Academic Standards and Policies

Academics

Academic standards, regulations and policies are established to ensure a student’s academic progress and to help the student achieve his or her goals. An exception to regulations and policies may be granted under special circumstances through the established appeal processes. All academic policies are currently under review by the Community College of Baltimore County and are subject to change.

Early College Access Program

Outcomes for all CCBC credit and developmental courses must hold all students to the same level of rigor as indicated by the Common Course Outline, regardless of format, term length and delivery method (online, blended, face-to-face, on campus, on location, non-standard semester lengths and contracted courses).

Student Academic Appeals

Academic appeals are those that do not involve alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct (such as cheating) but instead involve allegations of error or misjudgment about academic matters. Typically, these are allegations by students that have been assigned inappropriate grades by their instructors.

In such cases a student must first confer with the faculty member involved. A student who is dissatisfied with the result of such a conference or who has been unable to contact a professor after three (3) attempts must next take his or her concerns to the instructor’s immediate supervisor, providing copies of any documents that are relevant to the appeal, such as the syllabus and graded assignments. Every effort will be made at this level of appeal to reach a just resolution of the problem.

The final level of appeal is that of the dean of the school offering the course. A student appealing to this level must submit concerns to the appropriate school dean in the form of a written statement setting out the factual basis for the allegations as clearly and completely as possible, and providing copies of all relevant documents. The written appeal must be submitted to the dean within 45 calendar days of the conclusion of the course.*

Upon receipt of such a written appeal, the dean will, within 15 days, inform the student that the student must elect one of two courses of action: (i) to have the dean render a final decision based upon the student’s written statement and the results of any additional investigation that the dean may deem appropriate or (ii) to have the dean convene a hearing board to make a recommendation to the dean before the dean makes a final decision. The student must select their option within 15 days of notification by the dean.

If the student elects to have a hearing board, the dean will appoint a board composed of at least two faculty members (at least one of whom is from a different discipline than that of the faculty member involved in the appeal) and at least one student. The dean will also appoint a hearing officer from among the professional staff of the College who will preside over the hearing. All of these persons will be screened for their ability to hear the appeal in a fair and impartial manner and to avoid conflicts of interest. This is an academic appeal procedure. Any legal counsel utilized will not have voice rights at such a hearing. The hearing or final decision of the dean must occur or be rendered within 90 days of the student selection of final appeal option.

After the hearing is conducted, the hearing officer will submit a written recommendation to the dean as to how the issue may be resolved. The dean will take this recommendation into account in rendering a final decision, which shall be submitted in writing to the student and to the faculty member.

*The submission deadline may be different for appeals in the School of Health Professions (SHP), due to the unique nature of some of its programs. Students are directed to consult the School of Health Professions for details.

Policy for “Grandfathering” CCBC Students Who are Enrolled in Discontinued Programs

When a program of study is discontinued, students will be afforded time to complete the program requirements. Program directors/ coordinators will work with students to develop plans to help students complete their coursework. If particular courses are no longer offered, substitutions will be made. The length of time for services and benefits to be extended is determined by the number of credits the student needs to complete the program, with the maximum of up to two years after the discontinuance of the program. Requests for further extension must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Instruction.

If students are enrolled in an accredited program in the School of Health Professions, and that program is discontinued, CCBC will ensure that required courses will continue to be offered in order for students to complete their degree or credit certificate requirements within the timelines for program completion established upon admission to the program.

Academic Action

The academic action policy seeks to provide intervention and support for students who are making little or no academic progress although CCBC students are expected to take responsibility for their own progress. CCBC shall review academic progress at the end of all semesters and sessions, including winter and summer, to identify students who may need assistance. A student who is not making satisfactory progress is subject to academic probation or academic suspension. Support services are available throughout the semester to encourage academic progress. Students will be informed at the end of a semester or session if placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.

Academic Probation

Academic probation is the college’s official warning that a student needs to improve his or her academic performance. Students who fall below the Cumulative Grade Point Average listed below will be placed on academic probation.

While on academic probation:

• A student is encouraged to seek guidance from an academic advisor before registering for future classes.
• During the regular fall and spring semester, a probationary student may register for a maximum of seven credits.
• During late start sessions or any single summer or winter sessions, a probationary student may register for a maximum of four credits.
• A student on probation who wishes to register for additional course credits beyond these maximums must meet with an academic advisor and obtain written permission prior to registering.
• To be removed from probation, a student must achieve the minimum cumulative GPA above.

Academic Suspension

A student will first be placed on probation. If the student does not achieve the minimum GPA at the end of the semester, he or she will be academically suspended from the college. Regardless of cumulative GPA, a student will not be suspended at the end of any semester completed with an average of 2.0 or better.

While on academic suspension:

• Students are restricted from registering for classes for one full year.
• There is no appeal for students placed on academic suspension.
• Students will be dropped from course registrations in upcoming terms, within that year, even if that semester has already started.

When returning from academic suspension, students are:

• Encouraged to seek guidance from an academic advisor before registering for classes.
• Encouraged to contact CCBC IT Help Desk for assistance in recovering CCBC student log in information.
• On academic probation, and their credit load limited.
  • During the regular fall and spring semester, a probationary student may register for a maximum of seven credits.
  • During late start sessions or any single summer or winter sessions, a probationary student may register for a maximum of four credits.

Academic Development 101 Requirement

Academic Development 101: ACDV 101 , is a one-credit course required for all degrees and credit certificates. This course should be completed in the first semester at CCBC. Course topics include the culture and expectations of higher education, academic success strategies, technology skills, and college and career goals. 

Students placed in ESOL 022 , ESOL 023 , ESOL 024 , ESOL 032 , ESOL 033 , and ESOL 034  are exempt from the ACDV 101 requirement until they complete those courses.

Credit

Credit Load

• A full-time student is one who is registered for at least 12 credits/billable hours or the equivalent (except winter session).
• A student planning to take 19 or more credits in a semester must obtain the written permission of the academic deans in his or her declared program of study.
• CCBC encourages a student who is employed to take a reduced credit load so he or she can successfully pursue both school and employment.
• A student who is employed on a full-time basis is encouraged to take no more than two courses in a regular semester.
• A student who plans to enroll in more than 14 credits during summer or 7 credits in a winter session must obtain written permission from the academic dean of his or her declared program of study.

Credits and Class Meetings

Normally, a one-credit unit is granted for courses that meet the equivalent of one 50-minute period per week over a 15-week semester. A three-credit course will normally meet the equivalent of three 55-minute periods each week for a 14-week semester. Classes generally meet one, two or three times a week.

During winter and summer session, courses meet additional times each week so that the total class time is the same as in a regular semester. Three to five periods of laboratory or field experience are equivalent to one lecture period.

Course Repeat Policy

A student may repeat a course without permission one time only unless the course is specified as repeatable more than once. When a student repeats a course, only the higher grade is used in the calculation of that student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). Transfer credit is only accepted for courses previously attempted at CCBC in which the student’s earned CCBC grade is below a “C” (D, F, W, AU, R, I). While transfer grades do not carry a numeric value in GPA calculations, the transferred credit will be added to CCBC’s transcript and will exclude the CCBC grade from the GPA calculation. Transferred credits are applicable toward the completion of degree/program requirements. All grades remain on the student’s academic transcript.

A student who has already received two grades (including W, AU, I, and R) in any course is prohibited from registering for the course for the third or subsequent time at CCBC without the written permission of an academic dean or their designee. Third or subsequent attempts in developmental mathematics courses must receive written permission from an academic advisor. 

In addition, before registering for a repeated course, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to discuss their academic program, college resources, graduation implications, and course scheduling options. In addition, if the student receives financial aid through grants, scholarships, or loans, the financial aid repeated coursework policy also applies.

Course Overload (Full or Closed Courses)

Maximum class sizes are established by CCBC to ensure that students receive the best possible learning experiences. As a result, overloads into these classes that have already reached enrollment capacity are granted only for unusual circumstances. Overload requests for full courses are submitted first to the Enrollment Services Centers. Overload requests will be forwarded to the Dean or Dean’s Designee only when directly related to CCBC operations or academic considerations (class cancellation, wrongly canceled for non-payment/financial aid; changing course level in the same disciplines, e.g., switch from ENGL 101  to ENGL 102 , etc.). Only the Senior Director of Enrollment and Student Services/Registrar, Associate Registrar, and Assistant Directors of the Enrollment Service Centers have authority to send a student to a Dean or Dean’s Designees for permission to enroll in overloaded classes.

The Deans will consult with each faculty member before the beginning of the term to determine the degree to which overload is feasible in his or her course(s).

Dean’s List

At the end of each academic term, the Dean’s List is published to recognize students who have achieved outstanding academic success. To qualify, a student must have earned a GPA of at least 3.5 over a minimum of the last twelve (12) credits attempted since the last review, and not have a D or F during that time.

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Associate Degree (Associate of Arts, A.A.; Associate of Science, A.S.; Associate of Applied Science, A.A.S.; Associate of Fine Arts, A.F.A.; Associate of Arts in Teaching, A.A.T.; and Associate of Science in Engineering, A.S.E.)

A student is eligible to receive an associate degree if he or she meets the following requirements:

• Completes all course requirements in a given program. An associate degree requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours in either a transfer or career program.
• Maintains a minimum GPA of 2.0. The A.A.T. degree requires a 2.75 GPA.
• Earns at least 15 credits of a curriculum at CCBC. 
• Completes the General Education requirements.
• Meets financial and academic obligations to the college.
• Submits an application for graduation to the Enrollment Student Services Center or Registrar’s office by the published deadline and pays the required graduation fee in the Bursar’s office.

Effective spring semester 2018, the payment of a single graduation fee is sufficient for receipt of one or more certificates and/or Associate degrees. Multiple degrees/certificates must be awarded within 24 months of receipt of the initial degree/certificate to honor the single payment. For further details, contact Graduation@ccbcmd.edu.

Earning an Additional Degree

Additional associate degrees will be awarded to a student who meets the following requirements:

• Fulfills the course requirements in the additional program of study.
• Maintains a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Submits an application for graduation to the Enrollment Services Center or Registrar’s office by the published deadline and pays the required graduation fee in the Bursar’s office.

Effective spring semester 2018, the payment of a single graduation fee is sufficient for receipt of one or more certificates and/or Associate degrees. Multiple degrees/certificates must be awarded within 24 months of receipt of the initial degree/certificate to honor the single payment. For further details, contact Graduation@ccbcmd.edu.

Certificate

A certificate is awarded to a student enrolled in a career or transfer program who meets the following requirements:

• Completes the course requirements of the program.
• Maintains a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Completes at least 25 percent of the credits required in the certificate program at CCBC.
• Meets financial and academic obligations.
• Submits an application for graduation to the Enrollment Services Center and pays at the Bursar’s office or mails the application and payment to the Registrar’s office by the published deadline.

Effective spring semester 2018, the payment of a single graduation fee is sufficient for receipt of one or more certificates and/or Associate degrees. Multiple degrees/certificates must be awarded within 24 months of receipt of the initial degree/certificate to honor the single payment. For further details, contact Graduation@ccbcmd.edu.

Letter of Recognition

A Letter of Recognition is a short pattern of study that leads to either career and skills enhancement or academic achievement in a specific study area. Following successful completion of course work, CCBC awards a Letter of Recognition to a qualified student who:

1. Completes all courses designated in the Letter of Recognition.
2. Reviews courses with his or her program director/coordinator.
3. Achieves a minimum 2.0 GPA. 
4. Submits a request to the academic dean for the Letter of Recognition.

The Letter of Recognition designation will be applied to the academic transcript.

Catalog Year Policy

• A student will follow the catalog in which they start taking credit or developmental courses at CCBC.
• A student who is not continuously enrolled for two full years will follow the current catalog upon re-enrolling.
• If a student changes their program of study, they must follow the catalog associated with the term in which the program of study change is effective.
• Prospective School of Health Professions (SHP) students must closely monitor the admissions requirements of their intended SHP program of study.  If admitted, SHP students must follow the catalog associated with the term in which they begin matriculation in the core curriculum of their program of study.
• A student may change to the catalog year in which he or she is graduating from CCBC.

Online Learning

Distance Learning Course Assessment Policy

This policy is intended to assure the integrity of Distance Learning course performance and is in response to the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Title IV, Part H, Program Integrity that mandates accrediting agencies to require institutions offering distance education to have a process to establish that a student registered for the distance education course is the same student that participates in, completes, and receives credit for the course.

In response to the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Title IV, Part H, Program Integrity, CCBC:

1. Will provide a secure login and password for each student.
2. Will provide an ethics statement to each student upon signing on to a CCBC course site.
3. Will conduct proctored authenticated assessment* for a minimum of 30 percent of the course grade.
4. May provide new or other authentication technologies that assist in verifying student identity.

*Authenticated assessment represents at least 30 percent of the final grade. Proctors and proctoring sites must be authorized by CCBC. Examples of proctored authenticated assessment include: debate, presentation, demonstration, recital, simulation, defending work, video conference technology or CCBC authorized proctored exam.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (FERPA) requires institutions receiving federal monies to protect the privacy of students’ educational records.

What are a student’s rights under FERPA?

• The right to inspect and review their education records
• The right to seek to amend education records that are believed to be inaccurate or misleading
• The right to demand that personally identifiable information be disclosed only with student consent, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent
• The right to file a complaint against the institution

Who must comply with FERPA?

Any educational institution (school or other entity that provides educational services and is attended by students) and educational agency (entity that administers schools directly linked to it) that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

All CCBC employees, including faculty members, are required to comply with FERPA. An institution’s failure to comply with FERPA may result in the Department of Education’s withdrawal of federal funds.

Who has FERPA rights at the postsecondary level?

Anyone over the age of 18, a student “in attendance” (regardless of age), and former students.

Student applies to all students attending – including continuing education students, students auditing a class, and distance education students.

In attendance applies to and is determined by the institution. CCBC defines in attendance as the time of application for admission to the institution.

Access to an Eligible Student’s Education Records

At the time that the student applies to CCBC, regardless of age, FERPA rights are transferred to the student; therefore, the right to inspect is limited solely to the student. CCBC college policy does not permit disclosures of confidential student records to parents of financially dependent children, regardless of a student’s age or financial status. Records may be released to parents, guardians, and other parties only if one of the following conditions have been met:

1. Through the written consent of the student (FERPA release form available through the Registrar’s office and online).
2. In compliance with a subpoena (§ 99.31).
3. Without student consent in a health or safety emergency if the information will assist in resolving the emergency (§ 99.36).

With verbal consent of the student, parents may:

• Attend meetings with Faculty and Staff to discuss issues related to academics, discipline, or other educational topics.  Students have the right to withdraw their verbal consent at any time.

Directory Information:

Data items that are generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if publicly available. These items may be disclosed, unless the student has placed a “block” on directory information release. If blocked, the word, “Confidential” will appear by the student’s name in Banner (CCBC’s student information system) or in the left-hand corner of every page of the student’s Banner record.

• Student’s Name (including Preferred Name)
• Program of Study
• Dates of enrollment
• Full- or part-time enrollment status
• Degrees or certificates conferred
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Height and weight of members of athletic teams

Educational Records:

Any record maintained by the institution (not just the Registrar) that contains information that is personally identifiable to a student (in whatever format or medium). These items cannot be disclosed to a third party, including parents, without the student’s written consent. “Personally Identifiable Information” or “Educational Records” may be released only to the student and then only with the proper identification. To disclose to a third party, including parents, requires the student’s written consent. Any educational Identifying data that is not Directory Information falls within this category.

Educational Records:

Including but not limited to:

• Class schedule
• Grades/GPA and academic standing
• Test scores
• Academic transcripts
• Disciplinary records
• Student financial records
• Employment records of student workers

Other Personally Identifiable Records:

Including but not limited to:

• Social Security Number
• Gender/race/ethnicity
• Residence status
• Country of citizenship
• Religious preference

FAQs

What is CCBC’s policy in disclosing Directory information without written consent of the student?

The policy of the college is that without the written consent of the student, the college will disclose the following directory information:

1. Student’s Name (including Preferred Name)
2. Program of Study
3. Dates of enrollment
4. Full- or part-time enrollment status
5. Degrees or certificates conferred
6. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
7. Height and weight of members of athlectic teams

The college will not attempt to give students prior notice of any disclosure made pursuant to this paragraph on directory information.

The policy on disclosure of directory information does not apply to former students. Directory information, other than an address or telephone number regarding former students will be released upon request unless the request is from a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, in which case the college will release the address and telephone number to the law enforcement agency.

Without one of these FERPA exceptions, the student’s written and signed consent must be on file to release personally identifiable records. When in doubt, contact the Registrar’s Office for clarification.

May an employee discuss personal impressions and knowledge of a student with other CCBC employees if it pertains to some academic or educational concern?

Yes.  Personal observations are not considered an educational record.  Exception: If the information falls under Title IX, the employee is responsible for contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

What can an employee do when a student is clearly struggling with a personal matter, and, after being advised to seek help, is clearly still in distress?

FERPA permits the disclosure of information from a student’s education record if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others. Limit your communication about the student to professionals who will be able to give direct assistance in an appropriate manner.  In most instances, the Registrar responds to these inquiries and guides the best course of action.

Exception: If the information falls under Title IX, the employee is responsible for contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

Are emails part of a student’s educational record?

Students have a right to access most of the information the college maintains about them, including e-mail messages between faculty or staff that refer or relate to them. Knowing that a student might read your email message later, keep your email messages focused on facts and try to avoid communicating subjective judgments. Students DO NOT have a right to access records that are kept in the sole possession of the person who created the record, are used only as a memory aid, and are not accessible by or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the person who created the record.

Are faculty permitted to post course grades in a public forum?

Under FERPA, student grades must not be released or made available to third parties. Since grades can never be directory information, it is inappropriate to post grades in a public setting. An instructor may post grades if the grades are posted in such a manner that only the instructor and the individual student can identify the student and his or her grade. Grades should never be posted by any portion of the SSN. Additionally, it is recommended that such a posted list not be in the same order as the class roster or in alphabetical order.

Is the policy the same for all students (ECAP, Dual Enrolled, etc.) and regardless of the location of the class (in the high school, at another institution, etc.)?

Yes

What information can employees access about students?

Employees are not automatically entitled to access all information about students. Employees have a legitimate educational interest in information only if the information is relevant and necessary for them to fulfill their role in the student’s education.

For more information on FERPA, refer to the U.S. Department of Education.

Final Examinations

The last week of each fall and spring semester is used exclusively for final examinations or other concluding instructional activities in accordance with the official schedule and course syllabi. Final examinations should not be given before the final week, without permission of the Academic Dean.

A student who does not report for a scheduled final examination may be given a failing grade for the examination, based on the instructions found in the instructor’s syllabus. Guidelines must provide for exceptions in the cases of documented emergencies. In such cases, the student must contact the faculty member within 24 hours of the scheduled exam, and the instructor may require that the make-up be taken within a one-week period. The fall and spring final exam schedule is posted on CCBC’s website.

Grades and Grading

Grading Philosophy

Grading measures the student’s degree of mastery of a course’s objectives and content. The objectives and grading criteria are communicated to the student through the course syllabus.

Grade Reports

• Grades are issued at the end of each summer and winter sessions, fall and spring semesters and are entered in the student’s permanent record at that time.
• A student may view his or her final grades in SIMON, the student online information system.
• A student may obtain an unofficial paper copy of grades upon request for no fee by requesting it either by mail or in person.

Progress Grades

• A student should speak with his or her instructors to evaluate progress throughout the session or semester. Progress grades are not a part of a student’s academic record.
• A student performing unsatisfactorily will be notified by the college during the specified dates posted on the academic calendars for progress grade reporting.
• Progress grades are not recorded for courses that meet in an abbreviated semester or session.

Grades and Other Indicators

 *Developmental courses use letter grades (effective Spring 2014).

NOTE: For Spring 2020, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, CCBC awarded a PC – Pass with a C or a PD – Pass with a D.

Non-Grade Indicator Explanations

R

The R designator represents a specific amount of content or progress in the development of skills. It is used for self-paced, developmental and other courses as agreed upon by CCBC faculty in the appropriate discipline.

AU (Audited Class)

Credit is not awarded for an audited class.  To audit a class a student should:

• Understand the audited class requirements which may include:
  • Participation in course activities and completion of assignments.
  • Not meeting audited class requirements will result in a grade change from AU to a W. 
  • Final exams are not required or administered to students who audit a class.
• Register for the audited class.
• Pay the tuition and fees.

 A student may elect to change his or her registration from credit to audit by the date on the Academic Calendar .  After the deadline a student is permitted to change from credit to audit only under extenuating circumstances with written approval of the academic dean or dean’s designee. 

 If a student is receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits, or if the student is an athlete or international student, approval must be obtained from the appropriate office to change or audit a course before submitting the Drop and Add form  to the Enrollment Services Center or Registrar’s office.

 There may be some courses with a limit to the number of times it may be taken for audit.  

W

The W grade is issued when a student withdraws from any course after the refund period; that is, during the first ten weeks of a regular semester or within the first two-thirds of winter, summer or late start classes. To withdraw from a course, the student must complete a Drop/Add/Withdrawal form, which is available in the Enrollment Services Centers. After the published deadline date in the Academic Calendar , a withdrawal may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances with written approval of the appropriate dean.

I

An instructor may assign an incomplete grade for any class if the student has made satisfactory progress through most of the course (as determined by the faculty member) but needs additional time to complete the remaining requirements due to a documented mitigating circumstance.  It is the student’s responsibility to request an I grade before the final examination period.  The student and the instructor must agree in writing on the precise conditions for completion of the course requirements.  The instructor’s supervisor will be supplied with the Course Completion Agreement and verify the faculty member’s plan to complete the process.  The course must be completed within 30 working days after the beginning of the next regular semester (fall or spring).  If the course is not completed by that time, the grade will automatically change to an F or a U unless the instructor allows an extension.  A student must complete a course and receive a grade before that course may fulfill a prerequisite for another course. Please note:  If an extension is given for students receiving VA educational benefits, the “I” grade coursework must be completed within 30 working days after the beginning of the next regular semester (fall or spring) but no later than the end of the next regular semester (fall or spring).

CR/PR

College Credit by Examination or Credit by Portfolio is designed to serve the student who – by past work experience, self-study, and/or travel experience – has mastered subject matter generally equivalent in scope to courses offered at the college. The credit does not carry a letter grade, is not calculated into the Grade Point Average (GPA), and is included in the 75% of the credits that can be transferred to CCBC toward a certificate or degree. Refer to Prior Learning Assessment.

FX

The FX grade will be given to a student who fails as a result of insufficient active engagement and attendance as defined within the Active Engagement and Attendance Policy in the course syllabus. The grade would be calculated into the GPA as an F and would appear as an F on the student transcript; however, it will only be used internally to document failures due to nonattendance.

RF

Students who have been separated from CCBC for three or more years and who have experienced academic challenges that affected their GPA, may seek academic renewal in order to restart their academic career and graduate from CCBC.  All completed courses and designated credits for the courses approved for academic renewal will remain on the student’s official transcript. The course grade will be designated “RF” to show they have been removed from the computation of the GPA.

Please note: Students seeking academic renewal are responsible for ensuring their eligibility, initiating the process, and understanding the impact this policy may have on their academic record. Refer to the Academic Renewal Policy  for additional information and application instructions. Inquiries about the process may be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Grade Point Average Calculator

Grades used to calculate a student’s GPA are A, B, C, D, and F. The GPA does not include S, U, W (withdrawal), or AU (audit) grades). To calculate a GPA.

A = 4 quality points
B = 3 quality points
C = 2 quality points
D = 1 quality point
F = 0 quality points

Quality Points: Quality points are values given to each grade that is earned at CCBC.

The Formula: Quality points divided by hours attempted = the GPA

This formula can be used to compute all GPAs. The Community College of Baltimore County computes the following grade point averages for each student:

• Term GPA - This calculation includes only the grades and quality points a student earns in one term.
• Cumulative GPA - This calculation includes all grades and quality points a student has earned.

Combining Undergraduate and Legacy GPAs

The Community College of Baltimore County was the result of a merger of three independent colleges – Catonsville Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Essex Community College.

Coursework completed prior to summer 1999 is documented on a separate transcript identified as Legacy. Effective summer 1999, completed coursework is documented on a transcript identified as Undergraduate.

A cumulative GPA calculation includes Undergraduate and Legacy GPAs. The calculation is determined by dividing the total number of quality points from all CCBC institutions attended by the total number of GPA hours from all CCBC institutions attended. Transfer credit from other institutions is not included in the cumulative (Legacy) or Undergraduate GPA.

Change of Grade Procedure

If a student, with the prior approval of the faculty member, successfully completes course requirements after semester grades are officially reported, a Change-of-Grade form will be submitted by the faculty member to the Registrar’s office within the first 30 days of the next semester. The Academic School Dean’s signature is required. After 30 days, any change of grade must be submitted to the Academic School Dean with appropriate justification. If the Academic School Dean concurs, the change of grade request form with the justification will be forwarded to the Registrar’s office.

Honors for High Achievement

Graduation with Honors

A student who qualifies for the associate degree will also receive an Honors designation as appropriate.

Honors College

The Honors College connects academically motivated students with dedicated faculty, mentors, and advisors who foster a community driven to pursue unique learning opportunities, explore new ideas, and thrive as scholars. 

Student Benefits

• Smaller classes
• Faculty mentors
• Graduation recognition
• Honors certificate
• Special consideration at selected transfer institutions*
• Scholarship eligibility
• Special social and cultural events

*Benefit for completion of Honors College- guaranteed admission at selected transfer institutions.

Honors College Eligibility

The Honors College is open to students who show potential for superior academic performance. A student may apply if they already have an excellent academic record or demonstrate potential for academic achievement.

Honors Courses are Designed to:

• Emphasize student involvement
• Foster collaboration and inquiry
• Involve participation, exposure to new ideas, active learning and critical thinking
• Require work at a more sophisticated level

A student interested in the Honors College should request an application from the campus Honors College director:

Criteria for Recognition of Honors College Completion

• Enroll in the Honors College and meet minimum requirements
• Complete at least 12 Honors credits
• Earn an overall GPA of 3.5 or better

Learn more about the Honors College and obtain an application or contact a campus Honors Program director.

Religious Holidays

Students have the right to observe their official religious holidays without penalty or reprisal by any administrator, faculty member or employee of the Community College of Baltimore County.  Absences for such holidays shall not count against the number of absences allowed by an instructor or department as indicated in the syllabus.  Students must provide written notification to their instructor(s) no less than one week before the holiday.  Students must make prior arrangements with each instructor to complete missed work.  In the event of an extensive religious holiday absence (more than two consecutive days), a case-by-case examination is required.  Faculty are required to address any potential scheduling issues with students at the start of the semester.

Statewide Academic Requirements and Regulations

1. All certificate and degree-seeking students are required to have their skills assessed in reading, English, and mathematics at the time of initial enrollment into the college. Students will not be permitted to register until they complete the assessment process in accordance with the Assessment/Placement  policy.
2. Students who are placed into academic literacy and/or developmental mathematics must register for and complete all of their developmental courses beginning with their first semester and registering continuously until all developmental courses are completed.
3. Students who register for and complete academic literacy and developmental mathematics must register for ENGL 101 and general education math by the next regular semester following the semester in which they completed the developmental courses. Students may also use the accelerated program in developmental education to register for ENGL 101 and general education math concurrently with their developmental coursework.
4. All degree-seeking students must register for and complete English 101 with a C or better and a General Education (credit-bearing) mathematics course within their first 24 credits.
5. Students who do not maintain these requirements must meet with an academic advisor before registering for their next semester.

Writing Policy

Techniques of effective writing and/or communication should be promoted in all courses at CCBC. The College values students’ cultural and linguistic diversity, and therefore is committed to embracing multiple academic and cultural contexts when writing across the disciplines. Because writing criteria are discipline specific, instructors will approach assignments and assessments accordingly, with awareness and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and recognition of the many ways to write effectively in English.

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