Academic Testing

All tests, including final examinations, should be taken at the designated time. In cases of emergencies, the instructor can test the student at another time.

Grading Policies

Students must meet the requirements for the courses to receive grades and credits. Instructors make the final determination on all grades. The evaluation of a student’s academic achievement is recorded in terms of a scale of letter grades assigned by instructors. Grade reports are issued to the student after the completion of each semester.

Audit

No credit is given for an audited course. The audit must be declared at the time of registration. The fee for an audit is $70 for each credit hour taken.

Pass/Fail

The Pass/Fail grading option can be given for physical education activity classes, seminars, workshops, and work experience courses. A grade of “P” indicates the course work completed is equivalent to the letter grades of “A, B, C, or D.”

Incomplete Grades

Students are expected to complete the course work for a class during the time designated. Incomplete grades may be given when, in the opinion of the instructor, there is a reasonable probability the student can complete without repeating the entire course. The incomplete is not an option to be exercised at the discretion of the student. In all cases, an incomplete grade may be assigned by an instructor according to the following guidelines:

1. The student has been in regular attendance and doing passing work up to three weeks before the end of the semester.
2. For reasons beyond his/her control, which are acceptable to the instructor, the student has been unable to complete the course requirements on time. In certain cases, the Academic Vice President may be requested to certify personal hardship cases.
3. Incomplete grades may not be given for Directed Study, Independent Study, or Challenge courses.

The instructor must set forth the conditions for the removal of the incomplete grade on an Application for Incomplete form provided by the Registrar. When completed, this form must be signed by the student and instructor and turned in to the Registrar.

An incomplete must be made up by the 30th instructional day of the following semester. An incomplete grade given during Spring Semester must be completed by the 30th instructional day of the following Fall Semester.

By the 45th instructional day, the instructor must file a Report of Grade Change form with the Registrar assigning a permanent grade. If the course has not been completed according to the conditions set forth, the grade will be an “F”. Failure of the instructor to complete a Report of Grade Change form by the due date will result in a grade of “F.”

Grade Changes

Only the instructor may make a change in grade or a correction of an improperly reported grade. The instructor must complete a Report of Grade Change form, which includes submitting justification for the change, obtaining the required signatures of approval, and delivering the completed form to the Registrar.

No requests for a grade change, or correction will be accepted after one year has passed from the time the initial grade was given by the instructor.

Grade Reports

Students will receive semester grades in the mail approximately two (2) weeks following the last day of classes. If there is anything incorrect about a grade, it is the student’s responsibility to promptly alert the Office of the Registrar.

Transcript of Grades

All final grade reports are recorded on the student’s transcript and kept on file at FPCC. Upon graduation, the student will be issued a student copy of an official transcript. Additional transcript copies for the student’s use and for release to transfer institutions or prospective employers will be issued only upon written request by the student/graduate. The first official transcript is free of charge; thereafter, a fee of $5.00 is charged for each request.

Change of Name

If a student wishes to process a change of name for his/her academic record, the student must submit to the Registrar a completed Request for a Name Change form and the appropriate documentation. Request for a Name Change forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. Examples of such documentation include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order for legal name change. Name changes will be processed only for currently enrolled students and must match the name on the student’s social security card.

Grade Point Average

The grade point is a numerical method for measuring student achievement. The grade point (letter grade x numeric point value) is calculated for all completed courses. The semester grade point average includes only the courses the student enrolled in for that semester. The cumulative grade point average includes all of the enrolled courses on the student’s transcript.

Grade Point Computation

Grade points are computed as follows for each credit hour: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points. A student’s grade point average may be calculated by dividing the number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted, excluding any course for which a grade of W, P/F), I, or audit has been recorded. For example:

Total grade points (29) divided by the total credits attempted (12) equals a grade point average of 2.41.

Arrangements for this process must be made with the the Academic Advisor and Registrar.

Students earning degrees or certificates must apply for graduation and pay the non-refundable $20.00 fee by the announced deadline. Only students who have met all the requirements for graduation from FPCC may participate in the ceremony. Diplomas will be provided only when all bills owed to the college are paid in full.

A student may fulfill graduation requirements for a certificate or a degree in any one FPCC catalog under which he/she has been enrolled as a full-time student during the five years prior to graduation. Once a student has reached matriculation and is seeking another degree, the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation will be used unless otherwise specified by the student.

Students should follow the specific degree and certificate programs of study in the next section of this catalog for graduation requirements. Service learning is required for graduation.

Associate of Arts Degree

• 60 credits in courses numbered 100 or above
• 2.00 cumulative grade point average
• 20 credit hours must have been taken at FPCC
• 32 credit hours in the Associate of Arts general education requirements
• Satisfactory completion of courses as specified in the program of study

Associate of Science Degree

• 60 credits in courses numbered 100 or above
• 2.00 cumulative grade point average
• 20 credit hours must have been taken at FPCC
• 37 credit hours in the Associate of Science general education requirements
• Satisfactory completion of courses as specified in the program of study

Associate of Applied Science Degree

• 60 credits in courses numbered 100 or above
• 2.00 cumulative grade point average
• 20 credit hours must have been taken at FPCC
• Satisfactory completion of courses as specified in the program of study
• 15 credits in the Related Instruction requirements

Certificates

• 30 credit hours minimum as specified in the program of study
• 2.00 cumulative grade point average
• 20 credit hours must have been taken at FPCC
• Satisfactory completion of courses as specified in the program of study
• 10 credits in the Related Instruction requirements