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    Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
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2023-2024 Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Practices, Policies, and Procedures

Full policy and procedure documents are found at terra.edu.

Academic Definitions

(Terms to Know)

Classification of Students-A student who has completed less than the equivalent of 31 semester credit hours is classified as a freshman. Completion of 31 or more credit hours classifies a student as a sophomore.

Credit Hours-Credit hours are standard units of measure for college work. Fees are based on credit hours. The number of credits for a course does not necessarily equal the number of hours that the course meets in one week. The number of credits for each class is listed in the catalog with each course description.

Electives-Most degree programs at Terra State require students to enroll in courses called electives. An elective is a course that a student chooses to take from a list of several course options.

Enrollment Status-To be considered a full-time student for enrollment and financial aid purposes, a student needs to be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours. A part-time student is someone enrolled for less than 12 credit hours. Federal Stafford Student Loan recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours to be considered at least half-time.

Part of Term-Part of Term is a term inside the selected semester. These can consist of Full Term (Fall/Spring 16 week session - & Summer 12 week session), Late Start (Fall/Spring 14 and 12 week sessions & Summer 8 week session), and Half Term (Fall/Spring 8 week session - & Summer 6 week session).

Prerequisites-A prerequisite is a course that must be completed before students can take the next course in a sequence. If a course has a prerequisite, that requirement is included in the course description. A co-requisite is a course that should be taken at the same time as another course.
 

Academic Advisors

Policy Statement

Academic advising consists of guiding students in a variety of academic areas including, but not limited to major selection, course placement, course selection, course registration, program planning, and other activities. Academic Advisors must be familiar with and able to convey to student the many and varied institutional and academic policies outlined in writing.

Policy Details

  1. Advisors, Academic Administrators, and Faculty, where appropriate, shall serve as Academic Advisors.

    1. Staff in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services will be identified to serve in the role of academic advisor for all new and continuing students.

    2. In accordance with the Terra Faculty Association contract, full time faculty responsibilities may include advising and assisting students with registration and coursework in degree programs and certificates.  

    3. Where special needs exist, students will be referred to the college’s Academic Service Center.

    4. Students will be notified of their specific Academic Advisor as part of the admissions process.

    5. In the event that a student changes majors or is reassigned to a new advisor, an email will be sent to the student’s Terra State email account identifying the new advisor.

    6. Students may find their academic advisor by accessing Banner Self Service and Engagement by Watermark. Students should regularly check to verify who their advisor is.

    7. It is the responsibility of the student to seek appropriate academic advising.

Procedures

  1. How to identify your Academic Advisor.
    1. Banner Self Service
      1. Navigate to https://my.terra.edu.
      2. Click on links in the yellow navigation bar at the top of the page.
      3. Click on Banner Self Service and Log In using your Terra username and password.
      4. Click on the Student Tab in Banner Self Service.
      5. Click on the Student Records link.
      6. Click on View Student Information.
    2. Student Success and Engagement by Watermark
      1. Navigate to https://my.terra.edu.
      2. Click on links in the yellow navigation bar at the top of the page.
      3. Click on Watermark Student Success and Log In using your Terra username and password.
      4. Click on the Home link at the top.
      5. Your Academic Advisor and your Success Coach will be found in the “Your Success Team” box.

Resources

  1. Advising at Terra State

Phone: 419-559-2345

Email: advising@terra.edu

Website: https://www.terra.edu/degrees_programs/academic_services/academic_advising/index.php

  1. TSCC College Catalog - https://www.terra.edu/degrees_programs/academic_services/academic_advising/index.php

  2. Staying on Track to Graduate - https://www.terra.edu/degrees_programs/academic_services/academic_advising/staying_on_track_to_graduate.php

  3. Disability Services | Academic Accommodations - https://www.terra.edu/degrees_programs/academic_services/disability_services/index.php

 

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Policy Statement

Recognizing that a student’s academic performance early in the student’s career may not be indicative of the student’s true academic ability, Terra State Community College (TSCC) allows a student to apply for “Academic Forgiveness.” Academic Forgiveness allows a qualifying student to mitigate poor performance by forgiving D and F grades. Forgiven grades will be designated as an FS on the student’s transcript but are not calculated in the GPA.

Policy Details

A student may petition for “Forgiveness” if the student meets the following criteria:

  1. Has been absent from the College for two (2) consecutive academic years or has changed majors.
  2. After re-enrolling at the College or changing majors, has satisfactorily completed 20 semester hours of credit.
  3. Has maintained at least a 2.5 GPA with all grades being “C” or better since re-enrolling or changing majors.

Students wishing to complete the process may obtain a “Petition for Academic Forgiveness” by contacting an advisor or emailing advising@terra.edu.

  1. The student must complete and submit the form to the Records Office for determination of eligibility.
  2. If the student qualifies for forgiveness there will be a $50 processing fee payable to the Cashier’s Office.
  3. Upon receipt of payment, all qualifying “D” and “F” grades earned prior to the absence from the college or the change in major will be forgiven.
  4. Forgiven grades will be reflected on the transcript as “FS.”
  5. Courses with forgiven grades will continue to appear on the transcript, but will not be calculated in the cumulative GPA.
  6. A student may use this policy only once.
  7. This policy does not alter any college policies pertaining to academic standing.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity and honesty are basic values of Terra State Community College (TSCC). Students are expected to follow standards of academic integrity and honesty. Academic misconduct implies dishonesty or deception in fulfilling academic requirements and includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or the furnishing of false information to the college or a college affiliate in academic related matters. An affiliate of the college is any person, organization or company that works in conjunction with Terra State Community College for the purposes of assisting students in fulfilling their academic requirements. The term “cheating” is defined in Article A, Number 19 of the Student Code of Conduct. The term “plagiarism” is defined in Article A, Number 20 of the Student Code of Conduct. Any student found to have committed academic misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article I of the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Standing

Policy Statement

Academic standing monitors the progress of all enrolled students in credit-bearing classes at the end of every term.  All students begin their academic careers in Good Academic Standing. Those who fail to meet the requirements, as defined in this policy, are placed on academic probation for the following term. Those who fail to meet a minimum set of academic standards, after a term on academic probation, may be academically suspended from the college for the following term.  

Policy Details

A student maintains satisfactory academic progress (Good Academic Standing) by earning a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Students earning less than a minimum GPA of 2.0 will be subject to probation and possibly suspension, regardless of the number of credit hours.

Academic Workload

Students who plan to graduate with an Associates Degree at the end of two years should follow the degree curriculum plan for their program listed in the college catalog. To graduate in two years, most programs require a student to complete 15-18 credit hours per semester. Students wishing to register for more than 20 credit hours (full-time overload status) must consult with their academic advisor prior to registration and need to obtain permission from their academic dean. Students should consult their advisors each term for assistance with scheduling and staying on path to completion. Please contact advising@terra.edu with any questions.

Credit Hour Enrollment Guidelines:

Credit Hours Student Status
12 or more Full-Time
9-11 3/4 Time
6-8 1/2 Time
1-5 Less than 1/2 Time

Advising Services

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) is committed to providing advising services that provide guidance and direction on various aspects of the student experience while attending the college. The goal of advising services is to promote student success.  

Policy Details

The college shall provide advising services for students which include but are not limited to the following areas:

  1. Exploring education goals
  2. College admission process
  3. Planning program of study
  4. Class scheduling
  5. Fulfilling degree and certificate requirements
  6. Transfer opportunities
  7. Career exploration and placement

Procedures

Before meeting with an advisor, students should complete the Admissions process. This includes submitting an admission application, submitting all transcripts, meeting with an Admissions Advisor, setting up a Terra account, discussing financial aid options, orientation, and placement testing.

Academic Enrollment Advisors are assigned to students at the time of their enrollment at the college. Students may find their advisor on Banner Self-Service.

New Students will have an advising hold placed on their accounts at the time of first enrollment. New students must meet with an Academic Enrollment Advisor to register for the first semester of coursework. New students may not register without first meeting with an Academic Enrollment Advisor who assist, the student in creating an academic plan for their program of study. The Academic Enrollment Advisor will remove the advising hold allowing the student to register.

Continuing Students will not have an advising hold placed on their account. Continuing students are not required to meet with an academic advisor each semester. However, it is highly recommended that all students meet with an Academic Enrollment Advisor prior to registration for each academic term. Meeting with an Academic Enrollment Advisor can help assure that adequate and timely progress is being made toward degree completion, and may help prevent issues that would delay graduation and the completion of educational goals.

For more information about advising services, please email advising@terra.edu or call 419-559-2345. 

Resources

Admissions Application - https://terra-uga.edu.185r.net/application/login/

Banner Self-Service - https://selfservice.terra.edu/ssomanager/c/SSB

Student Success & Engagement (Watermark) - https://terra.avisoapp.com/

Transferology: https://transferology.com/index.htm

Attendance

Policy Statement

Regular and prompt attendance is expected of students at scheduled class meetings or other activities assigned as part of a course of instruction. Regular attendance may be required in programs when mandated by accrediting or other regulatory agencies.

Policy Details

1. Instructors will publish their own attendance policies in their syllabi. Instructors will use the published policy to determine whether a student is marked absent or present. Instructors may use, but are not limited to, any of the following guidelines developed by the United States Department of Education in determining attendance including:

  • Physical class attendance where there is direct interaction between the instructor and student.
  • Submission of an academic assignment.
  • Completing an examination, interactive tutorial, or computerized instruction module.
  • Participating in a study group assigned by the instructor.
  • Participating in an online discussion about academic matters; merely logging into a distance or hybrid course is not sufficient evidence of attendance.
  • Initiating contact with the instructor to ask a question about the academic subject matter.

2. In the event of absence, the student is responsible for contacting instructors.

3. After the first seven days of a class session, the instructor must report in whether a student has attended class during the first seven calendar days.

4. Any registered student who has been absent during the entire first seven calendar days of the class session will be dropped from that class.

5. At the end of each term, the instructor must record the last date of attendance for students who have been issued a grade of “F” or “U”. A last day of attendance should be recorded when a student began the course and at some point during the semester stopped attending and ceased participating in an academically related activity. If attendance is not taken the last date of participation in an academically related activity will be used.

 

Auditing Courses Policy

Policy Statement

Students may audit courses for which they do not desire credit.  Audit students must meet special program/course requirements, where applicable.

Policy Details

Students may change an audit status to credit status, or from credit to audit status, before the end of the 14th calendar day of that part of term. Notice of change must be received from the student on or before the 14th day. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to Student Records by email to recordsdept@terra.edu, or by calling 419.559.2405.

  • Audit (AU) Status
  • An “AU” is recorded on a student’s permanent record when a student audits a class.
  • The “AU” grade is not included in the cumulative grade point average and does not apply to graduation.
  • When auditing a course, students pay full tuition and fees, understanding that no credit may be earned or claimed later.
    • Students must complete and submit the online application for admission. See the Admissions Policy for more information.
    • Students age 60 and above may be eligible to have their tuition waived. See the Senior Citizen Education Plan Policy for more information.
    • Financial Aid may not be used to pay for audited classes.
  • Students are not required to submit assignments or take examinations, although this participation will help students gain knowledge of the subject.

Class Registration

Registration begins approximately 5 months prior to the start of the term. The exact dates are available on the College Calendar. Online registration for current students is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the Terra State web site, my.terra.edu. Students are encouraged to register early to help ensure a schedule that best meets their unique needs.

New students should contact the Academic Service Center, located in Building B, General Technologies Building, Room 105, at 419.559.2405 regarding academic advising procedures for new students. New students must meet with an Admissions Advisor and are encouraged to complete orientation before they register for classes. The Office of Admissions is located in Building A, Roy Klay Hall, Room 100, at 419.559.2349.

Continuing students may contact their Academic Advisor. Advisor contact information is located in Banner Self-Service under the Student tab, Student Records, view Student Information. To schedule a meeting with an Academic Advisor, please utilize the booking links on the advisor listing found in announcements on http://my.terra.edu, or call the Advising Office at 419-559-2345.

Class Schedules

Class schedules are located at www.terra.edu and on Banner Self-Service under the Student tab, Registration, Look-up Classes. These schedules contain course numbers, course titles, credit hours for each course and days and times each class is scheduled to meet.

Class Standing

Policy Statement

All students are classified as freshman (first-year) or sophomore (second-year) based upon the total number of successfully completed semester hours.

Policy Details

  1. A student successfully completing less than 31 semester hours is considered a freshman.
  2. A student successfully completing 31 or more semester hours is considered a sophomore.

Grades, and their corresponding credit hours, not counted toward class standing include audit (AU), incomplete (I), withdraw (W), unsatisfactory (U), failure (F), and academic forgiveness (FS).

Commencement Attendance Policy

Policy Statement

Commencement provides recognition to those students who are expected to meet the College’s requirements for graduation.

Policy Details

  1. Students shall meet the following criteria in order to participate in commencement and be included in the commencement program:
  2. Complete and submit a graduation application.
  3. A student’s graduation application must have an approved audit with pending completion status
    1. The published commencement program will include the following terms:
    2. Fall and Spring graduates of the current academic year
    3. Summer graduates from the prior Summer term that were not included in the prior academic year’s program.
    4. Summer graduation applicants from the upcoming Summer term that have met #2 by the first Monday following the Easter Holiday.

Complete Withdrawal from College

Policy Statement


Terra State Community College (TSCC) is committed to helping students be successful in their courses and remain on track to complete their educational goals, on occasion it might be in the best interest of the student and/or the College community that a student withdraw from the College. The purpose of this policy is to define the withdrawal policy and procedures for a complete withdrawal from the institution. TSCC allows for leaves and withdrawals from the College which pertain to academic, personal, and or medical circumstances.

Policy Details

  1. A student wishing to withdraw from TSCC must contact the Dean of Student Success who will establish the official date of withdrawal for students based upon the date the student initiates the process. The student must contact the Dean of Student Success to obtain a request for complete withdrawal form. Students may totally withdraw from Terra State Community College by completing the Request for Complete Withdrawal. The request form can be found by contacting the Dean of Student Success.
  2. Students who cannot physically appear to complete step one above in the Academic Service Center to totally withdraw can notify the Dean of Student Success or Registrar by phone, e-mail or U.S. mail.
  3. Contact with any other college office or employee will not be considered an official withdrawal. Any student who stops attending and does not officially withdraw will be considered an “unofficial withdrawal”.

  4. An unofficial withdrawal may impact a student’s final grades, term GPA, cumulative GPA, financial aid, or academic standing. Please consult with the appropriate office for details on the impact of an unofficial withdrawal. 

Procedures

Student must fill out the Request for Complete Withdrawal form with the Dean of Student Success. When the form is completed it will be scanned and sent to the following distribution list:

  1. Registrar
  2. Financial Aid
  3. Housing (if applicable)
  4. Campus Safety
  5. Cashier’s Office

Resources

  1. Dean of Student Success
    ​Building B, Room 105
    419-559-2139
    academicservicecenter@terra.edu
     
  2. Registrar / Student Records
    Building A, Room 200
    419-559-2405
    recordsdept@terra.edu
     
  3. Financial Aid
    Building A, Room 100
    419-559-2344
    financialaid@terra.edu
     
  4. Housing (if applicable)
    The Landings at Terra Village
    419-559-2161
    housing@terra.edu
     
  5. Campus Safety
    Building E, Room 104
    419-559-2253
     
  6. Cashier’s Office
    Building A, Room 200
    419-559-2329
    cashier@terra.edu

Compassionate or Medical Withdrawal

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) is committed to supporting student success. When documented hardship prevents a student’s successful completion of meeting the requirements of an individual class or a course of study, Terra State will consider a request for academic course withdrawal to provide time for a student to recover from a specific medical or personal hardship.
 

Policy Details

  1. The medical/compassionate withdrawal process is used only after the 100% financial reimbursement drop date in the semester (i.e. when a student can no longer drop a course online without negative consequences). Prior to the 100% drop date, students can drop courses on their own with no academic or financial penalty. More information about reimbursement can be found in the Refund section of the Fees (Tuition and Other) in the College Catalog.
  2. Considering the medical/compassionate withdrawal policy, a hardship is defined as an event that causes significant suffering, hardship, or other extenuating circumstances that hinder attendance and/or academic performance including but not limited to a personal medical emergency, homelessness, death or serious illness of dependent individual, unexpected job status change, or other unavoidable event that significantly prevents academic progress.
  3. An approved medical/compassionate withdrawal will replace any pending grade in a course with a W (withdrawal). However, the process does not approve requests in cases where students are dissatisfied with their grades, are unable to drop courses without financial consequence because the 100% drop date has passed, or are placed on academic probation or suspension due to poor academic performance.
  4. If a student is incapacitated to the point of inability to contact Terra State directly, another individual representing the student can work with the Dean of Student Success to submit the documentation on the student’s behalf. Additional steps may be required to safeguard student confidentiality while determining identity.
  5. Approval does not automatically provide reimbursement of tuition, housing costs, and fees. Financial Aid, outstanding bills, and other financial ramifications are subject to separate approval. The request will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office and the Cashier’s Office prior to a final financial decision, considering all financial responsibilities and impacts. Depending on the specific student situation, the students’ responsibility for tuition and fees may be reduced, pro-rated, or waived. Withdrawal itself can impact Financial Aid, especially satisfactory progress toward achievement of an academic program. Due to financial complications, the reduction of a bill, pro-rating of outstanding financial commitments, or refunds must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  6. Students with a known medical condition that requires accommodation are encouraged to register with Disability Services (part of the Academic Service Center at Terra State Community College). Registration with Disability Services prior to the start of a semester is important in order to initiate supports for academic success as early as possible.
  7. Public Secondary schools are responsible for CCP tuition for any enrollment of a student who has not withdrawn from the course before the college’s established withdrawal date. (ORC 3365.07).

Procedures

  1. To request a medical/compassionate withdrawal, a student must submit the Medical / Compassionate Withdrawal Request Form no more than 30 calendar days after the last day of the semester for which the withdrawal is desired. This form is available from Admissions (A100), Academic Advisors, and the Dean of Student Success. All forms must be submitted no later than June 30th of the fiscal year during which the request is made. The form, along with any supporting documentation, must be submitted to the Dean of Student Success.
  2. A student who seeks to withdraw from Terra State due to hardship must submit the Medical / Compassionate Withdrawal Request Form to the Dean of Student Success. Please include all supporting documentation with the original form submission.
  3. The supporting documentation accompanying the request must verify the nature of the event, date(s) the event occurred, an explanation of how the hardship affected the student’s ability to be successful, and any other documentation which provides appropriate supporting details, including:
    1. Medical forms or a signed letter from a caregiving professional that indicates hospitalization or decreased capacity to complete academic work.
    2. Legal documents that indicate an inability to attend class or decreased capacity to complete academic work (e.g. letter from attorney, court records, police report, fire report).
    3. Obituary or other document indicating death of a dependent or immediate family member.
    4. Other formal documentation related to an uncontrollable circumstance which directly impacts a student’s success.
  4. If additional documentation is necessary, you will be contacted by the Dean of Student Success or a designee. If additional items are needed before a final decision can be made, you will have 10 business days to supply the additional information. If not provided within 10 business days, the request will be denied.
  5. The Dean of Student Success, or designee, will review the Medical / Compassionate Withdrawal Request Form, along with supporting documentation, and determine whether the submitted personal statement and documents support a finding that the student was unable to achieve academic success due to the occurrence of the specific hardship.
  6. Students will be informed of the decision outcome within 10 business days of successful submission of a completed Medical / Compassionate Withdrawal Request Form and all required supporting documentation.
  7. A student who wishes to appeal the decision of the Dean of Student Success must submit an appeal letter in writing to the Senior Vice President for Innovation and Strategic Planning, or designee, within 10 business days of notification of the outcome. The decision of the Senior Vice President for Innovation and Strategic Planning, or designee, is final.

Resources

  1. Dean of Student Success
    Building B, Room 105
    419-559-2416
    tshaal01@terra.edu
  2. Terra State Disability Services
    Building B, Room 105
    419.559.2139
    https://www.terra.edu/disabilityservices
  3. Student Appeal Petition for Medical/Compassionate Withdrawal and/or Review of Billing Charges
     

Course Substitutions & Waivers Policy

Policy Statement

Students should complete their program curriculum outlined in the Terra State Community College Catalog and Student Handbook. Programs are carefully planned and periodically reviewed. It should not be typically necessary to substitute or waive courses in degrees or certificates. It may be appropriate, however, to substitute or waive a course requirement under unique or unusual circumstances.

Policy Details

Students requesting a substitution or waiver should contact their academic advisor or faculty member to initiate the process.

A course substitution is a course that takes the place of a required course in a curriculum, provided the course substitution involves similar content of the required course. Approved substitutions will appear on the student academic record once the petition is processed. Substitutions can only take affect if the course is either graded or enrolled.

Automatic course substitutions will be processed by the College and no further action is needed. Please contact recordsdept@terra.edu for a complete list.

A course waiver exempts the student from completing a required course in the curriculum. The academic dean determines course waiver eligibility based on the learning outcomes of the course. All waived courses are not calculated into earned or GPA bearing credits. If sufficient credits are not available to replace the waived credits, the student may be required to complete additional course work; students should consult their academic advisor for specific direction concerning completing program credit requirements. Approved waivers will appear on the student’s degree audit.

Dean’s List

Policy Statement

The Dean’s List is an academic honor conferred on students who have accomplished an extraordinary level of academic achievement each academic term.

Policy Details

Students meeting the following requirements qualify for the Dean’s List and receive an official letter from the college acknowledging their success:

  • Academic workload is 12 credit hours or more; “S” and “U” grade hours are excluded.
  • Term grade point average of 3.50 or higher.
  • No “F” grades received during the term.
  • No “I” (incomplete) grades received during the term.

Distance Learning

Distance learning (DL) courses allow students more flexibility in managing their time for studying and completing coursework, outside of a traditional classroom. In distance learning courses, students can take part in their learning despite barriers related to time or place.

There are two types of distance learning courses offered at Terra State: Hybrid and Virtual. Hybrid courses offer a mixture of on-campus, in class activities and online coursework. Virtual courses are completed 100 percent online and will not require the student to come to campus. All distance learning classes use Terra’s Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver online coursework. Students can view lectures and presentations, complete quizzes, and participate in discussions in the LMS.

DL courses are listed in the course schedule published each term. Students must have a computer with a current web browser and an active high-speed Internet connection to succeed in DL courses at Terra State.

First-Year Seminar (GEN1000)

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College requires degree and some certificate seeking students to complete the first year experience course, GEN1000 First Year Seminar, to meet college requirements.
 

Policy Details

  1. Students beginning a degree or some certificate programs at Terra State Community College should register for the GEN1000 course during their first advising session on campus.
  2. Students are encouraged to complete GEN1000 during their first 15 credit hours of enrollment for maximum benefit.
  3. The GEN1000 requirement may be waived for students who meet one of the conditions outlined below. If a student qualifies for a waiver, the students’ advisor can submit a waiver and note indicating waiver status for GEN1000 to the Academic Dean of the division under which the student’s academic program of study is situated.
    1. Possess a college degree (associate or bachelor level).
    2. Completed an equivalent college-level first year experience course at a regionally accredited institution of higher education and possess a successful academic record (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better).
    3. Completed 30 or more college credits (TSCC or another regionally accredited higher education institution) and possess a successful academic record (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better).
    4. Completed a tour of duty in the military with the successful completion of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training.
    5. Apply as a transient, concurrently enrolled, non-degree, or non-certificate seeking student who wishes to enroll in classes for personal enrichment or credit-based workforce development

Grading System

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College’s (TSCC) grading system will be based on a 4-point (A-F) grading system.

Policy Details

At the close of each term and upon completion of a course, each instructor reports a letter grade indicating the quality of a student’s work. Points for each semester- hour of credit earned are assigned according to the following system:

Quality Grade Points
Excellent A 4
Good B 3
Average C 2
Below Average D 1
Failure F 0
Incomplete I Not Computed
Progressing PR Not Computed
Satisfactory S Not Computed
Unsatisfactory U Not Computed

Grades may also be assigned or automatically placed on the student’s transcript due to evaluations of alternative credit, transfer credit, or through student action. These are not computed in the GPA. These include the following:

Withdrawn W Not Computed
Audit AU Not Computed
Proficiency or Work Experience Credit CR Not Computed
Forgiven FG/FS Not Computed
No Grade Reported NR Not Computed
Passing Exempt PE Not Computed
Nonpassing Exempt NE Not Computed

Incomplete: An “I” (Incomplete) is recorded when circumstances beyond the control of a student prevent the student from completing course requirements during a term. An “I” is assigned when the student has arranged, with the instructor, a specific plan for fulfilling the course requirements.

Incompletes are given based on the judgment of the instructor. Students have six weeks after the beginning of the next term to complete the coursework, otherwise a grade of “F” is recorded.

Exception: Incompletes received in the spring term may be resolved within six weeks after the beginning of the following fall term. Otherwise, a grade of “F” is recorded.

Audit: An “AU” is recorded on a student’s permanent record when a student audits a class. The “AU” grade is not included in the cumulative grade point average.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory: A grade of “S” (satisfactory) or “U” (unsatisfactory) is given for select courses. (Grades of A, B, C, D or F cannot be substituted for S/U courses.) These grades are not computed in the grade point average.

Exempt (Passing/Nonpassing): Pass/Fail grading option used during COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with Ohio Department of Education guidelines.

Grade Point Average

(Calculating)

Grade point average (GPA) is determined through a series of calculations. First, course points are calculated by multiplying the credit hours for the course by the number of points assigned to the earned course grade (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1) (credit x grade points = points). Next, all points are totaled and divided by the total graded credit hours attempted. The following example illustrates the GPA calculation:

Course Credit Hours (HRS)   Grade Points Points (PTS)
ENGT 3 x (B=3) =   9
EET 3 x (B=3) =   9
CAD 3 x (C=2) =   6
PSY 3 x (A=4) = 12
Totals 12        36

GPA = 36 ÷ 12 = 3.00

Grade (Report)

A Grade Report is available to students through Banner Self-Service, under Student, then Records. This report includes grades for the current term. It also includes earned hours, quality points and grade point average for both the completed term and the student’s cumulative program at Terra State Community College. Please refer to Banner Self-Service for final grades.

All financial obligations to the college (Instructional fees, general fees, laboratory fees, library fines, etc.) must be paid and all college equipment returned before grades will be released.

Grade Change Policy

The purpose of the grade change policy is to ensure the preservation of academic integrity between the student and faculty member. An instructor of record who wishes to change a final grade for a student must complete and submit a grade change form to the Student Records Office.

The following actions must occur if an instructor of record is changing a final grade for a student after the completion of a semester. The faculty member may complete a grade change form until the last day of the following semester without dean’s approval. Grade changes submitted after the last day of the following semester must include the dean’s signed authorization.

Graduation Honors

Policy Statement

Graduation honors are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement at Terra State Community College. 

Policy Details

Honors are awarded to degree-seeking students who achieve the following cumulative grade point average (GPA): 

Honor Classification Cumulative Grade Point Average
summa cum laude 3.90-4.00
magna cum laude 3.75-3.89
cum laude 3.50-3.74

Honors are not awarded to certificate-seeking students and cumulative GPAs are not rounded up.  

For students intending to graduate at the end of Spring semester, and participate in commencement activities, honors recognition is based on the cumulative GPA through the previous Fall term.

Graduation Requirements

Policy Statement

Students must meet all College, degree and/or certificate completion requirements in order to graduate from Terra State Community College (TSCC).

Policy Details

Consideration for degree or certificate completion does not occur automatically. Students nearing the completion of an award need to petition for graduation. The Application for Graduation may be completed through the student portal or at the Records Office. Graduation applications should be completed and submitted to the Records Office one (1) academic term prior to the projected date of completion.

Associate Degree 

Students planning to earn an associate degree at TSCC must: 

  1. Successfully complete all credit hours, or equivalent work, in an active degree program. 
  2. Earn a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the technical area or pathway/major, and earn a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA overall.  Please see the TSCC Academic Catalog for curriculum information.
  3. Earn at least one-fourth of total credit hours required in the program with courses taken at TSCC. 

Please contact recordsdept@terra.edu for further questions.

Certificate Programs 

Students planning to complete a certificate at TSCC must: 

  1. Complete all credit hours, or equivalent, in an active certificate program in which enrolled.  
  2. Earn a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA in all required program courses, and earn a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA overall.  Please see the TSCC Academic Catalog for curriculum information.
  3. Earn at least one-fourth of all total credit hours required for the certificate program with courses taken at TSCC. 

Please contact recordsdept@terra.edu for further questions.

Catalog Eligibility 

The College recognizes the need to update its curriculum periodically. 

When the curriculum of a student’s program changes, a candidate for graduation may elect to follow the requirements listed for the desired program either in: 

  1. The catalog in effect the year the student first registered for classes at TSCC if within the previous four (4) academic years; or 
  2. Any catalog in effect while the student is enrolled at TSCC, if within the previous four (4) academic years; or 
  3. The current catalog in effect at the time the student graduates. 

In the event that the college no longer offers a course specified in an earlier college catalog, another course may be substituted. The appropriate academic Dean or designee must approve all course substitution(s). 

Please contact recordsdept@terra.edu for further questions.

Embedded Certificate 

Embedded certificates are a subset of required courses that correspond to an approved degree program offered at TSCC. The embedded certificate may be awarded concurrently or prior to its corresponding degree program. The Records Office may automatically award embedded certificates dependent on: 

  1. All required coursework existing in the current student information system. 
  2. All requirements having been met within the previous four (4) academic catalogs. 
  3. Being enrolled within the current academic year. 

Students who are auto-awarded embedded certificates must complete applications to graduate if they wish to receive a printed copy of each certificate. See the procedures below.  

Please contact recordsdept@terra.edu for further questions.

Posthumous Award Policy

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) may award an associate degree or certificate posthumously.

Policy Details

A posthumous degree serves to recognize and commemorate a student’s academic achievement. Awarding of posthumous degrees requires evaluation of the student’s record to ensure the integrity of the academic degree and the institution. Therefore, posthumous degrees may only be awarded in cases when specific criteria are met via evaluation of the student’s academic record.

  1. At the request of a parent, guardian, spouse, child of the decedent, Office of the President, or college representative, a deceased student’s record will be evaluated for eligibility of a posthumous award 
  2. The formal request must include a family member’s (parent, guardian, spouse, child of decedent, etc.) contact information be sent to the student’s academic dean (the dean of the division that awards the degree or certificate). Email recordsdept@terra.edu or call 419.559.2405 for contact information.
  3. The student’s record will be evaluated for eligibility based on the following requirements: 
    1. The student was enrolled at the time of death, or death occurred while deployed as a member of the US Armed Forces, 
    2. The student made sufficient progress toward completion of the degree or certificate requested, 
    3. The student was in good academic standing and has no financial holds on his/her account, and  
    4. The deceased student’s cause of death was not due to any unlawful activity by the student. 
  4. After the posthumous degree has been approved by the Board of Trustees, the originator (or his/her representative) will contact the family to make arrangements for presenting the diploma.  
  5. The diploma will include the statement “Awarded Posthumously” and the student’s transcript will note that the degree was conferred posthumously. 

Preferred Name, Gender, & Pronoun Policy

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) recognizes that members of our community may prefer to use a first name that differs from their legal name to identify themselves. TSCC is committed to using the preferred first name of individuals wherever possible. Legal name changes, such as last name, require official documentation. 

To encourage a welcoming climate, TSCC has a policy that allows students, faculty, and staff to indicate their preferred first name to the college community independent of legal name; providing the use of a preferred name is not for the purpose of misrepresentation. Furthering TSCC’s inclusive efforts, gender identity and personal pronouns are modifiable at the individual’s discretion. 

Policy Details

While a student’s preferred first name will appear in Self-Service Banner (SSB) and class rosters as soon as the name is saved, it may take longer to appear on other systems. Please note that TSCC may use third-party software that does not use, or is not compatible with, preferred names. Students and staff can update their preferred first name, gender or personal pronoun through the My Profile, Personal Details section of SSB.  

TSCC reserves the right to review all preferred name changes and will not accept a preferred name that is considered vulgar, offensive, or obscene; creates confusion of the individual with another person; or otherwise constitutes misuse or abuse as defined in this policy. Students who violate this standard will receive a notification to their TSCC email address, and the name(s) will be removed from the system. Students who repeatedly violate this standard will be referred for Student Conduct charges. Appeals to this may be made using the Administrative Student Complaint Policy. 

Faculty, staff, or students who update their preferred name after being issued an identification card may request a replacement card. Faculty, staff, or students who request a replacement identification card should be advised that appropriate charges for a duplicate ID will apply. 

The preferred name will be used on advisor/advisee lists, class rosters, commencement program, dean’s list, diplomas, email, and many screens and documents generated in your student/staff portal. In most cases, postal mail will be addressed with the preferred name.  

Reasons for the use of a preferred name may include individuals who use: 

  • a middle name instead of a first name, 
  • an anglicized name, 
  • a name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing, or 
  • a name that better represents the individual’s gender identity. 

The legal name will be used when it is required for business, legal, and external reporting purposes, such as billing statements, financial aid documents, official and unofficial transcripts, immigration documents, police records, conduct records, medical and health records, payroll, and professional licensure records.  

Gender and personal pronouns are not in directory information, and only visible in the College’s official records. They are visible to the student/staff through the individual’s profile in SSB.  

Once saved, the preferred first name will update automatically in some systems, but other third-party systems may take longer.  

To change a legal name, a request to change the name must be made in person at the appropriate office. Students are required to provide their legal names on their applications for admission. After enrollment, students may process official name changes or corrections. A change of legal name requires an official document or court order verifying the correct information at the time the request is made. 

Employees of TSCC, including student employees, must contact Human Resources. 

Students, excluding student employees, must contact Student Records. 

Two (2) of the following documents must be submitted for verification of the legal name change: 

Valid passport (required for international students in non-immigrant status), 

Federally issued identification card, 

Court action document, 

Divorce decree (the appropriate page of the decree), 

Marriage certificate,

Valid state driver’s license or state-issued identification card, 

Social Security Card, 

Additional documents not listed may be deemed acceptable by either the Registrar or Director of Human Resources.

Prerequisites Skills Policy

Policy Statement

Prerequisites, and co-requisites are listed in the College Catalog and Student Handbook and the Banner Self-Service/Student Portal are required for select courses at Terra State Community College (TSCC).

Policy Details

Prerequisite Details

A prerequisite is a course that must be completed before students can take the next course in a sequence. If a course has a prerequisite, that requirement is included in the course description.

Students will not be able to enroll in these courses without completing the necessary prerequisites. Prerequisites may consist of placement test results or specific course completions that require a passing grade before students may register for a higher-level course*.

*Remedial Coursework/Remediation Free Scores:

For those course prerequisites that require a placement score, students must provide a remediation free score in order to meet this standard (contact admissions@terra.edu for more information regarding remediation free thresholds and testing information).  Examples include ACT or SAT scores as well as Accuplacer tests in reading, mathematics and English that may be administered by TSCC.  Students who achieve remediation free scores are eligible to enroll in most college-level coursework.

Students who test into remedial English, mathematics and/or reading on the Accuplacer assessment or the ACT or SAT college readiness examinations will be required to enroll in the appropriate remedial course(s). 

Students may not enroll in college-level coursework requiring a prerequisite until they have completed the appropriate prerequisite course.

It is solely the student’s responsibility to ensure course prerequisites are met before the first day of the course in which the course requiring the prerequisite begins. “I” (Incomplete) grades do not meet prerequisite requirements. If an instructor agrees to submit an “I” grade at the end of a semester, it is the student’s responsibility to have a passing grade by the first day of the course requiring a prerequisite. The student will be dropped from the course requiring the prerequisite if the passing grade is not posted to a student’s transcript.

Currently enrolled students who do not pass the prerequisite courses with the necessary grade will not be allowed to take the subsequent course. Those already enrolled in the subsequent course will be dropped from that course. Students will be notified of this change in their enrollment status within one week of final grades being posted for the prerequisite course. At that time, they may need to change their schedules. It is suggested that students contact their Academic Advisor to make those changes.

Co-requisite Details

A co-requisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as another course**.

**Co-requisite and Remedial Coursework Model:

TSCC students who have not achieved remediation free test scores in English, mathematics and/or reading have the option to take college-level courses instead of enrolling in only prerequisite, remedial courses in mathematics, reading and/ or English. Please contact admissions@terra.edu for more information.

Students may not enroll in college-level coursework requiring a co-requisite unless they register for both courses during the same term.

Prior Learning Assessment Policy

Policy Statement

Terra State believes in meeting students where they are in life and providing a path to earning college credit for what they’ve already learned and achieved. To this end, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may be an option for some students. PLA is credit awarded for demonstrated relevant college-level education acquired through nontraditional schooling, work or other life experience.

Policy Details

Through PLA, subject matter experts evaluate how prior experiences might translate to college-level knowledge and how that knowledge may equate to college credit. In order to be deemed course credit-worthy, the experience(s) and documentation must demonstrate that the student has met the course learning outcomes identified in the syllabus for the course in question.

  • Students may apply for PLA at any time after admission to the College.
  • Students may only apply for PLA for courses directly applicable to curriculum requirements in the student’s declared certificate or degree program.
  • Credit approved through the evaluation process will be posted to the student’s transcript with a “CR” (Credit) grade.
  • Awarded PLA will not affect a student’s grade point average or quality points, nor will it count toward the one-fourth of total credit hours required in the program minimum requirement needed for graduation. Please see Graduation Requirements Policy for details.
  • PLA credit is subject to time limitations for certain courses and/or programs. Limitations are determined by the profession/industry standards and the discretion of faculty, division dean or designee.

Procedures

Student should meet with their advisor, or email advising@terra.edu to discuss options for types of PLA below.

  1. Advanced Placement Examination Program (AP): A series of tests developed and administered by The College Board for advanced placement high school courses. Since 2009, Ohio has guaranteed credit for established scores on AP exams.
    1. Current AP credit awards by can be found at https://reports-cems.transfercredit.ohio.gov/apexprod/rws_cems/r/105/ap
    2. Scores must be sent from CollegeBoard https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/sending-scores
  2. Advanced Standing: Exams, Portfolio, and/or evaluations completed by Outside sources (Articulated Credit, OSHA Safety Card, etc…)
  3. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): Standardized tests of college material offered by The College Board. Since 2017, college credit has been guaranteed statewide for students who achieve an established CLEP test score for exams that have been endorsed statewide as college level.
    1. Current CLEP credit awards can be found at https://clep.collegeboard.org/college-credit-policy/terra-state-community-college.
    2. Scores must be sent from CollegeBoard https://clep.collegeboard.org/scores/send-scores-transcripts
  4. International Baccalaureate Programs (IB): Similar to the AP program, IB is an internationally-recognized instructional program designed for high school students that leads to a final examination.
    1. Standard Level (SL) subjects take up to 150 teaching hours
    2. Higher Level (HL) subjects take up to 240 teaching hours
  5. Institutional Credit by Exam: Assessments created and administered by Terra State faculty or staff. If an exam is not a practical evaluation of a student’s aptitude, in courses such as welding or engineering, a portfolio or application/presentation may be required.
  6. Block Credit: Awarded credit, typically 30 hours maximum, toward an Associate of Technical Study upon completion of an industry credential. (i.e. Cosmetology)
  7. Military Credit (MC): Credit awarded for non-MTAG military coursework, training, or experience.

The Prior Learning Assessment form is available through your individual Advisor, by email at advising@terra.edu, or by contacting Student Records. The form must be completed before any PLA will be evaluated.

Program of Study Policy

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) students must declare a program of study at the time of application. After making this decision, some students may find that their interests and abilities lead them in a different direction. TSCC offers a transparent and timely process for students to change programs and successfully complete a degree or certificate program. The responsibility of intent to change a program rests with the student.

Policy Details

TSCC allows students to select no more than two (2) official programs of study be on their record at any one (1) time.

Students are eligible to change their program at any time. Students receiving financial assistance should confer with an advisor before requesting a change to their program. Program change requests must be in writing, either by email to recordsdept@terra.edu or through use of a Record Revision Form available at Student Records.

Repeated Courses Policy

Policy Statement

Terra State Community College (TSCC) allows students to repeat courses currently offered to improve their original grade.

Policy Details

After successfully repeating a course, the student should file a Course Repeat Form so that the new grade can be calculated into the GPA. Forms are available in the Student Records Office or by emailing recordsdept@terra.edu.

Recognizing that course numbers and titles change over time, courses are considered repeatable when the following conditions are met.

At least 70% of the course learning outcomes are contained in both courses. The faculty, or dean of the division, in charge of the discipline will confirm the threshold is met.

The original course’s credit hours are equivalent to or less than the repeated course’s credit hours. 

The repeated course and original course remain on the transcript.

The points received the first time the course was offered will not be calculated into the cumulative totals.

This policy applies only to the first recorded grade in a course that a student has repeated, and may not be used more than one time per course.

Student Permanent Record Changes

It is very important for students to keep the college informed of any changes in contact information. Students can change their address and telephone number by visiting Banner Self-Service. In the event a student no longer has access to Banner Self-Service, the student may change the aforementioned information by contacting the Student Records Office by email at recordsdept@terra.edu to complete a revision form. 

Student Record Privacy

Policy Statement

Terra State (TSCC) adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) which governs the release of and access to student education records. FERPA affords students the right to have access to their education records, the right to seek to have their records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally-identifiable information from their education records. In accordance with FERPA, TSCC has set the following definitions and policies regarding the release of student education records.

Policy Details

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

  • The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access. Students should submit to the TSCC registrar, dean, head of the academic department or other appropriate TSCC official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The TSCC official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the TSCC official to whom the request was submitted, the official shall advise the student of the correct TSCC official to whom the request should be addressed.
  • The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask TSCC to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the TSCC official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If TSCC decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, TSCC will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
  • The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. TSCC discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to TSCC officials with legitimate educational interests. A TSCC official is a person employed by TSCC in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A TSCC official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of TSCC who performs an institutional service or function for which TSCC would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of TSCC with respect to the use and maintenance of personally-identifiable information from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another TSCC official in performing his or her tasks. A TSCC official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for TSCC. Upon request, TSCC discloses education records, without a student’s consent, to officials of another school, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  In addition, TSCC discloses education records, without a student’s consent, to: specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of TSCC; Accrediting organizations; To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
  • The right of nondisclosure of designated directory/public information. TSCC has designated the following items as directory/public information that may be released to the public without the student’s consent: student’s name; residence hall, mailing, and home addresses; local or landline, cell (if designated as public), and permanent telephone numbers; TSCC email address; current major program(s); participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of enrollment at TSCC; degrees and awards received from TSCC, including dates and major programs; previous educational agencies or institutions attended by the student; student’s “also known as” (AKA) name; student standing and degree level (1st year undergraduate, 2nd year undergraduate, etc.); enrollment status (full time, etc.), including total hours enrolled by term; primary advisor; expected graduation date; current college and campus; residency status (Ohio resident, out-of-state student); admission status (new, continuing, etc.); record hold(s); photographs; and deceased status.  Students who do not want their directory/public information released to third parties or students can update their status in Banner Self-Service. Please note that if the release is set to “Please restrict my directory information,” your student name will not be included in newspaper articles for Dean’s List or for graduation, including the commencement program.

Release of Student Record Information

Students may release their personally-identifiable information to others through the FERPA Release form located in Banner Self-Service under the Student tab, Student Account, FERPA consent. Specific information must be selected which may include transcripts, financial/billing, attendance, grades, honors, and GPA. The name and address of the person to receive the information and the purpose for releasing this information must be entered on the form. The FERPA Release is only applicable through the end of the current calendar year, or until the student set expiration date. This release date may be adjusted through the academic year by using Banner Self-Service.

Filing a Complaint

Please go to https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint and click “FERPA Complaint Form” below to access the complaint form. Once you have completed the form, you may either e-mail it to SPPO at FERPA.Complaints@ed.gov, or mail it to the following address:

U.S. Department of Education

Student Privacy Policy Office

400 Maryland Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20202-8520

Student Registration/Withdraw

Policy Statement

Registration for, and changes to, classes is ultimately the student’s responsibility.

Policy Details

Open registration is held prior to the start of classes each part of term. Prior to registration, students who have not previously registered should meet with an advisor to plan a class schedule. Continuing students should follow their academic plan. Deviation from this plan could result in graduation delays, increased fees, and loss in some financial aid.

Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses can impact a student’s financial aid, how much a student pays for college, and time of graduation. It is important for students to fully understand the financial effects of decisions of changing their schedule. It is strongly recommended that, prior to adding, dropping or withdrawing from a course, students consult their advisor. Students are responsible for initiating changes to their schedule.

Registration dates for each part of term are specified on the academic calendar. It is each student’s responsibility to become familiar with registration schedules, deadlines, and processes. All registration changes should be completed online through the student portal. Students may access the Academic Calendar :

  • Go to www.terra.edu
  • Select the Degrees and Programs tab
  • Select “Academic Calendar” from the drop-down menu

Students pay for their classes at the time of registration, or make payment arrangements prior to the established payment due dates. Payment due dates are identified at my.terra.edu and terra.edu.

  • Go to www.terra.edu
  • Select the Apply & Aid tab
  • Select “Paying for College” from the drop-down menu
  • Select “Payment Options”

Adding Courses

Students may add courses to their schedule during open registration and until the start date of the specific class requested. Once a class begins, the student must have instructor permission to add the class. Please refer to the procedures below, and the academic calendar for exact dates. Some courses begin after the start of the Summer, Fall, or Spring semester. These specialized timeframes are referred to as “part of term.” Students who add courses after the start of the part of term will pay the current tuition and fees for each credit hour added.

Any student registering for over 20 credits will require special approval by the academic division dean of instruction responsible for the student’s declared program of study.

Waitlisting

Some courses may allow students to add themselves to the waitlist if a course is full. If a seat opens in the course, the student in the first position on the waitlist will be sent an email notifying them of the opportunity to register. The student must register within 24 hours of notification or they will be dropped from the waitlist. The seat will continue to be offered to the next student on the waitlist until filled.

Withdrawing/Dropping a Course

Students may withdraw from a course through their student portal. A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) will only be issued when the student withdraws prior to 75% of any instructional part of a course. After 75% of a course is complete, students cannot withdraw from a course and will receive the grade that they earn. In order to be eligible for any possible tuition refund, students must officially withdraw from a course. Refund procedures and time-frames are identified in the Student Refund Policy, and may be found at terra.edu.

Federal Student Aid recipients who add and drop courses during the semester should consult with the staff in the Financial Aid Office because financial aid eligibility may be affected.

The Difference between a Dropped Course and a Withdrawn Course

“Dropping” a course is different from “Withdrawing” from a course. 

“Dropping” only applies during the registration period before classes start and typically within the first seven (7) days of a class. A dropped course is completely removed from a student’s records and will not appear on a transcript.

Classes that are removed from a student’s schedule after the free-drop date has passed are considered “Withdrawals.” A course that a student has withdrawn from will remain on a student’s transcripts and will appear with a grade of “W” which does not directly impact a student’s GPA.

Please see the Fees (Tuition and Other)  to access drop dates.

Student Transcripts

Policy Statement

In accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and subsequent amendments, your records cannot be released without the student’s written consent. All outstanding obligations (financial, academic or administrative) due to the College must be cleared before the transcript request can be processed.

Ohio Revised Code 3345.027: A state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall not withhold a student’s official transcripts from a potential employer because the student owes money to the institution, provided the student has authorized the transcripts to be sent to the employer and the employer affirms to the institution that the transcripts are a prerequisite of employment.

Policy Details

Parchment is the designated agent for processing and sending official transcripts on behalf of Terra State. Transcripts may be sent in a variety of ways dependent upon the receiver and the content contained in the student’s record.

The PDF transcript that is produced using this service contains the identical information as the printed transcript and can be certified as unaltered by uploading the file to the company’s website provided during the delivery process.

Parchment has been granted the authority to deliver transcript requests on behalf of Terra State and respond to any inquiries regarding the transactions.

Transcripts will not be sent until all financial obligations to Terra State are cleared.

Description of hold

  1. CH - Cashier’s Office 419.559.2329
    1. This hold is for students who have a balance on their account and have not set up any type of payment arrangement.
    2. Prohibits Registration/Transcript/Graduation/Grades/Application.
  2. LF - Library Fine 419.559.2318
    1. This hold is for students who have a balance on their account due to a fine that is owed at the Library.
    2. Prohibits Registration/Transcript/Graduation/Grades.
  3. RO - Records Office 419.559.2405
    1. This hold is applied for students who need personal information verified.
    2. Prohibits Registration/Transcript/Graduation/Grades/Application.
  4. U5 - Past Due Under $500 419.559.2329
    1. This hold is for students who have a balance on their account that is under $500.
    2. Prohibits Transcript/Graduation/Grades.
  5. XT - Bad Debt 419.559.2329
    1. This hold is for students who have a balance on their account and it has been written off as bad debt due to the age of the debt.
    2. Prohibits Registration/Transcript/Graduation/Grades/Application.
  6. XX - Ohio Attorney General’s (OAG) Collection 419.559.2329
    1. This hold is for students who have a balance on their account and it has been sent to the Ohio Attorney General’s (OAG’s) Office for collection.
    2. Prohibits Registration/Transcript/Graduation/Grades/Application.

Student Program Continuation

Policy Statement

In the event that changes to the Terra State Community College (TSCC) Catalog cause an adjustment to program curriculum or requirements, currently enrolled students may elect to remain with their catalog of record, or utilize any of the catalogs in effect during their time of enrollment, if within the last four (4) years. Students may elect to use the active College Catalog at the time of their graduation at TSCC.

Policy Details

When the curriculum of a student’s program changes, a candidate for graduation may elect to follow the requirements listed for the desired degree either in:

1.the catalog in effect the year the student first registered for classes at Terra State Community College (if within the last four (4) academic years); or

2.any catalog in effect while the student is enrolled at Terra State, if within the previous four (4) academic years; or

3.the current catalog in effect at the time the student graduates.

In the event that the College no longer offers a course specified in an earlier college catalog, another course may be substituted. The choices for the course substitution(s) will be determined by the appropriate academic dean or designee.

Transfer Credit

Policy Statement

Students who have earned college credit at another college or university before attending Terra State Community College (TSCC) may be eligible for transfer credit.

Policy Details

An official evaluation of the transfer credit will be completed by the Student Records Office using institutional course evaluation policies after the student has been admitted to Terra State Community College and has submitted official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. An official transcript contains the signature of the Registrar, the date issued, and an embossed seal.

Official transcripts must be electronically sent through a secure system to the Student Records Office from the issuing institution or mailed directly from the issuing institution to the Registrar at Terra State Community College. Transcripts received through other means (i.e. sealed & signed envelope) will be reviewed for acceptance by the Registrar (or designee) to determine its official status.

Acceptance of Credit

Transfer credit is granted for college-level classes and some technical courses earned at regionally accredited institutions, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) for which students receive a passing grade as defined by the academic departments.

Transfer credit will be accepted for successfully completed college-level courses completed in and after fall 2005 from Ohio state-assisted institutions of higher education. (See Ohio Articulation and Transfer Policy, Appendix E: Transfer of Courses with a Passing Grade Policy). Pass/fail courses, credit by examination courses, experiential learning courses, and other nontraditional credit courses that meet these conditions will also be accepted and posted to the student record. See process below: Evaluation of Transfer Credit.

Acceptance of credit is a decision process performed by the receiving institution to determine which credit it will post to the student’s official academic record (i.e., the transcript).

Acceptance of transfer credit should not be confused with the application of credit to a specific program or degree. For example, a course may be transferred as a Mathematics elective, but may not be applied to a specific degree if it is not the required mathematics course.  Credit for successfully completed college-level learning shall be accepted as specified in this Policy. Three standards have offered useful guidance in the past:

  1. The course is not remedial or developmental,
  2. the course carries one or more credit hours, and
  3. the credit hours of the course are eligible to count toward graduation at the sending and receiving institutions or should otherwise appear on the student’s official academic record according to this Policy.

Transfer courses with the letter grade of ‘D’ may receive credit from a State of Ohio institution if the class was taken beginning fall 2005. Terra State DOES NOT transfer No Credit (NC), Withdraw (W), Passing no Points (PNP), Failure (F), Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U), or Repeat-Not Counted courses on any transcript. Terra State does not transfer in courses that are below College level credit, and in most cases does not transfer courses with 0 quality points.

In order to provide students with certainty in the transfer process, students who receive Pass (or credit) for a course taken during the Spring and Summer 2020 terms, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, will be guaranteed to receive transfer credit and have that credit applied as if it were a letter grade according to current OATN policy. (See Ohio Articulation and Transfer Policy, Appendix Z: Articulation and Transfer Policy Updates Due to COVID-19) 

Following the evaluation of a student transcript from another institution, the receiving institution will provide the student with a Statement of Transfer and Articulated Credit Applicability (Degree Audit Report).

Military Students

Terra State Community College recognizes the value of military training and experience and accepts the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations for credit. There is no charge for the evaluation of military experience credits. In order to receive credit for military training, a Veteran must request an official transcript be sent to the Student Records Office.

  • Transcripts from the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy are available at jst.doded.mil.
  • Air Force and Space Force transcripts are available at www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.

Terra State automatically awards credit for the following to Veterans and Service Members upon review of official military documentation based on the completion rubric below.

  • HPE1000 - completion of Basic Training/Boot Camp
  • HPE1020 - completion of a military Combat Lifesaver course, or similar
  • GEN1000 - completed a tour of duty in the military with the successful completion of military occupational specialty (MOS) training

Please see Prior Learning Assessment Policy for more information.

International Students

Official high school transcripts indicating a graduation date or certification of a diploma are required before acceptance. All documents submitted to Terra State must be translated into the English language if the original language used is not English. If an international student has previously attended a college or university, an official copy of those transcripts must be submitted as well. Students transferring from an international institution must have their transcripts evaluated by an evaluation service provider on one of the following websites: www.naces.org, www.ece.org  or www.asha.org. Please contact the TSCC Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) at academicservicecenter@terra.edu for guidance and additional details.

Please see International Student Policy for further information.

Reverse Transfer

The reverse transfer program allows students who transfer from Terra State to another institution, prior to completing their program of study, the opportunity to earn their certificate or associate degree. Reverse transfer is the process of transferring credits (coursework) from your current institution back to Terra State for application toward a certificate or degree. To be eligible for reverse transfer you must have earned a minimum 2.0 GPA in both Overall and Technical coursework, and 1/4 of the credit hours required for the certificate or degree during your time at Terra State. The Ohio Department of Higher Education refers to reverse transfer as Credit When It’s Due (CWID). More information can be found by selecting “Credit When It’s Due” at https://transfercredit.ohio.gov.

Please contact Recordsdept@terra.edu for further information.

Transfer Evaluation Appeals

A student disagreeing with the application of transfer and/or articulated credit by the receiving institution must file his/her appeal in writing within ninety (90) days of receipt of the Statement of Transfer and Articulated Credit Applicability. The institution shall respond to the appeal within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the appeal. Appeals may be sent to recordsdept@terra.edu.

Student Complaints Following Transfer Appeals at the Receiving Institution

After a student exhausts the appeals process at the receiving institution and chooses to pursue further action, the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) responds to formal written complaints related to Ohio Articulation and Transfer Policy against public, independent non-profit, and proprietary institutions of higher education in Ohio. While the ODHE has limited authority over colleges and universities and cannot offer legal advice or initiate civil court cases, staff will review written complaints submitted through its established process and work with student complainants and institutions.

   
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