Grading System

Grading Policy

Johnston Community College students earn grades for classes in accordance with criteria set forth in course syllabi. The instructor of record assigns grades at the end of each semester utilizing the grading system. All grades are final and are not subject to change unless an error in calculation occurs. Any student who is concerned that the grade is erroneous should begin their appeal process within 30 days after the final grade was posted.

Grade Appeal Policy

The goal of this grade appeal policy is to establish a transparent, fair, and seamless process for a student to contest a grade that they believe has been awarded in a manner inconsistent with the established course syllabus or incorrectly calculated by the course instructor. Recognizing the evaluation of the student performance is based upon the professional judgment of the course instructor, grade appeals will only be considered for the following:

A calculation error was made in the total grade computation.
Inconsistent grading standard from the published course syllabus.
Documented, extenuating circumstance experienced by the student.

Grade Appeal Process

Informal process Step I:

The student must contact the course instructor. The student should make every effort to resolve their concern with the course instructor. If the issue is not resolved informally, the student has 30 days from the posted final grade to appeal. If a student has not communicated via email or face-to-face with the course instructor within the specified time, the grade appeal process shall not be considered further.

If a resolution is not reached between the student and course instructor during the informal process, then the student may proceed to formally file a grade appeal (see below).

Formal Process:

The student shall complete the Grade Appeal Form (located on the JCC website with student forms on the student services webpage) and submit the form to the course instructor. The instructor shall formally approve or deny the grade appeal request, as indicated on the Grade Appeal Form within five business days of receipt. If the grade appeal is approved, then the process is resolved and requires no further action. If the grade appeal is denied by the instructor, the student then has the option to proceed to step 2.
The student may route the Grade Appeal Form to the department chair of the course program within five days of receiving the denial from the course instructor. The department chair will notify the course instructor that the grade appeal is proceeding. The department chair shall formally approve or deny the grade appeal request, as indicated on the Grade Appeal Form, within five business days of receipt of the appeal. If the grade appeal is approved, then the process is resolved and requires no further action. If denied, the student has the option to proceed to step 3.
The student may route the Grade Appeal Form to the associate vice president of the course program within five days of receiving the denial from the department chair. The associate vice president will notify the department chair and course instructor that the grade appeal is proceeding. The associate vice president shall formally approve or deny the grade appeal request, as indicated on the Grade Appeal Form within five business days of receipt of the appeal. If the grade appeal is approved, then the process is resolved and requires no further action. If denied, the student has the option to proceed to step 4.
The student may route the Grade Appeal Form to the Vice President of Instruction within five business days of receiving the denial from the associate vice president. The VP of Instruction will notify the associate vice president, department chair, and course instructor that the grade appeal is proceeding. The VP of Instruction shall review all relevant documents pertinent to the grade appeal and has the authority to convene an academic review committee to review the grade appeal documents, if they so determine. The VP of Instruction shall render the final decision for the grade appeal within 5 business days of receipt of the appeal, and the student shall be formally notified of the decision. The VP of Instruction’s decision shall be final, and no further action will occur.

Curriculum Grade Scheme

Final course grades are issued to the student at the end of each semester in accordance with the following grading system:

Curriculum Grade Scheme
Grade	Description	Grade Points
A	Excellent	4.0
B	Above Average	3.0
C	Average	2.0
D	Below Average	1.0
F	Unsatisfactory	0.0
I	Incomplete temporarily for the duration of the following semester including the summer session. Credit hours attempted are not counted in the present semester in computing the grade point average. If a passing grade is not achieved during the following semester, the grade of “I” automatically becomes “F” and credit hours attempted for the course are counted in computing the GPA.
WD	Officially withdrew by the 65-percent point of the semester. Credit hours attempted are not counted in computing the GPA. No withdrawals are accepted for processing after the 65-percent point of the semester without extenuating circumstances and must be signed by the associate/assistant vice president or vice president. Withdrawals after the 65-percent point of the semester are handled on a case‑by‑case basis.
W	Withdraw occurs if the student exceeds the number of absences specified by the attendance requirement and is dropped by the instructor. Credit hours attempted are not counted in computing the GPA. Also, students who withdraw after the 65-percent point would get a W without extenuating circumstances.
CR	Credit by examination. Courses on which this grade is earned are not included in the GPA.
AU	Audit. Course taken for noncredit purposes. Students auditing courses must meet the attendance regulation to continue in class.
NA	Never attended. Non-penalty grade.
EL	Credit by Experience.
P	Pass Tier 1 (for corequisite courses)
P1	Pass Tier 1 (for corequisite courses)
P2	Pass Tier 2 (for corequisite courses)
P3	Pass Tier 3 (for corequisite courses)
R	Re-enroll (for corequisite courses)
WE	Withdraw Emergency. Officially withdrew due to COVID-19. Credit hours attempted are not counted in computing the GPA. Temporary grade implemented for the COVID-19 pandemic.
IE	Incomplete Emergency due to COVID-19. Incomplete temporarily for the duration determined by the instructor. Credit hours attempted are not counted in the present semester in computing the grade point average. If a passing grade is not achieved during the following semester, the grade of “IE” automatically becomes “WE” and credit hours attempted for the course are counted in computing the GPA. Temporary grade implemented for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Removal of "I" Grades

The grade of "I," meaning course work is temporarily incomplete, may be removed by completing all work assigned by the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor to accomplish the required work needed to remove the "I" grade. If the student satisfactorily completes the required work during the semester or summer session immediately following receipt of the "I" grade, the instructor assigns a permanent passing grade. Otherwise, the "I" grade automatically becomes a grade of "F" for purposes of the student’s record and cumulative GPA.

Final Grades

Final grades will be available through Self Service to students at the end of each academic term. Grade reports are no longer printed and mailed to students.

Minimum Class Size

All classes will be expected to have a minimum number of 10 students. Exceptions to this policy may occur when it is determined by the vice president of instruction that offering a small class is in the best interest of the students or the community.

Course Repetition

A student may be permitted to enroll in a curriculum course up to three times for credit, in order to improve a grade or replace a withdrawal grade. After the third attempt, a Course Repetition Request must be submitted for approval.

All course grades, including the record of an audit and credit hours attempted, shall appear on the student’s official transcript, and shall be utilized in determining eligibility for financial aid; only the higher grade shall be used for computing total credit hours attempted, total grade points earned and GPA.

Exceptions to this policy may be made with prior approval by the vice president of instruction. This policy does not apply to developmental courses.

Certain regulations may prohibit veterans and other financial aid recipients from receiving financial aid for courses previously passed. The student shall be responsible for determining status regarding financial aid.

Administrative Procedure for Course Repetition

The Course Repetition Request should be initiated by the advisor when the student asks to repeat a course after the third attempt.
The request will then be sent to the associate vice president and vice president of instruction for review and approval.
The approved request will be sent to the Records and Registration Department for registering the student for the repeat course, for record keeping, and for FTE recalculation.

Auditing

To audit, a student must register for the course and pay regular tuition. The last date to register to audit a course is the last day of the registration period, as specified in the academic calendar.

Students who audit courses must abide by the College attendance regulation and are encouraged to take tests and to participate in class discussion but are not required to do so.

A grade of “AU” is given for record purposes.

Advanced Placement Credit

Johnston Community College participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. An AP credit schedule is available on the JCC Web site.

Credit by Examination

Course credit for proficiencies previously developed by the student may be earned by examination. A student who wishes to challenge a course may apply to take a credit by examination covering the content of the course. Examinations may be arranged to document proficiencies previously developed through employment, military service, secondary education, postsecondary non-accredited schools, or correspondence schools.

To earn credit by examination the student must:

Not have previously attempted the course for which credit by examination is being sought.
Submit the prescribed application for approval to seek credit by examination.
Register for the course and pay appropriate tuition and fees as may be required.
Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the appropriate faculty member that sufficient justification exists to warrant approval of the request for the examination.
Secure approval from the instructor and the department chair to take the examination.
Be sure that for any course(s) which the student has registered at the beginning of the semester and has attended classes, credit by examination must be gained within the first 10 percent or census date of the semester.
Arrange an appropriate time at the convenience of the instructor to take the examination. The student is allowed one opportunity to take a credit by examination for credit in any given course.

The grade of "CR" (credit by examination) is the official grade used by the instructor to report successful completion of a proficiency examination. To earn credit by examination, a student must achieve a score equivalent to not less than "C" on the examination. There is no penalty or grade of record for an unsatisfactory grade on a credit by examination. Courses on which the grade of "CR" is earned are not included in the calculation of the student’s GPA.

Curriculum credit for proficiencies developed through various nontraditional learning activities may also be earned as described in the credit by examination policy. Curriculum credit may be granted for courses that have been passed by appropriate examination of the Advanced Placement program (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Credit will be allowed for AP scores of three and above. CLEP and DANTES test scores must meet American Council on Education (ACE) minimum recommendations.

Credit by Experience

The granting of curriculum credit for nontraditional educational experiences will be considered upon receipt of appropriate official documentation by the vice president of instruction. The vice president of instruction will evaluate the documentation to determine the applicability to the student’s educational program. Transfer credit for nontraditional work from an accredited institution is limited to no more than 50 percent of an associate degree, diploma, or certificate requirement. The student will receive notification of credit awarded on the transfer credit evaluation form.

The student must document a specific work experience or skill that coincides with the skills and tasks required in a particular course
The associate vice president shall evaluate the documented training and/or experiences which may require a demonstration of one’s ability. Experiences shall be approved by the instructor, director of programs, department chair, associate vice president, and vice president of instruction, using the Request of Credit by Experience form.
Veterans may apply for credit for training received under the armed forces college training programs and some specialized and technical training completed under the auspices of the armed forces. Appropriate documentation must be provided.
The approved credit recommendation should be submitted to the Records and Registration Department
The records and registration staff will record a symbol of “EL” on the student’s academic record with credit hours; however, no grade points will be assigned.
Documentation of experience shall be kept on file for five years in the Records and Registration Department.

North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement

Through an agreement between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System, high school graduates are eligible to receive Johnston Community College credit for certain upper-level career and technical courses upon presentation and evaluation of a high school transcript.

Credit will only be given for courses that are required in a student’s program of study. The following criteria will be used to award college credit for identified high school courses:

Final grade of B or higher in the course, and;
Minimum score or higher on the standardized CTE post-assessment as set forth in the statewide articulation agreement, and;
Students must enroll at the community college within two years of their high school graduation date.

High school students who enroll in Career and College Promise pathway may earn articulation college credit as described in the articulation agreement while enrolled in high school if the CTE articulated credit is part of their Career and College Promise pathway.

Any student wishing to receive credit should submit an official high school transcript and all official standardized CTE post-assessment scores. An Admissions, Placement & Testing Coordinator will complete a transcript evaluation during the admissions process.

Military Service Training

Military service school records may be submitted for transfer credit consideration. Service school diplomas, Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS) Transcripts, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Evaluation Score Reports are accepted for transfer credit evaluation. Military service experiences are evaluated and awarded using the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average is computed by dividing the grade points earned by the hours attempted. For example, 38 grade points are divided by 20 semester hours attempted to equal a 1.90 cumulative GPA.

When a course is repeated, the best grade earned is included in the computation of the student’s cumulative GPA. Both grades will show on the student’s academic record but only the best grade will be used in calculating the GPA.

President's List

The College recognizes outstanding achievement each semester by publication of the president’s list. The president’s list is made up of students who have a minimum of nine completed credit hours in a semester (excluding developmental courses) and have achieved a semester GPA of 4.0.

Dean's List

The College recognizes outstanding academic achievement each semester by publication of the dean's list. The dean's list is made up of students who have a minimum of nine completed credit hours in a semester (excluding developmental courses) and have achieved a minimum 3.5 semester GPA.

Forgiveness Policy

Students who return to the College after stopping out for a minimum of three years or 36 consecutive months and wish to make a "fresh start" in pursuing educational goals may apply for the Forgiveness Policy. The Forgiveness Policy allows for "F" or "WF" grades earned at the College three or more years prior to current enrollment to be eliminated from the cumulative GPA calculation. This process does not affect Financial Aid eligibility.

To qualify for the Forgiveness Policy, students must meet the following criteria:

Not have been enrolled at the College for a minimum of three years or 36 months prior to current enrollment.
Be currently enrolled in curriculum courses.
Have successfully completed 12 credit hours of course work with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Additionally, the following stipulations apply regarding consideration for the Forgiveness Policy:

Grades earned at other colleges cannot be forgiven.
Students may apply only once for the Forgiveness Policy during their academic career at Johnston CC.
Forgiven grades remain on the transcript but are not calculated in the cumulative GPA.

To request the Forgiveness Policy, students must complete an Application for Forgiveness Policy form and submit it to the Records and Registration Department. Students will be notified by JCC e-mail of the decision, and in cases of approval or denial, GPA recalculations will be made in the Records and Registration Department.

Academic Progress

Each student enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program is expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of requirements for the degree, diploma, or certificate. At the end of each semester, the student’s semester GPA and cumulative GPA will be reviewed.

To be considered making satisfactory academic progress, a student must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA related to the number of credit hours attempted.

Cumulative grade point average will be used to determine each student’s academic progress and status at the College. This average is applicable also for purposes of certification to the Veterans Administration; Social Security Administration; State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services; student grants, loans, scholarships, other college financial aid; and other public and private agencies authorized to receive this information.

To be in satisfactory academic standing, a student must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average related to the number of credit hours attempted. When the student’s GPA is computed, all courses attempted at JCC are included in the total hours attempted except developmental/remedial (R, P), W, WD, I, NA, CR, AU, and Repeated course work (lower grade). Courses with COVID-19 WE/IE grades are excluded from GPA as well.

Additional academic progress standards are required for students who are receiving financial aid. This information may be found in the “Student Development Services” section of this catalog under the Financial Aid heading.

Academic Standing: Academic Concern and Alert

A student is considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress when the cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0. The cumulative grade point average is reviewed at the end of each semester to determine whether the student has made the expected progress.

Students must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average to graduate.

*Note: Additional academic progress standards are required for students receiving financial aid. Please see the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of the college catalog for information about financial aid eligibility and academic performance.

Academic Concern

Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 for any given semester will be placed on Academic Concern for the following semester. Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor, Accessibility Coordinator, Coach/Mentor, Success Center staff, Career and College Promise Coordinator (CCP dual enrolled high school students), and/or high school counselor (ECA and CTLA students) to discuss success strategies and receive a list of recommended services and resources on campus.

Academic Alert

Students on Academic Concern whose cumulative grade point average remains below a 2.0 will be placed on Academic Alert for the following semester. Students on Academic Alert will not be allowed to register until they meet with their academic advisor or CCP liaison/advisor to develop an Academic Success Plan and discuss course registration. The Academic Success Plan will outline how the student can improve their academic performance, participate in academic assistance programs, and return to good academic standing.

Continued Academic Alert

Students on Academic Alert whose cumulative grade point average remains below a 2.0 for the following semester and any subsequent semesters will continue to have registration restrictions until they meet with their academic advisor or CCP liaison/advisor to review and/or revise their Academic Success Plan.

Academic Dismissal - Program Specific

A student whose academic progress does not meet established program requirements may be academically dismissed from the program. The following program requirements are also published in the departmental handbooks and students are made aware of these policies prior to enrollment.

Basic Law Enforcement Training Program

Students must achieve a minimum score of 80 percent of each end-of-block test. All students must satisfactorily complete the physical fitness requirements.

Health Programs

Students in the associate degree nursing, cardiovascular sonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging technology, mammography, emergency medical services, medical assisting, medical sonography, radiography, and therapeutic massage programs are required to attain a minimum grade of “C” on all the major courses and the general education courses (as applicable to the program) in order to progress in the program of study. In addition, each student must demonstrate satisfactory clinical skills.

Catalog of Record

The Johnston Community College Catalog that is current when the student enrolls in the College is the catalog of record. A student who is in continuous attendance, except for summer term, may graduate under the provisions of his or her catalog of record, or a subsequent issue. A student who is not enrolled for a period of two consecutive semesters must graduate under the provisions of the catalog in effect on his or her last reentry date or a subsequent issue.

A student who changes his or her program of study will come under the provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of the change or a subsequent issue.

Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates

The highest credential offered by Johnston Community College is the associate degree. Associate degree programs are planned programs of study culminating in one of the following:

College Transfer Degrees

Associate in Arts (AA)
Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP)
Associate in Engineering (AE)
Associate in Science (AS)
Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP)

General Education Degrees

Associate in General Education (AGE)
Associate in General Education – Nursing (AGE-N)

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degrees

The College also awards diplomas and certificates. Diploma programs provide entry-level employment training. A diploma program may be a stand-alone curriculum program title; or the College may award a diploma under an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Certificate programs lead to employment or provide skills upgrading or retraining for individuals already in the workforce. A certificate program may be a stand-alone curriculum program title; or the College may award a certificate under an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree or diploma.

Award of Additional Associate Degrees or Diplomas

The College may award an additional degree, diploma or certificate to the student who has completed all required and elective courses specified for each additional program of study. A student shall be given credit for having completed courses in a degree or diploma program if they are the same courses previously taken and satisfactorily completed in another degree or diploma program.

It shall be the joint responsibility of the instructional vice president and associate vice president to determine elective courses acceptable for transfer credit.

Changes in Curricula

During a period of transition following curriculum revision, students currently enrolled may select either the old or new curriculum as their basis for meeting graduation requirements. Course substitutions are subject to approval of the department head and the vice president.

Students who have not attended for two or more consecutive semesters and apply for readmission to a curriculum following curriculum revision must meet the new requirements for graduation, as outlined in the current or amended catalog.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation from an associate degree or diploma program, the student must meet the following requirements:

Have passed all courses specified and required in the student’s chosen program of study
Have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all courses attempted at the College
Have taken and passed at least one fourth (25 percent) of the courses required in the program at Johnston Community College. It is anticipated that the final semester credit hours be completed at the College
Have paid all financial obligations owed to the College
Have filed with the Records and Registration Department and application to graduate by the published deadline for student’s final semester.

Core Competencies

Every individual needs common knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be effective as a person, a worker, a consumer, and a citizen. In support of its mission to provide accessible, equitable, high quality educational and community enrichment opportunities for the successful development of learners, Johnston Community College (JCC) has defined core competencies to ensure multi-disciplinary learning for all students that ensures breadth of knowledge in the humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics, and does not narrowly focus on the skills, techniques, or procedures that are specific to a particular occupation or profession.

The core competencies outlined below serve as a foundation for the assessment and evaluation of the College’s general education outcomes measured across all degree-level academic programs:

Communicate

Speak and write clearly and effectively
Read, comprehend, and follow directions
Listen effectively
Organize and deliver an oral presentation
Identify self-strengths and needs for improvement as communicator

Think

Analyze information
Identify solutions
Make logical decisions
Solve problems
Be creative

Perform

Interpret numerical data
Manipulate data logically
Demonstrate basic computer skills
Apply occupational technical skills
Recognize the impact of technology

Value

Appreciate diversity
Interact effectively
Adapt to change
Demonstrate responsible citizenship
Express an awareness of historical and global perspective

Academic Excellence Awards

Academic Excellence awards recipients are nominated by faculty or staff and selected based on selected academic criteria. The recipient(s) is recognized at the North Carolina Community College System Office for their academic achievements.

President's Award

The President’s Award may be given to the student selected as most outstanding in scholastic achievement and leadership qualities. The Student Advisory Committee makes the selection from nominees submitted by faculty and staff. A plaque is presented to the recipient of the award at graduation.

Citizenship Award

The Citizenship Award may be presented to a graduating student who is selected on the basis of leadership, service to fellow students, and participation in extracurricular activities. Nominees shall be submitted by faculty and staff members, and the Student Advisory Committee shall make the selection. The recipient shall be presented with a plaque at commencement exercises.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award may be presented to a student who has shown outstanding leadership in both school and community activities beyond the scope of the other awards. The selection is made by a majority vote of the Administrative Council and may not be awarded every year.

Student Government Service Award

The Student Government Service Award may be given each year by the Student Government Association to the student who has rendered the most outstanding service to his or her fellow students.