Academic Information and Policies

Academic Grievance Policy & Procedure

Student academic problems are to be handled initially between the student and the faculty member teaching the course involved. Students with academic grievances may use the Academic Grievance Policy and Procedure below.

Scope and Purpose

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide Champlain College students the opportunity for additional review of the facts pertaining to an academic decision affecting them. Procedures are designed to provide objective and fair treatment (as provided specifically in the procedures) of both students and faculty and to resolve disputes in a timely manner.

An academic grievance is a claim that a specific academic decision or action that affects the student’s academic record or status has violated published policies or procedures. The assignment of grades is not generally considered a justifiable grievance under this policy unless published policies or procedures have been violated. Only the Provost (chief academic officer) has the right to file an administrative grade change should a grievance involving a grade be accepted.

PROCEDURES

• Informal Resolution

1. A student who believes that he or she has been aggrieved must first attempt to seek an informal resolution with the other party involved in the dispute.
2. Disputes that are not resolved directly between the parties involved may be brought to the appropriate Dean’s office responsible for the course.   The Dean/designee will seek to reach an informal resolution between the parties.
3. If the matter is not resolved, then the student may choose to initiate the formal resolution process within the timelines established by this procedure.

• Formal Resolution

1. Student academic grievances must be specified in writing to the Dean/designee, along with supporting evidence that clearly identifies the cause of the grievance in relation to the definition of academic grievance included in this policy.
2. The second party to the dispute must also provide the Dean/designee with a written account of the matter in dispute.
3. The Dean/designee will reach a resolution by either holding an individual hearing or establishing an academic grievance committee where both parties participate, together or separately, to investigate the claims and counterclaims. Both parties shall receive all submitted documents. The administrator who facilitated the informal resolution process will not hear the case or be on a committee in the formal resolution process.
4. In instances when an academic grievance committee is convened, it will be composed of three faculty members and two students typically but not necessarily from within the division, but exclusive of those associated with the student, instructor, or program involved in the dispute.The academic grievance committee will make a recommendation to the dean.
5. Each party will make a presentation regarding his or her position. Each side is permitted to bring one support person (non-participating) to the hearing with advance notice to the Dean.
6. The Dean/designee will inform the student in writing of the decision. If the Dean recommends a grade change, the decision shall be sent to the Provost for approval and implementation.
7. The Dean’s decision may be appealed to the Provost by the student or the instructor, but only on the grounds of procedural violation. If an appeal is filed, the Provost or their designee may sustain or deny the appeal, may remand the matter for reconsideration by the Dean and/or rehearing by a third party, or may take other steps as the Provost deems appropriate.

TIMELINE

1. The formal academic grievance process must be initiated by submitting written notification to the Dean no later than thirty (30) academic/business days after the student is notified of the action under dispute.
2. The Dean must convene a formal hearing within ten academic/business days of receipt of the grievance, or as soon as practicable.
3. The Dean must communicate the decision to the student within ten academic/business days after the meetings have occurred.
4. If the student or instructor wishes to appeal on procedural grounds to the Provost, notification must be made in writing within five academic/business days of the Dean’s written notification of decision.
5. The grievance shall be resolved no later than the last day of final examinations in the following semester.

Latin Honors and Awards

Trustee Scholar: A designation awarded to students who attend Champlain College full-time and maintain a 4.0 average for two consecutive semesters.

President’s List: A designation awarded to students who attend Champlain College full-time and achieve a semester average of 4.0.

Dean’s List: A designation awarded to students who attend Champlain College full-time and achieve a semester average of 3.50 or better.

Graduation Honors: Latin distinctions are given to graduating undergraduate students with the following minimum cumulative grade point averages:

Divisional Honors: Divisional honors are awarded to the student in each division with the highest cumulative grade point average.

Academic Honesty

Introduction

In addition to skills and knowledge, Champlain College aims to teach students appropriate ethical and professional standards of conduct. The Academic Honesty Policy exists to inform students and faculty of their obligations in upholding the highest standards of professional and ethical integrity. All student academic work is subject to the Academic Honesty Policy.

It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with College-wide policy as well as to ensure that any assigned work-including examinations, tests, quizzes, term papers, reports, themes and other exercises conform to strict standard of academic honesty.

Any attempt to deceive a faculty member or to help another student to do so will be considered a violation of this standard.

Instructor’s Intended Purpose

The student’s work must match the instructor’s intended purpose for an assignment.

While the instructor will establish the intent of an assignment, each student must clarify outstanding questions of that intent for a given assignment. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and follow the intent articulated by the instructor. For example:

• If an assignment is intended to be strictly confined to work generated solely by the student, e.g. a research paper or individual presentation, then expropriation presented as the student’s own work is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.
• The student is expected to follow accepted academic protocol, as defined by the instructor, in citation referencing.
• If an assignment is intended for the student to carry out an original empirical study, then falsification or fabrication of data or presentation of data collected by someone else is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.
• If an assignment is intended to involve the participation of multiple students, the student will be expected to follow the parameters established by the instructor regarding individual versus group contributions to any work products. It is the responsibility of each student in the group to understand and follow the intent articulated by the instructor. Work which strays from that intent or is done by another individual or individuals in the group and claimed as a particular student’s own work or contribution to group work is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.
• If an assignment consists of building upon or mimicking a work, then the student will be expected to follow the parameters established by the instructor for that assignment. While it is expected that the student will clearly isolate the work he or she did from what already existed, this is up to the discretion of the instructor.
• If an assignment consists of a pastiche of other copyrighted works, where the student exercises their fair-use rights, the instructor may allow the student to use expropriated and appropriated work for credit.
• If an assignment is to participate in an online discussion, allowing someone else to log in to your account and to post to the discussion is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.

Unauthorized Assistance

The student may not give or get any unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any work. Group-work contexts often need extra clarification. For example, sharing work without explicit authorization to do so is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students in doubt about the instructor’s expectations should seek clarification, or assume that the work must be completed individually.

Authorship

The student must clearly establish authorship of a work. Referenced work must be clearly documented, cited, and attributed, regardless of media or distribution. Adequate documentation must articulate the resources, and even sources of inspiration, directly employed in the creation of a work. Even in the case of work licensed as public domain or Copyright, (See: http://creativecommons.org/) both Faculty and the student must provide attribution of that work in order to uphold the standards of intent and authorship. Professional and Academic practice provides guidance about how to properly cite, reference, and attribute the intellectual property of others. For general examples, see Section 1.6.

Declaration

Online submission of, or placing one’s name on, an exam, assignment, or any course document is a statement of academic honor that the student has not received or given inappropriate assistance in completing it and that the student has complied with the Academic Honesty Policy in that work. Contributing to or obtaining material from an online assignment repository is considered a violation of academic honesty that can result in disciplinary action.

Documentation

In essence, the Academic Honesty Policy poses the following questions to all students:

• Who authored the work?
• Has the student given or accepted unauthorized assistance in the preparation of the work?
• Has the student successfully isolated his or her own authorship in the work?
• Has the student clearly documented his or her own authorship?
• Has the student met the instructor’s intended purpose for the assignment?

On each assignment, students are expected to isolate their authorship. This means that the Faculty member can precisely identify the student’s work. Documentation should embrace direct references, indirect references and background resources as required by the instructor. The Academic Honesty Policy requires the student to declare and document authorship.

Consequences

Any violation of the Academic Honesty Policy, as determined by the instructor, may result in sanctions. The instructor may also impose a sanction on the student that varies depending upon the instructor’s evaluation of the nature and gravity of the offense. Possible sanctions from the instructor include but are not limited to, the following:

1. Requiring the student to redo the assignment;
2. Requiring the student to complete another assignment;
3. Assigning a grade of zero to the assignment;
4. Assigning a final grade of “F” for the course. 

A student may appeal these decisions according to the Academic Grievance Procedure. This policy is not exclusive, and in addition to course-based penalties, students may be subject to additional sanctions at the college level, particularly offenses considered egregious. For students who are repeat offenders, additional sanctions may be required as a result of the College’s Conduct Review Process for conduct that violates both this policy and the standard described in section 2 of the College’s Standard of Conduct. There may be additional educational sanctions that could include completing an academic integrity tutorial.

Academic Probation and Academic Dismissal

The College will place on probation any matriculated student who, after attempting 12 or more credits, fails to achieve either a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.0 or a term GPA of 2.0. The College may dismiss any matriculated student who fails to achieve a CGPA of 1.80 after attempting 12 credits or who fails to achieve a CGPA of 2.0 after attempting 30 credits.

Academically dismissed students wishing to take courses as non-degree students may do so only with permission. Champlain College Online students must have the permission of the Assistant Provost.

Academic Renewal

Under certain circumstances, unsatisfactory course grades may be coded so that they do not adversely impact the student’s CGPA. The following conditions apply to the Academic Renewal policy as a whole:

1. Academic Renewal will be granted only once
2. The student must request, and be considered for, Academic Renewal at time of change of major or when re-entering the institution.
3. All courses and grades will appear on the student’s transcript with the addition of a code indicating Academic Renewal where appropriate
4. Academic Renewal will not be used to alter a student’s record for financial aid qualifications, scholarships or other purposes not outlined below
5. Only the Registrar’s Office, in consultation with division Deans, as appropriate, will make the change to the student’s record
6. This decision applies only to academic status and there may be additional financial aid implications

Students who are returning to Champlain may be eligible to have course grades eliminated from their CGPA calculation using the following criteria:

1. The student has not attended Champlain College during the past three years and has been readmitted to a degree program
2. All courses in which a student earned less than a “C-” will no longer be used to calculate either the student’s overall CGPA or the credits earned toward graduation
3. If a readmitted student was previously Academically Dismissed or on Academic or Conditional Probation Status, the college reserves the right to require the student to demonstrate academic success prior to granting Academic Renewal.

Current students who have chosen to change majors may be eligible to have course grades eliminated from their CGPA calculation. The following conditions must apply:

1. The student must request that Academic Renewal be applied at the time of the change of major. (Changing from an associate’s program to a bachelor’s program does not constitute a change of major.)
2. The student must retain grades from any course in which they earned a “C-” or better
3. The student must retain any course or specific elective type that is required in the new major (exclusive of technical and business focus electives)
4. All courses not retained in the above points 2 and 3 will no longer be used in the calculation of the student’s overall CGPA or graduation credits
5. The student must stay enrolled in the new major. If the student elects to change back to the original major, the Academic Renewal will be reversed

Attendance

• Students are expected to attend all their classes. Not doing so may jeopardize their academic success. If illness, accident or similar circumstances make it impossible for a student to attend classes, the student should notify the appropriate faculty member(s). Instructors provide each student with a class-attendance policy in the syllabus.

  Attendance in online classes, for academic purposes, is defined as participation in the class activities through the submission of assignments, timely discussion posts and any other required means of communication. Depending on specific class requirements, participation may also be required on a specific weekly schedule as defined in the course syllabus.

  Champlain College requires students in a courses in Champlain College Online to demonstrate participation by Day 8 of the course.  “Participation” means that a student has completed a discussion post or submitted an assignment on or after the start date of the course.  If a student does not complete a post or an assignment by Day 8 of a course, the student will be automatically removed from the course(s) and their financial aid adjusted accordingly.

Audit Policy

Certificate Requirements

To be eligible for a professional certificate, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Satisfactorily complete all requirements for the certificate selected
2. Earn at least two-thirds of the certificate’s credits at Champlain College
3. Achieve an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses completed at Champlain College. Students who are enrolled in a degree program of study by working with their student services advisor. Because of limited course offerings and course sequencing, students pursuing both a certificate program and a degree program are not guaranteed to complete both on the same timeline.

Change of Major

Requests for change of major for students in Champlain College Online will be reviewed by their academic advisor. Final approval of change of major requests rests with the Dean/Assistant Provost/Designee.

If the change in major results in a change from the on campus division to Champlain College Online (or vice versa) then the student will be required to participate in a transfer review process.

Changes in Courses or Schedules

Class-Related Behavior

Each instructor is authorized to maintain an in-person and/or online learning environment (including, but not limited to, classroom, laboratory, library, faculty office, etc.) that facilitates effective teaching, learning and safety. Through their class-related behavior, students should demonstrate that they are preparing seriously for the professional and/or corporate environments in which they will work after leaving the College. The College includes electronic communication in its definition of class-related behavior to include, but not limited to, email, video conference, telephone meetings, and activities in Canvas (or other platforms) related to each course.

Examples of inappropriate, disruptive class-related behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Any unauthorized use of electronic devices in the learning space;

• Personal conversations during class;

• Abusive language or epithets directed towards other persons;

• Posting inappropriate online posts;

• Refusing to comply with the directions of the instructor.

• Tardiness, leaving and returning during class, or leaving class early without permission from the professor;

Disruptive and disrespectful behavior on the part of any student will not be tolerated. Learning spaces that may involve a potential safety hazard to students under certain circumstances may inherently require that students adhere strictly to safety protocols, in addition to observing normal behavioral expectations.

Under the authority of this Class-Related Behavior Policy, an instructor may require that a student leave the learning space if the student is disruptive and does not heed a verbal or written first warning. In the online environment, an instructor may use their discretion to delete inappropriate posts. Return of the student to the learning space may require a written pledge by the student to abide by the rules of expected class-related decorum or safety.

Continued inappropriate conduct or safety violations may be grounds for dismissal from the course in question for the remainder of the semester. If an instructor determines that a student should be dismissed from a class for the remainder of the semester with a failing grade due to their class-related behavior, the instructor will provide to the student a written notice of that decision, which shall include a statement that the student may appeal the decision through the Academic Grievance Procedure. 

In addition to action taken by instructors under the authority of this Class-Related Behavior Policy, action may also be taken separately by the Office of Student Conduct under the College’s Conduct Review process, if a student’s class-related conduct may constitute a violation of the Champlain College Standard of Conduct.

Commencement Ceremony - May Participation

Bachelor’s and associate’s degree candidates who have completed all of their degree requirements may participate in and have any appropriate academic honors announced at the Commencement ceremony. Bachelor’s degree candidates within 8 credits of meeting all program requirements and associate’s degree candidates within 4 credits of meeting all program requirements are eligible to take part in the ceremony as non-graduating participants. All participating undergraduates must also have an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony as non-graduating participants must have a plan to complete the degree within two semesters. This plan must be filed with and approved by the Registrar.

Non-graduating participants are ineligible to have Latin honors designated in the program; to have Latin honors announced during the event; or to have their name listed in local media until they have successfully completed their remaining academic program requirements.

Diploma Name

On the graduation application, each student has the opportunity to write their name as they would like it to appear on the diploma. The College reserves the right to approve all diploma name requests.

Course Load and Credit Hours

To be considered full-time, a student must enroll in courses totaling at least 12 credit hours per 15-week semester. Students making changes that affect their full-time status should first check with the Financial Aid Office to determine the effect of such changes on aid eligibility.

Normally, one unit of credit is based on 15 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of homework per semester. Students enrolled through Champlain College Online whose cumulative credit load for the 15-week semester totals at least 12 credits, even though those credits may be divided between two seven-week terms, and regardless of when those credits are added to the term, are considered full-time.

Students enrolled through Champlain College Online who wish to take more than nine (9) credit hours in an online 7-week term (or 18 credit hours in a 15-week semester) and have a CGPA higher than 3.0 should consult with the CCO Dean’s Office for permission.

Credit Hour

Champlain College is responsible for regulating and maintaining standards related to the awarding of credit hours for student work consistent with national standards.  The College operates on the semester credit system using the standard Carnegie unit of 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour (2,250 minutes of instruction for a standard, three-hour course).

• One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester.

At least an equivalent amount of work as outlined above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.  

Course Waivers and Course Substitutions

Course Withdrawal

It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course. Students wishing to withdraw must alert their academic advisor. The withdrawal becomes effective as of the date of request. Notification by the student can be communicated in writing (Champlain email). Failure to formally withdraw may result in failing grades, reduction in financial aid and academic dismissal from the College. Deadlines for withdrawing are strictly enforced. Please contact your academic advisor for exact dates.

For example, students may withdraw from a 7-week course through the 5th week of the term and receive a grade of W, which is not calculated in the GPA. After the 5th week, individual course withdrawal is not permitted. If students withdraw from the College after the 5th week of the term, they will be withdrawn from all courses with W grades, which are not calculated in the GPA.

In addition to the above, there are instances in which the College may administratively withdraw a student. These include, but are not limited to, students removed from courses due to lack of attendance within the first 8 days, violations of the College’s Standard of Conduct or Class-Related Behavior Policy. Students removed for disciplinary problems will have a grade of W assigned and will need to retake the course if it is a program requirement. 

Course Withdrawal Deadlines

Cross-Registration Agreements

All arrangements to take courses at any institutions with cross-registration agreements require permission of the Dean of a student’s professional program.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

A student’s CGPA is calculated by multiplying the credit hours for each course by the grade point per credit hour of that course as determined by the final grade. For example, a 3-credit-hour course in which a student receives a “B” (3.0 grade points per credit hour) will equal 9.0 grade points for that course. The cumulative grade point average will then equal the total grade points divided by the total number of credit hours. Grades earned in transferred courses are not used in CGPA calculations.

Curriculum Changes

The College reserves the right to adjust the curriculum and course content whenever such adjustments are academically appropriate and approved by the administration. The curriculum requirements in effect during the catalog year in which the student enters will remain in effect for that student unless the changes have no material effect on the student’s graduation date, or the student wishes to pursue a more recent set of requirements.

Degree Requirements - Associate’s

To be eligible for the associate’s degree, you must be a student in the College’s Division of Continuing Professional Studies and meet the following requirements:

1. Earn at least 60 credit hours, 15 of which must be earned at Champlain College
2. Achieve an overall cumulative grade point average  of at least 2.0 in courses completed at Champlain College
3. Apply for graduation by completing an application for graduation form by November 1 for May graduates, June 1 for August graduates or August 1 for December graduates. Applications are available on the College Web site, in the Registrar’s Office or in the Student Life Office.

Degree Requirements - Bachelor’s

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree from Champlain College, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Matriculate into a Champlain College baccalaureate major and satisfactorily complete all its specific requirements;
2. Earn at least 120 credit hours, 30 of which must be earned at Champlain College. Individual programs may require specific courses to be completed here as described in the Transfer/Advanced Standing section that follows.
3. Achieve an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.0 in courses completed at Champlain College
4. Apply for graduation by submitting an application for graduation form by early February for May graduates; early July for August graduates; and early November for December graduates. The Registrar’s Office will notify all eligible graduates.

Major

A major is a compilation of courses designed to give proficiency in a specific area within an academic discipline.  This is considered the student’s primary field of study.  Major courses of study are comprised of a minimum of 39 credits. Students should be able to demonstrate a significant level of prowess within their discipline upon program completion. 

Double Majors

A double major requires careful planning and sequencing of courses and the endeavor will very likely require additional time to complete both programs. Students who wish to pursue a double major must first consult with their academic advisor and then obtain approval from the Assistant Provost. Students must fulfill all the requirements of both programs, and there must be a difference of at least 24 credits between the two programs. Upon completion, one bachelor’s degree will be granted, and the transcript will list one degree and both majors.

Concentrations

Concentrations and minors are structured plans of study comprised of a minimum of at least 12 credits. Successful completion of a concentration or minor is recorded on the transcript.

A concentration is a minimum of 12 credits within the student’s major discipline and allows students to gain additional focus in a specific aspect of their major area of study. Concentrations are not available in all programs and are either optional or required. Students should consult with their advisors on eligibility requirements and planning for graduation.

Communication

All students are given a mymail.champlain.edu e-mail address. Students who live on campus are given a mailbox in Cushing Hall. These channels are used for all official Champlain College correspondence. It is our expectation that students will receive and send information through these channels.

Grade Appeal

GRADE CORRECTIONS 

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for making corrections to grades reported in error. Faculty should contact the Assistant Provost with the grade change requested and the rationale. The processing of the grade will be researched, and the grade will be corrected, if in fact there was a reporting error. Students who want to appeal the grade reported should refer to the section on “Grade Appeals.”

GRADE APPEAL POLICY

Champlain College Online faculty are responsible for making a professional judgment about the quality of students’ academic work and performance. Policy and procedure have been established to give students an opportunity to appeal if there is reason to contest a grade received in a course offered through the College. The student must contact the faculty member within 14 calendar days of the grade posting. 

GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURES 

Step I. Student-Faculty Level 

The student must contact the faculty member in writing within 14 calendar days of posting of the grade in question to request a reconsideration of the final course grade, including in the written request the basis for the appeal. If the faculty member determines that there was an error in the grade calculation, or the request is otherwise appropriate, the faculty member can then initiate a change of grade for the course through the Assistant Provost. 

If the faculty member determines that there was no error in the grade assigned, he or she will explain in writing the criteria and process used in determining the grade. The faculty member will advise the student of his or her decision in writing within 14 calendar days, providing a copy to the Program Director responsible for the course. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, he or she may proceed to Step II. 

Step II. Program Director 

If the student wishes to appeal the faculty member’s decision to the Program Director responsible for the course, he or she must do so in writing within 14 calendar days of receiving the faculty member’s decision. The appeal should include the specific reasons for disputing the grade. The Program Director may request that the student or faculty member provide, within 7 days, in writing, further documentation as needed. 

The Program Director will respond in writing to the student with a copy to the faculty member and the student’s Academic Advisor within 14 days of receiving the appeal to either: 

1. Inform the student that there is not adequate reason to reconsider the grade. 

2. Request that the faculty member reconsider the grade based on the criteria of a lack of reasonable process in assigning the grade, and/or a lapse of professional judgment. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, he or she may proceed to Step III.

Step III. Assistant Provost 

If the student wishes to appeal the Program Director’s decision to the Assistant Provost, he or she must do so in writing within 7 calendar days of the date of the Program Director’s decision. The appeal should clearly state the ground(s) on which the student is asking to have the grade reviewed and any relevant information. The Program Director will forward all materials concerning steps already taken and information received in Step II to the Assistant Provost. The Assistant Provost will review the appeal and provide to the student and faculty member a final written decision. (A non-disclosed disability is not sufficient reason on its own for approval of a grade appeal.)

Grades - Semester or Term

At the end of each semester or term, faculty members submit to the registrar a final grade for each student. 

*There may be exceptions in certain programs. These exceptions are detailed in the program web pages.

High School Student Enrollment

High school students who are at least 17 years of age will be considered for participation in lower level courses. Students must submit a letter of recommendation from their high school guidance counselor indicating the student’s maturity, academic ability and a rationale for why the student would be taking the course. In the case of a home-schooled student, documentation of a strong academic background is required.

Incomplete Work

At the discretion of the instructor, and with the approval of the Assistant Provost, an interim grade of incomplete may be assigned for a course in which the student has met the following criteria:

1. Completed a major portion of the course with a passing grade.
2. Been unable to complete course requirements before the end of the term because of documented illness or serious circumstance beyond the student’s control.
3. Obtained agreement from the instructor and Assistant Provost for Online Learning and arranged for resolution of the incomplete grade.

The following procedures apply:

1. The written request must be made by, or on behalf of, the student by Wednesday of Week 6 for 7-week classes or Week 14 for 15-week classes.
2. If an incomplete is granted by the Assistant Provost, the instructor will outline the remaining coursework and the timeline for completion.  The deadline cannot be later than the end of the eighth week after the last day of final exams for a 15-week course and the end of the fourth week, after the last day of final exams for a 7-week course. 
3. Incompletes granted as a result of academic accommodations must be verified by the Counseling & Accommodations Center.
4. When the required work is complete, the earned grade will permanently replace the “I” grade on the transcript. If the work is not completed within the established time frame, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the course.
5. The student is responsible for making sure that the faculty member receives all required coursework according to the established timeline.

Independent Study

Independent study is defined as a course of study designed by a student to meet specific academic needs, taken outside regular classroom hours and supervised by one or more cooperating instructors. Regular college credit is given, and regular tuition is charged.
An independent study course may be undertaken under the following conditions:

1. Elective credits only will be given, with the number of credits (not to exceed 3) determined by the appropriate division Dean.
2. The student must propose the course to the supervising instructor at least five weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the work will be completed.
3. The student and faculty member will jointly develop a formal proposal, which must include:
   1. Reason(s) for requesting independent study in lieu of existing elective course(s)
   2. Course title and description
   3. Goals to be achieved
   4. Method of measuring achievement
   5. Names of instructors who have agreed to supervise
   6. Method of evaluation to be used
   7. Number of credits to be granted
   8. Approximate number of hours per week to be spent on the project
4. An instructor who has been asked to supervise such a study project must submit the project for approval to the division Dean and the Provost’s Office not later than three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. At least five days prior to the beginning of the semester, the division Dean must notify the instructor, the student, the Provost and the Registrar’s Office, in writing, of his or her approval or reasons for rejection. A student who fails to complete an independent study course within a semester may be granted a period of time in which to finish comparable to that extended to those taking traditional courses.

Microcredentials

A measurable academic achievement that is shorter than a degree or certificate program.  Microcredentials provide academic or professional growth in a specified area.  Skill and proficiency is measured by either earning academic credit  or demonstrating competency in the specified area.

Name Change

Students who petition to change their name in the College’s Student Information System must present legal documentation of the name change in the form of a court document, driver’s license, Social Security card or other acceptable legal document to the College.

Non-matriculated Students

A maximum of 15 credits may be completed by students who enroll with non-matriculated (non-degree) status.  To enroll as a non-degree student, a person must not already be enrolled in a program at Champlain College, and a short application must be completed.  If courses requested require prerequisites, proof of prerequisite knowledge will be requested and approval from Program Director may be required..

Continuing beyond 15 credits requires application and acceptance into a degree or certificate program, or approval from the Assistant Provost.    Students seeking matriculated status must be admitted to the College through the appropriate Champlain admission office. 

Credit-based tuition and institutional policies for non-degree students are the same as those for degree-seeking students.  Enrolling as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee access to all campus services. Academic achievement in courses taken as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to the institution. 

Posthumous Degree Policy

Champlain College may award an undergraduate degree posthumously in recognition of a student’s work and satisfactory progress toward the degree at the time of death.

An undergraduate degree may be awarded posthumously if:

1. At the time of death, the student was enrolled in courses required for completion of the degree or nearing completion of work required for award of the degree;
2. The student was in good academic standing ;
3. A favorable recommendation for award of the degree is made by the academic Dean;
4. The Provost approves the recommendation to award the degree.

Reenrollment and Readmission to Champlain College

Students in good standing who have missed two consecutive semesters of classes will be withdrawn from the College and will be required to submit a formal application for readmission. Upon readmission, the student’s academic requirements are those required for the most current catalog year.

Students on academic probation who have missed two consecutive semesters of classes or who have been academically dismissed, are required to submit a formal appeal to the Academic Dean in order to be reinstated. If the appeal is approved, the student’s academic requirements will be those required for the original catalog year under which the student began his or her studies. Additional conditions may apply to those reinstated following academic probation or dismissal.

Retaking Courses

Students may retake a course up to two times, for a total of three attempts, in order to pass the course or improve their grade in the course. Course withdrawals are counted as attempts. Students may not repeat the course simply to improve a grade if a more advanced course in the sequence has already been completed. Credit for the course will be granted only once (unless otherwise specified), and the highest grade received will be counted toward the CGPA. All grades received for a course will remain on the transcript, even though only the highest will be used in the calculation of the CGPA.

Student Bereavement Leave

Champlain College recognizes that a time of bereavement can be difficult for a student.  Students engaged in online only coursework are permited up to three (3) weekdays of bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member. Requests for additional days must be made to the dean of the student’s division.

Requests for bereavement leave are managed by the dean or dean’s designee at each division. The student must provide appropriate documentation of the death. When approved, the dean will notify the student and the Registrar’s Office.  The Registrar’s Office will notify the faculty of the excused absences.  

While this policy excuses a student from class attendance, the student remains responsible for missed academic work. The student will work with each instructor to consider their available options and establish a plan to complete the missed coursework from their bereavement leave.

Technology Lab and Studio Usage

When a Continuing Professional Studies student is taking an on-campus class in a computer lab or studio space, the following policy applies:

All Champlain College technology labs and studios have specific rules defining usage and a code of conduct. Some labs and studios may have additional protocols that must be followed based on usage. All Champlain College students using these facilities are required to follow this policy and accept its terms upon entry to the lab. This policy is posted publicly in each lab, and can be found under Student Resources and Policies in Canvas.

Failure to adhere to the usage terms and code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, which could include loss of access to campus technology labs.

Usage

1. While a class is in session, students who are not members of that class may not use a technology lab or studio without permission from faculty.
2. Classwork takes priority in campus technology labs and studios at all times. Students not engaged in class related work must yield their seat to those needing the computer/technology for homework if no others are available.
3. No food is allowed in the technology labs and studios. Beverages are allowed in containers with closeable lids.
4. All students using a technology lab or studio after 8:30PM and any time on weekends must have a working campus ID proving they have been authorized to use the space.
5. No student shall admit another student to a campus technology lab or studio that does not have authorized access via his/her student ID.
6. During unmonitored times, the door to the technology lab or studio must remain closed and locked.
7. Students are not allowed to use the podium and/or projection system without consent from a faculty member.
8. All students must wear headphones when listening to personal audio, or when working with audio that may disrupt the working environment for others.
9. All students must be courteous to other users in the technology labs and studios. Please avoid loud disruptive behavior, and profanity.
10. All students using a technology lab or studio are responsible for maintaining a safe, productive, and inclusive working environment for all.

Hardware and Software

1. All students must adhere to the User Agreement License of all software and files used in campus technology labs.
2. All students are responsible for logging off the system before leaving to protect their accounts.
3. Students must have prior authorization from faculty or Information Systems staff in order to upload and/or install any software files, add anything to the program launcher, or remove or relocate any software or desktop shortcuts.
4. Students must backup/save all of their files onto removable media or an external repository. Campus computers may not be used as storage devices.
5. If problems arise, email champsupport@champlain.edu. Include the computer number, a detailed description of the problem, and the date and time the problem occurred. Do not attempt to correct technical or facility problems yourself.
6. Do not remove any lab or studio equipment, hardware, software, or peripherals from the lab or studio without consent of faculty and Information Systems staff.

Transcripts

A transcript is an official copy of a student’s permanent record with the College and cannot be changed. Transcripts are issued by the Registrar’s Office only at the written request of the student or alumnus. Written requests can be made in person, via fax or via postal mail. Requests will be honored as quickly as possible in the order of application. However, during especially busy periods (Commencement, registration, etc.) there will be delays in processing, so transcripts should be requested well in advance. Five copies of a student’s transcript will be provided free of charge. A fee of $5 will be charged for each subsequent copy.

Transcripts - Official

(Those with the College seal)
Official transcripts are sent only to a college or university, a state or federal agency, or an employer. Only under special circumstances will an official transcript be sent directly to the student. Unofficial transcripts for a student’s personal use do not bear the official seal of Champlain College and may be sent directly to students. Note: transcripts will be sent only when a student’s account is paid in full.

Transfer/Advanced Standing

All transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts of their high school and college records. The acceptance of transfer credits is at the sole discretion of Champlain College.

A student who transfers from another college may be awarded transfer credit of up to one-third of the total credit hours toward a professional certificate, up to 45 hours toward an associate degree, and up to 90 hours toward a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer credits from regionally-accredited institutions of higher education are accepted based on equivalency of course content and outcomes to meet degree requirements. Transfer credits from post-secondary institutions with national accreditation recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be awarded to meet general elective requirements.

Students in bachelor’s degree programs must complete 15 hours of 300-level or higher courses in the major. Judgement of equivalence is based on criteria provided by the appropriate academic division, and judgements are made at the College’s discretion.

When necessary, students may be requested to provide course descriptions, course outcomes, and syllabi to assist in the evaluation of credit. Graduate level coursework will not be applied in transfer toward undergraduate credit.

Credit hours for transferred courses are given full value, but grades are not transferred to a student’s permanent Champlain College record and do not become part of a student’s cumulative grade point average at Champlain College. In order to be considered for transfer credit, a course must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Transfer to Other Institutions

Credit for courses taken at Champlain College is generally transferable to other institutions of higher education. However, because the decision of whether to grant credit for any particular course is made by the receiving institution and not by Champlain College, students should consult with officials at the receiving institution concerning the transferability of credits earned at Champlain College.  Non-degree students wishing to take Champlain College courses to transfer to another institution must meet any prerequisites for the Champlain College course prior to enrollment.

Undergraduate Taking Graduate Courses

Approved students may take up to 12 credits at the graduate level toward completion of their undergraduate degree that may also be applied toward completion of a graduate program.  Students who wish to pursue enrollment in a graduate program must apply for admission no sooner than the final semester of their undergraduate degree program.  

Students must submit their request to participate to their advisor.  With the support of the advisor, the request will be forwarded to the Program Director of the graduate program who, in conjunction with the Program Director of the student’s undergraduate program, will determine preparedness for graduate level coursework and eligible courses for approved students.

Students in graduate level classes are expected to adhere to the Academic Information and Policies as outlined in the Graduate College Catalog as they pertain to those courses.

Withdrawal from College - Involuntary

The College reserves the right to withdraw any student for academic, safety or disciplinary reasons.  Additionally, any student who stops attending all their classes may be withdrawn from the College with or without the student’s consent. If a student wishes to contest the College’s initiation of an involuntary withdrawal that is for more than a temporary period, the College will provide an appeal opportunity.  The appeals procedure is specified in the College’s Conduct Review process. Submission of an appeal must include grounds for the appeal and any supporting evidence and be submitted within 5 business days of receiving the withdrawal notification, unless the student was incapacitated. Students will receive a decision within 5 business days, or as soon as possible, after the appeal has been submitted.

Withdrawal from College - Voluntary

Any student withdrawing from the College begins that process by working with their Academic Advisor. As part of the withdrawal process, the student will receive a statement setting forth the financial implications of his or her withdrawal. The withdrawal date recorded on the student’s official College record will be determined based on the requested date of the withdrawal.  It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from the College. A student who withdraws from the College without following this procedure jeopardizes his or her opportunity to receive any refund.