Academic Regulations
Through the registration process, students pledge themselves to accept and obey the regulations of the College. The following information should lend direction to student progress by providing minimum requirements and common understanding regarding academic standards and regulations established by the College faculty and administration.
Academic Integrity
Students accept the principles of academic integrity when they apply for admission to the College and when they enroll in classes. All HCC students in every academic program, including credit and non-credit college level students, fall under this code of conduct found in the Student Handbook; Academic Integrity is an essential piece of this code. The handbook includes student support services, campus policies and regulations, and important dates for College deadlines. Printed copies are available in the Student Activities Office, Student Center room 163.
The core of the community college’s integrity is its academic honesty. Scholastic dishonesty impairs the College’s educational role and defrauds all who comprise its community. Student enrollment is a voluntary entrance into the academic environment. Upon entrance into the College, the student voluntarily assumes obligations of performance which are imposed by the academic community relevant to its missions, processes, and function. These obligations may be much higher than those imposed on all citizens by civil and criminal law, and the College reserves the right to discipline students to ensure compliance with these higher obligations.
Since the principle behind an honor system is honesty, an effective system can exist only when each student has a sense of community responsibility and personal integrity. The College community is only as strong as its individual members.
Charges of academic dishonesty on the part of a student may be reported by any member of the College community to the person responsible for the academic endeavor. Due process and confidentiality must be maintained throughout the procedures. An individual in violation of these tenets will be censured.
College & Career Readiness (CCR) / The College Completion Act (CCA) of 2013
All degree programs have a program pathway available to guide students in the completion of their degree. Students are encouraged to discuss their program pathway with an advisor/retention specialist.
College-level English and Mathematics courses should be completed within the first 24 credits of their program. Program pathways have been designed to include college-level English and Mathematics in the first semester.
In compliance with CCR and CCA, HCC recommends that students take all required developmental courses in sequence without any gaps in registration. Additionally, students are encouraged to enroll in college-level English and Mathematics in the semester immediately following the completion of developmental courses.
Semester Hours
By completing a course successfully, a student earns a certain number of credit units known as semester hours. In non-laboratory courses, the number of semester hours is normally equivalent to the number of class hours devoted to the course during any given week. The number of semester hours for laboratory courses varies with the hours of laboratory work. The section of this publication entitled “Course Descriptions” indicates the number of semester credit hours given for each course.
Total Hours of Coursework to Earn Academic Credit
To earn one academic credit at HCC, students should complete a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of coursework per semester. Those hours can be in combination of direct faculty instruction and student work, and the proportion will vary depending on the course delivery method.
Academic Records
Student academic records are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. A confidential record of the admissions credentials and academic performance of each student and former student is kept permanently in the Records Office. Access is granted only to such duly authorized personnel of the College who have legitimate need for information and to the student. Students have the right to review their record by arranging a conference with the registrar. Students may elect to provide consent to release information to other parties, such as family members, by completing an Authorization to Release Form. Please contact the Records Office.
Persons requesting telephone information must identify themselves and state the reason for the inquiry. Without the written consent of the student or former student, the only information that may be given is directory information.
Authorized representatives of agencies of the state and federal government may have access to those student records as part of the audit of federally supported education programs. Authorized representatives of state educational agencies who have legitimate educational interests may request access to the student record files.
Transcripts
Release of student transcripts to educational institutions and other agencies is in accord with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. Official transcripts may be sent directly to institutions or other recipients in either electronic or paper format. Transcript requests can be accessed via Parchment on the HCC Records webpage. HCC uses an authorized third-party agency, Parchment, and transcripts are processed within five to seven business days. During peak periods, please allow for additional time. Transcripts are available to students at a cost of $5.25 each. For more information please contact the Records Office.
Auditing
A student may audit a class by registering as an auditor and paying the regular fees. No grade or credit is reported for an audited class. However, an audited course will be indicated by an “AU” in the student’s grade report. Credit status may be changed to audit status before two-thirds of the class is completed. The student has the option to repeat a class for credit which he/she has audited. The College does not permit people to regularly attend classes without being registered. Audited courses are not eligible for financial aid.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. In the case of absence due to emergency (illness, death in the family, accident), or participation in official College functions, it is the student’s responsibility to confer with the instructor about the absence and missed course work. Students should call or email their instructor on the day of any absence from class. Students absent from an announced (major) test or examination, unless authorized, may be given an equivalent examination at a later date at the discretion of the instructor.
Students contemplating withdrawing from a course should read the section of the catalog entitled “Withdrawal and Course Changes.”
Classification of Students
Students are classified according to the number of semester hours of credit they have earned and number of semester hours currently carried. Listed below are the requirements for the respective classifications.
Full-Time
A student who is currently carrying 12 or more semester hours of work is classified as a full-time student.
Part-Time
A student who is currently carrying less than 12 semester hours of work is classified as a part-time student.
First-Year Student
A student who has less than 30 semester hours of earned credit and is currently carrying at least 12 semester hours of work is classified as a full-time first-year student.
Sophomore
A student who has 30 or more semester hours of earned credit and is currently carrying at least 12 semester hours of work is classified as a full-time sophomore student.
Course Load
The normal maximum course load for a full-time student who is not on probation is 18 semester hours of credit. The number of class hours will vary according to the number of laboratory courses in the program. Students, full- or part-time with a cumulative average of “B” or better at HCC, may, with the consent of the Director of Advising and Registration, take credit hours in excess of 18.
Course Load for Working Students
Students who are employed for 20 or more hours per week are advised to carry a reduced course load. Before registering for courses, these students should seek academic advisement and carefully consider the amount of out-of-class work a course requires.
Grading System and Reporting
The grading system of the College is as follows:
| Grade |
Evaluation |
Quality-Point
Value per
Hour of Credit |
| A |
Excellent |
4 |
| B |
Good |
3 |
| C |
Average |
2 |
| D |
Below Average |
1 |
|
|
Failure |
0 |
| I |
Incomplete |
0 |
| S |
Satisfactory |
0 |
| U |
Unsatisfactory |
0 |
| W |
Withdrawn from course and/or College during approved withdrawal period |
0 |
| AU |
Audit |
0 |
“I”, “S”, “U”, “W”, and “AU” grades are not counted in determining the Quality-Point Index.
The grade of “I” (incomplete) is awarded only when the instructor has determined that illness or unforeseen circumstance has prevented the student from completing all of the course requirements. The student should already have completed most of the course requirements (at least 80%) and be beyond the deadline for receiving a “W” grade. It is the faculty’s responsibility to complete a form entitled Request for Grade of Incomplete, which requires the signatures of the student, instructor and director of the respective academic division. Also, the form must be delivered to the Records Office before the final exam week. Once the form is received, the Records Office will input the “I” grade into the student’s record. The student is not required to register for the course again, but must make up the work before the instructor’s deadline. The deadline will not extend beyond the end of the next semester or the instructor will assign an “F” as the official grade.
It is important that students receiving Veteran’s Benefits make up course work as soon as possible. Failure to do so within four weeks could result in forfeiture of Veteran’s Benefits for the course or courses not completed.
The grade “AU” is available to a student who enrolls in a class for enrichment but not for credit. Students must pay the regular fee and no credit is earned. A change in enrollment from credit to audit or audit to credit must be made before the established deadline.
Grade Reports
Grade reports can be viewed and printed via Self-Service. Interim Progress Reports are mailed early in the semester only to those students who are deficient in one or more courses. Grades are not released by instructors or by the administrative staff of the College.
Students who believe they have “good cause” to appeal a final grade may do so in writing within 15 business days from the date grades are posted. Otherwise students forfeit the right to appeal.
Quality-Point Index/Grade-Point Average (GPA)
Scholarship is computed in terms of the quality-point index, usually referred to as grade-point average (GPA). This index is figured by dividing the total number of quality-points (the point value of the grade received in a course multiplied by the number of semester hours) by the total number of college credit semester hours for which the student has registered. Example: If a student received a “B” in one three-credit course and a “C” in a four-credit course, the quality-point index would be computed as below:
| B = 3 x 3 (semester hours) |
= |
9 (quality points) |
| C = 2 x 4 (semester hours) |
= |
8 (quality points) |
|
| 7 Total |
|
17 divided by 7= |
| |
|
2.429 |
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (SLOA)
Hagerstown Community College is committed to ensuring that students achieve the learning outcomes established for its programs and courses. To provide regular feedback that will enable the College to determine whether its programs and courses are successful in achieving this goal, students are expected to participate in student learning outcomes assessment activities related to their courses, programs, general education outcomes and institutional learning outcomes. This expectation is an integral part of the conditions for admitting a student to study at HCC. In some instances, student work will undergo special confidential reviews. Other activities may include portfolio development, tests, surveys, or other tools to measure student learning, which may or may not be part of course or program requirements. Student participation in assessment activities assures that the College receives valuable information on student learning that can be used to promote continuous improvement of teaching and learning. By choosing to come to HCC, students are expected to participate in assessment activities as may be requested. In all these activities, strict confidentiality of individual student work will be maintained.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (SLOA) is a deliberate, systematic, and collaborative process driven by the College’s commitment to improve student learning. It is a purposeful course of action that defines student accomplishments in terms of expected learning outcomes and core competencies. Actual student achievement is measured using established internal standards and external benchmarks.
The outcomes assessment process is learning-centered and accumulates data from numerous sources to determine what students know, what skills they possess, how they conceptualize, and how they will continue to learn. The overall goal of assessment is to create a quality learning environment under ideal conditions through the use of best practices that inspire creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. On the Outcomes Assessment webpage, you will find helpful resources for faculty and staff.
General Grievance Policy and Procedures for Students
The purpose of the General Grievance Policy for Students is to provide a formal method of recourse to students who feels that a particular action or series of actions on the part of a Hagerstown Community College employee has violated accepted or stated institutional practices and standards. For more information on what concerns fall under this policy or to know more about the policy procedures for students, view the Student Handbook.
Student Grade Appeal Process
This process outlines procedures a student shall follow to challenge the final grade assigned by the person responsible for the academic endeavor, hereafter referred to as the instructor. Confidentiality must be maintained throughout the process. For more information on the reasons that constitute as a “good cause” for a grade appeal as well as information on the grade appeal process, view the Student Handbook.
Academic Standing
A student is expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher to be considered a student in good standing.
Academic Probation
Students are placed on academic probation if their total cumulative grade-point average is at least:
1.0 but less than 1.7 after 15 attempted credits
1.7 but less than 1.8 after 30 attempted credits
1.8 but less than 1.9 after 42 attempted credits
1.9 but less than 2.0 after 56 attempted credits
Students on probation are not permitted to carry more than 15 semester hours. Students on probation are not permitted to engage in leadership roles in extracurricular activities such as HCC clubs or intercollegiate athletics. A student on probation is not allowed to register on Self-Service and must meet with an academic advisor/retention specialist in person. Developmental courses are not considered college level courses and cannot satisfy graduation requirements. However, developmental courses are counted in the total cumulative quality point average to determine academic probation.
Academic Dismissal
Students are considered for academic dismissal if their total cumulative grade-point average is below:
1.0 after 15 credits
1.7 after 30 credits
1.8 after 42 credits
1.9 after 56 credits
Part-time students are subject to the same regulations as full-time students after completion of 15 credits.
A student who has been dismissed may not re-enter by registering on Self-Service.
Developmental courses are counted in the total cumulative grade-point average to determine academic dismissal.
Readmission of Dismissed Students
Students who are academically dismissed and feel that particular circumstances warrant reconsideration of their status may submit a written petition to the registrar for consideration of the appeal. The Academic Dismissal Appeal (re-instatement) form is available in the Records Office or via an online form.
Evidence of planning, curriculum load, and work activities is taken into consideration when reviewing petitions for readmission. Petitions should be well organized, typed, and include the student’s current address, phone number, student ID number, curriculum, reasons why the student had previous academic difficulty, and why the student now feels he/she can be successful if readmitted. A review of records kept in the Dean of Students office are also part of the readmission decision.
Readmitted students will be readmitted on probationary status, and therefore, are not permitted to participate in HCC clubs or intercollegiate athletics until they are no longer on probation.
Students who are readmitted must earn a 2.0 grade-point average for the semester of readmission. After that, if the grade-point average is 2.0 or above for their work in the most recent semester attended, students may be retained and put on academic probation. Students who are readmitted are normally limited to enrollment in two courses, or a maximum of 7 credits, for their reinstatement semester. Any exceptions to this limit would be made by the Registrar and/or Office of Academic Affairs. If a student has had a prior dismissal, the student’s request for readmission may be granted only after a suspension of one semester.
Academic Amnesty
If a student has no more than 30 completed credits at HCC and has not been enrolled at HCC for at least two years, the student may request academic amnesty from the registrar. Academic amnesty may be granted only once to any student during that student’s academic career at HCC. If the amnesty is granted, the student’s grade point average (GPA) will be based only on those courses taken after the amnesty is granted. This is a mechanism by which a student may be given a second chance. Please note that course grades which are no longer factored into your academic GPA will still count in the calculation for Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements as mandated by federal law.
Program Changes
Students may at any time change their programs by submitting an official change of major form. Students, who are readmitted, change their academic program, or change their status from special to degree or certificate-seeking must follow the program requirements of the catalog in place when the change is made. Students must complete a change of major form in the Academic Advising and Registration Office.
Withdrawal and Course Changes
Students may drop or add a course before the established deadline. After the drop/add period, students may withdraw from courses in accordance with the dates published in the class schedules. Courses dropped during the “No Grade” period will not be included on the student’s academic record. Courses dropped during the grading period will be listed as “W” on the academic record but will not be calculated in the grade-point average.
Students who stop attending class without officially withdrawing will receive a grade of “F.”
Repeating a Course
Students may repeat a credit or developmental course two times. Under special circumstances, they may appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services to re-take a course more than two times. Cohort degree and certification programs may have program-specific criteria for being able to repeat a course. Please see the program’s handbook for further information and protocols on repeating a course.
If a student repeats a course, an “R” appears next to the grade on the student’s academic record. The higher grade and its associated quality points supersede the lower grade. In computing the cumulative grade point average, the credit hours of the course are counted only once.
Withdrawing from the College
The college posts withdraw deadlines for each semester. Students desiring to withdraw from the College at any time during the academic year may do so online through Self-Service within the published deadlines. Students who fail to withdraw in accordance with stated regulations receive failing grades in all courses scheduled during that semester and forfeit their rights to any tuition refund. If a student fails to meet the deadline(s) but still wishes to withdraw, a Registration Appeal Form must be submitted to the registrar. Visit the Refund Policy webpage to learn more.
Academic Honors
To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a minimum quality point average of 3.5 for the most recent semester. A student must have accumulated at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework at Hagerstown Community College and have completed at least 6 semester hours of college-level coursework during the most recent semester. A student will not be considered for Dean’s List eligibility in a given semester until all incomplete (“I”) grades received for classes in that semester have been resolved to final grades.
Graduation Honors
The associate degree is awarded with “high honor” to students with 50 percent of their total institutional college-level credit hours completed in their academic program at HCC, and who have earned a minimum cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.80. Students who earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.50 and less than 3.80 and with 50 percent of their total institutional college-level credit hours completed in their academic program at HCC will be awarded the associate degree with “honor.”
Graduation Requirements
Annual commencement ceremonies are held each May and are presided over by HCC’s president. The commencement ceremony is a traditional academic service and signifies the completion of the degree or certificate being awarded. Students completing a degree or certificate program with 30 or more credits are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Only students who have filed an application for graduation and have met all requirements will be permitted to participate in the ceremony.
Students are permitted to attend the annual commencement ceremony if they have fulfilled the applicable requirements in their degree program (60-70 college level credits):
- A.A. degree
- A.A.S. degree
- A.A.T. degree
- A.S. degree
One-year certificate students are permitted to attend the annual commencement ceremony if they have fulfilled all of the requirements of their program (30-45 college level credits). The one-year certificate programs which are eligible include:
Honors Convocation
Each spring, the College recognizes students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement by inviting them to an Honors Convocation. Students are honored in the following categories and timeframes:
- Dean’s List: spring, summer, and fall semesters of the previous year
- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): students inducted the previous summer/fall and current spring semesters
- Competitive Awards: graduating students from previous summer and fall and current spring semesters
- High Honors & Honors: graduating students from previous summer and fall and current spring semesters
Visit the Honors Convocation webpage to learn more.
Phi Theta Kappa
Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an International Honor Society that recognizes students of excellence in both scholarship and character. PTK provides honor students with leadership opportunities; encouragement to actively participate in service projects both at the college and in the surrounding community; and supports the accessibility of available scholarships. Hagerstown Community College’s PTK chapter is part of the Middle States Region, District 1, and is named the Pi Theta Chapter. Membership is by invitation only and students who complete a minimum of 12 credits with at least a 3.5 G.P.A. are eligible to receive an invitation. Although provisional members are not eligible to vote or attend conferences hosted by PTK, they are strongly encouraged to participate in chapter meetings, events, activities, and service projects. Visit the Phi Theta Kappa webpage to learn more.
Catalog of Entry
When students matriculate, they are expected to follow programs outlined in the catalog in effect at the beginning of the academic year in which they entered. Degree, certificate, and letter of recognition requirements outlined in a later catalog may be substituted for the initial “catalog of entry” requirements if they are not detrimental to the student. This provides the most current degree/certificate/letter credentials possible.
Degree, Certificate, and Letter of Recognition Requirements
All candidates for degrees, certificates, and letters of recognition should submit applications for graduation via Self-Service by the published deadline date. Students must submit an application prior to being awarded a credential. Questions regarding this process should be directed to the registrar.
Satisfactory completion of the following requirements will determine eligibility for a degree, certificate, or letter of recognition:
- Completion of all academic requirements of the program or such comparable courses as are required by the student’s chosen transfer institution.
- Completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours for a degree and all required semester hours for a certificate or a letter of recognition program.
- All students must complete at least 25 percent of their semester hours at HCC for a degree program or certificate program; exceptions to this are granted to students covered by a specific agreement between HCC and another institution or agency.
- Completion of the required HCC credits with a minimum of a cumulative 2.0 quality-point index grade point average (GPA).
Student requests for exceptions to the above degree, certificate, or letter of recognition requirements must be reviewed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services. The student will document the rationale for the request and acquire appropriate approvals. If the exception is granted, the official Statement of Exception will be included in the student’s permanent file.
Selection of an Academic Program
Students should select an academic program that meets their needs and field of interest. Students interested in employment upon graduation should select an AAS degree, certificate, or letter of recognition in their field of interest. Students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university upon graduation may choose from many AA or AS programs in their desired field of study. If a student intending to transfer is unsure of choosing a specific program of study within the list of available transfer programs, the College suggests that they choose an AA or an AS degree in Arts and Sciences. The AA degree in General Studies has the most electives and can be used for any purpose. Students cannot receive the AA degree in both General Studies and Arts and Sciences.
Limitation on Majors/Programs
Students are permitted up to two active majors/programs at one time, to include any combination of degrees, certificates, and/or letters, with the exception of the Associate of Arts in General Studies (AA.GST), which is not allowed to double with another Associate of Arts (AA) degree program. Students may be approved for an additional program/major by submitting a Change of Major Form signed by the Dean of Instruction in consultation with the Retention and Registration Team and the appropriate area academic leadership.
Requirements for Students Who Choose to Earn Multiple HCC Credit Credentials
The awarding of multiple credit bearing degrees, certificates, and letters of recognition must follow criteria as specified below:
- Letters of Recognition (LOR)-There must be at least three additional earned credits from different course work, not used in a previously earned HCC credential, for each additional LOR awarded.
- Certificates-There must be at least six additional earned credits from different course work, not used in a previously earned HCC credential, for each additional certificate awarded.
- Degrees-There must be at least twelve additional earned credits from different course work, not used in a previously earned HCC credential, for each additional degree awarded.
For students seeking to earn multiple credentials as listed above, if their new program does not have enough new credits listed as requirements, then the student must take additional course work to meet the minimum new course work provision as stated above. In such cases, a division director will approve the appropriate course(s) to meet the requirement.
In cases where students’ completed course work does not qualify them to receive a new credential (LOR, Certificate, Degree) they may be entitled to a double major designation. This would mean that they have combined the requirements of two credentials, without meeting the minimum requirements for receiving multiple credentials as specified above. Although it is unlikely that a student would attempt to receive a certificate or letter of recognition after receiving a degree, (s)he would not be permitted to do so unless the new certificate/LOR is in a different discipline.
General Education Core Requirements for the AA Degree
Candidates for the associate of arts degree must satisfy specific general education requirements within their degree programs. A minimum of 28 to a maximum of 36 credits must be completed. The requirements are listed below:
| Arts/Humanities |
6 credits |
Students must choose two courses according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Behavioral/Social Science |
6 credits |
Students must choose two courses in each of two disciplines according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Biological/Physical Science |
7-8 credits |
Students must choose two science courses, a 4-credit science laboratory course and an additional course in science according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one course from the approved list according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose two courses from the approved list according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one mathematics course at college-level algebra or higher according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
General Education Core Requirements for the AS Degree
Candidates for the associate of science degree must satisfy specific general education requirements within their degree programs. A minimum of 28 to a maximum of 36 credits must be completed. The requirements are listed below:
| Arts/Humanities |
6 credits |
Students must choose two courses according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Behavioral/Social Science |
6 credits |
Students must choose two courses according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Biological/Physical Science |
7-8 credits |
Students must choose two science courses, a 4-credit science laboratory course and an additional course in science according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one course from the approved list according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one course from the approved list according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one mathematics course at college-level algebra or higher according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
General Education Core Requirements for the AAS Degree
Candidates for the associate of applied science degree must satisfy specific general education requirements within their degree programs. A minimum of 18 credits must be completed. The requirements are listed below:
| Arts/Humanities |
3 credits |
Students must choose one course according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Behavioral/Social Science |
3 credits |
Students must choose one course according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
| Biological/Physical Science |
3 credits |
Students must choose one course according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one course according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one course according to the specific requirements of their program of study.
Students must choose one mathematics course at college-level algebra or higher according to specific requirements of their program of study.
General Education Core Requirements for the AAT Degree
The associate of arts in teaching degree meets the lower-level degree academic content, outcomes, and requirements for teacher education, similar to the first two years of a bachelors program in teacher education. Students should confer with an advisor/ retention specialist and transferring institutions for specific requirements needed for their AAT program. The general education area credit requirements are listed below:
| Arts/Humanities |
3-6 credits |
| Behavioral/Social Science |
6 credits |
| Biological/Physical Science |
7-8 credits |
Programs of Study
Transfer Programs
Transfer programs are designated with the degree type of A.A., A.S., or A.A.T (with the exception of the A.S. Registered Nurse and RN Transition programs which are career programs). Transfer programs meet basic requirements of the first two years of college programs for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university and complete the last two years of study.
Students planning to transfer should recognize that the first two years of college lay the foundation for effective work in the junior, senior, and post-graduate years of a college or university. These initial years give students a basic general education and prepare them for advanced work and for some specialization in the junior and senior years. The type of work which students do at Hagerstown Community College determines not only the conditions of their admission, but the ease and success with which they can do the work at a four-year college.
Students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university at the end of two years and receive junior rank must meet the admission requirements and the course requirements for the freshman and sophomore years of the college to which they plan to transfer. The four-year college will consider transfer students on the basis of their high school and college records. The sequences for the transfer programs serve as guides rather than requirements. When choosing courses in any of these programs, students should consider the requirements of the college to which they plan to transfer, the field in which they plan to specialize and their own personal interest.
Career Programs
Career programs are designated with the degree type of Letter of Recognition, Certificate, or A.A.S. Career-oriented programs meet the requirements for students who wish to develop entry-level skills in industry, business and public service.
These programs provide the educational experiences that best meet the needs of students and correlate with the needs of industry and business. Students are afforded the opportunity to learn by experiencing work-related functions so that they may achieve personal, economic, and social satisfaction in life.
Although the primary function of these programs is to prepare students for employment, many of these programs transfer into select bachelor’s degree programs. See an advisor/ retention specialist for more information, visit the Advisement webpage for more information. .
Certificate Programs
These programs prepare students for employment after one year or less of intensive study. Students have the option of continuing their education and earning an associate degree.
Letters of Recognition
Hagerstown Community College may award a letter of recognition to students who satisfactorily complete a sequence of courses not in excess of 11 credits.
Credits obtained through a letter of recognition will be maintained on the Hagerstown Community College student record and can be used toward a certificate or an associate degree. Many of the credits obtained at Hagerstown Community College are transferable to a four-year degree at area colleges.
Internships
Internships provide excellent opportunities to gain career-related experiences and workplace competencies in a student’s chosen career field as well as to obtain skills that are valued by employers when hiring new staff. The eligibility requirements to participate in an internship include active enrollment in an HCC degree or certificate program; submission of an application for internship by the publicized institutional deadline; acceptable recommendation by faculty in a related field of study; minimum overall GPA of 2.5; completion of at least 50 percent of the discipline-specific program requirements in a student’s field of study, at least two of which courses are completed at HCC; final course grades of A, B, or C in a student’s specialty program courses; and acceptable review of the student’s HCC conduct record by the chief student affairs officer (behavioral violations) and the chief academic affairs officer (academic integrity violations).
All internships need to be supervised by a faculty member who is responsible for approving internship sites, developing learning outcomes with internship site supervisors, and providing faculty supervision during the internship experience. For more information contact the Career Development, Internship and Job Services Office at 240-500-2260 or visit the Internship webpage. Priority application deadlines: Fall 2023 Semester: July 31st, Spring 2024 Semester: October 1st, Summer 2024 Semester: February 1st, and Fall 2024 Semester: May 1st. Nursing and Health Sciences clinical experiences are governed by third-party accrediting regulations and are coordinated through the Nursing and Health Sciences Divisions. Exceptions to internship requirements may be made jointly by the Chief Academic Affairs Officer and the Chief Student Affairs Officer.
Independent Study
Hagerstown Community College provides the opportunity for qualified students to pursue topics of special interest for credit through the process of independent study. The College permits the qualified student to negotiate a course of study contract ranging from one to three credit hours. Students seeking more than three credits for one independent study project must present written justification to the division providing the instruction. Students may earn a maximum of six credits of independent study while at HCC. These credits may be used to replace discipline-related open electives or restricted electives only, and are not to replace program requirements or required specialty courses. Qualified students are those who have successfully completed six credit hours in the subject matter field and have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA. Interested students must obtain the approval of the appropriate division director.
Program Completion
All students are encouraged to complete their chosen program of study. Successful transfer program completion represents an excellent measure of personal commitment, and will enhance transfer to a four-year college or university. Earning a college credential, whether a degree, certificate, or letter of recognition, will be important to all students as they seek employment or continuation of their academic careers.
Program Pathways
Program Pathways have been designed for each degree offered at HCC, and are located in the Academic Catalog with curricular requirements. These pathways indicate the most expedient way to progress toward the credential and are suggested for full-time students who place into college-level coursework. Each student should make his or her own completion plan in collaboration with an advisor/ retention specialist.
Reverse Transfer
Reverse Transfer is a process whereby academic credits for course work completed at another institution are transferred back to HCC to satisfy associate degree requirements. HCC has several reverse transfer partnerships or agreements in place with four-year institutions and is working on securing additional agreements.
Discontinued Programs
When a program of study is discontinued, students will be afforded time to complete the program requirements. Academic Directors are responsible for approving a student’s plan to complete his/her coursework. This plan may include a combination of waivers and substitutions for program requirements, not to exceed nine combined credits. Under no circumstances can an alternative completion plan result in students graduating with fewer than 60 credits. The length of time for services and benefits to be extended is determined by the number of credits the student needs to complete the program with a maximum of two years after the discontinuance of the program. Requests for further extension must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.
U.S. Department of Education Gainful Employment Requirements
In October 2010, the U.S. Department of Education established regulations that went into effect on July 1, 2011, whereby colleges must disclose certain information to prospective students about certificates of 16 or more credits. For each of these certificates, the College must disclose the name and Standard Occupational Classification code of occupations the program prepares students to enter, the on-time graduation rate for students who complete the program, the tuition and fees the College charges a student for completing the program within normal time, the typical costs for book and supplies, the job placement rate for students completing the program, and the median loan debt incurred by students who completed the program.
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