College Catalog
2014 – 2015
SOUTH PIEDMONT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Serving Anson and Union Counties
2014 - 2015 Catalog
Old Charlotte Highway Campus
4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
PO Box 45041, Monroe, NC 28111
704-290-5100
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-290-5250
www.spcc.edu
South Piedmont Community College
is a member
of the North Carolina Community College System
The official 2014-2015 College Catalog may be found on our website at www.spcc.edu.
Volume 12 An Equal Opportunity College 2014-2015
L. L. Polk Campus
680 Highway 74 West, PO Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135
704-272-5300
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-272-5350I-2 General Information (Section I)
ACCREDITATION
South Piedmont 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 South Piedmont Community College.
The Commission may be contacted for the following reasons: 1) to learn about the accreditation status of South Piedmont Community College, 2) to file a third party comment at the time of the South Piedmont Community College decennial review, 3) to file a complaint against South Piedmont Community College for significant non-compliance with a standard or requirement.
Normal inquiries about South Piedmont Community College, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to South Piedmont Community College and not to the Commission on Colleges.
STATE AUTHORIZATION
South Piedmont Community College ensures compliance with State Authorization requirements prescribed by 34 CFR Part §600.9, regarding the offering of online/distance education programs, which states:
If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State’s approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Board of Trustees and the administration of South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) are fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities. Accordingly, SPCC does not practice or condone discrimination, in any form, against students, employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or political affiliation. SOCC commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of those characteristics. Should an employee or student feel his/her rights under Title VI, VII, or IX have been violated, he/she may submit a harassment complaint, including sexual harassment, to the Human Resources Office by mail at PO Box 126, Polkton, NC 28135. Complaints may also be faxed to 704-272-5336 or emailed to sflake@spcc.edu or eclodfelter@spcc.edu. Correspondents will be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, Susan Flake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Payroll, Organizational Development and/or Title IX Assistant Coordinator, Elaine Clodfelter, Vice President of Student Services.
THE CATALOG
This catalog is effective July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. This catalog is for information only and does not constitute a contract between the student and the College. South Piedmont Community College has made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in this catalog is accurate at the time of printing. However, the NC General Assembly, the State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the SPCC Board of Trustees may make changes in policy, graduation requirements, fees and other charges, curriculum course structure and content, and other such matters after the publication of this catalog. The NC General Assembly may make changes in tuition without notice.General Information (Section I) I-3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
WELCOME TO SOUTH PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE!
The famous baseball coach Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” The decision to go to college says that you have made a decision on a destination and recognize that the shortest path to success is by continuing your education. Why do people choose to attend South Piedmont Community College? Let me give a few of the reasons: More than 90 programs which include high-quality transfer programs and articulations designed to help you succeed at the university level; relevant and current workforce programs taught with state of the art equipment by highly qualified faculty; and Early College, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School programs that will put you on the path to success, all supported by friendly faculty and staff.
So how do you get started? Make an appointment with a counselor to develop your pathway and create a plan by assessing your interests and aptitudes. Meet with the financial aid office to develop a financial plan that will lay the foundation to be successful. South Piedmont Community College is a comprehensive community college, one of 58 in the North Carolina System. We are affordable. We are convenient with online classes and locations in Monroe, Polkton, and Wadesboro. We care about our students and the communities we serve.
I want to leave you with a final quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Feel free to call or e-mail me for assistance in achieving your goals at SPCC.
Stanley M. Sidor, Ed.D.
President I-4 General Information (Section I)
General Information ...............................................................................................................................I-1
Academic Calendar ...............................................................................................................................I-15
Admissions ............................................................................................................................................II-1
Registration and Financial Information .................................................................................................III-1
Student Support Services .....................................................................................................................IV-1
Academic Information ............................................................................................................................V-1
Curriculum Programs of Study ..............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Arts Degree ...............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Science Degree ........................................................................................................VI-4
Associate in Fine Arts Degree ......................................................................................................VI-7
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Visual Art Pathway ...............................................................VI-8
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Drama Pathway...................................................................VI-10
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Music Pathway....................................................................VI-12
Associate in General Education Degree .....................................................................................VI-14
Accounting Degree ......................................................................................................................VI-17
Accounting Certificate ..........................................................................................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design Degree .....................................................................................VI-19
Advertising and Graphic Design Diploma ...........................................................................VI-20
Advertising and Graphic Design Certificate ........................................................................VI-21
Advertising and Graphic Design - Advertising Layout Certificate .......................................VI-21
Advertising and Graphic Design - Creative Design Certificate ...........................................VI-21
Advertising and Graphic Design - Web Design Certificate .................................................VI-22
Advertising and Graphic Design - Multimedia Design Certificate........................................VI-22
Agribusiness Technology.............................................................................................................VI-22
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology Degree .................................................VI-24
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology Diploma ........................................VI-25
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology - Heating Fundamentals Certificate .VI-26
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology - Heat Pump Fundamentals Certificate .VI-26
Associate Degree Nursing ..........................................................................................................VI-27
Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (BLET) ..................................................................VI-28
Biotechnology Degree ................................................................................................................VI-28
Business Administration Degree ................................................................................................VI-30
Business Administration Diploma ........................................................................................VI-31
Business Administration Certificate .....................................................................................VI-32
Business Administration - Small Business Management Certificate ..................................VI-32
Business Administration - Banking and Finance Certificate ...............................................VI-32
Cardiovascular Sonography Degree...........................................................................................VI-33
Cardiovascular Sonography Diploma...................................................................................VI-34
Cardiovascular Sonography - Cardiac Certificate................................................................VI-34
Cardiovascular Sonography - Vascular Certificate..............................................................VI-34
Computer Information Technology Degree ................................................................................VI-35
Computer Information Technology - Operating Systems Certificate ..................................VI-36
Computer Information Technology - Microsoft Office Certificate ........................................VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Game Development Certificate .................................VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Mobile Apps Foundation Certificate...........................VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Computer Support Certificate ...................................VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Cyber Forensics Certificate........................................VI-38
TABLE OF CONTENTSGeneral Information (Section I) I-5
Computer Technology Integration - Mobile Apps Development Degree.....................................VI-38
Criminal Justice Technology Degree ..........................................................................................VI-40
Criminal Justice Technology Diploma .................................................................................VI-41
Criminal Justice Technology Certificate ..............................................................................VI-41
Criminal Justice Technology - Forensics Certificate ...........................................................VI-42
Cyber Crime Technology Degree................................................................................................VI-42
Early Childhood Education Degree ............................................................................................VI-44
Early Childhood Education Diploma ....................................................................................VI-45
Early Childhood Education - Preschool Certificate .............................................................VI-46
Early Childhood Education - Administration Certificate ......................................................VI-46
Early Childhood Education - Pre-K Special Education Certificate.......................................VI-46
Electrical Systems Technology Degree ......................................................................................VI-47
Electrical Systems Technology Degree Hydro-Mechanical Pathway..................................VI-48
Electrical Systems Technology Diploma .............................................................................VI-50
Electrical Systems Technology Certificate ..........................................................................VI-50
Electrical Systems Technology - Industrial and Photovoltaic Wiring Certificate .................VI-50
Electrical Systems Technology Hydro-Mechanical Certificate ...........................................VI-51
Emergency Medical Science Degree - Paramedic Bridge..........................................................VI-51
Entrepreneurship Degree ...........................................................................................................VI-52
Entrepreneurship Diploma ...................................................................................................VI-53
Entrepreneurship Certificate ................................................................................................VI-54
Fire Protection Technology Degree ............................................................................................VI-54
Funeral Service Education...........................................................................................................VI-56
Funeral Service Education - NC Funeral Director Diploma.................................................VI-57
General Occupational Technology Degree ................................................................................VI-58
Human Services Technology Degree .........................................................................................VI-58
Human Services Technology Diploma ................................................................................VI-59
Human Services Technology - Substance Abuse Certificate .............................................VI-60
Industrial Systems Technology Degree.......................................................................................VI-60
Industrial Systems Technology - Maintenance Certificate...................................................VI-62
Industrial Systems Technology - Welding Certificate...........................................................VI-62
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate ...................................................................................................VI-62
Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Certificate .........................................................................VI-63
Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree..............................................................................VI-63
Mechanical Engineering Technology - Mechatronics Certificate.........................................VI-64
Mechatronics Engineering Technology Degree..........................................................................VI-65
Medical Assisting Degree ...........................................................................................................VI-66
Medical Assisting Diploma ..................................................................................................VI-68.Medical Assisting - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate ..................................VI-68
Medical Office Administration Degree ........................................................................................VI-69
Medical Office Administration - Medical Insurance Coding Diploma ..................................VI-70
Medical Office Administration Certificate .............................................................................VI-71
Medical Office Administration - Healthcare Technology Certificate ....................................VI-71
Medical Sonography Degree .......................................................................................................VI-71
Paralegal Technology Degree ....................................................................................................VI-73
Paralegal Technology Diploma .............................................................................................VI-74
Paralegal Technology Certificate ........................................................................................VI-75
Practical Nursing Diploma ..........................................................................................................VI-75
School-Age Education Degree ...................................................................................................VI-76
School-Age Education Diploma ..........................................................................................VI-77
School-Age Education Certificate .......................................................................................VI-78
School-Age Education - Special Education Certificate .......................................................VI-78
School-Age Education - School Age Specialist Certificate..................................................VI-78
Simulation and Game Development Degree...............................................................................VI-79I-6 General Information (Section I)
Therapeutic Massage Degree ....................................................................................................VI-80
Therapeutic Massage Diploma.............................................................................................VI-81
Web Technologies Degree..........................................................................................................VI-82
Welding Technology Diploma......................................................................................................VI-84
Course Descriptions .............................................................................................................................VII-1
Corporate and Continuing Education .................................................................................................VIII-1
Adult Literacy Programs/College and Career Transitions .....................................................................IX-1
Board of Trustees ..................................................................................................................................X-1
Administration, Faculty, Staff .................................................................................................................X-2
Index .....................................................................................................................................................XI-1General Information (Section I) I-7
HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE
South Piedmont is North Carolina’s newest community college, having been created in 1999 by the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislature’s action abolished Anson Community College and assigned the new college’s service area as Anson and Union counties in south-central North Carolina.
South Piedmont is in the unique position of being a new institution with a proud history. The institution traces its roots to 1962, with the founding of the Ansonville unit of the Charlotte Industrial Education Center. In collaboration with Stanly Community College, it also provided years of service in Union County as Union Technical Education Center.
The institution was originally designated as the Ansonville Industrial Education Center in November 1962 by action of the State Department of Public Instruction. On December 2, 1967, the Anson County Board of Education and County Commissioners officially appointed a local Board of Trustees. As a result, the Ansonville Industrial Education Center became Anson Technical Institute, a unit of the Department of Community Colleges of North Carolina.
Further progress, larger enrollment, and additional support from the community, especially Polkton Mayor W. Cliff Martin, enabled Anson Technical Institute to acquire land, obtain additional funds, and complete construction of a 28,000-square-foot building in Polkton in 1977. To better reflect the offerings of the institution, the Board of Trustees on June 7, 1979, changed the name to Anson Technical College.
In 1981, Union Technical Education Consortium was created when Central Piedmont Community College voluntarily withdrew from Union County and the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges authorized service in the county by a consortium of Anson and Stanly community colleges.
Effective November 1, 1987, the official name of Anson Technical College was changed to Anson Community College.
On May 19, 1999, Gov. Jim Hunt signed a bill, based upon recommendations of an independent study team, that abolished Anson Community College and Union Technical Education Center and created North Carolina’s newest community college. The signing of this bill created a single college with two campuses, one in Anson County and one in Union County, to serve the residents of both counties, and a new 14-member board of trustees was appointed.
The college was named South Piedmont Community College on August 3, 1999, using one of the 441 different names suggested during a contest held during July.I-8 General Information (Section I)
STRATEGIC PLAN
2013-2016
As a learning college, South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) promotes and celebrates learning as the process that changes and improves lives. This applies to our students, employees, and the college itself. We are an organization in which people continually expand their ability to grow and learn.
The Strategic Plan highlights this focus on learning through our Vision (what we want to be), Mission (who we are), Values (what directs our decisions), and Strategic Directions (what actions we will take to fulfill the Vision and Mission).
Our Vision is:
To be the premier community college of choice, offering a full complement of general education, transfer pre-majors, career and technical education, and workforce and economic development programming to prepare students to be productive citizens in the global community.
Our Mission is:
Learning, student success, and workforce and community development
We Value a Personal and Institutional Commitment to:
•
Affordable, quality access to excellent educational opportunities
•
Academic achievement and student success
•
Public and private partnerships
•
Lifelong learning
•
Data-driven decision making
•
Respect for individuals
•
Transparency through accurate and reliable communication
•
Integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct
•
Highest levels of financial stewardship
•
Responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility
•
Innovation
•
Continuous improvement
•
Collaboration and teamwork
•
Diversity and inclusiveness
•
Sustainability
•
Extraordinary customer service
•
Community outreach
Strategic Direction One
Expand Student Program Opportunities
Strategic Goal 1: SPCC will create and maintain innovative educational programming of the highest quality that supports the educational and career goals of students.
Key Strategies:
1-A Expand and improve the collaborative educational pipeline from Anson and Union public and private schools to increase the number of students earning transferable college credits, degrees, and/or industry-specific certifications.
1-B Align the college curriculum with the K-12 curriculum.
1-C Develop additional transfer pre-major opportunities, reflective of the needs and wants of students.
1-D Develop additional joint educational programs, partnership programs, and articulation agreements General Information (Section I) I-9
with accredited institutions and public private entities to increase the number of course and degree options available to students.
1-E Increase opportunities for co-op education, internships, and job placement.
1-F Develop new programs and courses that align with the changing needs of business and industry, including programs and services focused on agriculture.
1-G Create new programs and services which support developmental education needs of students and reduce the time spent in developmental education.
1-H Develop new educational programs and services that meet the needs of an aging community.
Strategic Direction Two
Create a Culture of Innovative Learning
Strategic Goal 2: SPCC will develop a learner-centered culture that provides employees the resources to deliver quality instruction and support services that foster contextualized learn­ing and allow for the measurement of academic success of learners.
Key Strategies:
2-A Integrate appropriate general education competencies into gateway courses.
2-B Develop and implement an educational master plan.
2-C Expand student learning outcomes assessment to all programs and courses delivered by SPCC.
2-D Increase distance learning opportunities and services.
2-E Implement strategies that reduce student costs for educational materials.
2-F Create a faculty-driven instructional innovation and research center to identify and implement emerging educational trends and best practices.
2-G Increase professional development opportunities for all employees.
2-H Increase faculty innovation and educational programming through aggressive grant development.
Strategic Direction Three
Increase Enrollment and Retention
Strategic Goal 3: SPCC will increase the enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation rates through strengthening academic and student support services.
Key Strategies:
3-A Implement recruitment and admission practices to increase the enrollment of all student populations.
3-B Provide intrusive and holistic interventions and engagement strategies to reach all student populations.
3-C Create and offer expanded test preparation and study skills workshops.
3-D Implement the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve academic advising.
3-E Implement a First Year Experience (FYE) program.
3-F Strengthen tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI).
3-G Create and offer targeted test modules in mathematics, reading, English/writing.
3-H Increase library resources and targeted supplemental programming to support new and enhanced programs.
Strategic Direction Four
Improve the Marketing Presence of the Institution
Strategic Goal 4: SPCC will ensure that it is recognized as the premier community college of choice in its service area.
Key Strategies:
4-A Gather and utilize community input through focus groups, advisory boards, and community I-10 General Information (Section I)
connections and involvement.
4-B Develop a marketing plan to highlight the quality, value, and innovation that SPCC brings to students, business and industry, and the community.
4-C Develop a relevant, meaningful, and consistent social media presence.
4-D Create multiple aligned avenues to sustain dialogue with business, industry, education, and community partners.
4-E Develop a diverse and meaningful community events series and publish a calendar to inform and encourage residents to participate in college-sponsored events.
4-F Increase student activities to meet the interests and needs of students and encourage community participation.
4-G Inform the community of the progress of the college and opportunities to assist through the SPCC Foundation.
Strategic Direction Five
Improve the Quality of Operations and Services
Strategic Goal 5: SPCC will improve the quality of its operations and services.
Key Strategies:
5-A Create a strategic planning process that tracks and measures progress toward completion of key strategies.
5-B Ensure the effectiveness of the institution through ongoing accreditation activities, quality improvement efforts, and data-driven-decision making.
5-C Implement change to practices and programs based on evaluation of evidence provided to the Senior Leadership Team by the Planning Council.
5-D Reduce institutional costs through research and implementation of appropriate education and industry-driven best practices.
5-E Develop a “Quality Scorecard” to report on college progress to key constituent groups.
5-F Provide consistent and accurate documentation, evaluation, and reporting of institutional data to all stakeholders in a timely manner.
Strategic Direction Six
Create a Collaborative College Community
Strategic Goal 6: SPCC will cultivate and support a collaborative environment of civility and inclusion that respects individual differences and opinions.
Key Strategies:
6-A Create and support methods for college constituency groups to participate in the governance of the college.
6-B Improve the method for measuring the internal climate of the college and demonstrate the use of results for quality improvement.
6-C Develop and implement a plan to involve all employees, trustees, and foundation directors in sharing the SPCC story with the public.General Information (Section I) I-11
CORE SKILLS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
South Piedmont Community College advocates Thinking, Learning, and Interacting as critical competencies for student achievement and lifelong learning in today’s global economy. These critical competencies will be supported by six (6) core skills with identified measurable learning outcomes and integrated into the Learning College’s instruction and activities.
To ensure the attainment of these core skills, South Piedmont Community College has established the following Core Skills Learning Outcomes:
Written Communication
•
The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through written communication in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.
Oral Communication
•
The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through oral communication in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.
Collaboration and Teamwork
•
The learner will apply the basic principles of individual or group behavior to current and future challenges of working and collaborating with others with respect to diversity and global issues.
Technology
•
The learner will choose and utilize appropriate technologies to access, organize, analyze, and communicate information.
Analysis and Interpretation
•
The learner will apply the basic principles of interpretation and analysis to synthesize information.
Problem Solving
•
The learner will apply the basic principles of mathematics and/or scientific inquiry to identify, interpret, evaluate, and solve problems.
OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT
At SPCC, all students participate in the outcomes assessment process. This process helps answer the fundamental learning college question: Are you, as a student, learning? How do we, as an institution, and you, as a student, know? All curriculum programs at SPCC, from the Associate of Arts to Medical Assisting, have program outcomes, student learning outcomes, and core skill outcomes, which are assessed.
Program Outcomes answer the question, “What should graduates of this program be able to do?” Program Outcome statements focus on the big picture. All programs have outcomes that are unique to that program. Contact your program advisor to see what will be learned in your program of choice.
Student Learning Outcomes are statements that demonstrate what learning is expected in a course. These outcomes are found in course syllabi. SPCC’s six (6) Core Skill Outcomes are assessed in every program, usually within general education courses.
Results of all assessments are analyzed by instructors to determine what students know and how learning can be improved. The College reserves the right to share samples of student work with regulatory and accrediting bodies.
Decisions about continuous improvement in learning are made in a systematic way using the data from the assessments submitted in TaskStream, the College’s online assessment management system.I-12 General Information (Section I)
SPCC ePORTFOLIO
Beginning in the academic year 2014-2015, each student in a curriculum degree or diploma program at South Piedmont Community College with a projected graduation date of May 2016 or later will create an ePortfolio as a graduation requirement. The SPCC ePortfolio is a web-based collection of a student’s academic experiences and best college work, along with reflections that provide personal and academic contexts for the work. While students make most design and content choices for the ePortfolio, each student must include these minimum components:
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A welcome page
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A personal introduction
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Short-term and long-term learning goals
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A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of SPCC’s General Education Core Skills
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A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of a student’s major or program outcomes (not required by all programs)
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A page that highlights a student’s additional educational experiences
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A resume
The ePortfolio reflects SPCC’s commitment to promote and celebrate learning as the process that changes and improves lives. For students, the ePortfolio provides both a unique learning opportunity based on reflection and self-criticism and an opportunity to showcase personal and academic achievement to faculty, family, friends, transfer institutions, scholarship committees and potential employers.General Information (Section I) I-13
HOURS OF OPERATION
South Piedmont Community College offers classes, workshops, and seminars six days a week at various times and locations. The College’s normal business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hours may be extended during registration periods. Summer hours of operation may differ at all locations.
To obtain information regarding the College and its programs and services to the community, check our website, www.spcc.edu, or call:
South Piedmont Community College observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
HIGHWAY 52HIGHWAY 52ROCKY RIVER RD.STALLINGS RD.HIGHWAY 200HIGHWAY 75US HIGHWAY 74MONROEPOLKTONWADESBOROOLD CHARLOTTE HWY.Old Charlotte Highway CampusL.L. Polk CampusLockhart-Taylor Center
L. L. Polk Campus, Polkton
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-272-5350
Old Charlotte Hwy. Campus, Monroe
704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Center for Technology and Health Education 704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-272-5475
Union County
Anson CountyI-14 General Information (Section I)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS
In February 1999, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges adopted 12 performance measures for accountability. Amended in 2007, the performance measures for accountability were modified to eight (8) measures. Effective 2013 the Performance Measures for Student Success Report utilizes new measures, goals, and baselines adopted and approved June 2012. The baselines and goals will remain static for three years and will be reset in 2016.
All community colleges are required to publish their performance on the measures annually in their electronic catalog or on the Internet and in their printed catalog. The Performance Measures and the results for the 2012-2013 fiscal year are as follows:
Data Source: 2014 Performance Measures for Student Success
Performance Measure
System
Goal / Baseline
SPCC’s
Performance
Basic Skills Student Progress
51.2% / 20.6%
47.0%
High School Equivalency Diploma Passing Rate
82.0% / 49.3%
72.2%
Developmental Student Success Rate in
College-Level English courses
74.9% / 45.2%
59.5%
Developmental Student Success Rate in College-Level Math Courses
75.4% / 47.5%
61.1%
First Year Progression
74.6% / 53.2%
64.0%
Curriculum Student Completion Rate
45.6% / 28.6%
41.2%
Licensure and Certification Passing Rate
91.7% / 71.0%
84.8%
College Transfer Performance
93.8% / 71.2%
92.8%
The North Carolina Community College System website, www.nccommunitycolleges.edu, contains details about the Performance Measures and Standards.
Visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Publications/index.html. Click on 2014 Performance Measures for Student Success Report.General Information (Section I) I-15
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2014 - 2015
SCHEDULE CHANGES WILL BE PERMITTED PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE (10 PERCENT POINT);
DROP CLASS WITH REFUND WILL BE PERMITTED ON OR PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE
FALL SEMESTER 2014 (16 Weeks)
August 18...........................First Day of Classes
September 1.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
October 14..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 15..........................Classes Resume
October 24..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
November 5........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
November 24 - 29...............Fall Break (No Classes)
November 26 - 29...............Thanksgiving Holidays (College Closed)
December 1........................Classes Resume
December 16......................Fall Semester Ends
FALL SEMESTER 2014 (12 Weeks)
September 16.....................First Day of 12-Week Session
October 14..........................Student Break (No Classes)
November 5........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
November 13......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
November 24 - 29...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 16......................End of 12-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2014 (8-Week Sessions)
August 18...........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
September 1.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 19.....................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
September 25.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
October 13..........................End of 1st 8-Week Session
October 15..........................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
November 17......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 21......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 24 - 29...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 16......................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2014 (5-Week Sessions)
August 18...........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
September 1.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 8.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)I-16 General Information (Section I)
September 11.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
September 22.....................End of 1st 5-Week Session
September 23.....................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
October 13..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 14..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 17..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 28.........................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
November 3........................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
November 21......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
November 24 - 29...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 3........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
December 12......................End of 3rd 5-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2014 (4-Week Sessions)
August 18...........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
September 1.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 3.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
September 5.......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
September 15.....................End of 1st 4-Week Session
September 16.....................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
October 1...........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 3...........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 13..........................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
October 14..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 15..........................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
October 30.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 3........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 11......................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
November 12......................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
November 24 - 29...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 4........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
December 8........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
December 16......................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2015 (16 Weeks)
January 12..........................First Day of Classes
January 19..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
March 19............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
March 31............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
April 3 - 10..........................Spring Break
April 3 - 5............................Easter Holiday (College Closed)General Information (Section I) I-17
April 11...............................Classes Resume
May 12................................Spring Semester Ends
May 14................................Graduation
SPRING SEMESTER 2015 (12 Weeks)
February 10........................First Day of 12-Week Session
March 31............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
April 3 - 10..........................Spring Break
April 16...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
May 12................................End of 12-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2015 (8-Week Sessions)
January 12..........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
January 19..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 13........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
February 19........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
March 9..............................End of 1st 8-Week Session
March 10............................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
April 3 - 10..........................Spring Break
April 20...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
April 24...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
May 12................................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2015 (5-Week Sessions)
January 12..........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
January 19..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 2..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)
February 5..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
February 16........................End of 1st 5-Week Session
February 17........................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 9..............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 12............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 23............................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 24............................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
April 3 - 10..........................Spring Break
April 21...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
April 24...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
May 5..................................End of 3rd 5-Week SessionI-18 General Information (Section I)
SPRING SEMESTER 2015 (4-Week Sessions)
January 12..........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
January 19..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
January 28.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
January 30.........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
February 9..........................End of 1st 4-Week Session
February 10........................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
February 25........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
February 27........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
March 9..............................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
March 10............................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
March 25............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
March 27............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
April 3 - 10..........................Spring Break
April 14...............................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
April 15...............................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
April 30...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
May 4..................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
May 12................................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SUMMER TERM 2015 (8 WEEKS)
May 27................................First Day of Classes
June 11...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
June 16...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
June 23...............................End of 1st 4-Week Session
June 24...............................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
June 30...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (8-Week Session)
July 6..................................Independence Day Holiday Observed (College Closed)
July 7..................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (8-Week Session)
July 13................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 15................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 22................................End of Summer TermAdmissions (Section II) II-1
Admissions Policy
South Piedmont Community College subscribes to the “open door” policy established by the North Carolina Community College System. The College will admit all applicants who:
•
Are 18 years old or older and/or
•
Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
Please note that admission to the College does not guarantee admission to specific programs of the College. Students must meet additional requirements for the programs. These requirements can be found in the Admissions Procedures.
The College serves all students regardless of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or disability.
SPCC reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant during any period of time that the student is suspended or expelled from another educational entity.
SPCC also reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant or student to programs physically offered on high school locations that require compliance with the Jessica Lunsford Act.
Admissions Procedures and Information
New students are urged to complete the admissions process at least two (2) weeks prior to registration and apply for financial aid at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration. If you are applying to an SPCC health program, refer to www.spcc.edu for the admissions requirements for that specific health program.
Students interested in pursuing a program of study/major MUST complete all admissions requirements prior to first-time enrollment. Once all admissions requirements listed below are complete, you will be placed into your program of study and may receive financial aid if eligible. Anyone wishing to register for classes prior to completing his/her admissions file may do so as a Special Credit student. Special Credit students are not eligible for financial aid. To ensure your financial aid is in place, make sure your admissions file is complete at least two (2) weeks prior to registration.
Complete the SPCC Application for Admission
•
You may complete an application for admission online at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Admissions. If you already have an account with CFNC, use your login information to fill out SPCC’s application. If you do not have an account with CFNC, you may create one prior to filling out the application. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may use our library to complete this part of the process.
Submit official high school, high school equivalency, or Adult High School transcript
•
It is your responsibility to request this transcript from the appropriate educational institution. It is also your responsibility to pay any applicable fees to the appropriate institution.
•
Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the high school, high school equivalency office, or adult high school to SPCC. Unofficial (student issued, faxed, or e-mailed) transcripts will not be accepted.
•
If you graduated from the high school equivalency program at South Piedmont Community College, you may request a copy of your scores from SPCC’s Basic Skills Department in lieu of an official transcript.
ADMISSIONSII-2 Admissions (Section II)
•
If you plan to submit a high school transcript from non-public institutions or online high school programs, you must contact South Piedmont Community College’s Admissions Office to determine if the transcript is acceptable for admission into your program of study.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges listed on your admissions application
•
A Request for Transcript Evaluation Form must be completed and sent to the Registrar for evaluation of prior course credit.
•
Transcripts may be sent from the college electronically through a secure provider such as E-scrip, National Student Clearinghouse, ScripSafe, etc. Contact your college for details.
•
All foreign transcripts (secondary and post-secondary) must be evaluated by an authorized evaluation agency at your expense.
•
A college transcript waiver may be available for extenuating circumstances.
Prepare for and take the College Placement Test (CPT)
•
Testing times and dates vary depending on the type of test and campus location. Testing dates and times can be found at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center. We strongly recommend preparing for the test using the study guide found on our website at www.spcc.edu. The purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as an SPCC student. It helps you, as a new student, determine your skills in reading, English, mathematics, and computers. Skills identified through the test, along with advisor guidance, will help place you in the most appropriate course for your success. CPT scores are valid for five (5) years.
Complete the New Student Orientation
•
New Student Orientation can be completed at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Orientation. This is a short video which requires Flash Player. At the end, you will be asked to answer a few questions and prompted to provide your information to track completion. You must answer all questions correctly; make sure you are paying attention.
Reapplication to the College
If you have withdrawn in good standing and/or have not enrolled for a period of five (5) years or more, you must reapply for admission to the College. Copies of academic transcripts and placement tests may be required. If you have been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons, you must consult with the Vice President of Student Services.
Admission of High School Students
Career and College Promise
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorized the State Board of Education and the State Board of Community Colleges to establish the Career and College Promise program, effective January 1, 2012.
Career and College Promise (CCP) provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. North Carolina community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise pathways aligned with the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready standards adopted by the State Board of Education:
•
A College Transfer Pathway leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college transfer credit;
•
A Career and Technical Education Pathway leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree;
•
A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115D of the General Statutes.Admissions (Section II) II-3
Links to the following web pages with information on Career and College Promise are listed below. Each web page targets a specific audience.
•
North Carolina Community College System Office’s CCP web page:
www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/programs/ccp/
•
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s CCP web page:
www.ncpublicschools.org/ccpromise/
Early College High School
South Piedmont Community College in collaboration with the Anson County School System and the Union County School System offers Early College High School programs for students living in each county. Early College High Schools are classified as cooperative innovative high schools under the Career and College Promise program. Students apply for admission to Anson County Early College (ACEC) or Union County Early College (UCEC) in the eighth grade. Students enter the Early College program as freshmen and earn a high school diploma and a two-year Associate Degree in Arts or Associate Degree in Science within five (5) years. SPCC tuition is paid for ACEC and UCEC students. Upon graduation, students then apply to transfer to the college or university of their choice.
Admissions for Allied Health and Nursing Programs
If you are seeking admission into an SPCC health program, you will be required to meet all health program admissions criteria and be officially accepted into the health program prior to taking program-specific health classes. Each program has different admissions criteria. Refer to the specific Allied Health or Nursing Admissions Requirements booklet for the health program in which you seek admission. These booklets may be found in the offices of Enrollment Services in the Student Services Division of SPCC or on the website at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Admission to Health Programs
Admission of International Students (Documented)
South Piedmont Community College considers admissions to documented foreign nationals. The following must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment:
• •
SPCC Application for Admission
• •
System Data Gathering Form
• •
Residency Application Form
• •
Permanent Resident Alien Card (or other acceptable documentation)
SPCC is not able to issue I-20s to international students.
In order to be considered for in-state tuition rates, any Documented Foreign National applicant must provide convincing documentation that he/she intends to make North Carolina his/her domicile (see Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes in the Registration and Financial Information section of this catalog).
South Piedmont Community College does not have housing facilities, living accommodations, or associated support programs for individuals from other countries. You are responsible for your own transportation.
Admission of International Students (Undocumented)
The North Carolina Community College System advised in Memorandum CC10-026 (effective June 10, 2010) that community colleges should admit or enroll undocumented immigrants only as follows:
• •
Undocumented immigrants who are high school students may enroll in college-level courses consistent with the Career and College Promise policy. Participation in this program is not based on legal residence, but on attendance in a North Carolina high school. These courses are open to all II-4 Admissions (Section II)
high school students attending high school (public, private, or home school) located in the state who meet the eligibility criteria.
• •
Undocumented immigrants may enroll in non-college level courses or programs including high school equivalency preparation courses, Adult Basic Education, Adult High School, English as a Second Language and other continuing education courses less than college level.
• •
Undocumented or battered illegal immigrants who have been determined to meet one of the qualifying conditions in Federal Law, 8 USC Section 1641 are eligible for college-level courses. It is the applicant’s responsibility to produce sufficient written documentation to satisfy the College that the applicant is eligible for post-secondary education benefits.
• •
Undocumented immigrants must have attended and graduated from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with state and local law. Undocumented immigrants with a high school equivalency diploma are not considered to be “graduated from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school” and therefore are not eligible to be admitted.
• •
Undocumented immigrants who are registered into a class are required to pay the out-of-state tuition rate. The College shall not enroll undocumented students into a class or program of study for which there are waiting lists, nor register undocumented students for classes until the conclusion of the last published (i.e., late) registration period.
College Placement Testing
The purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as a student at South Piedmont Community College. It helps you, as a new student, determine your skills in English, reading, mathematics and computer skills. Skills identified through the CPT, along with counselor or advisor guidance, will help with placement in the most appropriate courses for your success. CPT scores are valid for five (5) years.
All associate degree, diploma, certificate, special credit, high school, and health program applicants must complete the CPT (Reading, English, Mathematics and Computer Skills) prior to registration. All degree and diploma students must meet all CPT requirements prior to completing their program of study. Students transitioning from a certificate program into a diploma or degree program must meet the DMA 040 or MAT 070 requirement even if there is no math course in the program.Admissions (Section II) II-5
SPCC CPT Score Report/Academic Assessment
Placement
Minimum Required Score
Temporary English/Reading Cut Score:
Counselor Referral
Below 104
DRE 096
104
DRE 097
117
DRE 098
136
ENG 111
151
Computer Skills:
CIS 110
80
Mathematics:
Counselor Referral
1 - DMA 010; 6 or below - all other DMA sections
DMA 010
7
DMA 020
7
DMA 030
7
DMA 040
7
DMA 050
7
DMA 060
7
DMA 070 and DMA 080
Based on DMA 060 score
CPT Exemptions
All new students applying to a curriculum program are required to take the CPT unless they qualify for a CPT Waiver through one of the following options:
Multiple Measures Waiver for North Carolina High School Graduates
As evidenced by an official high school transcript, a student must have:
•
Graduated within five (5) years of starting classes at SPCC
•
Achieved an un-weighted GPA of 2.6 or higher
•
Completed a fourth level math course
(Advanced Functions and Modeling, Analytical, Geometry, AP Statistics, Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics IV, Mindset, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Trigonometry, or International Baccalaureate Mathematics)
Standardized Test Scores
As evidenced by official SAT or ACT test score reports that were taken within five years of starting classes at SPCC, a student must meet following scores:
SAT
Minimum Score
CPT Section Waived
Critical Reading
500
Reading/English
Writing
500
Reading/English
Mathematics
500
Math
ACT
Minimum Score
CPT Section Waived
Reading
22
Reading/English
English
18
Reading/English
Mathematics
22
MathII-6 Admissions (Section II)
College-Level Transfer Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed a college-level English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of “C” or higher within ten (10) years of enrolling at SPCC. All transfer credit must be officially transferred in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded. SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college transcript.
Transferable Developmental Course Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed all program required developmental level courses in English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of “C” or higher within three (3) years of enrolling at SPCC. All transfer credits must be officially transferred in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded. SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college transcript.
Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Exam Program (CLEP) Waivers
Exception will be allowed as evidenced by official score reports for required English and/or math sent to SPCC directly from Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Exam Program (CLEP) agencies. Scores vary by test and subject area. Visit AP or CLEP websites for full details.
Bachelor’s Degree Waiver
As evidenced by an official college transcript, applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher will be exempt from taking the placement test. Credit for college-level classes taken as part of a bachelor’s degree must meet the time limit requirements as set forth in the “Transfer of Credit” section of the SPCC catalog. Students wishing to pursue a Transfer Credit Appeal are required to complete the CPT as the first step in the appeal process.
Students must present all appropriate documentation when requesting a waiver. Students who qualify for a waiver in either English or math, but not both, will need to complete the CPT section not exempted. Transcripts are considered to be “official” when issued in a sealed, unopened envelope by the granting institution. If you have questions about whether the transcript you have on hand may be considered as an official copy, contact the Admissions Office.
You must show proof of ID (State, Federal, or College ID) before admission to the Testing Center. Minors without proper ID must contact the Testing Center prior to testing. The Testing Center staff will offer “pre-test” advisement to you regarding the serious nature of the test. Test resources and study materials are available on the SPCC website www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center>CPT Test Prep Resources.
Once you have completed the College Placement Test, the Testing Center staff will refer you to a counselor or to an advisor in the Advising Center for further assistance. Contact one of the following for Testing/Assessment information:
L. L. Polk Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-272-5338
Old Charlotte Highway Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-290-5841
Assistant Director, Admissions/Testing 704-290-5847
Placement Testing for Distance Learning Students
Students outside the College’s service area should contact the Assistant Director of Admissions and Testing for information on College Placement Testing at 704-290-5847.Admissions (Section II) II-7
CPT Retest Procedures
You may be granted ACCUPLACER retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
•
You took original test section within five (5 ) years AND
•
Your score is within two points of mastering DMA section or progressing to next DRE section AND
•
You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
•
Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
•
Completion of at lease four (4) content area modules documented by Khan Academy log printout
•
Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
•
You paid $2.00 retest fee per section
•
A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section (DMA or DRE) as long as the scores are valid (five years).
•
A student may retest free of charge if appropriate test section was taken over five (5) years ago or a special circumstance exits.
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing coordinators and/or the Assistant Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest if validity of a request is questioned.
TABE Retest Guidelines
You may be granted TABE retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
•
You took original test section within one (1) year AND
•
You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
•
Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
•
Completion of all content area modules documented by Khan Academy log printout
•
Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
•
You paid $3.00 retest fee per section
•
A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section every six (6) months
•
A student may retest free of charge if the test section was taken over one (1) year prior
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing coordinators and/or the Assistant Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest if validity of a request is questioned.
Acceptance of Credit
SPCC evaluates, awards, and accepts credit for transfer, credit by exam, credit by nationally recognized industry credential, and advanced placement. The College ensures that all associated coursework and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to those for SPCC degree programs.
All requests for transfer credit should be made before enrolling at South Piedmont Community College. In order to obtain transfer credit evaluations, a student must complete a Request for Transcript Evaluation form and supply the College with appropriate transcripts as well as course descriptions or catalogs if the College requests them.
Students who have completed coursework at other colleges and universities should submit official transcripts of all post-secondary work. Proficiency credits from other institutions will not be accepted. Transfer credit may be awarded for appropriate military courses based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendation. If a student submits transcripts from foreign universities, it is his or her responsibility to provide accurate translations from an approved evaluation agency (e.g., WES) of the II-8 Admissions (Section II)
(a) transcript, (b) course descriptions, and (c) grading system. Credit will be evaluated in the context of the current SPCC college catalog and awarded according to the following criteria:
•
Prior coursework must correspond in instructional hours and content and must be substantially similar to SPCC courses required in the degree, diploma, or certificate being sought. Quarter-hour courses must equate to the semester-hour equivalent of the current required course, either by a combination of courses or as standalone by using the 3:2 ratio (2/3). Coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited college recognized by the Commission on Colleges or other nationally known accrediting body.
•
Coursework must have been completed with a “C” or better.
•
The time frame for accepting transfer credit is ten (10) years for general education courses, five (5) years for vocational, computer and technical courses, and three (3) years for developmental courses.
•
Transfer students must meet Residency Requirements for Graduation.
The decision as to how much, if any, transfer credit will be awarded and how such transfer credit will be applied is discretionary on the part of the College. The College reserves the right to disallow credit from another institution if the course is deemed to be obsolete or outdated.
A student may petition the Registrar to have related coursework outside the above time frame evaluated. Detailed course descriptions must be provided by the student. The College Placement Test may be used to determine a student’s ability to complete required coursework. Students who place out of developmental courses may have coursework outside the above time frame evaluated for consideration of transfer credit.
Noncredit to Credit Policy
South Piedmont Community College awards curriculum credits for non-credit work. This includes nationally recognized industry credentials, credit by examination, approved Continuing Education courses, or through provisions identified in numbered memos and/or guidance from the North Carolina Community College System, and/or when a state-approved bridging program is in place.
Students interested in receiving curriculum credits for non-credit work (continuing education courses, state or national licenses) may obtain information from the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
The 2014 Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), approved February 2014, between the State Board of the North Carolina Community College System and the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina establishes the procedures for governing the transfer of credits for students who transfer from a North Carolina Community College to a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. The CAA does not address admission to a specific institution or to a specific major within an institution.
To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the CAA, the student must graduate from the community college with an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS) degree and have an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of “C” or better in all CAA courses. Students who do not complete the degree are eligible to transfer credits on a course-by-course bases.
Additionally the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement allows for transfer of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree program credits to some private institutions. For more information regarding the transfer status of specific courses and curricula, visit the Future Students section on the SPCC Website or contact the senior institution. Admissions (Section II) II-9
Advanced Placement (AP) Course Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects taken in high school if they have a designation of Advanced Placement and appropriate score on an Advanced Placement exam at the end of the course. Credit must be applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements. Advanced credit must be supported by official test score reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are awarded. Official documentation verifying test scores is required. All approved and recorded Advanced Placement credit will be assigned a grade of “AP”.
The time frame for accepting AP transfer credit is ten (10) years for general education courses. The time frame for technical and computer courses is five (5) years.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects covered under placement examinations. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject area exams may be evaluated for SPCC college credit. Test scores must meet ACE (American Council on Education) recommendations. Credit must be applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements and must be supported by official test score reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are awarded. Official documentation verifying test scores is required.
The time frame for accepting CLEP transfer credit is ten (10) years for general education courses. The time frame for technical and computer courses is five (5) years.
Tech Prep Credit
In cooperation with the local high schools, South Piedmont Community College participates in and supports the Tech Prep (Technical Preparation) program. Pertaining to credit for Tech Prep, the College adheres to the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement as set forth by the North Carolina Community College System and the NC Department of Public Instruction. The Tech Prep program is a course of study for high school students designed to meet the needs for a more technically oriented educational background. Through a blending of higher level academic and vocational courses, Tech Prep prepares students for the advanced courses required by South Piedmont Community College.
Requirements for the Tech Prep advanced placement are:
•
Earn a grade of “B” or higher in the course at the high school level and
•
Score a 93 or higher on the course post-assessment
In order to receive credit as per the agreement, you must enroll at the community college within two years of your high school graduation date and immediately notify the Registrar of your Tech Prep status.
Courses accepted for advanced placement will appear on your transcript. All approved and recorded Tech Prep credit will be assigned a grade of “TP”.
Educational Experiences in the Armed Services Credit
It is the policy of South Piedmont Community College to award credit for training experiences in the Armed Services. Such experiences must be certified by the American Council on Education. Credit will be given on the basis of individual evaluation by the Registrar. Creditable military experience must closely correspond to courses in the South Piedmont Community College curriculum for which you are applying. College credit earned while in the Armed Services must be substantiated with an official transcript of coursework from the Department of Defense or applicable college.II-10 Admissions (Section II)
International Transcript Credit
International transcripts require an official English translation. If your college or university transcripts are not from the United States, you must have an International Transcript Evaluation completed by an evaluation agency at your expense. Submit your transcript, course descriptions, and the grading system to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), World Education Services (WES), or International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE) for an international evaluation. A letter grade of “A,” “B,” or “C” and earned credit hours must be provided for each course. Course equivalencies based on terms such as “Excellent” or “Good” are not acceptable. If you submit transcripts from foreign universities, it is your responsibility to provide accurate translations of (1) the transcript, (2) course descriptions, and (3) the grading system.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) OF 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 grants to you certain rights, privileges, and protections relative to individually identifiable student educational records which are maintained by SPCC. Specifically, SPCC has adopted the following general guidelines and specific procedures on access to and release of student records to officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34 (§99.31 (a)(2)).
Directory Information
Certain information is considered to be “directory information” and may be used for directory purposes unless you specifically request directory information to be protected. SPCC may, but is not required, include all of the information listed. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), directory information relating to a student includes the following:
•
Student’s name
•
Address
•
Telephone listing
•
Electronic mail address
•
Photograph
•
Date and place of birth
•
Major field of study
•
Dates of attendance
•
Grade level
•
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
•
Weight and height of members of athletic teams
•
Degrees, honors, and awards received
•
The most recent educational agency or institution attended
•
Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)
Right of the College to Refuse Access
SPCC reserves the right to refuse to permit you to inspect the following records:
•
Financial statement of your parents
•
Letters and statements of recommendation for which you have waived your rights of access or which were filed before January 1, 1975
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Confidential letters and statements of recommendation concerning admission, employment, honor or honorary recognition if you have signed a waiver of your right of access
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Record being withheld for failure to meet financial obligationsAdmissions (Section II) II-11
Disclosure of Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Educational Records means those records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by SPCC or by any person acting for the College. Not included in the term “educational records” are records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and records created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or para-professional acting in his/her professional capacity. Any student has the right to his/her educational records. This includes the right to:
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Inspect and review the contents of these records.
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Obtain copies of those records at the cost of reproducing those copies.
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A response from the custodian of the records to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of those records.
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An opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of those records.
Disclosure of Educational Records to Third Parties
SPCC will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the student, except to:
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School officials (administrators, professional staff, faculty, and Board of Trustee members) who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
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Certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Controller General, and state and local education programs.
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Comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena, only after a reasonable effort has been made to notify the student involved of such order.
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Appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
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Accrediting agencies if the information is necessary to the accrediting organization in order to carry out their accrediting function.
For additional information pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), consult the Registrar or Vice President of Student Services.
Destruction of Records
Disciplinary, college activity, and various other records are periodically destroyed. SPCC assumes no obligation to provide you the information contained in such records following their destruction.
FERPA Exceptions
The only exceptions to this rule of confidentiality are the following:
1.
If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to another person in the near future, it is your counselor’s duty to warn the person involved. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely necessary.
2.
If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to yourself in the near future, it is your counselor’s duty to contact others. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely necessary.
3.
If you share information about the abuse or neglect of any juvenile(s) or disabled adult(s), your counselor may be required by state law to report that information to the Department of Social Services.
4.
If ordered to do so by a judge as part of judicial proceedings.Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-1
REGISTRATION
Once you have completed the admissions process, you are ready to register for classes during the registration times listed on the SPCC website, www.spcc.edu. New students must meet with a counselor or Advising Center advisor to register. Advising Centers are available at both the L. L. Polk campus and the Old Charlotte Highway campus and are staffed with SPCC faculty and staff to assist you in the advising and registration process. Currently enrolled students may register through WebAdvisor or in person. Registration is conducted online via http://go.spcc.edu. This website gives you access to online registration, grades, advising, financial aid, class schedules, college updates, and more. Visit http://go.spcc.edu. Enter your Username and Password if you are a current student. Click on Active Campus Portal. Under the WebAdvisor tab, click on “Registration.” Then select “Search for Sections” or “Search and Register” to begin your online registration.
Access to the registration system may be blocked if a financial or academic hold has been placed on your record. Some classes require special permission to register. You are responsible for paying for all scheduled classes by the published due date.
Gmail Accounts
South Piedmont Community College provides you with an e-mail account through Google e-mail, also known as Gmail. Gmail accounts will be the primary tool for instructors and staff to communicate with you regarding important announcements and official College business. Therefore, you should access the Gmail account regularly so important information and/or dates are not missed. Gmail accounts are the property of SPCC and may be accessed to verify disputed information.
Gmail is accessible through this link: http://partnerpage.google.com/students.spcc.edu. Instructions for setting up your Gmail account may be found on the SPCC website at www.spcc.edu.
Schedule Changes
If you decide that the course load you’ve registered for may be too heavy or too light, you may visit the Advising Center or go online to WebAdvisor to drop or add courses during the Schedule Change period without grade penalty. The Schedule Change period is published in the Academic Calendar in this catalog and is posted on SPCC’s website. Your must contact the Advising Center or a counselor to drop your last registered class as this option is not available online in WebAdvisor.
NOTE: If the course you wish to take has a prerequisite or a corequisite, you are required to meet those course requirements. All prerequisites must have been satisfactorily completed before registering for the course. When dropping a course with a corequisite, both the corequisite and the course requiring the corequisite must be dropped. Refunds are processed according to the State Board of Community Colleges Code 1E SBCCC 300.99.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition for in-state and out-of-state residents is set by the North Carolina General Assembly and is subject to change by the NC General Assembly without notice. Fees are set by the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the South Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees and are subject to change without notice.
REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATIONIII-2 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The tuition charge for persons who have been legal residents of NorthCarolina for at least 12 months is less than for non-residents. G.S. 116-431.1 of NC General Statutes covers the requirements for the determination of resident status for tuition purposes. A portion of G.S.116-143.1 is quoted as follows:
To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his/her classification as a resident for tuition purposes. To be eligible for classification as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must establish that his/her presence in the State currently is, and during the requisite 12-month qualifying period, was for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile rather than to maintain a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education.
An individual shall not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes “...until he/she has provided such evidence related to legal residence and its duration as may be required by officials of the institution...”
Information relating to claimed North Carolina residence for tuition purposes shall be required from all applicants claiming to be North Carolina residents, and a determination shall be made by the Admissions Office as to whether or not the applicant qualifies for in-state tuition rates. Should the ruling be contrary to the applicant’s expection, it may be appealed to the State Residence Committee. In the event that an appeal is deemed necessary, full information on procedures shall be provided by the Dean of Enrollment Services.
The burden of establishing facts that justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state tuition rates is on the applicant for such classification.
Decision by the College will be based on the requirements of the General Statutes of North Carolina and regulations specified in “A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes.”
In-State Tuition
In-state tuition is $72.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up to 16 semester credit hours. Students taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $1,152.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 16.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.65
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Learning College Portfolio Fee 15.00
Total $1,236.65
Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition applies to any student whose legal residence is outside of North Carolina (see Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes). Out-of-state tuition is $264.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up to 16 semester credit hours. Students taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $4,224.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 16.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.65
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Learning College Portfolio Fee 15.00
Total $4,308.65Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-3
Technology Fee
The Technology Fee is $1 per semester hour up to a maximum of $16 for 16 or more semester hours. This fee is used to support the procurement, operations, and repair of computers and other instructional technology including supplies and materials that support the technology.
Activity Fee
The Activity Fee supports cultural activities, entertainment, and recreational activities sponsored by the Student Government Association. This fee is $2 per semester hour up to a maximum of $32 for 16 or more semester hours.
Accident Insurance
The College provides all students who pay the $1.65 student accident insurance fee with accidental injury, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance while on campus or while participating in off-campus, College-sponsored and/or supervised activities. This is a limited supplemental policy.
Academic Support Fee
The Academic Support Fee is $6.00 for 1 to 3 credit hours per semester, $12.00 for 4 to 6 credit hours, $18.00 for 7 to 9 credit hours, and a maximum of $20.00 for 10 or more credit hours per semester. This fee supports the efforts of providing academic support to students through tutoring services. The Academic Support Fee is required and payable with tuition.
Learning College Portfolio Fee
The Learning College Portfolio Fee is $15 per student, per semester. This fee helps to offset the cost of assessment tools provided by the Student Learning Division. The $15 Learning College Portfolio Fee is required and payable with tuition.
Lab Fees
A $15 per semester lab fee is charged for certain courses with lab hours. A $10 per course fee is charged for online courses. A $5 per course fee is charged for blended courses.
Special Fees
Additional fees may be charged for some programs (e.g., equipment fees, liability insurance, etc.). SPCC does not charge a fee associated with verification of the identity of online students. Should the need arise, students will be notified of any fees associated with identity verification at the time of registration through standard venues for curriculum fee notifications.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
After you have registered, you must pay your tuition and fees. These may be paid with cash, check, money order, credit card, or through the approved SPCC payment plan. Check the SPCC website at www.spcc.edu or contact the Business Office at 704-272-5348, 704-272-5358, or 704-290-5849 for additional information.
With a valid driver’s license, personal checks are electronically processed upon receipt. Returned checks incur a fee of $25. SPCC accepts credit card payment by phone from the cardholder only.
If you have an unpaid balance on your student account at the end of a semester, you will receive a bill in the mail from SPCC’s Business Office. If the matter is not resolved within 30 days, your account will be III-4 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
turned over to the North Carolina Attorney General’s office for collection proceedings. If the matter still is not resolved within the next 30 days, the account is reported to a collection agency for further collection proceedings. The North Carolina Department of Revenue is also notified of the debt. If it becomes necessary for South Piedmont Community College to refer an unpaid balance to a collection agency, you will be expected to pay all fees associated with the collection in addition to the unpaid balance.
Textbooks and Other Costs
You will be expected to purchase textbooks and supplies for classes in your program of study. The SPCC bookstores on the L. L. Polk campus and on the Old Charlotte Highway campus sell textbooks and supplies. Information on textbook refunds, textbook rental and textbook buy-backs is available at the bookstores. You may contact the L. L. Polk campus bookstore at 704-272-5376 or the Old Charlotte Highway campus bookstore at 704-290-5848.
Refund Policy
Refunds are processed under the North Carolina Community College System refund policy.
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SPCC will refund 100% of the tuition paid if the College cancels a class or if you drop class(es) before the first day of the semester.
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SPCC will refund 75% of the tuition paid if you drop the class(es) on or prior to class census date. If classes are dropped on or prior to class census date, you are responsible for paying 25% of the tuition. NOTE: Financial aid will not pay the 25%.
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Tuition refunds will not be granted if you withdraw after the class census date, even if you have not attended any class.
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Refunds will not be made in the amount of $5 or less.
Military Tuition Refund
Upon request by the student and appropriate documentation, the College will grant a full refund of tuition and fees to military reserve and National Guard personnel called to active duty or active duty personnel who have received temporary or permanent reassignments as a result of military operations taking place outside the state of North Carolina that make it impossible for that student to complete his/her course requirements during the current semester or term.
Death of Student Refund
In the event of a student’s death during a semester or term, all tuition and fees the student had paid that semester or term may be refunded to the estate of the deceased.
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may choose any of the following methods to file a FAFSA: (1) Log in to www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply online (recommended); (2) Complete a PDF FAFSA obtained online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/options.htm which must be mailed in for processing; or (3) Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, you may contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Always be sure to list South Piedmont Community College’s school code (007985) in Step 6 of the FAFSA to ensure the South Piedmont Community College Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs receives your application.
Information entered into the FAFSA is reviewed according to federal guidelines. This ensures that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably. Income, assets, family size, marital status, and the number of Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-5
family members in college are used to determine financial need. Once your eligibility for financial aid has been determined, your award letter will be available for viewing or printing on your SPCC Go! Account at http://go.spcc.edu. Financial aid covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books (not to exceed the eligible amount). Your SPCC ID card will be required when making purchases in the College bookstores. Each semester, any remaining financial aid balance will be sent to your current mailing address as listed with the SPCC Restrar’s Office.
NOTE: Students who withdraw or stop attending before the 60% point of the semester have not earned their awards and will be required to repay unearned financial aid funding.
The FAFSA is available beginning January 1 of each year for the upcoming academic year (July 1 through June 30). Each academic year, you must complete or renew the FAFSA. You are encouraged to apply at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration for the semester you intend to enter the College. To receive priority consideration for all types of financial aid, students should complete all financial aid forms and requirements by the listed dates:
Fall Semester Enrollment June 15
Spring Semester Enrollment November 15
Summer Term Enrollment March 15
If your eligibility for financial aid has not been determined or your file is not complete before the tuition payment deadline for each semester, you will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees, and all other applicable charges. Payment deadlines are published on college calendars and generally occur 30 days prior to the start of each semester.
Student Responsibilities
To receive Federal Financial Aid and State assistance, you must:
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Demonstrate financial need as determined by a completed FAFSA
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Have an official high school diploma or a high school equivalency on file with the College
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Be enrolled in an eligible academic program
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
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Be a U. S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
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Have a valid Social Security Number
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Certify that federal student aid will be used for educational purposes
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Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money on a federal student grant
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Certify that you have not been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs
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Register with Selective Service
Courses not eligible for federal financial aid include, but are not limited to:
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Special Credit (undeclared major)
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Credit by Examination (test-out)
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Audited courses
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High school programs (Career and College Promise, Early College)
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Certificate programs that are less than 16 credit hours in length
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Non-credit courses/Continuing Education courses
Types of Financial Aid Available
Federal Financial Aid
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Federal Pell Grants are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Pell grants are for college undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. III-6 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) offer financial assistance to students who have exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based on the financial need established by completing the FAFSA application and awarded to students who meet the priority filing deadlines.
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Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who meet eligibility requirements and wish to earn part of the cost of attending SPCC. Work-study employment is available on both campuses on a part-time basis (usually 10-27.5 hours per week). If you are interested in a work-study job with the College, you must complete a FAFSA and an SPCC Application for Federal Work-Study Employment. The application for Federal Work-Study Employment is located on the College’s website at www.spcc.edu. Click on Faculty & Staff>Jobs@SPCC.
State Financial Aid
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North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) may be awarded to students who are North Carolina residents enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in an eligible curriculum program. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students who are not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCCCG based on their estimated family contribution (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a FAFSA in order to be eligible for this grant.
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North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS) is available to NC residents for tuition purposes who enroll in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in a curriculum program and make satisfactory academic progress. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students who are not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCELS based on their estimated family contributions (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for this grant.
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North Carolina Community College Child Care Assistance provides child care assistance to students who have custody or joint custody of their children who are under six (6) years of age and are not yet enrolled in school. Child care providers must be licensed and regulated by the State of North Carolina. Applicants must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled in at least eight (8) credit hours of seated classroom instruction, and be making satisfactory academic progress.
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North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program includes the Less Than Half-Time Funds and High Demand Low Enrollment Funds. The Less Than Half-Time funds provide funding for students who are enrolled less than half-time in certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs. Students must complete the FAFSA and have an EFC between 801 and 4,000 and be enrolled in less than six (6) credit hours. Qualified students are eligible for $30 per semester hour. High Demand Low Enrollment funds are awarded to students who enroll in low-enrollment programs of study that prepare the students for high-demand occupations in local communities. High demand programs are selected on an annual basis and funding amounts vary.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from federal, state and local sources. They are awarded based on donor criteria, financial need, academic performance, and/or time of application. Students applying to receive scholarships must complete the FAFSA and the SPCC Online Scholarship Application accessible through the financial aid section on our college website www.spcc.edu under Student Resources.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
The Forgivable Education Loans for Service Program was established by the General Assembly in 2011 to provide financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina to lessen identified critical employment shortages. The program is designed to be flexible so that it will respond to current as well as future employment shortages in the State. The program currently targets future teachers, nurses, and allied health professionals. The program is administered by the State Education Assistance Authority and potentially eligible programs can be found on the College Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-7
Foundation of North Carolina website. The following programs of study may qualify as eligible programs at South Piedmont Community College: Emergency Medical Science, Medical Technology programs, Sonography, Nursing, and education programs that lead students to obtaining licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and teaching in a qualified position in North Carolina. Applications become available in January and award selection is made in April of each year. Additional information and updates about the application process are available at www.cfnc.org/FELS.
North Carolina Community College Loan Program
The North Carolina Community College Loan Program provides eligible students with short-term emergency loan funds. Funds are normally limited to $150 and all loans must be fully repaid within 30 days of disbursement. To be eligible, a student must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be making satisfactory academic progress. Funding is limited and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternative Loans
South Piedmont Community College is not affiliated with and does not maintain a preferred lender agreement with any private loan company or program. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will provide student selected loan companies with certification information in accordance with unmet need and enrollment status as determined by a completed FAFSA application and college registration.
Direct Loans
South Piedmont Community College does not currently participate in the Federal Direct Loan program. Therefore, students are not currently eligible for subsidized, unsubsidized, or parent PLUS loans under the current Federal Direct Loan programs while attending SPCC.
Payment Plans
SPCC has partnered with NELNET Business Solutions to provide an automatic payment plan for students who wish to self-pay by making scheduled payments for school-related charges. The plan offers online enrollment, flexible payment options, and no interest fees. Contact SPCC’s Business Office at 704-272-5348 for more information. A credit/debit card/checking account and $25 enrollment fee are required for plan activation.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Certain students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities that limit employment opportunities may be eligible for financial assistance through local Vocational Rehabilitation offices or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Resources, in Raleigh.
Workforce Investment Act
WIA funds are intended to provide financial assistance to students who have recently become unemployed. Assistance may be provided for tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, child care, and transportation. The duration of any individual WIA award is based upon the availability of funds as well as student satisfactory progress measures that may be imposed. More information about WIA can be obtained by contacting the Toll Free Joblink Career Centers information line at 877-632-2447.
Enrollment Status
A student’s enrollment status has a direct effect on financial aid that can be awarded. Most state and federal grants are prorated based on the enrollment status. Students who are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours are considered to be full-time students. Students who are enrolled 9-11 credit hours are three-quarter time, 6-8 credit hours are half-time, and students who enroll in 1-5 credit hours are considered less than half-time. Credit hours can only be counted if they apply to an eligible program of study and cannot include more than 30 credit hours of developmental courses. Annual awards cover a 9-month period and are split between two semesters. The number of authorized credit hours each semester is used to III-8 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
calculate the actual authorized semester awards. Awarded financial aid can be viewed on the student’s college-provided GO account.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Students Receiving Financial Aid
Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain strict academic (Qualitative) and progress (Quantitative) standards while pursuing their educational goals. Students receiving financial aid should note that the college-wide Probation Policy for academic progress contains the same grade point average (GPA) requirements as the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy; however, the SAP policy for students receiving financial aid is stricter than the college-wide Probation Policy for students enrolled in the same educational program who are not receiving financial aid. The SAP policy is applied to all student categories, i.e., full-time or part-time, who receive financial aid within eligible curriculum degree, diploma, and certificate programs established by the college.
Students receiving financial aid are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine progression. Students must meet the Academic Standard (Qualitative), the Program Completion Standard (Quantitative), and stay within the Maximum Timeframe Standard (Quantitative) to remain in a satisfactory status.
Academic Standard (Qualitative)
Students receiving financial aid must maintain a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA. SAP GPA includes “all” curriculum classes taken at South Piedmont Community College and any accepted transfer credits, regardless of timeframe. Classes with an “incomplete” (I) or a “withdrawal” (W) grade are included in the SAP GPA just like an “F” and count toward the attempted credit hours. All classes that are repeated count toward the SAP GPA and the attempted/completed credit hours.
If a student’s cumulative SAP GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on a financial aid warning status and will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning period of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to achieve the cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the end of the warning period a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA is not achieved, the student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid and will be placed in a financial aid unsatisfactory status. The student may regain financial aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA through self-pay or outside resources.
Program Completion Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete at least two-thirds or 67 percent of all curriculum hours attempted at South Piedmont Community College including accepted transfer credits, regardless of timeframe. The percentage is determined by taking the cumulative total of credit hours completed divided by the cumulative total of hours attempted. For example, a student who has completed 32 credit hours and attempted 64 credit hours has a completion rate of 50 percent (32 divided by 64). Attempted but not completed credit hours include: incompletes, withdrawals, repeated classes, and courses with a grade of “F.”
If a student’s percentage rate falls below 67 percent, the student is placed on a warning status and will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning period of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to earn a 67 percent or more completion rate. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the end of the warning period a cumulative 67 percent completion rate is not achieved, the student is placed in an unsatisfactory status and is no longer eligible for financial aid. The student may regain financial aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 67 percent or more completion rate through self-pay or outside resources.
Maximum Timeframe Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete their educational program within 150 percent of the published length of that program. The Maximum Timeframe Standard includes all curriculum hours Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-9
attempted at South Piedmont Community College and any accepted transfer credits or developmental education credit hours, regardless of timeframe. The SPCC college catalog provides a course listing for each educational program and the number of credit hours needed to complete the program. The published program lengths do not include developmental education hours that may be required for individual students. For example, the Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology is 66 credit hours in length; therefore, a student receiving financial aid enrolled in that program may attempt, including accepted transfer and developmental education credit hours, up to 99 credit hours (66 credit hours times 150 percent) and remain eligible for financial aid.
Students who exceed the 150 percent maximum timeframe are not eligible to receive financial aid at South Piedmont Community College. The Maximum Timeframe Standard does not provide for a warning or probationary status.
Additionally, students who cannot mathematically complete their program of study by the 150 percent maximum timeframe will no longer be eligible for financial aid. For example: A student is in a program which would allow for a maximum of 99 credit hours and the student has attempted 90 credit hours and needs 4 additional courses which total 16 credit hours to complete the program. Adding the 90 credit hours attempted to the 16 credit hours still required equals 106 credit hours which is more than the 99 credit hours allowed. Mathematically the student could not complete the program prior to the 150 percent maximum timeframe and would no longer be eligible for financial aid at South Piedmont Community College.
Appeal Process
Students in an unsatisfactory SAP status may appeal their loss of financial aid eligibility. Appeals must be made at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester in which a student wishes to receive financial aid. Financial Aid Reinstatement Appeal forms are available on the College’s website or in the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. Student statements on the form and attached documentation must include: (1) the circumstances that rendered them unable to meet the standard(s), (2) what has changed to allow the student to meet the standard(s) and (3) the student’s educational goal and plans to meet that goal. The reinstatement appeal form and supporting documentation can be submitted in person, by mail, by FAX, or via e-mail to the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will consider reinstatement appeals and the decision will be final. Students will be notified through e-mail of appeal decisions.
Students who have their appeals granted will be placed on probation and will be eligible for financial aid, provided they meet all SAP requirements and complete the SAP Academic Success Plan. The SAP Academic Success Plan requires that students receiving financial aid successfully complete all registered classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. Withdrawing from or failing a class does not constitute successful completion. During the student’s probationary semester of enrollment, the student will also be required to meet with a counselor and complete all assigned intervention modules. The modules are designed to improve the student’s academic focus and promote student success. Students who follow and complete all requirements within the SAP Academic Success Plan will stay on probation in a continued probation status as long as they successfully complete all registered classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility
If a student loses financial aid eligibility by failing to meet the Academic Standard and/or Program Completion Standard and after self-pay or the use of outside resources feels that the standards are met, the student must contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs to have their SAP status re-calculated. If the standards have been met, the student will regain financial aid eligibility for the semester following the semester in which the standards were met provided all other financial aid requirements have been completed.III-10 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100 percent, the six-year equivalent is 600 percent. Students who use all of their annually awarded Pell Grant by being a full-time student (12 hours) in each of two semesters would have used 100 percent. Students who used half of their annual awarded Pell Grant by being a half-time student (6 hours) in each of two semesters would have used 50 percent. Pell Grant usage is tracked by adding together the percentages of Pell Grant funding received each award year. Students who reach the 600 percent level are no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funding.
Return of Title IV Funds
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amount of financial aid funds that may be retained when you totally withdraw from all classes. If you are receiving Title IV funds, i.e., Pell Grant or FSEOG, and officially withdraw from or stop attending all classes before the 60 percent point of the semester, SPCC will recalculate your eligibility for financial aid based on the percent of the semester completed.
For example, if you withdraw after having completed only 30 percent of the semester, you will have “earned” only 30 percent of any Title IV funds received. The remaining 70 percent must be returned. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will notify you through your SPCC Gmail account of the repayment requirements and contact information to determine amounts due.
Financial aid recipients still enrolled after the 60% point of the semester will have “earned” 100% of the federal financial aid awarded.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Qualified veterans, wives, and children of deceased veterans may be admitted and approved to receive educational benefits, providing they meet requirements established by the Veterans Administration. To qualify, you must:
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Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency
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Be enrolled in a specific curriculum program
Certain other requirements may also apply. All previous college coursework must be received and evaluated by the Registrar. All admission requirements must be met before the enrollment certification can be sent to the Veterans Administration. Distance learning courses must be required courses within the veteran’s major to qualify for educational benefits. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs for a list of programs or classes that are eligible.
NOTE: Test-outs, independent studies, and audits are not eligible for VA benefits. Classes of 8-weeks, 12-weeks, or any other schedule deviation from 16-week classes may be subject to a pro-rating of monthly benefits from the VA.
The College is approved for the training of veterans under Public Law 16 of the 78th Congress and under Public Law 550 of the 82nd Congress, and Chapter 34, Title 38, United States Code. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at 704-272-5391 or via e-mail to finaid@spcc.edu.
Satisfactory Progress for Veterans
A veteran enrolled at South Piedmont Community College is required to make satisfactory academic progress. The measure of academic progress for veterans is the same as for students receiving other forms of financial aid. Student Support Services (Section IV) IV-1
The mission of the Student Services Division is to provide systematic support services to help you reach your educational and career goals. These services support the instructional programs and are in keeping with and complement the philosophy of South Piedmont Community College.
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” -20 U.S.C. § 1681.
Please refer to the SPCC Student Handbook found at www.spcc.edu for further information pertaining to Title IX. Title IX Coordinator is Susan Flake, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Payroll, Organizational Development, sflake@spcc.edu, and Title IX Assistant Coordinator is Elaine Clodfelter, Vice President of Student Services, eclodfelter@spcc.edu.
Counseling
The College provides counseling services to help you succeed in your educational program. Counselors can also help you with more personal problems that might affect your progress. Requests for these services can be made at the Student Services Office. NOTE: Personal counseling may be referred to local mental health facilities based on the intensity of the student’s needs.
Services for Students with Disabilities
SPCC recognizes its responsibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. Support services are available to individuals with learning, hearing, visual, and other health impairments. Brochures containing self-referral forms are available to all applicants and students. Note the following:
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Applicants or students who feel that they need accommodations due to a disability should contact the Disability Services Provider in the counseling office at South Piedmont Community College.
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Applicants or students must provide official, supporting documentation describing the disability. This documentation must be from an authorized professional(s). Federal regulations obligate the applicant or student to provide information on identifying appropriate and effective auxiliary aids. This documentation is held confidential for five (5) years after enrollment and will be destroyed after that time. To renew accommodations after the five (5) year period, new documentation must be provided. Documentation for learning disabilities should be no more than three (3) years old. Documentation provided for any disability must indicate the applicant’s or student’s current level of functioning.
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Students who have identified themselves as having a disability may request accommodations from the Disability Services Provider. New students should make such requests at least 30 days prior to the beginning of their first term of enrollment. Early communication of special needs provides the time needed to arrange for services and/or the procurement of equipment that the student may need.
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Each request will be evaluated by the Disability Services Provider, who will recommend reasonable accommodations to faculty.
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Students will be responsible for delivering accommodation information to each faculty member for discussion of how accommodations will be provided in each class.
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Students who do not feel that they are receiving agreed-upon accommodations should see the Disability Services Provider for clarification.
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Applicants or students who are not satisfied with the accommodations that they are receiving from the College should see the Vice President of Student Services or the Dean of Student Development.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESIV-2 Student Support Services (Section IV)
Reasonable Accommodations: The following are considered reasonable accommodations to be made for students with disabilities:
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The process must be an interactive one involving “a reasonable reciprocal effort” on the part of both parties.
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The College may not make a unilateral decision regarding the existence of a disability or the accommodation that is necessary.
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What is “reasonable” involves a detailed analysis of the specific circumstances of the case in question. Broad generalizations are not acceptable. An “individualized assessment” of the student’s situation must be conducted.
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The College is not required to provide specifically what the student requests. An alternative accommodation may be provided if it is effective.
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The College does not have to provide accommodations that are not effective. The College has a right to refuse to provide auxiliary aids and services that do not, in fact, provide equal access.
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The College must be given a reasonable amount of time to evaluate requests and to offer necessary accommodations.
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Determining what is reasonable requires one to balance two important rights: the student’s rights to be provided equal access and the College’s right to protect the integrity of its services and programs.
Career Services
SPCC’s Career Services Centers provide comprehensive career exploration to students. Career counselors can help you (1) explore and decide upon a career and academic major, (2) discover options for occupations related to your major, (3) identify factors to consider in making career decisions such as required education level, salary, working conditions, skills, certification or license requirements, 5-to-10 year job projections, etc., and (4) develop a career plan.
You may identify career interests through assessments that relate to your personality, interests, skills, and values to various career fields. You may explore the world of work through a wealth of online and hard-copy resources. Career development is a life-long process. Once you learn the steps of the process, you will be able to repeat it whenever you need to throughout your life.
South Piedmont Community College’s Career Services Centers are located on both campuses:
L. L. Polk Campus, Garibaldi Building, Room 264
Old Charlotte Highway Campus, Building B, Room 136
College Days and Transfer Information
During the fall semester, SPCC hosts a College Day for students, alumni, employers, and community residents who wish to obtain their bachelor’s degree. Representatives from four-year colleges and universities attend this important event. College materials (catalogs and admissions applications) and transfer information are available in Career Development Services. SPCC counselors and Arts and Sciences faculty can answer questions about the transfer process.
Voter Registration
Students and employees who have not registered to vote may register in the Library at either the L. L. Polk campus or Old Charlotte Highway campus. Students and employees may register throughout the semester; however, the deadline to register in order to participate in an election year is twenty-five (25) days prior to the Election Day. Any individual with a disability who needs help completing the voter registration form should ask for assistance from a Library staff member.Student Support Services (Section IV) IV-3
Student Orientation
All new students are required to attend orientation online at www.spcc.edu. The purpose of the orientation is to acquaint you with the campus, academic services, and student support services, as well as to discuss policies and regulations of South Piedmont Community College. The orientation will provide you with information concerning:
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Campus regulations and policies
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Financial aid
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College support services, i.e., counseling, career services, disability services, tutoring services
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Academic policies to include drop/add, withdrawal, and change of program procedures
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Library services
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Student activities
Services to Continuing Education Students
The following support services are available to continuing education students:
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Curriculum admission and program information
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Placement testing
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Personal counseling
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Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities
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Career guidance through assessments, inventories, and resume tools
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College IDs for students requiring off-site program identification
Academic Support Centers/Tutoring
Academic Support Centers are available at both the L. L. Polk campus and the Old Charlotte Highway campus to assist you in strengthening your academic skills.
Tutoring is available to students needing help in a specific course of study. Tutors provide individual and/or group help to build stronger understanding of course material outside of regularly scheduled classes. Tutoring services are available face to face and online. Additional information and a form to request a tutoring session are located under Academic Support Centers/Support on the SPCC Website.
Communication Center
The Comm