Academic Regulations & Information

Academic Achievement, Grades, Graduation, Standards of Progress

Academic Achievement Recognition

Technical College of the Lowcountry honors those students who have achieved high academic standards by naming them to the following honors lists:

President’s List: Students who earn a minimum of 12 semester hours credit per term with earned grades and have achieved a term GPA of 4.0 will be named to the President’s List for that term. Students earning a grade of “I” in any course in a term will not be eligible for the President’s List for that term.

Vice President’s List: Students who earn a minimum of 12 semester hours credit with earned grades and have achieved a term GPA of 3.55 to 3.99 will be named to the Vice President’s list for that term. Students earning a grade of “I” in any course in a term will not be eligible for the Vice President’s List for that term.

Honors List: Part-time students who earn a minimum of six semester hours credit with earned grades and have achieved a term GPA of 3.5 or greater will be placed on the Honors List for that term.

Grades

The College operates on a quality point system that is dependent on grades earned. Grades assign a rating for the quality of work in a course. Semester hour credits represent the number of credit hours for which the student registers for the semester. The grade earned determines the number of quality points per credit hour. Each grade has a grade-point equivalent. The Grade Point Average (GPA) equals the sum of quality points earned divided by the number of credit hours carried. Any prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

The following grades are recorded on transcripts and grade records at TCL.

Credits earned in developmental studies courses numbered less than 100 shall not be creditable toward an academic certificate, diploma, or degree and will not generate grade points for use in GPA calculation. Courses numbered as 100 shall not be creditable towards any degree program but credits shall be earned and grade points shall be earned in the overall GPA average.

Grade Reports

Grade report information will be available to students as soon as possible following the end of the semester. Students should use Self Service to view and print grades. To request an an official copy of their transcript students place place on order online. Students are encouraged to carefully review their grade information and report any errors to the Student Records Office in Building 2, Coleman Hall. Any submissions for grade changes due to clerical errors must be submitted within one calendar year of the ending date of the semester in which the grade was assigned. Grade reports will not be released for students owing past due funds to the College.

Grade Point Average (GPA): Computation

Included in GPA computation are grades of “A, B, C, D, WF, and F.” Other ‘grades’ do not generate credit hours or quality points. The table shows the computation of a GPA.

Types of Grade Point Averages

Cumulative GPA is a calculation of the average of all final course grades a student has earned at TCL. It is used to determine honor graduate status. It is also used along with term GPA to determine satisfactory academic progress.

Term GPA is a calculation of the average of all final grades a student has earned in a specific term. It is used to determine the President’s List, Vice President’s and Honors List each term. It is also used along with cumulative GPA to determine satisfactory academic progress.

Note: When the same course is repeated, the most recent grade is used in the GPA calculation.

Graduation Requirements

Each term, the Student Records Office will notify instructors of the graduation application deadline. Students must complete an Application for Graduation, which is available at the Student Records Office or online at www.tcl.edu. Debts to the College, including library fines, must be cleared prior to the completion of the Application for Graduation. The completed application must be returned to the Student Records Office by the established deadline. Academic advisors will review the graduation requirements with the student. If a student is able to complete all course requirements during the term, the academic advisor may approve the application and forward it to the Division Dean. If the student cannot be scheduled to complete all requirements for graduation during the term, the academic advisor will disapprove the application and work with the student to correct any deficiencies. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses within their curriculum, to qualify for any degree, diploma, or certificate of completion award from the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Residential Requirements for Graduation

Students seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate from Technical College of the Lowcountry must earn, through instruction at TCL, at least 25% of the semester credit hours required in the specific curriculum in which they are graduating.

Graduation with Honors

Honors are awarded only to students in programs 30 semester hours or more in length. Students will graduate with academic honors based on the cumulative GPA.

Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress

TCL follows State Board Technical and Comprehensive Education Procedure 3-2-105.1 which states: A semester/term and cumulative grade point average (GPA) shall be used at each technical college to determine satisfactory academic standing. Students who fall below this standard will be subject to institutional intervention strategies.

Students’ academic standings are assessed and updated at the end of each term of enrollment. Any grade changes received after the academic standings have been determined are not assessed until the end of the next term of enrollment unless the students petition the Registrar’s Office.

Standards of Progress for Credit Students

Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and have been placed on probation for two consecutive terms will be suspended at the end of the third term:

• Good Standing: Students whose term and cumulative GPA are above 2.0 are in good standing for the following semester.
• Probation: Students whose term GPA and cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 will be placed on probationary status for the next term of attendance.
• Continued Probation: Students whose term GPA is above a 2.0, indicating progress, but whose cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 will be placed on continued probation for the next term of attendance.
• Suspension: Students who fail to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 following three consecutive semesters of probation will be suspended for a minimum of one semester.

Standards of Progress for Career Development Students

A Career Development student is one who is not pursuing an associate degree, diploma or certificate but who would like to take curriculum courses for personal advancement or occupational upgrading. Applicants must meet admission requirements, complete an admission application, pay all applicable fees, and meet with a faculty advisor to discuss enrollment in courses. Career Development students earning 12 or more credit hours must meet requirements to enter a curriculum program or obtain a waiver from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Career Development/Non-Degree Seeking students are subject to the same standards of academic progress as students enrolled in degree programs. They may not be eligible for Federal financial assistance or veterans’ benefits and may not take general education courses unless they meet all applicable placement criteria. Course prerequisites are outlined in the Course Descriptions  section of this Catalog.

Standards of Progress for Developmental Studies (DVS) Students

Students enrolled in one or more non-developmental studies courses are evaluated by the standards of progress for credit students. Students enrolled only in developmental studies courses (courses numbered 001-099) must maintain satisfactory progress as measured by a grade of “C” or higher. These courses include DE Mathematics and DE Mathematics Workshop, DE Reading and DE Reading Workshop, DE English and DE English Workshop, and Intro to Composition.

When a student places into the DVS/college preparatory sequence (courses numbered 100), that sequence must be completed. Students enrolled in Developmental Studies courses must show satisfactory academic progress. Progress is measured by Arts and Sciences Division requirements in mathematics, reading and writing/English. Enrollment in Developmental Studies courses numbered 012/032 is limited to a maximum of 30 semester hours. Exceptions may be granted if students meet the College’s Standards of Progress and have the appropriate approval.

All students registered for 0 level and 100 level classes are required to register for COL 103 . Both courses will be taken the same semester.

Developmental Education classes carry institutional credit for administrative purposes such as calculating student course load and computing tuition. The credits do not apply toward graduation. Credits earned in developmental studies courses numbered less than 100 do not generate grade points for use in GPA calculation. Courses numbered as 100 shall earn credits and grade points that shall be earned in the overall GPA average.

Note: Students needing a reading course at any level must take that course during the first semester at TCL.

Standards of Progress for Financial Aid Recipients

In addition to the College’s standards of progress, students receiving Federal financial and/or State financial assistance must meet all Financial Aid standards of progress. Please review the Standards of Progress in the Financial Aid  section, or contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Academic Regulations and Information

Academic Honesty

The College expects all students to conduct themselves with dignity and to maintain high standards of responsible citizenship. Academic dishonesty at TCL will not be tolerated.

The College adheres to the Student Code for the South Carolina Technical College System. Copies of the Student Code and Grievance Procedure are provided in the TCL Student Handbook, the Division Office, and the Learning Resources Center and are available on the College’s website at www.tcl.edu.

Academic Advising

Students are assigned a faculty advisor who helps them develop a plan that leads to timely completion of the academic program. Students should confer with their academic advisors prior to the start of each semester to monitor program progress and plan for the subsequent semester. Students who place into three developmental courses are assigned an academic advisor in the Arts and Sciences Division. Students who place into at least one curriculum level course numbered 101 or higher are assigned an academic advisor in the Division in which their major is located. A student who does not meet the minimum placement scores in English, reading, and/or mathematics is assigned an advisor through the Admissions Office to develop a plan to remediate in areas of deficient skills prior to retaking the placement assessments.

Academic Load (Overload)

The course schedule for a full-time student may range from 12-18 semester hours credit per semester, except during summer, when 9-12 semester hours credit constitutes a full load. If a student wishes to carry an academic load of more than 18 semester credit hours per semester, the student should be referred by their academic advisor to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President will conduct a personal interview with the student and evaluate the student’s ability to successfully complete the work with a grade of “C” or higher demanded by the academic load. Approval or disapproval will be noted on the student’s Datatel record prior to completing the registration process.

Appropriate Use of Computing Resources

TCL Procedure 7-1-703.6 USER RESPONSIBILITY ON USE AND DUPLICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE outlines the appropriate use of the College’s computing resources. Students are responsible for the legal use of computer software and applicable copyright laws and are prohibited from copying software on College computers and from installing personal software.

Appropriate Use of Electronic Devices

TCL recognizes the importance of providing the best learning environment for its students. To eliminate class disruptions and protect the integrity of the classroom and instruction, the use of electronic devices such as cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic devices is not permitted in classrooms, the Learning Resources Center, computer laboratories, testing centers, and other instructional locations at TCL. Such devices must be maintained in “silent” mode. Students are also not permitted to use the “text” function of these devices in instructional locations.

On-call personnel who must maintain these devices in “active” mode in the interest of public safety must notify the instructor of their need for an exception at the beginning of classes for the term. The instructor may request documentation from these students verifying employment.

Students may not leave a test, communicate with these devices and then return to complete the test. Students who by necessity must take such messages will be required to make arrangements for re-testing.

Attendance

The College’s statement of policy indicates that students must attend ninety percent of total class hours or they will be in violation of the attendance policy.

Students not physically attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Students taking an online/internet class must sign in and complete and assignment designated by the instructor within the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester to indicate attendance in the class. Students not attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Reinstatement requires the signature of the division dean.

In the event it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from the course OR if a student stops attending class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor via e-mail requesting to be withdrawn from the class. Withdrawing from class may have consequences associated with financial aid and time to completion. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from any class, particularly if the student is currently on a warning or probation status.

When a student exceeds the allowed absences, the student is in violation of the attendance policy. The instructor MUST withdraw the student with a grade of “W”, “WP”, or “WF” depending on the date the student exceeded the allowed absences and the student’s progress up to the last date of attendance

or

Under extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the class, allow the student to continue in the class and make-up the work. This exception must be documented at the time the allowed absences are exceeded.

Absences are counted from the first day of class. There are no “excused” absences. All absences are counted, regardless of the reason for the absence.

A student must take the final exam or be excused from the final exam in order to earn a non-withdrawal grade.

A copy of TCL’s STATEMENT OF POLICY NUMBER: 3-1-307 CLASS ATTENDANCE (WITHDRAWAL) is on file in the Division Office and in the Learning Resources Center.

Attendance (Online)

For all online courses, students must complete an assignment designated by the instructor during the first week of classes. The instructor will drop the student from the course if the initial assignment is not completed.

Instructors will withdraw students from the class when 90% attendance is not maintained. Attendance in an online course is defined by regular course access and by timely completion of assignments as required by the instructor. Each student will be expected to access the web class at least once a week and complete 90% of assignments on time. Additional access is encouraged and may be necessary for successful completion of classes.

Failure to log in and complete assignments will result in the student being withdrawn from the course. The instructor will assign a grade of “W,” “WP,” or “WF” based upon the student’s academic standing at the last date of attendance, which is the last login. Students are responsible for any financial matters associated with an administrative withdrawal.  If a student fails to email the instructor (using the my.tcl.edu email account) requesting to be dropped from the course and has not submitted the initial assignment required during the first week of class, the instructor will assign a “Never Attended” code in the student information system no later than ten calendar days after the first day of the class.  Students who are dropped as a result of never attending the course are still responsible for all fees associated with the course.

Auditing of Courses

A student who wishes to attend a class regularly but not receive a grade or credit for it may register for audit status with the approval of the instructor of the course and the Division Dean. Audit students are expected to attend all classes. They may not be held responsible for tests and other class assignments. Applicants must meet admission requirements, complete and submit a TCL Application for Admission and pay all applicable tuition and fees. Audit students are charged the same tuition rate as credit students. Audit status must be declared at the time of registration with the Student Records Office and no later than the end of the schedule change (add/drop) period for the semester. Financial aid programs and the Veterans Administration do not provide funds for auditing classes.

Change of Major

A student who wishes to change curriculum programs (major), including a change within the same division, must complete and submit a Change of Major form. Students must meet with their new academic advisor to ascertain that admissions requirements for the new major have been met and to complete the form and submit to Student Records. Students receiving financial assistance or Veterans benefits should inform the Financial Assistance Office or Veterans Services Office of the change of major. Upon completion of the change of major process, students will be admitted to the new program of study. Courses outside of a student’s program of study are not covered by financial aid. Reductions of aid may occur after the start of class based on negotiation.

Children on Campus

In order to promote an environment conducive to teaching and learning and to ensure that children are not left unattended or disrupt college classes or services, faculty, staff, and students shall not bring children to work or class even if the children are being watched by someone else while the employee is working or the student is in class. The College cannot assume the responsibility for supervision of children of faculty, staff or students.

Class Cancellation in Hazardous Weather

In the event of hazardous weather conditions, information regarding closings and cancellations will be posted on the website at www.tcl.edu. Local TV and radio stations will also be notified. All students are strongly encouraged to register their cell phones with TCL’s text alert system to receive immediate notification of emergency events. Visit www.tcl.edu/text-alert to register.

Copyright

All TCL students, staff, and faculty will adhere to and respect the provisions of the Copyright law, Title 17, U.S. Code. All students, staff, and faculty are expected to follow the law in good faith and subscribe to the spirit of protection it gives to the rights of others. For more information, see “Copyright ” in the Student Handbook section of this catalog.

Credit-by-Examination

Credit-by-examination gives students the opportunity to demonstrate evidence of mastery of a course, or its equivalent, if a student cannot receive transfer credit. The evidence must include the result of an appropriate examination, written report or demonstration.

A student is not able to seek credit-by-examination for the same course that has been unsuccessfully attempted or previously failed. Credit-by-examination shall be limited to a maximum of 75% of the credits required for completion of a program.

Credit-by-examination may be earned through two methods:

Standardized tests including:

• CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DANTES subject tests will be accepted with examination scores meeting or exceeding the approved scores recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).

• USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute) coursework will be accepted if a grade of “C” or better is earned and for which an equivalent is recommended by the American Council on Education.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Tests will be accepted for scores of 3 or higher on tests for which the College offers equivalent courses.

Official transcripts or records of exam scores must be on file at the College before credit is granted. Scores must be within five years of matriculation or if college-level course work was successfully completed then the scores may be used to award credit.

Credit by Challenge Exam (Local):

With the approval of the appropriate academic Division Dean, a course or selected courses offered by the college can be challenged for credit by examination by a currently enrolled student, who has declared a major. Division Deans give approval based on demonstrated experience such as a significant accumulation of non-credit courses in an appropriate field or significant on the job experience in a field related to the course being challenged.

A student who is approved to take a challenge examination must pay a fee equivalent to one-half the current charge for the course being challenged before taking the exam.

Developmental Studies

TCL provides an educational program for students who need to strengthen or refresh basic skills in mathematics, reading, and/or writing/English. The purpose of developmental studies courses is to help students obtain the skills needed to successfully, with a grade of “C” or higher, enter and complete academic programs. If placement scores on ACCUPLACER fall below the required levels, students should register for Developmental Studies (DVS) courses. These courses include DE Mathematics and DE Mathematics Workshop, DE Reading and DE Reading Workshop, DE English and DE English Workshop, and Introduction to Composition. All students registered for 0 level and ENG 100 , MAT 101 , and RDG 100  classes are required to register for COL 103 . Both courses will be taken the same semester.

Distance Education

TCL offers many courses in alternative formats. These include:

• Online or web based: These courses are offered online. There are no class meetings. All instruction is done via the Internet. Consult the course schedule flyer for information on orientation sessions. The Blackboard 24/7 Customer Support located online at www.blackboard.com/support. Blackboard support can also be reached at 1-877-736-2596.
• Blended or mixed mode: These courses spend up to 50% of class time online and the balance in the class room.
• Live broadcast: Live broadcast classes have an instructor in the origination classroom with students viewing the course at a TCL receive site. Consult the course schedule flyer for details.

English Fluency of Faculty and Tutors

Purpose

English fluency of full-time and adjunct faculty is carefully screened during the hiring process to determine if they are proficient in the use of the English language. The College’s procedure ensures that all permanent and adjunct faculty, whose first language is other than English and who teach one or more courses, possess adequate proficiency in both the written and spoken English language and that appropriate response is given to student complaints about an instructor’s English fluency.

Procedure

• Applicants for permanent and adjunct faculty vacancies will proceed through the College’s normal screening process with assessment based on standard job-related criteria to include perceived written and oral communication abilities.
• If an applicant becomes a finalist for a faculty position but his/her written or oral proficiency is judged by the Interview Committee to require further evaluation, then the applicant will be referred to an English Fluency Evaluation Committee. The committee will ensure that an English Fluency Evaluation is made through the performance of at least the following minimum proficiency exercises: a) Provide written response of at least one page to an essay question concerning either teaching methods or the academic discipline or b) conduct an oral instructional presentation related to the subject area with at least half the presentation using the lecture method.
• The Interview Committee, assigned by the President for each vacancy, will also serve as the English Fluency Evaluation Committee. The committee will ensure that appropriate procedures are used to provide a favorable environment for the exercises in addition to controls and security to ensure independent and original work by the applicant. The applicant must be evaluated by committee consensus to be proficient in both minimum proficiency exercises.
• Standardized tests or other valid proficiency testing instruments may be used only to corroborate the result of the minimum proficiency exercises.

Student Complaint

• A student who files a complaint regarding the English fluency of an instructor must do so in writing.
• Within 30 calendar days, the instructor will be referred to the English Fluency Evaluation Committee as appointed by the President or his/her designee for a proficiency evaluation using the exercises outlined in the procedure.
• An instructor who is judged proficient by the committee will continue teaching assignments without any further action. However, if student complaints continue or the supervisor determines a continuing fluency/communication deficiency exists, appropriate actions can be initiated.
• A permanent instructor judged deficient by the committee will be given one academic term to develop sufficient skills to be judged proficient. If during the term the instructor has not shown evidence of satisfactory progress in overcoming the deficiency, the instructor may be terminated.
• An adjunct instructor judged deficient by the committee may be terminated immediately.
• An annual report will be submitted by June 30 of each year to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The summary report will indicate the total number of student complaints involving faculty English fluency and the resolution of each complaint.

Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services

TCL recognizes the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Military Guide for credit recommendations for formal courses and occupations offered by all branches of the military. Students may submit their Service Transcripts to the Admissions Manager or they may authorize the Admissions Manager to obtain a copy of their Service Transcripts. To avoid the potential to register for a course for which experiential credit could be granted, students should submit their service transcripts as early as possible in the application process.

Division Deans are responsible for reviewing Service Transcripts to determine credits applicable to the student’s declared program of study. Experiential credit will be awarded for no more than 75% of the credit hours applied toward a degree, diploma or certificate. Following review by the Division Dean, Student Records will enter the approved credits on the student’s official record. A copy of the Service Transcript and the results of the credit recommendation is kept in the student’s record. There is no fee for the evaluation of Service Transcripts.

Experiential Credit/Credit by Exam

Apprenticeship Experiential Credit

Technical College of the Lowcountry recognizes that learning is a lifelong process that may occur in any number of settings in addition to the classroom. It is the policy of the College to formally recognize such experience or nontraditional learning and its subsequent translation into usable college-equivalent credits. College procedures will ensure that adequate documentation of learning experiences is provided by the student prior to the awarding of any academic credit to be recorded on the College’s official records. Experiential credit will be awarded for no more than 75% of the credit hours applied toward a degree, diploma or certificate. All procedures for awarding experiential credit will reflect the current approved practices and guidelines stipulated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Credit is granted to skilled craft workers who have completed a standard South Carolina apprenticeship program and for related training. Credit may be also granted for work completed at proprietary schools, such as business colleges, art schools, and beauty colleges. Such credit generally applies only toward a vocational program. Students should apply for such credit in Student Records or with an academic advisor, bringing certificates of completion, school records, or other available documentation. The student is notified of the credit granted, and a record is kept in the student’s file. For more information, contact the academic advisor.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Annual Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records.  An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution, regardless of their age.  These rights include:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the school receives a request for access.  A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect.  The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.  If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student  wants changes, and specify why it should be changed.  If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The school discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel); a person or company with whom the college has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using college employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, transcript distribution service or National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the Area Commission; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the college.

Upon request, the college also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by TCL to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

   

  Family Policy Compliance Office

  U.S. Department of Education

  400 Maryland Avenue, SW

  Washington, DC  20202

Addendum:

As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which a student’s education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records - including Social Security Number, grades, or other private information - may be accessed without student consent.  First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities (“Federal and State Authorities”) may allow access to student records and PII without consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal - or state-supported education program.  The evaluation may relate to any program that is “principally engaged in the provision of education,” such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution.  Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to education records and PII without consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when the college may object to or does not request such research.  Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities.  In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without consent PII from student’s education records, and they may track student participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about students that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

Final Exams

Exams will be scheduled for every course at a specific time. The Exam Schedule is available each semester in the Catalog Course Search section on the TCL website.

Financial Responsibility and Registration for Courses

Students are required to register according to the published registration schedule for each semester in which they plan to enroll. Registration and payment of fees must be made in accordance with instructions and deadlines published by the College. Registration for classes incurs a financial commitment to TCL. If a student decides not to attend TCL or any of the courses for which he/she registered, action must be taken to cancel the schedule before the first day of the semester to avoid being responsible for all or a portion of your tuition and fees.

Full-time and Part-time Students

Full-time students are those students who have matriculated into an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program and who enroll in a minimum of 12 semester hours credit per semester. Part-time students are those students who have matriculated into an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program and who enroll in a maximum of 11 semester hours credit. For more information regarding full- and part-time status as it relates to financial aid eligibility, contact the Financial Aid Office.

General Education Requirements

Students graduating from an associate degree program at TCL are able to:

Possess a proficiency in communication skills

• Produce written documents using standard English and citations appropriate to discipline OR
• Produce oral or visual presentations using standard English and appropriate citations

Demonstrate the ability to reason critically

• Understand and apply mathematical techniques or scientific method
• Use mathematics to solve problems appropriate to the discipline
• Develop conclusions based on data analysis and supporting information

Develop context for communicating an understanding of personal and social responsibility

• Communicate understanding of social issues within historical and cultural context OR
• Communicate understanding of social issues within behavioral and personal context

Demonstrate information literacy

• Use resources to find, organize, and integrate information from reliable sources
• Use citations appropriate to the discipline

For all Associate Degrees, a minimum of 15 hours of general education will be required. Students are required to take one course from each of the areas listed below and two additional electives from the Humanities/Fine Arts, Social/Behavioral Sciences, or Natural Science/Mathematics areas. Check with your advisor to ensure the course you select applies to your degree program.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements vary according to the curriculum. Students are responsible for fulfilling the requirements set forth in their curriculum (major). An associate degree, diploma, or certificate will be awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the required program of study.

• Graduation Application deadlines are published each semester by the Student Records Office. Students must complete and submit an Application for Graduation available at the Student Records Office and the Academic Division Offices. Academic advisors will review the graduation requirements with the student. If a student is able to complete all course requirements during the term, the academic advisor may approve the application and forward it to the Division Dean. If the student cannot be scheduled to complete all requirements for graduation during the term, the academic advisor and the student will develop a plan for program completion.
• All debts to the College must be paid in full prior to the approval of the Application for Graduation.
• Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses within their curriculum, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0, to qualify for any degree, diploma, or certificate of completion award from the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
• Residential Requirements for Graduation: Students seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate from Technical College of the Lowcountry must earn through instruction at TCL at least 25% of the semester credit hours required in the specific curriculum in which they are graduating.
• The completed graduation application must be returned to the Student Records Office by the established deadline.
• Students using student loan funds must complete exit counseling at www.studentloans.gov

Grade Review

Assignment of grades is the responsibility of the instructor and presumes fairness and best professional judgment. Reviewing a grade implies the instructor will share with the student the grades earned by the student and the instructor’s method of calculating the student’s final grade. If an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade, the instructor will submit a grade change form to the appropriate office for processing, and will provide a copy to the student. A grade review should be resolved by conference between the student and the instructor who assigned the grade. If the instructor is not available, the student should contact the Division Dean for the area in which the course was taught. The student should call or email the instructor or dean prior to meeting so necessary information will be available. No grade changes may be made after one calendar year. (For information concerning student appeal and grievance process, see TCL Student Code ).

Help Desk

Students may contact the Help Desk concerning Self Service and student email account issues at helpdesk@tcl.edu or 843- 525-8344. The Help Desk is closed on official holidays recognized by the college.

Intellectual Property Rights for Students

Students have exclusive ownership of intellectual property developed on their own time and at their own expense, including the products of course assignments, subject to written agreement with external parties. The College shall have ownership of intellectual property developed by the student if the College funded development of the property, or if the College and the student entered into an agreement for the College to have ownership of the property, or to purchase the property upon completion of the development.

Incomplete (I) Grade

The grade “I” represents incomplete work. “I” does not affect GPA calculation; however, an “I” defaults to “F” automatically after one semester (See “F”) if course requirements are not satisfactorily completed. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to complete the course requirements within the prescribed time limit. The instructor must submit a grade change form to Student Records.  The instructor must provide documentation including record of attendance, current grades, and record of any communication with the students about the assignment of the incomplete grade. The Dean must approve the assignment of an incomplete grade.

Independent Study

Independent study is a contract between the student and the academic division allowing the student to undertake and earn credit for specific learning activities outside of the classroom. Tuition and fees are assessed for independent studies. The Division Dean may assign an appropriate faculty member to work with the student or deny the request. The proposal must be approved and learning activities begun prior to the end of the schedule change period (add/drop).

• Prior to the first day of class, the student may give a written request to the Division Dean requesting permission to undertake an independent study of a course in the curriculum.
• The proposal must include: a cover page available in the Division Office; a set of learning objectives; a calendar of student activities and check points for progress during the semester; an explanation of methods of evaluation; and a copy of the student’s transcript.
• The instructor and student will sign the proposal. The Dean may approve, sign and forward the proposal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or deny the proposal.
• Once approved, the course will be added to the student’s schedule.
• All tuition and fees must be paid prior to the start of any learning activities.

Learning Resources Center

The Learning Resources Center (LRC) or library is located in Building 12 on the Beaufort campus. A small LRC is also located on the first floor at the New River campus. The LRC maintains an extensive collection of circulating and reference materials for use by students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents of TCL’s service area. The LRC houses about 22,000 print volumes, 185 periodical subscriptions, 3,000 audiovisual titles, audiovisual equipment, and a student computing laboratory. The LRC employs modern information technologies to access electronic resources, such as online journals and periodicals, and over 60,000 e-books.  http://www.tcl.edu/library

LRC Services

The LRC staff provides reference services, conducts library orientations, and other information literacy training sessions, assists in preparation of bibliographies, and gives advice on library assignments. A computing laboratory and copy machines are available for student use at both New River and Beaufort. Reference service is available to all residents in the College’s service area, in person, by phone, by e-mail, and by instant messaging from the LRC website. The LRC participates with the University of South Carolina Beaufort Library and with the Beaufort County Public Library in the Lowcountry Library Federation, and with many other academic libraries in PASCAL (Partnership among South Carolina Academic Libraries). If requested materials are not available locally, they can be requested from other libraries.

Students may check out LRC materials by obtaining and presenting their valid College identification card. Passwords are required to access many of the LRC’s electronic services. These may be obtained from LRC staff upon validation of student status. Students working from remote locations, including New River and the H. Mungin Center, may contact the LRC directly to request shipment of materials. Students may also ask staff to arrange shipment. Residents in the College’s service area may borrow LRC materials by presenting a valid borrower’s card from their county library. Circulation policies vary according to the format of the item and the type of user.

LRC hours change during semester breaks, and the LRC is closed on official holidays recognized by the College. See the LRC website at http://www.tcl.edu/library or call 843-525-8304 for additional information on hours or services.

National Student Clearinghouse

TCL has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as its agent for all verifications of student enrollment. To obtain enrollment verification, please visit the Clearinghouse online at www.studentclearinghouse.org or contact them by telephone at (703)-742-4200.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is a nationally recognized honor fraternity for junior college status students. To be considered for full membership (by invitation only), a student must be enrolled in an associate degree program, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 with at least 12 semester hours credit in degree level courses, be of good moral character, and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. To maintain membership once established, members must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Phi Theta Kappa graduates wear the golden stole of their fraternity at the graduation ceremony.

Prerequisite/Progression Criteria

Any course noted as a prerequisite for another course must have successful completion with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress to the subsequent course.

Repeating Courses

When a TCL student repeats a course taken at the College and the course and prior enrollment are still active in the computer system, the most recent grade earned in that course will be used in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Taking a course more than two times may have implications for students who receive financial assistance.

Schedule Change (Section Swap)

Students may make the following changes to their schedules during the schedule change period of each semester session:

• Swap - students may change sections of the same course (e.g., change from ENG 101  - 21 to ENG 101  - 82). Students are responsible for making up all course work missed as a result of changing sections. To change sections of a course, students must contact their program Division Dean.
• Drop - students may drop a course which will result in the course being removed from the student’s schedule and transcript. Students who drop during the refund period will receive a tuition refund of either 100% or 50% based on the date the course is dropped. However, students are still responsible for payment of all course fees. To drop a course, students must e-mail their instructor from their TCL student e-mail account (@my.tcl.edu) requesting to be dropped from the course. Students should contact Financial Aid before dropping a course to determine any impact on their aid.
  
  Actual Section Swap dates for each semester are available on the Academic Calendar 2019 - 2020 .

Section Swap Period

Actual Section Swap dates for each semester are available on the website in the Academic Calendar 2019 - 2020 .

Testing Center

The Testing Center provides services for students to complete a variety of tests including, but not limited to, placement testing (ACCUPLACER), specialized tests such as the nursing entrance test, CLEP, Pearson VUE, as well as tests associated with online or web-enhanced courses. See the TCL website at www.tcl.edu/admissions/placement-testing or call the Testing Center at 843-470-8400 for additional information on hours and services. The Center is closed on official holidays recognized by the college. Testing after hours are available by appointment.

Transfer of Credit

TCL accepts credits earned at regionally accredited college and universities. Each course is evaluated based on course content and credit hour value. Only course grades of “C” or better will be accepted and such courses must parallel the content of Technical College of the Lowcountry courses. Following transcript evaluation, transfer credits will be posted on the student’s TCL transcript. The student may view their transcript through Web Advisor. To view a list of approved transferable courses, visit www.sctrac.org. TCL is neither liable for nor bound by any erroneous re-creation and/or publication of TCL articulation and transfer information produced by other institutions. TCL reserves the right to correct any errors that may have been made regarding transfer of credit.

Transcripts (TCL)

Students who wish to have official copies of their TCL transcripts may submit an order online or by written request. Written requests should be submitted to the Business Office and payment of fees is required. The student may use a TCL Transcript Request Form. A minimum of three business days should be allowed to process the transcript request. More time may be required during peak business periods. Students may print unofficial transcripts using Self Service. Transcripts will not be issued to students who owe funds to the College.

Self Service

The Self Service system is a web-based interface to Datatel. Students can use Self Service to register for classes, change their address, pay their bill, view their grades and transcripts, and a variety of other functions. Financial Aid awards, award letters, and required documents are available through the student’s Self Service account. To access Self Service, point your Internet browser to https://selfservice.tcl.edu. Self Service is available from any computer with an Internet connection, on or off campus. Initial log on and other instructions are available on the main Self Service page. For additional assistance accessing and using Self Service, contact the Help Desk at 843-525-8344.

Withdrawing from a Course - Student Initiated

The College’s statement of policy indicates that students must attend ninety percent of total class hours or they will be in violation of the attendance policy.

Students not physically attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Students taking an online/internet class must sign in and complete and assignment designated by the instructor within the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester to indicate attendance in the class. Students not attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Reinstatement requires the signature of the division dean.

In the event it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from the course OR if a student stops attending class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor via e-mail requesting to be withdrawn from the class. Withdrawing from class may have consequences associated with financial aid and time to completion. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from any class, particularly if the student is currently on a warning or probation status.

When a student exceeds the allowed absences, the student is in violation of the attendance policy. The instructor MUST withdraw the student with a grade of “W”, “WP”, or “WF” depending on the date the student exceeded the allowed absences and the student’s progress up to the last date of attendance

or

Under extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the class, allow the student to continue in the class and make-up the work. This exception must be documented at the time the allowed absences are exceeded.

Absences are counted from the first day of class. There are no “excused” absences. All absences are counted, regardless of the reason for the absence.

A student must take the final exam or be excused from the final exam in order to earn a non-withdrawal grade.

A copy of TCL’s STATEMENT OF POLICY NUMBER: 3-1-307 CLASS ATTENDANCE (WITHDRAWAL) is on file in the Division Office and in the Learning Resources Center.

Withdrawal from a Course - Instructor Initiated

The College’s statement of policy indicates that students must attend ninety percent of total class hours or they will be in violation of the attendance policy.

Students not physically attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Students taking an online/internet class must sign in and complete and assignment designated by the instructor within the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester to indicate attendance in the class. Students not attending class during the first ten calendar days from the start of the semester must be dropped from the class for NOT ATTENDING.

Reinstatement requires the signature of the division dean.

In the event it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from the course OR if a student stops attending class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor via e-mail requesting to be withdrawn from the class. Withdrawing from class may have consequences associated with financial aid and time to completion. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from any class, particularly if the student is currently on a warning or probation status.

When a student exceeds the allowed absences, the student is in violation of the attendance policy. The instructor MUST withdraw the student with a grade of “W”, “WP”, or “WF” depending on the date the student exceeded the allowed absences and the student’s progress up to the last date of attendance

or

Under extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the faculty member teaching the class, allow the student to continue in the class and make-up the work. This exception must be documented at the time the allowed absences are exceeded.

Absences are counted from the first day of class. There are no “excused” absences. All absences are counted, regardless of the reason for the absence.

A student must take the final exam or be excused from the final exam in order to earn a non-withdrawal grade.

A copy of TCL’s STATEMENT OF POLICY NUMBER: 3-1-307 CLASS ATTENDANCE (WITHDRAWAL) is on file in the Division Office and in the Learning Resources Center.

Withdrawing from College

A student who is planning to withdraw from the college must settle all financial obligations to the college. To withdraw from the college, the student must withdraw from all courses for which he or she is registered. The withdrawal from the college is complete when the student has withdrawn from the last course.