Academic Policies
Grading System & Reports
The final term grade shall be determined by the instructor, based on appraisal of the student’s progress in class. Examinations, daily grades, participation, additional representative examples of course objectives, and such shall be considered in determining the grade. Unofficial status grades are given at mid-term during long-term (fall/spring) semesters. At the end of each term, the student’s final grade for each course is posted in EMPOWER. However, the final grade report may not be released if the student has not met all financial obligations to the College or has not completed all admission requirements. Grades are released to a parent or guardian only if the student has completed a FERPA Education Record Access Change Form.
Any student receiving an “I” in a course during a long term has 45 days to fulfill the course requirements and receive a proper grade. Any student receiving an “I” in a course during a short session or term has 15 days to fulfill the course requirements and receive a proper grade. The student is responsible for making arrangements with the instructor to fulfill the course requirements. If the course requirements are not fulfilled, and a proper grade is not assigned within the 45-day or 15-day period, the “I” automatically becomes an “F, and the Registrar will transcript the grade accordingly.
The grade-point average for a term is calculated by first multiplying the course semester hours by the grade points per semester hour based on the course grade. These values are summed for all classes for the term and the total value divided by the total semester hours attempted. Note that courses with grades of “W,” “I,” and “CR” are not included in the calculation.
A cumulative grade-point average includes all courses taken at Jacksonville College and other collegiate work as shown on the Jacksonville College academic transcript.
If the same course has been repeated, it is counted only one time, using the higher grade, for grade-point average calculation and for total hours completed. If a student retakes a course that was previously transferred, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Registrar so that the transfer course may be removed if a higher grade is earned.
Scholastic Probation
The academic progress of all students is determined at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. A student who does not attain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 1.50 or more after a total of fifteen semester hours have been attempted will be given a written notice of alert regarding satisfactory academic progress. If a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or more is not attained after a total of thirty semester hours, the student will be placed on Scholastic Probation. Students on probation may carry a maximum of fifteen semester hours during a fall or spring semester. This maximum number of hours may be reduced by the Academic Dean in the interest of the student. If a student on Scholastic Probation takes short-term (summer) classes, the GPA will be checked at the end of the summer term to determine its effect on the Scholastic Probation status.
Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal
The academic progress of all students is determined at the conclusion of each fall and spring semester. A student who does not attain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.00 or more after a total of forty-five semester hours have been attempted will be placed on Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal and may not enroll for the next long-term (fall/spring) semester. However, a student may make appeal to the Academic Dean and a special admissions committee for a hearing and under certain circumstances may not be forced to withdraw. The requirements for special admission shall be documented and agreed to by the student. A student who returns to the College subsequent to the date of the withdrawal status shall return on Scholastic Probation unless and until the cumulative GPA reaches 2.00 or more. If a student on Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal takes short-term (summer) classes, the GPA will be checked at the end of the summer term to determine effect on the Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal status.
Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal also takes effect when a student does not obtain an honorable withdrawal from the College.
Grade Appeal Process
A student may contest a final semester grade by submitting a Grade Appeal Form to the Academic Dean no later than 45 calendar days during long semesters or 15 calendar days during short semesters from the close of the semester in which the grade was given. Click here for the Grade Appeal Form. The Academic Dean will confer with the student and the instructor to seek resolution to the problem. After investigation, the Academic Dean will determine whether or not the appeal has merit. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Academic Dean, an ad hoc committee consisting of two faculty members and an administrator will be appointed by the Academic Dean to investigate the matter further and render a final decision. All proceedings shall be documented and placed in the student’s file.
Removing Courses
Adding/Dropping Courses
During the add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar, a student may add or drop courses by following the procedure set forth by the Office of the Registrar.
Withdrawal from Class or College
JC allows a possible withdrawal grade of W. The withdrawal grade of W counts as hours attempted and has financial aid ramifications, but it does not affect GPA. A student may withdraw from a course through the date indicated on the JC Academic Calendar and receive a grade of W. Withdrawing from a course is not an option during the add/drop period or after the withdrawal deadline.
To withdraw from any and all courses, a student must complete an online Course(s) Withdrawal Request Form. The form will only be active and available during the time it may be used.
In certain cases, withdrawal from the College may become necessary and can be initiated by the College administration for due cause. Due cause may include but is not limited to: failure to satisfy financial obligations to the college or failure to attend classes. In any case, proper withdrawal must involve use of the official withdrawal form and procedures by an official representative to secure an honorable withdrawal. The process must be initiated and concluded through the Office of the Registrar. Official withdrawal from classes will take effect only when the student has been cleared by all appropriate departments, including clearance by Student Accounts regarding financial obligations.
Failure to attend classes or departure from the campus does not constitute official withdrawal. In an honorable withdrawal, initiated by the deadline indicated on the JC Academic Calendar, a grade of “W” will be given. If proper withdrawal is not concluded by the date listed on the JC Academic Calendar, the student will receive grades as assigned by his or her instructors. Withdrawal after the deadline to withdraw will not be approved.
Transfer to Another Institution
Honorable dismissal is granted by Jacksonville College to students who wish to transfer to another institution under the following conditions: acceptable conduct and character, minimum grade requirements met, academic file complete, proper withdrawal, and all financial obligations satisfied.
Student Expectations
Academic Discipline
Misconduct or cheating in the classroom will not be tolerated. Discipline in the classroom is the responsibility of and under the control of the instructor. A final line of appeal is to the Academic Dean. If deemed necessary, the Dean may refer the matter to the College Executive Team. Possible consequences for infraction of classroom rules may include:
1. Student-instructor conference
2. Written warning
3. Academic disciplinary probation (Any additional misconduct could result in withdrawal of the student from the course or dismissal from College by the Academic Dean.)
4. Direct withdrawal of the student from the course by the Academic Dean
5. Other action as deemed necessary, including dismissal from the College
If a student must be withdrawn from a class for academic disciplinary reasons, the student will receive an automatic grade of “F.”
Student Responsibility for Standard of Work
Each student is responsible for knowing whether he or she has met all standards for academic performance, scholarship and financial aid requirements, or other requirements. Students placed on probation or withdrawal by Jacksonville College or who transfer from other institutions while on probation or withdrawal are held responsible for determining their scholastic status at all times, especially prior to registration and/or before receipt of a formal notification of status issued by the college.
Class Attendance
Students should be present in the classroom to facilitate the learning process and to develop effective learning habits. Attendance requirements are outlined by the individual instructor in his or her course syllabus. If a student has excessive absences, appropriate learning cannot take place, and the student may be removed from the class by the Academic Dean. Any consequences of removal from a class, such as effects on scholarships or financial aid, shall be the responsibility of the student.
Instructors are encouraged to consider not only a punitive policy whereby a student’s grade is reduced for excessive absences or tardiness, but also a motivational policy whereby grades may be increased for limited absences. Such policies should be included in the course syllabus. Make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor; the student is responsible for requesting the work.
Absences because of official College business, sponsored by appropriate College personnel shall not be counted or penalized. Advance notification of such absences must be submitted by the sponsor to the Academic Dean for approval. All affected instructors will be informed of absences by the Academic Dean. Jury duty is considered an excused absence; the student must provide verification of duty. Instructors shall allow make-up work for jury duty absences; however, requesting the work is the responsibility of the student.
Examinations
Examinations and quizzes are given at regular intervals each semester. These tests, along with other requirements as set forth by the instructor, determine the final course grade that is reported to the Registrar. Students who miss an appointed test may be able to take a makeup test at the discretion of the instructor.
Semester Examinations
Semester examinations are an integral part of the course at the end of each semester. Instructors should schedule and administer semester exams during Final Exam days as designated on the JC Academic Calendar.
Academic Honors
President’s List and Dean’s List
At the close of each long-term (Fall/Spring) semester, those students who have excelled scholastically shall be recognized by the following:
President’s List
Must complete 12 or more hours per long semester
Must earn an “A” grade for all hours attempted for that semester
Dean’s List
Must complete 12 or more hours per long semester
Must have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 for that semester
Must have no semester course grade lower than a “C”
Academic Achievements
Jacksonville College recognizes other honors to commend students for their academic success in addition to service participation and leadership qualities:
Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges
Selected by the faculty and administration once every academic year
Must be an elite sophomore whose academic standing, participation in extracurricular activities and community service are decidedly above average
Academic Excellence Awards
Selected by the faculty at the end of every Spring semester; one recipient per discipline.
Must demonstrate academic excellence in a particular field of study.
C.R. Meadows Award
Selected by the President of the College at the end of every spring semester in memory of C.R. Meadows, a pastor and former President of Jacksonville College
Must represent academic qualities and high moral character
Curtis M. Carroll Award
Selected by the faculty at the end of every spring semester in memory of Curtis M. Carroll, former President Emeritus of Jacksonville College
Must represent academic qualities and high moral character
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (Alpha Beta Alpha Chapter)
Must be of good moral character with full rights and privileges of citizenship in his/her country
Must possess recognized qualities of leadership
Must have established academic excellence according to the faculty
Must have complete 12 hours of courses leading to an associate degree (excluding transfer work)
Must have at least a 3.50 grade-point average
Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude
Delta Psi Omega National Theater Honor Society
Must participate in or work on Jacksonville College’s theater productions
Honors Program
The Honors Program at Jacksonville College exists to provide ambitious students additional opportunities to develop higher level thinking skills and connect subject areas to the community through service, faith, and culture. Admission to the Honors Program is determined by the Honors Review Committee and is based upon the following initial criteria:
1. Standardized test score
a) ACT composite score of 25 or sub-score of 25 in Reading, English, Mathematics, or Science OR
b) SAT combined score of 1150 on Critical Reading and Mathematics or a subscore of 570 in Critical Reading, Writing, or Mathematics or
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.25 after 12 hours of college credit
3. Require no college developmental courses
4. Completed application and essay
To enter into a contract for honors credit in a specific course, the student must be approved by the instructor of that course. In order to receive honors credit, the student must earn a grade of “B” or better in the course. Graduation from the Honors Program requires completion of at least five courses with honors credit.
If an Honors Program participant’s date of degree conferment occurs in May, the student is expected to participate in Jacksonville College’s spring graduation ceremony.
Testing & Placement
Jacksonville College is committed to a continuing effort to ensure a proper and effective education for all students. To assist students in having a successful college experience, Jacksonville College requires that certain minimum scholastic standards be met before admission into college-credit English and mathematics courses.
These standards are based on one or more of the following criteria:
ACT score in English, reading, and mathematics
SAT score in reading, writing, and mathematics
End of course exams
Accuplacer (Institution’s placement) score in mathematics, reading, writing
If the minimum standards are not met or if transcripts do not clearly indicate appropriate placement, the student will be required to enroll in developmental (non-credit) English and/or mathematics classes and demonstrate the required proficiency before admission into credit English and/or mathematics courses. Details of the testing and placement policies and procedures can be obtained by contacting the Academic Dean or the Director of Admissions.
Dual Credit & Concurrent Enrollment
A current sophomore, junior, or senior-level student in a U.S. high school may enroll as a student at Jacksonville College and receive college credit for courses taken and completed successfully (“concurrent enrollment”). Both college credit and high school credit for certain courses taken and completed successfully may be awarded by specific approval of the high school (“dual credit enrollment”). The high school must give permission for students to enroll and should indicate whether the course will be accepted for dual credit. Both concurrent enrollment and dual credit enrollment students, whether on the college campus or on the high school campus, are subject to the published Jacksonville College admission procedures and requirements and other applicable policies. A course offered on the high school campus is administered by the same policies as those taught on campus, including instructor qualifications, course syllabus, student placement in English or mathematics classes, student grades, and evaluation of course instruction. The student may not enroll in college-level English or math if placement scores indicate that developmental education is needed in those areas. Developmental education cannot be provided while still in high school. Courses taken by current high school students are placed on an unofficial Jacksonville College transcript that can be presented to another college/university for evaluation of transfer credit. The student should contact the transfer school to determine what courses are required and which Jacksonville College courses satisfy those requirements. The College provides library and other student services to students.
Home-schooled students are also eligible to participate in the dual credit/concurrent enrollment program. The student must provide a high school transcript, verifying completion of the freshman year (six high school credits) and a letter of permission from the home school instructor in addition to the application credentials of all high school students.
More information may be found on the Dual Credit page.
Advanced Credit
At the request of the student, Jacksonville College may give advanced credit for courses listed in the section “Course Offerings.” The necessary requirements for advanced credit are for the student to complete the AP/CLEP Credit Request Form and submit official AP/CLEP scores to Jacksonville College. The fee for advanced credit is $25.00 per semester hour; this cost is not covered by scholarship or financial aid monies. After this fee is paid and all forms and scores submitted to the Registrar’s office, the credit(s) will be posted on the student’s academic transcript at the end of the semester of enrollment at Jacksonville College. Credit will be shown as “CR” (“credit”) for each specific course. Such credit will not be used for calculation of grade-point average, but the hours will count toward graduation at Jacksonville College. A maximum of fifteen hours will be given. A student cannot receive advanced credit for courses in which he or she is currently enrolled or has been previously enrolled.