Academic Procedures

Registration

Students have several registration options if they choose to register early for the upcoming semester. Early registration will permit students to have first choice of courses and class times. Payment of the appropriate College fees will hold these classes until full payment is made no later than three weeks before the start of classes. Fees are not refundable. Delaying registration until the beginning of the semester may result in desired classes and times being unavailable.

Students are strongly encouraged to be advised by an academic advisor or counselor. In addition, students must be in full compliance with all other college policies and requirements.

Registration is not complete until all forms are completed and submitted and tuition and fees are paid in full. Students who do not pay or make financial arrangements with the Business Office will have their registrations cancelled.

Full-time/Part-time Student Status

Students registering for 12 Credits or more at HCC are classified as Full-Time Student Status. Students registering between 6 and 11 Credits at HCC are classified as Part-Time Student Status.

Auditing Courses

A student not wishing credit may audit courses. This status may allow the student to participate in classroom activities. Tuition and fees are the same for audited classes.

Students must obtain the written approval of the instructor in order to audit a class. An Audit form signed by the class instructor must be completed within four weeks of the start of classes for a standard semester and earlier for summer or winter sessions. Forms are available at the Registrar’s office. Full tuition and fees are due for any audited classes. While the student may ask to have papers critiqued, the instructor is not required to grade an auditor’s course work. Audited classes are listed on the student’s transcript as AU. While a student may in succeeding semesters take for credit a class previously audited, students may not petition to receive credit for an audited class and may not change to a credit basis during the semester.

Change of Major/Add a Secondary Program

Students who wish to change their enrollment from one major to another (for example, to change from General Studies to Fine Arts - Art) or add a secondary program should obtain the proper form from the Counseling Office. The completed Change of Major form needs to be submitted to the Registrars Office, LH-B109.

Attendance

With enrollment in college, students accept responsibility to take full advantage of their educational opportunity by regular attendance in classes and laboratories.

The college does not administer a uniform system of attendance regulations. At the beginning of each semester the instructor will provide a course outline and what he/she considers necessary for the successful completion of the subject matter. Students are expected to meet academic obligations or to assume the risks of failure.

The instructor will extend make-up of work missed because of absence or other reasons only when there is sufficient justification. Lack of attendance cannot be the sole ground for exclusion from a course.

Repeating a Course/Higher Grade Prevails

Students may only repeat the same course twice in which they receive a grade of “C-” or lower (C-, D+, D-, F). Credit will be granted only once for a course unless otherwise specified in the course description. The student transcript will reflect all grades, but for the purpose of the computation of the GPA, the higher or highest grade prevails. Repeated courses that are counted in the computation of the GPA are noted with “I” on the transcript following the grade points to indicate “included” in calculation. Courses that are not counted in the computation of the GPA are noted with “E” on the transcripts following the grade points to indicate “excluded” in calculation.

Incomplete Work

If there are exceptional circumstances, a student whose work in a course is incomplete at the time of grading may request a grade of “I” from the course instructor. The instructor will complete an Incomplete Grade Form which lists what the student must do to complete the course requirements and a default grade if the student fails to do so. If the work for the course and the procedures for changing a grade are not completed within 10 weeks of the following regular semesters (fall or spring), the “I” automatically converts to the default grade provided by the faculty member. (Grades of “I” received at the end of the spring semester would automatically revert to the default grade at the end of the fall semester.)

The student is responsible for meeting with the instructor to make arrangements to complete course work.

If an extension of time beyond one semester is needed, a written request must be filed in the office of the Academic Dean prior to the end of the 10-week period. Extensions will be at the discretion of the instructor and the Academic Dean.

Withdrawing from College or Dropping a Course

A student who wishes to drop a course or to withdraw from the college should follow the official procedure outlined below. Students who do not officially drop courses or withdraw from the college or fail to complete courses satisfactorily may be subject to probation, suspension or dismissal.

1. Contact a counselor in the Counseling Office or a faculty advisor and follow his or her instructions.
2. Obtain an add/drop notice form from the Registrar’s Office.
3. Students who cannot appear in person to withdraw from the college should attempt to work with a counselor. No drop or withdrawal requests can be accepted by telephone or online.
4. During Fall and Spring semesters, for all students who withdraw from the college or drop a course prior to, or during, the first two weeks of class of the semester, the course will not appear on the student’s transcript. Courses withdrawn from or dropped prior to the Summer or Winter sessions will not appear on the student’s transcript.
5. Students who drop a course or withdraw from the college after two weeks, but prior to the end of 12 weeks after the start of classes for a standard semester, are entitled to receive a grade of “W” in each course from which they have officially dropped or withdrawn. Withdrawals are not issued after the 12th week of the semester. A student with extenuating circumstances may appeal to the Dean of Academic Affairs for a withdrawal after the 12th week. There must be clear documentation of the extenuating circumstances, and appeals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Online and Hybrid Courses

Online Courses

Online courses incorporate various technological components. All online courses contain the essential resources such as course outline, syllabus, reading and written assignments, quizzes and/or tests including any additional resources deemed necessary to assist learners with the subject matter. Online courses are accompanied by a textbook or e-book, and interactive learning activities. A learner will interact with faculty and other students either through discussion boards, blogs, journals, email, group collaborative assignments and/or synchronized learning (live chat), and audio or video technology. The online courses are accessible through the use of a home computer or any other supported technological hardware that provides Internet access. These courses are identified in the course schedule with the ONLN coding.

If you think you might be interested in taking an online course but aren’t sure, take the self-assessment at www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL to help you decide whether online learning is right for you. Students should review the system technical computer requirements to ensure that they have the correct equipment for a successful online educational experience.

Online Resources

As a student at Housatonic Community College, you may find that many of your instructors utilize Blackboard. Through the use of Blackboard students now have course materials available online.

For additional information and sample course/workshops you may go to the following URL: www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL

The interactive tutorials will help you learn how to use the online tools that Blackboard provides to enhance learning and communication.

Accessing an Online Course

HCC’s hybrid and online classes use the Blackboard course management system. You must be registered in a class before you will be able to log in.

Please go to the http://my.commnet.edu, login and select the Blackboard icon. You can log in to myCommnet using the 8 digits of your NetID* @ student.commnet.edu and your chosen password.

If you have never signed on before please follow the directions found at www.housatonic.edu/webct/DL

* What is my NetID?

If your Banner ID is: @01234567

Then your NetID will be: 01234567@student.commnet.edu (and your chosen password)

ONCLR - Online courses with campus requirement

Some online courses may require a student to come to the campus to complete an exam (final, midterm). These courses are identified in the course schedule with the OLCR coding.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid Courses combine online work with regular on-campus class meetings, but do not have as many on-campus class meetings as the typical on-campus course. Hybrid classes typically require that 50% of the coursework take place in a classroom with a set schedule; the other 50% of the coursework is online using Blackboard. These courses are identified in the course schedule with the HYBR coding.

Hybrid Course Schedule

The online Class Schedule indicates where and when your hybrid class will meet. The instructors will explain procedures for online course work during the first class meeting. All hybrid courses meet in the classroom on the FIRST scheduled class day.

In both online courses and hybrid courses, students should expect an amount of work equivalent to what would be required in any college level course. Taking an online or hybrid course gives students greater flexibility in scheduling their time; however, online requirements will be as time-consuming and demanding as traditional courses offered on campus.

Self-Paced Studies - Mathematics and English Courses and Computer Lab Support

Through the Developmental Studies department, the college offers students the opportunity to take courses in both English and Mathematics in a self-paced, computer-based format during regular classroom meetings and through individualized instruction. Classes labeled “Self-Paced” are listed in the Housatonic online schedule each semester.

Self-Paced courses are designed for self-motivated students who are interested in pursuing course work using computers. These students may want a faster way to progress through their courses; alternatively, these students may prefer spending more time mastering the class material and want to move at a slower pace than a traditional class.

Students in Self-Paced Studies courses are required to attend every class to make progress. To complete the course, students must demonstrate proficiency on each assignment and test. Instructors and tutors help explain course material, answer questions, and assist with assignments. Students have access to their course materials through the Internet and in the college’s computer labs as well as through the Center for Academic Progress, available during both day and evening hours.

Located in Lafayette Hall in Room LH-A227, the Center for Academic Progress (CAP) assists students enrolled in a self-paced course; students do not need an appointment. Tutoring is available for foundational-level mathematics and English skills and for self-paced ENG 094 and MAT 095 courses.

For further information about self-paced courses, contact Professor Rebecca Samberg, Chairperson for Developmental Studies, by email at rsamberg@hcc.commnet.edu or by telephone at 203-332-5153. For further information about the Center for Academic Progress, contact Marianne Tecun, Director of the Center for Academic Progress, by email at mtecun@hcc.commnet.edu or by telephone at 203-332-5139.

Students in Self-Paced Studies may use the computer labs and receive course work assistance in the Center for Academic Progress (CAP), Room LH-A227, Lafayette Hall. Computer lab hours are posted each semester at the lab and are available on the HCC website at www.housatonic.edu.

Grading

Grades are Available at myCommNet

Semester grades can be obtained by the student in their myCommNet account at http://my.commnet.edu. Mid-term grades are posted mid-semester, final grades are posted at the completion of each semester. Unofficial transcripts may be printed from myCommNet at no cost.

Explanation of Grading System

Adopted May 1983, amended April 1990, April 2000, April 2001, April 2002.

I. Credits

A credit is a unit of academic achievement which is awarded upon the successful completion of a course.

Definition of Credit Hour:

The college defines a credit hour* as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than -

(1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of credit over a different period of time;

(2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

* Standards for Credit Hour of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Standards for Accreditation Revision, July 1, 2011. Adopted by Housatonic Community College Curriculum Committee, December 8, 2011.

II. Semester Hours

A semester hour is a measure of time usually corresponding to 55 minutes of lecture once per week for an entire semester.

III. Grades

Grades are an indication of the standard of academic work performed and/or the status of the student in relation to a course and/or the college. The academic grading system consists of five basic grades of student performance:

“A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” and three grades of student status: “I,” “M,” “W”. In addition, participants enrolled in non-credit courses through Continuing Education/Lifelong Learning may be awarded Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis.

A letter grade of “A” through “F” indicates a student’s performance in terms of what was done, how much was done, and how well the class work was done from the start to the completion of a class. Other academic grades indicate a student’s status in terms of his/her entry or exit point from a class over time and condition (W) or at the close of the official grading period (I, M).

Administrative marks include: AU.

Academic Standard Grades

IV. Mid-Term Grades

Mid-term grades are advisory grades indicating a student’s progress through the first half of a standard semester. If a student is making satisfactory progress, he/she will be awarded a grade of “P” to indicate satisfactory progress. If a student is not making satisfactory progress, he/ she will be awarded a grade of “U” to indicate unsatisfactory progress. A student in developmental courses may also be awarded an “M” grade to indicate that he/she is maintaining progress, but not sufficient to attain the mid-term grade of “P.” When compared to traditional grades, the “P” grade equates to a grade of “C” or higher, while a grade of “U” equates to a “C-” or lower.

Mid-semester grades are merely estimates of the student’s progress and are not entered on permanent records. However, grades of “W” and “AU” are considered permanent final grades when awarded either as mid-semester or final grades and entered on permanent records. The only mid-term grades assigned are “P,” “U,” and “M.” Grades are not generally changed after one year of their issuance.

V. Statement on Satisfactory Progress*

1. The grading system employed by each college should accurately reflect the academic achievement of the student. In order to ensure appropriate use of State resources available for the education of its citizens, each college will develop procedures to monitor satisfactory progress through its warning, probation and suspension policy.
2. This policy shall be applicable to all students enrolled for developmental and/or credit courses, no matter the number of credits for which they are enrolled.
3. No course may be repeated for credit more than twice. The highest grade received will be used in calculating the student’s academic average. This does not apply to those courses that are designed to be repeated for additional credit.
4. Satisfactory completion of fifty percent of the credits attempted (this phrase means actual continued enrollment beyond the add/drop period) will be the minimum standard for good standing.
5. Students who have completed 11 or fewer credits whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 1.5 will be given a written warning. Students who have completed between 12 and 30 credits inclusive whose CGPA falls below 1.7, and those who have completed 31 or more credits whose CGPA falls below 2.0, will be given a written notice that they are placed on academic probation.
6. Students placed on academic probation will be required to take a reduced course load for one semester.
7. Students who, after being placed on academic probation for one semester and after taking a reduced course load, fail to attain the required CGPA as shown above will be notified in writing that they are suspended for one semester.
8. After the period of suspension, students may be reinstated, either as regular or probationary students, upon application to the college.
9. An appeals process will be established by each college, which provides for due process.
10. College procedures will be included in appropriate publications and communications.

(Adopted October 17, 1993, amended January 28, 2002, amended February 23, 2004, amended September 20, 2004)

* For more information see Academic Standards Criteria section of this catalog.

Definition of Grades & Administrative Marks

A-F

Academic Standard Grades. A letter grade of “A” through “F” indicates a student’s performance in terms of the quantity and the quality of that work performance. Only these grades are considered in the determination of a grade point average (GPA) for a student. Any grade followed by the # sign indicates a Developmental Studies course and will not contribute any points to the student’s GPA.

I

Incomplete. May be awarded by an instructor only when a majority of course requirements and assignments has been successfully completed. The “I” grade is a deferred grade, neither passing nor failing, on the official transcript. Incomplete work must be submitted to an instructor at least 14 days before the 10th week of the following regular semester so that grades can be submitted no later than the 10th week of the following regular semester, fall or spring.

M

Maintaining progress. An administrative transcript notation used only for Developmental Studies courses to indicate that the student is maintaining progress but not at the usual rate. It may be given to a student for a course only twice.

P

Passing. “P” is used as a Midterm Grade to indicate satisfactory progress (See IV above “Midterm Grades”). It is also used for students enrolled in non-credit courses. The CEU is a measurement (one unit equals ten class contact hours) nationally recognized by business, industry and professional organizations for evaluating an individual’s effort toward professional growth. When “P” is used for a non-credit course, it may reflect performance at any of the passing levels (A, B, C, D). Permanent records of CEUs are kept by the Office of Continuing Education programs.

U

Unsatisfactory progress, mid-term grade only.

AU

Audit. “AU” is used for students wishing to take a credit course for no credit. Students must pay the regular fees and audit status must be indicated within four weeks of the start of class. The audit student will receive no credit and a grade of “AU” and may not change to a credit basis. The student may in succeeding semesters take for credit any course he/she has previously audited. Audit courses will be reflected on the student’s record as “AU.” The student may not petition for credit for the audited course.

W

Withdrawal. “W” is used for students who formally withdraw from a course. Students who withdraw through the Registrar’s Office within the first two weeks of the semester receive no grade for the course. Students who formally withdraw after the 2nd week, but prior to the end of the 6th week of classes, automatically receive a grade of “W.” After six weeks and up to the 12th week of classes, a “W” may be awarded by the instructor only if formal withdrawal is initiated by the student, and at the discretion of the instructor.

Transcripts

Students wishing to have an official copy of their transcript may request one online by accessing their myCommnet account. A request form, found on the college web site, may also be faxed or mailed to request transcripts. Transcripts, official or unofficial, will not be faxed. No telephone requests can be accepted. Transcript requests are normally processed within 10 working days. There is no charge for official transcripts; any questions contact the Registrar’s Office at 203-332-5088.

Fresh Start for Readmit Students

The Fresh Start Option allows students who have not registered for college credit courses for two or more years and have a poor academic record to refresh their Grade Point Average (GPA) and develop a more favorable academic record. A poor academic record is defined as multiple courses completed with a GPA of less than 2.0. The only grades eligible for Fresh Start are those earned prior to readmission.

The Fresh Start Option may be used only once. A student must apply for this option prior to, or during, the first year after returning to HCC. Students are ineligible if they have completed a certificate or degree and the option will not apply to completed certificates or degrees.

If the request for the Fresh Start Option is approved, all grades previously earned will remain on the student’s transcript. The semesters for which Fresh Start is invoked will include a transcript symbol indicating that the policy is in effect. The original GPA will not be included in any subsequent computation of the new GPA.

A student must complete a minimum of 15 credits after returning to college under the Fresh Start Option to be eligible for a degree or certificate and for graduation honors. For more information, please contact the Counseling Center at 203-332-5097.

Definition of Readmit Student

A “Readmit” student is a student returning to the college after an absence of at least 2 years (including summer and winter sessions).

Definition of a New Student

A “New” student is a first-time, first-year student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This definition includes students enrolled for the fall term who attended the same college for the first time in the prior summer term. This definition also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school - AP, Tech Prep/College Career Pathways, HS Partnership, etc.).

Appeal of Grades

A student who wishes to appeal an awarded grade should first confer with the faculty member concerned within 15 days from the time the Registrar posts grades. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that conference, the student may submit a written appeal with the Department Chair who will consult with the faculty member to help resolved the appeal. Once the Department Chair has concluded their review of the appeal and informed the student of their decision, the student may then contact the Academic Dean for further assistance. The written appeal must include the grade attained, the grade the student believes was earned in the course and the exact reason(s) the grade is incorrect. Reasons that a grade would be found to be incorrect are mathematical error or grade assigned on basis other than the criteria cited in the course syllabus.

Academic Standards Criteria

Satisfactory Progress:

Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress during their enrollment at the college. See Appendix XI  of College Catalog for Board Policy 3.8 Satisfactory Academic Progress (includes Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Student Financial Aid Recipients).

Student Academic Standing:

To remain eligible for continued enrollment, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) equal to or above the minimum stated in the Academic Standards Criteria listed below. A student’s combined academic standing is determined based on cumulative credit hours, overall GPA, and progress evaluation:

Written Warning:

What it means: Student’s cumulative grade point average is low, and the student is at risk of continued poor performance at the college. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to 4 courses totaling no more than 13 credit hours including any required remedial courses. Students in this standing should seek additional advising, tutoring or other help that is available at the college. Please contact the Academic Support Center (LH-B116), or the Counseling Center (LH-A108) for further assistance. (See chart for explanation.)

GPA Probation:

What it means: Student’s cumulative grade point average has fallen below the required level. (See chart for explanation)

Result: A student is limited to 2 courses totaling no more than 7 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If the student has registered for more than 2 courses, he or she must contact the Counseling Office (LHA108) immediately or student’s course load may be automatically reduced.

Progress Probation:

What it means: Student has not satisfactorily completed a minimum of 50% of student¹s class credits and is not making satisfactory progress towards the completion of his or her coursework, degree, and/or certificate. Grades of “F”, “F#”, “W”, “N” and “N#” are considered unsatisfactory completions and can result in a student being placed into Progress Probation status. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to 4 courses totaling no more than 13 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If student has registered for more than 4 courses, student must contact the Counseling Office (LHA108) immediately or student’s course load may be automatically reduced.

GPA and Progress Probation:

What it means: Students who are on both GPA and Progress probation should read the two descriptions above. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is limited to 2 courses totaling no more than 7 credit hours including any required remedial courses. If the student has registered for more than 2 courses, he or she must contact the Counseling Office (LH- A108) immediately or student’s course load may be automatically reduced.

GPA Suspension (prohibits registration):

What it means: Student’s accumulated credits and cumulative grade point average are below the required level. Students who have been placed on GPA Probation for one semester and who have not attained the overall GPA to move back into good standing are placed on GPA suspension. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: The student is suspended and is not permitted to register for classes at Housatonic for the upcoming semester without prior approval. If student has already registered for the upcoming semester, the student will be automatically dropped from all classes one week before the start of classes.

Progress Probation and GPA Suspension (prohibits registration):

Description: Students who are on both Progress Probation and GPA Suspension should read the two descriptions above. (See chart for explanation.)

Result: A student is not permitted to register for classes at Housatonic for the upcoming semester without prior approval. If student has already registered for the upcoming semester, he or she will be automatically dropped from all classes one week before the start of classes.

Confidentiality of Student Records

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

These rights are included in the college Policies section in Appendix XVII .

Academic Honors

Dean’s List Requirements: (As of Fall 2013 Semester)

Full-time students who are matriculated in a certificate or degree program and who have successfully completed 12 or more credits of work in qualifying semester with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Part-time students who are matriculated in a certificate or degree program who have completed 12 or more credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. Subsequent recognition of the completion of an additional 12 or more credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, and at successive intervals of 12 credits may be achieved.

Students who are in a probationary status are NOT eligible for Dean’s List recognition, even if their cumulative GPA might otherwise make them eligible.

Academic Honor Societies

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Students are rewarded for their high academic achievement with exclusive scholarships and leadership development opportunities. Eligible students who join HCC’s Chi Rho chapter of PTK develop skills in leadership, team work, and project management. They also have the opportunity to partake in scholarly research, campus events, community service, and attend PTK regional and national conferences. Membership eligibility requirements: completed 24 credits of college-level courses (may include transfer courses); 3.50 or higher GPA at HCC; currently enrolled at HCC in a degree or certificate program either as full- or part-time students. For more information, visit www.ptk.org.

Psi Beta©

Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges. It is the first two-year honor society approved for membership in the Association of College Honor Societies, which regulates membership requirements. Psi Beta was founded for the purpose of stimulating, encouraging, and recognizing students’ outstanding scholarship and interest in psychology. Psychology students become members by invitation of the college chapter.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Housatonic Community College has a chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma, the International Business Honor Society. This society encourages scholarship among two-year college students in business. To be eligible for membership, a student must be enrolled in a business curriculum and must have completed 40 academic credit hours in courses leading to a degree. Additionally, the student must have attained a 3.2 GPA in business courses and a 3.2 overall cumulative average. Members are eligible for scholarships at four-year institutions, and have networking and leadership opportunities available through a variety of activities.

Tau Upsilon Alpha

Established in 2006 as a program of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), Tau Upsilon Alpha is a national honor society for students, alumni, and faculty in the field of Human Services. The purposes of the honor society are to honor academic excellence; to foster lifelong learning, leadership, and development; and to promote excellence in service to humanity.

Epsilon Pi Tau

Epsilon Pi Tau is an international honor society that encourages academic excellence in fields devoted to the general study of technology. Students who are enrolled in programs in science, engineering, and technology may be invited to be initiated into Epsilon Pi Tau upon completion of 30 credits in prescribed courses with a 3.00 GPA and the recommendation of their faculty advisor.

Policies

Please refer to the Faculty/Staff Reserve shelf in the Library or to the College Policies section of this catalog for the complete policies and texts concerning the following:

Academic Dishonesty

Students of Housatonic Community College are expected to do their own work on assignments, laboratory exercises, quizzes, examinations and any other academic work. Cheating in any form is viewed by the faculty, the students and the administration as a most serious offense. See The Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct, Part D in Appendix I .

Academic dishonesty can result in your receiving an “F” grade on the paper or exam in question and/or an “F” grade in the course. “F” penalties are invoked by faculty members. Academic dishonesty can result in suspension from college or expulsion from college. The last two penalties can only be invoked through the Academic Dean.

Faculty members explain to students exactly what is meant by academic dishonesty and plagiarism and what the penalties are at the beginning of the semester. If you have any question on these issues, consult with the faculty member prior to undertaking the action or submitting the paper.

Housatonic Community College Copyright Policy for Students

Copyright refers to exclusive legal rights authors or owners have over their works for a specific period. These rights include copying whole or parts of works, creating derivative works, and distributing or performing the works. Non-compliance with copyright laws is a legal offense and can result in serious college penalties (see the Student Code of Conduct) and broader federal offenses. The full description of Copyright Policy for Students is in Appendix X .

Additionally, all copyright-protected material used must include the complete source citation and the rights holder. This information should appear on the same page as the material itself.

For copyright questions not answered by this information, please contact a librarian for assistance.

See Appendix X  for the complete policy.

Class Cancellations

Housatonic has the right to cancel any class or to change instructors. Upon course cancellation, a student will be notified and referred to an advisor or counselor who will meet with the student to select another ongoing course in which the student will be enrolled provided he/she meets the pre-requisites/parallels. Restrictions apply in equipment-related courses, and ENG* E101  and ENG* E102  

Weather (or Other) Cancellations

Occasionally classes have to be cancelled because of extreme weather conditions or other emergencies. The most detailed information is on the HCC website www.housatonic.edu or by calling 203-332-5200. Students should login to myCommNet to sign up for myCommNet Alert text messages to receive weather cancellations and closings.

Students are required to check Blackboard for course activity information in the event of a class cancellation.

Faculty Absences

If a faculty member is going to be late or cannot meet a class because of an emergency, he or she will make every effort to have someone inform you. However, if any faculty member is late arriving for class (more than 20 minutes), you can:

1. Go to the Academic Dean (LH- A204a), the Evening Division Office in Beacon Hall (BH- 116) or the office of the department chair for that academic area (refer to “Where To Go For Help”) and ask for guidance;
2. Circulate an attendance sheet with the course number and section for each student to sign. Provide this information to the offices listed above. At that point you are free to leave if you have received no other directions.

Computer Policies

Using computers is a very important part of your education. The HCC computer laboratories in Lafayette Hall, Beacon Hall, and in the Library are available for use by current HCC students. The lab hours are posted on the college web site. Labs are usually open when classes are in session and at specific times when the college is open and classes are not in session.

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, and the State of Connecticut have endorsed uniform policies regarding computer use and computer software ownership. Under these policies, students cannot use the laboratory facilities to create software for any illegal activity nor can they use these facilities for personal work whether for a profit or non-profit purpose. Software cannot be duplicated or loaded unless the duplication or loading is directly related to a course and is under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Further, college policy forbids viewing pornographic or other potentially offensive material on the college computers. Violation of any of these policies may result in disciplinary action.

For the complete policy see Appendix IV .

Bringing Your Children to School

Generally, visitors are not allowed in the classroom. However, if, in an emergency situation, you need your child with you when you are attending class, you are required to receive permission from the instructor. If approved, you must have the child or children with you in the classroom at all times. You cannot leave your children unattended anywhere in the college.

Drug-Free Workplace

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education adopted the policy on drug-free workplaces for the system of community colleges.

No student or employee shall knowingly possess, use, distribute, transmit, sell, or be under the influence of any controlled substance on the college campus or off the college campus at a college-sponsored activity, function, or event. Use or possession of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be a violation of this provision.

For the complete policy see Appendix XII .

Standards and Procedures for Student Discipline

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has adopted the policy on student discipline for the system of community colleges.

For the complete policy see Appendix I .

Student Rights

As a student, you are entitled to an atmosphere conducive to learning and to impartial treatment in all aspects of the teacher/student relationship. This includes the right to be evaluated solely on academic performance and not on any matter irrelevant to that performance. As a student you are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course, but you are responsible for learning the content of the course of study as defined by official college publications, such as the college catalog.

For the complete policy see Appendix II .

Change of Address

The college must have your correct address and your correct name at all times. Therefore, you are required to report any change of address or name to the Registrar’s Office immediately, using a Change of Personal Data form.

Cell Phones/Pagers

Cell phones and other electronic devices are to be used in class only for class related activities at the discretion of the instructor. Students who ignore this policy may be asked to leave class or face grade penalties. When there are extenuating circumstances that require students to be available by phone or pager, the students should inform the instructor prior to class, so that together they can arrive at an agreement concerning the device.

Gambling

Gambling of any type on the college campus or at a college sponsored activity, function, or event subjects you to disciplinary action. Connecticut General Statutes state that “any person who plays at any game for any valuable thing, or solicits another to do the same, upon any public conveyance, or wins or loses any valuable thing by so playing or betting on such play or by sharing in any stake or wager of those who bet or play, shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars and imprisoned not more than six months.” See Student Code of Conduct, Part D in Appendix I .

Smoking

The Act prohibits the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products in buildings owned or leased and operated by the state or its political subdivisions. The Act defines electronic nicotine delivery systems as electronic devices that may be used to simulate smoking in delivering nicotine or other substances to a person who inhales from it, and includes cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and related devices. Vapor products are defined as any product that uses a heating element, power source, electronic circuit, or other electronic, chemical, or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine and which is inhaled by the user.

People with Disabilities

This policy is put forth to ensure that no qualified person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination under any program or activity on a community college campus.

For the complete policy see Appendix VI .

Racism and Acts of Intolerance

The community colleges have long been committed to providing educational opportunities to all who seek and can benefit from them, as evidenced in the mission statements and policies concerning student rights, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. The Connecticut Board of Regents and the colleges recognize that an important part of providing opportunity is creating a welcoming environment in which all people are able to work and study together, regardless of their differentness.

See Appendix VI  for the complete policy.