Academic Policies

Privacy

Student records are guaranteed to be private under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Information about a student, including his/her personnel file and academic record, will be released only with written permission.

Directory information (name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, major, dates of attendance, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities/sports, height/weight of athletic team members, degrees/honors/awards received) may be disclosed at the discretion of the Registrar, unless students specifically request this information to be withheld.

Students have an opportunity during the first two weeks of each semester to grant or deny permission to release local directory information.

Those to whom information is given about a student (e.g., a four-year college to which he/she is applying) will be cautioned that the information obtained from Dawson Community College is to remain confidential unless further permission for its release is granted by the student. DCC will keep a record of persons other than Dawson Community College faculty and staff who request or obtain access to student files. Students may inspect their own educational records at any time.

Academic Integrity Guidelines

To “provide an educational program and support services to meet a broad spectrum of individual and community needs, to pursue excellence in all aspects of the learning experience, to promote civic responsibility, and to assist students in achieving their goals...” is a priority for DCC according to the Mission Statement. In order to promote this philosophy, the following academic integrity guidelines will be followed:

Student Academic Integrity Guidelines

Student Obligations

The student is responsible for cooperating with the instructor in his/her efforts to create a classroom environment that is conducive to the teaching/learning process. In order to do this, the student must become an active participant in the process and maintain an attitude of respect toward the instructor and other students. Students must conduct themselves in an orderly and responsible fashion or they will not be allowed to remain in the class. More specifically:

Students should be prompt and regular in attending classes, make appointments when necessary to meet with faculty and keep such appointments, be well-prepared for classes, and submit required assignments in a timely manner.
Integrity of the academic process requires that credit be given where credit is due. Accordingly, it is a breach of academic integrity to present as one’s own work, the ideas, representation or works of another, or to permit another to present one’s work without customary and proper acknowledgment of authorship. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times within permissible limits of assistance as stated by the faculty.
Some of the more common breaches of academic integrity are as follows: unauthorized talking or moving about in class; heckling, badgering, or ridiculing classmates or the instructor; disruptive neglect of personal hygiene; disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct; discriminating remarks or actions; verbal abuse; threatening actions or words; dishonesty (i.e., plagiarism, cheating, etc.); willful disobedience of the instructor in the performance of his/her duties.

Consequences for Infractions

Each instructor will be responsible for determining when the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior is beginning to compromise the instructional environment. This determination allows for differences in instructor style and tolerance and the content and context of each respective course. When an instructor judges a student to be violating these integrity guidelines and informal correction methods have not been effective, he/she will follow this procedure:

The instructor will indicate to the student, during class, that the behavior is unacceptable.
If the behavior persists the instructor will discuss the problem with the student outside of the classroom. This discussion should include a clear statement of what the instructor expects and of what will happen if the behavior continues. If the behavior continues, the student may be asked to leave class. The instructor should notify the Dean of Instructional Services at this time that he/she may have to remove the student from the course if the behavior does not improve.
If the behavior continues the instructor may withdraw the student from the class, with concurrence of the Dean of Instructional Services. The attempted corrective actions should be documented by the instructor and should accompany the withdrawal form.
If the disruptive behavior is occurring in other classes, or if it is of sufficient duration, intensity, or frequency, the Dean of Instructional Services may impose a two-week disciplinary suspension.
The student will attend a hearing with the President, the result of which may be expulsion.

Instructor Academic Integrity

Instructor Obligation

The instructor retains the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective teaching/learning relationship with and among students. He/She must assure classroom conditions are such that they promote each student’s development, but not at the expense of other students. More specifically, the instructor is responsible for establishing and implementing academic standards, establishing and maintaining communication, and enforcing behavioral standards in the classroom that support these academic standards. If a student feels that an instructor has been remiss in honoring this responsibility, he/she may utilize the student grievance procedure to pursue resolution.

Student Grievance Procedure

The student should arrange a time to discuss the specific problem with the course instructor within one week of the occurrence of the problem.
If the problem persists the student should discuss the problem with his/her academic advisor. The advisor should take some action within one week of being notified of the problem by discussing the problem with the instructor and/or the Dean of Instructional Services, documenting the problem and possible resolution(s).
If a resolution is not met within one week of the advisor’s action/decision, the student/advisor may request a hearing with the Dean of Instructional Services. This request must be in writing, documenting specifically the problem, the dates and results of attempts to reconcile the problem, and the student’s desired resolution. The Dean of Instructional Services will then arrange a hearing with the student/advisor, instructor, and any parties involved to determine a course of action. All efforts to complete this process within one week of receiving the written appeal will be made.
If the resolution is unsatisfactory the student may request, again in writing, a hearing with the Academic Affairs Committee. The request should be forwarded to the Dean of Instructional Services who will place the issue on the agenda of the next Academic Affairs Committee meeting. The student will then be informed of the recommended resolution by the Academic Affairs Committee members. At this level the decision is final.

Credits

The college academic year is divided into semesters and college work is measured in terms of semester credits. One semester credit is equivalent to approximately 45 hours of student involvement - usually 15 hours of classroom contact and 30 hours of outside class studying, researching, reading, etc. In general, a class that meets one hour per week throughout the semester yields one semester hour of credit. Science classes with a lab meet for five hours a week, while vocational lab classes meet six hours per week. Partial credit may be awarded in .5 credit increments, reflecting at least eight hours, but less than 15 hours, of direct contact or the equivalent.

Credit Overload

Students wanting to take more than 20 credits must have at least a 2.50 GPA and obtain the Dean of Instructional Services permission before being allowed to register.

Classification of Students

Full-time: students registered for 12 or more credit hours of class
Part-time: students registered for fewer than 12 credit hours
Regular: students who have satisfied the requirements for admission
Freshman: students having fewer than 30 credits
Sophomore: students having 30 or more credits

Curricula

DCC offers college-level transfer and vocational courses in a variety of disciplines. College-level classes are numbered 100 to 299. Generally, those identified as 100 to 199 are freshman level and those identified as 200 to 299 are sophomore level. Some sub-100 courses are also taught. Students should select sub-100 courses only on the recommendation of their advisors.

Course Delivery

CCCOnline

Dawson Community College is a member of the Community College Consortium Online. Through CCCOnline, students can obtain an accredited Associate of Arts degree, or all but four courses of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business. The remaining four courses of the A.A.S. degree can be completed at DCC or through independent study.

Contact the office of the Dean of Instructional Services for a brochure and to make inquiries regarding CCCOnline courses.
All CCCOnline students will be charged a $30.00 distance learning fee per course in addition to the per credit hour fee.
Students seeking either of the degrees must apply for admission to the college (see Student Services-Admissions). These students may also be eligible for Financial Aid (see Student Services-Financial Aid).
All fees must be paid in full prior to the issuing of a student PIN (course access code).
DCC will only accept registration for the 15 week sessions (Session 1) that run concurrently with DCC’s Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Interactive Television

Dawson Community College provides interactive video instruction at high school sites throughout eastern Montana. The Interactive Television (ITV) links students and teachers together as one class in rooms that may be hundreds of miles apart. ITV makes it possible for students to participate in courses which in the past were unavailable due to travel restrictions or low enrollments.

ITV classes are fully interactive college credit courses delivered via live, real-time television. Courses are taught by Dawson Community College faculty in classrooms just like any other college on-campus course and are broadcast live over the college’s video network. Students at each location can fully participate in the class as if all were in the same location.

ITV classes are offered both during the school day and evenings.

ITV Academy

High school students participating in the Dawson Community College ITV Academy can receive college credit while experiencing an actual college class. Students enrolled in these classes have the same rights and privileges as other DCC students including access to the library and support services. The ITV Academy delivers a minimum of nine ITV college classes to high school juniors and seniors over a two year period. Students completing the two year sequence of classes earn a minimum of 28 semester credits.

Additional information may be obtained from the Dean of Instructional Services of the Office of Continuing Education.

Independent Study

Students may take courses by independent study when special needs arise or the regular class is not available. These courses are accredited and generally accepted by other institutions. Tuition for independent study must be paid in advance. Refunds may be prorated according to independent study policy. (See Student Service-Special Fees for the cost of independent study).

Accelerated Program

Information for all options can be obtained by calling 1 406-377-9405 or email info@Dawson.edu .

Academic work toward completion of a degree may be accelerated in certain areas under the following provisions. Students should initiate such requests by consulting first with their advisor.

Advanced Placement Exams: DCC credit may be granted for students who successfully complete Advanced Placement Examinations in approved courses. Scores must be mailed directly to the DCC Registrar from the College Entrance Examination Board. A course will be posted as advance placement with a grade of ‘S’ when the student has completed a minimum of 12 DCC credits. A complete list of all equivalent courses for Advanced Placement is available from the Registrar’s office.

Challenging Courses: Any course may be challenged. Prior to challenging a course, a “request to challenge” form must be completed with the approval of the faculty member and Dean of Instructional Services. Any course previously taken as an audit course or as a credit course may not be challenged for credit. (See Special Fees).

College-Level Examination Program: DCC recognizes the vast differences in background and preparation of individuals who are preparing to enter college. DCC utilizes the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The purpose of this program is to allow students and prospective students to take examinations which measure knowledge in a variety of subject matter areas. Evaluation of the results determines whether proficiency is equivalent to that which would be expected upon completion of a college level course in that subject. Credits will be posted after the student earns 12 credits at DCC. Credits earned through CLEP apply toward graduation requirements. A satisfactory (S) grade is granted upon earning the required examination score. Students should consult with the Admissions Office for information concerning registration, cost, administration, and standards.

Course Substitution: Students may request a substitution for any stated course if they have previously completed a college course in which the subject matter closely parallels that of the course for which they request the substitution. All substitutions must be approved by the program director and Dean of Instructional Services. In no instance will a reduction be made in the number of credits required for any academic program. Forms are available in the Instructional Services Office.

Course Waiver: A required course may be waived if the student has previously completed equivalent work. All waivers must be approved by the appropriate program director and the Dean of Instructional Services. General education core requirements cannot be waived. In no instance will college credit be given for a waiver. Forms are available in the Instructional Services Office.

Dual Enrollment: Dawson Community College now offers courses by dual enrollment. Dual enrollment is defined as a program that permits high school students to earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. Courses may be taken for college credit only or may be offered for credit both at the high school and at the college. Students receive a tuition discount and services that are comparable to those of regularly enrolled college students.

High school students who are interested in dual enrollment opportunities should contact their school administrators. Participation is open to high school juniors and seniors who qualify for college classes. Students may graduate from high school with up to twenty college credits already earned.

For more information please contact the Dean of Instructional Services at DCC or your local school officials.

Experiential Learning: Dawson Community College recognizes learning acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting and follows the Northwest Association Policy 2.3 for granting of experiential credit. Documentation submitted by the student for accomplishments on the job, through volunteer work, or through training, workshops and seminars based on time in service, job description, supervisor’s evaluation, relationship to the curriculum and credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) may be reviewed and considered for credit. Experiential learning credit granted by another institution may not be accepted for transfer to DCC. In addition, experiential learning credits granted by DCC may or may not transfer to other institutions.

Prior to being granted experiential learning credits, a student must establish evidence of a satisfactory learning pattern by completing a minimum of twelve credits of college level coursework, of which six credits must be taken from Dawson Community College faculty.

The student must then complete the DCC form requesting experiential learning credit for a specific course. Approval to apply for experiential learning credit is at the discretion of the appropriate faculty member and the Dean of Instructional Services.

Credit for a course may be granted only upon the recommendation of the appropriate faculty member and the Registrar with the approval of the Dean of Instructional Services. Credit may be granted only for documented learning which ties the prior experience to the competencies of a relevant DCC regular course offering.

Documentation, as determined by the committee, must be provided to assure experiential learning equivalencies to course competencies. The College reserves the right to place limitations on which courses may apply to experiential learning credits.

Credit for prior experiential learning may constitute no more than 25 percent of the credits needed for a degree or certificate. Credits may be granted only to enrolled students and will be identified on the student’s transcript as credit for experiential learning (CBE).

The instructor and student must choose S/U or the traditional grading system when application is made. If S/U is chosen, the course will be listed on the transcript only if a passing grade is earned. A “portfolio review” fee may be assessed by the college as well.

Tech Prep: Tech Prep credits provide college level credit for vocational courses taken at the high school, giving students advanced placement in college programs. Taking advantage of Tech Prep credits may save students time and money and help them avoid unnecessary duplication and delays in the educational process.

High schools and colleges in the Eastern Montana Tech Prep Consortium have negotiated agreements to provide Tech Prep credit. To be eligible for Tech Prep credits, a student must earn a grade of “B” or better in an approved or articulated high school course. The student must also meet any additional conditions set by teachers to document targeted competencies and skills. The Tech Prep student must graduate from a participating high school and enroll in a participating college within two years of high school graduation.

When applying to the college, the student must submit a signed “Petition for Tech Prep Credit” form with the application for admission or prior to registering for classes. Tech Prep credits will be posted on the college transcript when all requirements are met.

Video/Audio Recording

Students must obtain the instructor’s advance permission before recording any classroom lectures/presentations. This permission will include specifications of what may be recorded, how it may be used, and for how long. This “intellectual property” policy has been adopted to protect the integrity of these presentations.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Students at Dawson Community College are expected to do their own work and in their own words and with their own ideas. If they quote or paraphrase the words of others, they are expected to indicate who it is they are paraphrasing. An instructor who believes that a student has cheated or claimed the work of someone else as his/her own, may take disciplinary steps as outlined under Academic Integrity Guidelines. This may include, but not be limited to, giving a failing grade or referring the student to others for further discipline.

Class Attendance Policy

The student is responsible for maintaining regular attendance in registered classes. Absences due to serious illness or strictly unavoidable circumstances may be excused if the instructor is completely satisfied as to the cause. Being excused for an absence in no way relieves the student of the responsibility for completing the course work to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Dropping Courses

Students registered for limited enrollment courses who do not attend the first two class meetings may be dropped by the instructor. This rule allows for early identification of class vacancies to permit other students to add closed classes. Students who know they will be absent should contact the instructor in advance.

Drop/Add Policy

All withdrawals from courses and additions of courses must be formally recorded with the Registrar. (Note: students are cautioned to carefully discuss any decisions to withdraw from courses with their advisors because withdrawal from class may affect a student’s progress toward a degree, as well as his/her financial aid status).

Students who add classes after the semester has begun must do so early in order to keep pace with the rest of the class. All additions after the first day of class are at the discretion of the instructor. In all semesters the last day to add classes is the 15th instructional day. To either add or drop a class, a student must obtain the proper form from the business office, fill it out, and get the required signatures before returning it. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that the completed form is returned to the Main Office. When adding courses, students must have the Dean of Instructional Services approval if their total credit load exceeds 20 credits for that semester. In fall and spring semesters the last day to drop classes will be the 45th instructional day or pro rata for summer, evening and non full-term classes. Additions after the 15th instructional day must be approved by the Dean of Instructional Services as well as by the instructor involved.

Withdrawal from a class after the 45th instructional day may be appealed to the Dean of Instructional Services if the student feels he/she can show exceptional circumstances. This appeal should be in writing to the Dean of Instructional Services.

Failure to turn in a drop/add slip or failing performance in the class are not considered to be extenuating circumstances.
The Dean of Instructional Services, after conferring with the advisor and instructor, will render a decision within two days.
Failure to withdraw from a class without going through proper channels will result in a permanent grade of F or U.
If a student is physically unable to follow the regular withdrawal procedure, or if there is a situation that is personally sensitive in nature, the student may contact the Dean of Instructional Services office directly. The Dean will then make a determination of action considering the student’s unique circumstances. A student withdrawing from all coursework during any term should complete the survey required by the Dean of Student Services.

Fresh Start Policy (Academic Bankruptcy)

The Fresh Start option is a one-time opportunity for DCC students to begin a new cumulative (or Fresh Start) GPA. This allows students to “bankrupt” previous coursework they have completed at DCC in which they received poor grades. Although the bankrupted coursework will remain on the student’s academic record, the credits and grades will not be carried forward into the student’s cumulative GPA. Students should note that all previous DCC grades and credits will be excluded and will not be used to fulfill any degree requirements when the Fresh Start option is chosen.

To be eligible for the Fresh Start option, students:

Must not be enrolled in any institution of higher education for a minimum of five years, and;
Must be on academic probation when returning to college, and;
Must complete 15 credits in residence with at least a GPA of 2.50 upon their return to DCC, and;
Must apply for the Fresh Start option within one calendar year after returning to DCC, and during the semester following that in which he/she meets the eligibility requirements.

Students wishing to petition for a Fresh Start GPA should contact the Registrar.

Grade Changes

Students questioning a grade received on their official transcript must contact the instructor before the completion of the following term. Grade changes are not allowed after one semester has elapsed except in unusual circumstances. Student appeals must go through the Dean of Instructional Services.

Incomplete ("I") Grades

Students are expected to complete the course work for a class during the time designated. If for some reason this is not possible, the student may request extra time to finish the work. A form to apply for such an extension is available from the Registrar. This form must be signed by the student and the Dean of Instructional Services.

In all cases, an “I” is given at the discretion of the instructor with the concurrence of the Dean of Instructional Services following these guidelines:

The student has been in attendance and doing passing work up to five weeks before the end of the semester.
For reasons beyond the student’s control, and which are acceptable to the instructor, he/she has been unable to complete the requirements of the course on time. In certain cases the Dean of Instructional Services may be requested to certify personal hardship cases.
The instructor must set the conditions for the removal of the incomplete on an “application for incomplete” form which is provided by the Registrar. When completed by the instructor and signed by the instructor and the student, this form must be filed with the Registrar.
An incomplete grade received during any given semester must be made up by the end of the following semester.
A grade of “incomplete” that is not made up in the prescribed time will automatically become an “F”.

Repeating Courses

Any course at DCC may be repeated once. When the initial course is transcripted, it is marked with an “*” and a number “1.” A course that is repeated is transcripted with an “*” and a number “2”. Only when the repeat course is completed is the “*1” course cumulative GPA replaced with the “*2” course cumulative GPA, substituting the current credits and grade for the previous credit. Students receiving financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office before repeating a course.

Scholastic Honors

Students who carry a full load (14 or more semester hours) of work graded with grade points and who earn a G.P.A. of a 3.5 or higher for the semester will be placed on the Dean’s list.

Those students who have a G.P.A. of at least 3.25 and less than 3.50 are given honorable mention. Names of students with “I” (incomplete) grades for the semester will not be placed on these lists.

Scholastic Probation/Suspension

A student whose grade point average is 1.75 or below in any given semester will be placed on scholastic probation. This student must then consult with his/her advisor before being allowed to register for more than 12 credits. A student whose cumulative GPA remains below 2.00 after the probation semester may be suspended from school and one full semester of non-enrollment may be required.

Standards for Veterans

Any student receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration will be counseled by the certifying official about benefits, credit load, withdrawal procedures, remedial and tutorial assistance, and his/her own responsibilities in these matters. He/she will then have his/her enrollment form approved by the Veteran’s Affairs Office (VAO) during each registration.

Satisfactory Progress: Any veteran receiving educational benefits from the Veterans Administration is expected to progress satisfactorily toward an educational goal and must meet the following standards:

Any veteran whose grade point average is 1.75 or below in any given semester will be placed on scholastic probation and will be required to receive special counseling by the certifying official before registering the next semester.
VA educational benefits will be terminated for any veteran whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00 for two consecutive semesters.
A “W” will be reported to the Veterans Administration only if it affects a veteran’s enrollment status.
A 2.00 GPA is required at the completion of 60 credits.

Tests

All tests, including final examinations, should be taken at the designated time, except in cases of emergency when approval of the instructor is required.

Transfer of Credits

The student who wishes to transfer his/her credits to another institution should plan accordingly. Although students receive academic advising, the student must assume the responsibility for knowing the requirements of the college to which he/she will transfer.

Colleges and universities vary in their policies regarding what courses may be credited toward advanced standing. Dawson Community College has every assurance from the units of the Montana University System that courses that were properly selected and credits that were earned will be accepted.

Official transcripts of credits earned at DCC will be sent to other institutions only upon the written request of the student. Forms are available in the DCC Main Office. DCC reserves the right to withhold transcripts from students who are in debt to the institution. Students have the right to discuss the matter with the business office personnel to resolve any disputes.

Graduation/Graduation with Honors

Those who are eligible for degrees or certificates must file an application in the Registrar’s office during the semester preceding the semester in which they expect to graduate and pay the graduation fee at this time. Only those students who have met the requirements for graduation from DCC and who have applied by the deadline may participate in the ceremony.

Anyone who does not have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00 at the end of fall semester must reapply spring semester. A student may graduate by fulfilling requirements for a certificate or degree in any DCC catalog under which he/she has been enrolled as a full-time student during the five years prior to graduation. The catalog in effect at the time of matriculation will be used unless otherwise specified by the student.

A student who completes all of the degree requirements and has at least a 3.5 overall G.P.A. will be graduated from DCC with honors.

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