Academic Information

This section includes various rules, guidelines, and processes that allow the student and College to operate on a common basis for a common purpose---completion of the student’s educational goals.  The topics in this section are listed alphabetically.

 

 

Academic Forgiveness

Academic Misconduct

 

Academic Probation And Dismissal

Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy

 

Advisement

Appeal Of Final Grade

 

Attendance Guidelines

Audit

 

College Credit For Nontraditional Education

College Credit From Other Colleges

 

College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

 

Course Load

Degree Options

 

English As A Second Language (ESL) Applicants

ESL Appeal Process

 

ESL - Test Of English As A Foreign Language Skills (TOEFL)

Exit Assessment

 

Grading System

Graduation Procedures

 

High School Students

Holds

 

Home Schooled And Correspondence Students

Honor Roll

 

Incomplete Coursework

International Students:

 

Orientation

Pass/Fail Grade Process

 

Placement Testing

Repeating Courses

 

Residency

Satisfactory Academic Progress

 

Transcripts

Who Is Eligible To Enroll

 

 

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Academic Forgiveness

Labette Community College (LCC) permits students to petition for academic forgiveness of coursework completed at least three (3) years prior to the petition date.  Approval of the petition permits a new start without the handicap of a prior academic record.  A student eligible for consideration may apply for academic forgiveness by petitioning the Vice President of Student Services using the following guidelines:

 

1.      Labette Community College course work subject to the petition must have been taken three (3) or more calendar years prior to the date of the petition.

2.      There must have been a break in enrollment at LCC of at least two (2) calendar years after the term for which the petition is filed.

3.      When invoking academic forgiveness, a student may designate not more than two (2) academic terms (fall, spring, or summer) to be forgiven in his or her academic record.  Only terms completed prior to returning to LCC may be designated.

4.      At the time of petitioning for academic forgiveness, the student must have completed 12 credit hours within the previous 12 months with an earned GPA of at least 2.0 at LCC.

5.      A petition for academic forgiveness will not be considered if a degree has been earned from LCC subsequent to the semester(s) in question.

6.      All “forgiven” course work will continue to appear on the transcript but will not be included in the student’s LCC cumulative GPA, nor shall any course in the term be counted toward a degree granted by LCC.

7.      Academic forgiveness will be granted only once.

8.      This procedure refers to LCC only.  A student transferring from or to another institution will have to follow the other institution’s procedure.

9.      Students who have been granted academic forgiveness will not be considered for graduation with honors.

10.  Granting of academic forgiveness does not affect nor alter a student’s record for financial aid awards or for athletic eligibility.

 

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Academic Misconduct

Labette Community College expects students to adhere to a strict code of academic honesty.  Students should learn in an environment of integrity, free from the intrusion of any kind of dishonest conduct. 

 

Academic Misconduct Appeals

Please refer to the LCC Student Handbook for the Academic Misconduct Appeals process.

 

Academic Misconduct Penalties

Being found guilty of academic misconduct will result in a minimum of a zero grade for the paper, assignment, clinical, course trip, or test on which the violation occurred.  Instructors may choose a more stringent course of action as specified in the course syllabus. 

 

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Academic Probation And Dismissal

A student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is used to evaluate his or her academic progress.  Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress toward an Associate Degree if a minimum of 2.0 GPA is maintained.

 

A student whose GPA falls below minimum progress will be placed on probation for the next semester.  If significant progress has been demonstrated, but the student has not quite attained a minimum of 2.0, a second semester on probation may be granted.  The student must petition the Vice President of Student Services to request an additional semester on probation.

 

If the 2.0 minimum GPA has not been achieved after a second semester on probation, the student will be suspended from the College.  Petition for reinstatement can be made after one semester has expired.  During suspension, the student will be encouraged to enroll in developmental courses to assist him or her in required studies upon reinstatement.

 

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Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to officially add, drop, or withdraw from a course in which he or she is enrolled.  (Students should never stop attending class without completely processing the Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form.  Failure to take such action will result in an “F” being assigned for the course.)

 

1.      Courses may be added or dropped during the first week of classes without approvals.

2.      Courses cannot be dropped by phone.

3.      Courses may also be added the second week of classes with the instructor’s permission.  An Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form must be completed for the added course, signed by the course instructor, and the student’s adviser or the Dean or Director.

 

For additional information on the Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy, please refer to the LCC Student Handbook.

 

* Refer to applicable academic calendar for specific drop dates, especially for the summer sessions.

 

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Advisement

All students should meet with an adviser before enrolling each semester.  Each student attending day classes will be assigned an adviser to assist with planning a schedule of study designed to accomplish the student’s goal.  The adviser’s or Dean’s signature is required on all Enrollment and Add/Drop forms for full-time students.  Students who transfer to LCC should provide an official copy of transcripts from the other institutions to Student Services before meeting with their adviser.  Advisers are available on the Parsons campus throughout the academic year and at extension sites during the respective enrollment sessions.

 

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Appeal Of Final Grade

In the event a student believes that a course grade assigned by an instructor is below his or her performance, procedures to request a grade change may be obtained through the Student Services Office or the Dean of Instruction Office.  Students may request a grade change no later than one (1) calendar year after the date the final course grade was officially recorded.  Please refer to the LCC Student Handbook for Procedures for Change of Grades for Courses.

 

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Attendance Guidelines

Regular attendance is essential for college success.  Each instructor determines the attendance requirements that will be included in the course syllabus.  Failure to comply with the course attendance requirements as stated in the syllabus may result in a lowered grade or involuntary withdrawal from the course.

 

Students who have absences due to student representation of the College in an official capacity such as athletic travel or due to participation in a class or club-sponsored activity will be allowed to make up coursework upon presentation of verifying evidence.  It is the student’s responsibility to provide such evidence prior to absence.

 

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Audit

Students may take a course for no credit by requesting an audit at the time of enrollment (see Special Tuition and Fees in Financial Information Section).  Audit status cannot be reversed.  If a course is audited, a grade will not be assigned and the instructor will not be required to administer or grade tests for these students.  Students enrolling in courses for credit will be given priority over audit students when seating is limited.

 

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College Credit For Nontraditional Education

Nontraditional education is learning that has not been transcripted by a regionally accredited higher education institution.  To encourage and assist students to complete degrees, LCC may award college credit for nontraditional education.  Work experience will not be considered.  The procedure and guidelines are as follows:

 

1.      Students are encouraged to seek advice from the Admissions Office.  A $25 fee must accompany the required application.  Normal tuition and fees, which must be paid prior to posting any credit on a transcript.  The student must complete at least 12 credit hours at LCC with at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA before nontraditional credit will be awarded. 

2.      The student must be currently enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours at LCC and have a degree objective.

3.      A maximum of 15 credit hours may be awarded and only six (6) can be used to fulfill concentration requirements.

4.      All courses for which nontraditional credit is awarded must have equivalent courses in the LCC curriculum.  Partial credit will not be awarded.

5.      General education course credit will not be awarded for nontraditional education.

6.      Course credit may be awarded for courses taken in the military if the course is identified in a current American Council on Education Guide.

7.      Nontraditional education credits will not be awarded unless the learning was fostered in a recognized national or state organization.

8.      Students must provide validated documentation stating the courses, knowledge, skills, and credit/clock hours completed.

9.      The Dean of Instruction will review, and as applicable, seek advice from full-time faculty.

10.  In some areas, departmental exams may provide an alternative to credit awarded for nontraditional education.

11.  Credit is not awarded for prior work experience.

 

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College Credit From Other Colleges

A maximum of 42 credit hours of recognized credit transferred from another college can be applied to associate degree requirements at Labette Community College.  A minimum of 18 credit hours must be completed at LCC for an Associate’s Degree and 12 credit hours for a certificate.

 

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College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB)

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations are given each year to high school students who are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses.  The student will be required to pay regular tuition to have the credits recorded on his or her transcript.  LCC will accept a total of 12 AP credit hours of general education.  LCC will grant credit to students presenting the following examination scores:

 

Score

Credit Hours

5

5-10

4

3-10

3

3-5

1 or 2

0

 

Note:  Not all institutions accept CEEB credits.  It is the student’s responsibility to check with the institution they might be transferring to in order to ensure acceptance.

 

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College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP is a national system of credit by examination, offering five general examinations assessing college level general education, as well as a number of subject examinations relating to specific college courses.

 

Labette Community College is an approved CLEP Testing Center.  Both general and subject examinations are administered in the Student Success Center.  LCC will accept a total of 12 CLEP credit hours of general education.  A score of 50 or above is required to apply the credits toward a degree.  The fee for CLEP testing is currently $70 per test.  The student will also be required to pay regular tuition to have the credits recorded on his or her LCC transcript.

 

Courses that are awarded by CLEP examination will be noted on transcripts as “Transferred from College Level Exam Program.” 

 

Note:  Not all institutions accept CLEP credits.  It is the student’s responsibility to check with the institution they might be transferring to in order to ensure acceptance.

 

For information regarding subject examinations or additional information about the test, please contact the Student Success Center at (620) 421-6700, extension 1147.

 

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Course Load

The average full-time load for fall and spring is from 15 to 18 credit hours per semester.  Students may take up to 21 credit hours per semester with approval of their adviser.  The Vice President of Academic Affairs must approve enrollment in more than 21 credit hours per semester.

 

The full-time load for summer is 12 credit hours.  Students who will receive financial aid must enroll in at least six (6) credit hours to receive half-time assistance.  The Vice President of Academic Affairs must approve enrollment in more than 12 credit hours in the summer sessions.

 

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Degree Options

Labette Community College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in General Studies degrees.

 

The Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a baccalaureate degree.  All degrees and concentrations available at LCC are described in this catalog.

 

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is for students who plan to seek employment after completing an associate degree in a professional/technical area.

 

The AAS degree may transfer only to specific degree programs at selected colleges and universities.  Generally, this degree will only apply toward a bachelor’s degree for technology occupations.  Students should seek degree program evaluation, analysis, and advice from the institution to which they plan to transfer.

 

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English As A Second Language (ESL) Applicants

Labette Community College wants to provide an opportunity for all students to attend college and be successful.  Students who have achieved a level of proficiency in the English language are more likely to have a successful college experience.  Labette Community College has established the following process to enhance student success for those students whose primary language is not English.

 

ESL Appeal Process

TOEFL Scores between 490-519 (written) and 160-189 (computer-based):

Records of individuals who have scored lower than 520 but higher than 490 will automatically be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Services and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Such a student should provide any evidence available which demonstrates sufficient ability to understand English.  A decision to admit the student may include a provision for participation in an English as a Second Language course.

 

TOEFL Scores Below 490 (written) and 160 (computer-based):

Records of individuals who have scored lower than 490 will be reviewed only upon written request from the student.  The student should include in the request any evidence that demonstrates his or her ability to understand and communicate in English.  The Vice President of Student Services and the Vice President of Academic Affairs will complete the review.  Approval for admission may include required participation in an English as a Second Language course or similar preparatory activities.  Admission to certain courses or programs may be restricted until English language ability is adequately improved.

 

ESL - Test Of English As A Foreign Language Skills (TOEFL)

A student whose primary language is not English must submit, prior to enrolling, one of the following:

 

1.      Record of successful completion of high school in which the language of instruction was English, or

2.      Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 520 written or 190 computer-based or higher, or

3.      Completion of an ESL course/program from an accredited institution.

 

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Exit Assessment

All students receiving an Associate Degree must take a series of assessments prior to graduation. 

 

Labette Community College offers exit assessment for the following purposes:

 

Ø      To enhance the student’s ability to transfer to a university or obtain a job.

Ø      To help the College improve its instructional programs by measuring and reporting student progress and skills.

Ø      To determine the level of educational development for individual students as a means of identifying interventions needed to prepare students for further education.

 

Students with academic concentrations will take a minimum of five of the seven possible exams:

 

Ø      Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) Tests:

v     Writing,

v     Reading,

v     Mathematics,

v     Science Reasoning, and

v     Critical Thinking,

Ø      College BASE Test for Social Sciences,

Ø      LCC Humanities and Computer Skills Test.

 

Students with professional/technical concentrations will take the WorkKeys test.  Students taking the WorkKeys will take three sectional exams:  Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Writing.

 

The Assessment Coordinator in the Student Success Center will be in charge of administering these exams and he or she will assign tests at random prior to testing date.  Results of these examinations are posted with the student’s transcript.

 

All test dates will be announced early in the spring semester.  It is the student’s responsibility to register for the test.  When reporting for testing, students will be required to present a photo ID and follow the rules of an ACT testing site.  Students in professional/technical courses/programs may be required to take this test for both pre- and post-assessment.  A hold will be placed on the transcript of any candidate for graduation who has not taken the appropriate exit assessment. 

 

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Grading System

The following symbols are used for student evaluation and will be sent with any transcript leaving the College.

 

A

Excellent

4 grade points

B

Good

3 grade points

C

Average

2 grade points

D

Below Average passing

1 grade point

F

Failing

0 grade point

P

Passing - Credit only, not computed in cumulative grade point average

 

N

No credit - Not computed

 

I

Incomplete - Not computed

 

W

Withdrawn - No credit, no grade

 

R

Course Repeated - not included in GPA

 

T

Audit - No credit, no grade

 

 

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Graduation Procedures

Note:  Graduation requirements include a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA.

 

All students who have completed at least 42 credit hours and plan to graduate in the fall or spring semester must request an official degree check in the Student Services Office by completing a “Degree Check Request” form.  A “Degree Check Request” should be submitted no later than the end of October prior to spring graduation.  All official transcripts from other institutions must be on file.  Evaluation results of the student’s permanent academic record will be mailed to the student, outlining specific requirements needed for the degree selected.  The response will indicate those requirements completed and those that need to be completed.  After the first degree check, a fee of $10 will be assessed for each additional degree check.  Contact the Registrar/Student Services for more information.

 

Degree candidates must meet graduation requirements found in the catalog of the student’s graduation year or a catalog from any of the three years immediately prior to graduation, provided the student was enrolled during the year selected.  Students must also have met their financial obligations to Labette Community College, including their graduation fees, and have taken the appropriate exit assessment.

 

Students who lack five credit hours or less at the end of the spring semester and plan to complete all course requirements by the end of the fall semester following graduation are eligible to apply for and participate in the graduation ceremony.  To qualify, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 according to grades posted prior to March 1st.  If the student wishes to wait a year and participate in graduation the following spring, after courses are complete, he or she must notify the Student Services Office prior to March 1st to be removed from the graduation list.  Graduation fees will be refunded if notification is received prior to March 1st.

 

Graduation with honors shall be determined by the following grade point averages as calculated the semester prior to graduation.

 

 

Summa Cum Laude

4.0

 

Magna Cum Laude

3.75-3.99

 

Cum Laude

3.50-3.74

 

Honor students will be identified in the graduation program and may wear a gold cord during the ceremony.

 

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High School Students

A high school student who has attained junior standing (successfully completed sophomore year) may enroll in college courses with permission from his or her high school principal.  The student must submit an enrollment form to the Admissions Office with the “Unified School District Authorization” section completed and signed by the principal.

 

A student who has been designated as “gifted” may enroll only upon submission of a completed and current (dates must cover period of enrollment) Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and that IEP must include a list of the college courses that are recommended as part of his or her plan.  The IEP must be submitted to the Admissions Office at the time of enrollment.

 

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Holds

Enrollments, official, and unofficial transcripts and related information will be withheld if any financial obligations to the College have not been paid, materials and/or equipment have not been returned, or if the student has yet to take the exit assessment.

 

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Home Schooled And Correspondence Students

Home schooled and correspondence students are eligible to enroll as a regular student after presenting proof of graduation in compliance with Kansas Law.  However, additional requirements must be met to be eligible for federal aid.  (See “Financial Aid Information” section.)

 

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Honor Roll

Students who enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester with a grade point average of at least 4.0 will be included on the President’s Honor Roll.  Students who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and have a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grades below a “C” will be eligible for the Dean’s Honor Roll.  Part-time students who have been enrolled in at least 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours each semester and have completed 24 total credit hours are also eligible for the respective honor roll.

 

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Incomplete Coursework

An incomplete grade may be given when course requirements have not been completed due to conditions usually beyond the control of the student, e.g., illness.   A student receiving an incomplete must consult with the instructor to complete a contract outlining requirements to finish the course, including a date the coursework must be completed.  The white copy of the contract is to be attached to the grade sheet at the end of the term.

 

Failure to complete the contract will automatically result in an “F.”  Students cannot withdraw from a course involving an incomplete contract.  Because incompletes may also affect a student’s financial aid, students should contact the Financial Aid Office.

 

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International Students:

1.      Must complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 520 written or 190 computer-based or higher to achieve unconditional admittance or complete an ESL course/program from an accredited institution.

2.      Must complete the application for admission to LCC accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $40.

3.      Must provide proof of graduation from a high school or secondary school.

4.      Must complete a financial responsibility form and submit it with a certified bank statement proving financial ability to attend LCC.

5.      Must consult with the International Student Adviser and file an original transcript of all schoolwork translated into English by Educational Perspectives or equivalent translation company.

 

After the above requirements are met, the applicant will be considered for admission.  If the applicant is accepted, an I-20 form will be issued.

 

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Orientation

All first-time, full-time day students with fewer than 15 credit hours after high school graduation are required to enroll in the Orientation course during their first semester.  This course introduces students to Labette Community College and provides various tips for students to succeed.

 

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Pass/Fail Grade Process

Some students may wish to take certain courses for a pass/fail grade rather than a letter grade. If a student wishes to receive a pass/fail grade, he or she must make this request during the first three weeks of the course. The request should be completed on the Request for Pass/Fail Grade form by the student and given to the instructor. It must be approved by the instructor and the Dean of Instruction. Once processed, the request cannot be reversed. The white copy of the approved request is to be attached to the grade sheet at the end of the term (the canary copy will be sent to the student).


 

Note:   Students are cautioned to check with their adviser about the transferability of pass/fail courses prior to initiating requests for pass/fail grades.  The courses are added to a student’s credit hour total, but are not included in the grade point average.  Pass/fail status may affect transfer as well.

 

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Placement Testing

The purpose of placement testing is to enhance student success in college.  Placement test scores are used to place students in the most appropriate level for success.  Students who enroll at Labette Community College for the first time must take a placement test, provide appropriate SAT or ACT scores prior to enrollment, or provide transcripts verifying appropriate courses have been successfully completed.

 

If a student has taken college math or college English prior to enrolling at LCC, he or she must provide an official college transcript or college grade report of previous courses.  Placement in appropriate courses will be determined during the enrollment process.

 

College students who apply for financial assistance and who will be taking Basic Writing I or II, Basic Reading I or II, Foundations of Math, Beginning Algebra, or any other developmental course must have taken the appropriate placement test in order to qualify for the grant funds.

 

Students may arrange to take a placement test by calling the LCC Student Success Center at (620) 421-6700, extension 1182, 1142, or 1153.

 

Placement Testing For English Courses

 

Score

 

Placement in

COMPASS writing score of 0-51

OR

ACT writing score of 0-13

 

 

Basic Writing I

COMPASS writing score of 52-69

OR

ACT writing score of 14-17

 

 

Basic Writing II

COMPASS writing score of 70 or higher

OR

ACT writing score of 18 and above

 

English Composition I

 

1.      Students who have taken the COMPASS Writing test twice and score between 49 and 51 can write an essay to try to get into Basic Writing II.

2.      Students who have taken the COMPASS Writing test twice and score between 67 and 69 can write an essay to try to get into English Composition I.

3.      Students can only go up one level by writing the essay.

 

Procedure for writing the essay:

A.    The essay will be written in the Student Success Center (SSC).

B.     The student will be given a list of topics chosen by the English faculty.

C.     The student will fill out a form listing his or her name, ID number, address, and phone number.

D.    The student will receive written instructions for writing the essay, paper, and pen.

E.     Once it is completed, the essay and form will be sent to the English Department.  At least two people will read the essay and decide, independently, whether or not the student should be admitted into the higher course.  If there is a disagreement, a third faculty member will read the essay to make the determination.

F.      Once the decision has been made, the essay and decision are returned to the Student Success Center.

G.    One of the SSC staff, usually the English Specialist, will contact the student regarding which course to enroll in.  The English