Absences and Tardiness

Since excessive absences or tardiness may affect the quality of a student's academic performance, the College expects all students to attend classes regularly. Faculty members are free to determine their own policies regarding irregular class attendance.

Students must complete all assignments, examinations, and other requirements in all of their courses. Absence does not constitute exemption from such obligations, and it is the student's responsibility to take the initiative in making up any work missed.

Students must be aware, however, that the opportunity to make up an examination is not a student right, rather it is a privilege granted under special circumstances. Faculty members are free to determine their own policies regarding make-up examinations, except that examinations must be offered for absences due to religious observances, hazardous weather conditions, or due to verifiable medical reasons. In the event of hazardous driving conditions due to inclement weather when the college remains open, students should make their own determination whether to attempt to travel to class based on safety considerations. Where appropriate, faculty will allow students who miss class under these conditions an opportunity to make up work missed. Excessive absences, however, may make it not appropriate to continue in the course. Students must be informed, in writing, at the beginning of each semester of the make-up examination policy for each course.

Students should be aware that non-attendance at classes will not result in automatic withdrawal from a course. Unless the student initiates a formal course withdrawal request through the Registrar's Office, non-attendance will result in an ``F" grade.

Absences due to inclement weather

On days when the College remains open during inclement weather, students should make their own determination whether to attempt to travel to class based on the safety of road conditions in their own locale. Students will not be penalized for missing class under this circumstance, although students are responsible for the work missed and are expected to make it up in a reasonable time.

Weather conditions may, at times, necessitate the early closure of the campus or a delay in the start of classes. Announcement of class delays or cancellations will be made by 6:30 a.m. for day classes and 4:00 p.m. for evening classes (those that begin after 4:30 p.m.). Students should listen to local radio during inclement weather - cancellation notice will be given over radio stations in Beacon, Brewster, Highland, Kingston, Millerton, Newburgh, Peekskill, Poughkeepsie, and Sharon CT. It is not necessary to call the college - notification will be given several times each hour on local radio. Normally, weather-related class cancellations on the main campus also apply to off-campus sites. Cancellation of day classes does not automatically extend to evening programs.

Absences due to religious beliefs>

Any student at the College who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days will be excused from any examination or any study or work requirements. College faculty will provide an equivalent opportunity for the student to make up any work that he or she may have missed because of such absence. (Section 224, New York State Education Law)

Academic Honesty
All members of the College community are assured the right to work in an environment of academic honesty. This is especially crucial in an academic community that seeks to judge students fairly, on their own merits. Consequently, the College will rigorously uphold academic honesty, and instances of dishonesty will be punished.

At the beginning of each semester, each faculty member must inform students, in writing, of specific expectations and practices for each course. Academic dishonesty is considered a violation of the Campus Code of Conduct. Serious incidents may result in dismissal from the College or other disciplinary action. Decisions of a faculty member concerning incidents of unethical behavior may be appealed to the Department Head for the course, then to an appeal committee, and finally to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

A complete description of the formal academic dishonesty appeal process may be found in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Types of academic dishonesty, from plain "cheating" to unauthorized duplication of computer software, are listed. The Handbook is distributed to all students, faculty and staff in September of each academic year. Additional copies are available in the Office of Student Services.

Students are expected to maintain high ethical standards in their academic work. This means they shall neither give nor receive assistance during quizzes or examinations and shall present only their own work for graded assignments. To avoid plagiarism, students should prepare papers and other work according to the guidelines established by the English Department and included in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Academic Honors

As an expression of its commitment to academic excellence, the College recognizes superior scholarship by its students in several ways.

President's List: Students who distinguish themselves by earning a QPA/CPA of 3.75 or better, with no grade below a C, based on a minimum of twelve academic or degree credits of work, in the semester or semesters under consideration, are named to the President's List and are recognized for their academic achievement in the College's commencement program.

Dean's List: Students who distinguish themselves by earning a QPA/CPA of 3.2 to 3.74, with no grade below a C, based on a minimum of twelve academic or degree credits of work, in the semester or semesters under consideration, are named to the Dean's List and are recognized for their academic achievement in the College's commencement program.

Academic Citation: Students who earn a QPA/CPA of 3.0 to 3.19 based on a minimum of twelve academic or degree credits of work, in the semester or semesters under consideration, receive an Academic Citation.

Honors Courses: The Honors Courses challenge Liberal Arts students through interdisciplinary study and introduce students to all aspects of the college experience including library research, academic advisement, extra curricular opportunities and transfer possibilities. Students who have taken Honors Courses in the past have transferred to a variety of quality colleges including Colgate, Cornell, New York University, Vassar, and Williams as well as the State University's most competitive four-year campuses. Students are selected for the Honors Program on the basis of high school achievement, standardized test scores, and an individual interview. Honors courses are open to qualified full-time and part-time students.

Phi Theta Kappa: This is an International Honor Society established to recognize and encourage scholarship and service among two-year college students. Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership, service, and academic excellence. Many four-year colleges have set aside scholarships for community college transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members. Students are invited to become members of the DCC Alpha Psi Kappa chapter of this Honor Society if they have a 3.5 CPA on a total of 12 hours of college-level work completed at the community college and maintain a 3.2 CPA throughout their community college career.

Alpha Beta Gamma: This is an International Business Honor Society established in 1970 to recognize and to encourage scholarship among two-year college students in business curricula. The organization reserves over $500,000 in scholarships for initiated members of Alpha Beta Gamma who transfer to four-year colleges and universities. To be eligible for membership in the Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma at the College, a student must be enrolled in a business curriculum and have completed 15 credit hours with at least 12 hours of work taken in courses leading to a business degree recognized by the College. In addition, the student must have demonstrated academic excellence by attaining a 3.5 CPA in business courses as well as a 3.5 overall CPA.

Academic Standing

Students are considered "in good academic standing" if they are making satisfactory progress towards completion of a certificate or degree and have met the required cumulative grade point average for the number of credits that they have attempted.

Auditing
Students may register to audit courses on a space-available basis beginning with the first day of classes each term. The approval of the Registrar and instructor are required for an audit status. Payment is the same as for students taking the course for credit. Under normal conditions, students may not change from audit status to credit status or from credit status to audit status after the third week of the semester.

Senior citizens, sixty years of age or older, may also audit college credit courses on a space-available basis. There is no auditing charge for senior citizens. The College maintains no official records of courses so audited.

Change in Curriculum

Students may change their curriculum if they find that their abilities and interests are better suited to another curriculum. When considering a curriculum change, the student should explore the possibilities and realities of the new program with his/her academic advisor. Length of time needed to complete degree requirements, prerequisites, and suitability of a new curriculum can be discussed at this time. The student will be referred to the chairperson of the curriculum in which the student is interested for additional information. In changing curriculum, a student should understand that no credit will be granted for courses previously taken that do not apply to the new program. Eligibility for TAP awards for students changing academic programs will be based on the student's CPA and accrued credits in the old curriculum prior to the effective date of the program change.

Completion of Degrees

Students should complete degree requirements within ten years, especially those enrolled in curricula with scientifically and technically oriented content. Students experiencing a break between courses in a sequence of scientific or technical courses may need to repeat one or more prerequisite courses or take qualifying examinations when re-entering the sequence. Consultation with the appropriate department head will be the determining factor. Students absent from the college for three or more years may need to rematriculate upon their return. They may choose to rematriculate in the current version of their original degree program or in a different degree program.

Cross-Registration

Dutchess Community College students may enroll in one or two courses at the Culinary Institute of America, Marist College, Orange Community College, Rockland Community College, the State University of New York College at New Paltz, Sullivan Community College, or Ulster County Community College, concurrent with full-time study at Dutchess. Students must be in good academic standing. They should secure the approval of the Registrar in order to cross-register. Cross registration is not in effect during the summer and does not apply to SUNY Learning network courses.

Degrees and Certificates

Dutchess Community College is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York to award the following degrees and certificates:

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS (A.A.)

Programs that lead to this degree are designed for those students who plan to receive a baccalaureate degree from a senior college or university. The A.A. degree may be completed in two years and consists primarily of courses in the liberal arts and sciences, special liberal arts and science courses related to the student's major field of interest, and electives.

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.)

These programs are designed primarily to prepare students to continue their education for the baccalaureate degree in scientific or professionally related programs at a senior college or university. The A.S. degree may be completed in two years and consists of a core of liberal arts and science courses, additional required special courses related to the student's field of interest, and electives.

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S.)

These programs may be completed in two years and prepare their graduates for immediate employment in specific occupations or careers. Many graduates, however, do transfer some or all of their credits towards more advanced study at a senior college or university. The A.A.S. degree consists of a basic core of liberal arts and science courses, special courses related to a specific career area, and electives.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

DCC offers two types of credit certificate programs: an Academic Certificate and an Applied Academic Certificate.

The Academic Certificate includes career-oriented courses and at least nine credits of liberal arts courses. The Applied Academic Certificate includes career-oriented or technical courses and at least one liberal arts course, ENG 101. Certificates may be of varying length, however it is expected that the majority of certificate programs can be completed in one calendar year. Courses in certificate programs are applicable to associate degree programs at DCC.

Fresh Start Rule

Students who have not enrolled in credit classes at DCC for a minimum of three consecutive years, and who have D's, F's and W's on their transcript, may apply for the Fresh Start Rule. This rule allows grades of D, F and W to be made non-applicable in a student's program. Students must apply prior to completing their first semester of return at the college in order to be eligible. All other requirements for graduation remain in effect. Students apply through the Registrar's Office for Fresh Start.

Grade Appeals

If a student wishes to discuss a grade that he/she has received for a test or an assignment or the final grade in a course, the initial step is for the student to meet with the instructor to resolve the concern in an informal manner. The meeting must be requested within thirty calendar days after receipt of a grade for a test or assignment, or by the end of the second week of the following semester after receipt of a grade for the course. If this meeting does not result in a solution satisfactory to the student, the student may appeal to the instructor's department head. If the student then wishes to initiate a formal appeal of the instructor's decision, the student must obtain a Grade Appeal Form from the department secretary or the Office of Academic Affairs, and submit the form within fourteen calendar days of the meeting with the instructor. A complete description of the formal grade appeal process may be found in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook that is distributed to all students, faculty and staff in September of each academic year. Additional copies of this handbook are available in the Office of Student Services.

Grade Point Averages

The overall quality of a student's work for a semester is measured by Quality Point Average or QPA, while the quality of all the work a student has done at the College through one or more semesters is indicated by Cumulative Point Average or CPA. The student's QPA is determined in the following manner:

Using quality points for each grade as defined in the Grading System section, multiply the number of quality points equivalent to the letter grade received in each course by the number of credit hours for the course to get total quality points received for the course. Divide the sum of the quality points received in all courses by the total number of credit hours. Round to the nearest hundredth. The quotient represents the student's Quality Point Average for the semester.

The student's CPA is determined just as the QPA is, except that the CPA includes all work completed at the College that is applicable to the curriculum in which the student is enrolled. In the event a course is repeated, the highest grade and quality points are used in the computation of the CPA.

Example:

Course		Total Credit	Grade	Quality Points	Total Quality Points
ENG 101		3	A	4.00	12.00
CHE 121		4	C+	2.33	9.32
MAT 118		3	D	1.00	3.00
HIS 102		3	F	0.00	0.00
BHS 103		3	A -	3.67	11.01
PED		1	B	3.00	3.00
		__ 17			____ 38.33

CPA = 38.33/17 = 2.25

Grading System

The following grading system is used at Dutchess Community College (effective fall 1999):

Grade		Quality	Grade Points	Numerical Equivalent
A		Excellent	4.00	93-100
A-			3.67	90-92
B+			3.33	87-89
B		Good/Above Average	3.00	83-86
B-			2.67	80-82
C+			2.33	77-79
C		Satisfactory/Average	2.00	70-76
D		Acceptable but below graduation standards. If received in a prerequisite course, the student may not qualify for the next course in sequence.	1.00	60-69
F		Failing	0.00	0-59
I		Incomplete, a temporary grade given in cases where students have not completed course requirements due to reasons beyond their control. The course requirements must be completed and a grade submitted within the first four weeks of the following semester (fall or spring) or the "I" automatically becomes an "F"
J		Proficiency, a grade that meets graduation requirements, earned by examination or life experience. To earn credit by proficiency, a student must perform at the level of C or better.
P		Passing (given only as a midterm grade with permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs)
U		Audit (No Credit)
W		Withdrawn

Normally, no grade change will be processed for any student later than one year after he/she has completed the course.

Graduation Requirements

All candidates for degrees and certificates from Dutchess Community College are required to:

1. Fulfill the requirements of the approved and registered program for which the student is registered.
2. Successfully complete the minimum number of credits required in the program.
3. Complete, at Dutchess, at least twenty-four hours of the course work offered for credits toward a degree.
4. Have a Cumulative Point Average of 2.0 or better in courses applicable to the curriculum in which the student is a candidate for graduation.
5. Be recommended for graduation by the Academic Standards Committee.
6. Have paid or satisfactorily adjusted all College fees and met all other obligations.

Matriculation

Matriculation is the process by which a student becomes an official candidate for a degree or certificate at the College. Full-time students become matriculated through the initial registration process. Part-time students are not automatically matriculated, but are eligible to apply for degree candidacy after enrolling in one or more credit courses. Part-time students are encouraged to matriculate to declare intent to complete the degree requirements as of the time of matriculation.

Student status is defined as follows:

	Full-Time Student:	A student enrolled for twelve or more credit hours during a semester.
	Part-Time Student:	A student enrolled in fewer than twelve credit hours during a semester.

Although the College reserves the right to modify courses or programs where appropriate, matriculated students in that circumstance will have an opportunity to use the Waiver process to apply equivalent courses toward the completion of the degree or certificate. See also: Waiver of Program Requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisites are intended to ensure that a student has sufficient preparation before advancing to the next course in a sequence. Prerequisites, where stated, must be met before enrollment will be permitted.

Probation and Dismissal

A student ``in good academic standing" is eligible to matriculate and may register for academic course work for the term in question. Students whose academic performance falls below the standards normally required by the College may either be placed on probation or recommended for dismissal by the Academic Standards Committee. Probation is a status assigned to those students showing reasonable promise of improving their performance. Students are recommended for dismissal when, in the opinion of the Academic Standards Committee, they fail to demonstrate the ability and interest required for successful completion of a given program. Students not in good academic standing will be dismissed.

Academic probation, which may include constraints upon a student's activities, is intended as an educational device to encourage greater effort on the part of students who appear to be having difficulty in meeting certain academic standards. Placement on academic probation may include denial of the right to register for academic course work unless certain conditions are met. Full-time students on academic probation will generally be limited to fourteen credits. Although a student on academic probation is performing below the standards normally required by the College, that student is still considered to be in good academic standing. Any question concerning whether or not a student is in good academic standing will be determined by the Academic Standards Committee.

Any student may appeal the decision of the Academic Standards Committee to the Dean, Associate Dean or Assistant Dean of Student Services, who may extend special consideration to those students whose circumstances or academic records indicate that such consideration is warranted.

The following guidelines are used to determine the status of matriculated students:

Credits Attempted	Probation** CPA	Dismissal*** CPA
0-18*	lower than 1.50	lower than 1.00
19-36	lower than 1.75	lower than 1.40
37-54	lower than 1.90	lower than 1.70
more than 54	lower than 2.00	lower than 1.90

*	Applies to part-time students once they have attempted twelve credits
**	Full-time students on probation will generally be limited to fourteen credits
***	Loss of matriculation - student must complete six credits with C or better to be re-matriculated.

Repeating Courses

Students receiving an F in a course or failing to achieve the required grade for enrolling in the next course in sequence may repeat the course in question once. However, they may not repeat it again without written permission from the head of the department responsible for the course. The decision of the department head may be appealed to the Academic Standards Committee that, after hearing the case, will make a recommendation to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Second Degree

Students who feel that they will gain significant educational or career advantage by earning more than one associate degree from Dutchess may pursue study toward another degree with the written approval of the Registrar. In order to qualify for the second degree, a student must complete at least fifteen applicable credits beyond those used to satisfy requirements for the first degree. Nine of the fifteen credits must be specifically required in the second curriculum.

Students who wish to qualify for the degrees simultaneously should request approval as soon as they are aware of their plans to earn two degrees. Those who already have received one degree should seek approval prior to matriculating in the second degree program. Interested students should contact the Registrar's Office.

Special Studies Courses

Special Studies projects provide students the opportunity to earn academic credit by participating in independent study, group research, seminars, community service, work experience, and other educational activities under the supervision of a faculty member. Special study projects are normally available only to matriculated students who have completed 30 or more credits, applicable to their degree, at Dutchess Community College. Students may not earn more than 6 credits from special study courses. Before registering for a special studies project, the student must develop a project with a faculty member who volunteers to serve as the student's mentor and the project must be approved by the head of the sponsoring department. Students should consult their academic advisor for further information.

Study Abroad

The College can make arrangements through cooperating colleges and universities for students to study abroad for a semester or a full academic year, with full academic credit. Recently, students have taken advantage of this option to study in England, Ireland, Italy, Israel, and the Scandinavian countries. The College also sponsors short-term academic programs to various countries. Students should consult the Office of Academic Affairs.

Summer Sessions

An extensive program of credit and credit-free courses is offered each summer on the College campus and at selected off-campus centers. The summer calendar includes:

Session I	Day & Evening classes	late May - late June
Session II	Day & Evening classes	late June - early August
Session III	Day & Evening classes	late June - early July

The Summer Session is designed to provide area students with an opportunity to earn additional credits. A bulletin describing course offerings and registration procedures is available in the spring.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of a student's academic record will be issued at his/her request and sent to other educational institutions and prospective employers. Requests for official transcripts must be filed in writing in the Office of the Registrar. A $5.00 fee is charged for each transcript requested. If a student owes money to the College from any previous semester, no academic transcripts will be forwarded to any other institution until the debt is paid.

Virtual College

The college offers numerous courses each semester utilizing various distance learning technologies. They include:

Asynchronous Courses - Computer-based instruction that allows students to log on to their computer and work on the course at times that are convenient to them. Students interact with the instructor and other students online.

Distance Learning Classroom - the College has an interactive video link between the main campus in Poughkeepsie and Dutchess South in Wappingers Falls. Students who wish to take selected credit classes may attend classes in the distance learning classroom at either site, and should register for whichever location is most convenient. Faculty may teach from either site. The room is also linked to 14 high schools throughout Dutchess County as part of the BOCES Distance Learning System. In addition, the room is linked via ISDN equipment to sites with similar equipment around the world for videoconferencing, and it is also tied into the College's ITFS microwave system.

Telecourses - Complete instructional packages that include video programs broadcast throughout the semester on Channel 42 (UHF) and carried by local cable companies. Alternatively, students may view the tapes in the Media Lab on campus or at DCC South, or rent the tapes from RMI Media, Inc. Students are normally required to attend at least three scheduled classes during the semester.

Waiver of Program Requirement

It is expected that a student will complete all the requirements of his/her curriculum. Under exceptional circumstances, certain requirements may be waived. New York State Department regulations, such as the minimum number of credits required for graduation and the required number of Liberal Arts and Science credits, may not be waived. It should be noted that waivers are never automatic.

Examples of when a requirement may be waived include: when a course scheduling problem has made it impossible for a student to meet a graduation requirement, or when a student needs to meet a specific requirement of a four-year college to which the student intends to transfer.
When a required course is waived, a course of an equal or a greater number of credits must be substituted.

A waiver or Modification of Curriculum form should normally be approved before the student enrolls in a substitute course. The approval process is initiated by the academic advisor, reviewed by the appropriate department heads, and finally acted upon by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Withdrawal from College or Courses

Students who withdraw from either the College or a particular course must initiate such action in the Office of the Registrar. Failure to attend class or providing informal notification to instructors will not be considered official notice of withdrawal.

A student may withdraw from the College (all courses) at any time prior to the first day of final examinations. Withdrawals initiated during the 75% refund period result in deletion of the course(s) from the record. Withdrawals initiated after the 75% refund period result in the appearance of the individual courses on the student's transcript with grades of "W".

A student may withdraw from an individual course either during the 75% refund period, in which case the course will not appear on the transcript, or from the second week through the ninth week withdrawal deadline, in which case the course will appear on the transcript with a grade of "W". A student may be administratively withdrawn by the College for lack of attendance.

Students receiving Financial Aid should check with that office to find out how withdrawal may impact on their aid.

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