Compliances

Equal Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Northwest Iowa Community College not to illegally discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 216 of the Iowa Code. Inquiries and grievance regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI, Section 504 or 216 may be directedto the Director of Human Resources, Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, Iowa, telephone 712-324-5061, as the coordinator of Title IX and Section 504; to the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, Iowa; or to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department
of Education, Kansas City, Missour

Americans With Disabilities Act & the Rehabilitation Act
Northwest Iowa Community College has filed an assurance of compliance with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The College will not discriminate against handicapped persons and will take appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination which may have resulted from adherence to past policies and practices.

Additionally, the College supports the (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act as it prevents from discrimination otherwise qualified individuals in areas of instruction and employment. The College understands that it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his/her medical condition (whatever the condition may be) if the person is otherwise qualified for the job or has paid for the service. As far as accommodations and auxiliary aids are concerned, the College will work closely with each student having a disability to select the appropriate type of accommodations or aid needed.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities
It is the policy of NCC to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, and to provide staff and students with information to prevent the use of illicit drugs, the abuse of alcohol on campus, and to provide a drug-free work place for students and staff. It shall be unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs and alcohol by students or employees on college property or as part of any college activity. The laws of the state of Iowa pertaining to the possession and use of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages on public property shall be followed. Specifically, this means that it is a violation of the drug and alcohol policy for students and employees to purchase, manufacture, possess, consume, or sell such items on campus.

Student and staff violations of the standards as stated in the above paragraph shall result in any one or combination of the following disciplinary sanctions.
A. Warning
B. Disciplinary probation
C. Suspension
D. Referral to an appropriate drug/alcohol treatment program
E. Referral to law enforcement agencies
F. Any other action considered necessary by college officials

Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act
In accordance with Title I of Public Law 101-542, NCC will make readily available the completion and graduation rates of certificate or degree-seeking, full-time students entering our institution to current students and to each prospective student prior to that prospective student’s enrolling or entering into any financial obligation.

Title II of this law requires institutions to collect information on specific campus crimes. This information is distributed to all current NCC students and employees and is available to prospective students and employees upon request.


Admissions

Admissions Policy and Procedure
NCC has an “open-door” policy for all persons of post-high school age. Admission to programs is granted on the basis of an individual’s interest, aptitude, previous experience, career objective, and ability to benefit. NCC is open to individuals who meet the above requirements and can benefit from the education. (Compliance with Civil Rights Title VI, VII, IX, X, and Rehabilitation Act.)

Class size is limited in programs. Once optimal enrollment has been met, applicants will be placed on an alternate list.

NCC admits students to the Arts & Sciences, Business/Health, and Trade & Technology programs who have either a high school diploma or a GED. Individuals who have not completed either may be admitted on an individual basis.

Admission to the College does not ensure admission to a specific program. NCC reserves the right to guide your program selection on the basis of counseling, assessment, pre-enrollment interviews, and past academic achievement. If you do not meet specific requirements, you may be admitted on a provisional basis or may be required to complete developmental courses before acceptance.

Acceptance shall not be granted until all required materials are received and entrance testing and necessary developmental work is completed. An Enrollment Confirmation Form will accompany your letter of acceptance. This form is a commitment from you and requires an advance tuition payment of $50.00. (This $50.00 is refundable up to 60 calendar days prior to classes starting.)

International Students
International students are encouraged to enroll in programs at Northwest Iowa Community College.
In order to be admitted you must take the TOEFL examination and receive a score of at least 500.

Campus Visitation
If you are interested in attending NCC, we strongly encourage you to schedule a campus visit. The visit can include a meeting with representatives from admissions, financial aid, housing, counseling, Division Deans, and instructors. The visit can also include a tour of the campus with special emphasis on your program of interest.

Application Procedure
1. Submit a completed application form, either via the interactive application form on the NCC Web site or by mail to the Admissions Office with a $10.00 application fee. Applications will not be processed until the application fee is received. (This fee is a one-time non-refundable fee.)

2. Upon application to the College, you must submit an official copy of your high school transcript or official documentation of your GED scores.

3. If you have previously attended college or any other post-secondary institutions, you must provide a copy of your college transcript. This is required even if you do not wish to have previous work evaluated for transfer. Transcripts must be sent from the originating institution to NCC.

4. If you are a new student, NCC requests that you attend an orientation session. Sessions will be held at various times throughout the year, and you will be notified of the times and dates. The sessions include review of student handbook information, academic advising, and registration for classes.

5. If you plan to obtain a diploma or degree, you must complete the ASSET (Assessment of Skills for Successful Entry and Transfer) (paper/pencil) or COMPASS assessment (computerized version) prior to final acceptance to NCC.
• The entrance assessment will be given monthly for
prospective students.
• Additional testing will be administered at the College by appointment.
• Students will need to have a satisfactory assessment score for some courses.
• If you are unable to attend assessment sessions on NCC’s campus, you may take the assessment at another community college testing site and transfer the scores to NCC’s Admissions Office.
• Transfer students who are enrolling with 30 or more semester hours of coursework transferred to NCC or who have taken the ACT will not be required to take the ASSET/COMPASS.

6. Other requirements: Applicants entering some programs will be required to submit a completed physical examination form to the Admissions office.

NOTE: If you have not completed all admissions requirements, you may be permitted to attend classes but will not be accepted nor have any grades issued until all requirements are met.

Provisional Admission
You may be required to take additional coursework before you are granted acceptance into a selected program. Provisional admission does not guarantee that you will be allowed into the program, only that you are a candidate seeking to enroll in the program.

Resident/Non-Resident Tuition Eligibility
Reference Board Policy 507

Section 1—General
A person who has been admitted to Northwest Iowa Community College shall be classified as a resident or as a non-resident for admission, tuition, and fee purposes. A person classified as a resident shall pay resident tuition costs. A person classified as a non-resident shall pay non-resident tuition costs. Tuition for non-residents should not be less than the marginal cost of instruction of a student attending Northwest Iowa Community College. Iowa Code section 260C.14 (2).
Persons who register for non-credit continuing education courses shall be charged course fees determined on course costs and by market demand.

Section 2—Determination of Residency Status
In determining resident or non-resident classification, the primary determination is the reason a person is in the state of Iowa. The second determination will be the length of time a person has resided in Iowa. If a person is in the state primarily for educational purposes, that person will be considered a non-resident. The burden of establishing the reason a person is in Iowa for other than educational purposes rests with the student.

A. The Registrar may require written documents, affidavits, or other related evidence deemed necessary to determine why a student is in Iowa. The burden of proof is upon the student.

A student will be required to file at least two documents to determine his/her residency status. No two documents may come from the same source. The following are examples of acceptable documentation.

1. Written and notarized documentation from an employer that the student is employed in Iowa or a signed and notarized statement from the student describing employment and sources of support.
2. Iowa state income tax return.
3. An Iowa driver’s license.
4. An Iowa vehicle registration card.
5. An Iowa voter registration card.
6. Proof of Iowa Homestead credit on property taxes.

In all events, to be determined a resident of Iowa, the individual must document residing in the state
of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the beginning
of the term for which he/she is enrolling.

B. If a student gives misleading or incorrect information for the purpose of evading payment of
non-resident fees, he or she must pay the non-resident fees for each term the student was not officially classified as a non-resident.

C. These regulations shall be administered by the Registrar. Resident and non-resident tuition rates shall be printed and available in the College Catalog or other major College publications.

Section 3—Residency of Minor Students
The domicile of a minor shall follow that of the parent with whom the minor resides except where emancipation of said minor can be proven. The word “parent” herein used shall include legal guardian or others in cases where the lawful custody of a minor has been awarded to persons other than actual parents.

A minor living with a resident of Iowa who is legally responsible for the minor shall be granted resident status if the minor has lived with the Iowa resident for at least 90 days immediately prior to enrollment.

The residency status of an emancipated minor shall be based upon the same qualifications established for a person having attained majority.

Section 4—Residency of Students who are not Citizens of the United States

A. A person who is a refugee or who is granted asylum by an appropriate agency of the United States must provide proof of certification of refugee or
asylum guarantee status. A person may be accorded resident status for admission and tuition purposes when the person comes directly, or within a reasonable time, to the state of Iowa from a refugee facility or port of debarkation and has not established domicile in another state.

B. A person who has immigrant status, and his or her spouse or dependents, may establish Iowa residency in the same manner as a United States citizen.

C. A person who has non-immigrant status and who holds a non-student visa, and his or her spouse or dependents, may establish residency in the same manner as a United States citizen. A person who has non-immigrant status and whose primary purpose for being in Iowa is educational is classified as non-resident. A “student visa” is prima facie evidence of non-residency. (i.e. in a rare case, a student holding the visa could overcome the presumption of non-residency.)

Section 5—Residency of Federal Personnel and Dependents
A person and his/her spouse who has moved into the state of Iowa as the result of military or civil orders from the federal government, and the minor children of such persons, are entitled to immediate Iowa resdency status.

Section 6—Veteran’s Exemption
A military service veteran who was a resident of the state of Iowa prior to entering the service shall
be classified as a resident if the veteran returns to Iowa upon separation from service and his/her separation papers are filed with the county recorder.

Section 7—Reclassification of Residency Status
It is the responsibility of a student to request a reclassification of residency status. If a student is reclassified as a resident for tuition purposes, such classification shall be effective beginning with the next term for which the student enrolls. In no case shall reclassification to residency status be made retroactive for tuition and fee purposes, even though the student could have previously qualified for residency status had the student applied.

Section 8—Appeal
The decision on the residency status of a student for admission, tuition, and fee purposes may be appealed to a review committee established by Northwest Iowa Community College. The findings of the review committee may be appealed to the NCC Board of Trustees, whose decision shall be a final administrative decision.


Registration and Records

Registration
After you have been accepted for admission to NCC, you must register for course(s) and pay tuition and fees before being officially enrolled. Academic advising and other assistance during registration is provided and encouraged by the College; however, it is your responsibility to register for the appropriate courses needed to meet your educational goals.

Indebtedness Policy
If you have prior unsettled indebtedness to the College, you may not register in any new term without approval from the Business Office. Evidence of attendance or other official credentials may not be obtained from the College during the period in which the indebtedness remains unsettled.
Indebtedness shall include tuition, fees, book charges, library fines, parking tickets, shop charges, and any other charges incurred by you and owed to the College.

Tuition and Fees
2006–2007 Academic Year

Tuition Per Semester Credit
Resident $103.00
Non-Resident $148.00
eCollege Per Semester Credit
(Includes Course Fee & Student Fee)
Resident or Non-Resident $130.00

Student Fees
Application (nonrefundable, paid 1 time only) $10.00
Student Fee (Per Credit) $3.00
Technology Fee (Per Credit) $5.00
Graduation Fee (First Diploma) $35.00
Each Additional Diploma $25.00
CDL Fee for Heavy Equipment & Powerline students
per semester $50.00
per summer term $25.00
GED Testing Fee $70.00

Fee Per Credit by Course Prefix
ACC-ADM-ANT-ART-BCA-BUS-COM-CRJ-CSCDRA-ECE-ECN-EDU-EMS-ENG-ENV-FIN-FLGFLS-GEO-HIS-HSC-JOU-LGL-LIT-MAT-MGTMKT-MMS-MUS-PEA-PEC-PEH-PHI-PHS-PHY-POL-PRL-PSY-REL-SDV-SOC-SPC $10.00

ADN-AUT-BIO-CAD-CHM-CIS-CON-CRR-DSL-ELE-ELT-HIT-MFG-NET-PNN-RAD-WEL $16.00

HEQ-PWL $23.00

Fees are applicable for all credits for which you are registered.

NOTE: The College reserves the right to change the tuition and fee schedule at any time without prior notification to applicants and students.

Billing and Payment
The NCC billing system provides you with the following payment options for tuition and fees:

1. You may pay your account in full at the NCC Business Office with a check or credit card (Discover, VISA or MasterCard) before the first day of class of each semester/term.

2. You may pay your account in full over the internet using e-cashier that is on our website at www.nwicc.edu using an Automatic Bank Payment (ACH) or credit card (Discover, VISA or MasterCard). There is a $2.00 nonrefundable fee for using this service through our service provider, FACTS Management Company.

3. You may sign up for a payment plan through FACTS Management Company. There is a $35.00 nonrefundable processing fee charged by FACTS. Information about the payment plan through FACTS is available on our website at www.nwicc.edu, and you may also pick up a brochure at the Business Office.

If a student has not made arrangements to pay for the semester by the 7th calendar day of the term, the Business Office will notify the Student Services Adviosrs. Student Services Advisors are encouraged to notify the student that they must make contact with the Business Office or they will be removecd from all courses starting on the 15th calendar day of the semester. A re-enrollment fee will be charged to the student if they decide to reenroll starting on day 15.

The above schedule that describes the removal of a student on the 15th day is intended for the regular semester classes. Any students that are in classes that meet for less than the 14 to 16 week semester will be removed on a pro-rata basis.

Insufficient Funds
NCC will assess a $25.00 service charge for checks that are returned due to insufficient funds.

Refund Policy
If you drop/withdraw from a course(s), you are eligible for a tuition refund according to the following schedule:

September 5, 2006 - Last day for 100% tuition and fee* refund for fall semester classes

January 23, 2007 - Last day for 100% tuition and fee* refund for spring semester classes

June 5, 2007 - Last day for 100% tuition and fee* refund from summer term classes

The above Refund Schedule is applicable only to regular semester enrollment periods. A similar pro-rated Refund Schedule will be applied to courses with different enrollment periods (i.e. 7x7 course, online course, 8 week courses, etc.).

Refund procedures, percents and amounts may differ for students receiving financial aid. The refund for students receiving financial aid will be according to the guidelines set by the United States Department of Education.

Refunds of tuition and fees are calculated as of the date the withdrawal form is returned completed, by the student, to the Student Services Office.

*The CDL fee is non-refundable.

Adding a Course
If you wish to add a course to your schedule after the first class session, you must have the approval
of the instructor, Division Dean, and Registrar. When you receive approval, a “Drop/Add Form” must be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office before the change becomes official. The “Drop/Add Form” may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office or by going to the NCC Web site. Log onto www.nwicc.edu. Go to “Current Students” and click on “Registrar.”

Dropping a Course
You may drop a course by obtaining a “Drop/Add Form” from the Registrar’s Office or by logging onto the NCC Web site at www.nwicc.edu. Go to “Current Students” and click on “Registrar.” Have the form signed by the instructor, financial aid representative, and Registrar. The day the completed form is returned to the Registrar’s Office will be the “Official Drop Date.” You will receive a “W” (withdrawal) grade if the official drop is completed within 10 academic calendar days after midterm. If you fail to follow the above procedure or complete the procedure 10 days after midterm, you will receive an “F” (failing) grade for the course(s). In case of tragedy (i.e. death in immediate family, severe illness, or disability of student) the Registrar may initiate a drop slip upon request.

Withdrawal from College
If you withdraw from NCC for any reason, you must obtain a “Withdrawal Form” from the Registrar’s Office or log onto www.nwicc.edu. Go to “Current Students” and click on “Registrar.” The day the completed form is returned to the Registrar’s Office will be the “official withdrawal date.” You will receive a “W” (withdrawal) grade if the official withdrawal is completed within 10 academic calendar days after midterm. If you fail to follow the above procedures or complete the procedure 10 days after midterm, you will receive an “F” (failing) grade for the course(s). In case of tragedy (i.e. death in immediate family, severe illness, or disability of student), the Registrar may initiate a withdrawal form upon request.

Student Records
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
Annually, Northwest Iowa Community College informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The Act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

Northwest Iowa Community College’s policy explains, in detail, the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the Act. Copies of the policy can be found in the Registrar’s Office and the Vice President of College Services’ Office. The offices mentioned also maintain a Directory of Records which lists all education records maintained on students by this institution. Questions concerning The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Registrar’s Office.

Disclosure of Directory Information
Northwest Iowa Community College hereby designates the following categories of student information as “Directory Information.” Such information may be disclosed by the institution at its discretion.
• Student’s name
• Campus address
• E-mail address
• Local phone number
• Field of study
• Enrollment status
• Anticipated degree date
• Date(s) of attendance
• Date(s) of graduation
• Degree(s) awarded
• Most recent educational institution attended
• Participation in college-recognized activities
• Photographs

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of information under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Registrar’s Office within ten calendar days of the beginning of the Fall term, or the term in which the student first enrolls at Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 West Park Street, Sheldon, IA 51201. Forms requesting the withholding of “Directory Information” are available in the Registrar’s Office.

Northwest Iowa Community College assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of “Directory Information” indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Retention of Records
The records retention policy of Northwest Iowa Community College shall be as follows:
1. The official academic transcript record of enrollment credit earned by a student at Northwest Iowa Community College shall be retained by this
institution in perpetuity.
2. All student records and documents which are used to create, update, and support the accuracy of the official academic transcript shall be retained for at least two (2) years. These documents may then be destroyed in the manner most convenient: shredding, burning, or burial. However, all appropriate pending requests to review student records and documents shall be honored prior to their destruction.
3. The student records retention policy shall be
published in the College Catalog and Student Handbook and shall constitute sufficient responsibility for notification to the student.

Transcript Release
Upon written request to the Registrar’s Office, students who have completed coursework at NCC may request an official or unofficial transcript. Students/ former students need to complete a Transcript Release Form available in the Registrar’s Office or at www.nwicc.edu (go to “Current Students” and click on “Registrar”) or send a written request for each transcript and include a $5 fee per requested transcript. Official transcripts will be on official NCC transcript paper and bear the signature of the Registrar, the seal of the College, and the date of the signature. An unofficial transcript may be on official transcript paper but will not have the above mentioned requirements on the document.

Transcripts will not be released for students/former students with outstanding financial obligations to the College. Transcripts from high schools, other colleges, or universities that have been sent to NCC for the student’s file will not be copied and released. Copies need to be obtained directly from the institution of origin.

Academics

Academic Progress
NCC requires that you maintain satisfactory academic progress. The following academic progress standards will be enforced.

Academic Probation—If you are enrolled in a diploma program, you must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.80. If you are enrolled in a degree program, you must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. If these guidelines are not met, you will automatically be placed on academic probation and will be notified in writing of the probationary status. You will be encouraged to visit with an advisor to discuss corrective actions that may help to promote satisfactory academic progress. Academic probation will be removed when the minimum cumulative grade point average is achieved.

Academic Suspension—Academic suspension is a forced withdrawal from the College due to failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average required for the program in which you are enrolled. If you have been on academic probation for one semester and have not achieved the minimum cumulative grade point average, you will move to academic suspension for at least one semester.

Appeal—You can appeal academic probation or suspension by following the College Grievance Procedure.

Attendance
You are expected to attend class, labs, and other course experiences as scheduled. Instructors will advise you on the policies for attendance and tardiness at the beginning of each term. If you have excessive absences, you may be withdrawn from class at the discretion of the instructor, Division Dean, Registrar, and Vice President of Instructional Services. Attendance requirements may affect VA or other financial aid benefits. If you know you must be absent, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor as soon as possible.

Grading System
Grades represent the official record of your level of achievement in a course. The following grading scale is utilized at NCC.
A Excellent 4.0
B Above average 3.0
C Average 2.0
D Below average 1.0
F Failure 0.0
I Incomplete
W Withdrew
X Repeat
N Audit
P Passing
R Required—no credit
T Credit granted by testing
E Excused without credit
L Credit granted by virtue of prior
education or occupational experience
M Approved high school articulation

Intervention
NCC has an ongoing intervention plan that is intended to assist you in achieving your educational goals. The intervention plan is a joint effort initiated by Student Services which involves faculty, staff of the Learning Center, and you the student.

Incompletes
An incomplete grade may be assigned if you have not completed some portion of the assigned work during the regular term due to extenuating circumstances. Through special arrangements with the instructor, you may complete remaining work during a specific amount of time in the following terms but not to exceed eight (8) weeks while class is being held. An incomplete grade that is not completed during the specified time will be changed to an “F” failing grade. An “Incomplete Contract” must be signed by you and your instructor and returned to the Student Services Office to verify the agreement. The “Incomplete Contract” may be obtained at the Student Services Office or by logging onto www.nwicc.edu. Go to “Current Students” and click on “Registrar.”

Repeating Courses
You may repeat a course. Provisions of this policy are as follows:
1. You may repeat a course as many times as you wish.
2. The original grade will be changed to an “X”. (The “X” carries no credit nor does it affect your grade point average.)
3. The last grade issued will be computed in your record. You may not repeat a course, then choose the better of the two grades.
4. You are required to pay normal tuition and fees for repeated courses.
If you have questions regarding how this policy applies to your situation, you should discuss it with a Student Services counselor or the Registrar.

Student Classification

Full-Time Student
You are considered full-time if you are enrolled for the following number of credit hours:
Fall Semester 12 or more semester hours
Spring Semester 12 or more semester hours
Summer Term 6 or more semester hours

Part-Time Student
You are considered part-time if you are enrolled for the following number of credits:
Fall Semester 11 or fewer semester hours
Spring Semester 11 or fewer semester hours
Summer Term 5 or fewer semester hours

Provisional Student
A provisional student is admitted on a probationary status because of inadequate academic background. The status of the student will be reviewed each semester.

First-Year Student
You are classified as a first-year student if you have earned 0–29 semester hours of academic credit.

Second-Year Student
You are classified as a second-year student if you have earned 30 or more semester hours of academic credit.

Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study provides an opportunity for you to earn independent research or study in areas not covered in the regular curriculum, or to explore in much greater depth a topic covered in a course.

Each self-directed project must be arranged in advance through a supervising faculty member, the Division Dean, and the Vice President of Instructional Services. The Vice President will be responsible for assigning credit hours for the study.

Regular tuition charges will apply. Self-directed study may not be used to earn credit for a course(s) listed in the College Catalog. A maximum of three hours of credit in any one semester, and twelve hours in total, may be earned through self-directed study.

Transfer Information
NCC will accept the credits awarded for successful work at a properly accredited college or university. If you are in Arts and Sciences, all acceptable college credit will be evaluated by the Registrar and transfer credit awarded. This transfer credit information will be available during the initial enrollment term. The credit evaluation will be placed on your college transcript.

NCC will accept a maximum of 16 semester hours of Vocational/Technical credit only as elective credit towards the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees.

If you are enrolled in Vocational/Technical programs, transfer credit may be evaluated by the Registrar, Division Dean, and program instructor to determine if similar coursework will apply to NCC’s program. This transfer information will be placed on your transcript.

NCC will accept grades corresponding to “C” or better for transfer if the grades are from a properly accredited institution. Decisions about the applicability of transfer courses toward the College’s requirements will be made by the Registrar’s Office. Any questions regarding this should be directed to the Registrar.

NCC cannot guarantee how other institutions may treat credit hours accepted for transfer to NCC.
Internal/External Articulation

NCC accepts as elective credit toward the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree a maximum of 16 semester hours of credit earned in courses not designated as college transfer (NCC catalog courses ending with a “C” or “E”).
1. The required core for the degree sought must be completed.
2. All other requirements for the degree sought must be met.
3. The provisions of this policy shall apply to credits earned in residence at NCC or at another approved college provided the internal articulation policy of the sending school is on file in the Registrar’s Office at NCC.
College Level Examination (CLEP)

In accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education, Northwest Iowa Community College accepts the results of the College Level Examination Program and grants credit within the limitations of the following guidelines:
1. CLEP credits shall be recorded on academic
transcripts in a manner that makes them clearly recognizable as credits earned by examination as opposed to resident coursework. (If possible, the type of exam will be noted on the transcript.)
2. CLEP credits should not be granted if they
duplicate credits for courses already taken.
3. CLEP Subject Exams have no maximum credit limitation but credit hours granted shall be the same amount granted for the completion of a similar course at NCC.
4. A maximum of 30 semester hours shall be allowed for CLEP General Exams (6 semester hours per exam maximum).
5. For the CLEP General Exam, specific subject matter information, and minimum score requirements, contact the Registrar’s Office.
6. NCC shall accept for transfer CLEP credit granted in accordance with the preceding five steps providing the transcript also shows no less than 12 semester hours of regular resident credit earned.

High School Articulation
Northwest Iowa Community College has developed articulation agreements with several high schools. Through these agreements, high school students who have received Vocational/Technical instruction may earn credit which could be applied toward the Vocational/Technical program in which they are enrolled at NCC. It is the enrolling students’ responsibility to inform the Registrar if they have high school coursework to articulate.
Additional information regarding the High School Articulation Agreement may be obtained by contacting the College.

Credit for Military Experience
Northwest Iowa Community College is a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) that strengthens and coordinates voluntary college-level educational opportunities for Servicemembers.
NCC may grant credit for military experience in the following instances:
1. Credit in physical education for active duty.
2. Dantes or USAFI courses with acceptable scores or grades.
3. Service school courses.
4. Military specialties (MOS, NER, etc.)

Recommendations of the American Council on Education are one of the methods used in determining possible credit for military experience.

Credit for Institutional & Experiential Learning
NCC may grant credit for formally structured courses offered by non-collegiate sponsors such as businesses, corporations, governmental agencies, unions, and professional groups. Credit recommendations established by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the State University of New York (PONSI) are used as guidelines to award credit.

NCC credit may be granted for experiential learning gained through work experience or personal study which can be validated through an assessment procedure developed by the College. For further information, contact the Student Services Office.

Credit by Examination
Credit for some courses may be granted upon successful completion of a comprehensive examination over the content of the course. College credit cannot be given for courses taken in high school unless they are approved college level courses. Tests used to determine whether credit may be given must be approved by appropriate college faculty, Division Dean, and Vice President of Instructional Services.

Audit
Audit enrollment in courses provides you the opportunity to attend a course as a noncredit participant, usually as a listener-observer. This kind of enrollment may have value for you if you want an introduction to a subject outside your major field, a review or refresher in a subject, or other purposes where credit and grade either are not needed or would pose an unnecessary academic threat.

With the permission of the instructor and the Division Dean, you may enroll in any course on an audit basis. You and your instructor must agree about what portion(s) of the course you plan to audit and the requirements the instructor has about your class attendance and participation in class work.

If you fulfill the agreement for the audit, you will receive the grade of “N” (audit) for the course, and it will be entered on your academic transcript. If you do not fulfill the audit agreement, the Registrar, upon request of the instructor, will withdraw you from the course and issue a “W” withdrawal grade. Audit enrollments carry neither credit nor grade point value. No inference is made, nor should conclusions be drawn, about the quality or quantity of a student’s mastery of the course subject matter.

Standard tuition and fees apply to all audit enrollments regardless of the length or scope of the audit.

Honor’s List
If you achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and are not receiving an incomplete on any attempted credits for a semester’s work, you will be recognized for your achievement by inclusion on the Honor’s List. If you are so recognized, you will receive appropriate certificates.

Honor Graduates
If you graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above for the program in which you are enrolled, you will be recognized at graduation as being an Honor graduate. You will also be awarded an Honor Cord at the graduation ceremony.

Academic Restart Program
Northwest Iowa Community College provides past students who have received below a 2.00 cumulative grade point average and have not been enrolled at NCC for the past 5 years an opportunity to remove one or more of their NCC academic terms from future degree and grade point considerations.

Eligibility: To apply for the NCC Restart Program the student must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. The student must not have been enrolled at NCC in the past five years.
2. The student must be enrolled in credit courses at NCC pursuing a degree or diploma.
3. The student must successfully complete one term with a 2.0 grade point or better of higher coursework before the student will be granted cumulative grade point forgiveness.