Academic Information

Academic Advisement

Academic advising is a developmental process, which assists students in the clarification of their educational and professional goals and in the development of plans for the realization of those goals. It is an ongoing and 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 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.

Academic Integrity/Dishonesty

Cheating in all its forms, including plagiarism and cheating on visual work, is considered an academic matter to be controlled and acted upon by the individual faculty member. Students guilty of academic dishonesty on examinations in any course shall receive, as a minimum penalty, a grade of F in that course. Such action shall be taken by the instructor, with written notification to the VP of the division. Repeated offenses shall subject the student to suspension or dismissal from the College. Students involved in facilitating academic dishonesty among others, such as by the unauthorized dissemination of examination materials, will be subject to disciplinary action beyond that called for by their own cheating in a course. Plagiarism is “the act of stealing and using, as one’s own, the ideas, or the expression of the ideas of another.” Whether that other is another student or a published author, plagiarism is cheating. Detailed instructions on avoiding plagiarism will be provided in required English courses, and comments may be made by instructors in other courses for which papers are written. Guidelines and policies affecting dishonesty and most other aspects of student life may be found in the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Student Handbook.

Academic Recognition

Dean’s List

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College students eligible to be named to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Dean’s List include both Associate Degree seeking and Non-Degree Special Students. To be named to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Dean’s List, a student must earn at least 7 credit hours, maintain a 3.5 average for the semester, and have no Incomplete grades for the semester. ACFN courses do not count in the 7 earned credit hours.

President’s List

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College students eligible to be named to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College President’s List include both Associate Degree seeking and Non-Degree Special Students. To be named to the President’s List, a student must earn at least 7 credit hours, maintain a 4.0 average for the semester, and have no Incomplete grades for the semester. ACFN courses do not count in the 7 earned credit hours.

Admissions & Credits Petition Process

Students who need exception to College policies or procedures, due to extraordinary circumstances, may petition for special consideration. The petition packet is reviewed by a committee to determine if special consideration should apply.

Directions for Submission (incomplete submissions cannot be reviewed):

1. Pick-up copy of the Admissions & Credits Petition Form from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Welcome Desk or print from www.blueridgectc.edu.
2. Complete the form (a separate form must be submitted for each course that may be affected by the petition).
3. Attach a typed letter to the committee explaining the circumstances of your petition and why you are asking for special consideration to challenge college policy.
4. Secure proper signatures.
5. If payment is required, attach payment or proof of financial aid.
6. Submit petition form and supporting documentation to the Welcome Desk. Students are notified of results via Blue Ridge email only. Although petitions are reviewed regularly, it may take up to two weeks for completion.

A Petition is considered incomplete if any of the required information requested on the form is missing. Incomplete petitions will not be reviewed.

Assessment

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has an ongoing assessment program that is firmly rooted in its mission. The assessment initiative grew from both faculty and administration concerns for institutional quality and accountability. The assessment process provides the college and its programs with information regarding institutional effectiveness; all segments of the institution including faculty, staff, students, and the community are actively involved in this process. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is constantly evaluating our effectiveness by assessing student learning and the environment in which it occurs. As a student, this implies that you are an important aspect in evaluating the institution as a whole and will be periodically asked to participate in assessments of various aspects of the environment.

While grades are one measure of student performance, grades do not provide the institution with the necessary data to assess areas of the curriculum that are strong and areas that need improvement. To assess student academic achievement, each program conducts its own assessments of student learning. At the conclusion of every course, students have the opportunity to assess the class and their instructor by completing the Course and Instructor Evaluation; this evaluation is used to make courses more effective for future students. Other assessments are conducted as needed and will capture such data as demographics and students’ career goals.

Assessment is an important part of continually growing and improving our college. Full participation in the assessment process by faculty, staff, students, and the community will most effectively lead the institution toward more effective teaching and learning. The information gathered is used to shape and guide Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, moving it in the direction that best suits the needs of our population.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class and to know and understand the specific attendance policies established by each of their instructors. An attendance policy for a given class is established by the instructor or by the program and stated in the course syllabus. Instructors will make reasonable accommodations for occasional, unavoidable absences based on highly legitimate grounds. Instructors will determine the most appropriate means of compensating for work unavoidably and legitimately missed in their classes. To be eligible for such substitute evaluation, students are responsible for discussing any absences with their instructors: such discussions must occur in advance of foreseeable absences and as soon as possible following unpredictable ones. Students are expected to plan their class, work, and personal schedules to avoid potential conflicts. Legitimate reasons for class absences include documented and/or verifiable instances of the following:

1. death in the immediate family;
2. incapacitating illness or injury (not including any non-emergency doctors’ appointments that could be scheduled at other times);
3. field trips required for other classes, intercollegiate competitions, or activities entailing official representation of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College;
4. seriously hazardous, weather-induced driving conditions.
    

A student’s evaluation in a course is the instructor’s responsibility. A grade decision in a course must be made by the instructor prior to the initiation of a grade appeal. A student who believes his or her grade has been adversely affected by an instructor’s inappropriate implementation of the attendance policy may pursue a grade appeal at the close of the semester.

1. A student who has a documented medical disability or chronic illness that may affect his/her ability to attend class regularly and/or to complete scheduled in-class, graded activities (e.g., exams, oral reports, lab assignments) should confer with the Student Development Coordinator as soon as possible after the semester begins. In consultation with the student, the Coordinator can develop a contingency plan to accommodate any absences that may occur because of the disability or illness: the Coordinator, with the instructor may create alternative assignments or otherwise determine the best means of assuring that the student’s semester grade will not suffer should the student have to miss classes as a direct result of his/her disability or medical condition. To the greatest extent consistent with the particular disability involved, a chronically ill or disabled student will not only be treated equally with other students, but will also be equally expected to adhere to course policies and assignments established for all students.
2. In rare instances, a student may suffer an unanticipated medical problem or must meet a military-service obligation requiring complete absence from school over an extended period (i.e., weeks rather than days). Such a situation will create the need to confer with instructors as soon as is feasible-possibly through a relative or other responsible surrogate. An instructor may be able to design alternative assignments that can be done independently. However, some courses by their nature do not lend themselves to compensation for prolonged periods of missed classes and assignments: for such classes, the alternatives may be limited to either a Withdrawal or an Incomplete specifically mandating that the student actually take some or all of the relevant course when it is next offered. In such circumstances, the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee will review any necessary requests for waivers regarding institutional deadlines regarding Withdrawals or Incompletes when:
   1. the student’s petition clearly and fully explains the situation calling for the waiver,
   2. appropriate documentation is presented,
   3. the request is supported in writing by both the instructor and the student’s advisor, and
   4. the student’s request is made in a timely manner, but no later than the tenth class day of the following spring or fall semester.

Attendance is mandatory in Academic Foundations Courses (ACFN). Refer to the Academic Support Services   section of this catalog for more information. Non-compliance with this regulation will result in an automatic withdrawal from the course.

Credits From Other Sources

CLEP Tests

Credit may be awarded by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College for successful completion of many of the CLEP Subject Examinations. Information about CLEP Exams can be found at www.collegeboard.com/clep.

Courses Taken at Other Institutions

A Blue Ridge Community and Technical College student must apply for transfer approval to take a non-Blue Ridge Community and Technical College course prior to enrollment 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 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.

Should any of the 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 form and the student’s written justification for seeking the course elsewhere may be submitted to 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.

EDGE Credit

EDGE is an acronym for Earn A Degree—Graduate Early. This program was created to address classes in high school that meet curriculum requirements for community college credit. There is no charge for these credits. Upon acceptance and enrollment at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, the student must request that the EDGE credits earned in high school be posted to his or her transcript. This may be done by filling out the EDGE transcript request form at Orientation.

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 prior to 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.

Enrollment

Absence from College/Readmission

Degree-seeking students in good academic standing who must discontinue their studies for a brief time will be considered eligible to re-enroll in future semesters, as long as they return after no more than two consecutive regular semesters (not including summer sessions), and do not take courses at another institution during that time without prior approval from the College. (For procedures to take courses with permission during a time of absence, see Courses Taken at Other Institutions.)

Students who are non-degree-seeking (special students), who are on suspension, who take courses at another institution without prior approval, or who are absent from studies for more than three consecutive regular semesters (not including summer sessions), must re-apply for admission to the College.

Students wishing to return after an absence of no more than two consecutive regular semesters should make an appointment with their advisor, secure an alternate pin, and register for classes via BRIDGE.

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). The normal summer load is 8 semester hours of credit for full time students.

A student wishing to register for more than 19 credits during the fall or spring semester or 14 hours during the summer semester, including non-Blue Ridge Community and Technical College courses, must complete the Course Change Form and gain the signature of his or her Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator. The student must currently be carrying a 3.0 or higher overall grade point average and demonstrate evidence that current and previously enrolled courses have been successfully completed. In no case may a student enroll for over 23 hours per semester. Any exceptions to this rule must be appealed to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee with documentation and support from the Academic Advisor and the student who desires this exception.

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 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 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. If the student fails to raise their institutional and cumulative GPA’s above 2.0 the student will be continued on probation. To be removed from probation, a student must attain BOTH a 2.0 institutional GPA and a cumulative GPA (includes course work attempted from other institutions).

Once a student is continued on probation, they are required to maintain an institutional semester GPA of above 2.0. 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 other 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 take summer courses to attempt to raise their GPA. 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. Students wishing to register for the summer term must be able to raise both their institutional and cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or higher.

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 for two or more times must apply for readmission after one academic year by completing an application for admission. All suspended students must pay a $25 application fee.  Students receiving federal financial aid must also adhere to a satisfactory academic process requirement set forth by Financial Aid.

Enrollment Verification

Students requiring verification of enrollment for insurance or other purposes can use the enrollment verification form and submit to the Welcome Desk.

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. 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 course work 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 prior to 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 examinations be given at the end of each semester. Final exams are to be given during finals week during 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, courses taken on a pass/fail or audit basis, and Academic Foundations courses 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 course work 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 computation of grade point average.

+ Declaration of a change in a course from credit status to audit status must be processed within the first 15 class days (M-F) of a fall or spring academic session or within the first 3 days of a summer session. Any later change must be appealed to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Admissions and Credits Committee.

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, prior to the end of the semester, to determine the exact deficiencies that are to be made up within the next semester. If the student is not available to meet with the professor prior to 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 to the Welcome Desk with the new grade. Incomplete grades issued during the fall semester must be submitted no later than the day final grades are due for the following spring semester. Incomplete grades issued during the spring semester must be submitted no later than the day final grades are due for the following fall semester. Incomplete grades issued during any summer session must be submitted no later than the day 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. 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, required electives within the major field of concentration would be excluded from the pass/fail option. In the event of 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.

Withdrawal

Add/Drop Period

The first five class days of the fall and spring semester, and the first four days of summer are known as the Add/Drop period. 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. The student is not required to gain the Academic Advisor’s approval for any classes added or dropped from his or her class schedule.

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 term. 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). Too many W grades may affect a student’s eligibility for future financial aid (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy  in the Scholarships and Financial Aid section).

Procedure to Withdraw from a Course

1. A student wishing to withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop period must submit a completed Withdrawal Form to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Enrollment Management Office.
2. A completed Withdrawal Form includes the signature of the instructor of the course being dropped listing the student’s last date of attendnace, Student Affairs, and Financial Aid.
3. Failure to submit the completed Withdrawal Form by the deadline will result in the grade of IF or F (see Grading System in this Section).
4. There is no refund available for a partial (one or more, but not all classes) withdrawal.

Complete Withdrawal

A student wishing to completely withdraw from the College for all enrolled classes may do so until the date posted in the academic calendar.

Procedure to Completely Withdraw

1. A Withdrawal Form requires the signature of various campus officials verifying that the student does not have any outstanding debt or obligation.
2. The completed Withdrawal Form must be returned to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Enrollment Management Office. Students who discontinue attending class without following the proper withdrawal procedures will receive a grade of F or IF in the course(s) (see Grading System in this Section).
3. A refund of tuition may be available if the Withdrawal Form is processed during the designated refund period for each semester (see Refund Policy  in the Expenses Section of the Catalog).

Summary of Drop/Withdrawal Dates

Dropping a Course during the Add/Drop Period

Withdrawal from a Course after the Add/Drop Period

Complete Withdrawal

The withdrawal procedure is incomplete until all necessary signatures have been secured and the appropriate forms returned to Enrollment Management by the specified time stated in the current academic calendar. Any counseling provided to a student from any employee of the College, which is at a variance with established College policies, must be confirmed by the Associate Dean of Students. Although a student may receive advice from any 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.

Appealing a Grade

In order to successfully appeal a 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. A copy of the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Grade Appeal Policy and procedures to follow in order to appeal a grade may be obtained from the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Student Handbook available online at www.blueridgectc.edu.

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 course prior to 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 students GPA.

Transcripts

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. A transcript may be requested from the:

Office of the Registrar
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
13650 Apple Harvest Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25403

The request must include your name, ALL previous names, address, phone number, social security number, dates of attendance, and graduation date (if applicable). Include the COMPLETE address to which the transcript should be sent. The first transcript EVER requested is free. The FEE for each additional transcript is $5.00. A check should be made out to Blue Ridge CTC. Please do not send cash. Regular transcripts require a minimum of 3 working days for processing.

Emergency Transcripts

Emergency transcripts are $15.00 each for 24 hour processing in our office: if we receive your $15 payment no later than noon on a business day, we will have your transcript in the mail to its recipient on the very next business day.

Please note that the 24-hour time frame does NOT mean that the recipient will have it in 24 hours–we have no control over the U.S. Mail or other delivery systems. Transcripts are sent 1st class mail. For Fed Ex, UPS, etc., you must include a pre-paid, preaddressed mailing envelope.

24-Hour Faxed Transcripts

There must be a signed request by the student. Faxed transcripts are unofficial. Faxed transcripts are $15.00 each. Payment must be received before the transcript is faxed. In addition to providing the fax number the transcript is to be sent to, provide a phone number for contact in case of problems!

Financial Obligations

All financial obligations must be reconciled before a transcript will be released.

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. Generally, students wishing to graduate in May MUST apply for graduation by early October of the previous year. Students wishing to graduate in August or December MUST apply for graduation by early March of that same year. 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.

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.

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’s 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’s degree, a student must complete at least 24 credit hours of course work institutionally, with the last 12 hours of course work 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 course work at any regionally accredited institution of higher education.