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Academic Information and Policies

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy

This policy outlines the responsible and acceptable use of Northampton Community College’s information technology resources. The College’s technology resources and facilities are intended for legitimate instructional, operational, student support, and service delivery purposes; technology facilities and network access cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper written authorization.

Access to technology resources is a privilege granted to faculty, staff, students and guests; as such, the College reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend access to College technology resources. Users assume personal responsibility for appropriate use of the College’s technology resources, and agree to comply with this policy and other applicable College policies, as well as city, state, and federal laws and regulations. Prompt notification to Information Technology Services (ITS) is expected in the event of loss, compromise, or theft of College technology assets, including but not limited to hardware, software, data, password, account information or other technology resources.

Acceptable use of technology resources includes, but is not limited to:

Using resources only for purposes as outlined in this policy;
Protecting your user ID, password, and systems from unauthorized use;
Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of College information;
Practicing good stewardship of College technology resources;
Accessing only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access;
Using shared resources in a considerate way, for example, refraining from excessive printing and bandwidth usage;
Adhering to copyright, software licensing, and file sharing laws

Examples of unacceptable use of resources include, but are not limited to:

Using another person’s system access, user ID, password, files, or data without appropriate authorization, and/or providing unauthorized access to one’s system, user ID, password, files, or data;
Using unauthorized computer programs to decode passwords or access control information;
Transmitting and/or storing personally identifiable information (PII) without secure and appropriate authorization
Attempting to disguise the identity of the account or computer you are using;
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources and data, including other’s passwords;
Attempting to circumvent, subvert, undermine or disable system operations or network security measures;
Engaging in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services;
Damaging files or making unauthorized modifications to College data;
Making or using illegal copies of copyrighted materials, software, or music; storing such copies on College resources, or transmitting them over
College networks;
Creating or using online materials which are in violation of existing law, Student Code of Conduct and/or College policy;
Utilizing the College’s technology resources to store or connect to information which
Infringes upon the rights of another person
Violates the privacy of another person
Is abusive or sexually offensive to the average person
May injure someone else and/or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples include libelous statements, pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or copyrighted images and information without permission
Consists of any advertisements for commercial enterprises
Using College resources for any illegal activity;
Removing, relocating, installing or disconnecting technology equipment, software, and data without authorization
Installing or copying unauthorized hardware or software onto any College owned computer/network
Monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, degrading services, or wasting computer time, disk space, printer paper, printer toner or other resources;
Using the College’s resources or networks for personal profit;

Incidental Personal Use

Personal use is an accepted and appropriate benefit of being associated with the College’s technology environment. Incidental personal use must adhere to all College acceptable use policies and procedures. Personal use is permitted as long as it adheres to these guidelines and doesn’t interfere with instructional processes and College operations. Personal use may be restricted in the event it impacts College operations.

Monitoring, Privacy and Use of Information

Employees are expected to be knowledgeable of, and to perform their duties in compliance with, federal, state, and local laws and College policies, including the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. These Acts are designed to protect the confidentiality of data and the privacy of individuals. Confidential or demographic data that pertains to students, employees, or college operations, must be used in a manner that protects rights of privacy and limits personal and institutional liability. Northampton Community College reserves the right to review and/or monitor any transmissions, including but not limited to web, text, and email traffic, sent or received through the NCC Network, at its sole discretion.

Consequences

Employees of the College who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of their employment. Students who violate this policy are governed by the Student Code of Conduct. The College also reserves the right to withdraw access to its system to any user. The College, additionally, reserves the right to notify appropriate legal authorities in the event that its system is used in a manner that constitutes a violation of any local, state, or federal law.

Information Disclaimer

The College is not responsible for the loss of information or interruption of electronic communications. The College reserves the right to discard incoming mass mailings (“spam”) without notifying the sender or intended recipient and to block all Internet communications from sites that are involved in extensive spamming or other disruptive practices.

While the College takes reasonable measures to protect the security of its computing resources, the College cannot guarantee absolute security and privacy.

In cases of administrative or judicial proceedings, information stored electronically may be released to outside parties. Users should recognize that although access to their files and data is normally avoided, situations may arise where employees with legitimate business purposes may have the need to view information or email or monitor user activity on the network. Causes for access may include, but are not limited to the health or safety of individuals or property; violations of College policies, or local, state or federal laws; termination of an employee; and the need to locate information required for College business. Information Technology resources licensed to the College through external contractual agreements may include additional disclosure stipulations.

Academic Probation

Northampton Community College is committed to the academic success of its students. Students who do not achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) in accordance with the following standards will be placed on academic probation:

Cumulative
Attempted Credits   Cumulative GPA
9-25   1.50
26-40   1.75
41+   2.0

Students will be notified of their Academic Probation status through NCC student email or by letter prior to the start of their probationary semester.

Students must meet with an Academic Probation Counselor or their Success Navigator to develop a plan for improved academic performance and will be limited to a maximum enrollment of 13 credits for their first semester on academic probation. The Academic Probation Counselor or Success Navigator will recommend specific actions based on the meeting and may place restrictions on the type of courses the student may attempt. A hold restricting registration may be placed on the student’s account to ensure compliance with any restrictions.

Students placed on academic probation are subject to the following conditions:

Students must meet with an academic probation counselor and develop a plan for improved academic performance.
Students on probation for a first semester will be limited to maximum enrollment of 13 credits. Additionally, students may have some restrictions placed on them regarding the types of courses they take. The academic probation counselor will recommend action based on the meeting with the student and after review of the academic record. This action may include requiring students to take specific courses.
Any student who has been placed on academic probation for two consecutive major semesters may be academically suspended for up to one year. If a student is academically suspended, he/she may appeal the suspension. A committee comprised of an Advising staff member, the appropriate Academic Dean, one faculty member from each academic division and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment or his/her designee will review the appeal and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs whose decision is final. Appeals must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the start of a Fall semester, or 5 college days prior to the Spring semester.
Students who are academically suspended more than once and who do not make academic progress upon return to NCC, will be dismissed from the institution for a minimum of three years.

Academic Warning and Suspension

Any student who meets the Academic Probation criteria for two consecutive major semesters may be placed on Academic Warning. Academic Warning requires the student to earn a minimum semester GPA of a 2.0. Failure to meet the GPA requirements during the Academic Warning semester will result in Academic Suspension for academic one year.

Students will be notified of their suspension for academic reasons and the process by which they may appeal. Appeals must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the fall semester, or 5 business days prior to the spring semester. A committee comprised of three faculty members, an Academic Dean, an Advising staff member, and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment or their designee will review the appeals and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs whose decision is final.

Students who are academically suspended more than once or who do not make academic progress upon return to NCC, may be dismissed from the institution for a minimum of three years

Academic Recognition

Dean’s List – students who complete a minimum of six credit hours within the fall or spring semester, and who earn a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher, will be recognized on the Dean’s List for academic achievement.

Graduation Honors – students who complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework in the graduation major at Northampton, and have a graduation grade point average of 3.50 or higher in any degree, certificate or specialized diploma will be graduated with honors. The graduation grade point average includes only those courses used toward the graduation major.

Attendance Policy

Class attendance and engagement in the learning process are critical factors in determining students’ success in their courses. NCC students are expected to attend all class sessions of courses in which they are enrolled, and are responsible for all material presented in class sessions of these courses.

However, a student who misses class more than twice the number of weekly meetings of the class* (or the equivalent in short term courses) may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. Students who are withdrawn for poor attendance will receive a grade of W. Faculty may issue a withdrawal through the first 90% of the semester (14th week or equivalent in short term classes*). After the 90% period, a student may not withdraw or be withdrawn.
In an internet-based online learning course, a student is considered to have missed the equivalent of more than twice the number of weekly meetings of a traditional classroom course in a consecutive two-week period if there has been no participation by the student in the class through submission of assignments, participation in discussion forums or contact with the professor in any way during the period.

Students who are withdrawn from the class for lack of attendance may appeal the enforced withdrawal to the instructor. If the Instructor agrees to reinstate the student, he/she will be required to complete a reinstatement form and return it directly to the Records Office. If the appeal is denied, the student may speak with the appropriate academic dean and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment. Further discussion may take place with the faculty member, but the final decision on the withdrawal rests with the faculty member.

* Clinical and lab courses may have a different application of this attendance policy and it will be so noted on each syllabus.

Academic Appeals

Appeals of grades, appeals of penalties for academic dishonesty, and appeals of actions related to the policy on Professional Conduct, will begin informally through discussion between the student and the faculty member involved and will proceed, if continued, through a series of formal steps culminating in a hearing before an Academic Appeals Committee, which will present its findings and recommendations for a decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. No final recommendation can be made without a quorum. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will be final, unless it differs from that of the committee; in such cases, the student may appeal to the President, whose decision is final.

The appeals procedure is a student-motivated one; the responsibility to keep the action in progress rests primarily with the student.

Academic Appeals Committee

The Academic Appeals Committee reviews matters related to appeals of grades, appeals of penalties for academic dishonesty, appeals of actions related to the policy on professional conduct, and waivers of graduation requirements. The Academic Appeals Committee shall be composed of the following: 5 full-time faculty members (at least two shall teach at the Monroe campus) elected to a two year term at large from Academic Affairs, one Student Services faculty member elected by that cluster, and four students (at least 2 shall attend classes at the Monroe campus) appointed for a one year term by the Student Senate and/or Monroe Student Governance.

A quorum shall consist of the following: 7 persons – including 3 faculty members, 2 students, one Student Services faculty member and a dean (appointed by the President to hear the case). The Registrar may be asked to attend as an ex-officio member.

In the event of a conflict of interest, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will appoint a substitute member or appropriate representative.

Grade Appeal: Policy and Procedure

Grades are assigned by the course instructor. Students may appeal a final grade only in the cases where they are alleging a serious computational error in the grade or in cases where they allege unfair treatment in the application of a course policy or procedure.

When a student wishes to appeal a grade, final or part of a semester’s work, he or she must follow the following procedures, and those involved in the appeal may recommend only the following actions:

The assigned grade may be supported.
The faculty member may be asked to reconsider the grade in question.

Step 1

If a student wishes to appeal a grade, he or she must make an appointment and meet with the faculty member within 10 working days. To appeal final grades or grades assigned in the last week of the semester, the student must make an appointment and meet with the faculty member at a formal meeting during the first week of the next regular semester unless arrangements can be made to initiate the meeting prior to that time.
If no agreement can be reached, the student may file an appeal in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and proceed to Step 2.
Note: A working day is defined as any day when a full schedule of classes are in session (this excludes Saturdays and Sundays).

Step 2

Within three working days of the meeting with the faculty member, the student may request in writing that the appropriate dean should call the meeting within five working days to include the student, faculty member, and program director, if any.
After this meeting, the dean will send all parties involved a written recommendation within three working days.
Students who do not agree with the recommendation in Step 2 may appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee within three working days. This appeal must be submitted, in writing, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Step 3

Students initiate appeals to the Academic Appeals Committee (within three days of notification of outcome of Step 2) by requesting a hearing through the Vice President for Academic Affairs office. A hearing will be scheduled as quickly as possible, and all parties to the appeal will be informed of the date, time, and place of the meeting. It is the responsibility of the student and the person(s) whose decision(s) is (are) being appealed to provide the committee with evidence, documentary or otherwise. The appellant may be accompanied by a college friend.
Having heard the cases of both appellant and objects of appeal, the committee will deliberate in private and recommend a decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision will be final unless different from the recommendation of the committee; in such cases the student may appeal to the President, whose decision is final.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs will communicate in writing a decision on the appeal no later than three working days after the hearing.

Academic Honesty Policy – Policy and Appeal Procedure

Northampton Community College considers honesty to be essential to the learning experience. Academic honesty is one of the values that we expect members of the NCC community will apply in their work on this campus and take into their lives beyond NCC. Violations of academic honesty harm the learning experience and violate the expectations and values that the NCC community embraces. We expect all members of the NCC academic community to conduct themselves and their work ethically and honestly.

Student Responsibilities

Students are solely responsible for their work and for making sure that their work represents their own honest efforts to meet the goals of the course.
They are responsible for showing that the work they present is theirs in whatever ways are deemed appropriate by the faculty for the course.
They are responsible for learning and following the policies and expectations of the college and for understanding the consequences of actions that violate the policy on academic honesty.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty members are responsible for demonstrating academic honesty in their work.
They are responsible for making their expectations related to academic honesty clear to their classes including which activities and resources are allowed and the consequences for violations in their courses.
They are responsible for communicating violations of the academic honesty policy to students and their division Dean and to the Associate Dean of Student Life at the Bethlehem or the Associate Dean of Student Services at the Monroe Campus.

Academic Honesty Violations

Violations of the academic honesty policy include any actions that attempt to gain academic credit for work that does not represent the student’s own efforts and knowledge. They include, but are not limited to the following situations and examples:

Cheating on examinations and quizzes —

Using notes, materials, and/or mechanical, electronic or technological devices not authorized by the instructor during examinations or quizzes.
Providing or receiving help on an examination or test in a manner not authorized by the instructor.
Buying, selling, improperly obtaining, or using any tests or examinations.
Taking an exam or quiz for another student and/or allowing another student to take an exam or quiz in one’s place.
Altering or adding answers on exercises, exams, or quizzes after the work has been graded.

Plagiarizing —

Using the ideas or words of others without appropriate quotation and documentation that acknowledges the source or sources — in other words, presenting someone else’s work as one’s own.
Copying exact words, phrases or sentences without quoting and giving credit to the source.
Using a paraphrased version of the opinions, work, or ideas of others without giving credit.
The wrongful appropriation of all or part of someone else’s literary, artistic, musical, mechanical, or computer-based work.
Copying all or part of an assignment, (a research paper, lab report, or workbook) from another person or resource and presenting it as one’s own work.
Purchasing an assignment and submitting it as one’s own work.
Falsifying or inventing information, data or research material. Altering or forging records or submitting false records as part of course work or making false statements, excuses, or claims to gain academic credit or influence grading.
Listing sources that were never consulted.
Gaining unauthorized access to another person’s or the College’s computer system or tampering with or copying programs, files, data or access codes associated with coursework.
Tampering with or damaging the work of others or preventing others from completing their own assignments.
Self-plagiarizing: the practice of submitting one’s own previously-submitted work as new; or of submitting the same work to different classes that one is enrolled in. Reworking a previously-submitted work, or submitting similar work to different classes may be an option only with the explicit permission of the current professor(s).

Penalties

When a faculty member believes that a student has committed acts that violate the academic honesty policy, he or she will advise the student of the offense and the penalty imposed.

A faculty member may apply one of the following penalties:

A written warning, with the requirement that the assignment be redone within the instructor’s specified time.
• Faculty members are encouraged to report the incident and action to the division Dean and to the Associate Dean of Student Life at the Bethlehem Campus or the Associate Dean of Students at the Monroe Campus using the online Academic Honesty Violation Form.
A failing grade for the assignment or test.
• Faculty members are encouraged to report the incident and action to the division Dean and to the Associate Dean of Student Life at the Bethlehem Campus or the Associate Dean of Student Services at the Monroe Campus using the online Academic Honesty Violation Form.
An “F” grade for the course.
• If a faculty member issues an “F” grade in the course as a penalty for academic dishonesty, he or she must send a written report of the instance of cheating or plagiarism and the action taken to the division Dean and to the Associate Dean of Student Life at the Bethlehem or the Associate Dean of Students at the Monroe Campus using the online Academic Honesty Violation Form.
• If the faculty member has given an “F” grade for the course as a penalty for a violation of academic honesty, a student may not withdraw from the course while the matter is under appeal or if it is resolved that the “F” grade stands.

Appeal Procedure-Charges of Academic Dishonesty

If a student wishes to appeal a charge of academic dishonesty or the penalty imposed, the student should follow these steps:

Step 1

If the student wishes to respond to the accusation, he/she must make an appointment and meet with the faculty member at a formal meeting within ten working days of the notification.
If the student and faculty member accept a specific resolution offered by either of them, the matter shall be considered closed.
If such a resolution cannot be reached, the student may formally appeal the action of the faculty member within three working days after the meeting with the faculty member. Appeal of Charges of Academic Honesty Violation Forms and procedures will be available in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
While an appeal is in process, the student may not withdraw from the course.

Note: working day is defined as any day when a full schedule of classes are in session (this excludes Saturdays and Sundays).

Step 2

Within three working days of the meeting with the faculty member, the student may request in writing that the appropriate dean call a meeting to include the student, faculty member, and program director, if any, within five working days.

After this meeting, the dean will send all parties involved a written recommendation within three working days.

Students who do not agree with the recommendation in Step 2 may appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee within three working days. This appeal must be submitted, in writing, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Step 3

Students initiate appeals to the Academic Appeals Committee (within three days of notification of outcome of Step 2) by requesting a hearing through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A hearing will be scheduled as quickly as possible and all parties to the appeal will be informed of the date, time, and place of the meeting. The faculty member will delay recording the grade for the work in question until the appeal is decided.
The Academic Appeals Committee will decide whether evidence sustains or does not sustain such charges of academic dishonesty and whether the penalty is consistent with the stated policies. A decision will be recommended to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision is final unless different from the recommendation of the committee. In such cases, the student may appeal to the President whose decision is final.
If evidence does not sustain such charges in the opinion of the committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, all records in the student’s file related to this charge will be expunged. If evidence does sustain the charges and the appeal relates to the penalty, the committee may recommend the following actions:
1. The assigned penalty will be supported.
2. The faculty member may be asked to reconsider the penalty in question.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs will communicate in writing a decision to the student, faculty member, and Dean of Student Success no later than three working days after the hearing.

Recurring Violations of Academic Dishonesty

If the student is reported to have violated the Academic Honesty policy repeatedly, the Associate Dean of Student Life at the Bethlehem Campus or the Associate Dean of Student Services at the Monroe Campus shall request the Discipline Committee to consider the student’s dismissal from the college.

Incomplete Grade Policy

An incomplete grade of I is issued after a student requests it and a faculty member agrees to allow completion of specific course work the student did not complete due to valid, unforeseen circumstances. These circumstances may include: serious illness of the student, serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family, etc. The request must be made for the Incomplete grade before the last class meeting of the semester. The faculty member may approve or deny the request. If the request is approved, the faculty member will outline, on the Assignment of Incomplete Grade form, the work the student must complete. The faculty member will send the Assignment of Incomplete Grade form to the Records Office who will then communicate with the student.

The deadline for completing the course requirements is no more than five months - or sooner as designated by the faculty member - after the date grades were due in the semester in which the I grade was issued. The faculty member will designate that the incomplete grade become a specific letter grade if the work is not completed. This grade may not be a withdrawal (W). An Incomplete grade in a prerequisite course may make a student ineligible to take the subsequent course.

Policy on Student Professional Conduct:

Documented evidence of a student’s failure to conduct herself/himself in accordance with professional codes of conduct (i.e. Departmental and Host Facilities Code of Ethics, Policies on Clinical Procedures, Departmental Policies and Procedures, etc.) could result in serious academic penalties, up to and including failure in the course or dismissal from the academic program. If a student wishes to appeal any action taken under this policy, he/she should follow the procedures for appeal of grades.

Policy for Academic Withdrawal from Allied Health Programs

Please see the Policies: College/Academics section of the College Catalog.

Confidentiality Policy

As outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a student has the right to have his/her educational records remain confidential. The act states that: (a) an institution must establish a written policy and (b) must notify students of adopted procedures covering their privacy rights.

Northampton Community College’s policy on the confidentiality of student educational records includes a detailed outline of both the rights and responsibilities of a student as provided under the law, and contains the operational procedures necessary for implementing the policy.
No one outside the institution will have access to, nor will the institution disclose any information from a student’s educational record without the written consent of the student, except as authorized by the act. In the event a written consent is requested, but no written consent is received within twenty (20) days of the request, the information will not be disclosed. No oral request for disclosure shall be granted.

Within the Northampton Community College community, only school officials with legitimate educational interests may have access to educational records. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, insurance agent, or official of the National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the requested information is necessary for that official to: (a) perform tasks required by their duties; (b) perform a task related to the student’s education; (c) perform a task related to the discipline of a student (d) provide a service or benefit to the student. Disclosure to a school official having a legitimate educational interest does not constitute institutional permission to transmit, share or disclose any or all information received to a third party.

At its discretion, the institution may provide directory information in accordance with the provision of the act to include:
student name and address
major field of study and degree sought or completed
degrees and awards received
participation in officially recognized activities and sports
most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
full or part time enrollment status and student classification (freshman or sophomore)
dates of attendance
expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation

Northampton Community College will release only the following directory information to telephonic requests: student’s name, degree sought or completed, expected dates of completion of degree requirements or graduation, and enrollment status.

The College may disclose education records without consent in certain other circumstances:

to comply with a court order or certain types of subpoenas
to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
to officials of another school, upon written request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
in connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid
to certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller general, to state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs
to accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
to organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the College
the results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence may be released to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime.

Students may restrict the release of directory information, except to school officials with legitimate educational interest and those listed immediately above. A student must make the request in writing to the Records Office. Requests are valid until the student notifies the Records Office, in writing, to cancel that restriction. Students must understand that withholding directory information prevents the College from verifying attendance or graduation and from publishing the student’s name in a graduation program or dean’s list.

A student who wants to review his/her education record must make a written request to the Records Office, listing the record(s) they want to inspect. Only records covered by the act will be made available within 45 days of the request. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place to inspect the record. If the Records Office does not maintain the records the student requested, the Registrar will advise the student of the correct official to contact.

The only exceptions are outlined by law and are listed below. A student may not inspect or review the following:

Financial information submitted by his/her parents
Confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment or job placement and honors to which he/she has waived his/ her rights of inspection and review
Educational records containing information about more than one student, in which case the institution will permit access only to the part of the record which pertains to the inquiring student
Health records which are created by a health professional and are used only in connection with treatment of the student. However, an appropriate health professional of the student’s choice may review the health records

The institution is not required to permit a student to inspect and review confidential letters and recommendations placed in his/her files prior to January 1, 1975, provided those letters were collected under established policies of confidentiality and were used only for the purposes for which they were collected.

A student may have copies made of his/her records with the following exceptions:*

the student has an overdue financial obligation to the College with a financial hold
a transcript from an institution other than Northampton Community College

*Copies of any requested records are made at the student’s expense.

Educational records do not include records of institutional, administrative, and educational personnel, which are the sole possession of the maker. Also, educational records do not include law enforcement records, student health records, employment records, or alumni records. However, a Northampton Community College student may review his/her health records, employment records, or alumni records by contacting the respective offices.
Students have the right to request the amendment of education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

FERPA is not intended to provide a process to question substantive judgments which are properly recorded. The rights of challenge do not apply, for example, to a student’s argument that they deserved a higher grade in a course, if the grade recorded is the grade submitted by the faculty member. See the College catalog for policies applying to grade appeals.

If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student in writing of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. The College will provide the student with specific information in writing regarding the hearing procedures at the time of notification.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Contact the office that administers FERPA at: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington DC, 20202-4605. For purposes of compliance with FERPA, the College considers all students independent.

Getting Advice

Academic advising is a necessary and important part of your education. Your academic advisor can help you coordinate your learning experience and assist you in your progress toward your educational goals. Your advisor can help you make the transition to college life, explore your life goals, develop realistic educational goals, choose an appropriate program, select courses and arrange your schedule, prior to registration each semester.

All students are assigned an advisor (called their Success Navigator during their first semester) and are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All students with fewer than 18 earned cumulative credit hours or a cumulative GPA of under 2.0 must have approval from an advisor to register for classes. In certain academic programs, students with 18 or more earned credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater may also need approval from an advisor to register for classes.

Questions about advising can be addressed by visiting https://www.northampton.edu/academics/academic-advising.htm or by calling 610-861-5346 at Bethlehem or 570-369-1871 at Monroe.

Course Numbering

Course numbers at Northampton Community College designate the level of appropriate expectations and the academic rigor of each course. All course numbers, both credit and non-credit, are assigned by the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the appropriate Division to identify the level of the course (i.e. 100, 200).

Courses below 100 (0XX) Level

1. Courses numbered below 100 (0XX) are designed to allow students to develop academic skills and prepare them for work in college level courses (for example MATH022 Elementary Algebra, ACLS050 Introduction to Academic Literacy).

2. While courses below 100 each carry credit for determining student class load and for financial aid, those credits may not be applied to any degree, certificate, or diploma granted by the College.

100 (1XX) Level Courses

1. Courses at the 100 level prepare students for academic success by developing foundational knowledge and skills.
2. Students typically take 100 level courses in the first year of their program.
3. Most 100 level courses require a high school-level background or equivalent for the student to receive maximum benefit and have a reasonable chance of succeeding in the course.
4. 100 level courses will have no more than one semester of prerequisites (excluding 0XX courses).

200 (2XX) Level Courses
1. Courses at the 200 level typically build upon the skills and concepts presented in the 100 level courses. 200 level courses include increased complexity and opportunities to develop advanced skills.
2. Students typically take 200 level courses in the second year of their program.
3. Most 200 level courses require a foundational background in the discipline and/or related skill areas in order to receive maximum benefit and have a reasonable chance of succeeding in the course.
4. 200 level courses may have more than one semester of prerequisites (excluding 0XX courses).

Prerequisite/Corequisite Policy

A prerequisite is a skill requirement or a course that must be successfully completed before registering for a specific course. (For example: ENGL101 English I is a prerequisite and must be taken before registering for ENGL151 English II).

A corequisite is a skill requirement or course that must be satisfied at the same time as a specific course. (For example: DENH103 Pre-clinical Preventative Oral Health Service and DENH104 Foundations of Preventative Oral Health Services are corequisites and must be taken in the same semester).

A pre- or corequisite is a skill requirement or course that may be successfully completed before registering for a specific course or may be taken at the same time as a specific course. (For example: PARL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies is a pre- or corequisite for PARL151 Family Law).

Students should consult the course description when choosing courses to ensure that all prerequisite and corequisite requirements are fulfilled.

Students are required to fulfill the prerequisites and/or corequisites for each course. If a student enrolls in a course without having fulfilled the prerequisites and/or corequisites, the instructor or the Registrar may take action to remove the student from the course. Exceptions to pre and corequisites are rare and addressed on a case by case basis by the instructor of the course, or the dean in the absence of the instructor.

Final Examination Policy

All courses will end with some “culminating experience,” a final examination, project-based assessment or portfolio that integrates the learning of the whole semester. Each course will be assigned a time during the final exam period, at which time a final exam may be given.

Final papers and projects may be due on the “Project due date” on the first day of finals. Performance-, production-, and critique-based “culminating experiences,” which may run the course of days or several weeks, may begin before the final exam period.

No tests of any kind, except for short (less than 15 minutes) quizzes or science lab practical’s, may be given during the last week of instruction.

Grading System

A plus/minus grading system is used at the College. Using the plus/minus system is an option for faculty, not a requirement.

Grades will be available online at MyNCC at the end of each regular semester. At the end of the seventh week of classes, faculty will submit to the Records Office the names of all students whose performance in a particular course to date puts them at risk of failing the course. The Records Office will communicate this information to those students by the end of the eighth week of the semester.

Temporary COVID-19 Pass/Fail Grades for Spring Semester 2020

Instructors of all courses will submit the usual letter grades for all students.
Students who selected the Pass/Fail grading option for the spring 2020 semester will see grades on their transcripts for those courses appear as PC, PC- or NC.

PC indicates passing with a grade of C or higher
Student earns credit, no impact to GPA

PC- indicates passing with a grade of C-, D+, or D
Student earns credit, no impact on GPA

NC indicates failure with a grade F
Student earns no credit, no impact on GP

HONOR POINTS

X - No grade submitted
IP - In progress
L - Audited

An incomplete grade (I) is given only when the student had obtained, in advance, the permission of the instructor to postpone completion of specific course work for a valid reason. (Refer to Incomplete policy.)
A student may withdraw, or be withdrawn administratively, from a class in which he or she is enrolled through the 90% point in the instructional period.
Through summer 2007, students who withdrew from a course through the first 2/3 of the instructional period received a grade of W. After that point, and through the end of the semester, students received a grade of WP or WF. The grade of WF counted as a grade of F in the student’s grade point average.
Grade value for completion of developmental math modular units awarded through course challenge process; beginning Fall 2014.

Graduation Information

It is your responsibility to be sure you have met all of your graduation requirements. You should meet with your academic advisor, who will help you plan your program and registration. You may also review your degree audit on your MyNCC account.

If you do not attend NCC for two consecutive major semesters and your program’s requirements change, the program requirements in effect during the semester of re-entry will be your graduation requirements.

Students must complete an Application for Graduation at the Bethlehem Campus Records Office, the Monroe Campus Enrollment Office or on the web to receive their degree, certificate or diploma. See the College Calendar for the due date for each semester. Commencement exercises are held twice a year in Bethlehem following the Fall and Spring semesters; August and December graduates should attend the Winter ceremony in January.

Schedule Change and/or Withdrawal

A change of class from one class section to another is accomplished only with approval of the Records Office. Failure to seek official approval may result in the recording of an “F” grade.
No courses may be added to a class schedule after the first week of a semester or equivalent time in short-term classes.
Students may withdraw from classes in which they are enrolled through the 90% point of the semester (the end of the 14th week in a 15 week semester, or equivalent in courses that run on a non-standard schedule) and an instructor may issue a withdrawal for poor attendance through the same period. Any student who officially withdraws, or is withdrawn by the instructor during this period will receive a grade of W for the course.

When the Weather is Bad or the College Needs to Close for Emergencies

If the college needs to open late, close early or close for an entire day, the decision will be announced on the NCC website (www.northampton.edu), on radio and TV, on the College’s weather closing information lines 610-861-4595 for Bethlehem sites and 570-369-1800 (press 3) for Monroe and on the College’s Facebook page (facebook.com/northamptoncomm). You can also sign up to receive a text alert when the College closes at www.northampton.edu/alerts.

Emergencies can occur at any time, but in the case of inclement weather, decisions about day classes are usually made by 6 a.m. Decisions about classes starting at 5 p.m. or after are made by 3 p.m.

The College serves a large geographic area. Driving conditions may vary in different locations. If the College is open and you decide it is unsafe to travel, you must contact your instructor directly. If you will miss a test or major assignment, faculty may consider alternate arrangements if you have maintained consistent attendance and if you are up-to-date with your assignments. It is your responsibility to contact the faculty member.

If weather-related closings cause students to miss the equivalent of more than one week of class meetings, a make-up day may be scheduled. Faculty will notify students of any necessary make-up days.