Academic Policies and Standards

Academic Integrity and Standards

MCC is committed to providing an empowering educational experience for all students. Academic honesty in all educational classrooms and programs is critical in providing and maintaining this high level of education.

MCC students are expected to be responsible members of the College community and to be honest and ethical in their academic work. To support students, the College has identified critical thinking, effective communication, information literacy, and professionalism as our general education goals. All MCC students learn what these goals mean in the context of academic integrity, and they learn how to communicate and use information ethically and responsibly.

Academic dishonesty in any form, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, fabrication, and all other acts of academic theft, is considered intolerable. MCC holds students-these new members of the academic community-to a high standard, and violations may include suspension and withdrawal from the academic community.

Any student who wishes to seek assistance pertaining to a problem related to academic integrity may do so by contacting the dean of that department. More specific information can be found in the MCC Student Code of Conduct.

Attendance Policy

MCC students are expected to attend every class meeting. Attendance has repeatedly been shown to have a definite relationship to a student’s grades, and repeated failure to attend classes can be expected to result in a lower grade and/or possible administrative withdrawal from the course. Instructors may set forth reasonable expectations that require attendance, establish a course-specific absence policy, and impose penalties for non-attendance. Such policies, if established by an instructor, will be provided in writing with the course syllabus and will be fairly imposed.

Official Absences are those that occur when students are involved in an official activity of the college, i.e., field trips, tournaments, athletic events. Absences for such events shall not count against the student. Students who must miss a class for an official reason must obtain an official absence verification card from the appropriate vice president or designee and present it to the appropriate instructor(s) before the absence. Prior arrangements must be made with each instructor for make-up work. If prior arrangements have been made, the student will not be penalized.

Extended Absence Notification for Students

Office of Crisis Intervention and Prevention Services A252 (815) 479-7572

The Office of Crisis Intervention and Prevention Services may provide assistance to students who experience a family or personal emergency that will result in absence from classes for more than three consecutive class sessions (e.g. death in the family, unplanned hospitalization, etc.) by notifying the student’s faculty via email. Documentation to support the absence is necessary. To request an extended absence notification, fill out this form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?McHenryCC&layout_id=6 and upload your documentation directly to the form. The Director of Student Engagement and Support will contact you to discuss the form and the notification.

Notification from this office of extended absences does not constitute an excused absence. Each faculty member will determine if the absence is excused according to their attendance policy. Faculty members have individual and specific attendance requirements listed in the course syllabus, which students are expected to know and to abide by.

It is also highly recommended that students contact their instructor via email and/or phone even if they will only be absent one day or two consecutive days from classes. The instructor may request documentation to support the absence.

Auditing Classes

An individual who desires only information and not academic credit or a grade may enroll as a class auditor. To guarantee space in the class, an additional fee will be charged to offset the loss in state reimbursement. Students may choose to audit a class at the time of registration or until the class’s withdrawal date.

Dropping a Class

Students may drop a class without it being recorded on their transcript during the first two weeks of a class longer than nine weeks, or during the first week of a class nine weeks or shorter. Dropping a class can be done online, in person by visiting the Registration Office, or by fax (815) 455-3766. Visit www.mchenry.edu/registration/withdrawing.html for more information.

Withdrawal From a Class

The withdrawal period begins two weeks after the start date of a class longer than nine weeks, or one week after the start date of a class nine weeks or shorter. The withdrawal period ends three-fourths of the way through the class, based on class start and end dates. For example, a student must withdraw from a 16 week class within the first 12 weeks. Refer to www.mchenry.edu/registration/withdrawing.html for more information and for specific dates.

Upon withdrawal, a “W” will be recorded on the student transcript, but will not count in computing the student’s grade point average.

Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal. Withdrawal from class is valid only after the proper procedure has been followed. A failing grade will be posted on the student transcript if college withdrawal procedures are not followed.

To withdraw from a course, students are encouraged to consult directly with their instructor, an academic advisor, and financial aid personnel to ensure that all respective requirements are still being met. A student may withdraw online, in-person by visiting the Registration Office, or by fax (815) 455-3766. The communication should include the student’s name; student ID number; course subject, number and section; course title; instructor; reason for dropping and student signature. Due to federal privacy regulations, withdrawal from a course cannot be accepted over the telephone.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students who no longer wish to continue in a course are responsible for completing the process to withdraw. However, students may be subject to administrative withdrawal if they have excessive absences; are not actively pursuing the completion of course objectives (without having made arrangements with the instructor); or have an extenuating circumstance or a disciplinary issue. If the student is administratively withdrawn, a grade of W will be recorded on their transcript.

Student Appeal of Administrative Withdrawal

A student may appeal an Administrative Withdrawal within five calendar days in writing to the appropriate academic dean.

Late Withdrawal

A Late Withdrawal request can be made in extreme circumstances once the withdrawal period of a course ends and before the final grade is posted. This late withdrawal exists to assist students who have experienced severe medical or personal circumstances that negatively impacted their ability to be academically successful. Late Withdrawal requests require instructor and academic dean approval.

NOTE: Under limited circumstances, a student may petition for a late withdrawal after the completion of the course by submitting a written explanation and supporting documents (e.g. doctor’s notes, court documents, etc.) to the academic dean for review. A late withdrawal after the course has ended may be granted for students who have experienced severe medical or personal circumstances that negatively impacted their ability to be academically successful. Students should present a request as soon as possible after the end of the affected semester.

Students Called to Active Military Duty

MCC will permit enrolled students who are active military, reservists or National Guard and are called to active duty (either national, state or local) to either (1) complete any unfinished courses and/or coursework at a later date or (2) receive a full refund of tuition and fees for all classes in which they are enrolled for the semester in which they are called to active duty. If the student wishes a refund, an Exception to Refund form must be submitted to the Student Accounts Office on the form provided with a copy of the formal orders attached.

Grades and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

Final letter grades are earned for each course at the end of each semester. Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated using quality points divided by attempted credit hours. A student’s GPA is based solely on courses taken at MCC. Grades are recorded on each student’s transcript according to the following performance criteria:

Grades Calculated in GPA:

A Outstanding performance in mastering the subject. Achievement of superior quality. (four grade points per credit hour)

B Consistent performance in achievement beyond the usual requirements of the course. Achievement of high quality. (three grade points per credit hour)

C Performance of a satisfactory nature. Achievement demonstrating an understanding of the subject sufficient for continued study in the discipline. (two grade points per credit hour)

D Minimally acceptable performance. Achievement demonstrating below average understanding of the basic elements of the course. (one grade point per credit hour)

F Achievement at a level insufficient to demonstrate understanding of the basic elements of the course. (zero grade points)

Semester grade point average represents the average of the student’s grades for only one semester. The cumulative grade point average represents the average of the grades of all courses the student has taken at MCC.

Grades Not Calculated in GPA:

All classes below number 100 are developmental classes and are not calculated into the College GPA.

I Incomplete - An incomplete is a temporary grade indicating completion of most but not all of the requirements of the course due to circumstances beyond the control of the student. Incompletes will only be considered when the student has successfully completed the vast majority of course requirements. An Incomplete grade requires the student to make necessary arrangements with the involved instructor to complete the remaining work. Work not completed within 45 calendar days after the end of the semester, unless an administrative extension has been granted, will result in a grade of F. An incomplete grade does not meet prerequisite requirements and will affect a student’s ability to register for the next level course.

W Student- or administrator-initiated withdrawal from a course.

X Audit of a course. No credit or performance grade is awarded.

S Satisfactory completion of non-degree coursework or a credit course graded pass/fail.

NC Unsatisfactory performance in non-degree coursework or a credit class graded pass/fail.

REPEAT Course repeated, indicated by REPEAT in the hours or CEUs column.

FRGVN Forgiven grades, indicated by FRGVN in the “HRS ATT” column.

The above grades will be given unless otherwise specified in an individual course catalog description.

CLEP tests results are not part of GPA calculation. Transcripts will reflect the course that the CLEP test is for and the credit hours.

Student Appeal for Change of Grade

MCC students who wish to appeal for a class final grade change must follow the procedure within 30 days from the last date of the class. The appeal must focus on a specific claim of unfairness such as:

• Miscalculation
• Failure to follow syllabus as related to grade calculation
• Faculty member error
• New information related to the class grade is available

A change of grade appeal determines if the final grade was calculated appropriately. It is not designed to explore all material throughout the class to increase points or attempt to grade or re-grade individual assignments or projects.

Step 1 (Informal):
The student will contact the faculty member to review the grade and determine the specific claim of unfairness. If the faculty member no longer works at MCC, the student will proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 (Formal):
If a resolution is not met in Step 1, the student will meet with the faculty member’s dean/associate vice president to clearly outline a formal grade appeal in writing. The formal appeal must identify the specific claim of unfairness and include all evidence to support such a claim. The dean/associate vice president will consider the appeal and communicate the decision in writing.

Step 3 (Formal):
If a resolution is not met in Step 2, the student may make a final appeal to the vice president of Student Affairs and Workforce Development within seven business days of the dean’s/associate vice president’s communication. The vice president of Student Affairs will review only material submitted in Step 2 and determine if the student has made a substantiated claim of unfairness. If the vice president of Student Affairs determines that the claim is unsubstantiated, the appeal will be denied. If the vice president of Student Affairs determines that the claim is substantiated, the vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development will review the appeal and evidence submitted in Step 2 and make a final decision.

The vice president of Student Affairs will communicate the decision in writing.

NOTE: Under limited circumstances, a student may petition for a change of grade after 30 calendar days following the last day of the class by submitting a written explanation and supporting documents (e.g. doctor’s notes, court documents, etc.) to the vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development for review.

Grade Forgiveness Policy

McHenry County College’s Grade Forgiveness Policy gives students who have significantly improved their academic performance a second chance at academic success and an opportunity to improve their overall grade point average. Candidates for the forgiveness policy may include students returning to college after military service, work experience, or recuperation from illness or personal problems who are committed to a new beginning in their academic career and can demonstrate their ability to succeed in credit courses.

Eligibility: A student can request a one-time forgiveness of:

• Up to 15 credit hours
• Credits completed within a consecutive 12-month period
• Prior D’s or F’s

After the following requirements are met:

• Fifteen consecutive college-level (100-200) credit hours have been completed at MCC after the grades being requested for forgiveness with a cumulative grade point of 2.0 and no individual course grade lower than a C.
• At least twelve months have passed since the end of the term(s) of the grades to be forgiven.

Special circumstances will be reviewed by the vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development.

NOTE:

• Forgiveness of grades will be granted one time only for each student.
• Grades earned at other colleges cannot be applied toward eligibility requirements.
• The MCC Grade Forgiveness Policy does not override Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Forgiven grades will remain on the official transcript, indicated as “FRGVN.” Each forgiven grade will be excluded from all MCC calculations of credit hours and grade point average. Forgiven grades cannot be used to meet graduation requirements or to satisfy prerequisites.

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to submit a Grade Forgiveness request.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat any MCC course for the regular cost of the course up to two times. After three attempts, the student must seek the academic dean over the course area to gain approval to repeat the course. All course attempts remain on the college transcript, but only the highest grade is calculated in the cumulative GPA.

NOTE: Courses listed in the catalog as repeatable may be repeated up to the maximum number of times specified.

Credit for Prior Learning

Increasingly, colleges and universities are recognizing the fact that successful learning is not limited to the formal classroom. MCC has endorsed this principle in various ways that recognize competency and award credit toward graduation for learning acquired outside of the traditional college setting.

Students may be awarded up to 30 semester hours of credit (this is the maximum that may be applied to a degree) through any combination of the following assessments:

1. Credit by Examination

• College-Level Exam Program (CLEP)
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• IL State Seal of Biliteracy
• International Baccalaureate Exam (IB)
• MCC Proficiency Exam
• Prior Learning Assessment
  • MCC awards college credit for Early Childhood Education Simulations. The department chair and the appropriate academic dean will determine the student’s eligibility for credit.

2. Credit for Military Learning

• The Joint Services Transcript (JST) documents professional military education, training and occupation experiences of service members and veterans. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense to review military training and experiences and recommend appropriate college credit. Credit may be awarded based upon ACE recommendations. For more information on JST, please visit, https://jst.doded.mil/official.html and choose ‘continue to this website’.

3. Credit for Workplace Learning

• MCC awards college credit for specific industry, national, and state certifications.

4. Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio

• Credit for prior learning can be earned via a portfolio review illustrating how the experience correlates with course objectives. MCC requires the student to prepare a portfolio documenting relevant information on experiences and background and then have a conference with an appropriate division dean. The instructor and the appropriate academic dean will determine the student’s eligibility for credit.

Students who plan to transfer should be aware of the following:

• CLEP credits will not count toward meeting the IAI General Education Core requirements for students who transfer prior to completing their AA degree. Proficiency tests are not offered in subject areas where a CLEP test is available. In subjects where a CLEP test is unavailable, a proficiency test may be used to fulfill IAI.
• Acceptance of ‘credit for prior learning’ varies from institution to institution.

NOTE: “Credit for Prior Learning” does not count toward full-time enrollment status for enrollment verification for financial aid purposes.

Details about any of the methods for granting credit for prior learning experiences may be obtained from Academic Advising (A257) or the Credentials Evaluation Office. Acceptance of credit for prior learning varies from institution to institution.

For more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/transfertomcc.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Exams and Minimum Acceptable Score

Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio

College Board Advanced Placement (AP)

Exams and Minimum Acceptable Score

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Exams and Minimum Acceptable Score

Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy

The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy posted to a student’s high school transcript will be evaluated as eight (8) credits of foreign language coursework at MCC (levels 151 and 152). Credit granted will be based on foreign language course or Humanities equivalencies. The student must formally request evaluation for credit to be awarded by application, available at www.mchenry.edu/transfertomcc. Credit must be applied to the college transcript within three academic years of high school graduation.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Exams and Minimum Acceptable Score

Course Code Key

ITR in course code denotes IAI-approved General Education Core Curriculum (GECC).
NTR in course code denotes non IAI-GECC.
ELV-GEN course code denotes general elective credit.

Academic Achievement

Dean’s List and President’s Honor List Recognition

Room A231 (815) 455-8918

Demonstrating its commitment to academic achievement, the College recognizes superior scholarship in two ways. Students who complete nine or more credit hours who maintain a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher are named to the Dean’s List. Students who complete nine or more credit hours who maintain a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher are given the recognition of being named to the President’s Honor List.

A certificate indicating the Dean’s List or President’s Honor List is presented to each student who meets the requirements.

The Dean’s List and President’s Honor List designations are only offered during fall and spring semesters.

Phi Theta Kappa

Chi Upsilon Chapter Office
Room A230a
mccptk@mchenry.edu

Chapter Advisors
Heidi Boring and Anne Humphrey
www.mchenry.edu/PTK

Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges offering associate’s degree programs. MCC’s Chi Upsilon Chapter is one of more than 1,200 chapters in the United States and Canada.

Early in the fall and spring semesters, eligible students are sent a letter of invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa. To qualify, a student must have earned a 3.5 GPA, accumulated a minimum of 12 grade-point credit hours, be currently enrolled in 6 credit hours, and be pursuing an associate’s degree or enrolled in the baccalaureate transfer program.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society bases all programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. In addition to recognizing and promoting scholastic achievement, Phi Theta Kappa also provides members with opportunities for leadership development, encourages members to conduct service projects for the benefit of the College and the community, and fosters an atmosphere conducive to scholarly fellowship.

Phi Theta Kappa membership benefits at MCC include:

• Eligibility for Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarships to Illinois colleges and universities
• Recognition of Phi Theta Kappa honors on College transcript for members completing a degree
• Recognition at the graduation ceremony
• Leadership and service opportunities
• Resume enhancement and professional development
• Eligibility for travel scholarships to regional and international events