ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1
2015-2016
Catalog
and Student Handbook
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Directory
General College Information
Phone: 704-216-RCCC (7222)
Hours of Access:
Mon. – Thurs.: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
An automated attendant is available after hours. See the college website
for campus directory of specific Rowan-Cabarrus phone listings.
College Mailing Address:
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
P.O. Box 1595
Salisbury, N.C. 28145
College Package Delivery:
(Unless specified otherwise)
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
1531 Trinity Church Rd.
Concord, NC 28027
College Internet Address:
www.rccc.edu
Locations:
North Campus
1333 Jake Alexander Boulevard., Salisbury, NC 28146
South Campus
1531 Trinity Church Road, Concord, NC 28027
Cabarrus Business and Technology Center
660 Concord Parkway Drive, Concord, NC 28027
North Carolina Research Campus
399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081
West Avenue Campus
120 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081
All Campus Locations are Tobacco Free.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
3
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Table of Contents
Academic Calendar.....................................................................................................4
General Information...................................................................................................5
History of the College.....................................................................................7
Program/Services Overview.......................................................................................9
Admissions and Enrollment.....................................................................................13
General Admission Information.................................................................14
Admission of High School Students............................................................17
General Admission Information for Corporate and
Continuing Education...........................................................................18
Tuition and Fees...........................................................................................19
Financial Aid & Veterans Benefits...............................................................22
College Policies and Procedures...............................................................................25
Academic Policies and Procedures.............................................................26
Standards Governing Student Enrollment.................................................36
Disciplinary Actions & Sanctions................................................................40
Campus Safety Information........................................................................43
Programs of Study.....................................................................................................47
Course Descriptions................................................................................................153
Faculty and Staff......................................................................................................257
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
4
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester 2015
Aug. 17 M Classes Begin for 16-Week Classes
	 and 1st 8-Week Classes
Sept. 7 M Labor Day Holiday*
Oct. 9 F Classes End for 1st 8-Week Classes
Oct. 12-14 M-W Student Break Days
Oct. 19 M Classes Begin for 2nd 8-Week Classes
Nov. 11 W Veterans Day Holiday*
Nov. 25 W Student Break Day
Nov. 26-27 TH-F Thanksgiving Holidays*
Dec. 16 W Classes End for 16-Week Classes
	 and 2nd 8-Week Classes
Dec. 21-31 M-TH Winter Holidays*
	 Spring Semester 2016
Jan. 1 F New Year’s Holidays*
Jan. 11 M Classes Begin for 16-Week Classes
	 and 1st 8-Week Classes
Jan. 18 M Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday*
Mar. 4 F Classes End for 1st 8-Week Classes
Mar. 7-11 M-F Spring Break Days - College Closed
Mar. 16 W Classes Begin for 2nd 8-Week Classes
Mar. 25 F Spring Holiday – College Closed
May 10 T Classes End for 16-Week Classes
	 and 2nd 8-Week Classes
May 14 S Graduation
Summer Semester 2016
May 18 W Classes Begin for 10-Week Classes
	 and 1st 5-Week Classes
May 30 M Memorial Day Holiday*
July 4 M 4th of July Holiday*
July 28 TH Classes End for 10-Week Classes
	 and 2nd 5-Week Classes
Disclaimer Statements for Calendars
*Rowan-Cabarrus is closed on holidays listed above.
The calendar is subject to change. For the most current version, consult the online calendar at:
College Course Advisement Weeks and Registration dates for each term will be announced in the Rowan-Cabarrus
Student Planner
Spring Break Days will be used as make-up days for inclement weather, if necessary.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
5
General Information
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
6
General Information
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College reserves the right
to change its regulations, policies, fees and programs
without notice.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is an equal
opportunity institution. All programs, activities and
facilities are available to all on a non-discriminatory
basis, without regard to race, color, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, age, handicap, or national origin.
The College provides access, equal opportunity and
reasonable accommodation in services, programs,
activities, education and employment for individuals with
disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided
to individuals with disabilities upon request, in advance
of the event.
Open Door Policy
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has an open-door
admission policy for applicants who are high school
graduates, are at least 18 years of age or whose admission
eligibility conforms to North Carolina law and North
Carolina Community College system directives. The
Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend the local
admissions policy within the parameters permitted by the
state of North Carolina and the State Board of Community
College Code. Admission to the college is open without
regard to race, creed, disability, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation or age to any student who meets the
age or graduation requirements.
Some degree programs have specific requirements for
admission. Information about specific requirements can
be found on the college website, or by contacting the
Navigation Station at 704-216-7222.
Tuition
Tuition is set by the North Carolina Legislature and
the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.
Accreditation
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas and
certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-
679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Rowan-
Cabarrus Community College. For additional information,
please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at:
http://www.rccc.edu/president/accreditation/
Consumer Information
In compliance with federal law this information can be
located on the college website: wwww.rccc.edu.
Board of Trustees
Carl M. Short, Jr., Chair
Cynthia L. Mynatt, Vice Chair
Dr. Carol S. Spalding, President
Matthew C. Barr
J. Thomas Bost
Paul A. Brown
Darise D. Caldwell
R. Daryl Cox
Patricia G. Fulcher
Patricia K. Horton
Administration
Dr. Carol S. Spalding..................................... College President
Dr. Michael Quillen.....Vice-President of Academic Programs
Craig Lamb........................... Vice-President of Corporate and
Continuing Education
Gaye McConnell..... Vice-President Enrollment Management
and the Student Experience
Ken Ingle......................................... Chief Information Officer
Carla Howell............................... Chief Officer of Governance,
Foundation and Public Relations
Janet Spriggs......................................... Chief Financial Officer
Jonathan Chamberlain......Chief Officer of Facilities Services
Tina Haynes......................Chief Officer of Human Resources
and Organizational Effectiveness
Mark Ebersole.............. Associate Vice-President, Enrollment
Management and Student Services
Angelo Markantonakis.................... Associate Vice-President,
Academic Programs
Dr. Van Madray................ Dean of Engineering and Business
Technologies
Wendy Barnhardt........... Dean of Health and Public Services
Dr. Carol Scherczinger......... Dean of Science, Biotechnology,
Mathematics and Information Technologies
Claudia Swicegood.............................Dean of Special Projects
Dr. Carol Holbert.............. Dean, Department of Liberal Arts,
and General Education
Gary Connor.......... Executive Director of Pre-College Studies
Ann Morris........................................ Associate Vice President
of Corporate and Continuing Education
Debra NeeSmith........Dean of Educational Resource Services
Spencer Rummage.......Dean of Public Services Technologies
General Information
Lynn G. Marsh
Robert S. Misenheimer
Stephen M. Morris
Dakeita Vanderburg-
Johnson
Quentin Woodward, Jr.
Tereysha Robles, Student
Government Association
President
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
7
2015-2018
Rowan-Cabarrus
Strategic Plan
Mission
Rowan-Cabarrus improves lives and builds community
through public higher education and workforce
development.
Values
We are committed to our college and our community
through our values:
• Excellence and innovation in education and
workforce training;
• Continuous improvement through lifelong learning
and achievement;
• Trust, integrity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect;
• Exemplary service through team work;
• Responsibility, sustainability, accountability;
• Leadership, partnership and global citizenship.
Goals
• Prepare students for careers and opportunities
that stimulate sustainable economic and
workforce development.
• Foster a culture of learning that inspires academic
excellence and promotes student success.
• Provide excellent service to current and
prospective students, colleagues, businesses,
industries, and the community.
• Acquire, develop, and manage human, fiscal, and
physical resources essential to the development
and delivery of technology-enriched, high value
education and service.
• Serve as a catalyst for advancing the region.
www.rccc.edu/effectiveness/rowan-cabarrus-community-college-
strategic-plan-2015-2018/
General Information
History of the College
The need for a technical education center was recognized
in 1960, when Salisbury-Rowan community leaders,
working through the chamber of commerce, conducted
a survey of manpower requirements in the area. Results
of the survey provided the basis for their request that the
State Board of Education establish an industrial education
center in Rowan County. The people of Rowan County
gave strong support to the idea by approving a $500,000
bond issue to purchase land and to finance construction
of the first building. When the center first opened its
doors in 1963, it offered seven pre-employment education
programs and a variety of short courses for adults.
In 1964, the school was designated Rowan Technical
Institute under the provisions of the Community College-
Technical Institute Act. This made it possible to expand
the school’s curricula.
In 1979, the General Assembly passed a bill which
recognized the synonymous nature of the terms
“institute” and “college.” After appropriate action by the
Board of Trustees and the Rowan County Commissioners,
the North Carolina State Board of Education officially
approved the name of Rowan Technical College.
In 1988, the trustees of the college voted to change the
name of the institution to Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College to more accurately reflect the comprehensive
nature of its programs and the service area. The college
became the first multi-campus institution in the state in
1991 when the South Campus opened its doors.
The college has experienced considerable growth since
1963, and now enrolls an average of 20,000 citizens
annually. Today, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
prepares individuals for careers in approximately 50
programs of study in business, health and public services,
and industrial and engineering technologies. The college
also offers the Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts and
Associate in Science degree programs for those students
who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Rowan-Cabarrus serves the residents of Cabarrus and
Rowan counties at four campus locations (North, South,
Cloverleaf Plaza and Cabarrus Business and Technology
Center), multiple centers, and through online programs.
In 2010, Rowan-Cabarrus opened a 62,000-square-foot
classroom and laboratory building at the North Carolina
Research Campus, in Kannapolis.
At the same time, a new 38,000-square-foot classroom
building opened at the North Campus. This was Rowan-
Cabarrus’ first LEED building and the first completely
new facility built on the North Campus in more than 30
years. The building is LEED Gold certified, a leader in its
own right as the first LEED Gold building in Rowan or
Cabarrus counties and the fourth in the NC Community
College system.
In November 2010, Rowan County citizens approved a
$12 million bond referendum for capital improvement
projects on the North Campus as a commitment to keep
the college facilities updated to provide the highest
quality and relevant instruction and training for our
communities. These renovations are ongoing on the North
Campus through 2015.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
8 General Information
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
9
Program/Services Overview
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
10
Programs and Services
Overview
Business, Engineering, Health, Public
Services and Technical Programs:
(A.A.S. or Associate in Applied Sciences)
The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
has offered two-year degree, diploma and certificate
programs for individuals whose career goals are to
immediately enter the workforce in their chosen
profession or trade. The program offerings in the
Associate in Applied Sciences provide education and
training in current and emerging careers in our regional
service area and beyond. Some of the A.A.S. programs
have established articulation agreements with private
and public universities which accept some courses toward
an undergraduate degree.
Transfer Programs:
Rowan-Cabarrus offers three transfer program areas:
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.),
and Associate of Science (A.S.). The transfer programs
offer degree completing students the opportunity to
transfer 60 - 61 credit hours to the University of North
Carolina system member institutions. See Comprehensive
Articulation Agreement section
Transferring to private universities or to colleges and
universities outside of North Carolina requires additional
research and planning by students while enrolled at
Rowan-Cabarrus to ensure the best possible credit
transition.
Associate in General Education:
The Associate in General Education (A.G.E.) is a degree
program designed for students who want additional
flexibility in designing a degree program to meet their
educational and academic needs. The A.G.E. is not a
transfer degree option, but some individual courses may
be received by senior institutions if a student is interested
in transferring. Pre-health students are assigned in this
major until formally admitted to a health program.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement:
The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement became
effective in 1997 and was revised in 2014. Students
entering fall 2014 semester or later will follow the 2014
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement while transfer
students enrolled before 2014 may elect to graduate
under the 1997 criteria. This agreement addresses the
transfer of credits between institutions in the North
Carolina Community College System and from that system
to constituent institutions of the University of North
Carolina. Community college graduates of the A.A. and
A.S. programs who have completed the general education
transfer core will be considered to have fulfilled the
institution wide, lower division general education
requirements of receiving institution.
Academic and Career Advising Centers
(ACA Centers):
ACA Center academic advisors are available on both
North and South campuses to assist students with their
educational planning. ACA Center advisors are dedicated
to providing quality advising in an environment that
is welcoming, professional, and supportive. Academic
Advising is a cooperative effort between the student and
the advisor that is an ongoing and developmental process,
which may extend well beyond course planning and
selection. While the ultimate responsibility for exploring
choices and making decisions rests with the student, the
ACA Advisors are committed to facilitating this process so
students can develop an educational plan, set career goals
and achieve personal growth. For additional information,
please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.
rccc.edu/aca/.
Adult Studies:
An important function of the College is to provide
educational programs on the pre-college level. Pre-college
Studies offer adults the opportunity for meaningful social
and occupational growth through Adult Basic Education
(ABE), High School Equivalency Program (HSE, formerly
GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
For additional information, please visit the Rowan-
Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/precollege/.
Career and College Promise Program:
The Career and College Promise Program (CCP) allows
qualified high school students to earn college credits
toward a transfer degree or a technical education degree.
The program has specific admission criteria and specific
courses for program completion. High school students
who are interested in this opportunity must consult
with their high school counselor or, if in an approved
homeschool, the student and principal may consult with
the director of admissions and enrollment management.
For additional information, please visit the Rowan-
Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/ccp.
Corporate and Continuing Education
Programs:
At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Corporate and
Continuing Education programs support the philosophy
that learning is a lifelong activity. This division offers
courses for professional and job skills development
and personal enrichment courses of general interest
at convenient times and locations. The Corporate and
Continuing Education Division supports individual,
organizational, and economic development by providing
career-focused, educational programs and services
to citizens and employers of Rowan and Cabarrus
counties. For additional information, please visit the
Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/
corporatecontinuing/.
Program/Services Overview
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
11
Counseling Services:
Professional counseling services are provided to students,
prospective students, and the entire college community
in the areas of academic, career, disability services, and
personal counseling. Counseling services are confidential.
Consistent with the College’s mission, counseling services
focus on promoting student success, retention and
individual growth. For additional information, please
visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/
counseling/.
Career Services provide career counseling to students
and potential students; provide tools and information for
students to be successful in their job search in the way of
resume reviews, interview feedback, and labor market
information. This department offers individual and group
career counseling and other career exploration tools to
help students make decisions about their education and
career path. Career counselors encourage students to
look inward and learn more about themselves in order
to venture outward toward their future. For additional
information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at
http://www.rccc.edu/careerservices/.
English as a Second Language (E.S.L):
ESL is offered as a Pre-College program. Please refer to
the Basic Skills section. For additional information, please
visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.
edu/precollege/about-the-english-as-a-second-language-program/.
Enrollment and Student Services:
Students can receive information about admissions,
registration, general advising assistance, transcripts,
financial aid, career counseling, academic counseling,
veterans’ benefits and graduation through the Navigation
Stations at North or South Campus. For additional
information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at:
http://www.rccc.edu/studentservices/.
Financial Aid/Veteran’s Administration
Benefits/Federal Student Loans
Rowan-Cabarrus offers many types of financial assistance
including federal and state grants, federal student
loans, federal work study and institutional scholarships.
Initially, students should complete the federal financial
aid application at: www.fafsa.gov to be considered for
financial assistance.
Veteran’s benefits are available for qualified veterans
and/or their designated family member. For additional
information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at:
http://www.rccc.edu/financialaid/ or http://www.rccc.edu/
vets/
Learning Resource Centers (LRCs):
Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) are essential
components of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
The LRCs provide our patrons with library, audiovisual,
Internet and instructional resources and services
necessary to support the educational programs of the
college. They also provide resources to meet the various
needs, interests, and aptitudes of the students enrolled in
lifelong learning. LRCs are available at North, South NCRC
and CBTC. For additional information, please visit the
Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/lrc/.
Navigation Station:
Navigation Station is more than a place... it’s a philosophy.
You come to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to
learn and not to run from office to office taking care of
the administrative details of your education. The school
brings together a host of administrative services under
one roof so that you can get back to the business of being
a student! Start at the Navigation Station on-campus or
online to start your success at Rowan-Cabarrus.
The Navigation Station offers extended hours at both our
North and South Campuses to meet your needs. Individual
services are scheduled by location. Please check out the
website for details: http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/.
Student Government Association/
Student Life:
Student Life is a critical component of the student
experience. Student Life at Rowan-Cabarrus continues to
flourish with record participation in clubs and activities.
Student Life extends beyond the campuses as well. The
student life calendar includes service projects, blood
drives, legislative visits, leadership conferences, and
more. Online publications, social media platforms, and
charter bus excursions are available to Rowan-Cabarrus
students. The Student Government Association continues
to be the official voice through which students’ opinions
and actions may be carried out. Chartered student
organizations allow for student membership in clubs of
academic and social interest. For additional information
on ways to get involved, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus
website at: http://www.rccc.edu/studentlife/ or http://
www.rccc.edu/sga/.
Small Business Center:
The mission of the Small Business Center (SBC) is to
increase the success rate and number of viable small
businesses in the community by providing education,
counseling, a resource library, and special programs.
The SBC offers free two-hour seminars on topics such as
business start-up, funding, business plans, marketing,
sales, website design, social media and online ventures.
More in-depth training and skill building includes
courses in basic accounting, QuickBooks and business
plan writing. For additional information, please visit the
Rowan-Cabarrus website at: http://www.rccc.edu/sbc/.
Program/Services Overview
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
12 Program/Services Overview
Testing Centers:
The Testing Centers at North and South Campus provide
comprehensive testing services, including placement
testing, High School Equivalency (HSE) testing, academic
course testing, CLEP, DSST, and industry specific
certifications. The Testing Centers serve as remote test
sites for other colleges and universities. Rowan-Cabarrus
is also an authorized testing site for Pearson-VUE. For
additional information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus
website at: http://www.rccc.edu/testing/.
Tutoring Centers:
Tutoring services for students are available on North
and South Campuses. Students can receive assistance
on English, writing, reading, mathematics, business
technology courses, most science classes, including
biotechnology and foreign languages. For additional
information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus website at:
http://www.rccc.edu/tutoring/.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
13
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
14
General Admission
Information
The College and other institutions in the North Carolina
Community College System operate under an Open Door
policy. In accordance with the State Board of Community
College Code, Title 23, Chapter 2(c), Section .0300, the
College shall maintain an open-door admissions policy,
which accepts applicants who have graduated from high
school, hold a GED or adult high school diploma, or are
at least 18 years of age. The College also enrolls high
school students who are qualified to participate in college
courses through the Career and College Promise Program
or selected continuing education training courses. The
Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees reserves the right to
establish local admission policies as authorized within the
parameters established by the State Board of Community
College Code.
Rowan-Cabarrus offers education and training to meet
the needs of the community. Different areas of the College
have different admission criteria. Please read the section
which applies to your educational interest or contact
the Navigation Station for assistance regarding specific
criteria.
Individuals seeking accommodations related to
enrollment, please refer to the section for Special
Students.
College Degree, Diploma and Certificate
Program Admission
The degree, diploma, or certificate programs are taught
at a level beyond high school. Therefore, a high school
diploma or recognized equivalent is usually the minimal
preparation; however, a prospective student may
demonstrate their academic readiness though the college
placement inventory. If you have not completed high
school, the College provides adult studies (HSE) programs
through pre-college studies.
In order to assure that your educational experience will
be successful; advisors will assist in determining your
present academic preparedness for the program you
have chosen. The College uses placement tests, academic
records, occupational experience and/or other indicators
to determine the student’s preparedness and potential for
success.
If you have not successfully completed all the high school
courses needed to succeed in the program of your choice,
Rowan-Cabarrus will make the courses available to you.
In certain A.A.S. programs, students are enrolled on a
space-available basis because laboratory space is limited.
Applicants to these programs are encouraged to contact
Student Services as soon as possible.
High school seniors should apply early in their senior
year. New students are admitted prior to the start of each
semester. Qualified students are accepted during each
semester’s registration, if space is available.
The Basic Law Enforcement Training program and
all health programs contain additional admission
requirements that must be met before the student is
admitted to the program. All admission requirements are
listed in special admission section and the online catalog
updates.
Developmental Courses
Developmental courses (designed to improve reading,
writing, spelling, mathematics and computer skills) are
taught in small classes. If you completed the placement
tests and your scores indicate that you needed to refresh
your skills, you will need to take some developmental
courses. Usually, students who take developmental
courses will be advised that they can take one or two of
their regular program courses at the same time. Academic
advisors will assist you in planning your schedule.
Developmental classes are considered non-credit courses
and are not included in the grade point average; however,
tuition and fees are charged at the same rate as a credit
course. Some college level courses have satisfactory
completion of a related developmental course as a
prerequisite.
Online/Hybrid Formats
Students are required to meet academic and skill pre-requisites
prior to registering for an internet course.
Such prerequisities determine student preparedness
and support student potential for success in an internet
course. Student preparedness includes demonstrated
reading, written communication, and technical skills. All
internet course, regardless of the curriculum, are reading
intensive and writing intensive, and require participants
to use a wide variety of computer and internet technology.
Enrolling is Easy at Rowan-Cabarrus:
• Apply for Admission: Once you have made
the decision to take classes at Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College, apply on-line through College
Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC). It takes a
minimum of two business days to process your
application, depending on the date you apply. Please
check the website for admission deadlines.
• By electronically completing and submitting
the college application, the student accepts the
responsibility to be aware of and follow codes of
conduct, behavior standards and all program specific
rules, policies and procedures.
• Official Transcripts* Contact the guidance office or
registrar’s office of your high school and any colleges
you have attended and request an official copy of
your transcript be sent to:
	 Student Services/Records Office
	 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
	 P.O. Box 1595
	 Salisbury, North Carolina 28145-1595
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
15
o An official transcript is in a sealed envelope, has
an embossed seal or original signature, and is
usually mailed directly to Rowan-Cabarrus from
the institution or may be sent electronically from
the institution or transcript service to Rowan-
Cabarrus. The graduation date will be posted on
all high school transcripts. Public high school
graduates are encouraged to request an electronic
copy from the College Foundation of North
Carolina (CFNC).
o Home-school graduates should send a
final transcript, verifying your graduation,
as well as a copy of the letter from the
North Carolina Department of Non-Public
Instruction acknowledging your home school.
Correspondence/online school diplomas will
be accepted if they are regionally accredited
or accredited by the Distance Education
and Training Council (DETC). Any other
correspondence/online school diplomas will be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Placement Testing is generally required of all
students entering a curriculum program at Rowan-
Cabarrus. The North Carolina Diagnostic and
Placement Tests (NC_DAP) assess your skills in the
fundamentals of English/reading, mathematics,
writing, and basic computer skills. Your scores are
used to appropriately place you into courses that will
enable you to succeed in your college journey. If you
are entering a certificate program or taking a specific
course of interest, you may not be required to take
placement testing, but will be expected to meet all
course prerequisites to be eligible to register.
You may be exempt from testing if you:
• Have a U.S public high school unweighted GPA equal
to or greater than (= or >) 2.6, graduated within five
years of your college enrollment, and earned passing
grades in four math courses, including Algebra I,
Algebra II, Geometry, and a fourth math suitable for
college admission.
• Have completed transferable college-level coursework
in English and math with a grade of “C” or better.
Your official college transcript from the awarding
college must be evaluated in order to determine any
exemption.
• Achieved SAT scores of Writing (500) OR Critical
Reading (500) and Math (500) or ACT scores of
Reading (22) OR English (18) and Math (22). Your
official scores must be received from the testing
agency to determine any exemptions. In addition,
the ACT or SAT must have been completed within the
previous five years.
• Have received an associate degree, bachelor’s degree
or higher from an accredited college or university.
Your official college transcript showing the degree
awarded must be received and evaluated to
determine any exemptions.
You must complete an application for admission prior
to testing and have a Student ID number. You will
schedule an appointment to take the placement test
(English/Reading, Mathematics, and Computer Skills)
at www.rccc.edu/testing.
Special accommodations for placement testing due to
a disability can be made with Disability Services prior
to scheduling a placement test date. Please refer to
the “Information about Special Students” section.
If you are an applicant for the Associate Degree
Nursing, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting,
Radiography, or Basic Law Enforcement Training
programs, please refer to the specific program for
required placement scores, remediation, and other
criteria used for program admission.
On Testing Day:
• Check in with the staff at the Navigation Station on
either the North or South Campus area when you
arrive.
• Bring a photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, Military
ID, State ID Card, or Student ID Card.
• Bring your Student ID Number – You will not be able
to test without this number. If you cannot locate your
Student ID Number, please ask the Navigation Station
staff for assistance.
• Personal calculators are not permitted on the
mathematics section of the NC_DAP. Instead, you will
have access to a pop-up calculator for certain math
questions.
• There is no time limit to the assessment, so do not
rush.
• Remember... you cannot fail. These tests are very
important to your course placement, though.
• Your exam session will begin with a brief orientation.
• You will receive your scores immediately following
completion of your testing.
Residency:
Student residency status is for tuition purposes and is
established by the initial admissions application. The
application for the North Carolina Residency can be found
on our website at: http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/492/
application-for-north-carolina-residency/
Appeals related to residency must be issued in writing in
the first 10 class days of the semester. You can find more
information related to our Residency Appeals Process at:
http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/457/residency-appeals-process/
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
16
Out-of-State Student
A student who is determined to be a nonresident of
North Carolina is subject to a significantly higher tuition
charge than a resident. An initial residency decision is
made at the point of application to Rowan-Cabarrus. A
student who is determined to be a nonresident based
on information provided on the application may apply
to have their status reviewed by completing the North
Carolina Residence and Tuition Status Application. This
application must be submitted no later than 10 business
days after the first day of classes for the semester the
student wishes their status to be reviewed. For more
information on Out-of-State Residency Criteria please
see our website at: http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/455/in-state-
and-out-of-state-residency-criteria/. Tuition rates are
subject to change by action of the North Carolina General
Assembly.
International Admissions
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College provides educational
opportunities for individuals who may not be citizens
or residents of our regional service area. This school is
authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant
students. Non-immigrant students will be accepted to
begin classes in the fall semester only. To be considered
for admission, an international student must present the
following information to admissions:
• A completed application, received no later than June
15 of the admission year.
• Forward a certified copy of his/her official high
school diploma, transcript from all high schools
and post-secondary institutions the student has
attended, and official U.S. educational evaluation of
the documents. All transcripts from schools outside
the United States must be evaluated by a reputable
evaluation service. A list may be obtained in Student
Services.
• Original financial documents are required along with
a statement of financial support from the student’s
sponsor, and a statement from the sponsor’s bank
that there are sufficient funds, $20,500 U.S. dollars, to
support the student. If there is no sponsor, an original
and official document that shows the student has on
deposit sufficient funds to support his/her tenure as a
student ($20,500/year U.S. dollars).
• A minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 173
on the computerized version, or a minimum Internet
Based Test (IBT) score of Reading 17, Listening 17,
Speaking 16, and Writing 16. If any single score falls
below the minimum, the IBT will not be considered.
All scores must be received as official documents. No
copies of scores will be accepted. TOEFL test scores
must be within two years of the date of admission.
• After all required documentation has been received
by deadline, and after approval by the Director
of Admissions and Enrollment Management, the
applicant may be issued his/her I-20.
• After applicant has received the appropriate visa
allowing him/her to enter the U.S., he/she must
present evidence of medical insurance coverage prior
to registration.
NOTE: Rowan-Cabarrus does not have scholarship or loan
funds for international students available at this time. The
college does not provide dormitory facilities.
State Authorization
Admission of applicants residing outside of North
Carolina is dependent on the college’s ability to secure
authorization from the state in which the applicant is
currently residing. For more information, please visit our
state authorization website.
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
17
Admission of High School
Students through Career
and College Promise
College Transfer and Career Technical
Pathways
Currently enrolled high school students who wish to take
college courses through Rowan-Cabarrus may participate
in Career and College Promise Program. To participate
in this program the high school student must begin the
process through their high school guidance counselor or
approved homeschool principal. Students must select one
of two College Transfer Pathways or may select a Career
Technical Certificate Pathway.
To qualify for a College Transfer Pathway, a student must
demonstrate college readiness in English, mathematics
and reading using an approved assessment. They must
also have a 3.0 or higher grade point average on their
high school courses and continue to make progress
towards graduation.
To qualify for a Career Technical Certificate Pathway, a
student must have a 3.0 or higher grade point average or
a 2.6 grade point average and a recommendation from a
high school official.
Career and College Promise students may take one or two
courses each semester as long as they have met the course
prerequisites. Developmental courses are not available to
high school students.
Career and College Promise Program students are subject
to the same criteria for academic probation as traditional
college students.
For additional information, please visit the Rowan-
Cabarrus website at:
http://www.rccc.edu/highschool/careercollegepromise/
Early college at Rowan-Cabarrus
Early college is an educational partnership between
Rowan-Cabarrus and school districts in Rowan and
Cabarrus counties. This partnership provides high school
students an opportunity to earn both high school and
college credits during four years of enrollment in an early
college program. By earning enough credits, a graduating
high school senior could exit high school with an associate
degree and be ready for workforce employment or
transfer to a four-year college or university. The student
must enroll as a high school freshman to pursue this
opportunity. College tuition for early college students is
waived. Early college programs are administered by the
local educational agency (school district), but housed on
the college campus. To learn more information about
early college opportunities in Rowan County, Cabarrus
County or Kannapolis City Schools, please contact these
school districts.
Registration
The traditional college curriculum operates on the
semester system and uses an online class scheduling tool
known as WebAdvisor. All students enrolled in programs
are expected to register using WebAdvisor. Registration
dates can be found on the College website at https://www.
rccc.edu/recordsregistration/webadvisor-registration-dates/.
We encourage students to meet with faculty
advisors prior to registering for classes to assure students
have developed the educational plan for their program of
study. Registration is completed by paying the required
tuition and fees for the courses scheduled. Please refer to
the section on tuition and fees.
Schedule Changes
Students may make changes to their course schedule at
any time during the scheduled registration dates. Once
the semester begins, students who are registered for
credit courses as of the first day of any semester, can
make schedule changes as follows; 1) the first two days of
fall and spring semesters; and 2) the first day of summer
term. Schedule changes may be made by the student
using the WebAdvisor tool or by seeing a faculty/program
advisor.
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
18
General Admission
Information for
Corporate and Continuing
Education http://www.rccc.edu/corporatecontinuing/
Corporate and Continuing Education offers coursework
in the following areas: Adult Basic Education, S.O.A.R.,
Human Resources Development (HRD), personal
enrichment and workforce development. Below are the
general requirements for admission and registration
to each area in Corporate and Continuing Education.
Individuals seeking accommodations should refer to the
Special Students section.
Adult Basic Education Courses
Adult Basic Education consists of courses and laboratory
work to prepare students to be successful in their effort
to continue their education. Incoming students must
be at least 18 year old. Minors (age 16 or 17) may be
enrolled on a “space available” basis only and with the
director’s approval. People seeking admission to enter
the Adult Basic Education program must contact the
Pre-college Studies office (704-216-3510) to get specific
enrollment information. Those under age 18 must receive
and complete an enrollment packet before meeting with
the director of Pre-college Studies for approval to begin
coursework.
English as a Second Language (ESL):
ESL classes are designed especially for adults whose
native language is not English and who want to improve
their English. Instruction is offered in listening, speaking,
reading and writing. ESL classes are provided on campus,
in the community and in workplace settings.
For more information, please contact
Salisbury Campus: Jim Price (704) 216 7247 or jim.price@
rccc.edu
Human Resources Development:
If you need to receive further training to successfully
enter the workforce or to apply for a different job, the
Human Resources Development (HRD) program provides
short-term pre-employment training and counseling
designed for the unemployed or underemployed adult.
Training includes:
• Learning how to find a job
• Building skills necessary for obtaining employment
• Exploring various career options
• Learning basic computer skills, including
computerized job searching
• Improving reading, math, and locating information
skills
• Earning a career readiness certification
Tuition for these classes will be waived for the
unemployed or underemployed student.
For additional information, please contact Molly Cline
(704-216-3511 or molly.cline@rccc.edu) or visit the Rowan-
Cabarrus website at http://www.rccc.edu/hrdevelopment.
Personal Enrichment
Personal enrichment courses are offered throughout
the year in all areas of interest ranging from computer
skills courses to physical fitness and wellness courses.
Most of these courses have no admission criteria.
People interested in taking these courses may register
by contacting the Navigation Station for additional
information about the dates, times, locations and costs
associated with these courses. Registration and payment is
available online through WebAdvisor. This link is located
on the top right of our website, http://www.rccc.edu/. For
additional information, please visit the Rowan-Cabarrus
website at: http://www.rccc.edu/enrichment/
S.O.A.R. (Skills, Opportunity, Awareness
and Readiness)
S.O.A.R. (Formerly known as Compensatory Education)
is specifically designed to meet the needs of adults with
intellectual disabilities. Students in this program must
be at least 17 years old. The purpose of the program is to
compensate adults with intellectual disabilities for the
lack of, or inadequate, education received earlier. The
focus of the S.O.A.R. program is on helping the individual
become as independent as possible through acquiring
basic and life skills needed to function successfully in
daily living
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to participate in the
S.O.A.R. program, an individual must be 17 or older, and
(a) high school graduate (O.C.S.) or (b) must complete an
Intake interview and assessment. Students must be able
to be tested, must adhere to the college Code of Conduct,
and must be able to perform activities of daily living (or
be accompanied by an approved one-on-one assistant).
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
19
Classes are offered at no cost to the student and are
currently held at the North Campus in Rowan County and
at the South Campus in Cabarrus County and at other
off-campus locations. Admission and enrollment in this
program are limited.
For more information, contact:
Salisbury Campus: Jay Taylor (704) 216 7116 or jay.
taylor@rccc.edu
Concord Campus: Barbara Beach (704)-216-3508 or
Barbara.beach@rccc.edu
Workforce Development Courses
Corporate and Continuing Education offers a wide variety
of workforce development courses to individuals and to
employers for their incumbent workforce. Many of these
courses provide not only continuing education credit,
but also certification at local, state or national levels.
Some examples of courses in this area are: CPR, Certified
Nursing Assistant, EMT, Fire Safety, Law Enforcement
certification and recertification, leadership development,
customer service, project management, and Lean/Six
Sigma.
Courses are offered throughout the year. Some courses
have prerequisite training or certification which must
be met before enrollment. Please check the College
website or. For additional information, please contact
the Navigation Station for the most current information
related to the specific course or visits the Rowan-Cabarrus
website at: http://www.rccc.edu/corporatecontinuing/
Tuition and fees for these courses are also variable.
Tuition and Fees All students are now able to pay tuition and fees through
WebAdvisor
Tuition, Fees and Related Costs –
Curriculum Courses
Tuition and fees are set by the North Carolina State Board
of Community Colleges and the General Assembly and
are subject to change. Any changes will be announced
by the NCGA in July of each year and will be effective
beginning each fall semester. Tuition and fees are due
at each registration period by the payment date listed
for each registration period. Please visit the college
website for payment due dates: http://www.rccc.edu/
recordsregistration/web-advisor-registration-and-web-support-
schedule/.
Tuition
Because the state helps pay the tuition of North Carolina
residents out of tax dollars, tuition for North Carolina
residents is $72.00 per credit hour, up to and including
16 credit hours. There will be a maximum charge of
$1,152.00 per semester. Tuition for non-resident students
is charged at the rate of $264.00 per credit hour with a
maximum charge of $4,224.00 per semester. The College
accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA
credit cards for registration payment. For current tuition
rate information, please refer to:
http://www.rccc.edu/onestop//466/tuition-and-fees-for-academic-
programs/
2014-2015 Tuition Rates
North Carolina Residents: Non-Resident Students:
Credit Hour Tuition 	 Credit Hour Tuition
1 $ 72.00 1 $ 264.00
2 $ 144.00 2 $ 528.00
3 $ 216.00 3 $ 792.00
4 $ 288.00 4 $1,056.00
5 $ 360.00 5 $1,320.00
6 $ 432.00 6 $1,584.00
7 $ 504.00 7 $1,848.00
8 $ 576.00 8 $2,112.00
9 $ 648.00 9 $2,376.00
10 $ 720.00 10 $2,640.00
11 $ 792.00 11 $2,904.00
12 $ 864.00 12 $3,168.00
13 $ 936.00 13 $3,432.00
14 $1,008.00 14 $3,696.00
15 $1,080.00 15 $3,960.00
16 $1,152.00 16 $4,224.00
Tuition rates are subject to change by action of the
General Assembly. Decisions regarding this change may
not be in effect prior to publication of this catalog.
A resident student is generally defined as one whose
legal residence has been in North Carolina for at least 12
months before enrollment or re-enrollment in the college.
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
20
Senior Citizens (age 65 and older)
Senior citizens will be charged tuition and fees as any
other regularly enrolled student.
Fees
Electronic Textbook (eText) Fee
Some courses have an e-Text fee attached to the course
at the time of registration. The fee is mandatory and
the e-Text is automatically delivered to the student’s
Blackboard account at the beginning of the course. For
more information on e-textbooks fees, see www.rccc.edu/
etexts.
Campus Access Fee
All students pay a campus access flat fee of $20.00 per
semester/term which supports parking, security systems,
student accident insurance, remote notification and
public safety infrastructure, and other enhancements of
access to college facilities. This fee is refundable only if
the student completely drops all courses by the refund
deadline as published in the Academic Calendar.
Technology Fee
Students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College pay a
technology fee for each of the fall and spring semesters,
and summer term. Technology fees cover the cost of
instructional supplies, materials, computers and other
technology support. Technology fees are charged on a
pro-rata basis depending on the number of credit hours
for which the student is enrolled as follows:
7+ credit hours ................................ $ 25.00 per semester
1-6 credit hours ................................ $ 12.50 per semester
Student Activity Fee
Students at Rowan-Cabarrus are required to pay a $32.00
activity fee for fall and spring semesters (regardless of the
number of credit hours enrolled). This fee covers student
activities coordinated by the Student Life Department and
the Student Government Association (SGA). Students pay
a $13.00 activity fee for summer term, regardless of the
number of credit hours for which the student is enrolled.
Graduation Fee
Curriculum students will pay a $5.00 fee each semester
per graduate, regardless of participation in the ceremony,
to offset the costs of degree, diploma, or certificate
production and diploma cover, as well as cover the
cap and gown cost for the ceremony. This fee is non-refundable.
GED graduates will be charged a graduation
fee if they participate in the ceremony.
Lab Fee
Curriculum students will pay a lab fee for courses that
have an associated lab. The fee will range from $5.00 to
$30.00.
Professional Liability Insurance
Cosmetology, Early Childhood Education, Dental, Nursing,
Radiography students are required to purchase student
professional liability insurance which is available for
approximately $13.00 per year. Students in Continuing
Education courses which require patient care or direct
client service are also required to have professional
liability insurance. The Rowan-Cabarrus Cashier’s Office
can provide additional information about this fee.
ART/Photography Fee
ART 261 – Photography I has a material fee of $251.00
to cover expenses including, but not limited to: Film,
printing paper, chemistry and facility rental. The ART
261 course is held in the Linn-Norvell Darkroom and the
adjacent Graham Studio at Waterworks Visual Arts Center
in Salisbury. This course fee covers student materials
that are required of all students enrolled in this course.
Students are not required to purchase textbooks for the
course. The supplies provided are approved by the faculty
and supplied by Waterworks.
Ceramics Fee
ART 283 has a course fee of $271.50 to cover the cost of
facility usage and materials. The ART 263 course is held
in the Clay Studio and Glazing Room at the Waterworks
Visual Arts Center in Salisbury. This course fee covers
student materials that are required of all students
enrolled in this course. Students are not required to
purchase textbooks for the course. The supplies provided
are approved by the faculty and supplied by Waterworks.
MSM/Motorsports Fee
Students choosing to enroll in specific MSM courses
located in SMP will incur an additional $80 lab fee to
cover off-campus industry facility experience.
Official Transcript Fee
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in partnership with
SCRIP-SAFE International provides twenty-four hour
access to online transcript ordering through a secure
website. This process is completely secure and can be
delivered to your intended recipient by mail and/or
electronically.
You will pay for your transcript through SCRIP-SAFE
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
21
at the time of ordering, via credit card and they accept
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. The
most current security available is used to protect your
credit card and personal information. For additional
information refer to the College website at https://www.
rccc.edu/onestop/626/transcript-request-form/.
Retest Fee
Students choosing to retest will pay a fee to cover at
minimum the actual cost of the test. The cost will vary
depending on the test or inventory type. A minimum
fee of $5.00 will be charged for each retest session. This
fee does not apply to high school equivalency testing/
retesting. This fee is non-refundable.
Nursing Testing Fee
All nursing students are required to pay a fee for testing
services. This fee is billed for the NUR course at the time
of registration. Please refer to the individual Nursing
Programs of Study for estimated program costs by
semester.
Tuition Refund Policy
Tuition, as well as the refund policy, are set by the North
Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and the
General Assembly, and are subject to change. Tuition
refund policy states:
• A 100 percent refund shall be made if the student
officially withdraws prior to the first day of class(es)
of the academic semester or term as noted in the
academic calendar.
• A student is eligible for a 100 percent refund if the
class in which the student is officially registered is
cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
• A 75 percent refund shall be made if the student
officially withdraws from the class(es) prior to or on
the official 10 percent point of the semester.
• For classes beginning at times other than the first
week (seven calendar days) of the semester a 100
percent refund shall be made if the student officially
withdraws from the class prior to the first class
meeting. A 75 percent refund shall be made if the
student officially withdraws from the class prior to or
on the 10 percent point of the class.
Official withdrawal for a refund involves completing the
proper online withdrawal drop form (http://www.rccc.
edu/onestop/online-drop-form) prior to or on the “10
percent” point of the semester. Students must request a
refund in writing prior to or no later than the “10 percent”
date of the semester.
Admissions and Enrollment
Students who do not plan to attend must drop by
submitting the Online Withdrawal Form. Any student
registered for any class as of the first day of the semester,
will be responsible for 25% of tuition, unless the
instructor has reported you as never entering the class.
Any student enrolled who is in the military reserve or
National Guard who may be called to Active Duty that
makes it impossible for them to complete their course
requirements, will be granted a full refund for military
purposes. The student must provide official deployment
documentation before reporting to or upon their return
from service, to the Director of Registration & Records for
a refund to be considered.
See the Academic Calendar on the College website for the
“10 percent” date of each semester. Refund information is
available online under the academic calendar.
Textbooks and Supplies
The cost of textbooks and supplies varies with the
program of study. These items may be purchased from
the college bookstore. The bookstore accepts MasterCard
and VISA credit cards for payment of textbooks and other
merchandise.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
22 Admissions and Enrollment
Financial Aid and Veterans
Benefits
Financial Aid
Many students seek some form of financial aid to help
meet their college expenses. Students seeking college
degrees, diplomas and most certificates may qualify for
state or federal assistance. Individuals taking continuing
education coursework, certain curriculum certificate
programs, and special credit majors (undeclared or non-degree
seeking) are not eligible to receive state or federal
grants or loans.
Financial aid programs are available in the form of
scholarships, grants, loans and work study programs.
Financial Aid in Student Services can provide you with
specific information. You can qualify for financial aid
if you:
• are accepted for admission in an eligible programs as
a student; and
• show eligibility by completion of the online FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form:
www.fafsa.gov
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s school code for
the FAFSA is 005754 for all campuses. Check the Rowan-
Cabarrus website for additional and detailed information:
http://www.rccc.edu/financialaid.
The college serves as a referral agency for:
Veterans Benefits
Social Security
Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Social Services
Department of Commerce, Employment Services
The college serves as a disbursing or coordinating
agency for:
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Parent Loans
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grants (SEOG)
Federal Pell Grant
North Carolina Education Lottery Grant
North Carolina Community College Grant
Scholarships
Various scholarship opportunities are available through
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Check the Rowan-
Cabarrus website - http://www.rccc.edu/scholarships/
often for updated scholarship information. Most
scholarship applications are available in the spring of
each year for the following fall semester.
The Financial Aid office can provide you with information
on other types of aid which may be available. In addition
to scholarships and grants, many Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College students are employed through the
federal college work study programs on a part-time basis
in offices, labs, libraries, or other campus locations. Work
study compensation counts as part of your financial aid
package.
Applications for financial aid are accepted throughout the
year, and assistance will be given as funds are available.
Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Check the website (www.rccc.edu/financialaid/terms)
for the specific requirements regarding Satisfactory
Academic Progress.
For more information on financial aid, loans and
scholarships, contact Financial Aid, 704-216-RCCC (7222).
Financial Aid and Scholarship Refunds
Students that have funds remaining after tuition, books,
and fees charges are paid receive the remaining balance
usually within in 6-8 weeks of the beginning of the
semester. Every curriculum student will receive a My
RCCC Card in the mail from HigherOne. Upon activation
of the card, students will receive the disbursement on the
debit card or into their personal checking/savings account
depending on the preference the student selects when
activating their My RCCC Card. Students receive the card
at no charge however, replacement fees may apply.
Textbook Purchases
Students with financial aid or scholarship awards may
purchase textbooks and supplies through the on-campus
bookstore. Rental books for selected classes are available
with a credit card on file. Rental options are not available
for financial aid and scholarship recipients.
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
23
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Benefits
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College programs are
approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency
for the enrollment of persons eligible for education
assistance benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA). Entitled veterans, eligible spouses, and
dependent children who have applied, met all admission
requirements, been fully accepted, and have registered
for classes, may be CERTIFIED to the U.S. DVA Atlanta,
Georgia office as enrolled and in pursuit of an approved
program of education.
It is the responsibility of the veteran to request from
the last high school and all colleges attended that an
official transcript(s) be sent directly from the school to
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Students cannot be
certified to receive benefits until all transcripts have been
received and evaluated. Students may be certified only
for the classes required for completion in their approved
program of study.
Veterans receive educational benefits on the following
basis:
• Arts and Sciences Courses - Credit Hours per Week
• Occupational Courses - Credit Hours per Week
• Tele-Course, Hybrid or Internet courses may change
your eligible credit hour certification.
Check the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College website
http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/tag/veteran-benefits/ for
additional information.
Grades and Progress Reports
Records of progress are kept by this institution on veteran
and non-veteran students alike. Progress records are
furnished to the students, veterans, and non-veterans
alike at the end of each scheduled school term through
WebAdvisor.
Rowan-Cabarrus is a Service-member Opportunity College
(SOC). Students who may have transferable credit are
encouraged to submit their documents to the Rowan-
Cabarrus Records and Registration area of Student
Services. Refer to the catalog section on Academic Policies
and Procedures.
Navigation Station
Navigation Station is more than a place... it’s a philosophy.
You come to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to
learn and not to run from office to office taking care of
the administrative details of your education. Navigation
Station brings together a host of administrative services
under one roof so that you can get back to the business of
being a student!
Stop here for everything you need to get registered and
pay for your classes. We can help you every step of the
way, from filing financial aid forms and understanding
your payment options, to registering for classes,
requesting a transcript, or completing an application
for graduation. You can make an appointment with an
academic advisor and find out about your holds and how
to remove them. If you are having a life event and need to
speak to someone, one of our counselors is here to listen.
The Navigation Station offers extended hours at both our
North and South Campuses to meet your needs. Individual
services are scheduled by location.
Admissions and Enrollment
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
24
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
25
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
26
Academic Policies
and Procedures
Confidentiality of Student Records: FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
(FERPA) is a Federal law that governs the maintenance of
student records. This act, with which the college intends
to comply fully, protects the privacy of educational
records, establishes the right for students enrolled to
inspect records kept by the college about the student
and the right to correct inaccuracies in the records.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recognizes its
responsibilities to students in maintaining accurate and
confidential student records. Access to the records by
persons other than the student is limited and generally
requires prior consent by the student. Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College adopted a written policy governing
the rights of parents and students under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Copies of this policy
may be found in the offices of the President and the
Vice President of Student Services at Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College.
Directory Information
FERPA does allow that Rowan-Cabarrus officials may
disclose appropriately designated “directory information”
without student written consent. Directory information
is information contained in a student’s education record
that is not generally considered harmful or an invasion
of privacy if released. Rowan-Cabarrus officials declare
the following items as directory information which can
be made available to the public. Students may request
to withhold directory information, except where it is
required on campus, by notifying the director of records
and registration in writing within the first five days after
student enrollment that such information is not to be
made available.
• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Date of birth
• Field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees, diplomas or certificates awarded
• Scholastic Honors
Academic Load - Students
A full-time student is one who is enrolled in 12 or more
credit hours of course work per semester. Average full-time
enrollment for most students will vary between 15
and 18 hours of credit. Students who wish to carry more
than 21 credit hours must have prior approval from the
vice president of enrollment and the student experience
unless their curriculum requirements, as stated in the
catalog, require more than 21 hours in a particular
semester. Course schedules and course loads should be
carefully planned through consultation with a program
advisor. Note: The NC General Assembly has set tuition
and registration fees on a “per credit hour” basis with a
maximum charge for 16 credit hours. Please see Tuition
and Fees section of this catalog for further details.
Attendance Requirements
All students must attend class during the first week
of classes or forfeit their seat in the course. A student
is expected to attend every class for which he/she is
scheduled and to arrive on time. Instructors will keep
an accurate record of class attendance. The student
is responsible for contacting his/her instructor when
unavoidable absences occur, and for maintaining contact
every few days during any necessary extended absence.
Students are responsible for withdrawing from any class,
if they find they will be unable to complete an academic
term. The student must complete and submit the online
withdrawal form located at http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/
online-drop-form/ when officially withdrawing from
a class after the “10 percent” point of the academic
semester/term.
Instructional time missed is a serious deterrent to
learning. A student is responsible for fulfilling the
requirements of the course by attending all classes
(including shops, labs, and clinics) and completing course
assignments. Instructors will withdraw students who are
accumulating absences and are not communicating with
the faculty regarding academic progress in the course.
Distance education students are expected to log-in to their
distance education courses during the first week of classes
and submit an assignment as required. Please refer to
the Distance Education website for more information.
Any student who does not enter or log-in to their distance
education course by the 10% point will be reported as a
no show and will be required to register for the course
during another semester.
Some programs and courses at Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College may have more stringent attendance
requirements due to the nature of a course or program.
These requirements are stated in the program description
or course syllabus. Students will be informed in writing
during the first class meeting of specific attendance
requirements. Class attendance is calculated from the first
officially scheduled class meeting (includes the drop/add
period) through the last scheduled meeting.
Class Schedules
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College schedules traditional
seated classes between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday
through Thursday; and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on
Friday. Saturday classes may also be offered. Credit
courses are offered during the day and during the
evening hours from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The purpose of
offering credit courses both day and evening is to provide
flexibility in scheduling and optimum availability of
courses. Schedule and course information are published
by the college the prior to each semester and are available
on the college’s website at: www.rccc.edu. Non-credit
Occupational Extension and Personal Enrichment/
Personal Interest courses are also offered both day and
evening.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
27
Program Advisors
Each student enrolled in a program has access to a
program advisor or advising group who assists the
student in planning course schedules. The student may
seek assistance from any program advisor in his/her
particular program of study. The program advisor assists
the student in evaluating his/her academic progress and
suggests improvements or schedule changes. Program
advisors and students are strongly encouraged to develop
an educational plan of work prior to registration.
Withdrawal Policy
If a student withdraws from a class after the end of the
drop/add period and before the 65 percent point in the
class, he/she will receive a grade of “W.” A Grade of “W”
will appear on the student’s transcript, but will not be
considered as hours attempted in the accumulated Grade-
Point Average. If a student does not withdraw before the
65 percent point in the class, the student will receive a
grade of “F” or the grade earned.
Once a student has enrolled in class and has paid fees,
that student remains a member of the class unless:
Student Withdrawal - The student officially withdraws
from the course by completing the necessary printed or
web form available at the following website address:
http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/online-drop-form/
Faculty Withdrawal - An instructor will withdraw the
student if the student has not attended courses for two
consecutive weeks (or 12.5 percent of course duration),
of scheduled course meetings during a 16 week semester
whereby the student has not attempted intentional,
ongoing communication with the instructor in person, via
telephone, or campus email, to discuss the circumstances
of the ongoing absence and plan their efforts to complete
missed assignments.
Administrative Withdrawal - Administrative
withdrawal may be implemented as part of mediated
resolution to violations of the Campus Code of Conduct
and appropriate documentation may appear on the
student’s official transcript, as needed.
Medical Withdrawal - Students may request a medical
withdrawal based on injury, illness, or psychological/
psychiatric disorder. A Medical Withdrawal will be
granted for all courses in the enrolled semester. Medical
Withdrawals will not be granted for individual course(s).
A Medical Withdrawal request must be made within 30
days of last date of class attendance, and prior to future
enrollment.
Military Withdrawal - A student may withdraw
from courses due to call for Active Duty for military
purposes. The student must provide official deployment
documentation before reporting to or upon their return
from service, to the Director of Registration & Records.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College reserves the right to
make changes in the regulations, courses, fees, and other
matters of policy and procedure when necessary.
Grading
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College operates on a
grade-point system, and each student’s academic standing
is established by a grade point average (GPA) which is
determined by numerical values assigned to each grade.
At the end of each semester, students will access final
grades via WebAdvisor based on the following scale.
Health programs and developmental studies courses are
graded on a variation of this scale.
Grade Grade Explanation Quality Points
A 90-100 Excellent 	 4 quality points per
			 semester hour
B 80-89 Good 	 3 quality points per
			 semester hour
C 70-79 Average 	 2 quality points per
			 semester hour
D 60-69 		 1 quality point per
			 semester hour
F <60 Failing 	 0 quality points
I Incomplete 	 0 quality points
W Withdrawn 	 0 quality points
AU Audit 		 0 quality points
CE Credit by Exam 	 0 quality points
P Passing, Developmental 	 0 quality points
R Repeat, Developmental 	 0 quality points
*Students enrolled in Associate Degree Nursing, Practical
Nursing programs, Dental Assisting and Radiography
should refer to the specific program webpage for the
numerical grade required in related courses. Each
program will list the required minimum grade for
admission to and continuation in the program. All health
program students should refer to the specific program
handbook regarding the minimum grade to be earned for
program progression.
In Developmental Studies courses, a grade of 80 or
above is required for satisfactory completion. The North
Carolina Community College System has established
this minimum standard for satisfactory completion of
developmental courses. Students earning numerical
grades below 80 will receive the grade of “R” (Repeat) and
must register again for the course. Developmental Studies
courses are noncredit courses and are not included in the
Grade-Point Average (GPA).
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
28
Grade Appeal Procedure
College website http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/794/rccc-grade-
appeal-request/. Students must issue the request
for appeal within 10 business days of receiving a grade or
forfeit the right to appeal.
Grade of Incomplete (I)
A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned by the
instructor for any student whose coursework is of passing
quality which represents a significant amount of the
requirements for a final grade, but is incomplete due to
recent illness, accident, or recent death in the immediate
family. Students who need additional time to complete
the objectives of a course due to either of these unusual
circumstances beyond the student’s control, should
contact the Instructor and request a grade of incomplete.
All incomplete work must be submitted and graded by the
last day of the following semester/term.
The grade of “I” is computed in the Grade-Point Average
as “0” quality points. However, when a student completes
the provisions necessary for the removal of an “I,” the “I”
will be removed from the student’s record and replaced
with the grade earned. The GPA will then be recomputed
using the grade earned. If course requirements are
not met by the deadline given, the grade of “I” will
automatically be changed to a grade of “F.” The student
must register again for the course.
Any student who has a grade of “I” in any course at the
end of the term will not be considered for Scholastic
Honors for that semester/term. To not jeopardize this
honorable mention, it is recommended that students not
delay completing all course objectives by the deadline
agreed upon by the instructor and student.
Grade-Point Average (GPA)
The GPA for one semester is obtained by the following
method: The quality points for each course are found by
multiplying the appropriate grade point value for the
grade earned by the semester hour credits assigned to
the course. The total grade points for all courses in the
grading period are added. Dividing the total of the grade
points by the total of the semester credit hours gives the
grade-point average for the semester.
Example:
Course Grade Credit Hours Grade Points
BIO 168 A 	 4 	 = 16
ENG 111 B 	 3 	 = 9
PSY 150 B 	 3 	 = 9
ACA 122 C 	 2 	 = 6
MAT 161 D 	 3 	 = 3
	 TOTAL 15 	 TOTAL 43
	 GPA 43 / 15 = 2.86
Grade of “A” earned on a three-semester hour credit
course equals 12 grade points.
Cumulative Grade-Point Average
The cumulative GPA is determined by using the total
grade points in two or more semesters divided by the total
course credits attempted in two or more semesters.
Academic Standards
Students must maintain satisfactory academic standards.
Academic evaluation of student performance occurs at
the end of each semester. This evaluation may be neither
arbitrary nor capricious and must be consistent with
previously announced criteria. Minimum satisfactory
academic performance is defined as maintaining a
cumulative Grade-Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (a
grade of “C”).
Advising Students Who Experience
Academic Difficulty
Instructors are responsible for keeping students informed
regularly about their progress in individual courses,
with specific responsibility to expedite the reporting
of student performance at each measurement point
(chapter tests, mid-terms, finals, etc.). Instructors and
advisors are responsible for assisting students who are
experiencing academic difficulty. Advice to help students
improve performance may include, but is not limited
to, completing developmental education courses or
subcomponents of developmental programs, carrying
a reduced course load, special tutoring, or repeating
selected courses. Semester grade reports are sent to all
students. The faculty advisor and student should arrange
a conference with a counselor whenever the nature
of a student’s academic difficulty is beyond the scope
of the instructor or faculty advisor’s ability to assist.
Failure to maintain satisfactory academic standards will
result in academic probation and can result in academic
suspension.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
29
Academic Probation
A student who fails to maintain satisfactory academic
standards at the end of any term will automatically
be placed on academic probation for the next term. A
student placed on academic probation will not be allowed
to register and/or begin class until the student has (a)
participated in an Academic Probation Workshop or (b)
met with a Student Services counselor. Either of these
establishes corrective conditions to help the student
achieve satisfactory performance while continuing
probationary enrollment. The hold on registration/class
attendance would then be lifted and documentation of
the corrective actions is recorded and maintained by
the counseling and career services team. A student on
academic probation who fails to achieve satisfactory
academic standards by the end of the academic
probationary term is subject to academic suspension and
will not be allowed to register for the next term without
the approval of the Director of Counseling and Career
Service or his or her designee. At each level of academic
probation, the probationary period and requirements will
be explained to students by a member of the counseling
staff. All students enrolled in college credit courses are
subject to maintaining the college’s satisfactory academic
progress policies.
Academic Suspension
At the end of each semester, the counseling staff from
the direction of the director of counseling and career
services will review the cases of all students on academic
probation who failed to achieve satisfactory academic
standards within the stated time period. After one
semester of academic suspension, a student may also
apply for readmission to the program from which he or
she has been academically suspended if the sequence of
course offerings make readmission possible.
Academic Appeals Committee
Appeals of academic suspension will be referred by
the Director of Counseling and Career Services to the
academic appeals committee no later than five days after
receipt. If the academic appeals committee reverses
suspension, the student will be afforded an opportunity to
make up all work missed during the appeal process.
Scholastic Honors
The following scholastic honors lists are posted each
semester on the Rowan-Cabarrus website:
http://www.rccc.edu/studentservices/scholastic-honors/.
Scholastic Honors are defined as below:
President’s List
A full-time student achieving a grade-point average of 4.0
for the semester will be recognized on the President’s List.
To be eligible for the President’s List, the student must
be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit
hours.
Dean’s List
A full-time student obtaining a grade-point average of 3.5
or above for the semester will be recognized on the Dean’s
List. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, the student must
be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit
hours.
Honors List
A student obtaining a grade-point average of 3.0 or above
for the semester will be recognized on the Honor’s List.
To be eligible for the Honor’s List, the student must be
enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours.
Note: Since Developmental Courses are non-credit
courses, they are not included in the total hours required
for Scholastic Honors.
Course Residency Requirement
A minimum of 25 percent of the total number of credit
hours required for graduation in a particular program
must be taken at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
No more than 75 percent of required credit hours can be
accepted for transfer credit.
Course Substitution
In an attempt to meet graduation requirements, it is
sometimes necessary to substitute one course for another.
A student may request credit for a course required in his/
her program of study based on successful completion of
a substitute course. The course requested must be equal
in credit and comparable in value. Action upon such
substitutions must be initiated by the student’s program
chair, who submits the request to the Office of Student
Records for validation. A student may substitute up to
a maximum of five courses. Final approval for course
substitutions is based on State Curriculum Standards.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
30
Course Repeat Rule
Students may repeat a course for which they received
credit one time, regardless of the grade received, unless
specified in the curriculum. Although both grades will
appear on the student’s record, only the higher grade will
be counted toward the cumulative grade-point average.
For students receiving Veteran’s Benefits, approval is
required prior to repeating any course for which a final
grade of “F” was received. This can only be done once per
course. If a passing grade of “D” or better was received,
the course cannot be repeated for Veteran’s Benefits.
Courses for which a grade of “W” was received, may be
repeated for Veteran’s Benefits, providing the student’s
cumulative GPA indicates overall satisfactory progress
to date. Approvals will be communicated through the
campus Veteran’s Benefits officer.
Auditing Courses
An audit is the completion of a course for which no
assessment is made or grade awarded. Students who wish
to audit courses must register and pay tuition and fees
associated with those courses. Financial Aid will not pay
for any course that is registered as an audit.
If an audit is not declared at the time of registration,
students must obtain approval from the instructor of the
class no later than the “10 percent” point of the course.
Students auditing courses receive no academic credit but
are encouraged to attend class, participate in discussions,
and take examinations. Normal attendance policies will
apply. Students withdrawing during the semester will
be given a grade of “W.” Audited coursework will not be
considered for transfer credit toward any other Rowan-
Cabarrus program. Audited courses are not eligible for
transfer credit to another institution.
Tests and Final Examinations
Tests and quizzes (oral and written), including
comprehensive final exams, are given by the instructor in
accordance with the approved course syllabus.
Transfer of Credits - College Coursework
Transcripts from other regionally accredited institutions
may be evaluated for transfer credit. Awarding of credits
earned at a non-regionally accredited institution will be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Any student who wishes to have transfer credit evaluated
by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College should request
an official transcript from the transferring institution be
sent to the Records Office. Courses submitted for transfer
credit must be equivalent to offerings at Rowan-Cabarrus.
Exceptions to the transfer of credits policy may be made
by the appropriate program chair and the academic vice
president. Only courses with grades of a “C” or higher
will be accepted for transfer. Quality points will not be
transferred. No more than 75 percent of required credit
hours can be accepted for transfer credit. Only students
who have applied and been accepted in to a Program
of Study at Rowan-Cabarrus will receive an official
evaluation of transfer credit.
Credit may also be awarded for appropriate scores on
subject areas of the College Level Examination Program
(CLEP), the Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), or
the Advanced Placement (AP) Program. Official test results
should be submitted to the Admissions Office.
Students receiving an Associate in Arts, Associate in
Science, or Associate in Fine Arts degree from Rowan-
Cabarrus will find those credits transferable to most
colleges and universities. Students receiving an Associate
in Applied Science degree will find their credits
transferable to most private colleges in our area. Students
should consult the receiving institution to determine the
credits that will transfer from the program in which they
are enrolled. A student may obtain general information
about cooperative programs from the admissions office,
and is responsible for seeking specifics and complete
requirements from the school that awards the degree.
Rowan-Cabarrus is a Service-members Opportunity
College (SOC) which means members of the military
may receive academic credit for education and training
completed while in service. Veterans may also receive
credit for coursework completed while in the military
which is applicable to the major selected at the college.
Veterans must provide a transcript evaluated by
ACE (American Council of Education) to be awarded
appropriate credit. Students should provide the
necessary documents to the student services, records and
registration area for evaluation.
Upon completion of evaluation of any transfer credit,
notification will be sent to the student RCCC email
account.
Transfer of Credits - Professional
Certificates
An enrolling student may request that professional
certificates with appropriate documentation be evaluated
for full or partial course credit within his/her major.
Additional criteria may be required along with the
certificate to receive full course credit. For each area
of certification, the appropriate program chair will
determine the Rowan-Cabarrus course equivalencies and
corresponding certification required for credit.
The student should notify the program head of which
course(s) the professional certification is to be applied by
submitting the original professional certificate for review.
The student should submit this information during the
admissions process; however, a professional certification
can be submitted at any time during the student’s
enrollment at the college. The program head will complete
the credit by professional certification form and submit it
to the appropriate academic dean for approval, along with
a copy of the certification. Once approved by the dean, the
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
31
documentation will be sent to student services’ records
department for assignment of credit to the permanent
record. No more than 75 percent of required credit hours
for a degree or diploma can be accepted for credit in this
manner. Professional certifications should be current,
and program heads can provide information regarding
time limits (i.e. within last five years) in order for credits
to be awarded for a particular program of study.
Rowan-Cabarrus Programs of Study accepting appropriate
Professional Certification:
Air Conditioning
Heating and Refrigeration
Automotive Systems Technology
Computer Information Technology
Computer Programming
Construction Management
Cosmetology
Electrical/Electronic Technology
Machining Technology
Medical Office Administration
Networking Technology
Office Systems Technology
Web Technologies
Welding Technology
Please check the College website for updates and
revisions to the technical programs of study that accept
professional certifications for full or partial course credit.
Examples of Professional Certifications and related
Programs of Study:
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Program
Certificates – Automotive Systems Technology
Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) Credentials –
Office Systems Technology
Medical Office Administration Degree or Diploma
Credit by Examination
Students enrolling at the college who believe they are
proficient in a subject due to Continuing Education Units
(CEUs), life experiences or professional certifications may
request credit by examination. The examination may be
written, oral, a performance test, or a combination of
these.
To seek credit by examination, a student should obtain
guidance from his/her faculty advisor, approval from
the program head of the course in question, and must be
registered for the course for which credit by examination
is sought.
The examination for credit must be administered by the
instructor during the first eight class days of fall or spring
semester and within the first five days of summer term.
Tuition and Fees for credit by examination are the same
as for regular enrollment. If the examination is completed
satisfactorily with a grade of “C” or better, the instructor
will then complete a credit by examination form and
forward it to the director of records for a grade of “CE”
to be awarded. A student who is unsuccessful with the
examination may not request a second attempt, but may
remain in the course through completion of the semester.
The decision of the examining faculty is final.
Credits earned by examination will be entered on the
student’s permanent record, but quality points will not be
awarded for such credit. Credits earned by examination
may be used to satisfy graduation requirements but
cannot be used to satisfy the policy stating 25 percent
of the credits required for graduation must be taken
at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Hours earned
by credit by examination will not be used to satisfy VA
or Pell Grant requirements. Hours earned by credit by
examination are not transferable to other colleges. For
further information, contact the program chair of your
area of study or student services.
Students receiving financial aid, scholarships or third
party payment of tuition are responsible for checking
with the financial aid office before requesting credit by
examination.
Advanced Placement for High School
Courses
The North Carolina High School to Community College
Articulation Agreement provides a seamless process that
joins secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical
Education programs of study. The college partners
with the Rowan and Cabarrus County high schools and
Kannapolis City Schools in an effort to award advanced
placement credit based on high school achievement.
Details concerning specific requirements are available
from counselors at the high schools.
Degree, Diploma, and Certificate
Requirements
Students who successfully complete a two-year technical
education program will earn the Associate in Applied
Science Degree. Students who complete the Arts and
Sciences program will earn the Associate in Arts or
Associate in Science Degree. The Diploma is awarded
to students who satisfactorily complete a one-year
vocational program or the general education core for the
Associate in Arts or Associate in Science program. Various
programs offer certificates that can often be completed in
one semester.
A student is scholastically eligible for graduation when he/
she has satisfied the specific requirements of the college
and the program for which he/she is enrolled, completed
a minimum of 25 percent of required hours in residence
at Rowan-Cabarrus, and has earned a program grade
point average of at least 2.0. A student may graduate using
the catalog under which he/she initially enrolled or the
current catalog. A student not enrolled for 12 consecutive
months (or more) will re-enter under the current catalog.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
32
Graduation Events
Graduation exercises are held at the end of the spring
semester. The specific date of graduation is listed in the
Academic Calendar. Graduation rate information for
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is available on the
college website (www.rccc.edu) and in student services.
For more information on graduation please see our
website at: https://www.rccc.edu/recordsregistration/
graduation/
Graduation Honors
To be eligible for honors recognition, students must
complete any coursework required for graduation with
no grade lower than a “C”. Students, who earn a grade-point
average 3.5 through 3.99 in the program of study,
will graduate with Honors. Students who earn a 4.0 in the
program of study will graduate with High Honors.
Outstanding Student Awards
These awards are made to the graduates who have
distinguished themselves by being most outstanding
in terms of scholastic achievement, performance, and
maturity of purpose during their program of instruction
at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Student Records
Student Records and Registration is a division of
Student Services. The Student Records and Registration
department is responsible for maintaining student
records by recording each student’s achievements into
permanent educational records. These records, such as
grades, grade-point average, and courses completed, are
used to award degrees, certificates and diplomas. Student
records, such as transcripts, are available for students
to demonstrate their successes to potential employers
or other institutions of higher learning. For that reason,
students are encouraged to understand their program
of study and encouraged to review his/her record
each semester, prior to registration, to assure program
requirements are being met.
Transcript Request Policy
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), students and former students
needing official copies of their academic transcript must
make request electronically through the college website at
https://www.rccc.edu/onestop/626/transcript-request-form/
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in partnership with
SCRIP-SAFE International provides twenty-four hour
access to online transcript ordering through a secure
website. This process is completely secure and can be
delivered to your intended recipient by mail and/or
electronically.
Special Students
General Information about Special
Students
All students are special at Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College; however, some students have special needs. This
section addresses the following: services for students with
disabilities, enrollment and registration for sex offenders,
special credit students, and undocumented persons.
Disability Services
Policies Regarding Students with
Disabilities
Disability services at Rowan-Cabarrus are offered to assist
students with disabilities in achieving their educational
and vocational goals and to comply with section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. The college’s goal is to make
Rowan-Cabarrus accessible for all students. In order
to minimize the effects of a student’s disability on his/
her classroom performance, a reasonable adjustment or
accommodation is provided as long as an accommodation
or an adjustment does not alter a published course
competency or course standard. Services are provided
based on documentation provided to a Disability Services
Counselor by the student and the individual’s particular
need and circumstance.
It is the mission of Disability Services for students with
disabilities to have equal access to learning at Rowan
Cabarrus Community College. Believing that students with
disabilities can better advocate for their own needs with
greater success, the office of Disability Services strives to
empower students at every step.
Request for Assistance or Accommodation
Students seeking assistance or accommodation are
responsible for making their disability known to the
disability services counselors in student services. Students
may elect to disclose a disability at any time. Rowan-
Cabarrus may not seek out and identify students with
disabilities. Disability services provide support services in
curriculum, continuing education and pre-college courses.
Because disability accommodations are not automatic
and often require specific arrangements, students seeking
disability accommodations should make contact with
disability Services for any additional information as soon
as possible.
Students are encouraged to contact disability services as
soon as possible. Requests for accommodations should be
made at least three weeks prior to the first day of class for
which the accommodations are requested.
All attempts will be made, but without minimal advance
notice, Rowan-Cabarrus cannot assure that all appropriate
accommodations can be accomplished prior to the first
class.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
33
Required Documentation
Students seeking assistance or accommodation must
provide documentation from an appropriate professional.
Required documentation includes the results of medical,
psychological, educational and/or emotional diagnostic
tests or evaluations that verify both the need for
accommodation, and the specific type of accommodation
requested. Specific documentation guidelines are
available through disability services.
Documentation will be considered confidential and
will be maintained by disability services. Disability
documentation is not a part of the academic record. This
information will be considered confidential and is to be
shared within the institution on a need-to-know basis
only. Disability records may be destroyed five years after
the student’s last enrollment.
For students with learning or other non-apparent
disabilities, documentation should be current, which
is generally considered no older than three years.
Students who provide documentation showing a history
of disability may be granted accommodations for one
semester in order to allow the student an opportunity to
update older documentation; however, accommodation
beyond one semester will be dependent upon the student
providing current documentation.
Rowan-Cabarrus may also require an updated evaluation
or assessment of disability.
Accommodation Plan
Upon a student’s request for accommodation and a
review of appropriate documentation, the student
and a disability services counselor will develop an
accommodation plan in consultation with faculty as
appropriate or necessary. The plan will outline specific
accommodations or adjustments. These may include
physical, testing, instructional, academic support and/or
equipment accommodations. Requested accommodations
must be supported by documentation.
The accommodation plan may include a pre-determined
schedule of meetings to monitor progress with a disability
services counselor. A copy will remain on file with
disability services.
The accommodation plan must be reviewed and/
or updated with each semester registration.
Accommodations are not automatic and must be
requested in advance. Accommodations will not be
granted retroactively.
Students are expected to maintain contact with disability
services as to the implementation and effectiveness of
specific accommodations. Students should immediately
report any concern regarding their accommodation plan
to disability services.
Rowan-Cabarrus does not provide services of a personal
nature outside of the classroom. Arrangements for
personal services are the student’s responsibility.
All students are expected to comply with college policies
and regulations as outlined in the Rowan-Cabarrus
Catalog/Student Handbook.
Accessible Services, Materials and
Equipment
Instructor Notification
Instructor notification is not automatic and must be
initiated by the student. Following class registration, the
student must request an accommodation notification
form through disability services. The student will then
deliver the accommodation notification to each course
instructor. The student must obtain the instructor’s
signature, provide a copy for the instructor, and return
the completed form to disability services. Accommodation
will not be in effect until the completed form is returned.
Classroom Notes
Students with specific functional limitations may request
assistance with classroom notes. A determination of
the method for obtaining classroom notes is based on
disability documentation, course format and the course
instructor’s recommendation.
Classroom notes will generally be obtained by the
utilization of a digital recorder or a volunteer classmate.
Carbonless duplication paper is available upon request
through disability services as well as a photocopy
machine. Students are responsible for providing and
operating the digital recorder and batteries.
When presenting an accommodation notification form,
the student informs the instructor that notes will be
needed and asks for assistance to identify a volunteer.
In the event that either the volunteer system or digital
recorder is not successful, immediately contact disability
services.
A volunteer note-taker or digital recorder does not excuse
poor class attendance. Students receiving class notes
accommodation should not expect notes for days missed
unless special arrangements are made in advance.
Based on the inability to access reasonable and
appropriate classroom notes through the use of a digital
recorder or volunteer, a student may be eligible for a staff
note-taker/scribe. This accommodation will be determined
on an individual basis. The student should contact and
inform disability services regarding the cancellation
of staff note-taker/scribe services. The staff note-taker/
scribe will wait 15 minutes following the scheduled class
start time. The staff note-taker/scribe will not remain in
the classroom when the student is absent. If the student
fails to arrive by the second class, the staff note-taker/
scribe will assume that the student will be absent for the
remaining classes. The student will be expected to obtain
missed notes in the same manner as other students.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
34
Alternative Testing
Testing accommodations, based on disability
documentation, may include extended time, reduced
distraction environment, test scribe, test reader, computer
use for written exams, enlarged print or use of a
calculator.
The student is expected to make arrangements, at least
two class days in advance, through the course instructor
and disability services. Actual test accommodations may
be provided through disability services or the testing
center based on the specific arrangements made by the
student and course instructor. The instructor will be
notified if the student is absent at the scheduled time.
Accessible Materials
Students whose documentation supports an
accommodation for printed material in an alternate
format should contact disability services as soon as
possible following registration. Availability of alternate
format material may be limited, so students are
encouraged to make a request for textbooks or other class-related
materials well in advance. In converting printed
text into an alternate form, disability services will try to
honor the student’s preference. However, depending on
the time of the request, the availability of materials, the
volume of materials, and the expected time for return,
adjustments may be necessary. Such adjustment may
include the student using appropriate assistive technology
(CCTV or scan/reader computer software) available on
campus.
Requests for accessible materials will be processed in the
order in which they are received.
Interpreters
Interpretation and transliteration services will be
arranged for qualifying deaf and hard-of-hearing students
for scheduled classes, labs, scheduled student activities,
and appointments. Every attempt will be made to honor
a student’s communication preference; however, other
arrangements may be made depending on the time of
advanced notice and availability of interpreters.
Students must request services in advance to assure that
services can be arranged. Students are asked to provide
a three-week advance notice for scheduled classes and a
one-week notice for scheduled activities or appointments.
Students who request interpreter services and plan to be
absent or find that services are not needed must cancel
arrangements immediately through disability services.
In the event of an unreported absence, the interpreter will
wait 15 minutes following the scheduled class start time.
The interpreter will not remain in the classroom when
the student is absent. If the student fails to arrive by the
second class, the interpreter will assume that the student
will be absent for the remaining classes. The student will
be expected to obtain materials in the same manner as
other students.
If a student has three unreported absences in a given
class, interpreter services may be terminated until the
student meets with disability services. The student will be
notified in writing.
Students should report any concern or problem involving
an interpreter to disability services.
Adaptive Equipment
Various adaptive equipment or software for on-campus
use can be made available to qualified students as a part
of a specific classroom accommodation plan. However,
any prescriptive or personal devices, including those for
home use, are the responsibility of the student.
As a part of the accommodation plan, the qualified
student will be able to sign out equipment from the
disability services office. Other equipment, such as
software or modified keyboards, will be available in the
assigned classroom or LRC as requested.
Every attempt will be made to provide appropriate
training to enable the student to effectively utilize specific
equipment or software. Such training will require active
student participation, advance notice, and additional time
on campus.
Personal Services
Personal Attendants
Students are responsible for providing for their own
personal health and hygiene needs along with their
mobility needs within the classroom and around campus.
Due to regulations and space limitations, personal
attendants generally may not attend class with the
registered student unless the accommodation is supported
by disability documentation as a health/safety issue and is
included in the student’s accommodation plan.
Attendance
Disability Services does not have a role in determining
course attendance policies. Students are expected to
attend scheduled classes regardless of their disability.
Students may request that instructors be informed as to
the legitimacy of disability-related absences, but such
notification will not excuse or alter the course attendance
policy.
Students anticipating absences should notify the course
instructor in advance. Students are also responsible for all
missed assignments and material.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
35
Tutoring Services
Tutorial services are scheduled in specific content
areas campus-wide through academic programs as
appropriate. Qualified students are encouraged to request
accommodations in order to utilize those services.
Students are responsible for individual tutoring or
individual instruction outside of the scheduled activities
offered through academic programs.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in accordance with state
and federal regulations. Students are required to follow
all appropriate regulations and to have a North Carolina-issued
permit visible when parked in an accessible or
handicapped space.
Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Any student wishing to address accessible parking issues
should contact disability services.
Grievance Process
Students who experience a problem and/or feel unfairly
treated should attempt to resolve the problem informally
with disability services.
Concerns regarding a specific accommodation will be
resolved with the involvement of the student and the
appropriate instructor, program head, academic dean,
academic vice president, and vice president of enrollment
and the student experience.
https://www.rccc.edu/onestop/rccc-student-grievance-request/
If a concern cannot be resolved to the student’s
satisfaction, the student should utilize the student
grievance process as outlined in the Rowan-Cabarrus
Catalog/Student Handbook.
Program Evaluation and Development
In consultation with faculty and staff, the Rowan-
Cabarrus counseling staff will be responsible for
evaluating services at Rowan-Cabarrus for students
with disabilities and recommending changes in policies,
procedures and services as appropriate.
The Rowan-Cabarrus counseling staff will provide
guidance and support to both faculty and staff in
providing services for students with disabilities.
The Rowan-Cabarrus counseling staff will provide in-service
training and information to Rowan-Cabarrus
faculty and staff as appropriate. Professional consultants
in the area of services for students with disabilities may
be utilized in specific cases and in staff development
efforts.
For additional information and resources regarding
disabilities for students in higher education, please see
the following links:
www.ahead.org/affiliates/north-carolina
www.ADA.gov
www.edpubs.gov
www.disabilityresources.org
Sex Offenders
Persons who are registered sex offenders are required by
state and federal law to disclose to local law enforcement
their interest in attending college, verifying the dates,
times and locations of the coursework of interest.
Offenders may or may not be permitted to enroll and
register for courses pending approval of the local law
enforcement agency. Offenders who fail to comply with
the state and federal law will forfeit their educational
opportunity with Rowan-Cabarrus even if otherwise
qualified.
Special Credit Students
Some students wish to register for credit courses, but do
not intend to complete a degree, diploma, or certificate
program. These students are registered as special credit
students - no major declared. They can enroll in classes
on a space-available basis and with the approval of their
college advisor. Tuition and fees are the same as for
regularly enrolled program students. If these students
later wish to apply credits earned toward a degree or
diploma, they must declare a program/major at student
services. A change in status must be submitted when
the student has earned 18 semester hours (including
a college-level English and math course) as a special
credit student. If not already established, at the time a
program is declared the student must meet all the regular
admission requirements for the program of choice.
Undocumented Persons
Individuals who are not documented are eligible to take
most courses in Continuing Education, and any course in
Adult Basic Education and ESL without any restrictions.
Enrollment in college credit courses is limited by the
following guidelines from the NC Legislature:
• 	Must pay out of state tuition for the coursework
selected.
• 	Must register at the last hour assuming space is
available. Documented students have first priority
for seat availability in all curricula.
Federal law prohibits states from granting professional
licenses to students that don’t have legal residence in the
United States. Therefore, admissions to programs leading
to a professional license are not permitted.
Undocumented students who are public high schools
students enrolled in approved college credit programs
through Career and College Promise programs are not
subject to this NC statute.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
36
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students (DACA):
Students must be under the age of 35, residents of the U.S.
for at least five years, have a high school diploma from
public, private or home school, a GED or Adult high school
diploma, and have entered the U.S. at age 15 or younger.
• Not eligible for In-state tuition rate.
• May register for classes at any time during the
registration period.
Federal law prohibits states from granting professional
licenses to students who do not have legal residence in the
United States. Therefore, admissions to programs leading
to a professional license are not permitted.
Standards Governing
Student Enrollment
General Overview:
Students are both members of the external community,
which includes Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, as
well as members of the internal academic community of
the college itself. As citizens of the external community,
students are subject to all civil laws, the enforcement
of which is the responsibility of civil authorities.
As members of the academic community, students
are subject to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
regulations and obligations. College students, as adults,
are expected to exercise mature and responsible self-discipline,
to behave with courtesy and integrity and
to maintain appropriate academic standards as well
as appropriate conduct standards. Failure to maintain
required standards can lead to conditional enrollment
or curtailment of enrollment. These standards and
enrollment constraints are described in the following
paragraphs:
Student Agreement Regarding Internet
Usage
Upon signing the college application, the student accepts
and agrees to abide by the policy and responsibilities
specified in Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
Further, with this educational opportunity also comes
responsibility, and the student concurs that:
• It is my responsibility to not reproduce or
redistribute software and/or software keys licensed to
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
• It is my responsibility to know and observe the
acceptable use policies of external networks accessed
via the Rowan-Cabarrus Internet connection.
• It is my responsibility to ensure that the performance
of the Rowan-Cabarrus network is not degraded and
that authorized users are not deprived of Internet
and/or network resources or access by my activities.
It is my responsibility to avoid the knowing or
inadvertent spread of computer viruses.
• It is my responsibility to ensure that all copyright
laws, including licensing restrictions, are honored. I
understand that ownership of text, music, software,
and other media is proprietary and, therefore, is
protected to the full extent of the law and must be
respected.
• It is my responsibility to not intentionally interfere
with the normal operation of computer networks
or illegally gain access (i.e., hack) to the networks
and the information contained within the network
resources or attached equipment.
• It is my responsibility to ensure that use of the
network and Internet is consistent with student
behavior and conduct guidelines and is not for
personal financial gain.
• I understand and agree that Rowan-Cabarrus may
inspect, monitor or disclose Internet, electronic mail,
and/or network activities when required by and
constituted by law when there is substantiated reason
to believe that violations of any federal, state or local
law or any violation of Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College policies or procedures have taken place.
• It is my responsibility not to view, download, save,
receive, or send material(s) related to or including:
– Offensive content of any kind, including
obscene material;
– Discrimination on the basis of race, gender,
national origin, age, marital status, sexual
orientation, religion, or disability;
– Threatening or violent content or behavior;
– Illegal activities;
– Gambling;
– Personal financial gain;
– Forwarding email chain letters;
– Spamming email accounts from Rowan-
Cabarrus email services or company machines;
– Dispersing corporate data to Rowan-Cabarrus
customers or clients without authorization;
– Personal use that states or implies Rowan-
Cabarrus sponsorship or endorsement of its
message.
Rowan-Cabarrus has the right to review any materials
stored on any system provided by the college and to edit
and remove any materials. I hereby waive any right
which I may otherwise have in and to such materials.
Student Agreement Regarding Academic
Testing Center Usage
Upon signing the college application, the student accepts
and agrees to abide by the Student Academic Testing
Center Terms for Testing. Further, with this educational
opportunity also comes responsibility, and the student
concurs that:
• Identification will be required for testing - driver’s
license or picture ID.
• Students must know course name and number,
instructor’s name, and course type.
• All books, book bags, and coats will be left in a
specified location.
• Disruptive devices (cell phones, beepers, etc.) are to
be turned off and not used.
• No notes, books or other supplemental materials
will be permitted unless specifically stated on the
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
37
instructor’s “Conditions of Testing” form.
• No discussion of any type will be permitted while
testing. We are attempting to create a similar
environment to in-class testing.
• All tests will be taken in one sitting and returned
to the Examiner/Proctor before leaving the Testing
Center.
• The Examiner/Proctor may consult the Testing
Director or security if suspicious or questionable
behavior is observed. The rules of student behavior
and sanctions also apply to the Academic Testing
Center.
• Please see the Examiner/Proctor and/or the Testing
Director if you have questions regarding this
agreement or a testing concern before receiving the
test.
Campus Code of Conduct
http://www.rccc.edu/onestop/618/code-of-conduct/
Campus Behavior Standards
The college reserves the right to maintain a safe and
orderly educational environment for students and staff.
Therefore, when in the judgment of college officials, a
student’s/patron’s conduct disrupts or threatens to disrupt
the college community, appropriate disciplinary actions
will be taken to restore and protect the well-being of the
college community. Students are expected to conduct
themselves in accordance with generally accepted
standards of scholarship and morality. Community
patrons are expected to conduct themselves in accordance
with the accepted standards of good citizenship in the
state of North Carolina. The purpose of this code is not to
restrict student or patron’s rights, but to protect the rights
of individuals in their academic pursuits on the campus.
1. Academic Dishonesty
(a). Academic Integrity: The college prohibits taking
or acquiring possession of any academic material (test
information, research papers, notes, etc.) from a member
of the college staff or another Student without permission;
receiving or giving help during tests; submitting papers or
reports presented as the student’s original work that are
not entirely the student’s own; not giving credit for others’
work.
(b). Network Files: Rowan-Cabarrus network files are
provided to students for academic work. These files are
not private and are subject to review for compliance with
the college’s acceptable use policy for technology, the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, and general
copyright law.
2. Behavior
(a). Indecent Conduct: The college prohibits disorderly,
lewd, or indecent conduct, including public physical or
verbal action; language commonly considered offensive
(not limited to, but including profanity); or distribution of
obscene or libelous written or electronic material.
(b).Violence: The College prohibits mental, psychological
or physical abuse of any person (including sex offenses)
on college premises or at college-sponsored or college-supervised
functions, including verbal or physical actions
that threaten or endanger the health or safety of any
such persons or which promote hatred or prejudice. This
includes fighting and or other disruptive behaviors, which
includes any action or threat of action which endangers
the peace, safety or orderly function of the college, its
facilities or persons engaged in the business of the college.
(c). Harassment: The college prohibits any act, comment,
behavior, or clothing which is of a sexually suggestive,
harassing, offensive, or intimidating nature. The college
prohibits stalking, or behavior which in any way
interferes with another student’s rights or an employee’s
performance or created an intimidating, hostile or
offensive environment. (This includes the display or
navigation to pornography or other inappropriate
websites and materials.)
(d). Disruption: The college prohibits any intentional
obstruction or interruption of teaching, research,
administration, disciplinary proceedings or other college
activities, including public service functions, and other
duly authorized activities on college premises or at
college-sponsored activity sites.
(e). Failure to Comply: Refusal to adapt one’s behavior
to instructions of college officials is prohibited. If, in
the opinion of college officials, clothing or behaviors
(including gang colors, signs or symbols) are threatening,
intimidating or offensive in nature, sanctions may be
imposed immediately.
3. Use of College Property
(a). Purposeful Use of Campus Facilities: The college
prohibits loitering without educational purpose or goal;
therefore, individuals must be engaged in purposeful
acts on campus which meet educational goals or in
appropriate recreational and extracurricular activities.
(b) Use by Unattended Minors: The college prohibits
minors under the age of sixteen (16) from being on
the campus unattended. Minors are not allowed in
classrooms, labs, shops, learning resource center or
other instructional areas without college authorization.
Parents and guardians whether enrolled in college or as
a community patron, must remain with the minor child
at all times. Violators will be asked to leave the premises.
Early College, emancipated minors and dual-enrolled
students are exempt from this requirement.
(c) Theft and Damage: The College prohibits theft
of, misuse of, or harm to college property, or theft
of or damage to property of a member of the college
community or a campus visitor on college premises or at
a college function.
(d) Occupation or Seizure: The College prohibits
occupation or seizure in any manner of college property,
a college facility, or any portion thereof for a use
inconsistent with prescribed, customary or authorized
use.
College Policies and Procedures
ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
38
(e). Presence on College Premises: The college prohibits
unauthorized entry upon the college premises;
unauthorized entry into a college facility or a portion
thereof which has been restricted in use; unauthorized
presence in a college facility after closing hours; or
furnishing false information to gain entry on the college
premises or into a college facility.
(f). Assembly: The college prohibits participation in or
conducting an informal or formal unauthorized gathering
in a manner that threatens or causes injury to persons
or property or that interferes with free access to, ingress
or egress of college facilities, that is harmful, obstructive,
or disruptive to the educational process or institutional
functions of the college; or remaining at the scene of
such an assembly after being asked to leave by a college
official.
(g). Fire Alarms: The college prohibits setting off a
fire alarm or using or tampering with any fire safety
equipment on college premises or at college-sponsored
activity sites, except with reasonable belief in the need
for such alarm or equipment. In the event of a fire alarm
sounding, students MUST evacuate the building, unless
otherwise directed by a college official.
(h). Emergency Phones: The college prohibits the misuse
of the emergency phones in college hallways in making
false reports of emergen