to request a JST, please visit https://jst.doded.mil/, or contact our Veterans Affairs Office at 910-695-3902. For Air Force transcripts, visit http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp. Upon receipt of the transcript, the Director of Records and Registration will evaluate the transcript and determine any applicable credit. Credit hours will be awarded for such credit; however, no quality points will be assigned.
Academic Petition/Course Substitution
Students may, under unusual circumstances, petition that one course substitute for another in a curriculum program. The Academic Petition form via eForms must have the approval of the academic advisor, the Program Coordinator, the Department Chair, and the Vice President of Instruction.
Course Prerequisite Waiver
A student who has not completed the prerequisite or corequisite courses may satisfy those requirements by demonstrating that he/she has the appropriate knowledge and skills required for admission to the course. The student’s advisor must submit the Prerequisite Waiver form via eForms with supporting documentation attached. The form will route to the Director of Curriculum Operations and Leadership Development and the Director of Records and Registration for review and registration of the student. The form will then route to the Vice President of Instruction and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Institutional Planning for final approval. If approval is not granted the waiver will be revoked and the student will be dropped from the class.
Waitlist
Waitlisting is available on certain courses in a semester. Students may opt to be added to the waitlist on these courses to be notified if a seat becomes available. Students will receive an email notifying them of their option to register within 24 hours of notification. If the first student does not register for the seat, the next student on the waitlist will be notified. Waitlisting does not guarantee a seat in the course.
Special Course Enrollment
Enrollment in Courses Unique to Concentration Programs
Some programs in the North Carolina Community College System have “concentrations” identified, such the Hospitality Management concentration of the Business Administration program. Each concentration has certain “concentration courses” identified that must be unique to the concentration. These courses are identified by a sentence in the course description that reads, “This course is a unique concentration requirement of….”
Students who are not enrolled in the particular concentration program may enroll in and take unique concentration courses for credit if the students are otherwise eligible to participate in the class by, for example, meeting prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Such classes may be counted as elective credits for other applied science programs. Students not enrolled in the concentration program must receive approval from the instructor of the course. The instructor will indicate consent by approving a student’s Course Plan in Self Service or forwarding an electronic Course Change Form.
Independent Study
Under unusual circumstances, a student may have a need to enroll in a course of independent study under the guidance of an instructor. A student must first substantiate the need to the instructor. Next, an Independent Study Contract must be prepared by the instructor with whom the work will be done. The contract will be sent to the Department Chair and student for electronic signatures and then will be processed in the Curriculum Office and the student will be enrolled. Enrollment in more than one independent study course per semester will be allowed only under exceptional circumstances.
Auditing Courses
Students who do not desire credit or a grade may audit any course for which prerequisites are met. Students who wish to audit a course must submit an Audit Permission form through student eForms prior to the end of the drop period. Requirements for auditing will be determined by the instructor. Auditors will register and pay the same tuition and fees as students who take the course for credit. Students with a recorded audit grade for a course may repeat the course one time on an audit basis.
Senior Citizen Waiver
Students at least 65 years of age may be eligible for a waiver of tuition and registration fees. Qualified students will be responsible for local fees. Classes that are waived will receive a grade of SR (senior audit) which indicates attendance only. All pre-requisites must be met. Registration for applied music classes and restricted program classes is not permitted. A student may utilize a senior waiver on a space available basis after final registration is complete. Eligible students should contact the Admissions Department for verification of eligibility.
External Instruction
The College maintains full responsibility for the academic requirements and standards of students who participate in credit courses that require work-site experiences, such as clinical, practicum, or work-based learning courses. Each program using such courses will provide written policies and requirements to students and will maintain reporting and monitoring procedures that are consistent with program standards.
Course Load
Depending on the program, the usual course load for students is 12 to 18 semester hours during fall and spring terms. The usual course load for students during any entire summer session (two five-week sessions or one ten-week session) is 6 to 12 semester hours. Students must be registered by their advisor for more than 18 hours in the fall and spring or 12 hours for the entire summer (7 semester hours for a single five-week session).
Students enrolling in 8-week courses may take no more than three 8-week courses per session. Students may combine 8-week courses with the regular 16-week sessions.
Classification of Students
For purposes of administration, excluding financial aid, the following student classifications have been specified:
- Full-time student: The student is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. During the summer semester, a full-time student must be enrolled with 9 or more credit hours.
- Part-time student: The student is enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours. During the summer semester, a part-time student is enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours.
- First-year student: The student has successfully completed 32 or fewer semester hours.
- Sophomore: The student has successfully completed more than 32 semester hours.
Attendance Procedures
Entry into Courses
Students must complete an assignment/activity as directed by the instructor for the course during the first 10 percent of the semester to be considered entered into the course for academic and financial aid purposes. Students in a traditional, fully seated course must also attend class during the first 10 percent of the semester. If a student does not meet this criterion, the student will be recorded as having never attended (NA) the course and will be ineligible for course completion and no refund will be given.
Attendance
Because the College realizes that academic success is tied to regular attendance, students are expected to attend all class sessions, laboratories, and clinical experiences. A student who fails to attend two consecutive weeks worth of class is in violation of the college’s attendance policy and will be dropped or withdrawn from the course. Faculty members are responsible for informing students in writing at the first-class meeting of additional attendance expectations and identifying all classes, laboratories, and clinical experiences that must be attended at the scheduled times. Faculty members will inform students at the first-class period if tardiness is to be computed as an absence. Absence from class must be satisfactorily explained to and/or documented for the instructor, and the student is held responsible for all work missed.
Unsatisfactory attendance may adversely affect a student’s grade for the course. Any student who violates the attendance policy of the course before the 65% point of a semester (or summer session) may be required to drop the course. Any student who violates the attendance policy of the course after the 65% point of the semester (or summer session) may be required to withdraw from the course with a grade of “WP” or “FW,” depending upon his or her grade in the course at the time of withdrawal. Attendance policies for online courses are detailed in the course syllabi for the individual courses. Generally, these attendance policies reflect the instructor’s expectations regarding the frequency of posted interactions.
Class sessions that are missed by late-enrolling students may be counted as absences.
Sandhills Community College will excuse two days each academic year for religious observances required by the faith of a student. Students must provide a written notice to the instructor at least two weeks prior to the absence. Students are required to make up work missed due to absences.
Students will not be charged when an absence is due to participation in an activity specifically approved by the Vice President of Instruction or the Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management.
Excused Absences for Military Service
Students in the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard on State active duty during an academic term will have their absences excused if they are reassigned temporarily or permanently due to military operations. They will be allowed to make up any missed tests or assignments.
- When feasible, students may opt to continue their classes and coursework online while on active duty.
- Students can receive a temporary grade of "incomplete (IN)" or "absent from the final exam (AB)" for courses they could not complete due to active duty. They must fulfill course requirements within a specified period outlined by the instructor of the course to avoid a failing grade.
- Students have the option to drop courses they could not complete due to active duty without penalty.
- Students can also drop courses without financial penalty if they could not complete them due to their excused absences.
Schedule of Last Class Sessions
The last four days of each semester are used to provide classes with a concluding session used for final examinations or for other activities that are designed to bring the course to a successful conclusion. Meeting times for classes during the last four days of the semester are provided in the final exam schedule which is posted on the Sandhills website at www.sandhills.edu. The last class sessions meet the requisite contact hours for the course. Last class sessions must meet whether or not a final examination is to be given.
Grading Policies and Procedures
Grading
Grading the performance of students in course work is the responsibility of individual faculty members.
Grade Categories for Completing a Course
Categories of institutional grades and symbols for students who have met minimum course requirements are as follows:
Course Completion Grade Chart |
||
Superior |
A |
Superior academic performance |
Good |
B |
Good academic performance |
Average |
C |
Average academic performance. Students in zero-prefix courses must earn a “C” or better to enter subsequent foundation or curriculum course(s). |
Passing |
D |
Academic performance that has met minimum course requirements and that will allow students to enter the subsequent course or courses in a series, unless a higher grade is specified in the course prerequisite. Students who make a “D” grade in a zero-prefix course may not progress to the next course. Credits for courses in which a “D” is earned do not transfer. |
Pass |
P |
Proficiency (Math and English co-requisite courses only) |
Pass |
P1-P3 |
Level of Proficiency (MAT 003 and ENG 002 courses only) |
Credit by Examination |
CE |
Credit earned by examination procedures of the College |
Experiential Learning |
EL |
Credit earned for life experience
|
Transfer Credit |
TR |
Credit earned from courses taken at other accredited educational institutions or military education experiences in the armed services |
Audit |
AU |
Participation as an auditor of a course |
Senior Audit |
SR |
Participation as a senior citizen auditor with tuition waived |
Grade Categories for Not Completing a Course
Categories of institutional grades and symbols for students who have not met minimum course requirements are as follows:
Course Non-Completion Grade Chart |
||
Failure to Meet Course Requirements |
F |
Student performance judged to require repetition of the course. Students who make an “F” grade in a zero-prefix course may not progress to the next course. |
Re-enroll |
R |
Non-punitive grade used when: · the student fails to make at least an 85% on the Tier 1 Test. (MAT 003 courses only) · the student fails to make at least an 80% on the Tier 1 Test and Essay. (ENG 002 courses only) |
Drop |
DR |
Courses dropped during the first 10% of the class will not appear on the transcript. Between the 10% and 65% date, the class will be listed on the transcript as “DR.” |
Withdraw Passing |
WP |
Used to indicate that a student currently passing a course has withdrawn or been withdrawn from a course after the 65% date of the semester. |
Withdraw Emergency |
WE |
Used to indicate that a student has withdrawn from the course due to an emergency such as a pandemic or natural disaster. |
Failing Withdraw |
FW |
Used to indicate that a student currently failing a course has withdrawn or been withdrawn from a course after the 65% date of the semester. FW grades may also be given prior to the 65% date in cases of violation of the student code of conduct. |
Incomplete |
I |
Punitive grade used when the instructor determines that at least the minimum course requirements may be met by a student during the next consecutive semester without repeating the course. |
Incomplete Emergency |
IE |
Used to indicate that a student received an incomplete due to an emergency such as a pandemic or natural disaster. |
Removing Incomplete “I” Grades
- When grades are reported, it is the responsibility of the instructor and the student to determine the work to be completed and the timeframe of completion within the next consecutive semester (fall/spring) for the removal of the “I” grade.
- When removing an “I” grade during the next consecutive semester, a student should continue working under the instructor’s direction and should not re-register for the course.
- If a student has not removed the “I” grade by the end of the next consecutive semester, it may be necessary to re-register and re-take the course. “I” grades not removed during the next consecutive semester will be converted to an “F”. “I” grades have the same effect as “F” grades while on the transcript.
- When a student performs the work that allows the removal of the grade of “I”, the instructor will submit a grade change form and the “I” will be deleted from the transcript, and the new grade will be entered.
- If a student receives an “I” and the instructor is not at the institution the next consecutive semester, the student should meet the requirements of the course under the supervision of the department chairperson.
- A grade of “I” may be replaced by a grade of “F” if a student, in attempting to remove an “I”, completes the work required but averages an “F” in the course.
Grade Point Average
Grade point averages are based on points assigned as follows:
Grade |
Grade Points |
A |
4 |
B |
3 |
C |
2 |
D |
1 |
F |
0 |
FW |
0 |
I |
0 |
WP |
Not computed |
DR |
Not computed |
P |
Not computed |
P1 – P3 |
Not computed |
R |
Not computed |
A minimum major grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation. In addition, students enrolled in health science programs will be required to achieve a letter grade of “C” or better in all required courses of the student’s program of study with the exception of the students in the Health and Fitness Science program of study. All transfer degree students must earn a “C” or better in all courses applied toward the degree requirements.
In the computation of the grade point average for determining graduation eligibility, only grades for courses required for the completion of the current program of study will be computed. All other grades will remain on the student’s record but will not be computed. Grades earned in foundation courses (indicated by numbers ranging from 002 through 098) will not be used in the computation of the grade point average for graduation, but those grades will be included in the grade point average to determine academic progress.
Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college/university should be aware that many four-year colleges/universities re-compute the grade point average based on all college-level hours that the student attempts. Students who have a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 may not be accepted by the University of North Carolina System institutions.
Course Repetition
A student who has earned a grade of “C” or better in a course may repeat the course one time in an effort to earn a higher grade or to add to his or her mastery of course content. A student who has not earned a grade of “C” or better may repeat the course as many times as necessary in order to earn a higher grade. When a course is repeated, only the higher grade will be counted in determining the hours earned and the institutional grade point average at Sandhills Community College. Both the original grade and the grade when the course was repeated count in the grade point average calculation for financial aid purposes.
Students planning to transfer should realize that universities do not have consistent policies regarding grade forgiveness. University admissions personnel will review the transcripts of transfer applicants and may re-compute grade point averages and could include forgiven low grades. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) with the University of North Carolina System requires that a student earn a grade of “C” or better in each transfer course completed.
Students who earn a grade of “P1” in a transition-level course may repeat the course two times in an effort to earn a higher grade or to add to his or her mastery of course content. If the student does not successfully complete the transition course, he or she may repeat the course as many times as necessary to achieve a higher grade.
Students with a recorded “Audit” (or grade of “AU”) for a course may repeat the course one time on an “Audit” basis. Exceptions to this must be approved by the Vice President of Instruction.
Inter-Curricular Transfer of Credit
When a student transfers from one curriculum program to another within the College, all courses with passing grades that are applicable to the new program will be transferred and included in the computation of the student’s grade point average.
Course Change Procedures
Self-Service
Students can utilize Self-Service to make adjustments to their course schedule during authorized time periods. Typically, students can add courses to or delete courses from an upcoming semester between the opening of registration and the date published as the “last day to pay tuition”. After this date, students must utilize the electronic Course Change form to add or drop courses. Online students as well as on-campus students will have access to electronic forms via the MySCC webpages.
Adding Courses
Once the first day of the semester has begun, a student must use the electronic Course Change form to request adding a course. The student will initiate the form, indicating the course section to be added. The form will be routed to the instructor. If approved, the Office of Records and Registration will enroll the student in the section. The student will be notified by email once processing is complete. If the instructor does not approve the request, the student will be notified by email of the denial. No registration will be permitted after the 10% census date of the semester.
Dropping or Withdrawing from Courses
Instructor permission and the student’s last date of attendance (LDA) are required before a drop can be processed; therefore, students must use the electronic Course Change form to request to be dropped from a class. A student can request to drop (DR) a course at any time during the first 65% of the term. After the 65% point, a student can request to withdraw (WP or FW) from a course. See “Important Guidelines” below for more details. After the student initiates the form, it will be routed to the instructor to provide the required information, then forwarded to the Office of Records and Registration for processing, the student will be notified by email once processing is complete.
Please note: If the semester has begun and a student would like to drop a class but replace it with a different class (or a different section of the class) prior to the 10% census date, an electronic Course Change form must be submitted, and it must include both the course to be dropped and the course to be added. Failure to include the drop and add on the same form may result in forfeiting any applicable refund.
Important Guidelines
Students should familiarize themselves with these important guidelines for dropping/withdrawing from a class. Any questions regarding the impact on financial aid due to dropping one or more classes should first be addressed with the Financial Aid Department before initiating the electronic form.
- If a course is dropped during the first 10% of the semester, the student will not receive a grade for the class and no record of enrollment in the class will appear on the student’s transcript.
- If the student drops the course after the 10% census date, but prior to the 65% point of the term, the class will be listed on the student’s transcript with a grade of “DR”. The “DR” grade will not be computed in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Instructor initiated drops during this time period, due to a violation of the student code of conduct may result in an “FW”.
- Emergency situations may arise that make it necessary for a student to withdraw from one or more courses after the 65% point of the semester. In this case, the instructor will assign a grade of “WP” or “FW”; the grade will not be a “DR” for drop. If the student is passing at the time of withdrawal, the student may receive a grade of “WP” (withdraw passing). If the student is failing, the student may receive a grade of “FW” (failing withdrawal). The “WP” grade will not be computed in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. The “FW” grade will be computed in the calculation of the student’s grade point average and will have the same effect as a grade of “F”.
In addition to regular, 16-week Fall and Spring semesters, the college offers other abbreviated terms such as 8-week modules in Fall and Spring semesters and Summer A, B, and C Sessions. The drop/add procedure will be the same, however, refund dates, add periods and drop periods for each of these sessions will vary. Specific dates for each session will be published in the Catalog.
Instructor-Initiated Drop or Withdrawal
An instructor will drop a student if the student has failed to attend two consecutive weeks’ worth of class. Additionally, an instructor may drop or withdraw a student from a course under any of the following conditions:
- Student fails to meet the attendance policy of the course, if that policy is more restrictive than what is stated above.
- Student fails to meet the course requirements as established by the instructor including attendance, class participation, and/or completion of assignments in the classroom or in the online environment.
- Student is absent from the final exam without the instructor’s permission.
- Student violation of the student code of conduct.
Withdrawal from a Course, Program, or the College
As noted above, emergency situations may arise after the no-penalty drop period (after the 65% point) whereby students must leave involuntarily. When withdrawing from a program and/or the college, students must officially request to withdraw from all their courses by initiating the electronic Course Change form. This form will be routed to instructors for approval and to the Office of Records and Registration for processing. This information will also be shared with the Financial Aid Office.
Change of Major, Re-entry, and Readmission
Change of Major
Students are never “locked in” a program of study for longer than one semester. Any time a student considers making a change, the student should immediately meet with a counselor, instructor, or advisor to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed change. Students should explore all program offerings at SCC, and The Purpose Center is prepared to help in that exploration.
If a student wishes to change from one instructional program to another, the student must complete a Change of Major Form. This form is available online on the MySCC page through the eForms link. Students may change their major at any time during the academic year, but the students who are on financial aid should seek counsel from a Financial Aid official in Stone Hall.
Re-entry into a Program
When a student wishes to be considered for re-entry into a program that has special placement requirements or enrollment limitations, these procedures will be followed:
- The student should check with the Admissions Office to see if his or her application is current. If necessary, a new advisor will be assigned at that time.
- The student should schedule an appointment with the assigned advisor to discuss re-entry into the desired program.
- The advisor may recommend to the appropriate department chairperson that the student be permitted to re-enter the program. Such recommendation should be based upon the student’s demonstration that remedial action has been taken that would prevent a repeat of earlier failure to succeed in the program.
- The department chairperson will have responsibility for approving a student’s re-entry into a program within that department.
- Nursing and Health Science students should consult the department chair and/or program coordinator to review specific re-entry requirements as detailed in the program policy manual that applies.
- Students who interrupt their program of study will be subject to the program requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time of their re-entry into the program.
Academic Forgiveness
A student may request academic forgiveness for grades lower than a “C,” if the following conditions are met:
- The student has not been enrolled in curriculum courses for 36 consecutive months.
- During the previous enrollment period, the student experienced extenuating circumstances that contributed to grades lower than a “C.”
The student requesting academic forgiveness must contact the Vice President of Instruction and verify conditions 1 and 2 above.
If a student is granted academic forgiveness, the following conditions apply:
- The student’s entire academic record at Sandhills Community College will be recorded on any subsequent transcript.
- The subsequent institutional grade point average of a student who is granted academic forgiveness will be computed without inclusion of previous coursework in which a grade below “C” was received. However, unless the courses are completed with a better grade, this work may be included in calculations for consideration for honors.
- A student may be granted academic forgiveness only one time.
- This forgiveness policy is used for academic purposes only. Due to federal regulations, the Financial Aid Office is required to count all courses listed on a student’s transcript when calculating financial aid eligibility.
Academic Progress
Students who enroll in curriculum programs, or who enroll as special students, are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Academic Probation and Suspension
The purpose of the academic probation and suspension program is to identify when students are having academic difficulties that might jeopardize the reaching of their educational goals. Since a 2.0 GPA in a program is required for completion, students who fall below this standard are placed on academic probation.
At the end of Fall and Spring semesters, a student’s cumulative and semester grade point averages are examined. The semester GPA is based on all courses taken during a single semester for which a grade is given. The cumulative GPA is based on all courses taken at SCC. Curriculum students who have a cumulative grade point average below a 2.0 after a total of ten credit hours have been attempted at the college will be placed on academic probation. When a student is placed on probation, they are notified in writing.
Students on academic probation will not be permitted to participate in early or pre-registration through Self-Service without approval from an assigned advisor. Any student on academic probation must complete all required interventions to maintain enrollment. Possible interventions include meetings with the appropriate program coordinator, academic advisor, and/or counselor. Failure to comply may result in academic suspension.
Students will be returned to normal academic status upon attaining a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA. Students on probation who achieve a 2.0 or greater semester GPA following being put on probation, but whose cumulative GPA is not 2.0 or greater, will remain on probation.
Curriculum students on probation who fail to make satisfactory improvement in their grade point average by earning at least a 2.0 semester grade point average will be suspended and must attend an advising session with the Vice President of Instruction, who will determine the limits to be placed on their registration of curriculum courses the following semester including not enrolling in any classes that semester. To be readmitted, the student must interview with a counselor and obtain permission from the Provost.
Academic Progress Policy for Students Receiving Financial Aid
Purpose
All financial aid recipients are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Federal regulations and policies set by Sandhills Community College (SCC). The intent of these policies is to ensure that students who are receiving financial aid are making measurable progress toward completion of an approved degree, diploma, or certificate program in a reasonable period of time and within a reasonable number of credit hours attempted in their program of study.
Scope
Regulations require a student’s progress for financial aid purposes to be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition to a student’s cumulative grade point average, students are also required to pass a percentage of all attempted coursework, and to complete their program of study within the maximum time frame established by the institution. To reasonably measure a student’s academic progress for financial aid, the student’s academic record will be evaluated including credit hours earned at other post-secondary institutions and transferred into the student’s program of study at SCC. This requirement applies to all students who apply for financial assistance from Federal, State and Institutional Aid.
For students receiving financial aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester of enrollment. Students who have attended SCC in the past without receiving financial aid will be evaluated for SAP based on their prior academic record, and subsequently, at the end of each semester of enrollment. Returning students are evaluated on a continuing basis from the first enrollment at Sandhills. Returning students who were previously enrolled under a Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy other than the current Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy will be required to meet the standards of the current policy upon returning. There is no requirement in the federal regulations for institutions to notify students who are not applying for or receiving Title IV, HEA aid of their eligibility under SAP.
Standards of Progress
To receive financial aid, the student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward an eligible program of study. There are two standards in the Financial Aid Office’s standards of progress that students receiving financial aid must meet in order to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress:
- Qualitative Standard: The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement the student must maintain to receive and/or continue receiving financial aid assistance is 0. This includes all degree, diploma and certificate programs.
- Quantitative Standard: 67 % Completion Rate and 150% Maximum Time Frame. (Normal rounding rules apply. Example: 66.5% = 67%)
The student must maintain the minimums as listed below:
- Completion Rate Requirement: The student must successfully complete 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted to meet the minimum requirement. Example: if the student attempts 59 credit hours during enrollment, the student must successfully complete 40 credit hours (40 hours completed ÷ 59 hours attempted = .67 or 67%). Successful completion is defined as receiving a grade of A, B, C, D, or P (Pass).
- Maximum Time Frame: The maximum timeframe for a student to complete a program is 150% of the published length of the program. Example: if 75 credit hours are required to complete a degree, the student must complete the program, prior to the maximum of 113 credit hours before the student exceeds his eligibility for financial aid (75 credit hour program x 150% = 113). One academic year of credit (30 credit hours) may be added for required remedial coursework. If a student is pursuing more than one program of study, maximum time frame standards of 150% will be applied toward each program for all attempted hours. If a student should need additional periods of enrollment to complete their program or if the student has a valid reason for pursuing an additional program of study, appeal procedures noted within this Satisfactory Academic Progress policy may be applied.
Please note: Both pace and maximum time frame are measured in credit hours (except for Clock Hour programs – see below), regardless of full time or part time attendance.
If a student does not meet any ONE of the above three criteria, the student has failed to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and failure to do so will result in termination of eligibility to receive funds from federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
Treatment of Selected Grades
Withdrawals/Drops
Credit hours in which a student receives a grade of Drop (DR) and Withdraw Passing (WP) do not affect a student’s GPA; however, Failing Withdraw (FW) is calculated as 0.0 in the GPA calculation for SAP. Grades of DR, WP, and FW are included in the number of attempted hours, but do not count toward successfully completed hours. Students who withdraw may have difficulty meeting the satisfactory academic progress requirements. Courses dropped during the official add/drop period (usually the first 8 days of the semester) are not included as attempted and/or unsuccessful credits.
Incomplete and Failing Grades
Credit hours in which a student receives a grade of Incomplete (I), Repeat (R), or Fail (F) are included in the number of attempted hours, but do not count toward successfully completed hours. All three grades are calculated as 0.0 in the GPA calculation for SAP. Students with incompletes may have difficulty meeting the satisfactory academic progress requirements at the time of evaluation but may request reevaluation upon completion.
Incomplete Emergency and Withdraw Emergency (COVID-19)
In response to the national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCC added two new grades to the curriculum grading schemes for the Spring 2020 semester only, the Incomplete Emergency (IE) and Withdraw Emergency (WE) grades, which are only applied to students in response to COVID-19. IE and WE grades are not included in the quantitative component of the Satisfactory Academic Progress calculation. If a student receives a final grade for a class, the new grade and number of credits attempted will be used to determine if the student is making SAP.
Transfer Credit
Students transferring from another college will be considered making satisfactory progress at the time of initial enrollment at SCC. Grades from courses taken at other institutions are not included in the GPA calculation for SAP. Any such transfer credits will be included in the completion rate requirement as both attempted and completed credits, while a student’s maximum time to receive financial aid will be reduced by the equivalent transfer of credit hours.
Audit and Never Attend
Audit (AU), Never Attend (NA) or Senior Audit (SR) grades are not considered attempted course work and are not included in the grade point average or completion rate determinations. A student cannot receive financial aid for courses that the student audits or is considered a no show (AU, NA, or SR).
Repeat Courses
For financial aid purposes, all hours attempted will continue to be counted in each component of the student’s academic progress.
Credit by Exam
While Credit by Exam (CE) is not included in enrollment status for purposes of awarding financial aid, the attempted and completed credits are counted in each component of the quantitative standard. The grade CE has no numerical value at SCC and, therefore, does not affect the GPA.
Experiential Learning
When a student earns credit for Experiential Learning (EL) which is given for career experience and military training that duplicates experience required for a course, it is not included in enrollment status for purposes of awarding financial aid; however, the attempted and completed credits are counted in each component of the quantitative standard. The grade EL has no numerical value at SCC and, therefore, does not affect the GPA.
Foundation Courses
Courses taken at SCC and are numbered less than 100 are included in GPA calculations for SAP, as well as when calculating the 67% Completion Rate. One academic year of credit (30 credit hours) may be added for required foundation coursework when calculating the 150% Maximum Time Frame. Only 30 credits of foundation coursework will be included in a student’s enrollment status for federal financial aid.
When calculating the cumulative GPA for foundation coursework, a P grade is the equivalent of a grade of A. An R grade is the equivalent of a grade of F and is calculated as 0.0 in the GPA calculation for SAP. Credit hours in which a student receives a grade of R are included in the number of attempted hours but do not count toward successfully completed hours.
Summer Session
Credit hours attempted and earned during summer session will be included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, just as any other enrollment period. For purposes of financial aid, full time enrollment in summer is 12 credit hours.
Clock Hour Programs
Students enrolled in clock hour programs will have satisfactory academic performance (SAP) evaluated at the end of each payment period. At the time of review, students must have successfully completed both the clock hours and weeks of instructional time required for the payment period. Maximum Time Frame is measured in cumulative clock hours required to complete the program and expressed in calendar time. (Note that a student in a clock hour program cannot receive aid for hours beyond those in the program; the maximum time frame applies to the amount of calendar time the student takes to complete those hours.) For example, if the program is 1200 clock hours and meets 30 clock hours per week, that means the program is 40 weeks in length. 150% of 40 weeks is 60 weeks. A student may receive aid while enrolled in this program for up to 60 weeks to complete the 1200 clock hours required for graduation.
Complete Academic Record
In order to measure a student’s satisfactory progress toward degree, diploma, or certificate requirements, the student’s total academic record at Sandhills Community College must be evaluated whether or not the student received financial aid for the entire time of enrollment. This includes, but is not limited to, courses taken through dual enrollment, the Career and College Promise program, and the Sandhoke Early College program. When students complete course work for more than one major, college and financial aid academic progress standards must be met to receive student financial aid.
Financial Aid Eligibility Status
Eligibility Status
Satisfactory status is achieved when all the criteria explained above are met.
Financial Aid Warning
Students (not currently on Warning, Suspension, or Probation) who do not have the required cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and/or have not successfully completed 67% of their attempted credit hours, will be placed on Warning for the following semester. A student on financial aid Warning may continue to receive Title IV aid for one payment period. Satisfactory progress will be monitored at the end of the semester to determine if the student has met the standards of progress and is eligible to continue to receive financial aid.
Financial Aid Suspension
Students on financial aid Warning who have not attained at least a cumulative 67% completion rate and/or earned the minimum required cumulative grade point average of 2.0 will have their financial aid suspended at the conclusion of the Warning period.
Financial Aid Probation
If a status of Suspension is appealed and approved, a status of Probation is assigned. This status requires students to maintain both a term GPA greater than or equal to 2.0 and a term completion rate equal to 100%. In order to achieve a completion rate equal to 100%, a student must successfully complete each course enrolled in for the term. The pace component may also require a course-by-course plan toward degree completion. If a student withdraws or fails a course during the Probation term dropping the term completion rate below 100% or does not maintain a term GPA greater than or equal to 2.0, the appeal is terminated, and the student will be placed on a financial aid Suspension status.
Warning Near Maximum Time Frame
Students who have attempted approximately 100% of the maximum allowable credit hours for their program of study will receive a courtesy notification status of Warning Near Maximum Time Frame.
Maximum Time Frame
Students will have their financial aid suspended when it becomes mathematically impossible for them to complete their program within 150% of its length.
Notification of Financial Aid Warning, Suspension, Probation, Warning Near Maximum Time Frame, or Maximum Time Frame
The Financial Aid Office will send correspondence to any student who is placed on financial aid Warning, Suspension, Warning Near Maximum Time Frame, or Maximum Time Frame.
Eligibility for Retaking Coursework
A student may receive financial aid to retake a course as long as the student has never passed the course. A student who previously passed a course with a grade higher than an “F” and wishes to retake it may receive financial aid to retake it one time only.
Regaining Eligibility
Students who attend Sandhills Community College (without federal financial aid) may regain financial aid eligibility by achieving a 67% completion rate and earning the required GPA based on hours attempted. A student may request reconsideration of eligibility for financial aid by submitting a written request to the Financial Aid Office once all requirements are met. Paying for a semester or sitting out a semester does NOT permit you to regain satisfactory academic progress.
Appeal of Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Students who have been disqualified from receiving financial aid may appeal to the Financial Aid Office to waive the satisfactory progress requirements only where there are extenuating circumstances. A student may submit written documentation to the Financial Aid Office by completing the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request form explaining the circumstances that have affected academic performance and what has changed that will allow the student to make Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of the next term of enrollment or within a reasonable period of time prior to program graduation. Supporting documentation, must be presented for the semester at SCC that the student did not successfully complete/pass 67% of their classes and/or the semester GPA was below 2.0.
Examples of circumstances outside of your control that may be considered include death in the family, accident, illness, military deployment, or other serious personal problems that were beyond the control of the student and can be supported with proper documentation from involved third party sources.
Examples of circumstances within your control that will not be considered include returning to school after an extended period of absence, changing academic programs, and immaturity. An appeal may not be based on a student’s financial need or lack of understanding of actions that put the student’s financial aid in jeopardy.
Students who have exceeded the maximum allowable time frame to complete a program of study may also appeal. These students must explain what caused them to exceed the Maximum Time Frame allowed for their major and how many credits are required to complete it. They must provide a graduation plan completed and signed by their academic advisor that lists the courses needed to graduate and when each course will be taken. If the plan is considered reasonable, the student may receive financial aid with his or her progress being monitored for one or more semesters until the degree is completed, as long as the conditions set forth are met.
A student whose appeal is approved and is allowed to continue on Financial Aid Probation based on extenuating circumstances may receive Title IV funds for one payment period. At that point, to maintain Title IV eligibility, the student must meet SCC’s SAP standards or the requirement of an established individual academic plan.
Appeal Process
A student may appeal in writing to the Financial Aid Office using the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request form explaining why satisfactory academic progress requirements were not met and what has changed that will allow the student to make Satisfactory Academic Progress. Supporting documentation for the extenuating circumstance is required and specified according to the student’s situation on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Request form. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal and a decision will be rendered within fifteen (15) business days. The student will be informed of the committee’s appeal decision by letter.
Approved Appeals
A student whose appeal is approved and is allowed to continue on Financial Aid Probation based on extenuating circumstances may receive Title IV funds for one payment period. At that point, to maintain Title IV eligibility, the student must meet SCC’s SAP standards or the requirement of an established individual academic plan that will ensure that the student is able to meet SAP standards by a specific time prior to graduation.
Denied Appeals
If your appeal is denied or if you do not meet the conditions of an approved appeal, you will be asked to attend at your own expense until you achieve the required completion rate, GPA, or both (you cannot make up a deficiency if your appeal was due to exceeding the maximum timeframe to earn a degree).
Second Appeals
A second appeal may be considered but you will not be allowed to submit it for the same issue that led to the first appeal, such as the same medical condition. A student must have very unusual circumstances to warrant a second appeal. As a result, very few second appeals are approved.
If a student disagrees with the determination by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, the student may appeal their decision to the Vice President of Student Services. This appeal must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days from the date of the letter from the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The decision of the Vice President of Student Services is final.
NOTE: All notices regarding academic progress for financial aid purposes will be sent to SCC student email account. The student is responsible for monitoring the mailbox.
Academic Progress of Health Sciences and Nursing
Academic Progress Standards for Health Science Programs
To remain in good academic standing, health science students must satisfy the general academic progress requirements with a letter grade of C or better in all required courses of the student’s program of study. All health science students must maintain an institutional GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Academic Progress Standards for Health and Fitness Science Program
To remain in good academic standing, health and fitness science students must satisfy the general academic progress requirements and maintain an Institutional GPA or 2.0 or higher and have a letter grade of C or better in all the HFS prefix required core courses.
Academic Progress Standards for Nursing Programs
To remain in good academic standing, nursing students must satisfy the general academic progress requirements with a letter grade of C or better in all required courses of the student’s program of study. Students who do not achieve this will not be allowed to progress and will be subject to program suspension.
Academic Progress Standards for the Therapeutic Massage Program
To remain in good academic standing, therapeutic massage students must satisfy the general academic progress requirements with a letter grade of C or better in all required courses of the student’s program of study.
In the event that a student withdraws from the program due to academic shortfall or life circumstance, the Therapeutic Massage program follows these guidelines for readmission:
Students who receive a “C” or better in one portion of the curriculum but who fail out of or leave the program during subsequent semesters must demonstrate proficiency in completed courses in order to be given credit for the courses taken earlier.
Recognition of Outstanding Academic Performance
President’s List
The names of students who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average (for all non-foundation courses attempted) on twelve or more semester hours of college-level work during the semester will be placed on the President’s List. Foundation courses (indicated by prefix number 002-098) are not considered college-level work and will not be included in the computation of the grade point average for the President’s List. The list will be published following the reporting of semester grades for the fall and spring academic semesters.
Dean’s List
The names of students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (for all non-foundation courses attempted) on twelve or more semester hours of college-level work during the semester will be placed on the Dean’s List. The student can have no grade below a “C” on any college-level course. Foundation courses (indicated by prefix number 002-098) are not considered college-level work and will not be included in the computation of the grade point average for the Dean’s List. The list will be published following the reporting of semester grades for the fall and spring academic semesters.
Honors Graduates
Students who will receive a degree or diploma and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in their major by the end of the semester preceding their graduation semester will be recognized during graduation exercises for having achieved one of the following honors designations, which will also be noted on their diploma:
- Cum Laude: Grade point average between 3.5 and 3.74.
- Magna Cum Laude: Grade point average between 3.75 and 3.89.
- Summa Cum Laude: Grade point average between 3.9 and 4.0.
Foundation courses (indicated by prefix number (002-098) are not considered college-level work and will not be included in the computation of the grade point average for honors designation.
Resources for Learning and Support
Disability Services
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sandhills Community College is committed to equality of educational opportunity and ensures that no qualified person shall, by reason of a disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefit of any program or activity operated by the College. Each qualified person with a disability shall receive necessary, reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate.
To obtain additional information or to read documentation guidelines and/or Policies and Procedures, please go to the Office of Disability Services web page at www.sandhills.edu/disability-services-sandhills-community-college-2/ or call us at (910) 246-4138.
eLearning Students
In order to accommodate the needs of eLearning students, Sandhills Community College has implemented policies and procedures to protect student rights and online student privacy (SCC Procedure 4.10.2) and to provide Student and Curriculum Support Services. These procedures are available on the Sandhills website at www.sandhills.edu and on the MySCC page at http://www.sandhills.edu/myscc/.
Information Technology Resources
Sandhills Community College provides up-to-date information technology resources for students, faculty, staff, and community members. There are many on-campus microcomputer laboratories that are available for use by students and community members. All of the main buildings on the campus are networked, providing access to the Internet and the administrative computer system. A wide variety of software is available for use on these computers. (More information is available in the Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy in this Catalog and online at www.sandhills.edu.)
Katharine L. Boyd Library
The Katharine L. Boyd Library houses the Peter and Regina Yellin Learning Resources Center made up of the Learning Resources Computer Lab, the Barbara H. Cole Children’s Literature Center, and the library collection. The library is also home to the Teresa Wood Reading Room, the Jeanne Hastings Gallery, the Peter J. Golden Teaching and Learning Center operated by the VP for Instruction office, and the Luke Joseph Ryan Veteran’s Center operated by the Student Services division. Boyd Library also contains Boyd Room 101, a 24-seat computer classroom, available for reservation on a “First come” basis.
The library’s physical collection includes 69,787 books, 36 print periodicals, 4,037 DVDs and 144 databases containing thousands of resources in various formats. Several reserve instructional materials are available at the circulation desk for student use. These items are designated for on-site use or special checkout periods as prescribed by individual instructors. The library also houses study guides for entrance exams such as the HESI, and licensing exams such as the NCLEX. Some of these materials (or similar) can also be accessed through the NCLIVE database LearningExpress Library Complete/ PrepSTEP Academic and the StatRef database.
The Boyd Library provides comfortable, pleasant surroundings for study and reading in a 26,000- square-foot building. The library also includes a quiet area, access granted by the Veteran’s Center, for people to reflect, read, or study without the intrusion of electronic devices. The rear of the library is designated as a quiet zone where students may study or read with minimal interruption. The Barbara H. Cole Children's Literature Center houses 3,360 books and DVDs for children. Through a generous donation, the Weiss special collection was established to enhance the children’s area through a display of Caldecott Medal winner and honor books, as well as updated furnishings for the area. Other special books acquired through philanthropic donation include the Military and Veterans, Ralph and Vivian Jacobson Holocaust and World War II and the Peyton and Anne Cook Military collections.
Faculty, staff, and students are provided an SCC ID card, which also serves as their library card. Library and inter-library loan privileges are also available to Moore and Hoke County residents (and those who work in Moore and Hoke County but reside elsewhere). Community patron cards are issued to those 18 years of age or older. A photo ID and/or proof of residence must be presented during sign-up. Boyd Library is open 54 hours per week under the guidance of MSLS and/or MLS credentialed staff and has a seating capacity of 300.
The library provides 7 public-access computer stations for using the online catalog to find library materials and/or community patron “general use.” In addition, patrons are also able to print documents from these workstations. The library also provides no-cost Notary services to all campus personnel, students, and community library patrons.
Boyd Library provides online access to library research databases to all on-campus and distance learning students at https://www.sandhills.edu/library/index.html. There is also a library guide for easy navigation of all databases, along with associated video tutorials for searching the databases and other student help topics at https://sandhills.libguides.com/boydintro academic. Off-campus access to research databases is gained by logging in with the “MySCC” username and password. On-site research assistance from librarians on the main campus can be arranged by appointment for students at both Pinehurst and Hoke campuses. Off-site assistance via live chat or by scheduling a face-to-face virtual meeting with screen sharing capability in ConexEd is also available during hours of operation. After hours reference assistance via live online chat with credentialed librarians is available through ChatStaff.
Learning Resources Computer Lab
The Learning Resources Computer Lab (LRCL), located inside the Boyd Library/Peter and Regina Yellin Learning Resource Center, is a staffed, student computer lab with access to 17 computers. All computers are equipped with internet access, word processing, computer-based tutorials, printers, and a wide variety of software applications. Additionally, the LRCL is a designated support site that offers test proctoring and WorkKeys testing, assistance with e-Learning platforms and MySCC login issues.
The LRCL is limited to use by students with valid SCC ID cards and Continuing Education/HSE students. Local college/university students in attendance at other institutions may also sign in to use the LRCL when space permits. The LRCL is also a certified proctoring site for use by faculty and students in need of exam proctoring services. Those in need of proctoring services can contact an LRCL staff member for scheduling.
Students in attendance at SCC’ Hoke Center campus, including those enrolled at the SandHoke Early College High School, can access computer resources online or by using one of five computers in the LRCL located in Upchurch Hall. Further support is available through staff at both the Hoke and Pinehurst campuses.
Transfer Center
The Transfer Center is designed to support students who enroll in the Associate in Science (AS), A10400, Associate in Arts (AA), A10100, Associate in Fine Arts Visual Arts (AFAVA), A10600, or Associate in Fine Arts Theatre (AFAT), A10800, degree with the goal of transferring to a four-year college or university. All students enrolled in these transfer degrees will be assigned to an academic advisor from the Transfer Center who will help guide the student in setting up an education plan to meet the transfer requirements and to successfully navigate the transfer process.
Purpose Center
The Purpose Center serves as a dedicated resource for students who are unsure of their academic program and career direction. The Center provides services to help students identify career options, discover their purpose, and determine the best path to achieve their goals. In addition, all students enrolled in the Associate in General Education (AGE), A10300, degree will be assigned an academic advisor from the Purpose Center.
Testing
The College administers the General Education Development (HSE) high school equivalency test, and a variety of academic achievement and screening examinations requested by instructional departments. HSE testing is located in Van Dusen Hall.
Tutorial Services
An organized program of free tutorial assistance is provided to supplement the instruction given in the classroom. These services are provided by students and community volunteers. The Kelly Tutoring Center is located in Room 115 in Logan Hall. Online tutoring is also available. More information regarding Tutoring Services can be found on the MySCC page.
There are also drop-in labs on campus to assist students with their course work. Students should see their instructors for information regarding these labs.