Policies

Your scores must be at least equal to the Mean Score for a C (50 or higher) as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for the CLEP subject area in which you were tested.

For Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) - Students must score a 3 or higher on the AP exam.

The College may grant credit for high school advanced placement courses in which the student earns a grade of 3 or higher on the final examination.

completed high school regents (New York State) course or College Prep chemistry course with a grade of 75 or higher, passing grade on the chemistry CLEP examination (no credit will be given, but will count towards meeting admissions criteria), or a college chemistry course (with a lab), all with a grade of “C” or higher and all within five years of the application deadline

Completed High School AP Biology (score of 3, 4, or 5) or a passing grade in the Biology CLEP examination; or Introduction toBiology or Anatomy & Physiology 1 with a grade of 2.0 or better (within 5 years of program entry)

completed High School AP Biology (score of 3, 4, or 5) or a passing grade in the Biology CLEP examination; or Introduction toBiology or Anatomy and Physiology 1 with a grade of 2.0 or better (within 5 years of program entry); or a passing grade on theIntroduction to Biology challenge test.

completed High School AP Biology (score of 3, 4, or 5) or a passing grade in the Biology CLEP examination; or introduction toBiology or Anatomy and Physiology 1 with a grade of 2.0 or better (within 5 years of program entry)

Similarly, the essay component of the AP English exam must be submitted for evaluation by the Department of English before credit may be awarded for scores of 4 or 5.

In addition, the College will complete a thorough appraisal of transfer credits that may have been earned from another college or university, or through advanced placement or other examinations.

AP 10: Transfer Credits AP 11: Credit for Prior Learning AP 12: New York State Regents College Examination Program AP 13: Credit by Examination AP 14: Expiration of Earned College Credits AP 15: Course Prerequisite/Permitted List AP 16: Academic Freedom AP 17: Office Hours AP 18: Course Outlines/Syllabi AP 19: Eligibility for Dean’s List AP 20: Independent Study AP 21: Deadline for Class Registration AP 22: Change of Program (Major) AP 23: Academic Standing AP 24: Fresh Start Policy AP 25: Official Withdrawals AP 26: Audit a Course AP 27: Developmental Courses AP 28: Academic Calendar AP 29: Students’ Rights AP 30: Cancellation of Classes due to Inclement Weather AP 31: Reports on Educational Travel and Field Trips AP 32: Individual Exceptions to Academic Policies AP 33: Official/Academic Email Policy AP 34: Change of Catalog Term Academic policies are statements of regulations that the College develops for the facilitation of the teaching and learning process. Academic policy reflects the philosophy of education at Orange County Community College. Policies can be revised as the philosophy of education at the college changes. The mechanism for effecting any change is the campus governance system. Revisions of academic policy must relate to the whole system of existing policies. Recommendations of the SUNY Orange shared governance system that relate to academic policies are submitted to the President of the College for approval. Academic Policy is committed to support the College’s effort of assessment and continuous improvement. The Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee) publishes the Academic Policy Manual for distribution. Policies as of August 20, 2025 (effective AY 2025-2026) AP 1: Examinations and Other Performance Measures Students have the right to periodic evaluation of their performance throughout the semester with grades or recorded written assessments. The number, type, and scheduling of performance measures in each course will be determined by individual instructors consistent with department policy.* However, there must be a minimum of one performance measure for a one credit course, two for a two-credit course and three for courses of three or more credits. Unless mandated by department policy,* comprehensive final examinations are given at the discretion of the individual faculty member. Comprehensive final examinations may not be more than 2 ½ hours in length and must be scheduled in accordance with final exam procedures. The performance evaluation procedure to be followed in each course must be explained completely and specifically in the course syllabus. The instructions for examinations or performance measures must be clearly indicated. The grading value of the component parts of each exam must be indicated on the exam. Faculty who teach online courses and require students to participate in testing or other course activities in person must indicate that within the syllabi as well as include notice in the online course schedule. At the end of each semester, a copy of the comprehensive final examination, if given, or the most significant evaluative device must be submitted to the office designated by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and kept on record for a period that accords with New York State guidelines. *These department policies must be approved by a 75% vote of all full-time department faculty members. AP 2: Grades Final Grades Final grades will be A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, W or one of the following: The final grade in developmental courses and support modules will be DVP or DVF. The final grade in courses taken on a pass/fail basis will be PP for pass or PF for fail. A grade of ZF (or ZDF for developmental courses and support modules or ZPF for pass/fail courses) will be assigned to students who stop attending before the end of the 10th week of the semester or its equivalent and do not withdraw themselves or receive an instructor withdrawal. A ZF grade is calculated as an F in the student’s CGPA. Grades must be submitted as specified by the Records & Registration office. Change of Final Grade Except for academic grievances, after a final grade has been submitted, the instructor can change the grade within four weeks by filling out the required form and getting the signature of the Department Chair. After four weeks, such a change also requires the signature of the Appropriate Associate Vice President. Incomplete The grade of Incomplete (I) may be given at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor must submit a change of grade by the end of the next fall or spring Semester, whichever comes first. If the work is not completed, the I will become a Fail (F or DVF, whichever is appropriate). A student desiring to graduate with one or more Incompletes may do so; however the Incomplete(s) shall count as an F for purpose of computing the CGPA. Grade of W A student will receive a grade of W if they drop a course within the timeline stated in Academic Policy 25. After the withdrawal deadline an instructor must report a final grade. Grade of NR The grade of NR (Not Reported) will be applied to a student’s transcript if a final grade for the course has not been reported by the instructor before the Final Grade deadline. A grade of NR does not affect the SemGPA. Distribution of Grades Each student must be graded primarily on the basis of his or her achievement, as distinguished from aptitude, interest, or effort. Grades may also be significantly affected by attendance or violations of other academic policies (see Policy #3 on Attendance ). No quota system of allocating grades is authorized. The meaning of letter grades is: A-, A = 90 - 100%, B-, B, B+ = 80 - 89%, C-, C, C+ = 70 - 79%, D-, D, D+ = 60 - 69%, F = 0 - 59%. Faculty whose grades are based on a different numbering system must indicate so in their course syllabi. Mid-Semester Progress Reports The deadline for submitting Mid-Semester Progress Report(s) is specified in the College Calendar. Such report(s) must be made onall students whose work to date is of less than C quality or otherwise unsatisfactory. AP 3: Attendance Attendance is required in all courses. Instructors must describe their attendance policies and repercussions of absences in their syllabi. Instructors shall not penalize students for absences for religious observance, military obligations or jury duty. Provided the instructor’s permission is given in advance, instructors shall not penalize students for participation in college-sponsored events. It is the student’s responsibility to contact each instructor regarding absences. AP 4: Academic Integrity SUNY Orange regards academic integrity as a commitment to uphold ethical standards in all academic endeavors. The College is dedicated to ensuring that students develop the critical thinking skills, ethical judgment, and intellectual integrity necessary for academic and professional success. Academic integrity embodies the principles of honesty, fairness, responsibility, and accountability in every aspect of the academic experience; it demands the acknowledgment and citation of sources, ideas’ originality, and information’s ethical use. Incidents of plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, falsification, and multiple submissions are considered a breach of academic integrity. Consequences include but are not limited to academic penalties, disciplinary action, or even legal action. The primary responsibility for recognizing these incidents rests with the faculty member. When a breach of academic integrity has occurred, the faculty member shall advise the student of the action to be taken, including but not limited to procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) that misrepresents the originality and authenticity of a student’s work will be considered a breach of academic integrity. This includes the unauthorized use of GenAI tools to generate content, complete assignments, or manipulate data without proper attribution. Students may use GenAI tools for academic purposes only with the explicit approval of the course instructor. In such cases, instructors shall provide guidelines and support to ensure proper understanding and application of GenAI in alignment with the course objectives. AP 5: Degree Requirements Each of the degrees must meet the minimum requirements of and be approved by the State University of New York (SUNY) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The college has added to these minima. College-prescribed portions of the degree requirements are binding upon the Registrar, who must certify each candidate’s eligibility for the Associate Degree. A course requirement in a particular degree may be waived with the approval of (1) the Chair of the department which offers the course, (2) the Chair which sponsors the degree, and (3) the appropriate Associate Vice President. No college credit is granted for successful performance on a high school equivalency test. AP 6: Multiple Associate Degrees The Registrar will award multiple degrees when students complete a minimum of fifteen credit hours at the College that were notrequired or applied to the first degree and satisfy all other requirements for awarding of a degree. A student may earn multiple AS degrees, or multiple AAS degrees, or an AA and an AS. Only one AA degree may be awarded with the following exception. Because of its distinct and separate nature from other programs, the AA in International Studies may beawarded as a second AA degree. (5/14/97) All grades earned in courses taken at this College applied to an additional degree will be included in the CGPA for the additional degree. AP 7: Commencement Ceremony and Graduation for Students in Degree and Certificate Programs Registered by the New York State Education Department and the State University of New York Commencement Ceremony Participation: Participation in the College’s Commencement ceremony is open to all who meet thefollowing criteria: Those who meet the requirements of a degree or certificate program; and also Those potential August graduates who, prior to the commencement ceremony, have no more than 6 credits or 2 courses (which do not exceed 8 credits) remaining to complete their degree or certificate program and who are registered for the courses they need to complete their degree or certificate program in the summer session(s) immediately following the commencement they apply to attend. Students must meet all other requirements for their degrees or certificates and have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the Spring semester. Minimum Graduation Requirements: In order to be awarded a degree or certificate from SUNY Orange, students must be matriculated and meet the minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA as well as any programmatic requirements of their degree or certificate program. Posthumous Degrees: Upon request, posthumous degrees may be awarded to students who are in their last semester of study and/or within 15 credits of degree completion at the time of death. The degree to be awarded must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Vice President of Student Services. The diploma will bear the notation “Awarded Posthumously”. (Revised May 20, 2020) AP 8: Academic Recognitions/Designations upon Graduation Students who have completed at least 30 credits of work at the College and have a CGPA of 4.00 in the courses taken here will receive the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement upon graduation. Upon graduation, those students with a CGPA from 3.20-3.49 will be designated as Cum Laude graduates, 3.50-3.74 as Magna Cum Laude graduates, and 3.75-4.00 as Summa Cum Laude graduates. AP 9: Repeating a Course A student who is eligible to register may repeat any credit bearing course (for developmental courses see Policy #27.). The grade received on the final attempt automatically becomes the official grade. It replaces, in computation of CGPA, any previous grade in the same course. Some academic courses may be repeated for credit only once with Curriculum Committee review and approval. Department Chairs, with the approval of the appropriate Associate Vice President, may waive this policy, and appeals for denials will be processed using the Academic Grievance Process. Students who fail to achieve the minimum grade required for progression or graduation and may no longer repeat that course are thereby removed from the program/curriculum, but not necessarily separated from the College. AP 10: Transfer Credits Credit courses successfully completed at a United States Department of Education approved college, with a grade of C or better, may be accepted to fulfill graduation requirements. Such courses, if accepted, do not affect the CGPA at this College. Students may appeal any decision of the College not to accept a credit course for transfer credit using the appropriate processes.

AP 11: Credit for Prior Learning Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to earn college credit for skills and knowledge gained outside of the traditional academic setting. Crosswalking is a key component of CPL policies that facilitates translating non-collegiate learning to college-level credit equivalents. Provided that students demonstrate achievement of outcomes aligned with specific college courses, the College recognizes that skills acquired outside of the traditional learning environment can be converted to college credit as outlined in this policy. Credits for Prior Learning cannot be applied toward the minimum credit hour residency requirement for degree completion. CPL equivalents are determined by the applicable department(s) and do not affect the CGPA at this College. Students may appeal any decision of the College not to accept CPL using the appropriate processes. A. Advanced Placement The College may grant credit for high school advanced placement courses in which the student earns a grade of 3 or higher on the final examination. Additional departmental requirements may apply. B. New York State Regents College Examination Program (previously AP12) (formerly the New York State College Proficiency Examination Program) The College may accept credit for college courses that the student has successfully passed in the New York State Regents College Examination Program. C. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (previously AP13) The College maintains a list of CLEP tests that are accepted for credit. Students who successfully pass CLEP examinations may be awarded appropriate transfer credit. D. Course-Specific Examinations (previously AP13) Departments may design course-specific exams for credit. Departments offering course-specific exams must develop procedures for student application. The grading of departmental exams is pass/fail, and a grade of P will be recorded on the transcript of a student who is successful in passing an examination. E. Military Experience The College may award credit for military training and/or occupations via guidelines established through services contracted by the Department of Defense, currently the ACE Military Guide. F. Industry Credentials, Certifications, or Licensure The College may grant credit for industry-recognized credentials, certifications, and/or licensure. G. Workplace, Apprenticeship, and Volunteer Training The College may grant credit based on review of training through apprenticeship programs, the workplace, and/or volunteer work. Credits may be awarded for a combination of comprehensive on-the-job and/or on-site training and related instruction of theoretical and practical aspects for highly-skilled occupations. H. Portfolio Evaluation The College may grant credit for demonstration of prior learning through portfolio assessment. Portfolios will be evaluated by the department(s) responsible for the coursework. I. Articulation Agreements The College may grant credit according to criteria documented via established articulation agreements. Once a student enrolls in the credit program, credits associated with the articulation agreement may be applied.

This includes enrolled, transfer credits, repeated credits, etc. The student must meet all minimum standards in order to continue receiving financial aid.

Advance Standing into the Fourth Semester Licensed Practical Nurses, who have successfully completed NUR 102 (Nursing 2: Fundamentals) may be considered for advancedstanding into NUR 202 (Nursing 4: Physical and Mental Illness) after completing the following requirements: notification of the Nursing department chairperson of your intention to seek advanced standing to NUR 202 by May 1 for Fallsemester or Nov 1 for the Spring semester PN transcript review demonstrates a minimum of 70 clinical hours in Maternal and Child Nursing a Minimum Score of level 1 on the ATI content mastery exams in Maternal and Child Nursing (baccalaureate) (Officialtranscripts must be submitted to the Records and Registration Office) completion of NUR 205 : (Pharmacology and the Human Body) with a C or better Credit for Nursing 101 will be granted after successful completion of Nursing 102 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

degree at SUNY Orange, with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, students who are accepted will transfer to SUNY New Paltz with full junior standing in order to complete the bachelor’s degree. They should see their advisor and check transfer credits with transfer school if other than SUNY New Paltz.

Transfer Credit From Other Colleges In general, no more than 30 semester hours of credit are accepted for students transferring to SUNY Orange from another college or university. Only courses in which the student has received a grade of at least “C” will be considered. Credit will be evaluated for course work completed more than 10 years ago on an individual basis. Only those credits which apply to the student’s area of academic interest will be considered. Awarding of transfer credit is done in writing. Upon receipt of the written evaluation, the student may schedule an appointment with the Registrar if he/she has questions or wishes to appeal the evaluation. If the student is not satisfied with the Registrar’s decision, they may appeal to the appropriate department chair within 10 business days after the Registrar’s appeal decision is made. If the student wishes to appeal a department chair’s decision, they may do so to the appropriate associate academic vice president within 10 business days of being informed of the chair’s appeal decision. The decision of the appropriate academic associate vice president is final. In addition to the above, SUNY has established policies to guarantee the transfer of credits for general education courses and courses taken in the first two years in the most frequently transferred majors. These policies guarantee that general education credits and credits in the primary courses in the most popular disciplines transfer throughout the system. If a student does not agree with a SUNY College’s decision on the granting or placement of credit earned at a prior SUNY institution, they have the right to submit an appeal to SUNY Orange’s transfer campus representative which is the Vice President of Academic Affairs or their designee. The student should be prepared to provide reasonable material to support their case, such as the course description or syllabus in question. The campus transfer representative will explain the process and let the student know exactly what materials are needed. Once all of the required information is received, the expectation is that the transfer appeal representative will provide the student with a written response within 15 business days. If the decision finds merit to change the course to meet a major requirement, the representative will notify the student, the chairperson and/or program coordinator, and will see that the change is made to the student’s record. If the decision is unchanged, or the student has not received a response within 15 business days, the student may take their appeal to the SUNY System Provost by submitting the Student Transfer Appeal Form along with requested materials. The SUNY Provost will respond to the student’s appeal within five business days from receipt of the completed appeal application. If the decision finds merit to change the course to meet a major requirement, the receiving institution will be notified to take appropriate action. Remember, this additional appeal process is only available when a student challenges SUNY Orange’s decision not to accept credit earned at another SUNY institution. Note: If you receive a waiver of your placement testing based on work completed at other schools, this does NOT guarantee that you will receive transfer credit. Courses and credits, but not grades, are accepted. A student’s CGPA at SUNY Orange is calculated based upon course work at SUNY Orange only. Transfer credits from other institutions do not affect the CGPA. If a student has a passing grade in a course at SUNY Orange, an equivalent course will not be accepted from another institution. If a course is failed at SUNY Orange, an equivalent transferred course may be accepted, but the failing grade will still appear on the student’s transcript and will be calculated in the student’s CGPA. No grades are ever eliminated from a student transcript. Active duty military personnel may receive up to 45 credits and veterans up to 30 credits for courses and military occupational specialties if those courses or specialties are directly applicable to an area of academic interest at SUNY Orange. Students who have completed basic training in the U.S. armed forces may receive credit for both PES 100 and the one credit of physical activity requirement if required for their program of study.

Only previous college courses completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher will be eligible for transfer consideration. A maximum of 30 transfer credits may be accepted. All official, final college transcripts must be received prior to the end of your first semester to be evaluated for transfer credit. After one semester, your transfer credit evaluation for all coursework taken prior to enrolling at SUNY Orange is considered final.