Policies

Advanced standing credits applied toward graduation may be granted for a minimum score of three (3) on AP exams equivalent to a Piedmont Community College class.

6. With approval of the high school principal or their designee and the College’s Chief Academic Officer, a student who completes a College Transfer Pathway, while still enrolled in high school, may continue to earn college transfer credits leading to the completion of the transfer degree associated with the pathway. 6. With approval of the high school principal or their designee and the College’s Chief Academic Officer or Chief Student Development administrator, a student who completes a College Transfer Pathway, while still enrolled in high school, may continue to earn college transfer credits leading to the completion of the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science.

Minimum semester Credit Hour Completion Rate Requirement Students must earn 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted (hours earned, divided by hours attempted), where earned hours include A, B, C, D, P, P1, P2, P3, and CE (Credit by Exam), and attempted hours include all grades except EI, EW, WE and IE. For example, a first-year student who enrolls in 12 hours for the fall term must have completed at least 8.04 hours at the end of the fall term. Transfer credits applicable to the program of study are included in the determination of maximum time frame.

Advanced standing credits applied toward graduation may be granted for a minimum score of three (3) on AP exams equivalent to a Piedmont Community College class.

Transfer Credit Piedmont Community College will determine transfer credit for courses taken at accredited institutions by the Registrar, upon recommendation of the instructional dean in collaboration with the program coordinator or content area expert, as needed. Transfer credit will be based on the following: • An official transcript is submitted by the student.

Transfer Credit to Other Colleges The determination of what credit will transfer from Piedmont Community College to another institution rests with the receiving institution. Military Education and Training • At minimum, the College shall award CPL based on military education and training consistent with the standards adopted by the appropriate Military Prior Learning Academic Panel. The College may award CPL for military training and education related to occupations and/or courses for which standards have not been established by an approved Military Prior Learning Academic Panel. For additional guidance, refer to PCC Policy 6.10.1 Credit for Prior Learning.

Credit for Prior Learning Piedmont Community College (PCC) awards credit to students for prior learning through non-credit coursework and from previously completed instruction, training programs, and experiences. For additional guidance, refer to PCC Policy 6.10.1 Credit for Prior Learning or https://piedmontcc.edu/prior-learning/ Grading System Grades Grade Points Grade Points A Superior 4 B Above Average 3 C Average 2 D Below Average 1 F Failure 0 W Withdrawal * WE Withdrawal Emergency *# I Incomplete 0 IE Incomplete Emergency 0# AU Audit * CE Credit-by-Examination * AP Advanced Placement * TC Transfer Credit * NS No Show * P Pass * TP Tech Prep Credit * *Grades not used in computing grade point average # Declared States of Emergency will be defined by the College as guided by local, state and federal agencies Explanation of Special Grades • I (Incomplete): indicates that a student is unable to complete the course requirements within the semester.

• TC (Transfer Credit): Refers to credit received from other accredited institutions.

Any repeated course taken at another institution will be received as transfer credit only and will not affect GPA.

Public Safety Administration - Emergency and Fire Management Services (A55480EF) Associate in Applied Science Full-time Program Guide Program Notes: This degree is designed for students who currently work in Emergency and Fire Management Services and have significant continuing education and certifications that may be used to award credit for prior learning. Credit for prior learning (CPL) may be available for some courses.

Public Safety Administration - Law Enforcement Services (A55480LE) Associate in Applied Science Full-time Program Guide Program Notes: This degree is designed for students who currently work in Emergency and Fire Management Services and have significant continuing education and certifications that may be used to award credit for prior learning. Credit for prior learning (CPL) may be available for some courses.

A score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement subject examinations is accepted by all Alabama public community colleges for credit for a minimum of one course in the subject area corresponding to the test.

A minimum score of 4 on the English Language/Composition Advanced Placement test is required to receive credit for English Composition I (ENG 101).

Southern Union State Community College accepts a score of 5 or higher on the IB exams in the following six subject areas: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and arts.

A minimum score of three (3) is required for credit Advanced Placement Exam Hours Art: Studio Art: History 3 Biology 8 Chemistry 8 Computer Science A 3 Computer Science AB 4 Economics: Macro 3 Economics: Micro 3 English Language/Composition 3 English Literature/Composition 6 Environmental Science 4 European History 6 French Language Score 3 3 Score 4 or 5 6 French Literature 3 German Language 6

Note: All attempted courses, including transfer credits accepted by the institution, incompletes, periods where academic bankruptcy or course forgiveness was applied, and developmental courses, must be factored into the calculation of the Maximum Time Frame. Grade Point Average Standard: Each student will be expected to meet or exceed the following GPA at the indicated points in his/her program of study: Long-Term Certificates and Degrees: Credit Hours Minimum Cumulative GPA 1 - 21 semester hours 1.50 22 - 32 semester hours 1.75 33+ semester hours 2.00 Short-Term Certificates: Credit Hours Minimum Cumulative GPA 1 - 12 semester hours 1.50 13+ semester hours 2.00 Note: Transfer credits, if applicable, are not included in the GPA calculation. All hours attempted at Southern Union and all transfer hours accepted in all programs are counted in the maximum time frame allowed for the student’s current program of study.

Students transferring in to the EMS Program from a non-accredited EMT Program will be awarded 10 hours of non-traditional credit upon completion of EMS 108 Directed Studies course (if they are entering the Advanced Medical Emergency Technician level), or EMS 156 Advanced Medical Technician Clinical (if they are entering the Paramedic level) Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Course Air Force ROTC is an educational program designed to prepare young men and women for becoming Air Force officers while completing a four-year degree. As such, college credit may be awarded for learning obtained through non-traditional means, including, but not limited to credit awarded for prior learning, military training credit, and local and state-wide articulation agreements. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means for a student to receive college-level credit for learning that took place in a non-traditional learning environment, such as on-the-job training, military training, professional development seminars, volunteerism, and experience in-field. Process Overview The student must be admitted to the institution and meet all requirements for the program in which credit for prior learning is being sought. The student must make application to the institution for prior learning through the PLA contact for the program in which the credit is being sought. A portfolio evaluation will be required for prior learning assessment.

With approval of the high school principal or their designee and the College’s Chief Academic Officer, a student who completes a College Transfer Pathway, while still enrolled in high school, may continue to earn college transfer credits leading to the completion of the transfer degree associated with the pathway. With approval of the high school principal or their designee and the College’s Chief Academic Officer or Chief Student Development administrator, a student who completes a College Transfer Pathway, while still enrolled in high school, may continue to earn college transfer credits leading to the completion of the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science.

TC (Transfer Credit): Refers to credit received from other accredited institutions.

With approval of the high school principal or their designee and the College’s Chief Academic Officer, a student who completes a College Transfer Pathway, while still enrolled in high school, may continue to earn college transfer credits leading to the completion of the transfer degree associated with the pathway.

As such, college credit may be awarded for learning obtained through non- traditional means, including, but not limited to credit awarded for prior learning, military training credit, and local and state-wide articulation agreements. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means for a student to receive college-level credit for learning that took place in a non-traditional learning environment, such as on-the-job training, military training, professional development seminars, volunteerism, and experience in-field.

B. Credit by Examination.

c. A transfer student from a collegiate institution Students not accredited by the appropriate regional Students who attend another postsecondary institution association may request an evaluation of and who wish to earn credits for transfer to the parent equivalent transfer credits after completing 15 institution may be admitted to Southern Union State semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or Community College as transient students. Students must present the e. Awarding of transfer credit to fulfill graduation requirements will be based on applicability of transient letter prior to registering at Southern Union.

Advanced standing credits applied toward graduation may be granted for a minimum score of three (3) on AP exams equivalent to a Piedmont Community College class.

Advanced standing credits to be applied toward graduation may be granted for a minimum score of three (3) on AP exams which are directly equivalent to a Piedmont Community College class.

A course completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a passing grade will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements. A transfer student from a collegiate institution not accredited by the appropriate regional association may request an evaluation of equivalent transfer credits after completing 15 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. 27 Awarding of transfer credit to fulfill graduation requirements will be based on applicability of the credits to the requirements of the degree sought.

A course completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a 28 passing grade will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements. A transfer student from a collegiate institution not accredited by the appropriate regional association may request an evaluation of equivalent transfer credits after completing 15 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. Awarding of transfer credit to fulfill graduation requirements will be based on applicability of the credits to the requirements of the degree sought.

After matriculation at Averett, all students who wish to receive credit for courses taken at another regionally accredited institution must receive written approval granted in advance from the Registrar. Students must earn a grade of C or better in order to receive transfer credit for any course taken at another institution. Thus, courses taken elsewhere will neither raise nor lower the student’s GPA.

B. DOCUMENTS THAT CAN BE EVALUATED FOR TRANSFER CREDIT College Transcripts from regionally accredited institutions Dated within one year of receipt. Signature of school official. Sealed envelope. Certificate Training Programs Must have been evaluated by the American Council on Education and listed

B. Transfer Credit If a student earned an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, all courses that were applied to the degree which were taken at the degree granting institution will be accepted as transfer credit.

Note: All attempted courses, including transfer credits accepted by the institution, incompletes, periods where academic bankruptcy or course forgiveness was applied, and developmental courses, must be factored into the calculation of the Maximum Time Frame.

Note: All attempted courses, to include transfer credits accepted by the institution, incompletes, 35 33+ semester hours 67%

As such, college credit may be awarded for learning obtained through non- traditional means, including, but not limited to credit awarded for prior learning, military training credit, and local and state-wide articulation agreements. 61 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means for a student to receive college-level credit for learning that took place in a non-traditional learning environment, such as on-the-job training, military training, professional development seminars, volunteerism, and experience in-field.

Any student on suspension will not receive transfer credit for any academic work taken during the period of suspension.

Averett does not transfer portfolio credit from other institutions.

Transfer credit is not guaranteed and will be subject to the following conditions: ◦ Transfer credits must fall within the school’s guidelines and are subject to approval by the registrar, dean and/or program chair.

Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions Students who have attended academic institutions outside the United States must submit an official translated copy of their high school transcript and college transcript translated by SpanTran, World Education Services, Inc., Education Credential Evaluators or JS&A (Josef Silny & Associates). Transfer credit is not guaranteed and will be subject to the following conditions: Transfer credits must fall within the school’s guidelines and are subject to approval by the registrar, dean and/or program chair.

Transient Form (SU Students) Southern Union students wishing to take courses at another postsecondary institution and receive transfer credit must receive a Transient Form.

Transient Form (SU Students) Southern Union students wishing to take courses at 48 another postsecondary institution and receive transfer credit must receive a Transient Form.

Is Credit for Prior Learning right for me? Consider using the following question to determine if you are eligible or should consider CPL. Is CPL the same thing as transfer credit? No. Transfer credit comes from other colleges and universities. Portfolio Review or Credit by Exam costs are set by individual colleges. Up to 75% of your degree can be awarded through transfer credit and/or CPL.

Program Notes: This degree is designed for students who currently work in Emergency and Fire Management Services and have significant continuing education and certifications that may be used to award credit for prior learning. Credit for prior learning (CPL) may be available for some courses.

General Principles for Transfer of Credit Course work transferred or accepted for credit toward an undergraduate program must represent collegiate course work relevant to the formal award, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in Southern Union’s undergraduate formal award programs. In assessing and documenting equivalent learning and qualified faculty, the College may use recognized guides which aid in the evaluation for credit. Such guides include those published by the American Council on Education, The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs. A course completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a passing grade will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements. A transfer student from a collegiate institution not accredited by the appropriate regional association may request an evaluation of equivalent transfer credits after completing 15 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. A transfer grade of "D" will only be accepted when the transfer student's cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above at the institution where the "D" grade was earned. This does not apply to English Composition 101 and 102, where a grade of "C" is required. Awarding of transfer credit to fulfill graduation requirements will be based on applicability of the credits to the requirements of the degree sought. Credit may be extended based on a comprehensive evaluation of demonstrated and documented competencies and previous formal training.

General Principles for Transfer of Credit Course work transferred or accepted for credit toward an undergraduate program must represent collegiate course work relevant to the formal award, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in Southern Union’s undergraduate formal award programs. In assessing and documenting equivalent learning and qualified faculty, the College may use recognized guides which aid in the evaluation for credit. Such guides include those published by the American Council on

High school students may be eligible to receive this grant – not a loan – for tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit.

Note: All attempted courses, to include transfer credits accepted by the institution, incompletes, periods where academic bankruptcy or course forgiveness was applied, and developmental courses, must be factored into the calculation of Maximum Time Frame.

The student must be admitted to the institution and meet all requirements for the program in which credit for prior learning is being sought. The student must make application to the institution for prior learning through the PLA contact for the program in which the credit is being sought. A portfolio evaluation will be required for prior learning assessment.

Students who have current CCA or CCS-P certifications through AHIMA may be awarded credit for prior learning.

Credit for prior learning (CPL) may be available for some courses.

A course completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a passing grade will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements. A transfer student from a collegiate institution not accredited by the appropriate regional association may request an evaluation of equivalent transfer credits after completing 15 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. Awarding of transfer credit to fulfill graduation requirements will be based on applicability of the credits to the requirements of the degree sought.

Transfer Credit Piedmont Community College will determine transfer credit for courses taken at accredited institutions by the Registrar, upon recommendation of the instructional dean in collaboration with the program coordinator or content area expert, as needed. Transfer credit will be based on the following: An official transcript is submitted by the student. A grade of “C” or better was earned in the course. The content and number of credit hours of the course to be transferred parallels the content and number of credit hours of the course offered at PCC. One quarter hour = 0.67 semester hour. The course is part of the requirements for the program of study that the student is following at PCC. Transfer of courses with NUR prefix is at the Director of the Nursing program's discretion. Due to the open-door policy for admission established by the State Board of Community Colleges, all transfer students are admitted in good standing. To earn a degree, diploma, or

Transfer Credit Piedmont Community College will determine transfer credit for courses taken at accredited institutions by the Registrar, upon recommendation of the instructional dean in collaboration with the program coordinator or content area expert, as needed. Transfer credit will be based on the following: An official transcript is submitted by the student. A grade of “C” or better was earned in the course. The content and number of credit hours of the course to be transferred parallels the content and number of credit hours of the course offered at PCC. One quarter hour = 0.67 semester hour. The course is part of the requirements for the program of study that the student is following at PCC. Transfer of courses with NUR prefix is at the Director of the Nursing program's discretion. Due to the open-door policy for admission established by the State Board of Community Colleges, all transfer students are admitted in good standing. To earn a degree, diploma, or certificate from PCC, a student must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for the specific program at PCC. For additional guidance, refer to PCC Policy 6.10 Credits – Curriculum.

Transfer Credit Piedmont Community College will determine transfer credit for courses taken at accredited institutions by the Registrar, upon recommendation of the instructional dean in collaboration with the program coordinator or content area expert, as needed. Transfer credit will be based on the following: An official transcript is submitted by the student. A grade of “C” or better was earned in the course. The content and number of credit hours of the course to be transferred parallels the content and number of credit hours of the course offered at PCC. One quarter hour = 0.67 semester hour. The course is part of the requirements for the program of study that the student is following at PCC. Transfer of courses with NUR prefix is at the Director of the Nursing program's discretion. Due to the open-door policy for admission established by the State Board of Community Colleges, all transfer students are admitted in good standing. To earn a degree, diploma, or certificate from PCC, a student must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for the specific program at PCC.

Transfer Credit Piedmont Community College will determine transfer credit for courses taken at accredited institutions by the Registrar, upon recommendation of the instructional dean in collaboration with the program coordinator or content area expert, as needed. Transfer credit will be based on the following: An official transcript is submitted by the student. A grade of “C” or better was earned in the course. The content and number of credit hours of the course to be transferred parallels the content and number of credit hours of the course offered at PCC. One quarter hour = 0.67 semester hour. The course is part of the requirements for the program of study that the student is following at PCC. Transfer of courses with an NUR prefix is at the discretion of the Director of the Nursing program. Due to the open-door policy for admission established by the State Board of Community Colleges, all transfer students are admitted in good standing. To earn a degree, diploma, or certificate from PCC, a student must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for the specific program at PCC.

Transfer Credit to Other Colleges The determination of what credit will transfer from Piedmont Community College to another institution rests with the receiving institution. Students interested in transferring credit to another college should contact the institution being considered. Transfer will be facilitated by the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement For additional guidance, refer to PCC Policy 6.10 Credits - Curriculum.

Transfer Credit to Other Colleges The determination of what credit will transfer from Piedmont Community College to another institution rests with the receiving institution. Students interested in transferring credit to another college should contact the institution being considered. Transfer will be facilitated by the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (See Associate Degrees).