Academic Regulations

General Information

Student Classification

1. Full-Time Students - Students enrolled who are registered for twelve (12) or more credit hours.
2. Part-Time Students - Students who are taking fewer than twelve (12) credit hours.
3. Special Credit Students - Students who are not seeking a degree or diploma. Students may take no more than twelve (12) semester hours credit without declaring a major.
4. First (1st) Year Students - Students who have successfully completed fewer than thirty-two (32) semester credit hours.
5. Second (2nd) Year Students - Students who have successfully completed thirty-two (32) or more semester credit hours.

Student Course Load Policy

Full-time curriculum students must take a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours. Normally students take fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) hours. Students registering for more than twenty (20) credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average of two-point-zero (2.0) or above and permission of the divisional academic dean.

Students who are employed more than fifteen (15) hours a week should reduce their class load accordingly. Beginning students who have full-time employment are urged to limit class loads to nine (9) to twelve (12) credit hours until they have demonstrated ability to carry a heavier schedule.

Criteria for Official Enrollment

In order to be officially enrolled, students must have registered, paid their tuition and fees, and attended classes on or before the ten percent (10%) point of the semester. For online classes, there must be evidence of active participation in courses by the ten percent (10%) point or students may be withdrawn from courses.

Course Numbering

Courses are numbered in accordance with the following system:

1. Developmental studies courses are indicated by a three-letter prefix, and numbers range from 001-099. Developmental studies courses do not earn academic credit.
2. A.A., A.G.E., A.S., and A.A.S. degree courses are indicated by a three-letter prefix, and numbers range from 110-199 and 210-299.
3. Diploma courses are indicated by a three-letter prefix and numbered 100-109 and 200-209.
4. Continuing education courses beyond high school are indicated by a four-letter prefix and numbered 2000-4000.

Course Audits

Students who wish to audit courses must register through regular registration procedures. Audit students do not receive credit but are encouraged to attend classes regularly, participate in class discussions, and take all examinations.

Audit courses may not be changed to credit courses after the drop/add period, nor may credit courses be changed to audit courses. Audit work may not be used toward the diploma or degree requirements.

In the event of limited classroom space, the first priority for a classroom seat must go to students enrolled for credit. The fees for audit courses are the same as those for courses taken for credit.

Course Substitutions

Under special circumstances, course substitutions may be made in a program. Any course substitution must have the written approval of the advisor, department chairperson of the program involved, division dean, and the Vice President of Instruction. In the event a course has been deleted from a particular program, a course substitution may be used to meet the requirement.

Course Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites are requirements that must be met before students can enroll in a specific course. The pre-requisite may be a class that is required before registering for the next level, or it may refer to placement test scores that are required before registering.

Students must comply with Edgecombe Community College requirements that courses may not be taken until all pre-requisites have been met. There are occasions in which exceptions to this regulation may be deemed desirable and necessary. The appropriate advisor, department/division head, and dean of the division in which the course is offered must approve such exceptions in writing. Upon the written recommendation of these individuals, the Vice President of Instruction will render a decision on the exception request.

Exceptions to course pre-requisites may include the following:

• Developmental pre-requisites may be fulfilled by appropriate placement test scores; placement test scores may be waived based on an SAT or an ACT score;
• Visiting students who have written documentation from their college/ university to enroll in a specified course that has a pre-requisite;
• Students with an associate or higher level degree who enroll in beginning college-level courses (e.g. ENG 111 ; PSY 150 );
• Students who have life experiences that are deemed equivalent to or supersede the pre-requisite; a formal review of course level outcomes would occur and be maintained in the student’s records;
• Students who successfully transfer in a course that has a pre-requisite would not have to take the pre-requisite;
• Successful completion (C or better) of a higher-level course in the same content as the requisite may be used to meet the pre-requisite requirement;
• Credit by exam may be used to meet pre-requisite requirements.

Course Co-requisites

Co-requisite courses are courses that must be taken at the same time or prior to the beginning of a course. Examples include BIO 094 - Concepts of Human Biology  and DRE 099 - Integrated Reading and Writing III . Another type of co-requisite includes lecture and lab courses such as COS 111 - Cosmetology Concepts I  and COS 112 - Salon I . All lecture and lab courses must be taken together during the same term. There are occasions in which exceptions to this regulation may be deemed desirable and necessary. The advisor, department/ division head(s), and dean of the division in which the course is offered must approve such exceptions in writing. Upon written recommendation of these individuals, the Vice President of Instruction will render a decision on the exception request.

Course Failures/Prerequisites

If students fail a prerequisite course, they must repeat and successfully complete the prerequisite before beginning the next course. This course repetition could result in students being enrolled for a longer period than is normally required to complete the requirements for graduation.

Repetition of Courses

A student who fails a course may repeat that course until the student receives a passing grade. Students who receive a passing grade of “D” or better on a curriculum course may repeat the course once to seek a better grade. If a grade of “C” is required for progression in a student’s program of study, then a student may repeat the course until a grade of “C” is obtained, however, financial aid will not pay for more than one repeat of a course after a passing grade of “D” is obtained.

No course may be counted more than once in calculating the total number of hours toward graduation. For any course repeated, the highest grade earned is used in calculating the major grade point average hours toward graduation. The lowest grade comes out of the grade point average but remains on the official transcript.

Veterans who wish to repeat a course for which a passing grade has been earned do not receive educational benefits for repeating a course unless a “C” is required for progression in the program.

Schedule Changes and Drop/Adds

Students are expected to carefully plan their schedules in advance with the assistance of their advisors. All changes in schedules (drop/adds or section changes) must be adjusted during the drop/add period the first five (5) school days of the fall and spring semesters and the first three (3) school days of the summer semester. Students can be assisted with changes in scheduling through the Student Success Center.

The following additional guidelines apply:

1. Students may withdraw from a class up until the seventy-five percent (75%) point of the semester without penalty.
2. No student will be allowed to withdraw from any class after the seventy-five percent (75%) point or after the course has ended. 
3. Students are not allowed to change a course initially taken for credit to audit status after the drop/add period.
4. Students who stop attending a course at any point in the semester but do not officially drop may receive an “F” in that course.
5. All veterans should contact the advisor for Veteran Affairs in Student Services prior to dropping any course.
6. A standard semester is sixteen (16) weeks.

Dean’s List and President’s List

Full-time students who earn a grade point average (GPA) of three-point-five (3.5) without receiving a grade lower than “C” are placed on the Dean’s List. Fulltime students who earn a grade point average (GPA) of four-point-zero (4.0) maintaining an “A” average are placed on the President’s List. Developmental courses are not counted either as hours towards full-time enrollment or in the calculation of the grade point average. Students who receive an “I” are not eligible for the Dean’s or President’s List.

Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Requirements

The following minimum requirements have been established for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees; the vocational diploma; and certificates.

1. Students must complete all course requirements as outlined in their curricula. Graduates must have earned at least a two-point-zero (2.0) grade point average (GPA) in courses presented for graduation.
2. Students must earn a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of credit hour requirements at ECC.
3. Students must be recommended by the chair of the department in which they complete their major work.
4. Students must complete the Career Readiness Certification assessments.
5. Students must fulfill all financial obligations to the college and return all borrowed library books and materials.
6. Students participating in graduation activities must wear the appropriate cap and gown attire.

Commencement Exercises

A commencement exercise to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates is held at the end of the spring semester. The specific date for commencement is listed in the college calendar. All students receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates are expected to attend commencement exercises.

Marshals

Being named commencement marshals is an honor for rising sophomores who have maintained the highest scholastic averages during their freshman year. The Vice President of Student Services designates the chief marshal.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning at Edgecombe Community College (ECC) includes those classes that individuals can take anytime and anywhere for which classroom attendance is not required. The classes include curriculum college-credit courses, Continuing Education non-credit courses, and the online GED/Adult High School Diploma program. The distance learning classes are best suited for mature, self-motivated students who have good study skills and do not need to be reminded to study and complete their assignments. Student support services, such as the library, student services, and financial aid, are available without being on campus. Changing lives with quality instruction and a genuine concern from instructors is an integral part of Distance Learning at ECC.

Available Courses/Programs

Curriculum Courses

Three types of distance learning curriculum courses are offered at the college: online courses, hybrid courses, and web-enhanced courses.

Online

Online courses can be taken anytime and anywhere, provided individuals have access to the Internet. Classroom attendance is not required. The online curriculum classes compare to traditional classroom courses in that they earn the same credit, have the same quality and standards, are fully accredited, and have the same course objectives.

Hybrid

Hybrid courses combine the traditional classroom and the Internet. By ECC’s definition, a hybrid course meets at least 51% online and no more than 49% face-to-face. Therefore, depending on the instructor, students must meet on campus at certain times during the semester. Lessons are completed online. As with online classes, hybrid courses earn the same credit and have the same quality and standards as face-to-face courses. Likewise, support services are available online for hybrid students.

Web-Enhanced

Web-enhanced courses combine the traditional classroom and the Internet similar to hybrid courses. By ECC’s definition, a web-enhanced course meets at least 51% face-to-face and no more than 49% online. Therefore, depending on the instructor, students will meet the majority of the class on campus during the semester with the remainder being completed online. As with online or hybrid classes, web-enhanced courses earn the same credit and have the same quality and standards as face-to-face courses. Likewise, support services are available online for students taking web-enhanced courses.

A schedule of curriculum course offerings including online, hybrid, and web-enhanced can be found by clicking on “Find Classes” on the Academics menu on the ECC home page.

Online Degree Programs

Edgecombe Community College has three (7) totally online degree programs: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Accounting, Business Administration, Early Childhood, Geospatial Technology, and Health Information Technology. Students never have to come on campus to receive a degree in these programs; the courses are all online.

ED2GO

The Ed2Go non-credit online courses are informative, fun, convenient, and highly interactive. These courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands-on assignments, discussion areas (chat rooms), and supplementary links. All courses run for six weeks with a two-week grace period at the end.

These courses begin every month and can be completed from the home or office during the day or evening. Twenty-four (24) contact hours in length, they generate 2.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These courses require Internet access, email, and a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. The courses are approved for teacher renewal. Upon successful completion of a course, students receive an official certificate issued by the Division of Corporate and Community Development. For further information, interested persons should call (252) 823-5166, ext. 357.

GED/Adult High School Online

Students can prepare for the GED exam or the Adult High School Diploma at home, using the Internet. Both programs are free of charge and are fully accredited.

An on-campus orientation is strongly suggested for the online Adult High School Diploma program. Prospective GED students need to visit the Learning Lab on the Tarboro or Rocky Mount campus to take a placement test and to take the actual GED Test.

Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP are required.

For more information on the GED/Adult High School Diploma Online program, interested persons should call (252) 823-5166, ext. 229.

Characteristics of Successful Distance Learning Students

Extensive research has shown that there are certain qualities distance learning students should have in order to be successful in this type of instruction. These qualities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Are mature, self-directed, and goal-oriented.
2. Are disciplined and organized.
3. Are dependable and responsible.
4. Know how to work independently and keep up with assignments.
5. Have the necessary college reading and writing skill levels.
6. Are able to think critically and solve problems.
7. Have completed the necessary prerequisites for the course.
8. Know basic word processing.
9. Have the required computer hardware and necessary software.
10. Are familiar with sending and receiving email.

Distance learning students should be willing to participate in a course orientation session, when applicable; begin course activities within the first week of the course; on a routine basis set aside an adequate amount of time for study, and contact the course instructor promptly with questions about aspects of the course.

Computer Requirements

Students must have easy access to a Microsoft Windows computer connected to the Internet, a Web browser such as Netscape Navigator/Communicator, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, an email address, and the Microsoft Word processing software. Some online classes may also require Microsoft PowerPoint.

Software Used by the College

Moodle is the software used by the college for all curriculum online and hybrid courses. Access Moodle to review an online orientation.

Moodle Login Information

1. Go to ECC’s website
2. On the right side of the window, click “STUDENT PORTAL”
3. In the menu that drops down, click “Moodle”
4. Use the following information to set a username and password and then use those to log in:

Username:

Your Moodle user login name is your first initial, last name, and first four digits of your date of birth.

Example - John Smith Born May 18, 1988, the username would be: jsmith0518.

Password:

The password for Moodle, Self Service, and MyEdge email accounts is the same. Please use the following instructions to create your password for Moodle, Self Service, and MyEdge email accounts.

1. Go to Self Service.

• Verify you can access login with your UserID (which is the same as your UserID you have for your MyEdge email account). The UserID is your first initial last name month & day you were born. Example: Joe Smith born on August 2 would be jsmith0802. Your default password is the last 6 digits of your social security number. Example: If your SSN is 123-45-6789, your password would be 456789.
• Once logged in, you will be forced to change this password. First, enter your UserID and your password (last 6 digits of your SSN). You will be prompted to enter a new password. The new password must be between 6 and 9 characters and contain both letters and numbers. Submit & logout. Please log back into Self Service to make sure your new password is working. Note: If you ever want to change your password, go to the EdgeID link below.

2. Once your Self Service login is working (with the new password), you must go to the following link to activate and enroll your ID and password: https://edgeid.edgecombe.edu. The activation must be done by everyone (even those who already had a Self Service/Webadvisor account).

• To activate your UserID/Password, click on “Enroll”.
• Enter your UserID and password (you just created in Self Service).
• You will be prompted to answer 3 security questions. Enter your answers. Answers to security questions are case sensitive.
• Click on “Enroll”

3. Check immediately your Self Service and MyEdge email accounts to be certain your new password has been accepted.

Moodle Support/Report Problems

For technical support and to report problems, please contact Mr. Arnold Worsley, Moodle Administrator: (252) 823-5166, ext. 281.

Tutorial Support

Edgecombe Community College also offers online tutorial support through Smarthinking, a leading provider of online tutoring and academic support. The free software offers live tutoring anytime, from anywhere, 24/7. Students are provided a link to Smarthinking in their Moodle course.

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is designed to give students enrolled in selected programs in the college an opportunity to elect to work on a job relevant to their major while earning credit toward their degree. This combination of classroom instruction with practical, related work experience provides numerous benefits to participating students.

WBL students may work one (1) or two (2) semesters in part-time or full-time jobs with employers selected and/or approved by the college depending on their program of study. Academic credit is given for the learning gained during the WBL work period. Students are contacted or visited periodically by their WBL or program instructor/coordinator and receive on-the-job supervision from their employer. If interested, contact your program advisor or the WBL Coordinator at (252) 823-5166, ext. 164.

Eligibility

All students enrolled in programs that require or offer the elective option of Work-based Learning (WBL) for academic credit and who have completed a minimum of nine (9) credit hours within the appropriate program of study may be eligible to enter the Work-based Learning program. Students must meet the following conditions:

1. Possess the skills to be a credible employee.
2. Be at least seventeen (17) years of age, subject to the rules and regulations of the NC Department of Labor Youth Employment Laws, and the US Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act.
3. Have a minimum academic standing of two-point-zero grade point average (2.0 GPA).
4. Be approved by the WBL coordinator and their faculty advisor.
5. Be in an eligible program of study.
6. Have a WBL work site (volunteer or paid) that relates to their major.
7. Not be supervised by a family member.
8. Take no more than four (4) WBL courses in a selected major.

Curriculum Program Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a curriculum program to participate in a work-based learning activity. Curriculum students cannot be “tuition exempted.” Students in the following academic programs may not participate in WBL:

1. Career & College Promise Students
2. Special Credit Students
3. Associate in General Education Students
4. Gifted and Mature Students (under 16 years of age)
5. Programs in a Correctional Setting (23 NCAC 02E.0403)(c)

Application Procedure

Interested students should obtain an application from their faculty advisor or the Work-Based Learning Office. The application should be approved and signed by their faculty advisor then turned into the WBL office. If students are accepted into the WBL program, the WBL coordinator or faculty advisor makes suggestions for locating employment. It is the student’s responsibility to locate employment and it is the job of the WBL coordinator to approve the employment site. In some cases, students may already be employed appropriately and may bring this employment to the attention of the faculty advisor and/or the WBL coordinator.

Students interested in Work-Based Learning are encouraged to contact the WBL office before the start of the semester. Information is also available through faculty advisors and/or the Student Services Department.

Orientation

All students enrolled in Work-Based Learning classes are required to attend a mandatory orientation session. During orientation, students will be given instructions and explanations regarding the student workbook, rules, and regulations of the Work-Based Learning Program. Work-Based Learning workbooks should be purchased from the bookstore before attending orientation. Students are required to complete and return the remaining pages of the workbook throughout the semester at times that are designated at orientation. The completed workbook is due at the end of the semester for grading.

Academic Credit

One (1) credit hour is awarded for the satisfactory completion of one-hundred-sixty (160) contact hours or ten (10) hours worked per week during a sixteen (16) week period. Two (2) credit hours are awarded for the satisfactory completion of three-hundred-twenty (320) contact hours or twenty (20) hours worked per week during a sixteen (16) week period. Students must also take a one (1) contact hour corequisite seminar course in addition to their one (1) or two (2) SHC work experience course. Depending upon the curriculum, WBL students may earn up to six (6) semester hours of Work-Based Learning credit toward their degree or diploma requirements.

A major portion of the final grade is based on the employer evaluation of students’ work performance and the degree to which measurable learning objectives are accomplished each WBL period, as well as students’ ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner. Each approved curriculum offering Work-Based Learning as an elective designates the total credit hours that may be applied toward graduation.

Explanation of Class Placement

Each level of Work-Based Learning has three (3) choices for classes, including a one (1) credit hour course or a two (2) credit hour course, and a one (1) credit hour corequisite seminar course. Courses must be taken in order of levels. The levels and corresponding course information are as follows:

Level 1

• No Prerequisites Required
• Corequisite of WBL 115 Required

Level 2

• Prerequisite of WBL 111 or WBL 112 Required
• Corequisite of WBL 125 Required

Grades

Scholastic Standards and Grading System

Effective Fall 2014, ECC has a 10 point grading scale, as listed below. However, individual programs may have an alternate grading scale per approval by the ECC Curriculum Review Committee. Programs with alternate grading scales will publish those scales in their program materials, as well as in their course syllabi. At the end of each semester, quality points are assigned in accordance with the following formula:

Numerical Quality Points

Grades for developmental level courses are as follows:

Quality points, which are the numerical equivalents of the letter grades, are used to determine students’ rank in class and academic honors. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of two-point-zero (2.0) is necessary to meet the grade requirements for graduation in all programs. (Revised 7/6/17)

Grade point averages are determined by dividing the total number of quality points by the number of credit hours attempted. An asterisk beside a grade on the permanent student record means that the course does not count in the grade point average.