Grade Appeal Policy

Grades are determined solely by individual faculty members. Students who wish to contest a grade given by a faculty member must attempt to resolve the matter with the faculty member concerned. To pursue this appeal, the student must be prepared with evidence as to why the grade posted by the faculty member is in error. If the matter cannot be resolved with the individual faculty member, the student may pursue the appeal by bringing it to the attention of the appropriate department chairperson, who will confer with the faculty member and review all the evidence pertaining to the appeal. Grades may not be changed after graduation except when an error in the recording of a grade has occurred.

Dropping and Adding Courses

  • Students who wish to change their schedules and add courses can do so online on Titans Direct prior to the first day of the term.
  • Once the term has begun a class can only be added by submitting a request to registrar@ccm.edu. If a class has already met one time, students will not be permitted to enroll in it. The only exception is the 15-week term, check the Academic Calendar for the deadline to add a course to a 15-week term.
  • Dropping classes may be done online up until the last day of a refund for any given mini-term. Students who merely stop attending classes without dropping the class will receive an F (failing) grade.
  • Courses officially dropped by the last day of the refund period in any mini-term will generate a prorated tuition refund only and no inclusion on the student’s transcript. Students should consult the Refund Schedule on the college’s website or at the Bursar’s Office prior to dropping a course during the refund period.
  • The Academic Calendar should be reviewed carefully for important dates including term start, last date of classes, last date to drop, and last date to withdraw.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes and laboratories. Absence does not excuse a student from the responsibility for class work or assignments that are missed. Repeat absences or lateness that affects student performance will be reflected in the final grade and could lead to a failing grade for the course.

Academic Conduct

In order to maintain academic integrity at County College of Morris, the college community will not tolerate any forms of academic dishonesty. Examples of unacceptable forms of dishonesty include cheating, copying, fabrication, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, submitting someone else’s work as one’s own; dishonesty through the use of technology such as sharing disks, files, or programs; access to, modification of, or transfer of electronic data, system software or computing facilities. The intent of this policy is to promote academic integrity, and to arrest all forms of academic dishonesty.

When incidents of academic dishonesty occur and the faculty member chooses to submit a formal complaint of the incident to the Office of the Dean of Students, the Vice President will refer the complaint to the Academic Integrity Review Board, which is composed of faculty, academic administrators, and the Dean of Students. The Academic Integrity Review Board will review the circumstances surrounding the incident and make a recommendation of appropriate disciplinary action. Penalties imposed on the student who violates this policy may vary from failing the unit of work to expulsion from the college.

Withdrawing Courses

  • Prior to withdrawing from a class, students are highly encouraged to have a discussion with their professor regarding their intention to withdraw.
  • To officially withdraw from a course, students must complete a Withdrawal Form available on the Records and Registration web page and submit to registrar@ccm.edu prior to the withdrawal deadline
  • Merely notifying the instructor of your intent to withdraw does not constitute an official withdrawal.
  • Once the withdrawal request is received, the Office of Records and Registration will process your request and a W (Withdrawn) designation will be posted on your transcript.
  • Students who do not complete the course and who do not complete the withdrawal process may receive an F (failing) grade unless there are extenuating circumstances. The student must contact the Counseling and Wellness Center to be considered for the late withdrawal process and provide documentation regarding the extenuating circumstances.
  • The Academic Calendar should be reviewed carefully in terms of when the last date to withdraw is in any mini-term.

 

Note to all financial aid recipients: Please contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from classes. Withdrawing may affect the amount of aid you were awarded or the amount of aid you can expect to receive.

Official Withdrawal from College

Students who wish to withdraw officially from the college must complete a withdrawal application form. Students may obtain the form from the Office of Counseling Services. Part-time students may obtain the form from the Office of Records and Registration. The withdrawal will be effective as of the date the student contacts the appropriate department with the request to withdraw.

If a student withdraws from college during the first two weeks of classes, a refund of tuition only will be processed and no courses or grades will be included on the student’s permanent record. If a student withdraws after the second week of classes and before 75% of the term ends, he/she will receive withdrawal designations. However, the faculty member may still assign a grade of “F’’ if he or she properly notified the student by using the Faculty Notification of Possible Failure Form. After 75% of the semester is completed, students are committed to complete the courses and receive grades. A student who fails to officially withdraw will receive a grade of “F.” The “W” designation will not be issued after 75% of the course is completed unless extenuating circumstances prevail or without approval from the faculty member. The student must contact the Office of Counseling Services to document the circumstances and begin the process for filing a late withdrawal request.

Change of Major and Dropping Grades

Students who wish to transfer from one major to another must obtain the appropriate form in the Office of Records and Registration. Before a student may register officially in the new major, the change of the major must be signed by an advisor in the new major.

Students who change majors and achieve a 2.0 grade point average for the first 12 credits in the new major may apply to drop from their cumulative point average all “D’’ and “F’’ calculations for courses previously completed which were particular to the former major and which do not pertain to their new major. Students will have one opportunity to take advantage of this policy to drop grades. If a student decides to change back to their original major, the grades which were removed from their cumulative grade point average will be reinstated.

Incomplete Grades

A student who has completed substantial coursework may request an Incomplete (I grade) after the Withdrawal deadline has passed. At the discretion of the faculty member, an Incomplete (I) grade is given to students who are unable to complete academic work from the current semester due to illness or other circumstances beyond their control.

Students should present their instructor with a written, valid reason for the missed work. Students should speak with their instructor to request an Incomplete and make a plan to complete their work within four weeks of the end of the semester (the last date of the term). Students will receive a grade when the work is completed.

If the work is not completed by the end of the four-week period, the Incomplete (I) will be converted to a Failure (F).

 

Incomplete Extension

Students who have been granted an Incomplete can request an Incomplete Extension (IE designation) if the student provides documentation of extenuating circumstances and requires more time to complete the course work. Students must present their written request with an expected completion date to the faculty member prior to the end of the Incomplete four-week deadline. If approved by the faculty member, the Incomplete Extension Form will be submitted by the faculty member via email to the Office of Records and Registration (registrar@ccm.edu) and copied to the Department Chair.

Records and Registration will post the “IE” designation on the student’s record. The “IE” will temporarily prevent the “F” conversion at the end of the four-week period after the term concludes. Students will receive a grade when the work is completed.

If the final grade is not submitted to Records and Registration by the expected completion date, the “IE” designation will be converted to an “F” grade.

The “IE” designation does not override pre-requisite requirements and may impact the student’s registration for the next term.

Midterm Advisory Grades

Midterm warning reports are sent to students when they are demonstrating unsatisfactory work and/or lack of attendance through the midpoint of the semester. An unsatisfactory “U” designation indicates that the students performance in the class is unsatisfactory, while the “W” designation indicates that the student should withdraw from the course due to lack of attendance. Midterm warning reports are not mandatory, therefore, not all faculty submit these progress notifications. The “U’’ designation does not appear on the student’s permanent record, while the “W” will appear on the permanent record only in the event the student processes an official withdrawal through the Office of Counseling Services.

Policy on Repeating Courses

  • All grades will appear on the student’s transcript including repeated course grades.
  • The cumulative grade point average and pre-requisite course eligibility will be based on the highest course grade.
  • If a student who repeats a course receives a W, the highest grade earned (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, or F) will count.
  • Under no circumstances will a student receive credit more than once for any course.
  • A student may only register for the same course two times excluding formal withdrawals.
  • A student will be blocked from registering for the third or more attempt without permission from the appropriate academic department chairperson or school dean.
  • May have implications of being accepted into certain CCM programs.
  • Does not apply to science courses that have expired (7 years).

Possible consequences of repeating a course may have implications of being accepted into certain CCM programs

Academic Probation and Dismissal Policy

A student will be placed on academic probation when the Cumulative Point Average (CPA) is less than a 2.0 after attempting 24 or more credits in credit and/or developmental education courses.  Once a student reaches this checkpoint, CPA checks are made each semester to determine the student’s academic standing.

A student on probation who achieves a 2.0 semester grade point average each semester thereafter will be permitted to continue at the college in an attempt to bring the CPA up to acceptable minimal standards. Once the student’s CPA meets the minimum 2.0, the student will be in good academic standing and no longer on academic probation.

Academic Dismissal

A student will be academically dismissed from the college when they are unable to achieve a minimum 2.0-semester grade point average after the probationary semester (Summer and Winterim terms included).

Once a student is academically dismissed, the student will not be permitted to take any courses for one semester following the dismissal (Summer and Winterim terms not included).

An academic dismissal may be appealed to the Academic Review Committee.

If the appeal reverses the dismissal, the student will remain on academic probation and can register for the next term.

The college administration will drop a dismissed student from their registered courses in the next term with no financial penalty.

Second Academic Dismissal

If the student is academically dismissed a second time, the student will not be eligible to take any courses for one year.

An academic dismissal may be appealed to the Academic Review Committee. If an appeal reverses the dismissal, the student will remain on academic probation and can register for the next year.

At the end of the dismissal period, the student may apply to re-enroll at the college through the Office of the Dean of Students.

Once re-enrolled, the student will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Review Committee

The Office of the Dean of Students shall inform the student in writing of his/her dismissal under this policy and of the right to appeal such dismissal.

A student seeking to appeal academic dismissal or seeking readmission prior to expiration of the dismissal period must write a letter of appeal to the Academic Review Committee c/o the Office of the Dean of Students, which appeal must be received at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the commencement of the semester for which readmission is sought.

The Academic Review Committee shall be composed of the Vice President and Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Management, one counselor, the Dean of Learning Support and Opportunity Programs, the Director of Accessibility Services, and two (2) faculty members from each of the three (3) academic schools.  The Academic Review Committee shall have jurisdiction to (a) determine appeals by students who have been academically dismissed, and (b) consider applications for readmission following academic dismissal.

The Office of the Dean of Students will inform students in writing of their dismissal and the right to appeal such dismissal.  Students seeking to appeal academic dismissals must submit, within a limited timeframe, a letter of appeal to the Academic Review Committee, care of the Office of the Dean of Students.  Included with this letter should be supporting documentation that offers extenuating circumstances for the student’s past academic performance.  The Academic Review Committee will review this letter and documentation and, at its discretion, interview the student before making its decision.

The Academic Review Committee will make a determination on the appeal and notify the student in writing of its decision prior to the first day of classes of the semester commencing after the filing of the appeal. The decision of the Academic Review Committee shall be the final decision of the college.

Academic Forgiveness

Students who attended County College of Morris in the past with poor academic records and who wish to return to the college without being penalized for a long-standing poor record may declare academic forgiveness for all courses taken during their initial attendance at the college.

Students may declare academic forgiveness if there is a five-year interim between the time they took their last course and the time they have been readmitted into the college.

Once academic forgiveness is declared, the student’s previous record is retained on the transcript with “Academic Forgiveness’’ indicated. This statement will separate the past from the current course work. The academic forgiveness policy is printed on the back of the student’s transcript.

When students declare academic forgiveness, all courses taken during their first affiliation with the college will be included. Selecting only certain courses is not permitted. Also, there is no minimum number of credits required before a student is eligible to declare academic forgiveness. Students will have one opportunity to take advantage of this policy. Students interested in further information should contact the Office of Records and Registration.

Conduct Policy

County College of Morris was founded by the citizens of the county with the belief that learning is a lifelong process and that education can improve the quality of life for individuals and society.

County College of Morris is a community of individuals. As such, we must strive to recognize the dignity and worth of each member of our community. It is, therefore, the policy of the college that each individual, regardless of status (student, administrator, support staff or faculty member) must treat every other individual, irrespective of status, rank, title, or position, with dignity and respect.

The college recognizes the diversity of its community. We come from many different backgrounds and include different races, religions, and ethnic ancestry. Learning to understand the differences among us, as well as the similarities, is an important dimension of education, one that continues for a lifetime. Tolerance alone is not enough. Respect and understanding are also needed. We should delight in our differences, and should seek to appreciate the richness and personal growth which our diversity provides us as members of this community.

All students are governed by college rules and regulations. Students are expected to give prompt and courteous attention to all collegiate duties and to respect the property and rights of the college and others. Students also are responsible for their own actions and are expected to maintain proper standards of conduct at all times.

The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to protect the college, its academic and social community, and its property from harm resulting from acts of its students that may cause injury or threat of injury. The code defines prohibited conduct and provides imposition of appropriate discipline upon those students whose acts violate its standards of conduct, by means of hearing procedures that afford both prompt disciplinary determinations and appropriate due process to the alleged violator.

The college has adopted a separate Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedure which defines acts of academic dishonesty and sets forth the procedure for determining whether academic dishonesty has occurred and, if so, the appropriate discipline to be imposed.

The following acts, when committed by CCM students, shall be deemed misconduct under this code, subject to imposition of discipline under this code. This code applies to conduct engaged in while attending college functions on-campus or off-campus, or functions of college-sponsored organizations conducted on-campus or off-campus.

  1. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or psychological harm to any person, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm.
  2. Engaging in hostile, harassing, intimidating, or bullying conduct or disorderly behavior that creates an imminent or perceived risk of violence or damage to property that might impede the teaching/learning environment, or that is likely to cause emotional harm by mocking, ridiculing or disparaging a targeted student or group of students.
  3. Engaging in abusive or demeaning conduct or obscene gestures directed toward another individual or group of individuals that has the effect of creating a hostile environment and impedes the rights and privileges of other members of the college community.
  4. Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any weapon.
  5. Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency.
  6. Intentionally or carelessly disrupting college operations or college-sponsored activities.
  7. Use, possession, distribution or sale of, or being under the influence of, illegal narcotics, chemicals, psychedelic drugs or other dangerous substances unless prescribed by a doctor. (See CCM Substance Abuse Policy.)
  8. Furnishing false information to the college including forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, or identification.
  9. Unauthorized access to, modification of, or transfer of electronic data, system software, or computing facilities or improper use of college-provided technology of any kind.
  10. Theft of college property, knowing possession of stolen college property, or theft of personal items from campus facilities.
  11. Destruction, damage or misuse of property of the college or others on campus.
  12. Failure to comply with reasonable directions of college officials issued in the performance of their duties intended to insure the orderly or safe conduct of college programs, activities or operations, or the proper orderly and safe use of college property.
  13. Unauthorized presence in or use of college premises, facilities, or property.
  14. Unauthorized use and/or possession of fireworks on college premises.
  15. Any gambling that is not authorized by the college or under the laws of the State of New Jersey.
  16. Unauthorized use or misuse of the college name for soliciting funds or for sponsorship of activities, or on printed matter.
  17. Violation of college regulations or policies, including campus motor vehicle regulations, the college’s smoking policy, or federal, state, or local laws.
  18. Violation of the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this code.
  19. Unauthorized use of electronic recording or communication devices.

The comprehensive and complete Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Appeals Procedures may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Community Center, Room 132.

Smoking Policy

County College of Morris is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is banned in all campus buildings and anywhere on campus grounds. Smoking is only permitted in vehicles not owned by the college. Smoking fines start at $50.00 and increase substantially for every offense thereafter. Fines must be paid within 10 days of the date they are issued. If an appeal is filed and upheld, the fine will be refunded.

Access to Student Files

1. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, gives students the right to inspect and review all their educational records except for:
A. Financial records of the student’s parents.
B. Confidential letters or statements placed in the file prior to January 1, 1975.
C. Psychiatric or medical records retained by a professional for treatment purposes.
If students wish to inspect or review their academic records, they must fill out and sign a request form in the Office of Records and Registration. The law permits the college 45 days to respond to such requests, but every effort will be made to accommodate such requests as quickly as possible. Upon receipt of the signed, written request, an appointment will be set up for the student to review the file.2. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act also states that the college may not release educational records or personally identifiable information to any individual agency or organization unless there is the written consent of the student or a court order (subpoena). In the case of a subpoena, the student will be notified by certified mail of the nature of the subpoena. Please contact the Office of Student Development and Enrollment Management if you have any questions concerning this law.
Students have the right to waive their rights to privacy by completing the appropriate form in the Office of Student Development and Enrollment Management.

Hold on Student Records

Students who fail to meet their obligations to the college, financial or otherwise, will have their academic records placed on “hold” until the obligation is resolved to the satisfaction of the college. No grade report, transcript or diploma will be issued on the student’s behalf until obligations are satisfied in full. Once the obligation is satisfied, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Registration and Records. Enrollment verification will be issued only for currently attending students.

Sexual Harassment Policy

County College of Morris reaffirms its desire to create an academic/work environment for all students, faculty and staff that is not only responsible but also supportive and conducive to the achievement of education/career goals on the basis of such relevant factors as ability and performance. Students and college personnel are required to maintain an environment that allows all students and all college employees to enjoy the full benefits of their learning experience or work. The use of implicit or explicit coercive sexual behavior to control, influence or affect the performance or status of an individual is prohibited. Any student, faculty member, staff or administrative employee determined to have been engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to immediate and appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The college has established a procedure to be followed in reporting and investigating complaints of sexual harassment. Any member of the college community who believes he or she has been subjected to conduct that violates this policy should follow the “Procedures for Reporting and Investigating a Sexual Harassment Complaint.” Copies of this procedure are available from the Office of Student Development and Enrollment Management, the Office of Human Resources, and the Office of Counseling Services and Student Success.

Fire Procedure

Fires should be reported immediately by activating the nearest fire alarm and by notifying the nearest college official. You may also dial the emergency number 5555 or use the emergency boxes located throughout the campus.

Buildings must be evacuated when the fire alarm sounds. Evacuations must be done in an orderly fashion using the exit that is nearest to you that is clear of the emergency. Move 50 feet from the building; do not re-enter until the all-clear siren has sounded. Take all personal items with you when exiting a building, such as books, purses and jackets.

Animals

For reasons of health and safety, unless specifically authorized, domestic pets may not be brought on campus or allowed within a college building. Anyone bringing animals on campus or into buildings will be subject to disciplinary action. Animal Control will remove animals left unattended inside of automobiles.

Bicycles

Bicycles and skateboards are not allowed to be ridden on campus walkways or in parking lots, or brought into college buildings. Bike racks have been provided in Parking Lot #5 to lock bikes. You must provide your own locking device.

The Right to Function

County College of Morris, as a publicly supported institution of higher learning, has an obligation to provide educational opportunity to the total community which supports it. It is the right of the public to expect, and the responsibility of the college to ensure, that this opportunity is maintained free from interference or disruption by persons who seek to impose upon the college, through force, their own points of view, special interests or demands.

The college can neither condone nor tolerate any forcible activity which disrupts, obstructs or interrupts the facilities or operation of the college, and persons participating in such activity will be subject to dismissal from the college and to applicable civil or criminal penalties.

While the college is unswerving in its determination to prevent forcible disruption of its operation, it will guard with equal determination the preservation of academic freedom on the campus and the rights and freedoms of its constituent members as provided by law to all citizens. Reference here is to the right of peaceful protest, the right of non-obstructive demonstration, the right to be heard and the right to receive consideration by the college on issues of concern.