All RCC students are expected to maintain good academic standing toward the completion of their certificate or degree. A student’s academic standing indicates the progress toward that certificate or degree based upon a minimum satisfactory cumulative grade point average (GPA) and pace toward program completion required each semester.
Good Academic Standing establishes a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on credit hours attempted and the successful completion of a percentage of the total credits attempted. Students who are not in good academic standing are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) towards completing their degree or certificate program. A student who is not making satisfactory academic progress toward completing their degree or certificate program may not be eligible to receive Financial Aid.
We strongly encourage all students to work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that they register for a credit load that will enable them to balance family and work responsibilities with the ability to complete their coursework successfully.
Good Academic Standing
The College considers a student to be in Good Academic Standing if they meet the following minimal cumulative grade point average (GPA) and pace requirements.
For our Associate degree programs:
| Credit Hours Attempted | Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12 | 1.5 | 50% |
| 13-30 | 1.7 | 67% |
| 31 or more | 2 | 67% |
For our credit-bearing certificates:
| Credit Hours Attempted | Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12 | 1.5 | 50% |
| 13 or more | 2 | 67% |
Academic Warning
Students who fail to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average and/or pace required for good academic standing at the end of a semester will be placed on academic warning. Students on academic warning must consult with an Academic Advisor and take advantage of academic support services provided by the college to improve their GPA and/or pace to get back in good academic standing. It is not sufficient to consult with a faculty advisor. Students on Academic Warning will be notified by the College at the conclusion of each semester.
Dismissal and the SAP Appeal Process
A student who is not in good academic standing for a second consecutive semester (after being on Academic Warning at the end of the previous semester) will be dismissed from the College for not meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements. These dismissed students are no longer considered active students at the College and cannot enroll in any future courses unless they are returned to active status by successfully completing the SAP Appeal process. Students who have been dismissed for failing to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements will be notified by the College at the conclusion of each semester.
Students who wish to resume their studies at the College after being dismissed must contact their Academic Advisor immediately to complete and submit a SAP Appeal. The SAP Appeal process allows a dismissed student to document why they failed to maintain good academic standing and how the student plans to get back in good academic standing if the SAP Appeal is approved. When completing the process, all students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and present factual information with documentation to support their SAP Appeal and explain why they should be readmitted to the College.
An Academic Advisor can help a dismissed student complete a SAP Appeal. A student who submits a SAP Appeal will receive a final decision from the College within 15 business days either approving the appeal and allowing the student to return to active status or denying the SAP Appeal. If a student’s SAP Appeal is denied, the student is considered dismissed and cannot enroll in any future courses at the College.
Academic Probation
If a dismissed student’s SAP Appeal is approved by the College, the student will be returned to active status, put on Academic Probation, allowed to resume taking courses at the College, and provided with an Academic Success Plan that must be followed for the student to get back in good academic standing. Students on Academic Probation are expected to follow the terms of their Academic Success Plan until they are back in good academic standing. Once they are back in good academic standing, a student is no longer considered to be on Academic Probation at the College.
Students should be aware that being allowed to enroll in courses again while on Academic Probation does not automatically reestablish eligibility for Financial Aid. Students with questions about their Financial Aid eligibility should contact their Academic Advisor or the Financial Aid Office.
