Academic Policies

Like all other colleges, McLennan Community College (MCC) follows policies and procedures that guide grades, class attendance, scholastic probation, degree plans, credit by examination, and other subjects. These instructional guidelines are established by the College and sometimes by governmental regulation, and they are described in this section.

This section also lists organizations and agencies that provide accreditation, recognition, and approval for MCC's programs.

  • Degree Requirements

    Policy B-XI (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-XI.pdf)

    MCC offers four degrees:

    • Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree and Associate of Science (A.S.) degree

      These degrees are awarded to students who complete 60 hours of credit in college-level courses. The courses are often called "transfer" programs because they provide the two-year foundation for transferring to a four-year college and earning a bachelor's degree (see Requirements for the A.A. Degree). For some areas, students can complete an approved field of study curriculum as part of their degree. A field of study curriculum will transfer as a designated block of courses to public universities in Texas. The A.S. degree is similar to the Associate of Arts degree with the addition of at least 15 hours of college-level mathematics and/or science courses (see Requirements for the A.S. Degree).

    • Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree

      The A.A.T. degree is a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board-approved collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division courses that transfer to baccalaureate programs leading to initial Texas teacher certification. This degree is awarded to students who complete a minimum of 60 hours of college course work that includes all of the requirements for the A.A.T. degree (see Requirements for the A.A.T. Degree).

    • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree

      This degree is awarded to students who complete a minimum of 60 hours of college work in one of MCC's workforce programs, including 15 hours of general education credit (see Requirements for the A.A.S. Degree). The degree is awarded to students who seek immediate employment in the workforce or who plan to transfer to a four-year college.

  • Graduation Requirements for the Associate Degree

    Policy G-XXIX (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-XXIX.pdf)

    The requirements for the associate degree are outlined in the MCC catalog. Each student's course of study leading to an associate degree or certificate is determined by the degree requirements in effect at the time the student first enrolls in college-level courses at MCC. From the date of that initial enrollment, the student has five years to complete an associate degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.A.T.). After five years, the student will be subject to any new degree requirements that may be in effect when the student next enrolls. Exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean.

  • Transfer Information

    All successfully completed lower-division academic courses that are identified by the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) and published in the Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) shall be fully transferable among public institutions and shall be substituted for the equivalent course at the receiving institution. Except in the case of courses belonging to a Board-approved Field of Study Curriculum (FOSC), applicability of transferred courses to requirements for specific degree programs is determined by the receiving institution. (Texas Education Code, §4.24)

    Each public institution of higher education must accept for transfer into a baccalaureate degree approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the number of lower-division credit hours in a major that are allowed for its non-transfer students in that major up to 60 semester credit hours of academic credits earned by a student in a community college. Public four-year institutions, however, may choose to accept additional credit hours.

    All public institutions of higher education in Texas must design and implement a core curriculum, including specific courses composing the curriculum, of no less than 42 lower-division semester credit hours. (Texas Education Code, §§61.821-831). If a student successfully completes the 42 semester credit hour core curriculum at a Texas public institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other Texas public institution of higher education and must be substituted for the receiving institution's core curriculum. A student will receive academic credit for each of the courses transferred and will not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution. A student concurrently enrolled at more than one institution of higher education must follow the core curriculum requirements in effect for the institution at which the student is classified as a degree-seeking student.

    For students transferring to another institution before completing the core requirements, they will receive credit within the core curriculum of the receiving institution for each of the courses that the student has successfully completed in the core curriculum of the sending institution. However, they may be required to satisfy the remaining course requirements in the core curriculum of the receiving institution. Students must meet the minimum number of semester credit hours in each component area; however, an institution receiving a student in transfer is not required to accept component core course semester credit hours beyond the maximum specified in a core component area. Additional transfer and articulation information is located at https://www.mclennan.edu/advising/transfer.html.

    • Penalty for Noncompliance with Transfer Rules

      If it is determined by the Texas Coordinating Board that an institution inappropriately or unnecessarily required a student to retake a course that is substantially equivalent to a course already taken at another institution, in violation of the provisions of section 5.372, formula funding for credit hours in the repeated course will be deducted from the institution's appropriations.

    • Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-Division Courses
      1. The following procedures shall be followed by public institutions of higher education in the resolution of credit transfer disputes involving lower-division courses:
        • If an institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the receiving institution shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. A receiving institution shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.
        • A student who receives notice as specified and previously stated in this section may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
        • The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Coordinating Board rules and guidelines.
        • If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for the denial.
      2. The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner's designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.
      3. Each institution of higher education shall publish in its course catalogs the procedures specified in subsections a, b, d, and e of this section.
      4. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall collect data on the types of transfer disputes that are reported and the disposition of each case that is considered by the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee.
      5. If a receiving institution has cause to believe that a course being presented by a student for transfer from another school is not of an acceptable level of quality, it should first contact the sending institution and attempt to resolve the problem. In the event that the two institutions are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution, the receiving institution may notify the Commissioner of Higher Education, who may investigate the course. If its quality is found to be unacceptable, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may discontinue funding for the course.

         

  • Certificate of Completion

    Policy B-XI (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-XI.pdf)

    A certificate is awarded to students who complete specified requirements as outlined in programs awarding certificate recognition. There are four levels of certificates:

    1. Level One Certificate (CERT 1) requires completion of 15 to 42 semester credit hours. Students enrolling in CERT 1 programs are exempt from TSI requirements, but certificate programs may include local assessment and remediation of students, provided that these activities do not exclude the student from enrollment in the certificate program.
    2. Level Two Certificate (CERT 2) requires completion of 30 to 51 semester credit hours. Students enrolling in CERT 2 programs are subject to the TSI requirements and may be subject to other eligibility requirements as determined by the institution.
    3. Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) requires completion of 16 to 45 semester credit hours to meet a justifiable industry or external agency requirements. The ATC must also have a defined associate or baccalaureate degree as a prerequisite.
    4. Occupational Skills Awards (OSA) is a sequence of courses that meet the minimum standard for a program length specified by the Texas Workforce Commission federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program (9 to 14 semester credit hours) and are recommended by a workforce advisory committee. The award prepares students for employment based on WIOA guidelines. Students enrolling in OSA programs are exempt from TSI requirements.

     

  • Student Classification

    Students will be classified as freshmen until they have earned 30 semester hours of credit. They will be classified as sophomores if they have earned from 30 to 64 hours of credit.

    Students are classified as full-time if they are enrolled for 12 or more semester hours, or the contact-hour equivalent, and part-time if they are enrolled for fewer than 12 semester hours, or the contact-hour equivalent. 

  • Student Course Loads

    The normal student course load during a long semester (fall or spring) is 15 to 17 semester hours. First-semester freshmen are encouraged to limit themselves to the number of semester hours shown in the student's course of study (major) in the General Catalog.

    The maximum course load for a summer term is seven semester hours. A student may register for no more than nine semester hours in a summer day and concurrent evening term combined. A student may not receive credit for more than 14 semester hours for a full summer term. Students requesting special approval to exceed any of these limits should determine if the institution to which they expect to transfer will accept credits earned under such conditions. The maximum course load for a minimester term is three semester hours. The maximum course load for an eight-week session is eight semester credit hours.

    To register for 18 or more semester hours in a fall or spring semester or to exceed the maximum loads for a summer term, a student must have special approval of the Dean of Arts & Sciences; Dean of Workforce & Public Service; Dean of Health Professions; Director of Records and Registration; or Director of Student Engagement. Among factors to be considered in the decision to grant or deny students such approval are:

    1. Previous college course load(s) and grades earned.
    2. High school academic record.
    3. Standardized or specialized test scores.
    4. Anticipated workload and/or co-curricular activities.
    5. Nature of the courses or courses of study to be undertaken.
    6. Special circumstances such as the number of semester hours remaining to complete degree or certificate requirements. 
  • Course Credits

    Policy B-IV (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-IV.pdf)

    The semester credit hour is the unit of credit and is defined as the amount of credit given for one hour of classroom time, direct faculty engagement with a student, and/or effort required from the student per week, be it in a traditional classroom setting or online, for a 16-week period or the equivalent amount of engagement over 3, 6 or 8-week course periods. A lecture class meeting three hours a week, therefore, counts as three semester credit hours. With varying lengths of course offerings (3, 6, or 8-weeks), meeting times will be adjusted to reflect the equivalent of three hours per week over 16-weeks.

    Laboratory work may add a semester credit hour to a course. In general, three hours of carefully planned and supervised laboratory work are equivalent to one hour of lecture or recitation. Field experience also may add semester credit hours to the course value. In general, four to six hours of field experience are equivalent to one hour of lecture. 

  • Course Numbers

    Policy B-V (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-V.pdf)

    MCC has adopted the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) to help students transfer general academic courses between colleges and universities throughout Texas. Common courses are freshman and sophomore academic credit courses identified by the Texas Higher Education Board in the Academic Course Guide Manual as common for all public community colleges and four-year institutions that are members of the TCCNS.

    The Common Course number has a standardized four-letter prefix followed by a four-digit number. The four-letter prefix identifies the subject area.

    The first digit identifies the course as either freshman level (1) or sophomore level (2). The second digit identifies the number of credit hours students earn upon completing the course. Usually this digit will be 1, 2, 3, or 4. The final two digits establish the sequence in which courses are often taken. For example, ENGL 1301 is taken before ENGL 1302. Both 1301 and 1302 are freshman-level courses with a semester credit-hour value of three hours each. Courses that begin with a 0 are developmental (not college-level) and do not count toward graduation, nor are grades for those courses included in computation of college-level grade point averages.

    If a course does not have a Common Course number, it does not suggest that the course will not transfer or meet degree requirements. For example, any number of Visual and Performing Arts credits may satisfy degree requirements at most colleges, while only one course will have the Common Course number that refers to Survey of Art History, Music Appreciation, or Theatre Appreciation.

    Each college or university will continue to offer a wide variety of unique courses meant to primarily satisfy degree requirements in their respective programs. These courses may also be identified with Common Course numbers. In such cases, students may need to seek further assistance in planning their transfer program. 

  • Auditing a Class (Auditors)

    Policy B-I (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-I.pdf)

    An auditor is an observer in a college credit course and is subject to the same tuition and fees as if taking the course for credit. Auditors are not subject to the Class Attendance Policy and do not receive college credit. A course that has been audited must be repeated if credit is to be awarded.

    Auditors must be eligible for admission to the College; their names will appear on the class roll. Auditors are entitled to use laboratory equipment and supplies or participate in field work on a space-available basis. The instructor, however, is not obligated to take any papers or examinations from the auditor.

    Auditors must receive approval to audit courses from the appropriate division chair, who shall have the authority to grant permission to audit courses in their areas of responsibility. Lecture courses are the most appropriate for students to audit. Auditors may not be accepted in certain courses due to lack of space, course prerequisites, entrance requirements for a particular program or the amount of individualized instructional time required, such as internship courses. Auditors may enroll in certain courses only during the class change process.

    A student may change from credit to audit status, with the approval of the appropriate program director, coordinator, or division chair, provided the change is made before the 12th class day in a long semester, or the fourth class day in a summer term. 

  • Credit-By-Articulation

    Credit-by-articulation allows students the opportunity to receive college credit at MCC for specific courses taken during high school. Students must complete the identified high school course(s) with a grade of B or better, meet all admission requirements to MCC, and enroll at the College within 15 months of high school graduation.

    MCC recognizes the statewide Advanced Technical Credit (ATC) program. High school teachers receive training and certification from the ATC program to teach specific Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses in high school that meet college standards. These courses are matched to courses offered at MCC and count toward many of our associate’s degrees and certificate programs. 

  • Requirements for Credit-By-Articulation
    1. The student must earn a grade of B or higher in the articulated course(s). The student must also fulfill the learning outcome objectives upon completion of the articulated high school course and be recommended as being competent in the subject matter to be recognized for articulated credit at MCC.
    2. The student must meet all admission requirements to MCC and enroll within 15 months after high school graduation.
    3. The student must petition for the articulated credit in the High School Pathways office at MCC within 15 months after high school graduation.
    4. MCC will post articulated credit on the college transcript when the student completes six non-developmental college hours at the College with a grade point average of 2.0 or better. This requirement may be satisfied before high school graduation by dual credit or by qualifying AP or CLEP examination scores with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.
    5. The student can articulate a maximum of 12 college hours.
    6. Since a grade of CR (credit) is assigned to articulated courses, the grade does not affect a student's college grade point average but will be included in accumulated college hours attempted and earned.
    7. Articulated credit will be granted only to those students who took the identified course from an ATC certified teacher.
    8. McLennan Community College guarantees the acceptance of articulated credit under the conditions specified above. Acceptance of articulated credit to colleges other than MCC will be subject to approval from the receiving institutions.
    9. McLennan Community College recognizes the Advanced Technical Credit Program, which sets common statewide standards for the award of college credit for selected, content-enhanced high school courses. Advanced Technical Credit will be granted only to those students whose school district participates in the Advanced Technical Credit Program, whose high school teacher is certified in Advanced Technical Credit, and credit is approved by the Dean of Workforce & Public Service at MCC.

       

  • Credit by Examination

    Policy B-VI (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-VI.pdf)

    Students who believe they already possess the knowledge and/or skills taught in certain courses or programs offered by MCC may be given the opportunity to receive credit by special examination in courses where proficiency can be determined appropriately by examination.

    Credit by examination is available to students who plan to enter the College and to students who are currently enrolled. The College awards credit for successful completion of (1) CLEP, (2) AP, (3) IB, and (4) MCC departmental examinations. 

    • Application Procedures
      1. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

        Under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the College will award credit for only the specified subject examinations. General examinations are not accepted. As with other testing programs, a student may attempt a CLEP examination at a national CLEP test center before enrolling in the course and have the scores reported to the College. These examinations are also offered at MCC through the Testing Center (https://www.mclennan.edu/testing-center/). They are also offered at other CLEP test centers. Further information concerning CLEP tests may be obtained from high school counselors and principals, at www.collegeboard.org, or the MCC Testing Center's CLEP webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/testing-center/exams/clep.html.

      2. College Board Advanced Placement Program Examination (AP)

        The Advanced Placement (AP) examination is the final examination for a nationally standardized course offered in a limited number of secondary schools. The objective of the AP examination is to allow students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Students should check with their high school counselor(s) or principal with regards to the availability of AP examinations in their school.

      3. Credit for an International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination

        The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is an international program of courses and examinations offered at the high school level. MCC will grant a minimum of 24 hours of credit based on an IB Diploma with exam scores of 4 or higher. For those individuals who participate in IB courses but do not receive an IB diploma, individual course credit may be earned based on the subject and score obtained on specified IB exams.

      4. MCC Departmental Examinations

        Departmental examinations are available for many courses offered by McLennan Community College. For specific course examinations available, contact the respective department. An application form for each examination must be approved by the appropriate division chair or program director, who will designate a faculty member to prepare, administer, and grade the examination.

    • General Rules and Procedures

      The student is responsible for having exam scores sent to MCC. Scores for CLEP, AP and IB examinations should be received prior to enrollment for use in accurate course advisement and placement. Scores that are five (5) years or older from the date taken will not be accepted. There is no college tuition fee assessed to any course for which a student successfully tests out of using the CLEP, AP, and/or IB examinations.

      The College charges a fee for administering a Departmental course examination for credit. There will be no refund and no entry made on the student's permanent record in case of failure of an examination for credit.

      Generally, no more than 24 hours of credit by examination may be obtained at MCC, by transfer from other institutions, or a combination thereof.

      To receive credit by examination at MCC, a student must score at or above the "C" level. The course number, title and credit hours will be entered on the student's permanent record with notation of the type of test taken and the score.

      A grade of "CR" (credit) will be assigned for any course in which credit is earned by examination. This grade is not computed in the grade point average.

      Credit by examination may be attempted only one time for a given course.

      Students should direct inquiries concerning courses available for credit by examination to the Testing Center (https://www.mclennan.edu/testing-center/) or review MCC College Credit by Examination policy at https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-VI.pdf. 

  • Credit through Advanced Standing 
    • Licensed Vocational Nurses

      A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who wishes to obtain advanced standing in the Associate Degree Nursing program has two options and must meet specific admission requirements. All Licensed Vocational Nurses must:

      • Apply for advanced standing.
      • Have a valid current Texas vocational nurse license.
      • Submit official copies of all college transcripts.

      Licensed Vocational Nurses who qualify for advanced placement by completing the leveling transition course RNSG 1324, RNSG 1128, RNSG 1118, and RNSG 1163 (Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing) must demonstrate:

      • Completion of all admission requirements to MCC.
      • Completion of all prerequisite courses as required for entry into Level III of the Associate Degree Nursing Program (https://www.mclennan.edu/health-professions/associate-degree-nursing/). (Courses taken at another college or university will be evaluated on an individual basis.)
      • A cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better in all courses applicable toward the Associate Degree Nursing program.
      • Passing scores on Psychological Services Bureau, Inc (PSB for Registered Nursing). Upon completion of all transition courses (RNSG 1324, RNSG 1128, RNSG 1118, and RNSG 1163), the student is granted credit for RNSG 1125, 1216, 1128, 1430, 1161, 1126, 1533, and 2362 and may enroll in sophomore Associate Degree Nursing courses, RNSG 1137, RNSG 1538, and RNSG 2363. Enrollment is limited to the number of vacancies in the course. Note: Licensed Vocational Nurses who have enrolled and failed in the Associate Degree Nursing program are not eligible for RNSG 1324, RNSG 1128, RNSG 1118, or RNSG 1161.

    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

      By passing the National Registry EMT certifying examination, students may earn college credit. In order to receive credit, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

      1. Meet all admission requirements of the College.
      2. Present a copy of the National Registry EMT exam scores to the Paramedicine Program Director (https://www.mclennan.edu/emt/employees.html).
      3. Complete a degree plan.

      With approved credit for the EMT, credit for the following courses will be granted upon completion of equivalent hours at MCC:

      • EMSP 1501 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
      • EMSP 1160 Clinical-Emergency Medical Technology/Technician

    • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)

      By passing the Certified Legal Assistant examination, students may earn college credit. In order to receive credit, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

      1. Meet all admission requirements of the College.
      2. Present a certified transcript of the CLA Examination results to the Paralegal Program Director (https://www.mclennan.edu/paralegal-studies/).
      3. Complete a degree plan.

      With approved credit for the CLA Certification, credit for the following courses will be granted upon completion of six hours at MCC:

      • LGLA 1313 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
      • POFT 1393 Introduction to Keyboarding
      • POFT 1301 Business English
      • ITSW 1301 Introduction to Word Processing

      Students may earn as many as nine more credit hours depending upon the substantive law sections taken on the CLA Examination.

    • Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)

      By passing the Professional Legal Secretary examination, students may earn college credit. In order to receive credit, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

      1. Meet all admission requirements of the College.
      2. Present a certified transcript of the PLS Examination results to the Paralegal Program Director (https://www.mclennan.edu/paralegal-studies/).
      3. Complete a degree plan.

    • Paralegal Program

      With approved credit for the PLS Certificate, credit for the following courses will be granted upon completion of six hours at MCC:

      • LGLA 1313 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
      • POFT 1393 Introduction to Keyboarding
      • POFT 1301 Business English
      • BUSI 2301 Business Law I
      • LGLA 2307 Law Office Management
      • ITSW 1301 Introduction to Word Processing
  • Credit for USAFI Courses

    Policy B-VII (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-VII.pdf)

    The following conditions apply regarding the acceptance of credit for the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) courses:

    1. Credit for USAFI courses taken by correspondence or through college extension may be accepted as transfer credit if the courses correspond with courses offered at MCC. A course not meeting this criterion may be approved as a substitution for a MCC course by the Coordinator of Student Admissions and the appropriate program director or department coordinator.
    2. USAFI courses for which credit was gained by examination only will not be accepted.
    3. USAFI courses approved for transfer or as substitutions will apply toward degrees and certificates granted by MCC. All pertinent General Catalog regulations apply.
  • Credit for Non-Traditional Learning

    Policy B-VII (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-VII.pdf)

    McLennan Community College may grant college credit hours for (1) non-credit workforce development courses taken at McLennan Community College or other accredited or nationally recognized institutions and for (2) certificates received from state or national certifying boards, provided that the certification courses are the equivalent of MCC college credit courses in an approved workforce education program, and for (3) workplace experiences where the College has received clear evidence that the student learning involved was evaluated appropriately. Award of credit hours is determined by departmental faculty and approved by the appropriate dean.

    Non-credit courses taken at McLennan Community College or at other institutions and/or agencies and converted to college credit hours will normally not become a part of the student's permanent record until he/she earns an equivalent number of credit hours in regular college level courses at MCC. Exceptions may be approved by the appropriate dean.

    Semester-credit hours may be granted to students who have passed state or national licensure or certification examinations in the following major fields: child care, paralegal, police academy, radiologic technology, or other workforce program areas approved by the appropriate dean. Although such credit may be granted upon entry into one of the designated programs at MCC, the credit will not become a part of the student's permanent record until the degree is granted. Normally no more than 15 credit hours may be awarded; exceptions may be approved by the appropriate dean.

    The dean shall maintain a record of the non-credit courses, licensures, and certifications for which MCC equivalencies have been established.

    Semester-credit hours for workplace learning experience is recommended by the departmental faculty through administrative channels to the appropriate dean. Students must provide clear evidence that the workplace experience is equivalent to a required internship or practicum required in a particular degree plan. 

  • Guidelines for Internships and Practicums

    Internship courses are designed to enhance and develop workforce skills in a variety of Workforce Education programs. The student should consult with the respective program director for information regarding enrollment in internship courses:

    1. A student enrolling in an internship course must take at least one subject matter course at the same time. Exception: A student may enroll for the internship if he or she has completed, or will complete in the current semester, all courses listed in that semester for the course of study where the internship is listed.
    2. A student must have a declared major in the area in which the internship is performed.
    3. A student may not challenge an internship course through credit by examination.
    4. Approved intern stations must provide work experience directly related to the program objective. Students and the intern stations must meet established program guidelines and must be approved by the program director prior to registration.
    5. The minimum acceptable work experience is 6 to 20 clock hours, and one seminar or conference hour per week may be included for most internship/practicum courses. Exceptions must be approved by the appropriate dean.
    6. Other terms for external learning are practicum and clinicals.

    Exceptions to the above statements must have prior approval of the appropriate dean.

  • Student Grading System

    Policy B-XIV (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-XIV.pdf)

    A student grade indicates the level of knowledge, understanding, and competence a student attains in relation to the objectives, learning outcomes, and subject matter of a course. This level is determined by the faculty member’s evaluation of the student's performance during the semester. A grade is assigned for each course in which a student is enrolled, and that grade is entered on the student's permanent record. Course grades may be accessed through Colleague Self-Service  at https://selfservice.mclennan.edu:8173/Student/Account/Login.

    While good grades are important to all students who wish to attain a particular educational objective, they are especially important to students who plan to transfer to senior institutions to complete their education. Only those courses in which satisfactory grades are made can be transferred for credit to other colleges and universities.

    The following shall be the system used for reporting and evaluating student grades at MCC:

    Grade in Course Grade Points per College Level
    Semester Hour

    A - EXCELLENT 4
    B - GOOD 3
    C - FAIR 2
    D - POOR 1
    F - FAILING 0

    W - WITHDRAWAL - This grade is given for a faculty- or student-initiated course withdrawal through the 60-percent point in the semester or term. After the 60-percent point, the faculty may authorize a course withdrawal and assign either a W, if passing work was being accomplished, or an F (or NC, Non-Completion, for a student enrolled in a developmental class), if the student was failing the course. In extenuating circumstances, the faculty may assign a W to a student who is not passing through the last regular class day of a semester or term.

    I - INCOMPLETE - This grade is given when a course is incomplete because of a student's absence caused by illness or other reasons acceptable to the faculty. To be eligible for this grade, the student must have essentially completed the course. The work remaining should be of such a nature as to not require class attendance. If the work is not made up within the following long semester, the Incomplete (I) will be changed to an F, and the course must be repeated if credit is to be given.

    AU - AUDIT - This grade indicates a course is taken for no credit.

    Due to requirements of various accrediting agencies and the nature of clinical education, the grading policies of the Health Professions programs may differ as approved by the Vice President of Instruction & Student Engagement.

    The following grades may be assigned for internships, practicums, special projects, seminars, CLEP examinations, credits by examination, and other courses approved by the Vice President of Instruction & Student Engagement:

    CR - CREDIT - No grade points are earned. This grade will be given when the student meets the criteria established by the faculty for passing that specific course. Appropriate credit hours are given.

    NC - NO CREDIT - No grade points are earned. This grade will be given when the student does not complete the criteria for the CR in the special courses listed above nor all of the modules required to complete a self-paced course. The student must re-enroll in the course to receive credit.

    Grades in developmental courses will be A, B, C, W, or NC. No grade points are earned for any grade in a developmental course; appropriate developmental credit hours are earned.

    Certain Continuing Education programs may use the student grading system of A, B, C, D, F, W, and I. A grade of D or F is not passing, and the student will have to repeat the course for continuing education units (CEUs). No grade points are earned for any grade in a Continuing Education course; applicable CEUs are earned. The selection of Continuing Education programs to use the grading system, and any exceptions are made at the discretion of the Dean of Workforce & Public Service.

    Grade Point Averages:
    Grade points are earned in courses where grades of A, B, C, or D are made. While no (0) grade points are earned for courses in which an F is received, the semester-hour value of such courses is included in the total number of semester hours attempted. To determine grade point average, total all grade points from all courses in which any of the preceding grades were given and divide the total by the semester hours attempted.

    When courses are repeated, only the credit hours and grade points earned the last time the course was taken are counted toward computing the grade point average. If the course is identified in the Catalog as repeatable for credit, all grades are included in the calculation of grade point averages. A punitive grade (F) cannot be removed or supplemented when a student enrolls in that course again and receives a withdrawal or incomplete grade. In this case, the first attempt will continue to be included in the overall grade point average.

    WARNING: It is recommended that students consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they plan to transfer in order to determine the procedure and computations of grades and grade point averages, as colleges differ in their methods of computation. 

    • Grade Change Appeal

      Policy B-XIV (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-XIV.pdf)

      A student may appeal a grade within a period of one year from the day the class ends. Questions regarding potential grade errors should be directed to the faculty of record. Grade changes may be made by the faculty of record only or, in the absence of the faculty, the appropriate dean. Grade appeals will not be considered after one year. 

  • Class Attendance

    Policy B-II (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-II.pdf)

    Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students, and each faculty member will maintain a complete record of attendance for the entire length of each course, including online and blended courses. Students will be counted absent from class meetings missed, beginning with the first official day of classes. Students, whether present or absent, are responsible for all material presented or assigned for a course and will be held accountable for such materials in the determination of course grades. In the case of online and blended courses, attendance will be determined in terms of participation, as described in the course syllabus.

    Absence from 25 percent of scheduled lecture and/or laboratory meetings will be taken as evidence that a student does not intend to complete the course, and the student will be withdrawn from the course with a grade of W. The faculty may reinstate the student if satisfied that the student will resume regular attendance and will complete the course.

    If the student’s 25-percent absences are reached after the official drop date, the faculty may assign a W, if the student is passing and requests to be withdrawn. However, if a student who is not passing reaches the 25-percent point after the official drop date, the student will receive the grade they earned at the end of the semester based on the student’s performance on all assignments assigned within the course syllabus for the semester. In extenuating circumstances, the faculty may assign a W to a student who is not passing.

    Each absence will count toward attendance requirements in each course.

    Students will be permitted to make up class work and assignments missed due to absences caused by (1) authorized participation in official College functions, (2) personal illness, (3) an illness or a death in the immediate family or (4) the observance of a religious holy day. Also, the faculty has the prerogative of determining whether a student may make up work missed due to absences for other reasons. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the faculty of the reason for an absence and to do so in a timely fashion.

    Students enrolled in mandated developmental classes based on MCC’s Developmental Education Plan must adhere to attendance requirements as established by developmental education guidelines. Students are required by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) to complete a developmental course or courses will be required to follow the attendance guidelines in effect at the time of the student’s enrollment in the developmental course or courses.

    Programs such as Cosmetology and many of the Health Professions may have additional departmental attendance guidelines due to clinical requirements or requirements of approving agencies. (See appropriate departmental policies for details.) 

  • Withdrawal from a Course

    Policy B-II (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-II.pdf)

    Students who are considering withdrawal from a course should contact one of the following, preferably in the order listed: faculty, program director, division chair, or advisor. If, after consultation between the student and the faculty, there is a decision to withdraw after the 60-percent point in the semester or term, it is the responsibility of the student to see that the Change in Schedule Form is completed and submitted to Highlander Central (https://www.mclennan.edu/highlander-central/). The faculty can also process a withdrawal from a course through Colleague Self-Service (https://selfservice.mclennan.edu:8173/Student/Account/Login). The student should check Colleague Self-Service (https://selfservice.mclennan.edu:8173/Student/Account/Login) to verify that the withdrawal was processed.

    If, after the 60-percent point in the semester or term and after consultation between the student and presiding faculty there is a decision to withdraw, it is the responsibility of the faculty to submit the Change in Schedule Form to Highlander Central (https://www.mclennan.edu/highlander-central/) or process the withdrawal through Colleague Self-Service (https://selfservice.mclennan.edu:8173/Student/Account/Login) as soon as possible or prior to the last class day of a semester or term. The student should check Colleague Self-Service (https://selfservice.mclennan.edu:8173/Student/Account/Login) to verify the withdrawal was processed. The effective date for withdrawing from a course is the date the withdrawal is processed.

  • Withdrawal from College

    In the case of an emergency where the student must withdraw from the College, the student may request a withdrawal by contacting one of the following, preferably in the order listed: 1) faculty, 2) Highlander Central (https://www.mclennan.edu/highlander-central/) or Office of Student Records, or 3) advisor.

    Withdrawal from the College requires the return of all college-owned property and payment of all outstanding debts. Official transcripts will be issued only after all obligations to the College have been met.

    Students who receive financial assistance should contact the Office of Financial Aid (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/) before withdrawing from a class or withdrawing from the College to determine how their financial aid will be affected by the reduction of hours. 

  • Student Absences on Religious Holy Days

    Policy B-II (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-II.pdf)

    McLennan Community College shall excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities including examinations for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. Students are required to file a written request with each faculty for an excused absence. A student whose absence is excused for this observance may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence. "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under the Texas Tax Code.

    McLennan Community College may not excuse absences for religious holy days which may interfere with patient care. 

  • Six Course Drop Restriction

    Policy B-II (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-II.pdf)

    McLennan Community College will comply with the Texas Education Code Section 51.907 in regard to the limitations on the number of courses that may be dropped under certain circumstances by undergraduate students. (For complete details, see Six Course Drop Provisions at https://www.mclennan.edu/records/Six Course Drop Provisions/index.html.

     

  • Scholastic Probation and Suspension

    Policy B-XVIII (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/B-XVIII.pdf)

    Each student will have his/her scholastic record evaluated at the end of the fall and spring semesters. A student taking fewer than 12 college-credit semester hours in a regular semester will have his scholastic record evaluated upon the completion of 12 or more college-credit semester hours of work.

    Any student who has completed one or more semesters and has attempted 12 or more college-credit semester hours will be placed on scholastic probation if he/she fails to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. A student placed on first-time scholastic probation will be strongly encouraged to enroll in EDUC 1100 Learning Framework. A student on scholastic probation will be removed from scholastic probation when he/she earns a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. A student on scholastic probation who achieves a cumulative grade point average of 1.50 through 1.99 will continue on scholastic probation.

    Failure of a student on scholastic probation to maintain at least a 1.5 cumulative grade point average will result in his/her being placed on scholastic suspension for one long semester. A student placed on scholastic suspension may waive the long semester of suspension by enrolling in EDUC 1100 Learning Framework and meeting multiple times throughout the semester with a Success Coach. Students who do not meet these requirements shall be subject to being administratively withdrawn by the Director of Records and Registration from all courses in which they are enrolled. 

    Students who do not improve their grade point average above 1.49 shall be suspended a second time and must stay out of college for one semester. (Note: Students who have attained a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in their last 12 hours of enrollment may apply to the Director of Records and Registration for special consideration.) Suspension applies to full-time and part-time students.

    A student who has been suspended from the College for scholastic reasons will be on scholastic probation if he/she re-enters. A student on scholastic probation or suspension who has attempted at least nine hours during the summer terms may, at the end of the summer, be re-evaluated to determine whether the probation or suspension may be rescinded.

    Students are expected to know whether they have maintained the minimum standard and are eligible to continue in College. An ineligible student who registers in the College will be subject to dismissal. 

  • Access to Student Records

    Policy G-XIX (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-XIX.pdf)

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended (also sometimes referred to as the Buckley Amendment), is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access provided to these records.

    The College will not release personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without the student’s prior written consent. Even parents are not permitted access to their son’s or daughter’s education records unless the student has provided written authorization permitting the parents’ access.

    As provided in PL 93-380, potential donors and/or donors of scholarships will be provided copies of a student's record without prior consent from the student or parent (provided the student has made application for the scholarship), and no record thereof will be maintained.

    A detailed policy in compliance with this law can be found on MCC’s Family Education Rights & Privacy Act webpage (https://www.mclennan.edu/records/FERPA/ferpa.html).  

  • Directory Information

    Policy G-XIX (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-XIX.pdf)

    Directory/general information may be released to the general public without the written consent of the student. A student may request that all or any part of the directory information be withheld from the public by picking up and completing a Request to Withhold Directory or Public Information form available at Highlander Central in the Enrollment Services Center.

    The completed form must be submitted in-person at Highlander Central or emailed to register@mclennan.edu during the first 12 class days of a fall or spring semester, the first four class days of a summer term, sixth class day for 8-week terms or the first two class days of a minimester term. The completed form must be accompanied by a photo I.D. The directory information items are listed in the Highlander Guide (https://www.mclennan.edu/highlander-guide/policies.html) under Privacy Rights of Parents & Students and the form is located at https://www.mclennan.edu/records/forms.html.

  • Departmental Accreditation

    Individual programs also may be accredited or approved by other agencies. The programs that have received such recognition and the accrediting or approving agencies are listed below:

    • Accrediting/Approved Programs and Agencies

      Associate Degree Nursing
        • Texas Board of Nursing
        • ACEN, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc.

      Certified Medication Aide
        • Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

      Certified Nurse Aide
        • Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

      Computer Information Systems
        • CISCO Local Academy
        • National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

      Continuing Nursing Education
        • Texas Nursing Association (provider status)

      Correctional Officer
        • Texas Department of Criminal Justice

      Cosmetology
        • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

      Defensive Driving
        • Texas Safety Association

      Emergency Medical Technology
        • Department of State Health Services

      Financial Services
        • American Institute of Banking Study Group
        • Texas Credit Union League

      Fire Protection Technology
        • Texas Commission on Fire Protection

      Health Information Technology
        • Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

      Law Enforcement Academy
        • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

      Long-Term Care Administration
        • Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

      Management/Real Estate
        • Texas Real Estate Commission

      Massage Therapy
        • Texas Department of Health

      Medical Assistant
        • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

      Medical Laboratory Technician
        • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

      Music
        • Texas Association of Music Schools

      Occupational Therapy Assistant
        • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

      Paramedicine
        • Department of State Health Services

      Physical Therapist Assistant
        • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

      Radiologic Technology
        • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

      Respiratory Care Technology
        • Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

      Surgical Technology
        • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
        • Accreditation and Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
        • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

      Theatre
        • Texas Educational Theatre Association

      Veterinary Technology
        • The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

      Vocational Nursing
        • Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas

  • Memberships

    MCC is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Texas Community College Association (TACC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    • Institutional Memberships
      • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
      • American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
      • Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)
      • Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
      • Bellmead Chamber of Commerce
      • Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce (CTAACC)
      • Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
      • College Board
      • Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce
      • Greater Robinson Chamber of Commerce
      • Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
      • Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG)
      • McGregor Chamber of Commerce
      • National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
      • National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
      • National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD)
      • North Texas Community College Consortium (NTCCC)
      • Ridgewood Country Club
      • Rotary Club of Waco
      • Southern Association of Colleges with Associate Degrees
      • Texas Association of Community College (TACC)
      • Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
      • Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA)
      • Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions Consortium (TxHSIC)
      • Waco Business League (WBL)
    • Departmental Memberships

      Associate Degree Nursing
        • National League for Nursing
        • ACEN, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc.

      Computer Information Systems
        • Microsoft MSDN Academic Alliance

      Criminal Justice
        • Community College Criminal Justice Educators of Texas
        • Texas Peace Officers Association

      Emergency Medical Technology
        • National Association of EMS Educators

      English
        • Association of Departments of English
        • Conference of College Teachers of English in Texas

      Music
        • Music and Entertainment Educators Association
        • National Association of Music Merchandising
        • Texas Association of Music Schools
        • Texas Music Educators Association

      Music Industry Careers
        • Music and Entertainment Educators Association
        • National Association of Music Merchandising

      Office Technology Careers
        • National Business Education Association
        • Office Professionals International

      Paralegal
        • NALS, Association of Legal Professionals
        • Waco Legal Professionals Association
        • American Association for Paralegal Educators
        • Texas Association of Paralegal Educators

      Paramedicine
        • Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions
        • National Association of EMS Educators

      Radiologic Technology
        • Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology

      Speech Communication
        • National Communication Association
        • Texas Speech Communication Association

      Theatre
        • Association for Theatre in Higher Education
        • Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas
        • Southwest Theatre and Film Association
        • Texas Educational Theatre Association

      Visual Arts
        • Texas Association of Schools of Art

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