Academic Information

General Academic Information

Change of Schedule
A student may change a schedule through the online registration process during the posted registration period. Any changes after the online registration is closed must be made through the Admissions Office. After a student has completed the enrollment process and receives an approved schedule, the registrar, and those officials the registrar designates, must approve any schedule changes. If the request originates with the student, the change must be completed within the time specified in the college calendar. A fee of $10.00 will be charged for each approved request made for the convenience of the student. The college reserves the right to make changes in a student’s schedule; when this occurs, no fee is charged.

All changes in schedule, including adding and dropping courses, must be arranged by the student in writing or in person. Changes are not official until all steps in the process have been completed. Records of withdrawal and re-enrollment will be maintained.

Definition of Credit Hour
In accordance with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates

1. Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Drops and Withdrawals
NOTE: Dropping or withdrawing from a course may affect financial aid, veteran’s benefits, international student status, or academic standing. Students are urged to consult with an advisor before making schedule changes.

Merely discontinuing class attendance does not constitute a drop or withdrawal. A student must take the appropriate steps and seek approval to be officially withdrawn from a course or courses. Failure to withdraw properly may result in a grade of “F” for the course or courses.

No course may be dropped during the last two weeks of a semester or during the last week of a summer term unless the student withdraws completely from all courses in progress. The last day to drop a course for regular fall and spring semesters and for summer and mini terms is included in the Calendar found in the Catalog and Student Handbook. The last day to drop a flexible-entry course will be determined by the registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with faculty as to the last day to withdraw from flexible entry courses. No courses may be dropped after the final exams have been administered.

Developmental Education Courses
New full-time students may drop or withdraw from a college developmental course only if they drop college-level courses to part-time status and have continuous enrollment in at least one developmental course. If a new full-time student does not drop to part-time status, they may not drop any college developmental course.

A returning student may drop or withdraw from a college preparatory course only if they have continuous enrollment in at least one other college preparatory course. If the student drops all required preparatory courses, thus placing them out of compliance with continuous enrollment in required college preparatory education, they will be dropped from all other courses at Howard College/SWCID.

NOTE: Please see the Success Initiative  section of the Catalog and Student Handbook for detailed information on guidelines for students enrolled in developmental education. A student may not be allowed to withdraw from a developmental course if the instructor has posted a failing grade (due to lack of attendance) to the student’s transcript prior to the conclusion of the semester.

Before Census Date
Students who officially drop a course during either the schedule change period or before the official college reporting date (census date) are considered to have “dropped” the course. This request must be submitted (Drop/Add Form) to the Admissions Office. Dropped courses are not considered withdrawals and are not posted on the student transcript.

After Census Date
Students who find it necessary to withdraw from a class or classes after the official census date of each semester and/or term should obtain a Drop/Add Form from the Admissions office. This form should be completed by obtaining the required approvals with signatures and turned in to the Admissions Office. Required approvals may vary by campus. A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) will be posted to the student’s transcript once the withdrawal is complete.

Complete Withdrawals
A student wishing to completely withdraw from all courses will be directed to visit with the appropriate campus official. Merely discontinuing class attendance does not constitute a drop or withdrawal. All students must complete a Drop/Add Form, including required approvals with signatures, and return the form the Admissions Office before they will be officially withdrawn from courses. Failure to withdraw properly may result in a grade of “F” in all courses. Also, failure to comply with this regulation will subject the student to losing all refunds which would normally be available. Such failure may also jeopardize the privilege of readmission to this or any other college.

All college property in possession of a student must be returned and all arrears to the college must be paid before the student can withdraw in good standing and be eligible for a transcript of credit from the college.

Under federal law, students attending Howard College/SWCID who receive Title IV (Pell, SEOG, Federal Stafford Loans) and completely withdraw before the 60 percent point (in time) in the period of enrollment will be required to return any unearned funds. Unearned Title IV funds are the percentage of term not attended times the Title IV aid. In some instances the student may owe both the federal government and the college. Students owing either the government or the college will be ineligible for any further federal aid until funds are repaid.

Six Course Drop Policy
Under section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, “an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education.” This statute was enacted by the State of Texas in spring 2007 and applies to students who enroll in a public institution of higher education as first-time freshmen in fall 2007 or any term subsequent to the fall 2007 term.

Any course that a student drops is counted toward the six-course limit if (1) the student was able to drop the course without receiving a grade or incurring an academic penalty; (2) the student’s transcript indicates or will indicate that the student was enrolled in the course; and (3) the student is not dropping the course in order to withdraw from the institution. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to drop a course without having it counted toward this limit, but it is the responsibility of the student to establish that good cause.

Good cause for dropping more than six courses includes but is not limited to a showing of: (1) a severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course; (2) the student’s responsibility for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person if the provision of that care affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course; (3) the death of a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s death is considered to be a showing of good cause; (4) the active duty service as a member of the Texas National Guard or the armed forces of the United States of either the student or a person who is considered to be a member of the student’s family or who is otherwise considered to have a sufficiently close relationship to the student that the person’s active military service is considered to be a showing of good cause; (5) the change of a student’s work schedule that is beyond the control of the student, and that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course; or (6) other good cause as determined by Howard College officials. Students should petition (in writing) the Office of the Registrar for permission to drop more than six courses for good cause. The Provost at each campus will make the determination of a student’s petition.

Course Load
A full-time student is defined to be a student enrolled in 12 or more semester hours during a regular long semester, inclusive of one-hour physical activity courses. Students scoring below college level in reading, writing and mathematics skills should limit their enrollment to 12 semester hours (including developmental courses) plus activity courses. Additional courses may be taken with the permission of the counselor or advisor. The normal course load during the regular semester is five solid courses of 15 to 17 semester hours, exclusive of one hour activity courses or labs. A solid course is any course with a semester hour value of three or more semester hours. In order to be permitted to exceed the normal course load, a student must have earned a 3.0 grade point average as a full-time student during the previous semester. The absolute maximum course load that a student may obtain permission to take is seven solid courses. Permission to exceed the normal course load must be obtained from the Provost at the respective campus.

Courses delivered in shortened semesters should have the same number of contact hours and the same requirement for out-of-class learning as courses taught during a regular semester. The maximum course load for a mini-term (less than 5 weeks) is 3 semester credit hours. The maximum course load for a regular summer term (5 1/2 weeks) is 6 semester credit hours, exclusive of one-hour activity courses or labs. Concurrent enrollment in Howard College/SWCID and at any other institution must be approved by the registrar. Course load limits apply to concurrent enrollments.

Credit by Examination

Credit by examination may be earned by: (1) standardized achievement tests (CLEP, CEEB Advanced Placement, SAT and ACT); (2) departmental examination; or (3) military programs. NO STUDENT WILL RECEIVE CREDIT BY EXAMINATION FOR MORE THAN EIGHTEEN SEMESTER HOURS. Credit will be awarded only in areas appropriately related to the student’s educational program. No student who has been given a grade other than W in the course is eligible for credit by examination unless the course is otherwise unavailable and is required for graduation. For each hour of credit earned by examination, the student must earn an equivalent hour enrolled as a student in regular classes. Grades for credit by examination are recorded as pass and are not considered in computing grade point averages. Credit awarded for testing (ACT, SAT, CLEP, Departmental, etc.) at Howard College/SWCID may or may not meet minimum requirements for credit at other institutions. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the school they intend to attend to verify further credit. Howard College/SWCID awards transfer credit for “credit by examination” if it is included on an official transcript from an accredited college or university, if it is within the 18 hour limit, and if it is appropriately related to the student’s educational program.

Standardized Achievement Tests

CLEP Examinations
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations are administered through the STEPS Learning Center (Big Spring Campus). CLEP credit may be earned for the following subjects in accordance with the credit minimum scores and course equivalents listed. Students should check transferability of scores and/or courses with receiving institutions. The cost of each CLEP Exam is $80.

CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) Advanced Placement Examinations
These examinations are not administered at the college. Arrangements to take these tests must be made through a high school counselor.

ACT (American College Test)
Registration packets are available through the STEPS Learning Center. Howard College/SWCID awards credit on the basis of acceptable scores. Official transcript data must be filed with Howard College/SWCID prior to consideration of credit granted.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Subject Tests: Registration packets are available through the STEPS Learning Center. Howard College/SWCID awards credit on the basis of acceptable scores. Official transcript data must be filed with Howard College prior to consideration of credit granted.

Departmental Examinations
Students may obtain permission from division director to challenge certain courses through departmental examinations in subject areas where CLEP examinations are not available. Students will not be permitted to challenge courses with laboratory and clinical hours unless they have had and can show proof of documented training or work experience equivalent to the requirements of the courses. Students must take the exam WITHIN 30 DAYS from the date the application is approved in order to receive credit. Cost of the exam will be the current tuition rate per semester hour. Procedures to apply for the Credit by Department Exam can be downloaded from the Howard College/SWCID web site at www.howardcollege.edu/pdf/Forms/Dept_Exam.pdf

Military Credit
Credit for military programs may be awarded in accordance with the guidebooks for evaluating credit for training received in the military service. Students must score in the fiftieth percentile or above and submit an official copy of the scores to the admissions office.

Audit
Attending a class in order to observe and learn the information without taking part in the discussion or completing the other course requirements is an audit. No credit or grade is earned for auditing a class. The same fees are charged if the course is taken for credit or audit. A request for non-credit form must be completed and on file in the registrar’s office by the twelfth class day in the fall and spring and by the fourth class day in the summer.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is offered in participating high schools, and the examinations are administered at the high school. In accordance with SB 111, students will be granted a minimum of 24 hours of credit if they have earned the IB Diploma and have no scores lower than 4 on the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) Exams. Howard College may grant fewer than 24 SCH to a student if the student has scored less than 4 on any IB examination administered as part of the diploma program. Students who participate in the IB Program may receive college credit for exam scores of 4 or better on most HL Exams and for a 5 or better on most SL Exams. Howard College will grant college credit based on the table below.

Applicants with the IB diploma must provide a completed IB transcript to the Admissions Office before enrolling in order to receive credit.

System of Grading

The following grades are used with the grade point value per semester credit hour.

1. An “I” that is not removed before the end of the next long semester automatically becomes an “F.” An “I” is not figured in the grade point average until this time.
2. To determine the grade point average for scholastic standing, compute the total number of grade points, then divide the total number of hours attempted into the total grade points.
3. A course attempted is defined as one for which a student registers and receives any grade other than “W.”
4. If a student repeats a course for which credit has previously been received, the higher grade is the grade of record. Neither the hours nor the grade points associated with the lower grade will be used to determine the student’s eligibility to graduate; however, the lower grade will remain on the student’s transcript indefinitely.
5. Repeating a course will not remove the original grade from a student’s permanent record.
6. Each subject will have a final grade for the semester on file.
7. Grades for credit by examination are recorded as “pass” and are not considered in computing grade point averages.

Upon completion of the semester, grade reports will be available to those students who do not have a financial hold on their records. If the student has a financial obligation to the school, the student must clear the balance or make other arrangements before receiving his or her grades.

Incomplete Grade Policy and Procedure
Instructors can award an incomplete grade when a situation exists that makes it unjust to hold the student to the time limits previously established for the completion of the work. An incomplete grade (I) may be awarded for a course in which a substantial portion of the course work has been satisfactorily, but not entirely, completed as of the end of the semester. Incomplete grades are granted in emergency situations only. The incomplete grade can be recorded only when the completed portion of a student’s work is of passing quality as determined by the instructor. The grade of (I) is not to be awarded in place of a failing grade or when the student is expected to repeat the course; in such a case, a grade other than “I” must be assigned. An incomplete grade (I) will not be given for failure on the final examination, absence from the final examination for other than true emergency situations or for a low grade to be raised with extra work.

Should the faculty member agree to assign a grade of incomplete, then he or she also has the right to set a specific date (up to the last day of the next academic term) by which all unfinished work must be completed. If the assigned work is not completed by the indicated date, an alternate grade must be assigned or the “I” will be automatically changed to an “F”.

Instructors are required to use the “Report of Incomplete Grade” form as a contract with the student as to what course work must be completed by the student for the “I” to be removed and replaced with a grade. On the form, the instructor will state which assignments or exams must be completed and when, how this work will be graded, and how the student’s course grade will be calculated. Both the instructor and student must sign the agreement, and both should retain copies.

After the course work is completed, the instructor should assign the appropriate grade on a “Change of Grade” form and submit it to Registrar’s Office for processing.

Steps required for assigning an incomplete grade:

1. The instructor and student complete the Incomplete Grade form.
   
   1. Assign the grade that will be recorded if the student does not complete the work.
   2. Assign a date by which the work must be completed – which must be no later than the end of the next long term.
   3. Indicate, specifically and clearly, the work to be completed in order to receive a grade for the course.
   4. Indicate how the assignments will be graded and how the student’s final grade will be calculated.
2. Assign an “I” grade on the grade roll.
3. Retain a copy of the form.
4. Forward the original form along with the grade roster to Registrar’s Office.
5. The grade of “I” will be entered by the campus registrar’s office.

Scholastic Progress Standards

1. Only semester credit hours and grade points, including developmental courses, earned at Howard College/SWCID are used for calculations of scholastic standing.
2. All academic student records will be evaluated at the end of each semester/term and action will be taken accordingly.
3. Hours taken in a mini term will be calculated with the immediate preceding semester to determine GPA and cumulative GPA.
4. Scholastic Probation will result if a student earns below a 2.0 GPA for the semester and the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0.
   Interventions:
   
   • Students placed on Scholastic Probation are notified of their academic standing and that a registration “hold” is placed on their records.
   • Students placed on Scholastic Probation must meet with a counselor and develop a plan for improvement in order to register for classes again.
   • Students placed on Scholastic Probation may be limited to a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in the next regular semester or for the summer.
   • Students placed on Scholastic Probation will be required to enroll in Learning Framework the next semester of enrollment (if they have not already successfully completed the course).
5. Probation status will remain until the student earns above a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
   Interventions:
   
   • Required Academic Advising
   • Tutoring and other support services assigned by either the Academic Advisor and/or by the Campus Dean for Student Affairs/Support Services
   • The student’s semester load may be restricted.
6. Scholastic Suspension will result when a student on Scholastic Probation earns below a 2.0 for the semester and his/her cumulative GPA is below a 2.0.
   Intervention:
   
   • Registration hold applied. Students are notified that they are suspended and may not enroll in any Howard College/SWCID credit courses for the indicated period.
   • A student placed on Scholastic Suspension may appeal the suspension status for immediate enrollment for the next long semester or sit out for a long semester.
   • If the appeal is granted, enrollment may be restricted. Specifically, suspension moves to Conditional Enrollment and the student will remain on Conditional Enrollment as long as the semester GPA is 2.0 or greater. Enrollment restrictions will be determined by a committee appointed by the Campus Provost. Additionally, the student must meet with a counselor to develop and follow a plan for improvement and to register for courses. Once a student has achieved a cumulative AND semester GPA of 2.0, they will be in good standing.
7. Students placed on Scholastic Suspension for the second time may be barred from enrolling at Howard College/SWCID for the next two long semesters. Students placed on Scholastic Suspension more than once must apply for enrollment permission which will be evaluated by the Admissions and Standards Committee.
   Interventions:
   
   • Enrollment for students placed on scholastic suspension for the second time will be restricted. Specifically, Suspension moves to Conditional Enrollment and the student will remain on Conditional Enrollment as long as the semester GPA is 2.0 or greater. Enrollment restrictions will be determined by the Admissions and Standards Committee.

VA educational benefits
A student who is receiving VA educational benefits must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to be considered making satisfactory progress. Students receiving VA educational benefits who fail to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00 during any semester or quarter will be placed on probation during the following semester/quarter. If the student achieves a semester GPA of 2.00 or better during the probationary semester/quarter but has not achieved the required cumulative GPA of 2.00, the student may be continued on probation for one more semester/quarter. If the student who is receiving VA educational benefits is on probation and fails to achieve a semester or quarter GPA of 2.00 at the end of the probationary semester/quarter, the student will be reported to the Veterans Affairs Regional Office as making unsatisfactory progress. If a student receiving VA educational benefits fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of the second consecutive probationary semester/quarter, the student will be reported to the Veterans Administration Regional Office as making unsatisfactory progress.

Attendance

General Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual class attendance is important to the attainment of the educational objectives of the college. Each instructor or program will have attendance guidelines with administrative approval which will be consistent with the mission of the college but will fulfill individual course requirements.

Each instructor’s policy will be explained in detail to the class at the beginning of the semester and will be included in the course syllabus.

Attendance is effective on the first day of classes of the semester. Regular and punctual attendance in class and laboratories is expected of all students. Excused absences for college activities will be reported to faculty by memo from the designated official on each campus. All other absences will be evaluated by the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the faculty member concerning any absence as soon as the student is aware that he/she will be absent or as soon as the student returns to class.

The student must take the initiative and assume the responsibility for making up any missed work. In some cases, the student may be required to present evidence to support an absence.

According to the instructor’s attendance policy, an instructor may choose to officially drop the student from the class with the student receiving a grade of “W.” However, if the instructor does not choose to officially drop the student from class, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the class if he/she chooses.

The student may contact the instructor to discuss his/her specific situation, but the instructor will not be required to provide make-up opportunities for unexcused absences. A student who is not dropped by the instructor and chooses not to drop will at the conclusion of the semester receive the appropriate grade achieved by his/her course work.

NOTE: Attendance guidelines vary for developmental education courses. Students enrolled in developmental course work due to Texas Success Initiative policy must follow the attendance requirements and guidelines outlined in the Success Initiative.

Student Absences on Religious Holy Days
A student who is absent from class(s) for the observance of a religious holy day may take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within one week after the absence if not later than the 15th day of the fall or spring and the 5th day of the summer semester, and if the student notified the instructor(s) in writing of the proposed absence on a form provided by the institution. In some cases, a letter of verification of the observed holy day from the religious institution may be required. In addition, the student must adhere to the provisions of Section 51.911 of the Texas Education Code and to the institution’s procedures. Forms are available in the Student Services Offices on each campus. In case of conflict, students may appeal through the academic appeals process.

Bad Weather Days
Classes will be held and business will continue as usual on bad weather days unless hazardous conditions exist affecting travel to the local campus. The president or designated administrator will determine the need to cancel classes and will coordinate with the local school district. Closure announcements will be given to the local radio stations by 6:00 a.m. or as appropriate and will be posted on the website. Students can also sign up for the Hawk Alert Text Service. In some cases where class begins late, such as 10:00 a.m., activities will begin at the place where you would be at that time.

Academic Honors

President’s List, Dean’s List, and Certificate of Achievement
Students completing at least 12 hours of college-level courses during a long semester with a grade point average of 4.0 are eligible for recognition on the President’s List. Students completing at least 12 hours of college-level courses during a long semester with a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.99 are eligible for recognition on the Dean’s List. This status is indicated on a student’s transcript for each semester the recognition is earned.

Students enrolled in six semester hours or more who complete their enrollment period with a grade point average of 3.25 or above will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Certificates of Achievement are prepared for fall, spring, summer I and summer II semesters.

Graduation with Honors
Candidates for graduation whose overall grade point average in college-level courses is 3.25 or above are eligible to graduate with honors. This status is indicated on a student’s transcript as well as publicly announced during the spring graduation ceremony. The list is subdivided into three divisions based on grade point average as follows:

Summa Cum Laude - 4.0
Magna Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.99
Ampla Cum Laude - 3.25 - 3.49

Graduate Guarantee

Transfer Credit

Howard College/SWCID guarantees to its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science students who have met the requirements for the degree that course credits will transfer to other Texas public colleges or universities provided the following conditions are met:

1. Transferability means acceptance of credits toward a specific major and degree at a specific institution. These three components must be identified by the student during the application for admission process prior to the first semester of enrollment at Howard College/SWCID.
2. Limitations on total number of credits accepted in transfer, grades required, relevant grade point average, and duration of transferability apply as stated in the catalog of the receiving institution.
3. Transferability refers to courses in a written transfer/degree plan filed in student’s file in the registrar’s office.
4. Only college level courses with Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual approval numbers will be included in this guarantee. If all conditions are met and a course or courses are not accepted by a receiving institution in transfer, the student must notify the appropriate instructional administrator within 10 days so the “Transfer Dispute Resolution” process can be initiated. If course denial is not resolved, the college will allow the student to take tuition-free alternate courses, semester hour for semester hour, which are acceptable to the receiving institution within a one-year period from granting of degree at Howard College/SWCID.

Guarantee for Job Competence
If an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) graduate is judged by his/her employer to be lacking in technical job skills identified as exit competencies of his/her specific degree program, the graduate will be provided up to twelve tuition-free credit hours of additional skill training by Howard College/SWCID under the conditions of the guarantee policy. Special conditions that apply to the guarantee include the following:

1. The graduate must have earned the Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate of Proficiency beginning May, 1992, or thereafter in a Career Technical Education program identified in the college catalog.
2. The graduate must have completed the Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate of Proficiency at Howard College/SWCID (with 75% of credits earned at Howard College) and must have completed the degree within a five-year time span.
3. Graduates must be employed full-time in an area directly related to the area of program concentration as certified by the appropriate division chair.
4. Employment must commence within twelve (12) months of graduation.
5. The employer must certify in writing that the employee is lacking entry-level skills identified by Howard College/SWCID as the employer’s program competencies and must specify the areas of deficiency within ninety (90) days of the graduate’s initial employment.
6. The employer, graduate, division director, counselor, and appropriate faculty member will develop a written educational plan for retraining.
7. Retraining will be limited to twelve credit hours related to the identified skill deficiency and to those classes regularly scheduled during the period covered by the retraining plan.
8. All retraining must be completed within a calendar year from the time the educational plan is agreed upon.
9. The graduate and/or employer are responsible for the cost of books, insurance, uniforms, fees, and other course-related expenses.
10. The guarantee does not imply that the graduate will pass any licensing or qualifying examination for a particular career.
11. Students’ sole remedy against Howard College/SWCID and its employees for skills deficiencies shall be limited to twelve (12) credit hours of tuition-free education under conditions described above.
12. Activation of the “Graduate Guarantee Program” may be initiated by the graduate through contact of the appropriate administrator within ninety (90) days of graduate’s initial employment.

Graduation Requirements

Formal graduation exercises are held annually at the end of the spring semester at Howard College and SWCID. These exercises are for those students who are completing requirements during that spring semester or who have completed requirements during the preceding summer or fall semesters. Degrees and certificates are not awarded automatically. To be considered as a candidate for a degree or certificate, the student must submit the intent to graduate no later than the date published in the calendar in order to participate in the graduation exercise. The Intent to Graduate form should be picked up in the Advising office. An official degree check is required.

Catalog Restrictions

A student is expected to complete the certificate/degree requirements set forth in a particular Howard College/SWCID catalog. Normally this will be the catalog in effect at the time the student enters the college. A student must then be continuously enrolled under the catalog in effect. If the student does not attend one or more semesters and re-enrolls, the student will then use the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Only with the specific approval of the Vice President Academic Affairs may a different catalog be selected. In no case may a student complete the requirements set forth in a catalog more than seven years old. When necessary, a catalog issued later than the student’s first registration may be selected by the Vice President Academic Affairs in conference with the student.

The catalog is updated each summer, and its provisions apply during the following school year, September through August. However, a student who registers for the first time in the college during a summer session is subject to the degree requirements set forth in the catalog effective for the fall semester immediately following the initial enrollment. Because the college must retain flexibility to improve its curriculum, course offerings may be changed during the student’s education. If a course required under a previous catalog is no longer offered, a student eligible to graduate according to that catalog should consult an adviser to identify another course that may be used to fulfill the requirement.

Because of the rapid changes occurring in Career Technical Education fields today, course work taken in a major field of study or Career Technical Education courses directly related to that major field may not be accepted in transfer to satisfy specific Associate of Applied Science or Certificate program requirements. The appropriate Division Director must approve the acceptance of course credit in transfer when the course work was completed five years or longer before entering the Howard College/SWCID program of study. This also applies to returning students when Career Technical Education courses that are applicable to degree or certificate programs and the course content has changed to the point that retraining is necessary to ensure that the student has marketable skills for the degree/certificate pursued.

Requirements for Associate Degrees
Howard College/SWCID awards the following degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). In addition to the course work of the individual’s degree plan, the requirements below must be met. Exceptions to the individual’s degree plan or any of the requirements below can only be made upon the approval of the Vice President Academic Affairs.

1. Completion of all admission requirements.
2. Completion of at least 25% of the hours required for the degree is to be earned from Howard College/SWCID.
3. Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all Howard College/SWCID course work used to satisfy degree plan requirements.
4. Satisfactory completion of all financial obligations.
5. Satisfactory completion of the core curriculum for each degree as listed in this catalog. All students are expected to display competency in reading, writing, oral communication, and math skills prior to receiving an Associate Degree.
6. Satisfactory completion of the Texas Success Initiative requirements.

Awarding of Degree Posthumously
Upon request the Board of Trustees may award a degree posthumously to a student in good standing when the death of a student occurs in the semester scheduled for graduation.

Requirements for Certificates

1. Completion of all admission requirements.
2. Completion of at least eight semester hours credit from Howard College.
3. Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all HC course work used to satisfy degree plan requirements.
4. Satisfactory completion of all financial obligations.
5. Satisfactory completion of Texas Success Initiatives requirements (if required).
6. An official degree (certificate) check by the Counseling Department is required.

Individual Courses of Study
The degree requirements outlined in this publication are intended to provide general information for students who are seeking a college degree. Howard College/SWCID emphasizes the importance of individualized attention so that each student may realize his or her academic goals with a minimum of problems or delay. It is essential that students work closely with their academic advisors to establish a plan of educational objectives.

The AA, AS, and AAT degrees are for students who intend to transfer to a senior institution. Students should select courses based upon the requirements of the senior institution to which they plan to transfer. Students must complete the general education core and additional academic work to receive the AA, AS, or AAT degrees. Substitutions for any course in the general education core may be made only with the prior approval of the Vice President Academic Affairs.

Students seeking the Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate must complete the courses outlined in the degree plans of this publication. Substitution for any course in the AAS degree or Certificate requires prior approval of the Vice President Academic Affairs.

Students desiring to transfer course work to Howard College/SWCID to be applied toward a degree or certificate must have their transcripts evaluated during their first semester of enrollment. Transcript evaluation is conducted by the Advising Office and approved by the appropriate instructional officer.

Learning Framework
All students enrolled in transfer degree programs (AA, AS, or AAT) are required to successfully complete Learning Framework (EDUC 1100   or PSYC 1100 ). This should be taken within the first year of enrollment (prior to completing 24 semester credit hours.) All students placed on academic probation will be required to enroll in Learning Framework the next semester they enroll if they have not successfully completed the course with a grade of “C” or better. Career Technical students are highly encouraged to enroll in this course as it is designed to improve learning skills. Learning Framework is a study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; 2) factors that impact learning; and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

Degree, Certificate, Award, Completer Requirements

Academic Associate Degrees
Arts and Sciences offer programs for transfer to baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. Students planning to transfer to a senior college or university should consult the catalog of that institution, a faculty advisor, the Registrar, or guidance office when planning their courses to meet specific degree requirements.

General degree requirements are outlined below. Specific academic program majors can be found in the Academic Associate Degree Program section of the catalog.

*may include Physical Education courses as approved by advisor.
**The Computer Science requirement may be replaced by an elective course if the student meets one of the following:

Computer proficiency must be documented on the student’s transcript.

1. A student passed a high school computer course within five years of enrollment (students may be required to provide course description from high school).
2. A student has documentation of computer proficiency from another college or institution.
3. A student passes a Howard College/SWCID computer proficiency exam (see Admissions Office for more information).
4. Proficiency is demonstrated by successful completion (grade of C or better) of a college course with a significant computer component as determined by college advisor, course syllabus, and/or course instructor (students may be required to provide course syllabus and/or course description) with final approval by the campus instructional dean.

Associate of Arts in Teaching
This degree is awarded upon the completion of a curriculum which has been designed based on the guidelines established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and parallels the first two years of a Texas four-year college or university program. It is strongly advised that prospective teacher certification candidates consult an advisor with regard to courses required by a proposed transfer institution. The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree is divided into three options which prepare students for specific teaching fields:

*Students are required to pass a background check prior to participating in the P-12 classroom field experience, a required component of these courses. The instructor will provide information on completing the background check. If the student does not pass the background check, it is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course with no refund given.

Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for the student pursuing a two-year specialized collegiate level Career Technical Education program of study that will prepare him or her for immediate employment in business or industry. The following general educational requirements are included as an integral part of each AAS program. Both the general educational requirements and the specified Career Technical Education courses for the program in which the student is enrolled must be met in order to qualify for the degree. Degree plans are required for students working toward an AAS degree. Counseling should be sought as early as possible. Specific degree requirements for individual programs can be found in the Career Technical Education and Health Professions section of this catalog.

Certificate of Completion
Certificates Level I and II will be conferred for those completing the designated courses and general requirements as outlined in the Career Technical Education and Health Professions section of the catalog.

Second Degree/Advanced Certificates
Students wishing to graduate from Howard College/SWCID may apply for only one degree and/or certificate during the same semester in which the student plans to meet graduation requirements for that particular degree and/or certificate. After receiving any degree from Howard College/SWCID, a student must complete a minimum of twelve additional semester hours at Howard College before earning a separate degree or advanced certificate in a different major course of study. More than 12 semester hours may be required to complete the second degree depending on the course requirements in the major course of study.

The additional hours required must be completed after the date on which the first degree/certificate was awarded. A student may earn only one AAS in each program area. Multiple Certificates may be earned in the same program area.

Marketable Skills Achievement Awards
A marketable skills achievement award is a sequence of credit courses totaling 9-14 semester credit hours or workforce continuing education courses of 144-359 contact hours. These awards are listed in the Catalog under specific career technical education programs.

Core Curriculum Completion
To facilitate transferability of lower division courses, Texas law (Senate Bill 148) requires each institution of higher education to adopt a core curriculum of at least 42 semester credit hours. The core curriculum can be transferred in block to any state college to be substituted for the core of the receiving institution. Howard College/SWCID will designate core curriculum courses completed by a student on the official Howard College/SWCID transcript. If a student satisfies all component areas, the message “Core Curriculum Completed” will appear on the transcript. Students may not be required to take additional core curriculum courses unless the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved a larger core for the receiving institution. Howard College/SWCID requires a 42 semester credit hour core curriculum. Course options within each core area are listed in the Academic Associate Degree Programs section of the Catalog.

Field of Study Completion
A Field of Study Curriculum is a set of courses that will satisfy the lower-division requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a specific academic area at a general academic teaching institution. Field of study curriculum, mandated in Senate Bill 148 of the 75th Texas Legislature, facilitates free transferability of lower-division academic courses among Texas public colleges and universities. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is responsible for developing and approving academic courses that fulfill the lower-division requirements for majors that correspond to the field of study. The Coordinating Board has approved fields of study for the following disciplines: business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, engineering, engineering technology, Mexican-American studies, music, and nursing. Howard College/SWCID does not necessarily offer all the courses in each of the fields of study listed by the Coordinating Board. Specific information and course requirements for each field of study can be found in the Academic Associate Degree Programs section of the Catalog.