Student Handbook

Students are responsible for keeping themselves informed on the policies that govern educational studies at St. Charles Community College. In this handbook you will find answers to your questions about earning credits, course loads, graduation, academic progress and other concerns. Feel free to seek advice and assistance from counselors, administrators and other staff as you familiarize yourself with SCC policies. You can find out where to direct any further questions by checking the information directory on the website at stchas.edu.

The SCC Catalog is Online.

Students are responsible for all information contained in the SCC Catalog and Student Handbook.

Dear Student:

Congratulations on your decision to take the next step in your education by attending St. Charles Community College. All of us who work at the college wish you every success in your studies.

The college has a top-notch faculty and staff, dedicated to your success and to excellence both in and out of the classroom. We find our career-technical graduates are well-prepared for employment and our transfer graduates are ready for a successful transition into a baccalaureate program. You have made a smart choice.

This handbook provides important information you should know while you are a student here. Please use this handbook as a supplement to our general catalog and online credit class schedule.

Enjoy your learning experiences while at SCC, and we look forward to seeing you grow, discover and achieve during your time here and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara Kavalier
President

Dr. Amy Koehler
Vice President for Academic Affairs

St. Charles Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
Telephone: 800-621-7440; Fax: 312-263-7462
Email: info@hlcommision.org
Website: hlccommission.org

Statement of Accreditation Status

See Board Policy 401-Accreditation

The Student Handbook is published by:

St. Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Cottleville, MO 63376-2865

Direct questions regarding its content to the vice president for student services.

The College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity regarding the treatment of students, faculty and staff. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations, the College adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy in student admission, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

The College prohibits any actions by students, employees, or visitors related to sexual misconduct. The College adheres to Title IX requirements and takes appropriate action to address concerns of sexual harassment in a fair and timely manner.

Student inquiries concerning Title IX, discrimination or harassment, and the procedure for complaints of discrimination or harassment may be made to the Director of Student Life or designee, 636-922-8238, SCC Main Building room 1123, or by submitting a Student Concern/Incident Form.

Employee and applicant inquiries concerning Title IX, discrimination or harassment, and the procedure for complaints of discrimination or harassment made be made to the Vice President for Human Resources, 636-922-8300, tedrich@stchas.edu, Student Center room 203.

Questions regarding Title IX may also be referred to:

Office for Civil Rights
Kansas City Office
U.S. Department of Education
One Petticoat Lane
1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64106

Telephone: 816-268-0550

Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

SCC Main Campus
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Cottleville, MO 63376-2865
636-922-8000
The main campus is located one mile north of 364/94 and 3 miles south of I-70.

Dardenne Creek Campus
#1 Academy Place
Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368
636-922-8280
Located north of I-64 along Technology Blvd., west of Hwy K

Technical Campus Wentzville
209 West Pierce Blvd.
Wentzville, MO 63385

The St. Charles Community College District is one of 12 public community college districts in Missouri serving a total of more than 86,000 transfer and career students statewide.

The St. Charles Community College District covers all of St. Charles County except for a portion in the southwest corner that is in the Washington School District. The SCC district includes five county high school districts: Fort Zumwalt, Francis Howell, Orchard Farm, St. Charles and Wentzville.

The college district covers approximately 525 square miles and includes the following urban and rural municipalities: Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Defiance, Flint Hill, Foristell, Harvester, Kampville, Lake St. Louis, New Melle, O’Fallon, Orchard Farm, Portage Des Sioux, St. Charles, St. Paul, St. Peters, Weldon Spring, Wentzville and West Alton.

Residents of other Missouri counties can attend the college at the out-of-district tuition rate.

In addition to serving the local college district, St. Charles Community College has a broader service area that includes five other counties: Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Pike and Warren. Although residents of these areas pay out-of-district tuition rates, they benefit from many services offered by the college.

SCC maintains an open-admissions policy providing higher education to all persons who can benefit from its programs and courses. The college serves students from a variety of educational backgrounds. Once admitted to SCC, you may enroll in any course or program as long as individual course pre and co-requisites are met and space for effective instruction is available.

The college will guide your enrollment based on discussions with an academic advisor, previous achievement, and other criteria. Students should provide SCC their High School Transcript, ACT/CLEP/SAT/HiSET scores, and other college transcripts, if applicable. Completion of an academic skills assessment may be needed to determine a student’s appropriate course placement. This may include placement into developmental courses designed to help strengthen your skills. These developmental courses may be offered on a credit or noncredit basis.

Students applying for the programs with selective admissions criteria may be required to take additional tests for admissions purposes. Admission to the college does not guarantee entrance into a particular course or program of study. The college reserves the right to establish selective admissions procedures and to give preference to residents of the St. Charles Community College District.

The college may restrict or deny admission to any applicant whose record of behavior indicates that his or her admission may create a threat or potential danger to the college community.

See Board Policy 402-Admissions.

The following persons also may be admitted with special student status as defined below:

High school students 16 years of age or older who have completed "dual enrollment" requirements. Dual enrollment is a special admissions program whereby high school students may enroll in up to nine hours per semester of college credit courses with the permission of high school and college officials and parents. For more information on the dual enrollment program, contact your high school guidance office or the Dual Credit Coordinator.

Young adults 16 years of age or older who can verify that they have severed all connections with their high school district and demonstrate the ability to benefit through the student assessment process.

High school students under the age of 16:

• Complete the St. Charles Community College Application for Admission.
• Submit a Dual Enrollment form.
• Submit a high school transcript indicating a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Submit ACT or SAT scores or take campus-based assessments that demonstrate college readiness in all areas (math, reading, and English). Freshmen and sophomores are required to place in the 90th percentile on a standardized test such as the ACT or SAT.
• Contact the dual credit coordinator.

Students under the age of 14 are not admissible.

If you apply to SCC as a dual-enrolled student and want to take developmental courses (courses below 100 level), physical education activity courses or would like to take more than nine credit hours, you must write a letter of appeal explaining your situation to the assistant vice president for academic affairs. Letters of support from your principal or high school counselor will be necessary. Any other exception that is unique to your situation must also be addressed in this manner.

To obtain credits at SCC from an accredited college or university, Advanced Placement or CLEP score:

• Request that official transcripts from each institution attended be sent directly to enrollment@stchas.edu.
• In order for credits to be evaluated, you much complete a “Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit” form in the mySCC portal eforms.

Credits for courses in which passing grades have been earned may be accepted in transfer at the registrar’s office discretion. 

• The Campus Store offers a quick and easy way to order textbooks online. Log onto SCC Bookstore and click "Textbooks." On the next screen you will need to click “Shop Now” under Find a Textbook.
• During this process you will need to establish an account. Click "Log In" and then "Register Here."
• There are two options to choose from regarding the processing of your online order.
  • You may pay online with a credit card or financial aid if within the approved dates and have your books shipped to you. A flat shipping rate will apply.
  • You may prepay online with a credit card or financial aid if within the approved dates and pick up your textbooks at the campus store. There is no additional cost for this option.  

• Course Material Access is an Inclusive Access Program and allows for day one access to e-content, such as E-texts and software through Canvas and lasts one semester. Depending on courses, this e-content will be your required course materials. More information on required course materials will be listed by term, course & section on the campus stores's website.
• Upon registering for a Course Material Access course, you will be opted into the program with the choice of opting out. You will receive a welcome email with important information regarding this course, so check your student email frequently.
• For more information regarding the CMA program, including the Opt-Out process, the cost for this service, and the convenience being provided, please check out the Course Material Access FAQ.

Textbooks: (Last day for eligible refunds is printed on your receipt)

• For a refund or exchange, textbooks purchased for regular 16-week classes may be returned within the first two weeks of classes with a receipt.
• Early and late start classes may receive a refund up-to one week from when the class begins.
• Textbooks purchased at any other time may be returned for a full refund within 7 days of the purchase date if in original condition.
• New textbooks must be in new condition and not be written in, soiled or damaged. Used textbooks must be in as-purchased condition.
• Bundled, loose-leaf and text materials wrapped in cellophane are non-returnable under normal circumstances. E-books, CDs, DVDs and Access Codes cannot be opened.
• For bundled textbook materials wrapped in cellophane, see possible restocking fees below.
• Bank cards and financial aid sales must be refunded to the same account.

Restocking Fees:

• New textbook bundles and loose-leaf materials returned in an opened condition may be refunded at the used price and/or with a restocking fee amounting to 10% of the original purchase price.
• If items are deemed by the campus store to be in new, resalable condition and all other refund criteria is met, a 10 percent restocking fee will be assessed and deducted from the refunded amount.
• As long as the materials are in new or as-purchased condition, the restocking fee will be waived in case of dropped or changed class (drop/change slip required), or if the incorrect textbook was purchased and is exchanged for correct book.
• Restocking fees are associated with the cost that is placed by publisher’s return policies and cost to the campus store.

Non-Returnable:

Computer hardware, software, electronics, sale items, special orders, study guides, solution manuals, reference materials, nursing kits, general books and old editions are all non-returnable unless otherwise specified in this return policy.

Supply/Merchandise Items:

• Unopened items may be returned with a receipt and must have been purchased within the past 14 business days.
• Opened merchandise may be returned only if it is defective and only exchanged for the identical item.
• After 14 business days, the customer is responsible for contacting the manufacturer regarding returns or exchanges.

Defective Items:

• Textbooks – Prior to mid-term, defective items may be returned for replacement only, provided that these defects are not associated with normal wear and tear or misuse.
• Supply/Merchandise – within 14 business days.

In Store Buyback

• The SCC Campus Store has a scheduled book buyback that runs concurrent to finals week and the subsequent week.
• Buyback dates for the upcoming semester will be posted on the campus store's website.
• The SCC Campus Store has the final decision on all bookstore buybacks.

Online Buyback

• The SCC Campus Store has an online buyback available all year long for students that miss our scheduled in store buybacks.
• Shipping of bought textbooks is at no cost and a free shipping label will be provided.
• Visit the campus store's website and click on Textbook Buyback for more information and the link to the online buyback.

The last day to return textbooks is seven business days after the last day of finals.
Unreturned rentals will result in a $10 late fee plus the difference in the cost of purchasing the textbook minus the rental fee.

The final date for returning rentals is printed on your receipt and is also listed on the campus store's website.
Multiple emails will be sent to student emails giving instructions on how to return rentals, the last date to return them, and which books a student has rented and will need to return. Please check student emails periodically before and during finals weeks for this information.

Computers, networks and electronic information systems and the data they provide are essential college operational resources. SCC grants shared access to these resources. These resources must be used and managed responsibly to ensure their integrity, security. and availability for appropriate educational and business activities. All users must adhere to approved procedures administered by the Information Technology Department. These procedures are detailed throughout this document.

Students have access to computers for recreational use (email and internet) in the Recreation Center. These recreational computers may be monitored and are not secure for confidential information. The Schnare Library computers can be used by students for homework and research.

Student-owned computing devices may connect to the college wireless network. Use of the wireless network is also governed by the approved procedures mentioned earlier in this document.

Those using IT resources agree to abide by federal and state laws, and college policies and procedures, including those related to harassment, plagiarism, commercial use, security, unethical conduct, theft, copyright and licensing infringement, unlawful intrusions, data privacy and accessing pornography.

Users are responsible for:

• Reviewing, understanding, and complying with all policies and procedures related to access, acceptable use and security of information technology resources.
• Asking systems administrators or data custodians for clarification on access and acceptable use issues not specifically addressed in policies and procedures.
  • Immediately reporting possible policy violations to one of the following people:
    the director of network operations and/or director of technology.
  • the assistant director of administrative computing.
  • the executive director of information technology.
  • the vice president for administrative services.
  • the vice president for human resources.

Computer users are responsible for the content of their personal communications. The college accepts no responsibility or liability for personal or unauthorized use of its resources by users.

Users should be aware that although the college takes reasonable security measures to protect the security of its computing resources and accounts assigned to individuals, the college does not guarantee absolute security and privacy. Users should follow the appropriate security procedures listed in this document to assist in keeping systems and accounts secure.

The college assigns responsibility for protecting its resources and data to systems administrators and data custodians, who treat the contents of individually assigned accounts and personal communications as private and do not examine or disclose the contents except:

• as required for system maintenance including security measures.
• or when there exists reason to believe an individual is violating the law or college policy.

If, in the course of an investigation, it appears necessary to protect the integrity, security, or continued operation of its computers and networks or to protect itself from liability, SCC may temporarily deny access to its IT resources. Inappropriate use of IT resources may result in disciplinary action and contact of applicable law enforcement agencies.

See Board Policy 801-IT Resources.

Login IDs are a unique combination of username and password granted to individuals for their use only. Whenever there is reason to believe that a login ID has been compromised, a system/network administrator should be contacted immediately. All users must log out or lock the PC in use before leaving the area. Users may access only accounts, files and data that are publicly available or to which they have been given authorized access. It is the responsibility of all users to secure information that is in their possession. 

See Board Policy 803-Resources And Information.

College email, computers and networks may be used only for legal, authorized purposes. Occasional, brief personal use is permitted. Unauthorized or illegal uses include but are not limited to:

• Use that violates any federal or state law.
• Unauthorized access to files or computer resources (including remote computer systems).
• Copying, revising, damaging, removing, or distributing programs or data or any other user’s programs or data without the express permission of the owner.
• Activities that disrupt normal computer/network use and services including, but not limited to:

1. 1. Propagation of computer viruses.
   2. Sending chain letters or unauthorized mass emails.
   3. Unnecessary printing or other network traffic.

• Damaging or altering college computer equipment or supplies.
• Use that is harmful or harassing to other users.
• Introduction of any unacceptable information onto the administrative or academic systems and applications. Unacceptable types of information include:

1. 1. Information that infringes on the rights of others.
   2. Information that is abusive, profane or sexually offensive.
   3. Information that may injure another or lead to a lawsuit; such as pirated software, destructive software (including computer viruses), pornographic or libelous statements or unauthorized copies of licensed software or copyrighted media files.
   4. Advertisements for commercial enterprises.
   5. Software programs not approved by a director of IT.

• Use of college computing resources for personal or monetary gain.
• Access to the college’s network resources via any unauthorized device.
• Violation of regulations as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and College Board Policies and Procedures.

Software must only be installed by authorized IT staff.

See Board Policy 806-Use of Software and Hardware.

E-communication or email shall be considered one of the primary means of official communication to students.

E-communication facilitates student success by providing regular, relevant and time-sensitive electronic communication to students via college-assigned email accounts.

The college-wide email system is for communication with students in addition to those e-communications provided through the learning management system for academic instruction.

E-communication falls under the guidelines of Board Policy 483.0 – Release of Student Information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Each student will be provided an email address upon enrollment at the college. All students are expected to:

• Read their email frequently. Important announcements as well as information specific to enrollment will be sent via email. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the information is read. While students may forward their email to a non-college account, the college does not recommend this. The college will not be responsible for email once it has been forwarded off the college’s servers, nor will support be given for any problems this might cause.
• Monitor their college assigned email account to ensure there is sufficient storage space to receive emails.
• Comply with college directives sent via email; failure to read email is not an acceptable excuse for non-compliance. Free access to computers with internet is available on campus.
• Student e-communication is subject to all college policies and procedures for computer use as established by the college, as well as the guidelines for sending messages to other students as noted below under “Inappropriate Use of Student Email.”

See Board Policy 850-Student E-communication.

Examples of inappropriate computer use include, but are not limited to:

• The creation and exchange of messages that are offensive, harassing, obscene or threatening.
• The exchange of confidential information to persons without a need to know.
• The creation or exchange of advertisements, solicitations, chain letters or other spam.
• The use of email for commercial purposes.
• The creation, storage, or exchange of information in violation of copyright laws.
• Reading or sending messages from another person’s account without authorization.
• Intentional distribution of computer viruses.

See Board Policy 850.4–Inappropriate Email.

Children too young to be admitted to the college are not allowed access to SCC computers without supervision. 

SCC will address any disruptions in the classroom that obstruct the learning process. Each situation will be considered based on the particular circumstances unless already covered in the Faculty Guide for Disruptive Student Behavior procedures.

College Premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities or other property in the possession of or owned by, leased by, used or controlled by the college, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.

“College Official” includes any person employed by the college performing assigned administrative or professional duties.

“College Community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, college official or any other person employed by the college.

“Organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for recognition.

“Sanction” means a formal action that is binding, generally an outcome of the student conduct process that limits a student's ability to interact with the college and the college community.

“Student” means a person who has been accepted to the college, who is currently enrolled or one who was enrolled at the time of the alleged infraction. For the purpose of these rules, student status continues whether or not the college’s academic programs are in session. Students and student organizations will observe the college policies and procedures, comply with local, state and federal laws and will conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college’s mission. Students are subject to disciplinary sanctions for misconduct.

Upon admission to the college or program, students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college’s function as an educational institution and to comply with the laws enacted by federal, state and local governments. If this obligation is ignored, the college must institute appropriate discipline. Students may be subject to disciplinary sanctions for conduct that constitutes a hazard to the health, safety or well-being of members of the college community or which is detrimental to the college’s interest whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus or at college-sponsored events.

SCC will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies. SCC reserves the right to initiate disciplinary proceedings for violations of the Student Conduct Code, even if criminal charges are brought forward by the appropriate authorities. Disciplinary actions by SCC are independent of any criminal or civil proceedings.

The distinct procedures for handling violations of academic integrity, grade grievances and behavioral misconduct are in this policy. Examples of misconduct that may subject the student to discipline include, but are not limited to:

• Academic dishonesty or misconduct, such as cheating, fabrication, plagiarism or facilitating academic dishonesty.
• Forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification.
• Theft of, damage to or destruction of college property or property of employees, students or visitors.
• Unauthorized surveys or other means to obtain information from students or employees.
• Violating copyright agreements.
• Unauthorized entry to or use of college facilities, properties, equipment, resources or services.
• Giving false or misleading information in response to requests from college officials, knowingly furnishing false information or reporting a false emergency to the college or failing to comply with directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• Unauthorized possession, receipt, duplication or use of the college’s name, insignia or seal.
  Obstruction or disruption of college-authorized activities.
• Dressing or personally appearing in a manner that disturbs a classroom, instructional activity or other college activity.
• Disorderly conduct, obscene expressions or infringement upon the rights of others at college-authorized activities.
• Participating in or inciting a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly.
• Physical abuse of any person on college-owned or controlled property or at college-authorized activities, threats of violence, stalking or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person(s).
• Actions on college-owned or controlled property or at college-authorized activities, which threaten or endanger one’s own safety, health or life, or making any verbal threat of such action. This includes such behaviors as suicide attempts, cutting or refusing treatment for life-threatening illnesses or conditions.
• Engaging in discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence. See Non Discrimination and Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment.
• Manufacture, use, possession, distribution, dispensing or sale of alcohol, controlled substances, illegal drugs or substances, except as expressly permitted by law and college policy. See Drug-Free Environment.
• Misuse or abuse of prescription drugs on college-owned or controlled property or at college-authorized activities.
  Use of tobacco products on campus. See Prohibition of Tobacco Use, Smoking and Simulated Smoking.
• Possession, use or storage of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, weapons or other destructive devices on college property, college-controlled property or at college-authorized activities, including possession of a firearm by a student who holds a conceal-and-carry permit or endorsement. See Weapons (Concealed or Visible).
• The operation of student organizations not properly recognized and registered.
• Hazing, any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a campus organization or any activity engaged in by the organization or members of the organization, which causes or is likely to cause physical or mental harm, personal degradation or disgrace.
• Unapproved solicitation. See Fundraising for Student Clubs, Organizations, and Athletic Teams and Solicitations, Distributions, and Gifts.
• Conduct that adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community.
• Violation of college policies or regulations. See Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to exhibit academic integrity by being honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. To falsify the results of one’s research, to steal the words or ideas of another or to cheat on an examination corrupts the essential learning process.

Forms of Academic Dishonesty

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Academic misconduct is the intentional violation of college policies by tampering with grades or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of an unadministered test.

Examples:

• Stealing, buying or otherwise obtaining all or part of an unadministered test.
• Selling or giving away all or part of an unadministered test including answers to an unadministered test.
• Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or any information about the test.
• Entering a building or office for the purpose of obtaining an unadministered test or changing a grade in a grade book, on a test or on other work for which a grade is given.
• Changing or being an accessory to the changing of a grade in a grade book, on a test, a Change of Grade form or other official academic records of the college.

CHEATING
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents mastery of information on an academic exercise.

Examples:

• Copying from another student’s test paper.
• Allowing another student to copy from a test paper.
• Using the course textbook or other material such as a notebook brought to a class meeting but not authorized for use during a test.
• Collaborating during a test with any other person by giving or receiving information without authority.
• Using specifically prepared materials during a test (e.g. notes, text messages, formula lists, notes written on the student’s clothing or body, etc.) without authority.

FABRICATION
Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive.

Examples:

• Citation of information not taken from the source indicated.
• Listing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic exercise.
• Inventing data or source information for research or other academic exercise.

FORGERY

Forgery is making, adapting or imitating objects or documents with the intent to deceive.

Examples:

• Submitting as your own any academic exercise (e.g. written work, printing, sculpture, etc.) prepared totally or in part by another.
• Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else to take a test for you.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else’s words, ideas or data as one’s own work. When a student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific documentation and, if verbatim statements are included, through separation from the rest of the paper by indention or quotation marks as well. By submitting work for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments. A student will avoid being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgment of indebtedness:

• Whenever one quotes another person’s actual words.
• Whenever one uses another person’s idea, opinion or theory, even if it is completely paraphrased in one’s own words.
• Whenever one borrows facts, statistics or other illustrative materials – unless the information is common knowledge.

What can students do to protect themselves from being charged with academic dishonesty?

• Prepare thoroughly for examinations and assignments.
• Take the initiative to prevent other students from copying your exam or assignments, e.g., shield your answer sheet during exams; do not lend assignments to be turned in to other students, etc.
  Refer to the course syllabus for information regarding academic honesty or ask the faculty member for guidance.
• Do not look in the direction of other students’ papers during examinations.
• Use a recognized handbook for instruction on citing source materials. Consult with individual faculty, academic departments or the library reference staff when in doubt.
• Learn about what plagiarism is and how to avoid it by taking the library's plagiarism tutorial.
• Use the services of the ACE Tutoring Center (Schnare Library 1st floor).
• Refuse to assist students who cheat.

Violations of Academic Integrity

Violations of academic integrity are resolved within the Division of Academic Affairs. It is intended that resolution take place at the lowest possible administrative level preserving both the integrity of the college and the dignity of the student. The following discipline may be taken if a student is determined to be guilty of academic dishonesty:

Faculty options:

• Repeating the assignment or completing an alternative one.
• Issuing a warning or providing counseling.
• Assigning a grade of “I” until the alleged violation is adjudicated.
• Giving a failing grade for the assignment.
• Assigning a grade of “F” for the course.
  • Where faculty assign a grade of "F" for the assignment or the course, a report will be sent to the appropriate chair and dean. A database of student violations will be managed by the Student Life Office.

Vice President for Academic Affairs:

Multiple or extremely serious violations may result in disenrollment from the college.

The student may appeal the discipline assessed by the faculty member to the program coordinator and/or department chair, and the decision of the program coordinator and/or department chair to the division dean. Either party may contest the dean’s decision by submitting an appeal in writing prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e. fall or spring) to the vice president for academic affairs, whose decision is final. The vice president for academic affairs will determine if disenrollment from the college is an option and will ensure that due process has been provided to the student.

Withdrawing from the course will not prevent the faculty member, program coordinator, department chair, division dean or the vice president for academic affairs from imposing sanctions, or recommending grade penalties, including a failing grade in the course.

Grade Grievance Procedures

Students with concerns about grades should ask the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e., fall or spring). If, after contacting the instructor, the student still has concerns, the student should contact the program coordinator or department chair who will work with the student and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, the student should contact the division dean. If the resolution is unsatisfactory, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the vice president for academic affairs, Conoyer Hall 2110. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be addressed.

Downloading or distributing copyrighted material, including through peer-to-peer file sharing, without the permission of the copyright owner is against the law. Illegal downloading or distribution of copyrighted materials can result in your being prosecuted in criminal court and/or sued for damages in civil court. Criminal penalties for first-time offenders can be as high as five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. If sued in civil court, you may be responsible for monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and civil penalties up to $150,000 per work distributed. Use of SCC’s resources for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials is forbidden.

The college prohibits illegal copyright infringement through its acceptable use policy and in its student conduct code. Disciplinary action, including loss of use of the college information technology systems, up-to and including expulsion from the college could result from violations of this policy.

As an SCC student you are required to adhere to all college policies including those that relate to copyrights. 

Students are required to adhere to all SCC policies related to copyright and fair use. This information is posted on the SCC website and includes information on copyright, guidelines of copyright laws and fair use:

• SCC Library Copyright Policy
• Board Policies & Administrative Procedures: 400 Student Body and Educational Programs:
• 410.0 Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process
• Agent to Receive Notification of Claimed Copyright Infringement
• Board Policies & Administrative Procedures: Article I.10 Copyright
• Board Policies & Administrative Procedures: 800 Information Technology/Computer Usage
• Student Handbook, Copyright Violations
• All students are required to comply with the practices stated in the Information Technology Student Information Student Acceptable Use Policy which is posted on the SCC website. SCC Board Policy 800/801 IT Resources
• All students are required to comply with the Conduct for Computer Use Policy posted in each computer lab and on the SCC website.

Students who are found to be in violation of any SCC policy, including copyright violations, will be adjudicated through the Student Conduct, Discipline, and Due Process procedures, located in the Student handbook. See Board Policy 410 Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process. Student may also be prosecuted in criminal court or be sued for damages in civil court for violations of copyright laws. Cases involving copyright violations will be referred to the campus police, who will forward a report to the prosecuting attorney’s office for their review.

Many legal sources are available for copyrighted material such as music and movies. Some are free and some charge a nominal fee. A current and comprehensive compendium of legal sources can be found at the Motion Picture Association of American website, mpaa.org. The SCC Library makes available licensed journal, music, and image resources to support instruction for currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff members at http://libguides.stchas.edu/?b=g&d=a. These licensed resources require electronic authentication based upon patron files that are regularly updated.

You need to be aware that sharing music, videos, software, and other copyrighted material may be a violation of the law and can expose you and those with whom you share materials to civil and criminal penalties. Please be responsible in your use of copyrighted materials.

Behavioral Misconduct
Inappropriate student behavior in the classroom or on campus has the potential to disrupt the teaching and learning process. In a classroom situation, the faculty member is the first person available to regain order and prevent further disruption. Having a disability does not preclude the expectation that a student will adhere to appropriate behavior while on campus. If behavior negatively impacts instruction or learning opportunities of other students, it becomes a conduct issue and should be addressed per the college conduct policy. Guidelines are available to faculty so they can assure that the rights and safety of the faculty, students and institution are protected.

The guidelines are based upon the level of disruption, from low to high, which can include the immediate suspension of the student from the class for that day.

See Board Policy 410-Student Conduct.

For disruptions outside the classroom, the executive dean of student life or the department of public safety (DPS) should be notified immediately. Behavioral misconduct may be referred to DPS/Campus Police, who will involve other authorities, as appropriate. DPS/Campus Police should be called at extension 8545 immediately if:

• An incident exists that has the potential of being life-threatening and/or causing serious property damage.
• An incident that is potentially dangerous is recognized and the need for police is necessary for the safety and welfare of others on the campus.
• Any crime is witnessed or reported requiring official reports and notification to state or federal authorities.

The institutional expectation is that students will conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable in a learning environment. Behavior that endangers or infringes on the rights and safety of others is not acceptable. It is intended that resolution should take place at the lowest possible administrative level. The faculty will consult with the respective program coordinator, department chair and division dean who will assist the faculty member and student with resolution alternatives. Documentation of the disruption will be collected from the parties involved to gather facts and to ensure that the interests and needs of all parties are considered.

The executive dean of student life is the primary administrator of discipline for unacceptable conduct or for conduct which involves infraction of college rules and regulations. The executive dean of student life (or designee) will initiate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with these regulations. Disciplinary proceedings are not judicial trials and need not conform to the procedural formality of a trial.

Investigative/Disciplinary Procedures for Behavioral Misconduct
The executive dean of student life also has discretion to initiate these procedures without a written charge, complaint or report. The executive dean of student life (or designee) is responsible for investigating any reported allegation of behavioral misconduct by students.

The executive dean of student life (or designee) must notify the student accused of the alleged infraction. Any written correspondence between the executive dean of student life (or designee) and the student that is not hand-delivered to the student will be sent certified mail. Failure of the student to have his/her current address on record with the college will not invalidate any notice or correspondence sent to that address. The executive dean of student life (or designee) will conduct an investigation to determine if the charge/complaint has merit and whether it can be resolved by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the executive dean of student life.

Following a report of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence, the student Title IX coordinator will designate an individual(s) to conduct an investigation. As part of the investigation, as appropriate, the investigator(s) will meet with the reporting party, meet with the responding party, conduct additional interviews with fact witnesses and gather relevant documentation. All investigations will be thorough, reliable and impartial.  Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator provides a written report to the chief diversity officer and Title IX Coordinator who then releases the report to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (executive dean of student life) for disciplinary action or sanction, if any. It is the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (executive dean of student life) who will determine, in consultation with the chief diversity officer and Title IX Coordinator, whether there has been a policy violation and what disciplinary action(s)/sanction(s) (if any) will be imposed based on a preponderance of evidence standard. A preponderance of the evidence exists when a reasonable person, after a careful balancing of available information, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a college policy or procedure violation occurred and that the responding party is responsible for the violation, While direct mediation between the reporting party and the responding party will not be permitted in cases involving allegations of sexual violence, the student Title IX coordinator (executive dean of student life) may suggest alternative resolution techniques for informal resolutions when appropriate, in consultation with the chief diversity officer & Title IX Coordinator.

If an informal resolution is not successful or not available, the executive dean of student life (or designee) will review the allegations of misconduct to determine whether the student is responsible for violating the policy based on a preponderance of evidence standard. A preponderance of the evidence exists when a reasonable person, after a careful balancing of available information, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a violation of the student code of conduct occurred and that the responding party is responsible for the violation. If ‘responsible,' the executive dean of student life (or designee) will impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions. As part of the investigation, the executive dean of student life (or designee) may meet with the reporting party and the responding party, conduct additional interviews with fact witnesses, gather documentation, etc.

During the investigation/disciplinary procedures, the responding party will have the following procedural rights:

The opportunity to have an advisor of the student’s choosing present during any investigative and/or disciplinary meetings. The role of the advisor is solely to support the student. The advisor is not permitted to ask or answer questions, serve as a witness or make a statement on behalf of the student. The college is not responsible for providing students with an advisor.

The right to offer witnesses to the alleged misconduct (not character witnesses).

The right to offer additional information and make a statement to the executive dean of student life (or designee) about the charge or allegations of misconduct.

The right to request access to the information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures.

During investigation/disciplinary procedures related to complaints of sexual violence or sexual harassment, both the reporting party and the responding party will have the following procedural rights:

• The opportunity to have an advisor of the individual’s choosing present during any investigative and/or disciplinary meetings. The role of the advisor is solely to support the individual. The advisor is not permitted to ask or answer questions, serve as a witness, or make a statement on behalf of the complainant or accused. The college is not responsible for providing the reporting party or the responding party with an advisor.
• The right of the reporting party or the responding party to receive timely notice of meetings in which they are a participant.
• Subject to applicable law, the right to receive timely and equal access to any information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures; and
• Equal opportunity to provide information through the investigation/disciplinary procedures.

The reporting party and responding party will not be permitted to directly question each other.

At the conclusion of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, the executive dean of student life (or designee) will notify the responding party and other necessary parties, in writing, of the determination of the investigation/disciplinary procedures (responsible/not responsible) and the sanction(s) imposed (when appropriate). The student will be notified by certified mail. If the student is suspended or dismissed, the student must surrender his/her student ID and parking permit to the executive dean of student life.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment, the reporting party will be notified in writing of the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), the sanction(s) imposed that directly relate to the reporting party (e.g., an order that the responding party stay away from the reporting party) and the right to appeal.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of sexual violence, the reporting party and the responding party will be simultaneously notified in writing of the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), any sanction(s) imposed, the right to appeal, any changes to the result of investigation/disciplinary procedures, and when such results become final.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 99.39), the reporting party will be notified of the name of the responding party (if not already known by the reporting party), the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), and any sanction(s) imposed. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the disclosure may be requested by the next of kin of the alleged victim.

Interim Suspension
In certain circumstances, the executive dean of student life may impose an interim suspension prior to the completion of the investigation. Interim suspension may be imposed:

• To ensure the safety and well-being of others or to preserve college property.
• To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being.
• If a student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operation of the college.

During interim suspension, the student will be denied access to the campus (including classes) and/or all other college activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible. The student will be notified of the interim suspension by certified mail. Additionally, the interim suspension may be effective immediately by verbal notice from the executive dean of student life (or designee) with a letter by certified mail to follow.

Disciplinary Sanctions
The executive dean of student life (or designee), student conduct committee or the vice president for marketing and student life may impose any one or a combination of the following nondisciplinary or disciplinary sanctions for violation of the student code of conduct:

NONDISCIPLINARY SANCTION

• Memorandum of understanding

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

• Disciplinary warning
• Disciplinary probation
• Restitution
• Educational sanction
• Exclusion from college facilities or activities
• No contact order
• Disciplinary suspension
• Expulsion

Students who are prohibited from attending classes or courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.

Disciplinary sanctions will be made part of the student’s permanent educational record and will be housed in the student’s disciplinary file. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions will be expunged from the student’s confidential record seven years after final disposition of the case. Cases involving suspension or expulsion will be retained indefinitely.

Memorandum of Understanding
This is a written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of this policy during that student’s enrollment at the college may result in additional discipline but is not considered a disciplinary record.

Disciplinary Warning
This is a written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of this policy during that student’s enrollment at the college may result in additional discipline.

Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is for a specific period of time. During this time, a student may continue to attend classes but cannot participate in student or intercollegiate activities. Any further violations may lead to suspension or expulsion from the college.

Restitution
A student is required to pay repair or replacement costs for damage to property or may be required to provide specific in-kind services.

Educational Sanction
A student is required to participate in a specific educational or counseling activity(ies). The student is responsible for all expenses, including costs for education, counseling or treatment.

Exclusion From College Facilities or Activities
A student is prohibited from attending one or more classes; undertaking college employment; entering a building; participating in some or all extra-curricular activities sponsored by the college; representing the college in an official capacity; or using other services provided by the college. Exclusion will be for a definite period of time, until certain requirements placed on the student are completed, or indefinitely.

No Contact Order
A student may not have any type of contact with another individual who is part of the SCC community. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal or written communication, through the many mediums that are available. The student may not have friends or family contact the student on their behalf.

Disciplinary Suspension
Disciplinary suspension is for a specific period of time. Suspension will include disenrollment and denial of attendance in classes, exclusion from participation in college-sponsored activities and suspension from employment with the college. The student may be readmitted upon completion of the suspension.*

Expulsion
A student is permanently expelled from the college after committing a serious violation or after accumulating a record of multiple violations.*

* Students who are prohibited from attending classes or courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.

Students should complete campus appeals procedures prior to seeking outside remedies.

See Board Policy 410-Student Conduct.

Student Appeal Process

A student may appeal the determination of and/or sanction(s) imposed by the executive dean of student life by filing an appeal in writing within 15 calendar days of notification of the decision by the executive dean of student life with the vice president for marketing and student life. In cases of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence, both the reporting party and the responding party have the right to appeal the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary procedures. The appeal must cite at least one of the following criteria as the reason for appeal and provide supporting arguments. The vice president for marketing and student life will determine if the appeal meets the criteria.

1. The investigation/disciplinary procedures were not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures.
2. The information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures was not ‘sufficient’ to justify the decision of the executive dean of student life (or designee).
3. Information, which was not withheld by the student and which could have substantially affected the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, has since been discovered.
4. The sanction was disproportionate for the violation.

Status during appeal: The sanction that was rendered by the executive dean of student life (or designee) is in effect during the period of appeal.

If the vice president for marketing and student life determines that criteria for an appeal listed above have not been met, the previous determination by the executive dean of student life (or designee) stands. If the vice president for marketing and student life determines that the criteria for an appeal has been met, the vice president for marketing and student life will then review the information gathered as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, including any documentary evidence.

It is within the vice president for marketing and student life's discretion to reverse the finding regarding whether the student is responsible/not responsible, return the matter to the executive dean of student life (or designee) for review and/or reconsideration on whether the student is responsible/not responsible, convert any sanction imposed to an alternate sanction, rescind any previous sanction or return a recommended sanction to the executive dean of student life (or designee) for review and/or reconsideration or uphold the outcome of the investigatory/disciplinary procedure.

The final decision on the appeal will be communicated in writing by certified mail by the vice president for marketing and student life to the appealing student, with a copy sent to appropriate college officials. The decision of the vice president for marketing and student life shall be final.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of harassment or discrimination, the reporting party will also be notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed if those sanctions directly relate to the reporting party (e.g., an order that the accused stay away from the reporting party).

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of sexual violence, the reporting party and the responding party will be simultaneously notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 99.39), the reporting party and the responding party will be notified of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the disclosure may be requested by the next of kin of the alleged victim.

Student Concern Form

The college has no plan of recognized class “cuts” or absences. You should attend all class meetings in which you are enrolled. In general, students are considered excessively absent when they have missed a class more times than the credit hour value of the course. Excessive absence may be sufficient cause to fail the course. For distance classes, “attendance” will be defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus. The final decision as to what constitutes excessive absence from a class is left to the instructor and will be outlined in the course syllabus. Students should discuss any absences with their instructor.

Student Attendance Policy and Procedures for College-Sponsored Activities and Events

• Students who are absent from classes while participating in college-sponsored events or activities will not be automatically penalized for the absence. It is the expectation that students will normally be excused from class except under extraordinary circumstances. Students must complete the following procedures to determine the outcome of their absence for each missed class.
• Students should make every effort to schedule college-sponsored activities around classes.
• Students are responsible for notifying their instructors in advance of the absence. When possible, contact your instructor at least two weeks before the event/activity. Face-to-face interaction between student and instructor is preferred.
• In advance of the activity, students must provide their instructor(s) a completed Event Form for each missed class. Student Event Forms are available to student athletes in the Recreation Center room 104 and for members of clubs and organizations in the Recreation Center room 102. This form will help you discuss the potential effects of the absence with your instructor.
• Students are expected to make up any class work in a time frame to be determined by the instructor. When a test is scheduled for the day of the expected absence, students should discuss with their instructor how to make other arrangements to take the test. You should use the ACE Tutoring Center for additional help and the Assessment Center for make-up tests.
• If you fail to inform the faculty in advance of the expected absence, the absence may or may not be accommodated at the instructor’s discretion.
• Absences for the student-related activity will be reflected in your attendance record.

Students who desire to audio and/or video tape class or college activities must first receive approval from their professor, club/organization advisor or event coordinator, unless it is an accommodation approved by the DSS manager. If this is requested due to a disability, a case must be open with DSS and the process should be followed for requesting accommodations.

If a student is granted permission to audio/video tape any portion of a class or college activity, that student understands that he or she does not have permission to reproduce or post the information on any social media, YouTube, or other public or private forum that would infringe on the privacy rights of others represented in the audio/video recording. 

All students, teachers, employees and visitors shall comply with established laws and safety practices when participating in or observing certain technical and science laboratory courses of instruction.

Copies of applicable college safety rules must be posted in their appropriate locations.

All safety devices used by teachers, students, and visitors must meet or exceed the standards of the American National Standard Proactive for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1968 and subsequent revisions thereof, approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc.

See Board Policy 416-Classroom and Laboratory Safety.

College Success Seminar (COL 101) is required of all degree seeking students and is recommended during the first semester of study. This course helps students succeed at St. Charles Community College (SCC). Students will come to better understand the many aspects of college life, such as how to use SCC technology and the learning management system, study skills for success, skills for personal success and well-being, interpersonal communication skills, rights and responsibilities, as well as information on campus involvement and leadership.  This course is offered as a 16 week hybrid course for students taking on campus courses. For students in a fully online degree program this course can be taken online with permission from the COL 101 Program Chair. ESL 100 is the appropriate College Success Seminar course for non-native English speakers.

COL 100 is a fully online orientation course that can be accessed through Canvas. The orientation provides information to help students prepare for their first day on campus by understanding how to access the SCC website and student portal, locate the campus where their classes will be held, read their schedules, review financial aid information, understand FERPA, discover how to obtain course textbooks and materials, find out where to obtain a parking pass and ID, as well as links to mandatory training for new students. Students registered in a COL 101 course will also be registered for the COL 100 online orientation course in Canvas. 

The faculty or staff member shall instruct students where to convene on the designated day. Students may be responsible for their own transportation if not provided by the college. As an officially sanctioned activity, students and faculty should make mutual arrangements in advance for any classes and other course work to be missed due to the field trip.

See Board Policy 418-Field Trips.

Only students registered in a class are allowed in the classroom. On rare occasions, a guest may be allowed to sit in on a class if the instructor has granted prior consent. If an instructor has questions regarding the guest, they will consult with the department chair. Other areas of the campus may also have restrictions on guest attendance. Students should inquire with specific departments prior to bringing a guest. Guests are expected to comply with all campus policies and procedures and will be requested to leave if disturbing the learning environment.

Agreements with four-year colleges and universities and accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools help assure that credits earned toward a degree at St. Charles Community College will transfer to a four-year institution.

It is important that you decide on a field of study and follow a transfer guide that outlines courses that will transfer into that curriculum for the institution to which you will attend. Academic advisors at both SCC and your transfer institution will assist you. Ultimate responsibility lies with the student to obtain a guarantee of course transferability from the institution of choice. Most universities set a limitation on the number of credit hours that are accepted for transfer from a two-year college. Check with the Academic Advising for information on transfer agreements with four-year institutions. See our transfer guides page for a comprehensive listing of the colleges with which SCC has articulation agreements.

Generally, college transfer program courses at SCC will satisfy various departmental, general education, elective and degree requirements at other colleges. However, career-technical program courses may not transfer because these programs are designed to prepare you for employment rather than for pursuit of a four-year degree.

For more information regarding transfer disputes, refer to the Missouri Higher Education Core Transfer Curriculum on the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.

If you wish to attend a course without taking an examination or receiving credit for the course, you may register on an audit basis. To change your course to “Audit” you must request the change by emailing enrollment@stchas.edu from your SCC email the exact course you wish to audit with the Subject Line: “Request to Audit”.  Please review the SCC Academic Calendar for specific dates (note different deadlines are listed based on which part of term the course is taken).

Audited courses do not count toward establishing full-time or part-time status. Students who register on an audit basis will pay the regular tuition rate and must meet the course co or prerequisites.

One unit of coursework is equivalent to 15 contact hours of classroom instruction. A typical college course is equivalent to 3 credit hours.

Developmental courses are non-transferable credit classes that prepare students for college-level work. These courses represent a broad spectrum of academic areas including math, reading, English and study skills. Developmental courses relate directly to SCC's career and college transfer programs, making it possible for students with academic skills deficiencies to prepare for regular college-level courses and be successful.

Developmental courses can be identified by numerical prefixes below 100 and can be found in course listings under Mathematics, English, Reading, Biology, Chemistry, and College Development. Many developmental classes are taught in the classroom while others are available as individual study units through the Academic and Career Enhancement (ACE) Tutoring Center. Students may use academic resources, computer tutorials and tutoring services in the ACE Tutoring Center to assist them with developmental classes.

Students successfully completing developmental courses should be well prepared for college-level classes.

To complete courses and receive passing grades, all students must complete a comprehensive final examination or culminating project. Absences from final examinations, with the privilege of taking makeup tests, must have prior approval of the instructor.

Students at SCC are classified according to hours enrolled and hours completed. Part-time students earn fewer than 12 hours per semester, while full-time students carry 12 or more. During the summer semester, full-time student status requires 6 or more credit hours (for academic purposes). Full-time status for financial aid in the summer is 12 or more credit hours.

 

A freshman is any student who has completed fewer than 30 credit hours; a sophomore has completed 30 credit hours or more.

Except as indicated below, the maximum number of credit hours for which a student may enroll during the fall or spring is 18. During the summer, the maximum is 10 hours taken concurrently. Any course repeated counts as part of the course load.

It is recommended that the maximum course load for each of the following academic sessions be observed:

MAXIMUM COURSE LOAD

 

Repeated courses count as part of the course load.

Students with a superior scholastic record may be permitted to register for more than the recommended maximum providing they meet the following GPA prerequisites:

• 2.75 GPA – approved to take 19 hours
• 3.00 GPA – approved to take 20 hours
• 3.50 GPA – approved to take 21 hours

Students wishing to take more than 21 hours during Fall or Spring or more than 10 during Summer must receive special permission from the Academic Affairs Office.

Independent study may be used to complete the requirements for regularly offered courses. If you wish to take a course on an independent study basis, you must get approval through the appropriate division dean. The course curriculum must be developed and pursued under the direction of a faculty member.

Some courses offered at SCC require either a prerequisite or co-requisite (or both) before enrolling. All prerequisites or co-requisites are identified in the Course Descriptions section of the SCC catalog.

If you have already completed an identified prerequisite at another college, a transcript will be required in order to enroll in the course.

Prerequisite Defined
A prerequisite is a condition of enrollment that you are required to meet prior to enrolling in a course. These prerequisite courses provide the minimum level of proficiency and/or knowledge needed for successful achievement in the next level course.

• You must obtain approval of any exceptions. Exceptions to prerequisites may be made by the student talking with the course instructor and having them sign the permission form.
• If you are taking or have just completed a prerequisite course for which SCC has not yet received grades, you may register for the advanced course; however, you must withdraw from the advanced course if the grade you received does not satisfy the requirement of "successful completion."*
  *Grades of F (Failing), I (Incomplete), R (Re-enroll), V (Audit), W (Withdrawal) and AW (Administrative Withdrawal) do not constitute successfully completing a prerequisite. Some courses designate attainment of a higher successful grade, for example a grade of C or better, in their prerequisite course(s). A note signed by the course instructor who issued the “I” grade may suffice until the grade change has been administratively processed.

Example: Successfully complete Psychology 101 before enrolling in Psychology 201.

Co-requisite Defined
A co-requisite is a course that needs to be taken concurrently with another course. This is very typical with science courses.

You must sign up for both the course and any co-requisite. If you later wish to drop the course, you must also drop the co-requisite. If you fail the course, you may be allowed to repeat that course without retaking the co-requisite. However, you will not be allowed to advance in a sequence of courses until both have been successfully completed.
Example: CHM 101 and co-requisite CHM 103 (lab)

You may repeat any credit course one time. All grades from each attempt are recorded on the transcript, but SCC will use the higher grade to calculate the grade point average (GPA). Exceptions to this rule include PE activity courses and some music courses, in which all attempts will be calculated in the student’s GPA. For financial assistance eligibility, all attempts will count towards maximum hour limits and completion ratio.

Some colleges and universities will recalculate the GPA for admissions purposes and include all grades earned.

Students wishing to attempt a course for the third time must speak with an academic advisor and/or the department chair to obtain permission to enroll.

The Financial Aid/Veteran Services Department is here to provide students with the resources needed to obtain financial assistance. We are here to help you maneuver through the financial assistance processes more efficiently.

There are a wide variety of financial assistance programs (Federal and State) to accommodate every student who wishes to attend college. The basis for all federal and most state financial assistance programs is the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA). Students are strongly encouraged to complete this application several months in advance for the upcoming school year.

A new FAFSA application is required for each school year in which a student plans to attend. The application is completed online at Federal Student Aid. Eligibility is based on a pre-determined formula set by the Department of Education.

A FSA ID is required to complete the FAFSA; the FSAID will serve as your signature to the online application.

The FAFSA will ask you to enter up to ten codes for the schools where you want your FAFSA results sent. The SCC school code is 017027. For other school codes, contact those colleges individually.

An e-mail notification from the Department of Education will be sent to you approximately 1 week after submission. This e-mail is to notify you that the Department of Education has received your application.

Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) and Federal Work Study are the various financial assistance programs associated with federal financial assistance and will be outlined on other pages.

The A+ Schools program is a school-improvement initiative established by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. The State Board of Education approves high schools for A+ once they have met the program requirements. Students who graduate from a designated A+ School may qualify for state-paid assistance to attend any public community college or technical school in the state.

A+ students can receive benefits up to four years from the date of their high school graduation or up to completion of the required credits to complete a degree or completion of 105% of the credit hours required for their degree program, whichever occurs first.

A+ students can receive benefits up to four years from the date of their high school graduation or up to completion of the required credits to complete a degree or completion of 105% of the credit hours required for their degree program, whichever occurs first.

A+ students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each school year. This should be done soon after you and your parents have filed taxes from the previous calendar year. Your parent's taxes are not necessary if you are declared an independent student as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. You will not be processed for A+ funding until we have received the results of your FAFSA. Files selected for verification by the Department of Education must be completed prior to A+ processing. New students to SCC must submit an official certified A+ transcript.

To avoid pre-payment of tuition and fees your FAFSA results must be received in the SCC Financial Aid Department, along with any additional required documentation if selected for verification by the scheduled deadline. Students new to SCC must also have an official A+ certified transcript on file by this deadline.

Federal regulations require students make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree or certificate to be eligible for Federal Title IV Student Aid (668.34 of the Higher Education Act).

• Federal Title IV Student aid includes the following:
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
• Federal Work Study
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Plus Loan

The SAP policy is consistently applied to all enrolled students at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The SAP status for incoming transfer students will be based on this current SAP policy.

How is SAP Measured?

A. SAP has a qualitative measure and a quantitative measure, which are measured at the end of each term. Based on these measurements, there are three components of SAP which must be met in order to remain eligible for Federal Title IV student aid and A+. Students must.

• meet the cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement (Qualitative Measure)
• meet cumulative completion percentage requirement (Quantitative Measure) and
• meet the 150% maximum allowable time frame (Quantitative Measure). The chart below provides additional information and examples of the three components of SAP.

 

B. Attempted and Earned Hours

• Attempted and earned credit hours are based on the official college calculation as presented on the student’s academic records in the college database.
• Once a student has completed a degree, all subsequent coursework is considered in the attempted hours calculation until that subsequent degree is completed.
• Attempted hours include: repeat hours, incomplete hours, academic clemency/bankruptcy hours, transfer hours, concurrent (high school) enrollment, regardless of whether a student received financial aid.
• The Department of Education regulations do not exempt hours included in academic clemency/bankruptcy from the SAP policy. This means that terms excluded due to clemency/bankruptcy remain in the maximum allowable time frame and completion percentage calculation of your SAP status.
• All periods of enrollment at SCC will be counted in attempted hours.
  Courses where a student receives a final grade of A, B, C, D, F, I (In Progress), or W will be used to compute hours attempted. Not an “I” grade is considered as an “F" grade for SAP calculation purposes.
• Courses with final grades of F, I (In Progress), or W will not be counted in earned hours.
  Remedial/Transitional courses will not be considered in the calculations, instead will be monitored based on established policies for that program.
• Courses deleted or canceled are not included in the calculation of GPA, completion rate, and/or maximum timeframe.
• If a student changes their major, degree or seeks to earn an additional degree they are eligible to receive federal aid for no more than 150% of the credit hours required for the chosen major. The 150% maximum timeframe limit is applied to all credit hours earned or attempted while enrolled at SCC, and includes transferred credit from previously attended institutions.

C. Recalculations

• Students may request a recalculation of their eligibility for the current term due to grade changes due to corrections. Please note that a grade change is not the same as grade forgiveness.

A. Financial Aid Warning: A student who fails to meet the minimum SAP requirements (because of GPA and/or completion percentage as indicated above) at the end of a term will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. A student on Financial Aid Warning may continue to receive assistance under the Federal Title IV funds for the next term only. During the term of warning, the student is expected to come into compliance with the standard Federal Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy as indicated in section I above.

At the end of that term, if the student has met the minimum GPA and completion percentage, the student is considered to be meeting SAP (unless the student is not meeting the maximum time frame requirement).

If the student has not met the minimum completion percentage and GPA requirement, the student is not considered to be meeting SAP.  At this time the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will not be eligible for Federal Title IV funding.

Note: Financial Aid Warning and Suspension are separate from Academic Probation and Suspension. Students should contact the SCC Registrar’s office for information regarding Academic Probation and Suspension.

B. Financial Aid Suspension: There are two reasons a student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension:

• Failure to meet SAP Good Standing after the Financial Aid Warning period.
• Failure to complete the academic program within 150% of the published program length.

During this period of suspension, the student will not be eligible to receive Federal Title IV funds. The student may continue to be enrolled at SCC if they meet admission and enrollment requirements and meet published payment deadlines.
A student who loses their Federal Title IV financial aid eligibility due to SAP at the end of a financial aid warning or as a result of not completing their program within 150% of the published length of the program, has the right to file an appeal.

Appeal Procedure

Initial Appeal: A student on Financial Aid Suspension may appeal if the circumstances causing the student to fall below minimum standards were out of the student’s control and warrant special consideration.

example:

• Death of a family member/friend
• Obituary, death certificate

 

• An appeal should be submitted using the SAP Appeal eform which can be accessed via Eforms in your portal.
• The appeal should address each term that the student’s performance was below the minimum requirements.
• Additionally, an appeal should also contain an explanation of the steps that the student intends to take to ensure that future academic progress will be acceptable.
• The student will complete an Academic Plan with the help of an Academic Advisor.
• The Academic Plan will contain a projection of the courses the student will take each term up to the term that they again meet SAP requirements.
• The appeal form, letter, documentation and academic plan will be turned in to the Financial Aid office and sent to the Enrollment Services Appeals Committee for review.

A. Appeal Deadline: Appeals must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to the appeal meeting date. Appeal dates can be found at on our webpage outlining the SAP

1. Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee: The committee is comprised of representatives from SCC staff and faculty.
2. The committee reviews the appeal according to the dates on the Financial Aid website and provides its decision to the Financial Aid Office.
3. Students will receive an email informing them of the committee’s decision. The email is sent to the students SCC email address.
4. The decision of the committee is final. Note: No Federal Title IV aid will be paid retroactively for a term in which the student did not meet the minimum SAP requirements as outlined in Section I.
5. If the student has questions regarding the decision, an appointment can be made with the Director of Financial Aid.

B. Appeal Approval: If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation.

Financial Aid Probation

A. Students who have their appeal approved will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and must maintain compliance with the Academic Plan submitted with their appeal. While on probation, a student is eligible for Federal Title IV aid.

• During the period of probation, the student is expected to come into compliance with the SAP policy as described above in Section I, or
• Maintain compliance with the Academic Plan submitted to the Financial Aid Office as part of the appeal. The Academic Plan will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office at the end of term. Failure to meet the terms of the Academic Plan will result in the student being placed on Financial Aid Suspension and the will not be eligible for Federal Student Aid.

A. Students who have their appeal approved will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and must maintain compliance with the Academic Plan submitted with their appeal. While on probation, a student is eligible for Federal Title IV aid.

1. During the period of probation, the student is expected to come into compliance with the SAP policy as described above in Section I, or
2. Maintain compliance with the Academic Plan submitted to the Financial Aid Office as part of the appeal. The Academic Plan will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office at the end of term. Failure to meet the terms of the Academic Plan will result in the student being placed on Financial Aid Suspension and the will not be eligible for Federal Student Aid.

B. Reestablishment of Aid Eligibility after not maintaining Academic Plan Requirements: A student who does not meet the terms of Academic Plan may establish federal aid eligibility in one of two ways.

1. The student will be eligible for Federal Title IV Aid when they meet the SAP policy requirements listed in Section I, or
2. The student may submit another appeal to the SAP Committee for consideration in order to regain federal aid eligibility.

The purpose of an academic plan is to:

A. Ensure the student has met with an Academic Advisor to discuss their academic goals and ensure they understand the path to obtain their degree of certificate.

B. Establish with their Academic Advisor a plan that will allow the student to do one of the following:

• Obtain compliance with the SAP policy within one academic term, or
• Obtain compliance with the SAP policy within a reasonable time.

Repeated Course Rule

A. Repeated courses are not part of the SAP policy, but it is important students understand they may only receive federal financial aid for one repetition of a previously passed course(s).

B. If a course is repeated and replacement is approved according to the SCC Academic Repeat policy, the grade given at the end of the repeated course becomes the official grade. The replacement grade is used to compute the cumulative GPA in the calculation of a student's SAP status.

C. Each repeated course will count towards the attempted hours when determining completion rate and maximum timeframe. Note: this includes Transfer Credits accepted for meeting degree require

Prior to enrolling in courses at St Charles Community College we encourage all veterans, eligible dependent/spouses, and active-duty service members to speak with our VA (Veterans Affairs) School Certifying Official (SCO) to discuss how their Tuition
Assistance or other Veteran Education Benefits can be applied.

To be certified to the Department of Veteran Affairs, your classes must be required for your degree curriculum. To ensure that your classes will be certified, you should meet with an SCC Academic Advisor to perform a degree audit.

Educational benefits for all Chapters, except Chapter 33, are sent directly to the student and the students themselves are responsible for making tuition and fee payments to SCC. Chapter 33 benefits for tuition and fees are sent directly to the institution and all other benefits are sent to the student. All Chapter 33 students will receive a “PERC HOLD” from the Financial Aid Office. This hold indicates to the Cashier’s Office, VA will directly send this payment to SCC. Students are responsible for any tuition and fees paid by the VA. Students are responsible for keeping informed of their remaining eligibility. Full time rate of pursuit for fall and spring is 12 credit hours and 6 credit hours for summer. Once enrolled, any change in your schedule should be reported as soon as possible to the School Certifying Official (SCO). Changes in your enrollment can result in an overpayment that will be determined by the VA.

SCC School Certifying Official (SCO) must keep the VA informed of the enrollment status of Veterans and other eligible persons by doing the following:

• Enrollment Certification to report enrollment information
• Report on a change in the student enrollment status
• Monitor student’s grades and ensure Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Refer to theFinancial Aid section for complete information about Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Report on when a student was terminated due to unsatisfactory progress
• Monitor student’s conduct and report when a student is suspended or dismissed
• Reporting Course Changes to the VA

• VA students must determine and apply for your Department of Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits. Once your application is approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. You can upload a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility online by using your mySCC Student Portal at the same time you submit your Certify My VA Benefits. Under Quick Links>eForms>Forms.
• Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA)-This is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Armed Forces and must be initiated by the service member. Each military branch has its own application process. Service members should meet with his/her local installation education center counselor prior to enrolling in your classes.
• Complete the SCC application for Admissions.
• Request any Military Service Transcripts.
• To transfer credits from other institutions, send a transcript request form to institutions where credits have been previously earned. After requesting your transcript, please complete the Evaluation of Transfer Credit form.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore scholarships opportunities.
• Activate your Student Portal (mySCC).
• Enroll in eBenefits.
• Complete a VA Certification Request Eform by logging in to your mySCC student portal. Under Quick Links>Eforms>Forms>Certify My VA Benefits. This form needs to be completed EACH SEMESTER you are enrolled in and seeking educational benefits while at SCC.

Course Applicability-Only courses that satisfy requirements outlined by the degree or graduation evaluation can be certified for VA purposes. If you drop, withdrawal and make any changes to your enrollment, it is your responsibility to notify the SCO immediately.

Repeated Courses-Repeated courses are not eligible to be certified again by the VA if you have already successfully completed them. However, if a student fails a class, or if a program requires a higher grade than the one achieved in a particular class for successful completion, that class may be repeated.

Audited Courses-Audited courses cannot be certified.

Remedial and Deficiency Courses-These courses are designed to correct deficiencies in basic mathematics, English and reading at the elementary or secondary level. These courses can be certified as part of an approved program, but only for students for whom a verifiable need has been established.

Change of Program- If a student changes his or her program while at SCC, this change must be made to the SCO. This change will be updated to VA and a credit evaluation for the new program will need to be completed.

Attendance requirement-The last of each month the veteran is required to verify his or her attendance if they receive Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607. Payment will not be issued until the VA receives your verification. It is encouraged for you to complete your verification by using the VA online verification at www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do or 1-877-823-2378

A professional staff member available to assist students in planning their academic path, discussing strategies for academic goal attainment, and scheduling of appropriate classes.

The Academic and Career Enhancement (ACE) Center is a tutoring center with an attached computer lab.

A national test used for counseling and sometimes as admission criteria for specific programs. SCC is a national test center.

SCC's way of measuring a student's ability in English, math and reading. The assessment is required for all first-time students taking more than 5 credit hours.

Awarded to students completing the requirements of the academic transfer program with a minimum of 64 semester hours including general education core requirements. It generally parallels the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts degree at a four-year institution.

Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.)

Awarded to students completing the requirements of the academic transfer program for future educators. It is a 64 semester hour program that includes a general education core and elective/ institutional requirements. It generally parallels the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts degree at a four-year institution. 

Awarded to students completing the requirements of one of the career/technical programs. Minimum credit hours required vary based on the specific program. Although this degree is not intended to be a transfer degree, some of the courses will transfer to four-year institutions.

Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)

Awarded to students completing the requirements of a specifically identified academic program available within this degree. Minimum credit hours vary based on the specific program. The Associate of Fine Arts degree is a transfer degree for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree with a concentration in studio fine arts, graphic design, Art Education, or music, at either a four-year college, university or art school.

Awarded to students completing the requirements of a specifically identified academic program available within this degree. Minimum credit hours required vary based on the specific program. It generally parallels the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of
Science degree at a four-year institution.

The primary resource in guiding you through the programs, services, and policies of St. Charles Community College. The online catalog will be updated near the start of each academic term.

A short term program of study. It can be earned by itself, or the credits can generally be applied to a degree if the student takes additional courses.

Certificate of Achievement (C.A.)

Certificates are awarded upon completion of a prescribed sequence of courses for each program. Normally, two semesters are necessary to complete the requirements for a one-year certificate.

Certificate of Specialization (C.S.)

This certificate is for people who desire information or skills in a specific area related to their current job. They usually can be completed in a short period of time.

College Level Examination Program. A college credit by examination program.

Course required to be taken simultaneously with another.

A short description of course content, including course prerequisites. Each course description includes the departmental abbreviation, a corresponding three digit number (example, Introduction to Psychology is PSY 101) and the number of credit hours assigned to the course.

Number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled in an academic term.

One unit of course work equivalent to 15 contact hours of classroom instruction. A typical college course is equivalent to three credit hours.

A required group of courses that comprise a specific program of study.

A subdivision of a school or college that deals with a specified area(s) of study (i.e., music).

Courses that help prepare students for successful completion of college-level coursework – any course below the 100 level.

The process of withdrawing from one or more classes after initial registration.

Any course in the curriculum you wish to take AND for which you have met the prerequisite(s). An academic counselor will assist you in determining if this course counts towards your degree.

Charges assessed to a student’s account at the college’s discretion. These can include charges assessed to all enrolled students as well as specific charges associated with specific courses/programs.

Key examinations offered during the final week of a given semester or term. Finals usually weigh heavily in course grade determination.

The application required for students to be considered for federal student financial aid.

Any SCC student who has completed fewer than 30 credit hours.

A component of the degree program that gives students an opportunity to explore areas outside of their majors.

Grade point average (GPA) is a commonly used indicator of an individual's academic achievement in school. It is the average of the grades attained in each course, taking course credit into consideration. Cumulative GPA - a calculation on all non-developmental course work taken at SCC recorded on the student record and based on a 4.0 average (GPA) scale (i.e. A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, etc.).  Semester GPA -The semester GPA is a calculation of all non-developmental coursework taken in a semester.

Awarded through the Enrollment Services Department, grants give qualifying students money for school that doesn't have to be paid back.

The subject of study in which a student chooses to specialize; a series of related courses, taken primarily at the transfer institution.

Progress reports issued to students who are receiving either a 'D' or 'F' at the midpoint of the semester. Grades are mailed or can be accessed via SCC Connection.

A smaller subject of specialization, completed at the transfer institution. (Approximately 20 credit hours).

We admit virtually all high school graduates, regardless of academic qualifications such as high school grades and placement test scores.

A requirement which must be met before enrollment in a related course.

A student is placed on academic probation the second time his/her grade point average falls below satisfactory academic progress.

Keeper of official student records.

A process by which students formally enroll in classes for the next term.

The number of credits that must be completed at SCC for graduation (15 hours are required).

Awards to students based on merit or merit plus need, which do not need to be repaid.

A college term consisting of 16 weeks of class sessions in the fall or spring. The summer semesters are usually an eight-week session.

Any SCC student who has completed 30 credit hours or more.

Information received after your FAFSA has been processed. It reports the information you provided on the application and is the criteria used to determine eligibility for financial aid.

A student is placed on academic suspension when his/her cumulative grade point average falls below satisfactory academic progress for the third time. The student will not be allowed to register for classes for the semester after being placed on suspension unless an appeal is granted.

A detailed course outline often including instructor expectations for student attendance, assignments, and grading.

Official record of all coursework. The unofficial may be viewed in Student Planning. We now offer electronic transmission of official transcripts. Students can track their status and be notified via text or email when the transcript has been sent. You may request a transcript by accessing National Student Clearinghouse.

An amount of money charged to a student for each course credit hour.

A student is placed on academic warning when his/her cumulative grade point average falls below satisfactory academic progress for the first time after completing 15 college level credit hours at SCC.

A grade notation of 'W' (withdraw) is recorded on your transcript for that course. Class must be withdrawn from by a specific deadline. A grade of “W” is recorded for that class on the transcript and there is no effect on grade point average.

St. Charles Community College (SCC) has academic standards that all students must meet. It is necessary for students to maintain a sufficient grade point average (GPA) to graduate from SCC and transfer to a four year college or start a career. Students who meet SCC academic standards are making “satisfactory academic progress” and are in “good standing.”

To stay in “good standing,” students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after they have earned 15 or more SCC college credit hours (100 level or above).

What Happens If My GPA Drops Below 2.0?
Academic Warning: A student is placed on academic warning when their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for the first time. Students are unable to register for additional courses until they have met with an academic advisor.

Academic Probation 1: A student is placed on Academic Probation 1 when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 in two consecutive terms. The student is required to enroll for classes with an academic advisor and is limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours.

Academic Probation 2: A student is placed on Academic Probation 2 when their cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 for a third consecutive term. The student is required to enroll for classes with an academic advisor and is limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours.

Academic Suspension: A student is placed on Academic Suspension when their cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 for a fourth consecutive term. Students will be prohibited from enrolling in courses the semester following the suspension status. See below for the appeal process.

Academic Dismissal: A student is not allowed to attend SCC unless they are academically reinstated by the director of academic advising. Students must wait a minimum of one semester to appeal this status (summer semester excluded). When students wish to return, they must arrange to meet with the director of academic advising.

What If I Get Suspended?

• Students will be required to sit out a semester to re-evaluate their academic plans.
• Whenever a student is able to return to SCC, they must meet with the director of academic advising to complete a student success contract. The director of academic advising or their designee will determine limitations on the number of credit hours a student can enroll.
• Students who return and do not earn at least a 2.0 term GPA will be academically dismissed during the next semester.

Students with concerns about grades should, whenever possible, first approach the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed by the end of the next regular semester. If, after contacting the instructor, you still have concerns, you should address them to the appropriate program coordinator and/or department chair who will work with you and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, you should address your concerns to the division dean. If resolution still is not achieved, you may then appeal in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs, SSB 2110. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be addressed.

Grading symbols and corresponding grade points are listed below. Some symbols are not grades but designations of administrative action regarding course work.

A (Excellent) Student has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in mastering course objectives. (4 grade points per credit hour in computation of grade point average.)

B (Above Average) Student has demonstrated above-average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (3 points)

C (Average) Student has demonstrated average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (2 points)

D (Below Average) Student has demonstrated below-average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (l point)

F (Failing) Student has not demonstrated a minimum passing proficiency in mastering course objectives (O points)

I (Incomplete) Due to extenuating circumstances, a student may be given an extension of time by the instructor to complete course objectives. The “I” can be issued only at the discretion of the instructor. Once you are issued an “I,” you may not withdraw from the course in which the “I” was issued. The “I” must be made up by the midterm of the following semester or it will become an “F” grade. The incomplete must be completed with the instructor who originally issued the “I.” The “I” does not count in computation of grade point average.

P (Pass) Student has completed the course work satisfactorily. This mark is used for most developmental courses and other courses at the discretion of the college. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)

R (Re-enroll) The student has made satisfactory progress but should re-enroll until the course objectives are completed. This mark is used for developmental courses only. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)

V (Audit) Student’s final registration in the course was on an audit basis (no credit). (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)

W (Withdrawal) A “W” is not a grade, but an indication of administrative action requested by the student. You must officially withdraw from a course before the end of the 10th week of classes. For courses shorter than the normal semester, the withdrawal period will be prorated. A “W” may not be changed to a grade. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)

AW (Administrative Withdrawal) The grade of "AW" will be assigned to those courses that have been administratively withdrawn from a student’s record. A grade of "AW" will not count in a student’s grade point average but will count in their overall completion ratio.
See Board Policy 439-Withdrawal.

Z Administratively unable to give a grade at this time.

Full-time students who earn a 3.50 or above semester grade point average in 12 or more semester hours of credit and part-time students who earn at least a 3.50 GPA for each cumulative 12 credit hours will be named to the Dean’s List. Developmental courses, pass/fail courses, transfer credits, and courses in which incomplete grades were received do not count toward the credit hours.

The Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates will be granted with the following designations to candidates of superior academic achievement:

Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50-3.74 – Honors

Cumulative GPA of 3.75-3.99 – High Honors

Cumulative GPA of 4.0 – Highest Honors

Indication of scholastic honors at the commencement ceremony will be based on the previous fall semester cumulative GPA.

To Request a Transcript
We now offer electronic transmission of official transcripts. Students can track their status and be notified via text or email when the transcript has been sent.

You may request a transcript by visiting: Student Clearinghouse. We do not accept faxed requests. Transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed.

Phone or email requests will NOT be honored due to laws outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• All holds on your record must be cleared before transcripts will be released.
• Allow two working days for processing. Additional time may be required at the end of the semester.
• SCC does not release copies of transcripts from high schools or other institutions you have attended. You must contact the original institution to obtain these documents.

Getting Your Grades
Midterm/Final grades are available on the SCC connection module of mySCC Portal. Grades will be finalized approximately three to five days after grades are due for the term.

• In the mySCC Portal, you can view and print an unofficial transcript of your grades.
• For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk at 636-922-8555.
• Grade cards are not mailed.

Consult with the instructor before you register so you know what number of hours to declare when you register for the class. The range of credit available is shown with the course in college class schedules that are available online before each registration period.

SCC offers five types of degrees:  Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Fine Arts and Associate of Science. There are also two types of certificates: certificate of Achievement and certificate of Specialization.

General Education Requirements
An integral part of each of the degrees is a core of general education courses.

General Education studies at St. Charles Community College guide students into a deeper understanding of themselves and of their responsibilities as citizens, and they provide the knowledge and skills on which to build a richer appreciation of their world.

See General Education Requirements for the respective general education requirements for the Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and the Associate of Arts in Teaching. To obtain one of these degrees or the certificate from SCC, students must also meet the Institutional Requirements outlined there.

The courses listed meet the general education requirements for SCC and the state of Missouri. Some academic programs may require a specific course within a discipline. See the Pathways section for details as well as the specific requirements for the degrees. Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution should consult with academic advising early on for transfer institution-specific requirements. The Certificates of Specialization are designed for people already in the workforce, seeking to improve skills or wanting to obtain new skills. They contain few to no General Education courses. 

SCC Institutional Requirements
Complete a minimum of 15 credit hours at SCC.
Earn a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, but if doing an AAT must earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Complete specific degree/program requirements as listed.

You need to create a separate graduation application for each degree and/or certificate you plan to earn at SCC to have them reflected on your final transcript.

When to Apply
It is requested that you submit an application one semester prior to completing your degree requirements so if any changes are required you will have time to update your registration for your final semester. There are multiple graduation dates per year: October (special degrees only), December, March (special certificates only), May and August. Application deadlines can be found on the current academic calendar.

A summer graduate who wishes to participate in the May commencement ceremony must file an application for summer graduation by March 1.

Complete and submit the Application for Graduation in your mySCC student portal.

To be awarded a degree/certificate you must:

• Meet all requirements of the degree/certificate program of the catalog in effect when you first enrolled or any subsequent catalog as long as you are enrolled in at least one fall or spring term each academic year (August-May).
• Have earned at least 15 credit hours at SCC.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (2.75 for the AAT)
• Resolve all financial obligations to the college and return all library and college materials.

If you are earning more than one degree/certificate, a separate application must be completed for each degree or certificate.If you decide to postpone your graduation: Notify Enrollment Services at least three weeks before your original anticipated date of graduation.

In about 7-10 working days after submitting your application, you will receive confirmation via your SCC email account. 

A commencement ceremony is held annually in May for students having completed requirements for a degree or certificate.

In March, commencement information will be sent to students who graduated the previous October and December and to students who applied for May and August (application submitted by March 1) graduations. Students should verify their physical address is correct and should be checking USPS mail, mySCC Portal and SCC email for correspondence.

Students are not required to participate in the ceremony.

Family, friends and guests are welcome to attend. Due to a limited seating capacity, each guest will need a ticket to sit in the College Center.

Each student will be sent graduation/ticket instructions in March. Special attention needs to be given to these instructions to ensure ticket availability.

Line tickets and alternate seating will be available in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building.

Academic honors for the commencement ceremony are based on the cumulative college-level GPA through the Fall semester. After the calculation of spring and/or summer grades, all adjustments will be reflected on the final transcript and diploma.

Caps and gowns can be picked up in the Campus Store in April. This information will also be sent in March.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be available.

Your picture will be taken by an outside photographer the morning of the ceremony.

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily mean you have graduated. Final grades and final evaluations need to be completed prior to the granting of the degree/certificate.

Receiving Your Diploma

• Diplomas earned for October, December, and May graduates will be mailed in June.
• August diplomas will be mailed in September.
• Degrees and Certificates completed in October and December will be posted on the student's transcripts at the time all degree requirements are met.

The College prohibits actions of sexual harassment by students, employees, or visitors. The College adheres to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Jeanne Clery Act, and similar laws and regulations and takes appropriate action to address concerns of sexual harassment in a fair and timely manner.

Sexual harassment is prohibited, and the College provides comprehensive procedures in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Jeanne Clery Act, and similar laws and regulations.

Sexual harassment is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

• An employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or services on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a student’s equal access to an education program or activity; or unreasonably interferes with an employee's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
• Sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act), or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

SAFETY, SUPPORTIVE MEASURES AND RESOURCES

SAFETY IS FIRST PRIORITY
After an incident of sexual violence, consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. As time passes, evidence may dissipate or become lost or unavailable, thereby making investigation, possible prosecution, disciplinary proceedings, or obtaining protection from abuse orders related to the incident more difficult.

Campus Police
SCC Main Campus, Campus Police Building
636-922-8545

Public Emergency Services
911 

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
10 Hospital Drive
St Peters, MO 63376
Phone: 636-916-9000

Progress West Hospital
2 Progress Point Parkway
O'Fallon, MO 63368
Phone: 636-344-1000

SSM St. Joseph Health Center
300 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
Phone: 636-947-5000

SSM St. Joseph Hospital West
100 Medical Plaza Lake
Saint Louis, MO 63367
Phone: 636-625-5200

Evidence Preservation

It is important that a victim of sexual assault does not bathe, douche, smoke, change clothing or clean the bed/linen/area where assaulted if the offense occurred within the past 96 hours, so that evidence may be preserved that may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protection order. In circumstances of sexual assault, if victims do not opt for forensic evidence collection, health care providers can still treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence are encouraged to also preserve evidence by saving text messages, instant messages, social networking pages, other communications, pictures, and available logs.

Law Enforcement

Although the College strongly encourages individuals to report violations of this policy to law enforcement, it is the individual’s choice whether or not to make such a report and to accept or decline involvement with law enforcement. The College will assist with notifying the police if desired. Reports of sexual violence to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS) will be considered a report to law enforcement and Campus Police may proceed with pursuing a criminal investigation and/or criminal charges with or without the complainant’s consent.

The College does not publish the name of crime victims nor house identifiable information regarding victims in the DPS Daily Crime Log or online. Victims may request that directory information on file be removed from public sources by request from the Student Life office.

Ex-Parte Orders of Protection

The College complies with Missouri law in recognizing an Ex-Parte Order of Protection or Full Order of Protection. Any person who obtains an order of protection against a member of the campus community should provide a copy to Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS) and the Title IX Coordinator. The individual may then meet with DPS/Campus Police to develop a Safety Action Plan, which is a plan for DPS and the individual to reduce risk of harm while on campus or coming and going from campus. This plan may include, but is not limited to escorts, special parking arrangements, changing classroom or work locations, and allowing a student to complete assignments from home. The College cannot apply for a legal order of protection, no-contact order, or restraining order on behalf of an individual. The individual is required to apply directly for these services.

CONFIDENTIAL HELP WITHOUT FILING A REPORT
Students:
On-Campus Confidential Help:
Mental Health Counselor
636-922-8571
SCC Main room 1123

CONFIDENTIALITY
Credit-seeking students who wish to maintain confidentiality may contact the mental health counselor, provided by the College free of charge, at 636-922-8571.

Credit-seeking students can speak with the mental health counselor confidentially and, absent the student’s consent, such reports or conversations will not be reported to the Title IX Coordinator for further investigation. Please note that the mental health counselor will not be able to maintain confidentiality when there is a threat of harm to oneself or another.

Credit and non-credit students who wish to maintain confidentiality may also speak with off-campus rape crisis or domestic violence counselors and off-campus members of the clergy and chaplains.

ADDITIONAL OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES
Counseling:
ALIVE: 314-993-2777
Behavioral Health Response: 800-811-4760
Safe Connections: 314-531-2003

Victim Advocacy:
Crime Victim Advocacy Center: 314-524-0686
YWCA St. Louis Area Sexual Assault Center: 314-531-RAPE (7273)

Health:
Compass Health Network: 636-332-6000
Volunteers in Medicine: 636-724-4848 

Legal Assistance:
Legal Advocates for Abused Women: 314-664-6699
Legal Services of Missouri: 800-440-0514

Mental Health:
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services: 636-949-5522
Compass Health Network: 636-332-6000
Saint Louis Counseling: 636-281-1990

Visa and Immigration Assistance:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 866-341-2423
Homeland Security, Blue Campaign (Fight Against Human Trafficking): 866-341-2423 or 888-373-7888 (victim support)

Community Shelters:
Our Lady's Inn Maternity Homes: 636-398-5375
The Women’s Safe House: 314-772-4535

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 
800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 
800-656-HOPE (4673)

Other resources available to persons who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual exploitation include:

• http://www.rainn.org – Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
• https://www.justice.gov/ovw/sexual-assault – Department of Justice
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html – Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights
• http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=533 – Adult abuse/stalking orders of protections forms

RISK REDUCTION

For your safety and protection, consider the following strategies to reduce one's risk of sexual assault or harassment, provided by Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
• Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
• Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
• Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
• Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have money for transportation, if needed.
• Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
• Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
• When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.).
• Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call. If you have left your drink alone, just get a new one.
• Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust. If you choose to accept a drink, go with the person to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. At parties, don’t drink from punch bowls or other large, common open containers.
• Watch out for your friends, and vice versa. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they have had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place immediately.
• If you suspect you or a friend have been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.). Be explicit with doctors so they can give you the correct tests (you will need a urine test and possibly others).
  If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation, here are some things that you can try:
  • Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong; it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
  • Be true to yourself. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
  • Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
  • Lie. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
  • Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
  • If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment before doing anything you may regret later.

HOW TO FILE A REPORT OF CONCERN OR FORMAL COMPLAINT
The College takes all formal complaints seriously and will respond in a prompt, equitable, and impartial manner, without presumption of fault or guilt of the complainant or respondent, for complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited by this policy/procedure.

Complaints involving sexual harassment by a student:

Director of Student Life or designee
636-922-8211
kdrummond@stchas.edu 
RC 102
or online

Complaints involving sexual harassment by an employee, vendor, or visitor:

Terri Edrich, Vice President for Human Resources
636-922-8300
tedrich@stchas.edu
SC 203

Reports involving sexual misconduct or sex discrimination may also be reported externally to: 

Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office
U.S. Department of Education
One Petticoat Lane.
1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64106
Telephone: 816-268-0550
Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

The Title IX Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS) and the local police department unless otherwise prohibited by law. The College will not delay its formal complaint procedures due to pending results of a criminal investigation or proceedings.

NON-DISCIPLINARY INTERIM MEASURES

Following a report of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether non-disciplinary interim measures should be implemented and are reasonably available, and, if so, take steps to implement those interim interventions as soon as possible. Any non-disciplinary interim measures taken will be done so without the presumption of fault or guilt on the part of any involved party.

Examples of interim measures applied to one or more parties may include: a college order of no contact, adjustment of class schedules, and reassignment to a different supervisor or position. Violations of directives and/or interim measures may result in sanctions in accordance with the Sanctions and Appeals section below.

In limited situations, the Title IX Coordinator may remove a respondent from the college on an emergency basis, following an individualized risk/threat assessment, to determine if they pose an immediate threat to the campus community, or cannot otherwise safely participate in an educational program or activity while the sexual harassment grievance process is being conducted. When a removal decision occurs, the Title IX Coordinator will provide the respondent with written notice of the decision and an opportunity for an expedited appeal of the decision.

In the situation of a report of sexual violence, the Title IX Coordinator will:

• Provide the complainant and respondent with referrals for medical care as needed;
• Assess the immediate safety needs of the complainant and respondent;
• Provide the complainant and respondent with contact information for the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS) and assist with making the contact if the complainant requests;
• Inform the complainant and respondent of the availability of supportive measures and resources;
• Assess the need to implement interim measures;
• Provide the complainant and/or respondent with written instructions on how to apply for a protective order if desired; and
• Provide the complainant and/or respondent with a copy of applicable policies and procedures.

INITIAL HANDLING OF A COMPLAINT

Upon receipt of a formal written and signed complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of this policy/procedures has occurred. If no reasonable cause is found, the Title IX Coordinator will notify all parties in writing of the formal complaint and its dismissal. Reasons for formal complaint dismissal are listed in a section further below.

If the complainant does not wish to proceed with a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may in certain circumstances, make a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator or designee must weigh the complainant’s wish not to proceed with the following:

• The seriousness of the alleged conduct;
• Whether there have been other complaints of sexual harassment against the same respondent; and
• The respondent’s right to receive information regarding the allegations under FERPA.

METHODS FOR RESOLVING COMPLAINTS

Informal Resolution

Informal resolution to a formal complaint of sexual harassment can be reached when the complainant and respondent are equally and voluntarily agreeable to reaching a determination of responsibility without investigation and live hearing. The informal resolution process is available at any time during the grievance process, with the voluntary, written consent of both the complainant and respondent, except in the case of alleged sexual harassment of a student by an employee. A complainant or respondent also retains the right to withdraw from an informal resolution process and resume the formal resolution process at any time.

Upon resolving a formal complaint through the informal resolution process, including signatures from all involved parties, the complaint will be closed.

Formal Resolution

The purpose of the formal resolution process is to provide prompt, equitable, and impartial investigation, without the presumption of fault or guilt, for complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited by this policy/procedure.

The formal resolution process may result in disciplinary sanction of parties found responsible for sexual harassment policy/procedures violation.

FORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Process Timeframe

Investigation into allegations of sexual harassment will be completed as soon as practicable and typically concludes within 90 days. In the event the timeframe extends beyond 90 days, the reporting and responding parties will be notified in writing.

Evidence Standard

Determinations of whether the respondent is deemed responsible for the alleged behavior will be based on a preponderance of the evidence standard. A preponderance of the evidence exists when a reasonable person, after a careful balancing of available information, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred or more than likely a policy violation did not occur.

Advisors

The complainant and the respondent may appoint an individual to serve as their individual advisor at their cost and be present during meetings, or the complainant and the respondent may request to have an advisor appointed by the College at no cost to them.

Formal Resolution Process Steps

When a formal complaint results in reasonable cause that violations of this policy/procedures may have occurred, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the complainant and respondent in writing that an investigation will occur and a tentative process timeframe will be provided. The written notice to the respondent will include details of the investigation and the parties will be provided with sufficient time to prepare a response prior to any initial interview. Investigation details may include the identities of the parties involved, the specific section of the policy allegedly violated, the conduct constituting the alleged violation, and as applicable, the date/time/location of the alleged incident.

The Title IX Coordinator will assign one or more investigator(s) to gather facts and information related to the formal complaint. Investigator(s) will meet with the complainant, the respondent, conduct additional interviews with witnesses, and gather relevant documentation. During the course of the investigation, the Investigating Officer may receive counsel from College administrators, the College’s attorneys, or other parties as needed.

Both the complainant and the respondent may provide evidence, documentation, and names of witnesses to the investigator for inclusion in the investigative process.

If the complainant or the respondent believes an individual investigating the complaint has a conflict of interest or bias for or against either party, he/she shall notify the Title IX Coordinator as soon as reasonably possible to determine whether a conflict of interest or bias exists, and if an alternative investigator will be appointed.

Upon completion of the investigator’s initial gathering of evidence, the complainant and respondent will have 10 days to review, inspect and respond to all evidence directly related to allegations and provide a written response.

The investigator will consider responses to evidence, determine what evidence is relevant, and summarize all evidence into an investigative report.

The complainant and respondent will be given equal access to review any evidence and the investigative report provided by the assigned investigator(s).

Upon completion of the investigative report, the complainant and respondent will have 10 days to review the final investigative report and provide a written response in advance of the live hearing conducted by the Hearing Officer.

Live Hearing and Cross Examination

A live hearing will be conducted by a college-appointed Hearing Officer in order to reach a determination of responsibility for sexual harassment policy/procedures violation. Prior to the live hearing, the complainant and respondent are strongly encouraged to submit questions to the Hearing Officer in order to determine relevancy and compliance with the rules of decorum. Any questions deemed not relevant by the Hearing Officer, and thereby excluded from the live hearing, will be communicated in writing to the party submitting the question(s).

The live hearing may be conducted at any SCC campus location or may be conducted through video conferencing technology as determined by the Hearing Officer. Live hearings conducted virtually will be done in a manner whereby all parties can simultaneously see and hear each other. Disability-related accommodations for participation in a live hearing will be coordinated by the Office of Disability Support Services (for students) and by the Human Resources Department (for employees). An audio or audiovisual recording of the live hearing will be made available equally to the complainant and respondent for inspection and review.

During the live hearing, each advisor will ask all relevant questions directly to the other party and/or witnesses, including follow-up questions and questions challenging credibility The Hearing Officer has authority to interject and disallow a question; when this occurs, a response to the question will not be given. The Hearing Officer will not consider or rely on statements from any individual who does not participate in the live hearing or who refuses to submit to cross examination. In addition, the Hearing Officer will not reach a determination of responsibility based solely on a party’s or witness’ absence from the live hearing or refusal to submit to cross examination.

At no time during the investigation or the live hearing will the complainant or respondent be subjected to questions that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege (unless such privileges have been voluntarily waived). Likewise, neither complainant nor respondent will be subjected to questions about sexual predisposition, previous sexual behavior or other circumstances protected under federal and state rape shield laws.

Final Determination, Remedy, and Resolution

After thorough examination of the evidence and cross examination presented during the live hearing, the Hearing Officer will make a final determination of responsible or not responsible for violations of the College’s sexual harassment policy/procedures using the preponderance of the evidence standard. The Hearing Officer’s final determination indicates there is sufficient evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that the respondent engaged in conduct that meets the College’s definition of sexual harassment or that it is more likely than not the respondent did not engage in conduct that meets the College’s definition of sexual harassment.

The Hearing Officer will draft a final determination letter, outlining the rationale and analysis for the decision. The letter will be distributed to the complainant and respondent by the Title IX Coordinator.  In addition to details relating to the allegations constituting sexual harassment, procedural steps, findings of fact, conclusions and rationale, the final determination letter will include information regarding disciplinary sanctions and remedies.

RIGHT OF APPEAL

In cases of sexual harassment or sexual violence, the complainant and the respondent have the right to appeal. The appeal must be in writing and contain the following:

• Name of the complainant;
• Name of the respondent;
• A statement of the determination of the complaint, including corrective action if any;
• A detailed statement of the basis for the appeal including the specific facts, circumstances, and argument in support of it; and
• Requested action, if any.

The appeal must cite at least one of the following criteria as the reason for appeal and provide supporting arguments:

1. A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
2. Newly discovered evidence that was not reasonably available when the determination of responsibility was made that could affect the outcome of the matter; or
3. Title IX Coordinator, Investigator or Hearing Officer had a general or specific conflict of interest or bias against the complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.

Status During Appeal

The sanction that was rendered by the Hearing Officer is in effect during the period of appeal.

In the case that the respondent is an employee, the Appeals Officer is the Vice President for Administrative Services/COO. In the case that the respondent is a student, the Appeals Officer is the Vice President for Student Services. If the Appeals Officer determines that criteria for an appeal has not been met, the determination of the Hearing Officer stands. If the Appeals Officer determines that the criteria for an appeal has been met, the Appeals Officer will then review the information gathered as part of the investigation and hearing procedures, including any documentary evidence.

The Appeals Officer may:

1. Reverse the finding regarding whether the student/employee is responsible/not responsible;
2. Return the matter to the Hearing Officer for review and/or reconsideration on whether the student is responsible/not responsible;
3. Convert any sanction imposed to an alternate sanction;
4. Rescind any previous sanction;
5. Return a recommended sanction to the Hearing Officer for review and/or reconsideration; or
6. Uphold the determination of the Hearing Officer.

Resolution of the Appeal

The appeal will be resolved within ten (10) College business days of receiving it. The Appeals Officer may take any action in the interest of a fair and just decision. The decision of the Appellate Officer is final, unless otherwise noted in the Sanctions section.

 A written statement of the resolution of the appeal will be provided by the Appeals Officer to the complainant, respondent, and the Title IX Coordinator within three (3) College business days of the resolution.

DISMISSAL OF FORMAL COMPLAINT

A formal complaint may be dismissed at any time during the sexual harassment grievance process. The following are reasons a formal complaint will be dismissed (procedurally or voluntarily):

• The conduct alleged in the formal complaint would not constitute sexual harassment as defined in this policy, even if proven;
• The conduct alleged did not occur against a person in the United States;
• The conduct alleged did not occur in SCC’s education program, activity, or College property;
• The complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the complainant would like to withdraw the formal complaint or any allegations therein;
• The respondent is no longer enrolled or employed at the College;
• Specific circumstances prevent SCC from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the formal complaint or allegations therein

Upon dismissal, a notification will be sent, in writing, to both parties and provide the reason(s) the complaint was dismissed.

Dismissal of a complaint does not prevent action under other provisions of the College’s code of conduct or by law enforcement.

SANCTIONS 
Individual found to be responsible for violation of this policy/procedures, sanctions and appeals are governed by the following:

• Students: P-410 Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process

AMNESTY FOR STUDENT ALCOHOL/DRUG USE

The College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time an incident of sexual violence occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The College strongly encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence to campus officials. A student bystander reporting in good faith or a student reporting sexual violence will not be subject to campus conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the sexual violence.

INTENTIONAL FALSE REPORTINGS AND REPORTS MADE IN BAD FAITH

The College expects reports of concern be made in good faith. Intentionally false reporting of concerns and reports, such as an act of retaliation, may result in disciplinary sanctions. False reporting may also be a violation of state criminal statutes and civil defamation laws. 

RETALIATION

The College strictly prohibits retaliation of any kind against an individual for reporting sexual harassment pursuant to this policy, assisting someone with a complaint of sexual harassment, or participating in an investigation following a complaint of sexual harassment. Examples of such prohibited retaliation include threats, intimidation, reprisals, adverse employment actions, or adverse educational actions. Any incidents of alleged retaliation should be immediately reported. In the event that retaliation is found to have taken place, sanctions will be governed by policy noted below in the Sanctions and Appeals section. 

EDUCATION/TRAINING

College employees involved in Title IX processes including report intake, investigation, adjudication, and appeals must complete training annually.  Training topics include related subject matter such as College policy and procedures, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, trauma-informed practices, conducting investigations, adjudicating, and appeal of cases.  

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

A Responsible Party of the College with knowledge of sexual harassment in a St. Charles Community College (SCC) education program or activity, whether on-campus or off-campus, (such as on athletic fields, SCC-sponsored events or activities, educational programs, practice or rehearsals, on-campus housing, or the housing of an SCC-sanctioned organization in the United States) against a person, must report the matter promptly to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or other official who has the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the College. 

DEFINITIONS

Complainant

A person who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual discrimination/harassment, violating our institution’s policy.

Consent

Individuals engaged in sexual activity of any type with each other, should have clear, knowing and voluntary consent prior to and during sexual activity. Consent can be given by word or action, but non-verbal consent is not as clear. Consent to some form of sexual activity cannot be automatically taken as consent to any other form of sexual activity. Consent must be freely given.

To provide consent, an individual must be of legal age and capable of making such a decision. Agreement does not constitute consent if: it is given by a person who lacks the mental capacity to authorize the conduct; or it is given by a person unable to make a reasonable judgment about harmfulness of the conduct due to youth, mental disease, incapacitation, a drug-induced state, or similar; or it is induced by force, duress, or deception.

Dating Violence

Dating violence is violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be based on the complainant’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the individuals involved in the relationship. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:

• by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
• by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
• by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
• by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or
• by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

Formal Complaint

A document filed by a complainant in writing and signed or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting that the College investigate the allegation of sexual harassment.

Respondent

A person who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment, violating our institution’s policy.

Responsible Party

A college official who is an administrative officer (President, Vice Presidents, Campus Provosts, Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, and Executive Directors), and/or an administrator (Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, Managers, and Supervisors) who holds a duty to report matters of sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is actual or attempted physical sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to:

• Intentional touching of another person’s intimate parts without that person’s consent;
• Other intentional sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent;
• Coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force a person to touch another person’s intimate parts without that person’s consent;
• Penetration, no matter how slight, of (1) the vagina or anus of a person by any body part of another person or by an object, or (2) the mouth of a person by a sex organ of another person, without that person’s consent;
• Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law; or
• Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
  Sexual Violence

For purposes of this policy, sexual violence collectively refers to the terms sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation as defined in this policy.

Stalking

Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her or his safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.

 For purposes of this definition:

• Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property;
• Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling; and
• A reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.

Additional Information:
See Board Policy 434.1 Romantic or Sexual Relationships 

The following complaint procedures apply to complaints concerning discrimination and equal opportunity.
The College takes all reports of concerns seriously and will respond in a prompt, equitable, and impartial manner.

How to File a Report of Concern
Complaints involving discrimination and harassment by a student that is not a sexual misconduct or sex discrimination concern:
Amy Koehler, Vice President for Academic and Student Services
636-922-8282
akoehler@stchas.edu

Complaints involving discrimination and harassment by an employee, vendor, or visitor that is not a sexual misconduct or sex discrimination concern:
Terri Edrich, Vice President for Human Resources
636-922-8300
tedrich@stchas.edu
SC 203

Intentional False Reporting and Reports Made In Bad Faith
The college expects all reports of concern to be made in good faith and intentionally false reporting of concerns, such as an act of retaliation, may result in disciplinary sanctions. False reporting may also be a violation of state criminal statutes and civil defamation laws.

Other Responsible Parties
Ensuring that SCC is free of discrimination and harassment is a shared responsibility of all members of the College community. A person does not have to be the direct target or victim to report it. If a college official (administrators, managers, and supervisors) becomes aware of a possible concern, the official has the duty to immediately report the matter. College employees who are not in supervisory positions are encouraged to report concerns when they become aware of them.

Retaliation
The College strictly prohibits retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination and harassment, an individual assisting someone with a complaint, and an individual who participates in an investigation. Any incidents of alleged retaliation should be immediately reported. In the event that retaliation is found to have taken place, sanctions will be governed by policy noted below in the Sanctions and Appeals section.

Methods for Resolving Complaints

INFORMAL RESOLUTION
The purpose of the informal resolution process is to allow an individual who believes she/he has been unlawfully discriminated against to resolve the issue through a facilitated process. When the College determines that informal resolution is appropriate based on the review of facts associated with the complaint, the vice president or designee will assist involved parties who wish to voluntarily participate in informal resolution. Informal resolution does not involve a full investigation.

FORMAL RESOLUTION
When the initial review of facts associated with the complaint results in reasonable cause that violations of this policy/procedures may have occurred, following Informal Resolution as applicable, the vice president or designee will conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial formal investigation and adjudication. Adjudication may occur in partnership with the division vice president.
If there is a finding that the individual is not responsible for violation of this policy/procedure, the parties will be notified. If there is a finding that the individual is responsible for violation of this policy/procedure, the parties will be notified and sanction(s) may be applied in accordance with the policy noted in the Sanctions and Appeals section below.

Right of Appeal
Appeals are handled within the policy listed in the Sanctions and Appeals section below. 

Sanctions and Appeals
For the individual found to be responsible for violation of this policy/procedures, sanctions and appeals are governed by the following:

Students: P-410 Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process
Additional Information:
Article I.02 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
Article I.07 Sexual Harassment (Policy)

The college recognizes that extenuating circumstances occur from time to time that may warrant further review of a student’s academic progress. Contact the Enrollment Services Department for more information.

NOTE: Students with concerns about course requirements, class procedures, teaching styles or grades should follow the procedure outlined in the Procedure for Addressing Student Concerns section of the catalog.

Students with concerns about course requirements, class procedures, teaching styles or grades should, whenever possible, first approach the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed by the end of the next regular semester. If, after contacting the instructor, you still have concerns, you should address them to the appropriate program coordinator and/or department chair who will work with you and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, you should address your concerns to the division dean.

Individual departments may establish their own internal procedures for handling student concerns. If the division is unable to remedy the situation, you may then appeal in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be dealt with.

Employees of the college may not legally discuss matters pertaining to students with parents, spouses, friends or classmates without a signed release from the student. 

Any student grievance not specifically addressed by other written policies in this handbook should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs in SSB 2110 636-922-8358.

ADA Grievance Appeal Procedures
Students are encouraged to discuss any disability related concerns with the Disability Support Services (DSS) manager first to seek an informal resolution to their concern. The DSS manager will attempt to resolve issues by assisting the student in communication with the faculty member, department, or program and participating in discussions between the relevant parties in an effort to clarify and resolve issues. Most situations are positively resolved through this process.

DSS supports you in your right to file a grievance when you believe you have been denied equal access in the form of appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids or effective communication or suffered discriminatory harassment as described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. 

The general grievance procedures outlined in the Student Handbook are also available to students with disabilities. The grievance procedures listed below are additional procedures that apply to students with disabilities who feel their rights have been violated under 504 and ADA.  If it is determined that another college procedure governs the situation (grade appeal, sexual misconduct, etc.), the student will be referred to the appropriate administrator.

An advisor of the student's choosing may be present during any investigative meetings. The role of the advisor is solely to support the student. The advisor is not permitted to ask or answer questions, serve as a witness, or make a statement on behalf of the student. The College is not responsible for providing students with an advisor.

STEPS FOR A FORMAL RESOLUTION OF YOUR DISABILITY COMPLAINT:

1. Submit a written statement to the Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee within 15 working days* of the date of the occurrence. The complaint should contain the:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone Number
• Email address of the person filing it
• Description of the alleged violation with as much detail as possible, including the date of the occurrence, the person(s) and the department involved
• Include the accommodation or resolution to the complaint that you are seeking.

2. The complaint will then be forwarded to the appropriate department, for adjudication and resolution efforts with the complainant, using normal administrative channels (department chair, academic dean, vice president for academic affairs or administrative director/ dean). Resolution efforts shall not exceed 30 working days* after the filing of the complaint.

3. A written copy of the decision will be forwarded to the complainant by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

FORMAL RESOLUTION APPEAL:

1. If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision and wishes to file an appeal, the complainant shall notify the Vice President of Student Affairs within 15 working days* of the date of the decision.

The appeal must cite at least one of the following criteria as the reason for appeal and provide supporting arguments:

1. A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter.
2. Newly discovered evidence that was not reasonably available when the resolution decision was made that could affect the outcome of the matter.
3. The Vice President of Student Affairs or other investigating office had a general of specific conflict of interest or bias against the complainant that affected the outcome of the matter. 
4. The Vice President of Student Affairs will conduct an investigation which will afford all interested persons an opportunity to submit additional evidence relevant to the complaint.
5. The Vice President of Student Affairs will forward a written response within 20 business days* of receipt of the written complaint. The Vice President of Student Affair's decision is final and not subject to further appeal.  

*Dates may be extended with the permission of all parties concerned.

While students are always encouraged to seek resolution of complaints within the structure of institutional policies, they may have alternative options available, including contacting the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights – http://www.ed.gov/ocr/

Additional External Grievance Process

The Missouri Department of Higher Education serves as a clearinghouse for postsecondary student complaints. The MDHE complaint policy may be found at dhe.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION.pdf. This web page contains information about the complaint process and includes instructions for how to file a formal complaint. Note that the policy provides that a student who wishes to file a complaint with the department must first exhaust all formal and informal avenues provided by the institution to resolve disputes.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. A complaint can be filed by anyone who believes that an education institution that receives Federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The complaint form can be found at OCR Complaint Form.

Additionally, students may also contact the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools:

230 North LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
1-800-621-7440; Fax: 312-263-7462

Domestic animals are prohibited on college properties (except on the Dardenne Greenway Trail) with the exception of service animals that may be needed as protected by the law.

For the benefit of an individual with a disability, a service animal is trained/being trained to work or perform specific tasks related to the individual’s disability. Service dogs include guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert or respond dog/mobility dog.

College staff can make the following inquiries only: Is the animal required due to a disability? What task has the animal been trained to perform?

The service animal should be under the handler’s control at all times via a leash/harness or verbal/hand commands. The handler is responsible for cleaning up all animal waste. The college staff is not responsible for any aspect of caring for a service animal.

College staff may ask an individual to remove a service animal from the campus if the handler is unable to effectively control the animal, the service animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others, is disruptive to the academic environment or fundamentally alters the course/program.

Individuals are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at dss@stchas.edu if bringing a service animal to campus.

St. Charles Community College makes the campus as accessible as possible to district residents by renting meeting spaces and by providing many cultural opportunities through the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building and theater.

In addition, the campus is the site of many seminars, workshops and outdoor activities that are open for participation by the general public.

Users of facilities will be required to comply with all college policies and any applicable statutory regulations.

To inquire about community use of SCC campus facilities, contact the Office of Marketing or visit community use of campus . To view upcoming events and activities on campus, see the online SCC calendar.

Animals are prohibited on college properties with the exception of service animals, which may be required by visitors, students and employees. In addition, dogs will be allowed on The Dardenne Greenway Trail, provided they are under the direct control of their owner at all times. Pet owners must clean up after their animal.

Hunting, fishing, swimming, ice skating, skateboarding, hoverboarding, rollerblading or other similar activity is prohibited on college sidewalks, walking trails or any college-owned property except on the Dardenne Greenway Trail where rollerblading and the use of golf carts are permitted. Walking or playing on ice-covered lakes is also prohibited.

Students needing assistance with service animal accommodation may contact the Office of Disability Support Services, 636-922-8247. Faculty and staff needing assistance with service animal accommodation may contact the vice president for human resources, 636-922-8300.

Bicycles
Bicycles may be used on roadways only. For safety reasons, bicycles may only be used on parking lots when traveling to, commuting within and leaving the college property. Bicycles are allowed on the Dardenne Greenway Trail and walking trails and no “off-road” riding is permitted on campus. Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks. Bicycle racks are provided at various locations on campus.

See Board Policy 303-Grounds Restrictions.

As a commuter college, the institution recognizes the necessity for adequate traffic control, safety and parking facilities. The SCC director of public safety/Campus Police is responsible for the development and enforcement of college traffic control procedures and for the general safety of the campus. Citations may be issued for violations of regulations. The following should be observed:

Parking hang tags are issued by the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (free of charge with a paid tuition receipt) in the Campus Police Building during periods of non-registration or in the Campus Store during the last two weeks of each registration period. Hang tags will be issued in the student’s name and must be displayed on the vehicle’s inside rearview mirror. Failure to do so may result in a $5 citation. The hang tag is transferable to any vehicle driven by the student.

Park only in authorized areas. Students who have registered and paid for classes may park their cars on any campus lot.

Designated areas:

Blue lines – Disabled parking

Crossed white lines – Official/college vehicles

Red lines – Emergency vehicles

Parking is not allowed in driving lanes or streets. Driving lanes must be kept clear for emergency vehicles. All cars parked in driving lanes will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Curb-side parking is prohibited unless the curb forms part of the “lined” space.

Registered students are not considered visitors and will receive a citation if parked in a “Visitor Parking” space.

Operation of any vehicle on paths, sidewalks, planted areas or in pedestrian areas is prohibited. Drivers must exercise the highest degree of care on roadways, driveways or parking lots on SCC property.

Drivers must obey the instructions of official traffic and parking control signs or devices.

Drivers must comply with all lawful orders or directions of a police officer, college public safety officer/campus police, fire department official or other emergency or law enforcement officials.

Campus speed limit is 20 mph on roadways and driveways, 15 mph on parking lots.
Vehicles left overnight on campus lots that do not have prior approval will be ticketed. It is prohibited to occupy a vehicle overnight on campus lots except during special events approved by the college.

The college does not assume responsibility for any motor vehicle (or its contents) parked on SCC property.

All accidents are to be reported to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police located in the Campus Police Building.

For motorist assistance on parking lots and driveways of the campus, contact the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police at 636-922-8545.

Disabled Parking
Students, faculty and staff with physical disabilities may apply for temporary or permanently disabled status through the Missouri Department of Revenue License Bureau. Only state-issued disabled hang tags and license plates will be recognized. A Disabled Placard (a small sign indicating information about the vehicle operator) is a removable windshield placard that is to be hung from the rearview mirror of a parked vehicle in order to park in disabled parking spaces. The placard must be used only when a physically disabled person is the occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of parking or when the physically disabled person is being dropped off or picked up. Displaying a Disabled Placard and parking in a disabled parking space by a person not transporting the individual to whom the placard was issued will result in a parking ticket with a $50 to $300 fine.

Fines

Fines are:

$10 for all non-moving violations

$20 for any moving violation.

Disabled parking violations are $50.

Improper or reckless driving violations may result in a hearing before the executive dean of student life. All citations must be paid at the Cashier’s Office within 10 school days. A copy of the citation must accompany a check or money order payable to SCC and mailed to Cashier, SCC, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, MO 63376.

Officers from DPS/Campus Police may issue warnings, SCC campus traffic tickets or municipal and state traffic tickets. Municipal traffic tickets are issued under the authority of the City of Cottleville municipal court and State traffic tickets are issued under the authority of the St. Charles County circuit court, traffic division. Fines for violations issued through a City or State court system are set by those jurisdictions.

Any vehicle parked and left unattended in an unauthorized location will be towed at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle is inoperable, contact Public Safety/Campus Police to avoid a ticket or towing. Unpaid citations must be paid by the end of the school term or grades will be withheld and you will not be permitted to enroll in any ensuing term.

Fines and towing charges are the responsibility of the person to whom the vehicle is registered.

A Student Traffic Court meets as needed to review student parking ticket appeals. Students may request a form to appeal in the Police Department dispatch center in the Campus Police Building (13-CP).

For details about parking, read the Campus Parking Regulations brochure.

See Board Policy 305 – Motor Vehicle Regulations.

St. Charles Community College is concerned about the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. SCC is committed to providing an environment where individuals are free to work, learn and teach, unencumbered and uninhibited by threats of intimidation or harm. To this end, the college has empowered the Office of Student Life to respond to reports of concerning behavior. The Office of Student Life is responsible for upholding college policies and procedures regarding student behavior.

Community Commitment
A long-standing tradition at SCC is a profound respect for the dignity of all students, faculty and staff and a deep concern for the larger community as well.

Building on this tradition, The Office of Student Life strongly encourages the SCC extended community to utilize its referral services to better serve our students. By doing so, we seek to balance the educational needs of the student and those of the greater campus community. The success of this process hinges on community commitment to reporting concerns. If you have any further questions or need to refer a student complete the Student Concern form.

SCC is committed to providing accessibility to its programs/activities and reasonable accommodations for persons defined as disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. These acts protect qualified students with disabilities from discrimination.

Students accepted to SCC may request to meet with the DSS Manager. Before accommodations or registration can be processed, students should provide their disability documentation. Students should then schedule an appointment with the Disability Support Services (DSS) Manager. This meeting will include a review of your documentation and an interview about services and resources available at SCC.  Accommodations and disability status are approved on a case-by-case basis. Accommodations are arranged to provide access to all programs/ courses/events at SCC.

If students need to complete assessments for registration and wish to utilize accommodations, they should email their request to dss@stchas.edu at least three days before the assessment is scheduled. Each section of the assessment test must be completed within one day during the Assessment Center business hours, but has no other time restrictions.

The DSS Manager provides academic advising, shares resources, and other support to students as needed. DSS staff advocates for an accessible academic/physical environment and works collaboratively with staff, administrators and faculty. St. Charles Community College welcomes and supports a diverse student body.

Types of Services:

• Assistive technologyScreen magnification
  • Speech to text software
  • Screen reading software
  • Livescribe pens
• Accommodations on exams - extended time, reduced distractions, etc.
• In-class accommodations - note taking, recording lectures, etc.
• Course Materials in alternative format
• Interpreting or captioning services

A lactation room is available for use by nursing moms. The room is located on the first floor of the Schnare Library, Room 142. The room is equipped with a sink, chair, table, lamp and accent decor. Nursing moms will need to provide their own pumps, supplies and cold storage. Nursing moms needing to use the room may access the key by depositing an ID or equivalent at the Circulation Desk in the Library.  Questions or concerns can be directed to the director of student life.

St. Charles Community College offers the opportunity to address your concerns utilizing free personal counseling via TimelyCare virtual care services. The TimelyCare professionals who can assist students with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, eating concerns, alcohol/drug issues, relationship issues, academic stress, suicidal thoughts, grief/loss, trauma, sexual and LGBT concerns.

We are committed to providing high-quality care guided by the SCC mission of serving our community by focusing on academic excellence, student success, workforce advancement, and life-long learning within a global society. We celebrate diversity and we enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region by providing an accessible, comprehensive, and supportive environment for teaching and learning.

As an SCC student, you are entitled to 12 free counseling sessions, per year through TimelyCare. Students may first meet with the Student Support Case Manager or Office Coordinator to complete an assessment before being referred to TimelyCare. All TimelyCare sessions are confidential unless there is talk of harm to self or others.  Please contact the Office of Student Life, at 636-922-8536 or by emailing studentlife@stchas.edu for more information about TimelyCare

Need Immediate/Crisis Support?
Contact any of the following organizations, which provide assistance at no charge, 24 hours a day.

• SCC's Department of Public Safety: 636-922-8545
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
• Behavioral Health Response (BHR): 24hr crisis line at 314-469-6644
• Crisis Text Line - Text the word “HOME” to 741741

TimelyCare

St. Charles Community College students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyCare, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play. As part of St. Charles Community College’s partnership with TimelyCare, students have access to services in TimelyCare, including:

• Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that works best for you. (12 visits per year)
• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors.
• MedicalNow: On-demand support for common health issues, including cold, flu, and allergies.
• Scheduled Medical: Choose the day, time, and medical provider that best works for you.
• Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
• Self-Care Content: Visit the Self-Care tab for 24/7 access to tools and resources, such as meditation and yoga sessions, helpful videos, and short articles from experts.
• Basic Needs Support: Get connected to free or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, childcare, and finances.

Students have access to TimelyCare services 365 days a year. That means you have access during breaks, after-hours, and any time you need support! 

St. Charles Community College provides a case manager to assist students in distress by helping them navigate campus and community resources, provide appropriate referrals, and promote resiliency and personal development. The case manager meets with students, assesses their well-being and areas of concern, and develops an action plan that empowers students to address current and on-going needs. The Case Manager collaborates with faculty and community organizations to promote a supportive campus culture free of harm and violence.

Please contact the Office of Student Life at 636-922-8536 or by emailing studentlife@stchas.edu to set an appointment. Case Management Services are located in SCC Main 1123.

Any faculty, staff or student may submit a report to the Office of Student Life on the Maxient Reporting Form or by calling 636-922-8536. Please direct any serious/ life threatening concerns to the SCC Department of Public Safety at 636-922-8545.

If you are aware of the death of a current SCC student, obtain as much information as possible about the student and contact the director of student life.

Immunization Against Communicable Diseases
It is strongly recommended that all entering freshmen and transfer students be immunized for measles and rubella before they register for classes at SCC. Certain immunizations are required for admission to selected health programs. Details are available from the office for nursing and allied health programs, Center for Healthy Living, #1 Academy Place, Suite 102, Dardenne Prairie, Mo. Call 636-922-8280 for details about specific programs.

Communicable Diseases and Blood-Borne Pathogens
It is the policy of the college to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for dealing with communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens. To provide a safe environment for students, faculty and staff, students with chronic communicable diseases may attend college when, through reasonable accommodation, the risk of transmission of the disease and/or the risk of further injury to the student is sufficiently remote in such setting so as to be outweighed by the detrimental effects resulting from the student's exclusion from the college.

See Board policy Article V.41 Emergency Response (Procedures).

Drug Screenings
Drug screenings are required for students participating in certain programs, such as nursing, and may also be required of student athletes. 

See Board Policy 400/447.0 Drug Screening.

Health Insurance
The college recommends that all students seek health and accident insurance if they are not adequately covered by a family or work insurance plan. International students who were admitted on an F-1 visa are required to show proof of insurance (that meets SCC standards for use in the United States) each semester that they are attending SCC.). International students, including international student athletes, should contact the Director of International Student Services to learn about approved insurance at iss@stchas.edu.

Health insurance is required for anyone competing in intercollegiate athletics or club sports.

If students traveling on college-sponsored trips have medical insurance, they must provide the club advisor with a copy of the insurance card, in case of emergency. Study abroad students should contact International Student Services to learn about insurance requirements by emailing iss@stchas.edu

See Board Policy 400/444 Insurance Information Students.

Medical Examinations
A medical examination is not generally required for admission to the college. When a student has contracted a communicable disease that poses a potential and serious health hazard to other students, faculty and staff, the vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management may require a medical examination or a physician's statement of health status for admission to the college or continuation in classes. Medical and immunization records may be required for admission to certain programs such as nursing or childcare.

A physical examination by a licensed physician is required prior to trying out or participating in a SCC intercollegiate or club sport.  Any concerns noted by the physician will require further medical investigation. A student must have a full release from a physician to participate.

See Board Policy 400/423 Medical Examination.

Drug-Free Campus
St. Charles Community College is a drug-free institution and operates within the guidelines as set forth in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

SCC prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of drugs on the campus, college sites, client sites or at any college-sponsored event. The possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages on campus, college sites, client sites, instructional activities and at college-sponsored events is prohibited unless specifically approved by the president. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

See Board Policy Article I.06 Drug-Free Environment (Policy).

SCC provides various drug and alcohol prevention activities and programs throughout the semester. For additional resources, see Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information and Resources.

Tobacco-Free Campus
The college is committed to providing an environment that is safe and healthy. The use of tobacco, smoking and simulated smoking products are prohibited on all college property and in all college vehicles. This includes all buildings, common areas, building entrances, athletic fields, walking trails and parking lots. Signage is clearly posted on the perimeter of the property, at all entrances and other prominent places. Students who repeatedly violate the policy may be referred to the executive dean of student life and may be disciplined under the student code of conduct as appropriate. Prohibited usage of products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. 

See Board Policy 400/482.1 Prohibition Of Tobacco.

Voluntary Medical Withdrawal
The director of academic advising, in consultation with the vice president of student services, may approve a voluntary medical withdrawal. A medical withdrawal may be requested when extraordinary circumstances, such as a serious illness or injury, prevent the completion of a semester and the deadline to withdraw from that semester has passed. The medical withdrawal policy covers both physical health and mental health difficulties. If the semester has ended, please follow the grade grievance process.

Students should submit a letter of explanation along with supporting documentation to the director of academic advising for review.

Students who are receiving state or federal financial assistance may be required to return funds to the source of the award. A withdrawal may also have implications for future eligibility for financial assistance. Please check with Financial Services for more information.

Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
The executive dean of student life (or designee) may initiate involuntary medical withdrawal from the college, of any student, for behavior that poses a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of such student or others. The executive dean of student life will meet with the student, who will be given the opportunity to present information regarding the incident(s). If appropriate, the withdrawal determination will be made by the executive dean of student life and the vice president for marketing and student life (or designee) taking into consideration the nature and severity of the potential harm, the imminence of the potential harm, the likelihood that the potential harm will occur, the duration of the risk, the ability to mitigate the risk, and the impact on others in the campus community. This determination will be an individualized assessment of the ability of the student to function safely at the college, based on all documentation received. The college may require the student to undergo a medical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the college’s choosing and at the college’s cost. Students must sign a waiver for the mental health evaluator to provide detailed information to the SCC-contracted licensed therapist and dean of student students.

If the medical evaluation and other documentation supports involuntary medical withdrawal, the student will receive notification via certified mail from the executive dean of student life (or designees) stating the reasons for its determination. The student will also be informed of conditions that must be met for re-enrollment. Students may challenge the involuntary medical withdrawal by submitting a written appeal to the vice president for marketing and student life (or designee). The written appeal should include supporting documentation from a licensed medical or mental health professional.

Contact With SCC While on Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
SCC expects students on a medical withdrawal to refrain from participating in any activities or utilizing any facilities on the SCC campus during the duration of their medical withdrawal. In addition, a student on a medical withdrawal must respond to outreach by the executive dean of student life if requested to do so. Failure to comply with these requirements may jeopardize or delay a student’s re-enrollment from the medical withdrawal.

Re-Enrollment Process
A student who has undergone involuntary medical withdrawal must engage in the re-enrollment process from an involuntary medical withdrawal as stated in this policy. The college may require the student to undergo a medical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of the college’s choosing. The student must sign a waiver allowing the mental health evaluator to provide detailed information to the SCC-contracted licensed therapist and executive dean of student life. A medical withdrawal is not necessarily considered a disciplinary action.

Students must complete all parts of the following re-enrollment procedures:

All documentation is due to the executive dean of student life (or designee) before the student can re-enroll. If a mental health evaluation is required, it needs to occur with sufficient amount of time (generally eight to 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester) for the assessment to be completed and reports to be forwarded for consideration by SCC. If the duration of the absence has been longer than five years, the student must re-apply to the college. Additional documentation includes:

• Submission of a letter to the executive dean of student life (or designee) requesting re-enrollment. The letter should review the circumstances that led to the involuntary medical withdrawal, describe in detail any activities pursued while out of school, explain why the student now feels able to resume studies successfully and outline a plan for continued support.
• Submission of a letter and pertinent medical documentation to the executive dean of student life (or designee) from the physician or therapist with whom the student has been working. The letter should outline the treatment given, progress made, and provide support for return to full-time or part-time study at SCC. The letter should also address the continued care plan recommended for the student’s return. If applicable, the student will be asked by the executive dean of student life (or designee) to meet with an outside mental health counselor, as selected by the college, for an evaluation. The evaluation will be scheduled by the mental health counselor generally eight to 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The student must sign a waiver allowing the mental health evaluator to provide detailed information to the SCC-contracted personal counselor and executive dean of student life.
• Completion of a re-enrollment interview with the executive dean of student life (or designee), if requested.
• If re-enrollment is granted, the student is also expected to meet with the executive dean of student life (or designee) throughout the semester, if requested.

Students on an involuntary medical withdrawal are not eligible to return from their leave for a summer session without permission of the executive dean of student life (or designee).

All financial obligations to the college must be cleared before re-enrollment. Contact Financial Services to discuss payment options for any outstanding debt to SCC and contact Enrollment Services to discuss financial aid options.

Re-Enrollment Confirmation
Approval for re-enrollment from an involuntary medical withdrawal will be communicated in a certified letter from the executive dean of student life (or designee) to the student’s home address. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the college updated with current contact information. Approval notification will outline any ongoing conditions that must be met for continued re-enrollment as well as any necessary directives.

Students are expected to submit a letter to the executive dean of student life agreeing to comply with conditions set forth and directly contact the executive dean of student life to confirm the student’s letter has been received. Failure to complete this process may nullify the approval for re-enrollment.

If you change your name, phone number, address, etc. it is important to notify SCC. Please complete the Change of Information form and send it to enrollment@stchas.edu so your account can be updated.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
St. Charles Community College, like all public colleges and universities, is subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that protects the privacy of student education records.

Per FERPA regulations, when the student enrolls at a college or university, these rights transfer directly to the student and away from the parent. College students are considered responsible adults and are allowed to determine who may receive information about them. The student is the only person who can authorize access to his/her records. Parents do not have the right to access their student’s records without the student’s signed written consent. Records may be disclosed to any SCC employee who has a legitimate educational interest in the student. Determination of such a disclosure will be made by the director of admissions, registration and records.

St. Charles Community College considers the following to be a student's directory information (information that can be released to a third party without the consent of a student):

• Student name;
• Date and place of birth;
• Major field of study;
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
• Weight and height of athletic team members;
• Dates of attendance;
• Degrees and awards received;
• The most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

The Privacy Act of 1974 does not permit the college to provide information regarding grades, transcripts or schedules to parents of students. Regardless of the student's age.

Any student who does not want any or all of the above directory information to be released without his or her prior written consent must inform the Admissions, Registration and Records Office before the end of the second week of classes of a regular term (by the end of the first week of classes of a summer term). The information listed above will become directory information or public information as of the specified time.

Forms to request the withholding of directory information will be available during registration. The request to withhold directory information must be renewed each semester or term.

Names and addresses of SCC graduates and currently enrolled students will be released to four-year institutions upon request of the institution.

In compliance with FERPA, students have the right to inspect official records directly relating to them. You have the right to challenge any statement that you consider inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate.

If you wish to examine your official records, you may do so by applying to the director of admissions, registration and records.

A student may grant a third party the ability to register and/or pay for their classes by completing a Third Party Registration and Payment Form. Forms are also available in the Enrollment Services Department.

The college may disclose records without student consent to the following parties:

• Other colleges to which a student is transferring.
• Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions.
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student.
• Organizations conducting certain studies for the college.
• Accrediting organizations.
• Individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas – the college is obliged to honor these requests. The SCC records coordinator will send a notice to the student indicating that a subpoena for their records was received.
• Persons who have a need to know in cases of health or safety emergencies.
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

HIPAA and FERPA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) sets standards to protect the confidentiality of health information. However, the HIPAA Privacy Rule excludes from its coverage those records protected by FERPA at school districts and postsecondary institutions that provide health or medical services to students. This is because Congress specifically addressed how education records should be protected under FERPA. For this reason, records protected by FERPA are not subject to the HIPAA Privacy Rule and may be shared with parents under the circumstances described here.

The Disability Support Services Office obtains and maintains health records for each student who applies for services, so the receipt and maintenance of health records is well established. In addition, if a financial aid recipient is unable to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) due to medical reasons, the Financial Aid Office may request documentation of the medical condition through the SAP Appeal process. This information will be reviewed by an exclusive SAP Appeal committee and then maintained in the student's financial aid file for safe-keeping.

See also joint guidance on FERPA and HIPAA, and for more information on HIPAA, see the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website: http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html. HIPAA regulations are published as 45 CFR Parts 160, 162, and 164.

Safeguarding Student Information
As required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act issued by the Federal Trade Commission, SCC has safeguards in place designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of student information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any student.

Contact for Questions or Concerns
Contact the Vice President for Student Services. 

The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for overseeing FERPA.

Third Party Registration Authorization for Third Party Registration and Tuition Payment
Any third party who wishes to register (add/drop) for a student will need to be listed on an Authorization for Third Party Registration and Tuition Payment form that has been completed by the student.

Flyers and posters of a general nature announcing:

• SCC events and activities held on or off campus.
• Upcoming events and activities in the community.
• Must obtain approval before posting.

Flyers that advertise or promote items or services for sale:

• No commercial sales are permitted on SCC bulletin boards.
• SCC students, faculty and staff may advertise items for sale, i.e. used textbooks.
  • Can only be posted on the “Classified Advertising/Political Postings” bulletin boards.
  • Must obtain approval before posting.

Political postings:

• Can only be posted on the “Classified Advertising/Political Postings” bulletin boards.
• Approval must first be obtained from Marketing & Communications (Recreation Center, Room 203)
• For distribution of partisan literature or petitions on campus, see Community Use of Campus.

Job postings (help wanted)*:

• Contact Career Services at careerservices@stchas.edu for assistance.
  *NOTE: Job postings (help wanted) from individuals or unlicensed businesses are not eligible for display on General Information bulletin boards or Classified Advertising bulletin boards. These postings may be submitted to the Career Services Manager for approval on our online job board. Email careerservices@stchas.edu for assistance.

• Campus Posting Map
• Specialty bulletin boards/tack strips:
  • Are reserved for use by specific organizations or departments and are so labeled.
  • NOT to be used to advertise or promote items or services for sale.
• “General Information” bulletin boards:
  • Only for postings of a general nature.
  • NOT to be used for political postings or to advertise or promote items or services for sale.
  • There are 15 “General Information” bulletin boards on campus.
• “Classified Advertising/Political Postings” bulletin boards:
• Use to advertise or promote items or services for sale.
• Political postings.
• There is one “Classified Advertising/Political Postings” bulletin board:
  • Student Center – across from the Assessment Center (Student Center Room 133).

• No postings on exterior building surfaces are permitted.
• No literature of any kind is to be placed on automobiles either on- or off-campus.
• Only one posting per bulletin board (or tack strip) of any one flyer is allowed.
• No postings may cover up previously posted materials.
• Materials may be approved to hang for a maximum of one month (except under special circumstances as determined by posting agent). See Dates for Removal.
• No promotion of alcohol or controlled substances.
• No postings shall include demeaning, sexual or discriminatory portrayal of individuals or groups.
• Posted materials that are not approved, as well as any materials placed on the wrong bulletin board or tack strip, will be removed.
• Any postings on unapproved areas such as glass, painted walls, doors, columns, railings, fire extinguishers, or fire alarm boxes will be removed by housekeeping or public safety staff. (Exceptions to this rule may include official college notices for immediate issues such as “college closed” or class cancellation notices that include specific dates.)

Community members can go to two locations on campus:

• Welcome Center, 636-922-8400
• Student Activities, Recreation Center, Room 102, 636-922-8469
• For political postings – Marketing & Communications, Recreation Center, Room 202, 636-922-8275
• For posting jobs (help wanted) – Career Services

SCC students and employees:

• Conoyer Hall, Room 1104, 636-922-8398
• Technology Building, Room 105, 636-922-8334
• McGuire Hall, Room 203, 636-922-8254
• Visual Arts Building Room 103, 636-922-8556
• Student Activities, Recreation Center, Room 102, 636-922-8469
• For political postings – Marketing & Communications, Recreation Center, Room 202, 636-922-8275

After regular college office hours – Drop off items and your contact information at the Welcome Center, SCC Main Building for approval the following business day.

No direct sales or commercial solicitation is allowed on the SCC campus except in connection with certain approved special events.

External groups may reserve tables in assigned spaces on campus for select purposes. Contact the scheduling coordinator with your request at 636-922-8468 or roomrequests@stchas.edu.

College-affiliated groups may raise funds in the lobby of the Student Center and in the lounge of the Social Sciences Building. Contact the student life manager, Recreation Center, Room 102, for procedures and reservations at 636-922-8469.

St. Charles Community College employs a text-messaging Emergency Alert System that serves as one means of alerting the campus community about emergencies, warnings, weather-related closings and campus shutdowns. The system will not be used for general announcements. For more information and to sign up for the system, visit the Emergency Alert (Text Messaging) page.

In the event of inclement weather, the college may adjust campus opening/closing times or pivot to remote operations and close the physical campus entirely. For inclement weather notices, students, faculty and staff may visit the college website (see "Announcements" on the home page), check college e-mail, or watch local TV stations and/or visit their websites. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Alert system in order to be notified by cell phone text.  Sign ups should be done annually by visiting Emergency Alert System.

The college will contact local media with inclement weather announcements as soon as possible but cannot guarantee what times they will appear on radio or television stations and their websites. The following media will be notified by 5:30 a.m. for day classes or by 5 p.m. for evening classes (if bad weather develops during the day):

• KMOX Radio (1120 AM)
• KSDK-TV, Channel 5
• KMOV-TV, Channel 4
• KTVI-TV, Channel 2

Do not call the stations for information but listen/watch during the scheduled inclement weather announcement periods. Students may also check the SCC Facebook page at stchas.edu/facebook for weather-related closings.

In the case of evening classes held at middle schools and high schools in the area, the SCC classes will not meet if the schools themselves have announced they are closed.

Because area weather conditions may vary, you should use discretion in deciding if travel is safe. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student.

Other emergency announcements will be made through the above local media sources.

SCC complies with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act enacted by Congress in 1990 (Clery Act). Building and parking lot safety services are provided for students throughout the year. To contact a public safety officer/campus police you may inquire at the Welcome Center in the SCC Main Building, call 636-922-8545, or ask any staff member to call the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS). In an emergency situation, you should call 8545 or 9-1-1 from the nearest campus phone. DPS will respond immediately. If you are hurt while on campus, call 636-922-8545. DPS officers are trained first responders. Emergency phones are located in building hallways and labeled “Emergency.” A public safety officer/campus police will provide an escort to your car if needed. This does not include personal attendant services for vehicular accessibility. The following will provide additional information regarding campus safety in general, crime prevention, crime reporting and student responsibilities.

The SCC Department of Public Safety/Campus Police is responsible for law enforcement campus safety in general. Student concerns regarding general campus safety should be addressed to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police.

Building and Grounds Safety
The Department of Public Safety/Campus Police is responsible for safety inside and outside the buildings. There are telephones located on most parking lots that ring directly to the DPS/Campus Police office. The office operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. DPS/Campus Police will provide parking lot escort service for people concerned about their safety.

The college is open for general access from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday - Friday, except in the case of inclement weather and other emergency closings and college holidays. Campus buildings will be open at other times, including Saturdays and Sundays, for approved events, activities and classes.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report crime, criminal activity or suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police at 636-922-8545 (on campus, dial 8545). DPS/Campus Police is a law enforcement agency and will investigate any crime or criminal activity that occurs on campus. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms and weapons of any type are not permitted on campus. The use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited. Any person violating the law or college rules and regulations regarding any of these items is subject to appropriate disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

St. Charles Community College is required by The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA - Public Law 110-315) and Clery, to produce and make available by October 1st of each year, an annual report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire-related on-campus statistics. The Annual Security Report is available on the Campus website.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1092 (f) (Clery Act) requires institutions that maintain on-campus housing facilities to establish a missing student notification policy and related procedures. The term “missing student” refers to any student who resides on-campus that is reported missing from the residence.

Any individual who believes that a currently enrolled student resident is missing should immediately notify the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety at 636-922-8545. Upon receipt of this information, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will commence an investigation. Should the investigation result in the conclusion that the student is missing, and has been missing for 24 hours, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will notify the local police and/or the appropriate local law enforcement agency, as well as the student’s Missing Student Contact within a span of time not to exceed 24 hours from the time the student was determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18, and not an emancipated individual, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety determined that the student resident is missing, in addition to notifying the contact person designated by the student resident.

In the event of a crime which may pose a serious or on-going threat to students and employees at either campus, the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police will issue "timely warning" crime bulletins. Such warnings will be provided to students and employees in a manner that is timely, withholds the names of victims as confidential, and will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.

Timely Warnings are usually distributed for the following Uniformed Crime Reporting Program (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) classifications: major incidents of arson, murder/non-negligent manslaughter, and robbery. Timely warnings may be issued for other Clery Act crime classifications when the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police determines such crimes pose a serious or on-going threat to students and employees. Cases of aggravated assault and sex offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts of the case and the information known by the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police. For example, if an assault occurs between two students who have a disagreement, there may be no on-going threat to other SCC community members and a timely warning would not be issued. In cases involving sexual assault, they are often reported long after the incident occurred, thus there is no ability to distribute a “timely” warning notice to the community. Sex offenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on when and where the incident occurred, when it was reported, and the amount of information known by the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police.

An institution is not required to provide a “Timely Warning” with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor.

The Director of the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police or designee typically will write the Timely Warning. They will review and revise the text as needed then transmit the email containing the Timely Warning to the entire college community.

The key to any successful campus safety program is the involvement and cooperation of students. You must assume responsibility for your personal safety and the security of personal possessions. Simple, common-sense safety precautions should be taken at all times. Valuables should be locked in the trunk of personal vehicles. Bicycles should be registered with DPS/Campus Police and secured with strong locks. Personal safety and crime prevention should be the goal of all college patrons.

For a copy of the annual report on crime awareness and campus safety, including the previous year’s crime statistics for campus, contact the DPS/Campus Police at 636-922-8545 or see Crime Awareness and Campus Safety Report. Visit mshp.dps.missouri.gov for a list of registered sex offenders in this area.

See Board Policies 406-Campus Security, 446-Weapons and Article I.06 Drug-Free Environment (Policy).

In the event of an emergency, pick up any emergency phone, dial 8545 or call 9-1-1 from the nearest phone. For all other assistance, the following steps should be taken:

On Campus:

• Public Safety/Campus Police should be called from the nearest telephone should medical services, crowd control, etc., be required. The number is 636-922-8545 (dial 8545 from campus phones).
• Medical services will be given, as determined by the student’s condition, by the public safety officer/campus police on the scene, who is certified as a “First Responder.”
• Public Safety/Campus Police will contact the St. Charles County Ambulance District for a sick or injured person in need of medical assistance and DPS/Campus Police is responsible for handling all law enforcement issues that occur on the college campus.

NOTE: Students are responsible for any costs involved in their treatment (i.e., ambulance and emergency room fees).

Two weeks prior to the first day of each semester, students should have a student ID made. This service is located in the Campus Store. Outside of this period, during non-registration times, or for replacement of a lost card, you must go to the Campus Police Building. There is a $3 charge for a replacement ID (cash only at the DPS/Campus Police station or debit/credit at the Cashier's Office). The card will be needed to access many campus services, such as academic advising, financial aid, check out books from the college library, for admission to special student activities, for Fitness Center use or if requested by a campus official. Students must have their ID on their person at all times while on campus. Credit students who are unable to show their ID when requested by a campus official may be subject to disciplinary sanctions. An alternate photo ID may be used in some, but not all instances.

In order to enhance the security and safety of employees, students and visitors of SCC, as well as its facilities and assets, the college may conduct video surveillance of any portion of its premises at any time, with the specific exception of areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private areas of restrooms, showers and dressing rooms. Video monitoring will be conducted in a professional, confidential and legal manner.

See Board Policy 441-VideoSurveillance.

Possession or use of firearms – whether concealed or in sight – or any explosives, dangerous chemicals or other weapons are prohibited on college property and at college-sponsored or supervised functions.

This also applies to those individuals with conceal and carry (CCW) permits.

See Board Policy 446-Weapons.

All tuition is payable on or before the announced due dates.

The college may assess additional fees associated with specific majors, laboratories, individual lessons or some distance-based course formats. Students are required to pay for specialized testing.

Note: If you register on the web, you may pay on the web, by mail or in person.

If You Pay by Mail:

• Pay by check. Do not send cash (for your protection). Make checks payable to St. Charles Community College.
• Write your student ID number on all payments. This will ensure your account is credited. Write the student’s name on payment if different from the name on the check. We cannot accept bank starter checks. A name must be imprinted on the check. Included on the check must be a telephone number with area code (this information can be hand written). Mail your check to: St. Charles Community College, Attn.: Cashier, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, Mo. 63376-2865.
• Your canceled check is your receipt. Checks must be for the exact total and must be received by the Cashier’s Office by announced deadline.
• No two-party checks will be accepted. A $20 fee is charged for each check returned by a banking institution. Returned checks may be turned over to a collection agency, and you may be removed from classes.

If You Pay in Person:

• Pay by check. Follow the same procedure as if paying by mail, except present your check in person to the Cashier’s Office according to the appropriate deadlines, or deposit your payment in the drop box next to the Cashier's Office. The Cashier's Office is located on first floor of the SCC Main Building.
• Pay with cash. The college accepts cash for classes. However, to protect yourself, do not send cash through the mail. Pay in person if you wish to pay by cash.
• Pay by credit card. SCC accepts MasterCard, VISA or Discover credit cards. If you wish to pay by credit card, pay online if you have your password, or pay in person and have your credit card ready.

The registration and tuition refund appeal process is available to students who feel they warrant an exception to the college’s withdrawal/refund policies. Exceptions to the college’s established policies are not made lightly and will generally be considered only for extenuating circumstances.

Examples of extenuating circumstances include: Medical issues, death of a family member or physician's orders restricting school attendance. The committee decides each case on its own merit.

To file an appeal:

• Go to mySCC Portal (in Quick Links navigate to eForms), find the Registration Appeal form, fill it out and submit it.
• Include a written statement explaining in detail the circumstance leading to the appeal.
• Include supporting documentation (doctor's orders, death certificates, etc.).
• Submit the entire appeal packet online or to the staff in SCC Main 1200.
• The committee meets the third Wednesday of each month. Materials are confidential and only shared with committee members. Completed appeal packets received by noon on the second Wednesday of the month will be included in the following week’s meeting. Appeals submitted after this time will be reviewed at next month’s meeting.
• The submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval.
• Students are notified through their SCC CougarMail of the committee’s decision within seven working days of the appeal meeting.

In order to receive the in-district tuition rate, you must submit documentation confirming any changes in residency that affect tuition charges before the first day of class of the semester in which the change will take place. Proof of residency must accompany a request for change from out-of-district to in-district residency. Please complete the Change of Information form and bring/send supporting documentation to SCC Main 1204 or send to enrollment@stchas.edu.

Per Article VI.02 Tuition, Fees, and Refunds for Credit Classes, the tuition refund policy is as follows:

A refund will be issued if a student withdraws from a credit course or from the College during the first two weeks after the start of a 16-week semester. Refund eligibility is determined by the date of documented withdrawal through submission of a completed Add-Drop Form to the Office of Admissions or a confirmed online course drop through SCC Connection.

 

NOTE: Refund amounts are determined by specific dates within each semester for all classes and will be prorated for courses less than 16 weeks in length. A full refund of tuition and fees is made if the college cancels a scheduled class. 

Each student is responsible for compliance with the information appearing in the catalog, student handbook and other official college publications. Failure to read the regulations and policies will not be considered an excuse for noncompliance. St. Charles Community College maintains an open-admissions policy providing higher education to all persons who can benefit from its programs and courses. The college serves students from a variety of educational backgrounds in keeping with its goals of providing quality, low-cost education to residents throughout the area.

Information contained in this handbook is subject to change. Students should access the Student Handbook for the most up-to-date policies and regulations.

In addition to the basic constitutional rights enjoyed by all U.S. citizens, academic freedom is part of the essential foundation to teaching and learning in American post-secondary education. Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good, which depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are inseparable aspects of academic freedom. The faculty has freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects, being careful not to introduce controversial matter unrelated to it. Academic freedom provides that controversial matter can be considered as part of the college curriculum while maintaining the rights of students to have freedom in their own learning without being subject to controversial matter unrelated to the subject at hand. Faculty and students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility.

College-level content, which is connected with the concepts of academic freedom, is based on the premise that college students are mature and able to deal with content and issues in a mature and thoughtful manner.

Persons who are too young to be admitted to SCC are required to be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times while on campus. Students who are parents are expected to arrange suitable care for their children while they attend class. Students are not permitted to bring children into classrooms or labs, nor should children be left unattended in buildings, on the grounds or in the recreational computer areas. The college reserves the right to protect the safety and welfare of unsupervised children.

The Student Complaint Form and procedure are in the College Catalog. 

The United States Constitution and State of Missouri guarantee SCC students of certain rights. Substantial violation of student’s right may be appealed in accordance with the Student Grade or Conduct Appeals Procedures.

The following rights also apply:

1. Access to scheduled class meetings and appropriate instructional and support services.
2. Classroom instruction, assignments and evaluation that are consistent with the general course description and requirements established in the course outline.
3. The right to due process including a speedy hearing, confrontation of the college’s or his witnesses and appeal.
4. The right to be considered for membership in any student group or organization without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability or genetic information.

We believe that students are responsible for their learning. Similarly, student rights accompany exercise of responsibility for learning.

• Selecting a program of study that is consistent with his/her abilities and interests.
• Selecting coursework that corresponds with his/her program of study and readiness level.
• Enrolling in a schedule of classes appropriate to the time and effort that he/she will allocate to academic requirements.
• Being attentive and participating in class activities.
• Completing all class assignments as directed by the instructor or course syllabus.
• Complying with all college announcements and requirements found in the catalog and official publications.
  Seeking appropriate support services to improve his/her level of academic achievement and to enhance the quality of college life.
• Behaving in a humane and ethical manner both in the classroom and in all communication and contact with the instructor, other staff members and other students.
• Students are expected to attend all class sessions and report to each session on time. If an absence occurs, students are responsible for all work missed. Excessive absences that jeopardize successful completion of the course (as outlined in the course syllabus) may result in a lowered or failing grade in the class.

A student who is called to active duty in special situations in any branch of the U.S. military service will be released from his/her academic responsibilities without penalty. You may request to withdraw from all classes and receive a full refund of tuition and fees paid for class enrollment in that semester. This transaction must be initiated in the Enrollment Services Department. You must provide a copy of your orders at the time of request to withdraw.

If you have completed 75 percent of the time designated for a course, you may initiate a request through the instructor of record to be permitted to either receive an “incomplete” in the course or take an early final examination and receive a grade. Once you notify the designated college representative of your decision, the action selected will be considered final. Proper documentation of the option chosen will include signatures of the student and teacher. A copy of the agreement will be placed in your file.

Any physical properties belonging to the college that you have in your possession such as equipment, instruments or books must be returned to the lending source prior to separation.

The procedures for withdrawing, adding and auditing courses are described below. The registration and tuition refund appeal process is also described.

Course Withdrawal
To withdraw from a course, you may use SCC Connection module in the mySCC Portal or meet with an Academic Advisor.

• By officially withdrawing from a course, you will receive a ‘W’ on your transcript.
• Withdrawal deadlines can be found on the Academic Calendar.
• Do not stop attending a course without officially withdrawing or you may receive an ‘F’ grade for the course(s).

Adding a Course
To add a course, you may use the SCC Connection module in the mySCC Portal or meet with an Academic Advisor. Courses can only be added during open registration dates – check the Academic Calendar for more details.

The vice president for academic affairs recommends program discontinuance due to low enrollment based on appropriate criteria and consultation with program faculty and staff. The vice president for academic affairs submits the recommendation to the college president. The decision is relayed to the appropriate deans and personnel in the program under consideration. If the decision is to discontinue the program, the college will immediately cease enrolling new students in the program. Efforts will be made to allow students currently enrolled in the program to complete their degree/certificate. The timeline for completion will be specified by the end of the semester following the announcement of discontinuance.

See Board Policy 411-Program Discontinuance Due to Low Enrollment.

SCC clubs, organizations and college-sponsored events are available to all students enrolled in credit courses. Restrictions apply for college-related travel and sport clubs. Some events may be open to community members. Contact 636-922-8302 with questions.

Recognized student organizations shall be allowed to invite and hear any person or to present any program of their own choosing subject to college policies and procedures, such as scheduling of facilities, 581.6 political activity on campus, etc. Such an invitation does not imply that either the sponsoring group or the college approves of or endorses the views expressed by the speaker or by the program. Speakers are accountable for their conduct. If a student organization sponsors a speaker with knowledge of his/her intended violation of the law or of college regulations, and if such violation does occur, disciplinary action may be taken against the sponsoring student organization.

SCC students shall be free to organize and join organizations to promote their common interests. Memberships in all college-related organizations shall be open to any member of the student body who is enrolled in credit courses and willing to maintain the academic requirements of the organization and its written stated objectives. Where college funds or property are used, in whole or in part, to support the organization or to promote its activities, the college may subject the organization to reasonable and uniform rules or procedures, such as a rule requiring the use of a reliable accounting procedure or requiring the submission of a list of officers, members or other persons who agree to be personally responsible for the overall conduct of the organization.

Although a faculty or staff advisor is required for each organization, the organization is not subject to the control of the advisor, nor will it be denied freedom of association if the organization is temporarily unable to secure an advisor. Affiliation of a voluntary student organization with extra-mural organizations shall not necessarily disqualify the college-based student organization from college privileges.

Violation of law or college policies, procedures or campus rules or regulations may result in the imposition of sanctions against both the organization and the responsible officers and offending members as individuals.

The right to voluntary association and college recognition shall not be abridged because the organization holds views at variance with a college official. The college endorses the principles of editorial freedom in student publications. However, editorial freedom carries with it the obligation to adhere to the canons of responsible journalism. College-published, -sponsored or -financed student publications are required to indicate that the opinions therein expressed are not necessarily those of the college or the student body. Other student publications that might appear to the public as being college published, sponsored or financed are also required to so indicate.

All fundraising activities on behalf of SCC must receive prior approval from the student activities coordinator or student life manager (if on behalf of a student club or organization), the athletic director (if on behalf of the Athletics Department), and in some cases, the SCC Foundation/Development Department. See Board Policy 443-Fundraising for Student Clubs, Organizations and Athletic Teams.

Located in Room 133 of the Student Center.

The Assessment Center staff provide a variety of testing services to students and the community. The following assessments and proctoring services are available:

• Placement Exams.
• Classroom Make-up Tests – by faculty referral.
• HESI A2 Entrance exam for prospective nursing students
• MoGEA-for prospective education majors.
• Departmental Exams – course waivers for CPT 103, 106, 115, and 165.
• External Testing – provided for fee by appointment only.
• HiSET-High School Equivalency Test.

BEFORE YOUR TEST

• Have a valid photo ID ready upon check-in (SCC Student ID, Driver’s License, State ID, or Military ID). This is required when taking tests or inquiring about test scores.
• If you are taking a make-up test for a class, your student ID number is required in addition to a valid photo ID.
• Appointments are not needed to take placement tests or course make-up tests. Be sure to arrive with enough time to complete your test.
• Please allow at least three hours to complete each placement test.
• We do not issue any test less than one hour before closing.

Testing Hours

 

he Assessment Center is CLOSED on weekends and when the college is closed.

Placement Process - English, Math, and Reading 
All entering students must meet with an Academic Advisor and are required to submit high school transcripts, college transcripts and ACT scores (if available). Academic Advisors will use a multiple measures approach and work with you to determine the best academic course placement. You may use the placement tool on our website if you have a recent High School GPA and ACT scores within the last three years.

Students may challenge their Math, English or Reading multiple measures placement by taking the Accuplacer in the Assessment Center. One challenge attempt is allowed. After one year, if you did not start a course, you may take the challenge test again. Once you start a course, no challenge will be allowed.

Make-up Test Referrals
The Assessment Center proctors make-up exams for SCC faculty. Faculty may refer students to the Assessment Center to take exams missed in class. Students may take make-up exams during our regular hours without an appointment. They should bring a photo ID, preferably their student ID. Students should arrive in time to receive the full amount of allotted testing time. No testing will begin in the final hour of the day.

HiSET® Testing
The HiSET® is Missouri’s high school equivalency test. The HiSET® is a computer-based exam consisting of five subject area tests: Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. It is administered Monday through Friday in the St. Charles Community College Assessment Center.

HESI-A2 Entrance Exam
The HESI Admissions Assessment Exam or the HESI A2 is used by Nursing Programs nationwide as a tool to help them screen applicants. Academic subject areas included on the exam are: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Math, and Anatomy and Physiology.

Students applying for the RN program must earn a score of 75% on each of the four academic subject areas. Students applying for the LPN program must earn a score of 70% on each of the four academic subject areas.

The HESI A2 Entrance Exam must be taken within two years from program start.

Students may take the HESI A2 up to three times per calendar year not to exceed one time in a three-week period. If you would like to retake the HESI A2, you must email alliedhealth@stchas.edu to request registration.

** All HESI A2 requirements and procedures are subject to change

MoGEA: Missouri General Education Assessment
The MoGEA is required for admission to any Missouri state school of education. This computer-based assessment measures student’s current knowledge in English, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The MoGEA is offered by individual appointment. To register go to www.mo.nesinc.com. 

Departmental Exams
It is possible to "test out" of CPT-103 Microcomputer Applications, CPT-106 Introduction to Microsoft Operating Systems, CPT-115 Introduction to Data Processing and CPT-165 Computer Programming Logic. The fee for each departmental test-out exam is equal to one credit hour of current in-district tuition. A student may receive credit for the class(es) or waive a pre-requisite. Consult an academic advisor to determine whether your program of study requires you to take the test or class for credit, and for further information. Important to know information about these tests:

• You may only take these exams once.
• The tests are available during normal Assessment Center hours. Allow at least two hours to complete before our closing time.
• It is the responsibility of the student to determine if credit by exam will be accepted at his or her transfer institution.
• A photo ID is required to take a departmental exam.
• Study guides can be viewed in Enrollment Services, 1SCM.
• Please stop by Enrollment Services, 1SCM, to pick up a Departmental Exam Application.

CPT 103 MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS
This exam will cover Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint using Microsoft Office 2016. You will retrieve and save all of your work to a flash drive that will be provided for you. Your exam will be sent to the computer department faculty for scoring and processing. You will receive your results by mail or may pick them up if you choose to do so. (2 hour time limit).

CPT 106 INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEMS
This is a 53-item exam consisting of multiple choice and true/false questions covering DOS, Windows, and Linux. This exam is taken online in Canvas. Please ensure that you have activated your Canvas account and know your login information before coming to take the exam. You will know your score when you are finished. Your exam will be sent to the Computer Science Department faculty for processing of credit.

CPT-115 INTRODUCTION TO DATA PROCESSING
This is a 100-item true/false and multiple-choice exam taken online in Canvas. Please ensure that you have activated your Canvas account and know your login information before coming to take the exam. You will know your score when you are finished. Your exam will be sent to the Computer Science Department for processing of credit.

CPT- 165 Computer Programming Logic
This is a 12-item multiple-choice and fill in the blank exam taken online in Canvas. Please ensure that you have activated your Canvas account and know your login information before coming to take the exam. Your exam will be sent to the Computer Science Department for grading and processing of credit. (77 minute time limit)

A&P CHEMISTRY PRE-REQUISITE EXAM
The A&P Chemistry Pre-requisite Exam only counts toward the pre-requisite for Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO 250A or Microbiology, BIO 246. Passing this exam does not give the student college credit or exempt them from having to take CHM 101/103 or CHM 106 if it is required in their degree plan. It does not count as a pre-requisite for CHM 115 or BIO 150. This exam can only be taken once. If a student fails, there is no appeal process and in order to meet the pre-requisite for BIO 250A or BIO 246, the student should register for CHM 099, CHM 101/103 or CHM 106.

Proctoring Available at the Assessment Center 
The Assessment Center offers proctoring services for students enrolled in other institutions and to examinees seeking certain certifications. Proctoring is arranged by appointment only.

A flat fee of $25 is charged for testing appointments lasting up to 3.0 hours. Any appointments that require more than 3.0 hours will be charged a flat fee of $40. Two exams scheduled for the same day will be charged separately – per exam. We do not charge for currently enrolled SCC students, students attending a Missouri community college, active-duty military service personnel or veterans and their qualified dependents.

At least one week and up to two weeks are needed to confirm a test date. During peak service periods, it might be necessary for this service to be limited or suspended. Please contact us at ac@stchas.edu before requesting a test from your institution.

HiSET® Testing
The HiSET® is Missouri’s high school equivalency test. The HiSET® is a computer-based exam consisting of five subject area tests: Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. It is administered Monday through Friday in the St. Charles Community College Assessment Center.

To register for the HiSET®, go to http://hiset.ets.org/take/schedule. The total cost for all five subject area tests is $98.75. Test retakes are available for a small fee. For more information, please visit: http://hiset.ets.org/take/fees/. Test results appear in your HiSET® account within 3-5 business days. When you have passed all five subject area tests, you will receive a Certificate of High School Equivalence from the Missouri Department of Education.

Credit granted through one of the non-traditional processes will count towards the total credits earned towards graduation; however, the credit will not be calculated into the cumulative GPA. Colleges or universities to which you may transfer might not accept this credit. Likewise, SCC may or may not accept credit by examination taken elsewhere. Each institution makes its own evaluation of these issues.

College Level Examination (CLEP)
Evaluates knowledge acquired through sources other than traditional college course work. SCC will grant credit for certain subject CLEP examinations according to departmental guidelines. SCC does not grant credit for general CLEP exams.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION (CLEP) REQUIRED SCORES

 

Advanced Placement (AP)

Administered through area high schools allows a student to gain college credit through subject area testing.

 

Retroactive Credit
If you are able to enroll in a higher level foreign language course, and upon completion of that course with a 75 percent or better grade receive credit for the lower-level course or courses that were bypassed. Consult with the department chairperson for more information. Hours awarded vary.

Military Experience
Experience in the Armed Services may be considered for credit based upon recommendations of the American Council on Education Commission and the students intended major. Submit a military transcript and automatically be awarded 2 credit hours of Physical Education. Contact the Coordinator of Veteran Benefits for information on obtaining a military transcript.

SCC is committed to the assessment of college programs and services to improve and maintain their quality and effectiveness. Classroom and program activities, including surveys and focus groups, will be used to assess the outcomes of college education.

Students who complete career-technical programs will be assessed on their mastery of essential occupational skills and general education knowledge. The method of assessing these skills will vary by discipline. Some of the methods used by the programs will be portfolios, culminating projects, field specific national tests, and tests developed by the department.