Howard College
A Beacon of Education and Life-long Learning
Admissions
The Howard College deadline for Spring '08 Dual Credit Packets (DCP) is
December 14th !!!
Welcome to Howard College! We the faculty, staff and administration take pride in our students and our college and are pleased that you have chosen to begin your college career at Howard College. We hope that you college career will be rewarding and that your association with Howard College faculty, staff and students will be enjoyable and enlightening.
We believe that you are the most important person on our campus. Howard College faculty and staff are here to serve your educational needs. This supplement handbook was compiled by the Student Services Office to help you find out more about Howard College. It is intended to provide you essential facts about many aspects of college life. It contains important rules and procedures, academic and general information, details on student services and facilities, activities, organizations, and educational support services.
We encourage you to review this supplement handbook and use it to learn more about how you can be successful at Howard College. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Student Service Office. Howard College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting.
The Howard County Junior College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in educational programs, activities, admission, or employment practices. However, the Howard County Junior College District reserves the right to change the provisions of this handbook at any time. Every attempt has been made to address all matters requiring policy. However, ever-changing federal and state laws are foundational in the operation of the college district and will take priority.
Vision
Howard College is a beacon of education and life-long learning.
Mission Statement
We are a progressive and public community college dedicated to providing students with dynamic centers of learning and promoting economic and community development while being resourceful and fiscally responsible.
Objectives and Strategies
Be a beacon
Be a dynamic center of education and life-long learning
Be a partner in support of economic and community development
Be resourceful and fiscally responsible
Motto - - - - Education….For Learning, For Earning, For Life!!!!
What Is Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school. Courses are taken in place in of the normal course load at high school. High school as well as college credit may be earned upon successful completion of the course.
Students enrolled in Howard College will be eligible to be awarded credit toward high school graduation for completing certain college-level courses. The process of earning high school and college credit simultaneously is called Dual Credit.
Area school districts have identified specific courses at Howard College for which high school credit will be granted upon successful completion of the college course with a minimum grade established by each school. Year-long high school courses typically require a two-semester college course sequence. Semester long high school courses are generally associated with a one-semester college course.
Admission Requirements
Students must have permission in writing from their high school principal and counselor, permission of the student’s parent/guardian, and must present an official high school transcript. Students must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements prior to enrolling in college-level course work.
With the appropriate permission and assessment, a student may be concurrently enrolled. Students may take no more than six semester hours per semester unless approved by the Howard College instructional administrator and high school administrator.
Core Academic Courses
A high school student is eligible to enroll in core academic dual credit courses in the 11th and/or 12th grade if the student demonstrates college readiness by achieving the minimum passing standards under the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) according to the THECB Rules and Regulations.
Vocational/Technical Courses
A high school student is eligible to enroll in Workforce Education dial credit courses in the 11th and/or 12th grade if the student demonstrates that he or she has achieved the minimum high school passing standard (2200) on the Mathematics section and/or the English/Language Arts section on the 10th or 11th grade TAKS.
Admission Procedures
The student must complete and submit the following:
*These forms are only required the first semester a student enrolls.
These forms are included at the back of this handbook. However, if any of the information on the application changes, the student is required to complete another application for that semester.
An official copy of the high school transcript is required along with TAKS scores in order to prove exemption for all first time students. For returning students, only one transcript is required per academic year.
The Howard College Schedule Card must include the student’s name, date of birth, and social security number along with the course information. The student signature is required plus a signature from Howard College official which verifies the student is eligible to take the course under TSI policy.
Upon graduation from high school, the student must supply Howard College with an official high school transcript that includes the graduation date. If a transcript is not submitted, release of any records will be blocked until the official transcript is received.
Tuition and Fees
Certain fees or costs may be reduced for concurrently enrolled high school students. The base tuition for high school students enrolled in academic transfer courses for which they are receiving both high school and college credit is $50 for in-district, $100 for out-of-district, and S140 for non-resident students. Hourly tuition is the same. Fees are waived. The tuition rate for students concurrently enrolled in Workforce Education courses is $0. Students may be responsible for certain course or program costs such as insurance, licensure requirements, testing, certification, equipment, etc.
For SWICD students, in-district fees are $38/semester credit hour with a starting base of $150. Qualified Deaf Texas residents are exempt from tuition fees. Out-of-district fees are $50/semester hour with a starting base of $180. Non-resident is $328/semester hour.
Refunds
Students who officially drop a course or withdraw from the college shall have their tuition refunded according to the schedule in the current Howard College Catalog.
Course Changes
Howard College reserves the right, when necessary, to cancel classes, change instructors, and otherwise alter the published schedule. No charge will be made for changes due to cancelled classes.
Students not wishing to replace the class will receive a full refund of the costs associated with the cancelled class. In order to replace a cancelled class, the student should make changes before the end of late registration.
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. If the request originates from the student, the change must be completed within the time specified in the Howard College calendar.
Concurrent students may only add or drop a course with the permission of a Howard College official and high school administrator.
Students who do not officially drop a course but stop attending will be treated as still enrolled. This may result in failure of the class and could impact future financial aid. It is important that a student officially drop a course by contacting the appropriate high school administrator.
College Standards
College courses are both interesting and challenging. Students will learn a great deal, but will be expected to work hard. On average, college students should plan to study at least three hours a week for every hour spent in the classroom. Students taking a three-semester hour class should set aside a minimum of nine hours per week to study. Some students will need to study more. Students should schedule extra time when exams are planned or course projects are due.
Concurrent students are expected to perform at the college level and honor all deadlines set by Howard College and instructors. Individual professors distribute class policies and syllabi detailing course requirements the first week of class.
Course Content
College-level courses may include controversial, sensitive, and/or adult material. Students are expected to have the readiness for college-level rigor and content.
College Grades
Be aware of instructor’s systems for assigning grades as indicated in the course syllabus. The grades students earn at Howard College in a concurrent (dual credit) course will become part of their permanent college record as well as their high school record.
System of Grading
The following grades are used with the grade point value per semester credit hour.
GRADE MARK |
GRADE MEANING |
GRADE POINT PER SEMESTER HOUR |
A |
Excellent |
4 |
B |
Good |
3 |
C |
Average |
2 |
D |
Poor |
1 |
F |
Failure |
0 |
I |
Incomplete |
0 |
AU |
Audit |
0 |
NC |
Non-Credit |
0 |
X |
Course in Progress |
0 |
W |
Withdrawal of Student |
0 |
Upon completion of the semester, grade reports will be available to those students who do not have a hold on their records. If the student has a hold, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Registrar to determine what he/she must do to get the hold cleared.
Howard College will provide letter and numerical grades for students enrolled in dual credit courses comprised solely of dual credit students. For dual credit students enrolled in courses which are also comprised of college-only students, a numerical grade may not be given.
Scholastic Progress Standards
A student whose performance becomes deficient will be placed on probation. Failure to remove this deficiency could subject the student to being placed on suspension. A student who is placed on suspension will remain on suspension for one regular semester. To be readmitted, follow the application process outlined in this handbook. The student who fails to improve his/her scholastic standing during this semester will be suspended for one or more full semesters. The table below indicates the computation used to figure whether a student is on scholastic probation or suspension.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENT TABLE
Total Semester Hours Attempted |
Suspension GPA less than |
Probation GPA |
Good Standing |
0-17 |
0.00 |
0.00-1.99 |
2.00 |
18-19 |
.80 |
.80-1.99 |
2.00 |
20-24 |
.85 |
.85-1.99 |
2.00 |
25-29 |
.95 |
.95-1.99 |
2.00 |
30-34 |
1.10 |
1.10-1.99 |
2.00 |
35-39 |
1.25 |
1.25-1.99 |
2.00 |
40-44 |
1.35 |
1.35-1.99 |
2.00 |
45-49 |
1.45 |
1.45-1.99 |
2.00 |
50-54 |
1.55 |
1.55-1.99 |
2.00 |
55-59 |
1.65 |
1.65-1.99 |
2.00 |
60-64 |
1.75 |
1.75-1.99 |
2.00 |
College Attendance Policies
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 Dean of Students. 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.
Communicate With Your Instructor
Any concerns about performance in the course or an assignment should be discussed with the instructor of the course. Instructors publish their office hours in their syllabi and are available to answer questions about course materials or class policies at this time.
Howard College faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and will assist students in any way possible. College faculty, though, do not typically discuss student issues with parents. Although concurrent students are still in high school, they are considered college students. Due to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), college faculty do not assume responsibility for notifying parents, Howard College staff or high school staff of academic or attendance problems.
Transcripts
Students may view and print an unofficial transcript via Campus Connect on the Howard College website at www.howardcollege.edu. Requests for an official transcript must be done in person through the Registrar’s office. It is not the policy of Howard College to fax transcripts. A transcript will not be released if a “hold” has been placed on the student’s file.
Upon graduation from high school, the student must supply Howard College with an official high school transcript that includes the graduation date. If a transcript is not submitted, release of any records will be blocked until the official transcript is received.
Code of Student Conduct
Dual credit students are subject to the same responsibilities and consequences as is any other college student as outlined in the Howard College Student Handbook located on the website at www.howardcollege.edu.
Each student is expected to act in a manner consistent with the college’s functions as an educational institution. Any individual found to have committed misconduct or prohibited behavior while classified as a student is subject to disciplinary sanctions, conditions, and/or restrictions.
The primary authority and responsibility for the administration of student discipline will be handled by:
Big Spring……………………………………Executive Dean of Student Services
San Angelo…………………………………….Campus Dean of Support Services
SWICD………………………………………………….Dean of Student Services
Lamesa…………………………………………………………...Campus Director
Student Services
Howard College Student Services provides a wide range of services designed to supplement a student’s total college experience at Howard College. Student Services serves as a vehicle for increased access to both technical and academic programs as well as to the community at large. Howard College students are strongly encouraged to make use of these services offered to all registered Howard College students, including access to both academic and personal counseling, career choice workshops, and job assistance services. Student organizations and activities are also sponsored by Student Services and concurrent students are encouraged to take part in these as appropriate.
Student ID
All students must obtain an official Howard College Student I.D. that is used at various college functions. I.D. cards are made at the Harold Davis Fitness Center on the Big Spring campus. For the San Angelo campus, I.D. cards are made by the Student Life Coordinator. For all other campuses, cards are made at registration.
Advisement and Testing Services
Howard College will provide advising services for concurrent students related to fields of study at Howard College or on transferring to a four-year university. Testing services are also available to assist the student be realistically assessing academic achievement through different testing instruments. Results on these instruments are used 1) for determining eligibility for certain college programs, 2) for some certifications, 3) for course placement, and 4) for meeting requirements mandated by the state legislature. Testing schedules are posted on the Howard College website.
Student Organizations
Concurrent students are eligible to participate in all extracurricular activities at their home high school campus. They are also eligible to participate in most Howard College student clubs and organizations. College organizations are described in the Howard College catalog located on the website at www.howardcollege.edu.
Tech- Prep
Tech-Prep is a nationwide initiative for courses of study designed to assure that high school students acquire more technically-oriented knowledge and skills. These programs prepare students for employment in areas of high demand and emerging technologies. Each is a coordinator sequence of academic, career, and technology education courses, beginning in the ninth grade, which prepare students for lifelong learning, including advanced study at community and technical colleges and universities.
A key component of Tech-Prep is program articulation, which is a planned process linking educational institutions and educational experiences to assist students in making a smooth transition from one level of education to another without experiencing delays of duplication in learning.
Within articulated Tech-Prep programs are articulated courses, high school courses that contain the same course content as an equivalent college course, and for which is postsecondary institution as agreed to award college credit if the student meets the requirements outlined in the course articulation agreement, either through the Statewide Articulation Program or in a local articulation agreement.
Howard College will automatically award Tech-Prep credit upon graduation from high school for students who qualify. This credit will be listed on the Howard College transcript. A representative from the Concho Valley Partnership will visit the high school campus to assist with completing the necessary forms so that, upon graduation, the high school counselor can provide Howard College/Concho Valley Partnership with an official high school transcript that is required to complete the verification process.
Services for Students with Disabilities (ADA)
Colleges and universities must assure that the same educational programs and services offered to other students be available to students with disabilities. Howard College will do everything possible to provide reasonable accommodations for any student with a disability.
Student Responsibilities
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the institution of a disability, in writing, utilizing the Academic Accommodation Request form if he/she desires accommodations. These forms are available in the office of the Campus ADA Academic Coordinator:
Big Spring………………………………………….Director of Preparatory Studies
San Angelo………………………………………………………Academic Advisor
SWICD…………………………………………………………………...Counselor
Lamesa …………………………………………………………....Campus Director
The law further obligates the student to provide a recent evaluation of the disability conducted sometime within the preceding three years by a qualified professional. Information should be included that describes the disability and, most importantly, specifies the accommodations needed to facilitate learning. Without documentation, it cannot be adequately address needs. In addition, proper documentation protects the rights of students with special needs as well as the integrity of the institution. Additional information regarding ADA accommodations can be found in the Howard College Student Handbook posed on the college website at www.howardcollege.edu.
Distance Learning Lab
The mission of the Distance Learning (WINGS) Network is to provide Howard College and its public with quality educational experiences at a distance for academic credit, personal enrichment, and/or professional development.
Students may take courses from Howard College through a combination of face-to-face courses, live/interactive video, and online courses. Corporate sites and independent school districts may join Howard College’s WINGS network to become receiver sites for credit and non-credit courses. The WINGS network increases opportunities for high school students to participate in concurrent enrollment and early admissions with Howard College. Selected junior, senior, and graduate level college courses are taught from educational consortia and then sent live to selected sites with two-way audio, increasing opportunities to participate in upper level and graduate degree programs while on the Howard College campus. All courses include ongoing interaction with faculty.
For online classes students must be able to access the Internet. Instructors can present course content via web pages in the form of lecture notes and chapter outlines; students are evaluated through online assignments and online quizzes. Students communicate with the instructor and other students through discussion, email and online presentations.
Howard College online/Internet courses are taught using WebCT and Thinkwell. The classes begin the first day of the semester. The course work is structured with deadlines and students must log in on a regular basis to complete the course requirements by the due dates. Once a student is registered for a Howard College online course, contact the instructor via email before the first day of class. Initial correspondence with the instructor for an online course is the student’s responsibility. It is very important that you provide the following information to your instructor 1) Your complete name (name registered under), social security number, mailing address, and phone numbers. 2) The course name and number for which you are registered. 3) Your email address. It is important that you have easy access to your email on a regular basis.
Once contact has been made with the instructor, the student will receive information via email concerning the course, the WebCT ID, and the password.
For computer hardware and software requirements, the student must have 1) A reliable internet connection. 2) Personal computer with Windows XP Operating System, Microsoft Office Programs Word and PowerPoint and Acrobat Reader 6.0. NOTE: If registering for a computer course, additional software may be required. 3) Web Browsers: Netscape Navigator 7.1 or Internet Explorer 6.0. Netscape 7.2 is NOT yet supported by WebCT. Netscape is the preferred WebCT browser. 4) A printer.
Online students must be able to:
Howard College is an institutional member of several educational consortia dedicated to the delivery of instruction by distance. These consortia include the Regional Electronic Academic Communication Highway (REACH) with the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Midland College, and Odessa College; the Southwest Consortium for Advancement of Technological Education (SCATE); the Virtual College of Texas, and the Texas Consortium for Educational Telecommunications.