Standards of Academic Progress

College Credit Standards of Academic Progress

Florida Community College is dedicated to providing students with a high quality educational experience in an environment supportive of intellectual and personal development. The purpose of the Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP) is to clearly communicate the College’s minimum expectations of academic progress.

Students Who Will Be Affected

The standards described below went into effect at the beginning of fall semester 2005. These standards supersede the previously published standards and will be applied to all college credit students who have enrolled in a Florida Community College with a cumulative total of six or more credits. A student’s cumulative Florida Community College coursework (including college preparatory courses) will be used in the determination of academic status.

New and returning students with fewer than six credits of enrollment will be evaluated initially at the end of the semester in which they enroll in a Florida community college cumulative total of six or more credits.

Transfer students entering Florida Community College will be evaluated once their records indicate six or more Florida Community College credits of enrollment. Transfer credit will not be included in the determination of status.

*Please note that these standards are not the same as those applicable to financial aid. See the Financial Aid section of the catalog for financial aid standards.

Specific Standards

In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must maintain the following minimum cumulative standards:

Florida Community College Cumulative Enrollment	Percentage of Semester Courses Successfully Completed (“W,” “F” and “FN” grades count as unsuccessful)	Required SOAP Cumulative Grade Point Average
____________ 6 hours or more credit	_______________ 50 percent	_____________ 2.0

Satisfactory Standing

Students who meet or exceed the established cumulative standards will be considered to have satisfactory standing under the SOAP standards. Students who are placed on academic warning or academic probation will be returned to satisfactory standing as soon as they bring their SOAP cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or higher and successfully complete at least 50 percent of their coursework — also the standard for satisfactory progress during any given semester if on warning or probation.

Standards for Students on Academic Warning, Academic Probation and Academic Suspension

Academic Warning

Students who do not meet the standards for satisfactory standing will initially be placed on academic warning. All students placed on warning must meet with a properly credentialed employee during the semester before registering for future semesters. Students who make satisfactory progress during the semester will remain on academic warning until they return to satisfactory standing.

Academic Probation

Students who do not make satisfactory progress based on the standard while on academic warning will be placed on academic probation. All students placed on probation must meet with a properly credentialed employee during the semester before registering for future semesters. When an employee deems a student to be in need of in–depth intervention, a counselor will assist the student. Their enrollment will be limited to nine credits per semester (fall, spring or summer). Approval of the nine credits will be at the discretion of the campus student success dean or the dean’s designee. Additional credits may be granted at the discretion of the campus student success dean based only on documented extenuating circumstances (death in the family, illness, family crisis or accident), or educationally sound reasons. The loss of Social Security, financial aid, veterans assistance, insurance or other benefits is not included in the definition of extenuating circumstances. Students who make academic progress will remain on probation until they return to satisfactory standing.

Suspension

Students who do not make satisfactory progress (i.e., 2.0 SOAP GPA or greater and 50 percent successful semester course completion) while on academic probation will be placed on academic suspension and must wait one semester before reinstatement is possible. Students on academic suspension should seek reinstatement by contacting a student success office approximately two months prior to the beginning of the semester they wish to re–enter Florida Community College.

Notification of Status

All students placed on academic warning, academic probation or academic suspension will be formally notified of their status by the College. Students placed on warning, probation, or suspension should meet immediately with a properly credentialed employee to determine what action can be taken to return to satisfactory progress.

Reinstatement Process

1. Following the suspension period, students who wish to re–enter Florida Community College must complete an application for reinstatement available at any campus student success office. All students requesting reinstatement must meet with the campus dean of student success or the dean’s designee. The campus dean of student success or the dean’s designee will enter the approval for all reinstatements.
2. Suspended students who apply for reinstatement will be reinstated on probation and allowed to register for a maximum of nine credit hours.
3. Students may be granted additional credits at the discretion of the campus student success dean based only on documented extenuating circumstances (death in the family, illness, family crisis or accident) or educationally sound reasons. The loss of Social Security, financial aid, veterans assistance, insurance or other benefits is not included in the definition of extenuating circumstances. Students must also have shown progress in the probationary period prior to being suspended and the extenuating circumstance must have occurred in the probationary period prior to suspension.
4. Students who are approved for reinstatement may register for the subsequent semester if satisfactory academic progress is made. At any time following the first re–enrollment semester after suspension, the campus dean may approve registration for additional credits. Once students return to satisfactory standing, registration will not be limited by this rule.
5. Reinstated students who do not make satisfactory progress during a semester of reinstatement will be suspended and restricted from registration for one academic year. At the conclusion of the suspension period, these students may apply for reinstatement as described in paragraph one (1) above.
6. Immediate Reinstatements — Students will be immediately reinstated if a grade change restores them to satisfactory standing.

Workforce Certificate Program Standards of Academic Progress

The same standards and procedures for college credit students also will apply to students in adult workforce certificate programs with one exception: the 50 percent completion requirement will not apply to students in workforce certificate programs. At the end of each semester, instructional program managers will evaluate students for academic progress and apply appropriate interventions. Students suspended from workforce certificate programs will follow the same reinstatement procedures as college credit students; however, registration limitations for students returning from suspension will be at the discretion of the program manager.


Standards of Academic Progress for Students in Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI)

Prior to Workforce Certificate Program Midpoint

Prior to the midpoint of their program of study, students whose Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores are within two grade levels of the exit requirement for the program may enroll simultaneously in their workforce certificate courses and required VPI until they reach the midpoint of their workforce certificate program. If a student does not test within two grade levels of the exit requirement for the program, the student must enroll only in VPI courses. Once the student earns a TABE score no more than two grade levels from the exit requirement, the student may enroll in workforce certificate coursework.

At the Workforce Certificate Program Midpoint

Once students reach the midpoint of their workforce certificate program, they must have earned a TABE score within one grade level of their program exit requirement. If students have not earned a TABE score within one grade level of the exit requirement by the midpoint of the program, they must enroll only in VPI coursework. When the student earns a TABE score which is no more than one grade level below the exit requirement, the student will be permitted to continue with workforce certificate coursework.

At the Workforce Certificate Program 75 Percent Point

Once students have completed 75 percent of the coursework of their workforce certificate program of study, they must earn a TABE score that meets or exceeds the exit requirement. If students have not earned a TABE score that meets or exceeds the exit requirement by the 75 percent completion point of their program, they must enroll only in VPI coursework. Once the student has earned a TABE score that meets or exceeds the exit requirement, the student will be permitted to continue and complete workforce certificate coursework.

Adult Basic Education Standards of Academic Progress

Florida Community College is dedicated to providing students with a high quality educational experience in an environment supportive of intellectual and personal development. The adult basic education Standards of Academic Progress were formulated to help assure quality and to clearly communicate the department’s minimum expectations of reasonable academic progress for our students. All students enrolled in an adult basic education course at Florida Community College must meet the minimum requirements of the Standards of Academic Progress. A thorough review of these standards will be presented to each student during the orientation/enrollment process.

Adult High School Standards of Academic Progress

Florida Community College is dedicated to providing students with a high quality educational experience in an environment supportive of intellectual and personal development. The adult high school Standards of Academic Progress were formulated to help assure quality and to clearly communicate the department’s minimum expectations of reasonable academic progress for our students. All students enrolled in an adult high school course at Florida Community College must meet the minimum requirements of the Standards of Academic Progress. A thorough review of these standards will be presented to each student during the orientation/enrollment process.

Students Who Will Be Affected

The standards described below took effect at the beginning of summer term 2000. These standards will be applied to all students who are enrolled in an adult high school course beginning summer term 2000 or later.

Specific Standards

In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must maintain the following minimum standards each term they are enrolled:

Full–term enrollment	Completion requirement
1–3 courses	minimum 1 course
4–6 courses	minimum 2 courses

(“NG,” “W,” “IW” and “I” grades count as enrollments and non–completions.)

Students who do not meet the standard outlined above will initially be placed on academic warning. Students who are placed on warning or probation may avoid being placed into the next stage of the standard (i.e., probation or suspension) by maintaining the standard for the next term which they enroll.

Notification of Status

All students placed on warning, probation or suspension will be formally notified of their status by mail. Such students should meet immediately with an adult education advisor to determine what action can be taken to return to satisfactory progress.

Satisfactory Progress

Students who meet or exceed the established standards each term will be considered to be making satisfactory progress. Students who are placed on warning or probation will be returned to satisfactory progress as soon as they meet or exceed the standards.

Academic Warning

Students who do not make satisfactory progress based on the standard will initially be placed on warning. Students who make satisfactory progress during the term they are on warning will return to satisfactory status.

Academic Probation

Students who do not make satisfactory progress based on the standard while on warning will be placed on probation. Their enrollment will be limited to two courses during the next term they enroll. Students who make satisfactory progress during the term they are on probation will return to satisfactory status.

Academic Suspension

Students who do not make satisfactory progress based on the standard while on probation will be placed on suspension and will not be allowed to enroll in the College for one full term. The second and subsequent time students are suspended two full terms must pass before reinstatement is possible. Students on suspension should contact an adult education advisor at least two months prior to the beginning of the term they wish to re–enter Florida Community College in order to initiate a formal request for reinstatement.

Reinstatement

Students placed on suspension must complete a formal request to be re–enrolled. Information regarding reinstatement procedures and deadlines can be obtained from the campus adult education office or the student success office. No requests will be accepted after the established deadlines.

Students seeking a clarification of any part of this policy should contact an adult education advisor or the adult education campus program coordinator.

Reinstatement Process

1. Students who are academically suspended for the first time will not be allowed to enroll in any courses for one full term.
2. Following the required one–term suspension, students who wish to re–enter Florida Community College must complete an application for reinstatement at any campus student affairs office. Students should complete the process on the campus they were attending at the time of suspension.
3. Suspended students who apply for reinstatement will be reinstated and allowed to register for a maximum of two courses on the first suspension, or one course on the second and subsequent suspensions.
4. Students may request additional courses based only on documented extenuating circumstances (death, illness, family crisis or accident) or educationally sound reasons. The loss of Social Security, veteran’s assistance, insurance or other benefits is not included in the definition as having extenuating circumstances. Students must also show progress in the preceding terms, and the extenuating circumstance must be in the term prior to suspension. Exceptions can be reviewed by a counselor with final approval by the campus dean of student success.
5. Once a student has been reinstated (approved for registration), completion of the courses taken during the semester of reinstatement will permit the student to register for the subsequent term if the standard is met. Reinstated students who do not meet the standards based on final grades will be disenrolled and be restricted from registration for two terms.
6. Previously suspended students who do not meet the standard will be suspended for two terms and must request reinstatement based on the criteria stated in item 3. Extenuating circumstances may occur and will be reviewed based on the same process in item 4.
7. Immediate Reinstatements — Students may request immediate reinstatement based on the following criteria: A grade change that removes students from the standard.
8. The campus dean of student success will submit to the registrar the appropriate documentation of all students approved for reinstatement. Once students are cleared for registration by the office of enrollment services, they are eligible to register at any adult education office.
9. Application for Reinstatement Process — All students requesting reinstatement must complete an application for reinstatement.
1. If the application request meets the standards in item 3, the application is directed to the campus dean of student success for approval/processing.
2. If the application includes a request for additional courses (extenuating circumstances or educationally sound reason), students must make an appointment with an adult education advisor. Once completed, the application is then sent to the campus dean of student success for approval/processing.

Diploma

A minimum of 24 unduplicated credits, grades nine through 12, is required for an adult high school diploma. The credit requirements are as follows.

1. English, four credits
   1. English courses must include major concentration in composition and literature
2. science, three full credits
   1. laboratory courses, two full credits
   2. non–laboratory courses, one full credit
3. mathematics, three credits
   1. mathematics courses must include credit in Algebra I or an equivalent series of courses
4. social studies, three credits
   1. American history, one credit
   2. world history, one credit
   3. American government, one–half credit
   4. economics, one–half credit
5. study skills, one–half credit
6. career research and decision making, one–half credit
7. life management skills, one–half credit
8. practical arts, vocational education/exploration vocational education, one–half credit and performing fine arts, one–half credit or one credit in either area
9. electives, eight and one–half credits

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must:

1. complete 24 credits: 15.5 credits of general course requirements and eight and one–half credits of approved electives;
2. complete a minimum of two full credits at Florida Community College;
3. receive a passing score on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), or equivalent state–approved assessment;
4. acquire a minimum cumulated GPA of 2.0 (see state student performance standards);
5. be classified as admission status “A”;
6. apply for graduation with adult education advisor.

Graduation and course requirements may change. Please be sure to check with your adult education advisor and refer to the state student performance standards listed in this section.

Polytechnic High School Competency Based Diploma

1. pass GED® test
2. pass FCAT
3. complete Career Breakthrough course and
4. one dual enrollment course

Successful completion of both the Career Breakthrough and dual enrollment courses will meet residency requirements for this diploma option.

State Student Performance Standards

All students must pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and/or other state–mandated tests prior to graduation.

No student shall be granted credit toward a high school diploma for enrollment in the following courses or programs.

1. more than nine elective credits in remedial programs as provided for in FS* 236.0841 and remedial programs as provided for in FS* 232.246(8)(a) (Students entering the ninth grade in 1997–98, or thereafter, may not use level one courses to meet graduation requirements.)
2. more than one–half credit in exploratory vocational courses as defined in FS* 228.041(22)(a)(2)
3. more than three credits in practical arts home economics as defined in FS* 228.041(22)(a)(4)

Students enrolled in the adult high school program in pursuit of the high school diploma after the beginning of the 1978–79 school year and before the 1984–85 school year are required to meet only those requirements for graduation that were in effect at the time of their enrollment when such enrollment has been continuous except for summer terms.

Students enrolled prior to the 1997–98 school year in the adult high school program may use one of the following two options to satisfy the GPA graduation requirement until the end of Spring Term 2003.

Option 1:	Earn a cumulative 1.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in those courses taken prior to July 1, 1997, and earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for courses, which are taken after July 1, 1997, that apply to the 24 credits required for high school graduation as specified in subsection (1) of section FS* 232.246, or
Option 2:	Earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for courses that apply to the 24 credits required for high school graduation as specified in subsection (1) of section FS* 232.246.

For students entering the ninth grade for the first time in the 1997–98 school year and thereafter, and for all students graduating after Spring Term 2003, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary to graduate from high school as specified in subsection (1) of section FS* 232.246.

It is the students’ responsibility to schedule and participate in an exit interview with an adult education advisor and make application for graduation after they have completed requirements. Before students may graduate, they must have fulfilled all financial obligations to the College.

*Florida Statutes

High School Equivalency Standards of Academc Progress

Florida Community College is dedicated to providing students with a high quality educational experience in an environment supportive of intellectual and personal development. The High School Equivalency Standards of Academc Progress were formulated to help assure quality and to clearly communicate the department’s minimum expectations of reasonable academic progress for our students. All students enrolled in a high school equivalency course at Florida Community College must meet the minimum requirements of the Standards of Academic Progress. A thorough review of these standards will be presented to each student during the orientation/enrollment process.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Non–Credit Standards of Academic Progress

Florida Community College is dedicated to providing students with a high quality educational experience in an environment supportive of intellectual and personal development. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL non–credit) Standards of Academic Progress were formulated to help assure quality and to clearly communicate the department’s minimum expectations of reasonable academic progress for our students. All students enrolled in an ESOL course at Florida Community College must meet the minimum requirements of the Standards of Academic Progress. A thorough review of these standards will be presented to each student during the orientation/enrollment process.

Credit for Non–College Training and Certification

Individuals who have submitted an application for admission to the College as a degree–seeking student may request an evaluation of valuable non–college training and certifications. Non–college training includes training that is provided by organizations other than a college or university, including industry–sponsored training and industry–recognized certifications. Credit for such educational experiences will be granted in accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) when applicable to the student’s program of study. Information on the documentation required to apply for these credits can be obtained from the enrollment services offices or from the Web site.

Military Service School Credit

Individuals who have submitted applications for admission to the College as a degree–seeking student may request an evaluation of military training and experience by submitting to a campus enrollment services office the appropriate American Council on Education (ACE) Registry Transcript (SMART for U.S. Navy and Marine Corp, and AARTS for U.S. Army) and/or an institutional transcript from a military institution (CCAF — Community College of the Air Force, ARNGI — Army National Guard Institute, USCGI — United States Coast Guard Institute, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy). Electronic transcript requests can be made by visiting our Credit from Military Experience Web page, and clicking on the link appropriate to the students’ branch of service. Students receiving veterans educational benefits must have their military training evaluated to continue receiving benefits. For more information visit the Web page for Military Education Institute.

Credit for Prior Learning

Individuals who have submitted an application for admission to the College as a degree–seeking student may obtain college credit for theory and knowledge acquired through life/work experiences that are equivalent to college level course work. The student seeking experiential credit must register for the Portfolio Development for Prior Learning course (SLS 1371 or CWO 0404) to learn how to complete a portfolio documenting prior learning as it relates to a specific course in the selected program of study. The student may then submit portfolios for faculty evaluation and recommendation to award college credit. Completing the Portfolio Development course and submitting a portfolio for evaluation does not guarantee approval for college credit. Evaluation fees are set by the Florida Community College District Board of Trustees.

Credit by Examination

Students may earn up to 45 semester hours credit toward an associate’s degree through credit–by–examination. This may be a combination of Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), DANTES subject standardized tests (DSST), Excelsior and/or transfer credit. Credit not counted within this 45–hour limit may be obtained by participation in the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP). For more information regarding the following tests, contact the campus assessment and certification center.

Advanced Placement Test (AP) is a nationally developed program for acquiring college credit while enrolled in high school. The test is administered through the high schools, and credit is granted for scores of three, four or five on approximately 30 approved tests. Score reports may be submitted for evaluation to any campus assessment and certification center. Fees are set by the College Entrance Examination Board.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a nationally developed program for credit–by–examination. Credit is granted for scores equating to a “B” or “C” passing level on approximately 25 tests approved by the State Board of Education. Fees are set by the College Entrance Examination Board. This computerized test is administered by appointment at any campus assessment and certification center. Score reports may be submitted for evaluation to any campus assessment and certification center.

International Baccalaureate Program (IBP) program is a Geneva–based program of study offered through high schools throughout the world. The program consists of a comprehensive system of courses and examinations that focus on the development of a high quality liberal arts education. Florida Community College may award up to a maximum of 30 semester hours of credit. It is a program for acquiring college credit while enrolled in high school. Credit is granted for designated scores on individual tests or for the IBP diploma.

DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) is a program developed by the Department of Defense for awarding credit by examination under the auspices of Defense Activity for Non–traditional Educational Support (DANTES). Military personnel may obtain information, applications and a list of approved tests from the Navy Campus for Achievement (NCFA) offices on local Navy bases or education offices in other branches of the military service. Fees are set by DANTES. Non–military students may contact the campus assessment and certification centers for information concerning registration, tests and fees. Students may submit credit earned through DANTES for Florida Community College credit evaluation through the assessment and certification center. Credit is awarded for scores equating to a “B” or “C” as approved by the State Board of Education.

Excelsior College Examination Program (formerly known as Regents College Exams or the Proficiency Examination Program) is a nationally developed program approved by the American Council on Education. The tests are administered locally by Sylvan/Prometric testing centers and credit is granted for grades of “B” or “C” on eight approved tests. Score reports may be submitted for evaluation to any campus assessment and certification center.

 

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