Academic Policies

Semester System

Mitchell operates on a three-semester system. Credit of one semester hour is awarded for each:

• 16 hours of class work
• 32 or 48 hours of laboratory work
• 48 hours of clinical practice
• 160 hours of work experience such as cooperative education, practicum, and internships

Registration

All students must register at the beginning of each semester of attendance. Students may not attend courses for which they are not officially enrolled. Formal completed enrollment is based on the official class rosters generated by the Office of Student Records after registration.

Students in Transfer Programs (AA, AS, AFA, AE)

ACA 122 Requirement

Students who are seeking a transfer degree (AA, AS, AE, AFA, AATP, ASTP) must complete ACA 122 during their first or second semester. If a student who is seeking a transfer degree fails to complete ACA 122 during the first or second semester, registration for the student’s third semester will be blocked.

“C” or Better Requirement

For transfer degree programs a passing grade of “C” or better is required in all coursework that applies to the degree, in order to be eligible to graduate.

Transfer Courses from Other Schools

Transfer courses that do not originate at a North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) institution or at a UNC System institution are allowed to be used to complete transfer degrees at Mitchell Community College and would fall under the protections of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). Students transferring without the completed degree would have their individual courses from outside of NCCCS institutions subject to the receiving institution’s regular transfer articulation procedures.

Course Load

A student registered for 12 semester hours is considered full-time. These requirements are the minimum in order to receive full VA benefits. The normal course load for an A.A., A.S., or A.F.A. degree is 16 credit hours per semester. The normal course load for A.A.S. technical degrees is 18 credit hours per semester. Students may not register for more than 21 credit hours without approval of the Vice President for Instruction. Approval to carry more hours will be based on past academic achievement. Students who are employed while attending college should consult with their faculty advisor to determine an appropriate course load.

Change of Schedule

Changes in a class schedule after the last day of drop/add must be made in the Office of Student Records and approved by the Registrar. The last day that courses may be added is stated on the Academic Calendar. Students wishing to drop a course must complete the drop form, which is processed through the Academic Advisor and the Admissions and Records Office.

Classification

Students are classified as freshmen from initial enrollment until they earn 30 semester hours credit. After that, they are classified as sophomores. For student activities purposes, students must have been enrolled for a minimum of two semesters before they are classified as sophomores.

Attendance Policy

Mitchell Community College is an attendance taking institution. Instructors in all curriculum courses are required to report student attendance. Attendance begins on the first scheduled day of a course, even for students who register late. Mitchell Community College recognizes the connection between student attendance and student retention, achievement and success. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, clinical experiences, and laboratory periods for which they are enrolled. Absence from any of these learning experiences, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity for learning and may adversely affect a student’s achievement.

Students are responsible for class attendance and for any class work missed during an absence. The instructor’s policy on make-up work must be clearly stated in the class syllabus. Obtaining and making up missed work is the student’s responsibility.

To remain enrolled in a course, a student must attend or participate in class on or before the class census date. If a student does not attend or participate in class by the census date, they will be reported as a “no show” (NS) and will be automatically removed from the course by the Registrar. To ensure students attend class and avoid being marked as a “NS”, students need to:

• For traditional 100% seated classes, a student must be physically present in class on or before the class census date.
• For blended or hybrid classes, a student must either complete the mandatory course enrollment activity in the LMS or physically be present in class on or before the class census date.
• For 100% online classes, a student must complete the mandatory course enrollment activity in the LMS on or before the class census date.

If a student does not meet the census date requirement, the student must be reported as a “NS” for the class. Students reported as a “NS” are removed from the class. The “NS” date and the census date are the same date for a course and can be found on the course syllabus. For blended, hybrid, and online courses this date is also noted in the Mandatory Course Enrollment Activity.

When a student fails to comply with the attendance policy of the class or fails to attend/ participate for two consecutive weeks (14 calendar days) without prior arrangements being made with the instructor, the instructor will process an administrative withdrawal (W) for the student, resulting in a grade of W (See Withdrawal Policy). Instructors will process an administrative withdrawal up until the end date of a course, if a student has not attended/participated for two consecutive weeks (14 calendar days).

Withdrawal Policy

The last day to withdraw from a course or from all courses with a grade of “W” is at the 75 percent point of the course. The exact date is published on the Academic Calendar. After the 75 percent point of the course, the student can no longer initiate a withdrawal and will receive the grade earned in the course at the end of the term.

Grading System

A unit of credit is measured in semester credit hours. For the credit value of a given course, see the course description in this catalog.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted, including both courses passed and failed, unless the courses have been repeated. When a course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be included in calculating the GPA. All courses attempted will be shown on the official transcript. A

“C” average is required for graduation. Following is a list of letter grades—

Academic Forgiveness

A student may request Academic Forgiveness for courses in which no credit was earned during that last enrollment. The request must be made through the student’s academic advisor after a student has completed at least 12 credit hours. Forgiveness of past “no credit” may be granted one time only. The Academic Forgiveness Policy consists of the following:

1. All failing grades, i.e., F, WF, or I, will not be counted in calculation of the Grade Point Average (GPA).
2. All passing grades, i.e., A, B, C, D, for all courses required in a student’s present curriculum will count toward graduation requirements unless other policies supersede this policy; however, the grades will not be used to calculate the GPA.
3. Prior to implementation of the Academic Forgiveness Policy, the student must enroll in the college and complete a minimum of 12 consecutive semester credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.00.  The 12 credit hours must be hours that are included in the calculation of GPA.
4. For some programs, there may be additional or specific requirements related to admissions criteria, i.e. Allied Health programs.
5. The student’s GPA will be calculated based upon the time of re-enrollment and all requirements being met.
6. Grades for all Mitchell courses will be on the student’s transcript with the appropriate notation of calculation of the student’s GPA.

Note: Students planning to transfer to another college or university are cautioned that the receiving institution may use all grades earned in computing grade-point averages for admission or other purposes. The application of this policy will not affect the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress measurement.

Procedures:

1. Student enrolls and achieves a minimum GPA of 2.00, with successful completion of at least 12 hours taken consecutively.
2. Student fills out a formal written request form and submits to his or her academic advisor.
3. The form is approved by the division dean and then sent to the Registrar.
4. The Registrar evaluates the transcript and determines appropriate courses to be included in the forgiveness process.
5. Student is notified by a letter from the Registrar about the outcome of the process.

A copy of the evaluation is included in the permanent student record and reflected in the student’s transcript. 

Academic Honesty

I. Policy Statement
Mitchell Community College puts forth every reasonable effort to maintain academic integrity in the instructional program. To compromise integrity through acts of academic dishonesty seriously jeopardizes the quality of instruction and the caliber of education we purport to provide our students. Any form of academic dishonesty is unacceptable and if detected will result in disciplinary action.

II. Definitions:
Cheating: Intentionally and knowingly using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise or matter.
Plagiarism: Intentionally and knowingly representing in any academic exercise or matter the words or ideas of another as one’s own.
Fabrication: Intentionally and knowingly falsifying or inventing information or citations in an academic exercise.
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Intentionally and knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.
Identity Verification: The College must verify that any student who registers for an online, hybrid, or blended course is in fact the same student who participates in, completes, and receives the credit for the course.

For Academic Dishonesty Procedure, please visit Academic Dishonesty Procedure - Mitchell Community College, Serving Iredell County (mitchellcc.edu)

Academic Probation

Academic Re-Instatement

Suspended students seeking readmission must petition the Academic Review Board prior to the beginning of the semester. The petition form should include the reasons the student would like to be admitted, proposed course load, educational goals and any other information that might provide an explanation of the circumstances that led to the academic suspension. The Academic Review Board will review the petition and any other supporting documentation submitted by the student and will make a decision. Re-enrollment may be contingent on the student taking specific courses or activities as required by the Academic Review Board. The sole intent of the Board will be to provide the student the greatest possible opportunity for academic success. Petitions for reinstatement should be e-mailed to academicreviewboard@mitchellcc.edu. Petitions may also be delivered, in person, to Students Services at either campus.

Important Note for Students Receiving Financial Aid: The Academic Review Board can grant permission to re-enroll but does not make decisions regarding financial aid eligibility. Students who have been granted permission to re-enroll will need to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss the status of their financial aid.

Academic Suspension

Auditing Classes

Classes may be audited with permission of the instructor: however, no class may be audited more than once. The audit may occur either before or after taking the course for credit. Priority will be given to regular credit students. Any class with more than 50 percent audits may not be taught. No one will be allowed to audit an independent study or independent studio course.

Participation in class discussion and examinations is at the option of the instructor.  No credit by examination can be allowed for courses that have been audited. A grade of “AU” will be recorded with no credit hours or quality points awarded. Registration or changes in registration for audits must be completed during the regular registration or change periods. Regular tuition and fees will be charged. 

Auditing Classes for Senior Citizens

Course Examinations for 16-week Sections

The exam schedule for 16-week sections is published by the Registrar.  All exams and/or final projects are required to be held during the published exam hours.

Course Repeats

If a student repeats a course, the highest grade is recorded as the final grade and will be the only grade used in calculating grade point averages or hours towards graduation. All courses attempted will be shown on the official transcript. If a course in which the student received an “F” is not offered during the remainder of that student’s program, an equivalent course may be substituted if approved by the Vice President for Instruction. While Mitchell only counts the highest grade, other institutions may use both grades to arrive at a grade point average for transfer.

Course Requirements

Course Substitutions

Dean's List

The Dean’s List is published at the end of each semester and is based on the following criteria—

Full-Time Dean’s List applies to any student enrolled for at least 12 semester hours of 100 and 200 level courses and earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better with no grade below “C.”

Part-Time Dean’s List applies to any student enrolled for at least six semester hours of 100 and 200 level courses, but less than twelve, and earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better with no grade below “C.”

Note: Developmental/Transitional classes are not included in calculation of GPA.

Grade Appeal

Mitchell Community College course instructors are responsible for determining the grade a student earns for the course. The grade determination is based upon the course grading policy as detailed in the course syllabus.

If a student disagrees with the final course grade they have received, the student may appeal the grade by following the procedures as outlined below:

A Mitchell Community College student who disagrees with a final course grade may appeal their grade following these procedures:

1. The student contacts the course instructor via their student email to discuss the grade. This must take place within five (5) business days of the initial assignment of the grade.
2. If the issue is not resolved, the student contacts the appropriate Director/Dean via their student email within three (3) business days after meeting with the instructor.
3. If the issue is not resolved, the student has three (3) business days to submit a written appeal to the Vice President for Instruction, stating the reason(s) that the grade is believed to be in error. The Vice President for Instruction will convene the Grade Appeal Committee within two (2) business days of receiving the appeal. The Grade Appeal Committee will be comprised of one faculty member from each curriculum division chosen from the full-time faculty in their respective divisions. For each appeal, the Committee will select one member to serve as a non-voting chair and recorder for the appeal.
4. The Grade appeal Committee will meet within two (2) business days of being convened. The student and instructor will be given an opportunity to address the Committee and to answer questions. After reviewing all relevant information presented, the Committee will render a decision reflecting the majority opinion of the committee. The Committee will immediately report its decision to the Vice President for Instruction who will notify the student and the instructor of the outcome.
5. The decision of the Grade Appeal Committee will be final.
6. Should any portion of the process result in the need to change the grade, the instructor will submit an Authorization to Change Grade form.

Grade Reports

Mitchell keeps records of progress and furnishes final grades to all students at the end of each semester through students’ WebAdvisor/Self Service accounts.

Graduation Honors

Students with at least 50 percent of their curriculum requirements completed at Mitchell are eligible for honors at graduation.

High Honors —Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or greater.

Honors—Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74.

Certificate programs do not qualify for honors.

Graduation Marshals

Freshmen enrolled in a program of study and who have the highest grade point averages and have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours credit are selected marshals.

Graduation Requirements

The following requirements apply to programs. Some divisions may have additional requirements.

• Students in associate degree programs are required to make satisfactory scores on the reading placement test or successfully complete reading requirements.
• Students may graduate under the catalog upon which they enter or any subsequent catalog in effect while they remain in continuous enrollment. If a student changes from one program to another, the student must graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of the change or any subsequent catalog while the student remains in continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment excludes summer semester.
• Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and must receive a passing grade in all required courses to be eligible for graduation. Please note that for transfer degree programs a passing grade of “C” or better is required in all coursework that applies to the degree to be eligible to graduate.
• Students are notified of graduation eligibility by the Office of Student Records during the last semester of enrollment. Students completing during the proceeding Summer semester who wish to participate in the May commencement must register for summer courses and self-identify with the Office of Student Records by the advertised deadline.
• A minimum of 25% of the credits required for a degree, diploma or certificate must be earned at Mitchell.

Mitchell Essential Learning Outcomes (MELOs)

The faculty at Mitchell Community College believe that students should demonstrate the following Mitchell Essential Learning Outcomes (MELOs):

1. Construct sustained, coherent arguments, narratives, and/or explications of technical processes.
2. Compute accurate and relevant calculations and/or present valid interpretation of quantitative information.
3. Interpret personal, social, and/or global issues/ideas from different perspectives.
4. Assemble evidence relevant to a problem/question and/or evaluate the significance of a problem/question and/or apply evidence to analyze a problem/question.
5. Collaborate to achieve common goals.
6. Employ appropriate and relevant information technology.

To ensure that our students attain these MELOs by graduation, Mitchell Community College requires that students:

• Complete the general education core requirements listed in the students’ major program of study (see these courses/skills listed in the General Catalog/Student Handbook under the headings of “degree program”) and
• Reinforce these goals through a series of courses and learning experiences encountered by our students from their freshman experiences up to their graduation from the College.

Prerequisite and Co-Requisite Waiver Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To be considered in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

Total hours attempted are used in the computation of the overall cumulative GPA. This includes both passed and failed courses, with the exception of courses that have been repeated. For repeated courses, only the highest grade earned will be included in the calculation of the grade point average..

State Authorization

All U.S. states require post-secondary educational institutions to be legally authorized to provide post-secondary educational instruction in their states. Many of these state laws and regulations also apply to online, distance, and correspondence educational instruction offered in that state.

Mitchell Community College is working to achieve compliance as established in HEOA 600.9 (c).

If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary [of Education] the State’s approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)

Mitchell Community College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Students residing outside of the State of North Carolina while attending Mitchell who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Procedure that is available on the college website as well as in the Student Services Centers located on both the Mooresville and Statesville campuses.

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the individual may file a complaint with the following office: Post-Secondary Education Complaints, c/o Assistant Director of Licensure and Workforce Studies, University of North Carolina General Administration, 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, telephone (919) 962-4558, studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu. The individual may contact UNC General Administration for further details.

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