Registration Information

Class Schedule

Semester class schedules are available at www.blueridgectc.edu and through Bridge. Students are encouraged to refer to the website for the most up-to-date version of the schedule.

Academic Advisement

Academic advising is an on-going and developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their educational and professional goals and the development of plans for the realization of those goals. It is a multifaceted process by which students are assisted in realizing their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor. An Academic Advisor is initially assigned based on academic interest expressed by the student. It is the responsibility of both the student and his/her Academic Advisor to participate in the advising process equally. The Academic Advisor serves as a resource for course/career planning and academic progress review and as an agent of referral to other campus services as necessary. The Academic Advisor is not authorized to change the established policy of the College. After consultation with an Academic Advisor, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to choose and implement his/her academic program and to see that all specific requirements for that program and all general requirements for graduation from the College have been met in an acceptable and timely manner.

BRIDGE

BRIDGE is a secure online program that provides web-based services for students. BRIDGE can be used to:

• Register for classes
• Add/Drop classes 
• Withdraw from classes
• View midterm and final grades
• Review Charges
• Review & Print Class Schedules
• Review & Print Unofficial Transcripts
• Review Financial Aid
• Complete Registrar & Academic Change Forms
• Email Instructors
• Pay for tuition
• Review degree evaluation and progress toward graduation through DegreeWorks
• Apply for Graduation
• Order Official Transcripts
• Print Enrollment Verifications
• Update Veteran Classification and Self Identify
• Shop for textbooks through the campus bookstore
• Obtain tax forms (1098-T)

To access BRIDGE, go to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Home Page and click the “BRIDGE” link. The Student Log On page requires a username and password. All first-time users should retrieve username/password under the “Log In Instructions” section. Returning users who have forgotten their username or password can retrieve their original username and password online, and returning users who have changed their original password must contact BRCTC IT Support to reset their password. Once logged in, BRIDGE provides students’ access to the following screens: Personal Information, Student Records and Registration, Degree Works, Billing and Financial Aid, and Miscellaneous.

DegreeWorks

DegreeWorks is an academic advising and degree audit program that students and advisors use to assess program completion and develop academic plans. Students have easy access to the course descriptions for the courses that they would still need to register for. The student has access to their advisor name and email so they can correspond easily with their advisor without having to go elsewhere to look up the advisor’s email address. Students can see any holds that may prevent them from registering and they can also see any degrees that have been applied for or awarded at BRCTC (as well as any degrees they have earned at another institution before transfer). Release of Information for FERPA shows limited information in the DegreeWorks header, and must still be verified by a member of Enrollment Management. Students can see their test scores and what courses they are mandated to take based on their test scores which can be a pre-requisite to other courses the student needs to complete their degree. There are What-If audits that can illustrate a student’s progress when looking at options for changing majors so that the student can see what courses would be needed to complete a new major. There are three built-in GPA calculators to assist students with raising their GPA over time. There is a section for advisor and staff notations so that a student can easily go back and see what was discussed with their advisor, and these notes will also travel from advisor to advisor and be visible to staff that may be assisting the student.  All approved course substitutions will also show to the student as they are listed on the DegreeWorks account. Combined with the Ellucian Program of Study requirements for financial aid, students can easily tell if a course falls outside of their current major. All eligible courses in progress must count towards the major in order to apply financial aid towards covering their costs.

Registration Information

General Information

To register for classes on BRIDGE, the student must log on using his or her username and password. After selecting the Student Records and Registration screen, the student will click on Registration and then select Register for Classes. After selecting the appropriate semester of registration, the student can then either search for classes or enter the CRN’s for the classes for which he or she wishes to register. It is recommended that the student consult with their academic advisor when selecting courses.

Course Reference Number (CRN)

Class registration on BRIDGE is conducted by entering the Course Reference Number (CRN) for each class. The CRN for each class is listed in the Class Schedule. If special permission or approval is required to register for a course, students must communicate with the appropriate person listed in the Schedule of Classes before registering.

Registration Holds

BRIDGE will inform students of any holds on their accounts. Students with outstanding financial or other obligations will not be permitted to register until all obligations are cleared by the appropriate office(s).

Online Classes

Technology allows some classes to be taught online. Class formats vary as follows (check the comment section of the course schedule):

Since the comments field is limited to 28 characters, in some cases only a portion of the designation will fit into the field. Information in the comments field will be listed in the following order, where applicable:

1. Special Fees
2. Pre-requisites
3. Delivery mode (using one of the designations above)
4. Limitations to course requirements, such as courses only being offered to a specific program of student or cohort class
5. OER (Open Educational Resources), meaning free online texts

Online classes are enumerated in the online schedule at www.blueridgectc.edu. The specific format of an online class is defined by the instructor and is available during registration in the comments section of the online schedule.

Special Topics Courses

The College offers courses that fulfill short-term needs not justifying permanent listing in the catalog or which respond to requests received on short notice. Credit given will vary from one to four hours, and the course may be repeated as needed by the department. Topics for these courses will be created as needed by each department. Special Topics courses vary in content with each offering. When offered, a Special Topics course title includes a subtitle describing that course’s specific content. Course descriptions are kept on file with each department for Special Topics courses.

Variable Credit Courses

Variable credit courses are listed in the Schedule of Classes with a range of hours the course may be taken. To enter variable credit, first register for the course on BRIDGE. Then click on Schedule and Options and click the number 1 under Hours. Change to the correct number of credit hours and click Enter, followed by the Submit button. Changes to variable credit courses MUST be completed by the end of add/drop for each semester. For specific dates, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

Academic Load

Students may register for a maximum of 19 credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters, or a maximum of 14 credits in the Summer semester. In no case may a student enroll for over 23 hours per semester. A student who wishes to enroll for more than the maximum credit hours must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better, secure an email approval of the Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator, and complete the Academic Change Form in BRIDGE. If the overall grade point average is less than 3.0, students must first petition the Admissions and Credits Committee for permission before proceeding to get required signatures. Approval forms for an Overload Request and Petition forms are available in a student’s BRIDGE account.

Closed Class

BRIDGE will indicate if a course is closed by giving a registration error message on the screen. The student can then check other sections of the same course for available openings by scrolling down and clicking on class search. If a class is closed a student may add themselves to the waitlist (if it is not already at capacity).

Waitlisting

If a class is full or closed students have the option to waitlist themselves in the registration screen in their BRIDGE account. If students attempt to register for the course (entering the CRNs in the boxes on the add/drop classes screen in Bridge) and are notified the class is full or closed, they may navigate to the bottom right corner of the page and select Waitlist. Continue to press Submit until the green Save Successful box appears in the top right corner. A maximum of 10 students can be waitlisted for a class. At such a time when a seat becomes available in a course, the first student on the waitlist will be notified via their Blue Ridge CTC email and will then have 24 hours to register for the class using their Bridge account. If the 24 hour time expires and the student has taken no action to register in BRIDGE, their place on the waitlist is lost, and the seat becomes available to the next student on the waitlist.

Time Conflicts

If a student requests two courses whose start and/or end time overlap, a time conflict is created. The student can then check other sections of the same course for available openings by scrolling down and clicking on class search. Time conflicts require written permission from the instructor of both courses. One instructor will complete the override using their Faculty BRIDGE account, and then the student will be able to register for courses using their Student Bridge account.

Other Conflicts

Students cannot register in BRIDGE for two sections of the same course. This includes special topics courses with the same number, such as 199 or 299. Students should report to their Academic Advisor for approval.

Confirm Schedule

After all CRN numbers have been entered and if there are no registration errors, the student must click Submit Changes. When finished, click on Confirm Schedule. Click on Menu then click on Student Detail Schedule to check accuracy.

Registration Process

Currently Enrolled, Degree-Seeking Students

Students who are degree-seeking and currently enrolled at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College are the first to register for future semester classes. Early registration takes place around October and March. Students must meet with their Academic Advisor to discuss their class schedule. Students are able to choose their schedule by looking at their DegreeWorks account and choosing sections of courses from Bridge or our website, under Current Schedule. When registration opens, currently enrolled students can log on to BRIDGE, select Student Services, and then select Registration to register for classes.  Students who are not registered for classes for two consecutive semesters, excluding summer terms, will need to reapply before the beginning of the semester as a re-admit student. Students who have been academically suspended must apply for readmission.

Special Non-Degree Seeking Students

Registration for Special Non-Degree Seeking Students is on-going when registration opens around March and October. There is no application fee and the student is not eligible for financial aid. Students who have applied for admission and who have been admitted into a degree-seeking program will be advised of registration procedures upon admission. Students who have not applied for admission and who have not been admitted will be required to complete a Special Non-Degree Seeking Student Application. Payment should be made after the registration process has been completed.

Late Registration

Students who begin registering for classes on or after the Friday before the first day of classes may still register via BRIDGE through the first week of classes. A late registration fee applies.

Add/Drop Period

The first five class days of the fall and spring semesters and the first four days of summer are known as the Add/Drop period (check the Academic Calendar for specific dates each term). During this period, classes may be added or dropped from the student’s schedule via BRIDGE. A course dropped during this period will not appear on the student’s transcript, and the student will not be charged. The student is not required to gain the Academic Advisor’s approval for any classes added or dropped from his or her class schedule. However, communication with the advisor and financial aid is highly encouraged to see how it will affect graduation progress and aid received.

Credits From Other Sources

A Blue Ridge Community and Technical College student may transfer previous college credits from other higher education institutions or prior learning assessments preceding enrollment. This includes but is not limited to Military credits, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), World Education Services (WES), or other applicable transcripts.

Transfer Courses Before Enrollment

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College articulates credits from an institution that is accredited by a regional, national, programmatic, or other accredited body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There is no time limit on college transcripts; however, there are time limits on certain classes. Successful classes from previous institutions transfer. Courses that received a failing or incomplete grade are not articulated. Coursework meeting 70% or more of the learning objectives of the Blue Ridge CTC comparable course will be accepted. Transfer GPAs are calculated into the overall GPA at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Transfer credits are included in determining Satisfactory Academic Progress and may place a student on Financial Aid and/or Academic Probation upon enrollment. During the application process, the student is encouraged to have all transcripts from previous institutions sent to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Only official copies of transcripts will be accepted. Courses on the West Virginia Core Coursework Transfer Agreement are honored. Credits taken at any West Virginia public institution shall count towards a student’s credit residency requirement. Nursing courses from other programs are not eligible for transfer towards the Blue Ridge Nursing program.

Advanced Placement Tests

To receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) Tests, students must have the testing service send the AP results directly to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Office of the Registrar (transcripts@blueridgectc.edu).

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests

Credit may be awarded by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College for the successful completion of many of the CLEP Subject Examinations. Information about CLEP Exams can be found at www.collegeboard.com/clep.  Blue Ridge CTC is an official CLEP Testing site. To receive credit for CLEP Tests, students must have the testing service send the results directly to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Office of the Registrar (testing@blueridgectc.edu).

Courses Taken at Other Institutions while attending Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College students must apply for transfer approval before enrollment to take a non-Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course at another institution. To apply for transfer approval, the student must be in good academic standing (institutional and overall GPA of 2.0 or above). No course that a student has attempted at another institution while on suspension shall be accepted by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College as part of the credit hours necessary for graduation. A student who previously enrolled in a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course may not petition to retake that course at another institution. To receive credit for a non-Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course, the student must complete a Transfer Approval Form making the request. The student will follow all procedures enumerated on that form, including signatures of approval. After obtaining the appropriate signatures, the student must submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office via BRIDGE. Should any of the electronic signatures not be secured, the student may file a petition with the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions & Credits Committee.  The completed petition along with the completed Transfer Approval Form and the student’s written justification for seeking the course elsewhere may be submitted to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee for final action. Articulation course agreements do not apply to any repeated Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course in which a student has received a grade of D or F. No D or F grade can be replaced by an equivalent transfer course. Upon approval of the Transfer Approval Form, the student will receive notification via their Blue Ridge Community and Technical College email address. The student is then responsible for registering and paying for the class at the other institution. When the class has been completed and the other institution has issued a grade to the student, it is the student’s responsibility to have an official transcript sent to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Office of the Registrar (transcripts@blueridgectc.edu).  Once the transcript is received, the Office of the Registrar will post the credits as transfer credit with the grade earned at the other institution.

Reverse Transfer

The BRCTC Reverse Transfer Policy is part of the statewide West Virginia Reverse Transfer (WVRT) policy. This policy was developed to assist students who have earned at least 15 credit hours at BRCTC prior to transferring to a Baccalaureate program. The Reverse Transfer Policy graduation must be requested prior to or at the same time as the Baccalaureate graduation. A student who has earned an associate degree or higher is not eligible for reverse transfer.

Minimum requirements for Reverse Transfer:

• Student must have earned at least 15 credits at BRCTC.
• Student may not have earned an associate degree or higher prior to the request for reverse transfer.
• Student must be in Good Standing in the Baccalaureate program.
   

WVRT Procedures:

1. The student will contact the Office of the Registrar at the baccalaureate institution (known as the host institution) and request that their transcript be sent to BRCTC (degree granting institution) through the National Student Clearinghouse Reverse Transfer program.
2. The student will complete an application for the WVRT program for BRCTC. This form will be submitted in person to the Welcome Desk, emailed to registrar@blueridgectc.edu, or faxed to 304-260-4376.
3. Once BRCTC receives the records from the National Student Clearinghouse and the application, the student’s information will be processed and eligibility determined.
4. BRCTC will notify the student via email if they currently qualify for the degree (based on current degree requirements).
5. If the student qualifies, they will be awarded the degree during the next graduation cycle in May, August, or December.

The degree awarded will not be any different than any other associate degree that BRCTC awards. There is no time limit on students completing the associate degree through the WVRT; however, each candidate must meet all current programmatic and institutional requirements to earn that specific degree.

Special Examination for Course Credit

For certain courses, a student may have the opportunity to take a special examination for course credit.

• Course credit may not be granted through special examination for courses previously attempted or resulted in a failing grade or withdraw.
• Course credit through special examination is only available to currently enrolled, degree-seeking students in good academic standing.
• Course credit through special examination may be attempted only once per course.
• Course credit through special examination is posted to the transcript as CR and will not affect GPA.
• The Special Examination for Course Credit assesses a fee of $25 per credit hour. Periodically the College will hold workshops designed to prepare the student for Special Examination for Course Credit. Participation in these workshops requires an additional fee. Participation in these workshops is not required to take a Special Examination for Course Credit.
• Payment of the fee for Special Examination of Course Credit must be made before the administration of the exam.
• No money will be refunded if any examination is failed.
• For more information about Special Examinations for Course Credit, see the Program Coordinator.

For an associate degree, a student must complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The last 12 hours of coursework for an associate degree must be completed at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. For the Board of Governors, Occupational Development, and Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science degrees, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited institution and at least 3 credit hours at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Enrollment

Academic Load

A semester hour consists of one hour of recitation with two preparation hours per week. Twelve semester hours per semester constitute a minimum full-time academic load. The normal load is 15 hours per semester thus making 60 credit hours in four semesters (two years).

Academic Probation, and Suspension

At the end of each grading period, each student’s institutional and cumulative grade point average is calculated. The calculation is determined by dividing the number of earned quality points by the number of quality hours. In the computation of the institutional and cumulative grade point average, a grade of Incomplete (“I”) will not be included in the quality hours. When the grade of “I” is replaced by a passing or failing grade, the student’s grade point average will be revised by Enrollment Management.  However, having a grade of “I” will result in the student not making the Honor’s, Dean’s, or President’s List.

A student whose institutional GPA or cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 in any semester will be placed on Probation I. If the student fails to raise their institutional and cumulative GPA’s to a 2.0 or higher the student will be Continued on Probation (also known as Probation II). To be removed from probation, a student must attain BOTH a 2.0 institutional GPA and a cumulative GPA (includes coursework attempted from other institutions).

Once a student is continued on probation, they are required to maintain an institutional semester GPA of 2.0 or above. If during any semester, their semester GPA drops below a 2.0, the student will be suspended for one semester (two semesters for second suspension and any subsequent suspension). During a period of academic suspension, no credits earned at another institution will be accepted at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. If students are suspended at the end of the spring semester, they are eligible to register for the summer term, only if mathematically, they are able to raise both their institutional and cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or higher.  The student will continue on probation for the summer term but will need to bring their institutional and cumulative GPA’s above a 2.0 to be eligible to register for fall.

The student who has been suspended from the College for the first time must re-apply for admission after one semester by completing an application for admission. The student who has been suspended from the College two or more times must apply for readmission after one academic year by completing an application for admission. Students receiving federal financial aid must also adhere to satisfactory academic progress requirements set forth by Financial Aid.

Enrollment Verification

Students requiring verification of enrollment for insurance or other purposes can print their Enrollment Verification directly from their BRIDGE account. This is located under Records and Registration, National Student Clearinghouse, and Obtain and Enrollment Certificate.

Repeating Courses

A student may not repeat a course or courses for credit where the original grade was a C or better. Variable credit courses may be repeated until the maximum hours have been earned.

60 Hour Repeat Rule

A student who earns a D, F, or IF grade in any course completed no later than the semester or summer term that the 60th semester hour is attempted (including transfer hours) may repeat the institutional course before receiving an associate degree. The course(s) must be repeated at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. For each course, the original grade of D, F, or IF shall be disregarded from the GPA and the subsequent grade shall be used for determining the student’s GPA. The original grade shall not be deleted from the student’s record.  If the D, F, or IF is completed after the 61st semester hour is attempted (including transfer hours) both grades will be calculated into the student’s GPA.

Grading

Academic Forgiveness Policy

The Academic Forgiveness Policy does not alter, change, or amend any other existing policies at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and is formulated to be consistent with Series 22 of the West Virginia Council for Community & Technical Education and supersedes all previous Academic Forgiveness Policies at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Academic Forgiveness is intended for the student who is returning to college with a grade point deficiency. This policy covers only those students who have not been enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more semester credit hours) at any institution of higher learning during the four consecutive academic years immediately preceding the readmission semester. This policy is limited to degree-seeking students who have not yet been awarded their first academic degree. Academic Forgiveness will be granted only once for any student. The Academic Forgiveness Policy may be applied after a readmitted student has earned twelve credit hours that apply toward graduation with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (certain programs may have different standards, such as Board of Governors and Technical Studies). These twelve hours must be earned at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. A student desiring Academic Forgiveness must complete an Academic Forgiveness Form and file it in the Registrar’s Office (found online via BRIDGE). This request must certify that the applicant has not been enrolled as a full-time student (twelve or more credit hours) in any institution of higher learning during the four consecutive academic years immediately preceding the readmission semester. If the student has attended any institution of higher education on a part-time basis during the specified four-year period, the student must have earned at least a 2.0 GPA in all coursework attempted.

The Academic Forgiveness Request Form requires the student to indicate whether he or she wishes to exclude from the GPA calculation (1) all F and IF grades; or (2) all F, IF, and D grades earned before the four consecutive academic years immediately preceding the beginning of the readmission semester. This includes those grades appearing as transferred grades on the official transcript. If a student chooses to have all D grades excluded from the GPA calculation, it is with the understanding that the courses for which the D grades were earned cannot be used to satisfy any requirements for graduation. When and if all prerequisite conditions have been met, Academic Forgiveness will be granted upon the successful completion of twelve credit hours of courses numbered 100 or above with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The Registrar will then officially calculate the student’s current GPA. However, no grade will be removed from the permanent record. The College is not bound by the decision of any other institution to disregard grades earned in college courses. Similarly, students should be aware that other institutions may not recognize Academic Forgiveness extended by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Final Examination

The policy of the College is to require that final examination be given at the end of each class term. Final exams are to be given during the last week of class at the regularly scheduled meeting time.

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade-point average is computed on all work that a student has attempted for college credit (including Blue Ridge Community and Technical College credits and transfer credits). Courses with a grade of W and courses that are taken on a pass/fail or audit basis are not considered courses attempted for college credit in the computation of a student’s grade point average. Quality points are based on the point value per semester hour multiplied by the number of hours of coursework attempted. A student taking a three-hour course and receiving a grade of C would earn 6 quality points. (C = 2 quality points times 3 hours.) To compute a grade point average, divide the total quality points accumulated by the total credit hours attempted for which college credit is given toward graduation (e.g., 220 quality points accumulated divided by 88 credit hours attempted for college credit = (220/88) = 2.50 GPA.

Grade Reports

Midterm and final grade reports follow the normal grading system. Midterm and final grades are available on BRIDGE.

Grading System

* Not used in the computation of grade point average.

Auditing Courses (AU grade)

A student may initially register for a course as an auditor. Declaration of a change in a course from credit status to audit status must be processed within the first 15 class days (Monday–Friday) of a fall or spring academic session or within the first three class days (Monday–Friday) of a summer session. Any later change must be appealed to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee. An auditor is expected to comply with the instructor’s attendance policy. Regular College fees are charged for persons auditing a course. No credit is awarded for an audited class.

Incomplete Grades (I grade)

A grade of incomplete may be given to a student who has satisfactorily completed most of the requirements for a course, but because of illness or other extenuating circumstances, has not completed all of the requirements. Students receiving an incomplete must confer with the instructor before the end of the semester to determine the exact deficiencies that are to be made up within the next semester. The instructor and student shall agree on what needs to be submitted and the timeline for the student to complete the work.  If the student is not available to meet with the professor before the end of the semester for which the incomplete grade is sought, the student must consult with the instructor early in the following semester to determine the requirements and the timetable for completing the work for the course. When the work has been completed, the instructor must complete and return a Grade Change Form using their BRIDGE account with the new grade. Incomplete grades issued during the fall semester must be submitted no later than noon on the Friday before final grades are due for the following spring semester. Incomplete grades issued during the spring semester must be submitted no later than noon on the Friday before final grades are due for the following fall semester. Incomplete grades issued during any summer session must be submitted no later than noon on the Friday before final grades are due for the following fall semester. If the incomplete is not made up in accordance with this time schedule, the grade automatically becomes an IF. When an incomplete grade is changed, the student’s grade point average is recomputed. However, having a grade of “I” will result in the student potentially not making the President’s, Dean’s, or Honor’s List as these items are calculated at the end of the term and are not recalculated for Incompletes. Any exceptions to these procedures must be submitted to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee.

Pass/Fail (P/F grade)

Students may choose to take elective courses on a pass/fail basis instead of the regular grading system, in accordance with the following:

1. Electives shall be defined as courses not directly required for a degree. Thus, the required electives within the major field of concentration would be excluded from the pass/fail option. In the event of a change in major fields, the course previously taken on a pass/fail option if applicable to the new major field shall be substituted by approved courses. Required general study courses also will be excluded from the pass/fail option. The ultimate responsibility for correct scheduling rests with the student.
2. A passing grade in the pass/fail option will be equivalent to the normal passing range of A through D in the conventional system.
3. All students are eligible for the pass/fail option with the exception of those currently on academic probation.
4. Students will be limited to 24 hours of pass/fail options, with not more than one course to a maximum of four credit hours being taken during one session.
5. A student must make a declaration for the pass/fail option by the tenth class day of the semester. This decision will be final.

Final Grade Appeals

In order to successfully appeal a final grade, a student must offer convincing arguments that good cause exists for mandating a change of grade. A grade may be appealed exclusively for the following reasons: discrimination, error in calculation, or that the grade was awarded in an arbitrary or capricious manner. Refer to the Student Handbook section entitled “Grade Appeal Procedures” for the Student Grade Appeals procedure.

Contact Hours to Credit Hours

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. An institutionally established equivalency reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester. Federal regulations require that a semester hour must include at least 37.5 clock hours of instruction. One semester credit hour equals 15 classroom hours of lecture, 30 hours of laboratory, and 50 hours of practicum or internship. Institutions may have courses that are in compressed format, self-paced, or otherwise alternatively structured. Credit assignments should be reasonable.

The credit hour is based upon what is often referred to as seat-time because it starts from the amount of time a student spends in a classroom. One semester credit hour consists of 15 hours in a classroom plus an assumed two hours of homework for every hour in the classroom, so that it represents a total of 45 hours. A three-credit course at a college on a semester calendar therefore normally meets three hours a week for 15 weeks and assumes that students are doing 6 hours a week of homework.  (Except that an “hour” in the classroom is usually 50 minutes, an understanding developed to accommodate the need for students to have time to get from one class to another on a college campus).

Credit Hour Equivalencies

A semester hour of credit (or credit hour) is based upon the average number of hours of instruction taught weekly. The ratio of weekly contact hours to credit hours varies with the type of instruction being used.

• Theory. Instruction focused on principles, concepts, or ideas. It generally requires extensive out-of-class preparation prior to class each week as well as follow-up assignments. “Theory” instruction is the term, which will be used to include lecture, recitation, discussion, demonstration, seminar, online, and hybrid. “Theory” instruction is under the direct supervision of an instructor.  Ratio: 1:15 (one hour of credit for fifteen contact hours).
• Laboratory. A practical application laboratory is generally required in career and technical programs; it requires limited out-of-class assignments per week; emphasis is on the use of equipment, tools, machines, etc. found within the lab environment. “Practical application laboratory” involves the development of manual skills and job proficiency and is under the direct supervision of an instructor. Ratio: 1:30. (One hour of credit for thirty contact hours).
• Internship, Clinical, or Practicum. Student activity is planned and coordinated jointly by an institutional representative and the employer, with the employer having the responsibility for the control and supervision of the student on the job. Ratio: 1:50 (one hour of credit for fifty contact hours).

Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a Course

A student may withdraw from a class during the dates posted on the Academic Calendar for each term or part of a term. Students should speak to their Advisor/Financial Aid/Veterans Office BEFORE withdrawing from a course to see if it may impact their program progress, graduation requirements, or Financial Aid.  A grade of “W” will appear on the student’s transcript. A “W” grade does not affect the grade point average (see Grading System in this section). Multiple “W” grades may affect a student’s eligibility for future financial aid (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy  in the Scholarships and Financial Aid section).  Failure to withdraw properly may lead to a grade of “F” on your transcript, students may need to return Financial Aid and/or students may be placed on hold which will prohibit future registration.  There are no refunds for a partial withdrawal.

Procedure for Withdrawal from a Course

This is to withdraw from one or more courses in a semester.  This is completed on the students’ BRIDGE account.

1. Log into BRIDGE
2. Select Student Records and Registration
3. Select Registration from the left-hand side menu
4. Select Register for Classes
5. Choose the appropriate semester (time restrictions do apply)
6. Once in the Register for Classes page, refer to the Summary Box of classes in the bottom right box corner of the page
7. Go to the class the student wants to withdraw from. In the Actions area, select WITHDRAW
8. Once the Action Box is updated with the withdraw option, press the gray Submit button
9. There will be a green SAVE SUCCESSFUL box in the top right corner of the page upon a successfully withdrawn course

**NOTE: There are no refunds for a partial withdrawal.**

**NOTE: Refunds on Complete Withdraws are based on the instructor reported last date of attendance.**

Students who discontinue attending class without following the proper withdrawal procedures can receive a grade of F or IF in the course(s) (see Grading System in this Section).

A refund of tuition may be available if the Complete Withdrawal is during the designated refund period for each semester (see Refund Policy  in the Expenses Section of the Catalog).

Financial Aid recipients: prior to withdrawing from your last class, contact Financial Aid to see how this withdraw will affect bills, aid, and monies owed to the institution.

Although a student may receive advice from an agent of the College, the final responsibility for a decision concerning withdrawal rests with the student, in consultation with the course instructor and Academic Advisor, in accordance with College policies. Prior to withdrawing from a course, those students receiving financial aid should refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy in the Scholarships and Financial Aid Section of this Catalog.

Summary of Drop/Withdrawal Dates

Dropping some but not all Courses during the Add/Drop Period

Withdrawal from some but not all Courses after the Add/Drop Period

Complete Drop

Complete Withdrawal

Attendance Statement

Students are expected to attend all classes, confer with their instructors about any absences and submit the appropriate documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services in the event of an excused absence. In the absence of communication between the student and instructor, nonattendance is assumed to be unexcused.

For courses other than those listed below, the attendance policy is at the instructor’s discretion. All attendance policies are listed in the course syllabus. For online courses, attendance is considered submitting graded work.

Attendance Policy for all MATH Courses

Students are expected to attend all classes, confer with their instructors about any absences and submit the appropriate documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services in the event of an excused absence. In the absence of communication between the student and instructor, nonattendance is assumed to be unexcused.

During a full-term, fall or spring semester course, any student who accumulates two consecutive weeks of unexcused absence in a math class may be administratively withdrawn from the course.   During half-term fall or spring semester course or a full-term summer semester course, any student who accumulates one consecutive week of unexcused absence in a math class may be administratively withdrawn from the course.  When either instance of nonattendance occurs, the student will be notified by their instructor of the pending administrative withdrawal from the course via Blue Ridge email.  Students then have exactly one week from the date of notification to contact the instructor and provide documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services so that it can be determined if the absences are excused.

During terms of other lengths, accumulating five consecutive class hours of unexcused absence may result in an administrative withdrawal. The student will be notified by their instructor of the pending administrative withdrawal via Blue Ridge email. Students then have two business days from the date of the email notification to contact the instructor and provide documentation for the absence to the Office of Accessibility Services.

An administrative withdrawal may have financial aid, insurance, and college enrollment repercussions.

Attendance Policy for English 100, 100R, and English Co-requisite Pair Courses

During a full-term term, any student who accumulates three consecutive weeks of unexcused absences will, without notification, be administratively withdrawn from that course unless the student contacts the instructor and provides documentation to Student Services so that it can be determined if the absences will be excused. During terms of other lengths, nine consecutive class hours of unexcused absences for all developmental English courses will result in an administrative withdrawal unless the student contacts the instructor and provides documentation to Student Services so that it can be determined if the absences are excused. If a student is withdrawn from a lab course, then he or she will be automatically withdrawn from the paired, gateway course (ENGL 101 or 110). Should administrative withdrawal occur, it may have financial aid, insurance, and college enrollment repercussions.

Transcripts

Official Academic Transcript Request 

Transcript Ordering, a service of the National Student Clearinghouse, offers a fast, simple and secure way to order copies of your transcript via the Web. You’ll be guided through the easy step-by-step process and receive email updates on your order, which may be tracked online.

Transcript Ordering complies with all published guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects students’ privacy rights in their education records.

Transcripts can be ordered via the Web 24/7 through the National Student Clearinghouse. You can place as many orders as you like in one session using any major credit card. Your card will only be charged after your order has been completed. Order updates are available via mobile text message and will also be emailed to you. You can also track your order online using your email address and order number.

Students ordering transcripts via the National Student Clearinghouse, who have designated campus to pick up, should wait for notification that the transcript is ready to ensure transcript availability prior to attempting to retrieve the requested transcript.

OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT REQUEST – PAPER

Transcripts not ordered through the Clearinghouse require three to five business days for processing.

STEP 1:
If you need to request an official copy of your transcript, you will need to pick up a Transcript Request form. Transcripts are released only upon written request from the student with the student’s signature and printed name plainly shown. E-mail requests cannot be accepted.

STEP 2:
Be sure to include your name, all previous names, addresses, phone numbers, student ID number (or social security number if you can’t remember your C number), dates of attendance, and graduation date (if applicable) on the request.

STEP 3:
Include the complete address to which the transcript should be sent. Official transcripts ordered with the paper form cannot be emailed; they will be mailed via USPS.

STEP 4:
Send completed transcript request and payment ($10 per transcript - make payment at www.blueridgectc.edu, transcripts will not be sent without payment) to the Office of the Registrar by mailing or faxing your completed form to:

Office of the Registrar
Blue Ridge CTC
13650 Apple Harvest Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25403
FAX: 304-260-4376

Attention

Transcripts picked up by students will be stamped ISSUED TO STUDENT. Such a transcript may not be acceptable to the person or institution receiving it.

Graduation

Application for Graduation for Associate Degrees

Students MUST apply for graduation. For associate degrees, students within two semesters of graduation should check with their Academic Advisor to begin the graduation application process, which can be completed in BRIDGE. Generally, students wishing to graduate in May MUST apply for graduation in BRIDGE no later than April 1, students wishing to graduate in August MUST apply for graduation in BRIDGE no later than July 1, and students wishing to graduate in December MUST apply for graduation in BRIDGE no later than November 1. Specific deadlines for graduation application are listed in the Academic Calendar located in the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Catalog or online at www.blueridgectc.edu. 

Associate degree completers from August, December, and May are eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony in May.

Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the graduation application and evaluation process. Failure to apply for graduation in a timely manner could result in the postponement of graduation for the student.

Application for Graduation for Certificate Degree Programs

For certificate programs, students within one semester of graduation should check with their academic advisor to begin the graduation application process. Certificates are awarded in May, August, and December of each year at the same time as Associate Degrees.  Students are required to meet with their advisor to apply for graduation for a Certificate of Applied Science Degree.

Certificate earners do not walk during the Commencement Ceremony.

Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the graduation application and evaluation process. Failure to apply for graduation in a timely manner could result in the postponement of graduation for the student.

Minimum Grade Point Average

A minimum 2.0-grade point average (or a C average) is required for both: 1) all collegiate level course work attempted (overall GPA) and 2) all Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course work attempted (institutional GPA).

Minimum Semester Hours

The minimum number of semester hours for an associate degree is 60 semester credit hours of courses numbered 100 and above. The required number of semester hours for each individual associate degree is listed in the Associate Degree Programs section of this catalog.

The minimum number of semester hours for a certificate degree program is 30 semester credit hours of courses numbered 100 and above.

Residence (College) Credit Hours Required

For an associate degree, a student must complete at least 24 credit hours of coursework institutionally, with the last 12 hours of coursework being completed at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

For the Board of Governors, Occupational Development, and Technical Studies degrees, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours at a regionally accredited institution and at least 3 credit hours at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

For a certificate degree, a student must complete at least 12 credit hours of coursework at any regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Academic Recognition

For the designation of High Honors at graduation, a student must have earned a cumulative grade point average for 3.75 or higher.  To graduate with Honors, a student must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74.