2011-2012 Academic Catalog

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Academic Standards, Information, and Policies

In this section Basic Skills for College-Level Work Policies Credit for Prior Learning Grading and Evaluation Academic Appeals Academic Renewal Policy Student Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures Honors Program Transferability of CCA Credit Instructional Policy on Academic Dishonesty Student Code of Conduct Safety/Security

Basic Skills for College-Level Work

In order to help ensure success in college-level courses, students should have developed basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. If the required assessment process indicates that a student does not have the necessary English, reading, or mathematics skills to succeed in college-level work, the student must undertake pre-college level work in these areas. This work must be successfully completed within the first 30 semester hours at CCA. Although students receive grades and earn credit for pre-college level work, the credit does not apply toward the completion of a degree, and does not impact the GPA.

Reading

Students will demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend material that is similar in difficulty to the front pages and editorial pages of typical newspapers. This corresponds to at least a 10th grade reading level on standardized reading tests.

Writing

Students will demonstrate the ability to write paragraphs in standard written English with these characteristics:

1. Narrowed, focused topics and relevant, adequate support.
2. Coherent organization with appropriate transitions between ideas.
3. Sentence variety, including subordinate constructions.
4. Language appropriate to the subject matter.
5. Minimal interference of grammatical and mechanical errors.

Math

Students will demonstrate complete understanding of numerical manipulation methods. They must be able to perform the following tasks:

1. Put logical statements into mathematical form.
2. Manipulate those statements to obtain a solution.
3. Test those solutions for reasonableness.
4. Effectively communicate the process, both written and orally.

Policies

Catalog

Students enrolling at CCA will follow the provisions of the catalog in use at the time of admission. When students interrupt their continuous attendance at CCA for three consecutive terms or change their degree or certificate programs, they will become subject to the provisions of the catalog current with their next enrollment.

Attendance

Regular, punctual class attendance is necessary if students are to obtain maximum benefits from instruction. Students are expected to comply with attendance policies set by individual instructors. They are expected to make up any classroom work assignments or other course requirements that are missed due to their absences.

Weather

Generally, college policy is to remain open regardless of weather conditions, and to hold classes with the students and instructors who can reach the campus. Classes will not meet when buildings are closed for snow or emergencies. Students will be notified by ConnectED. Metro-area radio and television stations make announcements regarding school closings. Many of the television stations also have links to their computer websites for school closings.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students may be awarded credit for college-equivalent education acquired through non-traditional schooling, work, or other life experiences. Such prior learning must be comparable to Community College of Aurora courses and must relate to the student’s declared certificate or degree program as outlined in college publications. A handbook explaining credit for prior learning is available online at http://www.cccs.edu/Docs/EdServices/Credit-for-Prior-Learning-Handbook.pdf. Payment must be made before assessment is undertaken and cannot be paid for with financial aid funds. Students must be registered for at least one semester hour of coursework at the time they submit an application for credit for prior learning (CPL). This credit will not be recorded on a transcript until at least one semester hour has been completed at CCA. Awarded credit may be used to meet Guaranteed Transfer (gt) courses. If credit for prior learning is applied to AA, AS, or AGS-articulated degree requirements, transfer guarantees may be affected. Consult your advisor or transferred institution for details.

A student relocating to another Colorado community college may have their prior learning credits transferred there as long as the course is applicable to the student’s declared degree or certificate. Students transferring to a college or university outside the state system of community colleges should contact that school to determine if CCA prior learning credits will be accepted. The Community College of Aurora does not guarantee transfer of credit outside the Colorado Community College System. Students may document prior learning through successful completion of any of the following:

Challenge Examinations

Students may challenge a course, provided they are not enrolled in that course, by taking a comprehensive examination. Students must first meet with an academic advisor, then with their appropriate academic dean. No more than one challenge of a particular course will be arranged during any one semester. The cost is 50 percent of in-state tuition per credit hour and payment must be made prior to the examination.

Evaluation Using Published Guides

Students desiring credit for formal training courses completed through the U.S. Armed Forces, corporate training programs or at other postsecondary education institutions may receive credit for these classes if they are listed in the American College of Education (ACE) guide, which is used by CCA to evaluate this type of prior learning. There is no charge for this method of evaluation.

Portfolio of Learning Outcomes

Students may petition the college for credit by developing a portfolio that describes and documents relevant prior learning comparable to that gained in CCA courses. Faculty in the appropriate program area will evaluate the portfolio and award credit commensurate with the learning experience. No more than one portfolio evaluation for a particular course per student will be arranged during any one semester. Each course must be in the college curriculum and must be part of the student’s certificate or degree requirements. The cost for a portfolio evaluation is 50 percent of in-state tuition per credit hour and payment must be made prior to the evaluation.

Standardized Testing

CCA evaluates the results of standardized tests for the possible awarding of credit. Official copies of the student’s scores must be sent by the testing service to the CCA Enrollment Services office. After evaluation, the student will be notified by the college if the scores were sufficient for the awarding of credit.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Testing in both general and subject area examinations is offered in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). CLEP study guides may be purchased in the CCA bookstore. Test information, registration forms, and testing schedules are available in the LRC, located in the Student Centre Building, Room S202, 303-360-4736. For information concerning minimum score and credit transferability, contact Enrollment Services at 303-360-4797.
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES): Test information, registration forms, and testing schedules are available in the LRC, located in the Student Centre Building, S202, 303-360-4736.

Grading and Evaluation

Student achievement is evaluated in relation to the attainment of specific course objectives. Achievement means successfully reaching an established level of performance. Levels of performance are indicated by alphabetical letters. These letter grades are recorded on the student’s permanent transcript.

Grades generally are available at the end of each semester for all students. Grades may be accessed online at www.CCAurora.edu. Click on the MyCCA link and enter student ID number and password. Grades will not be provided by the Enrollment Services office during the time final grades are being processed. Any questions about grades during this time should be referred to the instructor.

Student Load/Credit Hours

Credit hours are awarded on a semester basis. A student can complete a degree program in four semesters by successfully completing 15 credit hours of required coursework each semester. A student may choose, due to personal circumstances, to extend completion time. The following is a guide for fall and spring semesters used for tuition, financial aid and Veteran benefits purposes:

Full-time	12+ credit hours
Three-quarter time	9-11 credit hours
Half-time	6-8 credit hours

CCA Expectations for Student Performance

Students may be allowed to register for more than 18 credit hours for the fall and spring semester and 15 credit hours for the summer semester if they have written approval from an academic advisor; this is dependent upon a GPA of 3.25 and evidence that the student can succeed.

Repeated Courses

Most courses, provided they are still offered at CCA, may be repeated for a higher grade. Full tuition is charged for repeated courses. The grades for both the initial class and the repeated class will appear on the transcript; however, only the higher grade will be used in the GPA calculation. Repeated courses apply only once to degrees and certificates.

Academic Progress Policy

Recognizing the value of measuring academic progress for all students, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has established the following practices for measuring and notifying students of their academic standing:

1. The academic progress procedure applies to all students who have completed 13 or more semester hours of credit in residence while attending college at the Community College of Aurora.
2. During the student’s first 12 credit hours of enrollment, the college will monitor satisfactory progress through the college’s academic alert process.
3. A student is considered in "Good Standing" when the cumulative grade point average (GPA) is at least 2.0 or greater for all completed college classes.
4. A student whose cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 for all completed coursework will be placed on Probation (initial).
5. A student is considered on Probation (continuing) when the cumulative GPA remains less than 2.0 for all completed coursework and the last term’s GPA is 2.0 or greater.
6. A student is placed on Suspension (initial) when the cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 for all completed college coursework and the last term’s GPA falls below 2.0. A student placed on Suspension (initial) cannot register for the next term; however, after meeting with an academic advisor, a student may be permitted to register for the subsequent term and may appeal the decision due to extenuating circumstances. This appeal does not guarantee the student’s right to enroll for the next term.
7. A student is again placed on Suspension (second) when the cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 for all completed coursework and the last term GPA is less than 2.0 for the second time. This student is not permitted to register for the next two terms; however, the student may be allowed to register for the subsequent term after meeting with an academic advisor. The student may appeal the suspension due to mitigating circumstances. Granting a student’s appeal does not guarantee that he/she will be permitted to enroll without a break in enrollment. A returning, suspended student will remain on Probation (continuing).
8. A student is again placed on Suspension (third) when the cumulative GPA of less than a 2.0 for all completed coursework, and the last term GPA is also below 2.0 for the third time. A student placed on Suspension (third) cannot register for the next two calendar years; however, a student may appeal the suspension due to mitigating circumstances. Granting a student’s appeal does not guarantee that the student will be permitted to enroll without a break.

Additional Policies

1. A student’s unofficial transcript will include the following notation as appropriate: Good Standing, Probation (Continued), Probation and Suspension (initial, second and third).
2. Summer semester will count as a term of non-enrollment, during a suspension.

Grade Quality of Work Indicated Grade Points

Grade	Implication	Grade Points
A	Excellent or Superior	4
B	Good	3
C	Average	2
D	Deficient	1
F	Failure	0
I	Incomplete	0
S	Satisfactory	NGPA
U	Unsatisfactory	NGPA
S/A	Satisfactory (A-level) work in a developmental course	NGPA
S/B	Satisfactory (B-level) work in a developmental course	NGPA
S/C	Satisfactory (C-level) work in a developmental course	NGPA
U/D	Unsatisfactory (D-level) work in a developmental course	NGPA
U/F	Unsatisfactory (F-level) work in a developmental course	NGPA
W	Withdrawal	NGPA
AU	Audit	NGPA
SP	Satisfactory Progress	NGPA
Z	Grade not yet reported	NGPA

I-Incomplete-The "Incomplete" grade is a temporary grade and is designed for students who, because of documented illness or circumstances beyond their control, are unable to complete their course work within the semester, but have completed a majority of the course work (defined as at least 75% of all course assignments and tests) in a satisfactory manner (grade C or better).

If circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent the student from completing a test or assignments at the end of the term, then it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the request for an "Incomplete" grade from the instructor. The instructor will determine whether the student has a reasonable chance of satisfactorily completing the remaining course activities in a timely manner.

In requesting an "Incomplete" grade, the student must present to the instructor the documentation of circumstances justifying the "Incomplete" grade. The instructor will complete and sign an "Incomplete Grade Contract" and will submit it to the Enrollment Services office with the final grades for the semester. The instructor must assign a Final Grade through a Grade Change Form in a timely fashion.

Students are encouraged to let instructors know, as soon as possible, if they are having difficulties with any part of the course. If the student and instructor cannot reach a resolution concerning an Incomplete grade, then the student should contact the instructional department chair or dean.

AU-Audited courses are not eligible for the COF stipend and this grade is not certifiable to the V.A.

Military personnel and emergency management officials who are required to go Temporary Duty (TDY) in the middle of a term should contact their instructor for special consideration. Documentation of official TDY assignment is required and special arrangements must be approved by the Vice President of Instruction.

Incomplete grades which are not converted to a letter grade by the instructor after one subsequent semester (not including summer semester) will revert to a "default" grade assigned by the instructor. The default grade is the grade earned if no work on the Incomplete Grade Contract is not submitted.

Grade Point Average Calculation

Grade points indicate the achievement of the student for the number of credits completed. To calculate a grade point average, multiply the credits by the points for the grade earned, total the credits and points, and then divide the grade points by the credits.

Sample

Course	Description	Credits	Grade	Points
ANT 111	Physical Anthropology	3	A	12 (3x4)
BIO 201	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4	A	16 (4x4)
CSC 116	Logic and Program Design	3	B	9 (3x3)
ENG 121	English Composition I	3	D	3 (3x1)
POS 111	American National Government	3	F	0 (3x0)
Total		16		40

Grades awarded for developmental courses will not be included in a student’s grade point average (GPA). Grading for developmental courses will utilize the Developmental grade mode (S/A, S/B, S/C, U/D, U/F). The credits will count toward earned and attempted credits. GPAs for term recognition such as President’s List, Vice President’s List, and Dean’s List will not include developmental courses in the calculation.

Total grade points divided by total credits equals the cumulative grade point average. Therefore, the grade point average for the above example would be 40 divided by 16, or 2.50.

A = 4 grade points • B = 3 grade points • C = 2 grade points • D = 1 grade point: • F = 0 grade points

Academic Appeals

Grade Appeals

The student should initiate appeals regarding final grades within 60 calendar days after the end of the semester in which the grade was awarded. Before making an appeal, the student should first discuss the grade with the instructor, then, if necessary, with the department chair. If there is no resolution, the student can appeal the grade by submitting a written statement to the division dean explaining the problem. The dean will investigate and respond in writing within 15 days.

Academic Probation/Suspension Appeals

Students placed on Academic Probation can continue to attend CCA on a "Continued Probation" status and are not required to file an appeal to continue attending CCA provided that their term GPA stays above 2.0 each term until they are able to bring the overall GPA up to 2.0 or higher. CCA recommends that students placed on Academic Probation work closely with an Academic Advisor each term to develop strategies for success.

Students placed on Academic Suspension will be notified of their status prior to the start of the subsequent semester. Students on Academic Suspension are required to "sit out" for a semester or more (depending on the level of suspension) and must meet with an Academic Advisor before they will be allowed to return to CCA. In some circumstances, the student can appeal to return without completing the "sit out" terms and Academic Advisors will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Graduation Requirement Appeals

The student should initiate appeals regarding completion of graduation requirements within 60 calendar days after the decision was rendered. To make an appeal, the student should contact the division dean in writing explaining the problem. The dean will investigate and respond in writing within 15 days.

Academic Renewal Policy

The purpose of academic renewal is to allow a student the opportunity to remove a maximum of 30 semester credit hours of poor academic performance from the grade point average (GPA) calculation.

Academic renewal applies only to courses taken at CCA and may be awarded only once. The original grade and credit hours remain on the permanent academic transcript and the number of credit hours is deducted from the student’s remaining COF hours. A notation on the transcript indicates that the academic renewal has been awarded and the grade point average has been adjusted. Once academic renewal is granted, it is irreversible. Credit excluded from the GPA calculation cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for completion of a CCA certificate or degree.

Students applying for academic renewal must complete the Academic Renewal Application form available from the Enrollment Services office, CentreTech Campus, Administration Building, Room A102.

The following conditions must be met to apply for academic renewal:

1. The student must have a two-year period of non-attendance at CCA to apply for academic renewal.
2. The student must complete six semester credit hours upon returning to CCA with grades of C or better before applying for Academic Renewal.
3. The academic renewal form must include an academic advisor’s signature. A student concerned about a poor academic record is encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss CCA’s other academic progress options and strategies for academic success.

The academic renewal policy is applicable only to the Community College of Aurora. Other institutions receiving a CCA transcript for transfer of an academic renewal are not bound by this college policy and may choose to calculate the student’s transfer GPA to include all grades, even those excluded by CCA under this policy.

Students applying for academic renewal are responsible for investigating their transfer admissions, financial aid, remaining stipend eligible hours, Veterans Affairs benefits, and other agencies. For clarification of the scope and definition of this policy, contact Enrollment Services office, CentreTech Campus, Administration Building, Room A102.

Student Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures

Upon enrolling at the college, you assume an obligation to conduct yourself in a manner compatible with the college's function as a public educational institution. CCA expects each student to obey the federal, state, and municipal laws as well as college regulations. In addition, students must adhere to the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Board Polices, the Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures, and the CCA student code of conduct explained below.

Any act which interferes with the learning process, rights of others, disrupts or impairs the normal functioning of the college, damages or destroys property, or impairs health or safety is grounds for disciplinary action. Examples of misconduct subject to disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, the following:  

1. Dishonesty in any aspect or knowingly furnishing false information to the college.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records, identification, educational materials, or college property.
3. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized activities on college premises.
4. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person on college-owned or controlled property or at college-sponsored or supervised functions.
5. Theft of, or damage to, property on the college premises or at authorized college functions.
6. Unauthorized entry to or use of college facilities; unauthorized use of college equipment.
7. Unauthorized or fraudulent use of the college facilities, telephone system, mail or email systems, or entry into, or alteration of any college computer records.
8. Use of, being under the influence of, possession of, or distribution of alcohol or illegal or dangerous drugs on campus, at college-sponsored functions, and in state-owned or leased vehicles, except as expressly permitted by law and college regulations.
9. Engaging in individual or group conduct that is violent, abusive, indecent, or unreasonably loud, or similar disorderly conduct that infringes upon the privacy, rights, or privileges of others or disturbs the peace or the orderly process of education on campus or at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to engage in the aforementioned activities.
10. Failing to settle any debts with the college or any agency associated with the college and/or delivering any check to the college that is not supported by sufficient funds or is deemed worthless.
11. Condoning any act by another student that violates college policy. Students witnessing any such acts are required to report them to the proper authorities. Confidentiality of the identity of the student reporting violations will be maintained.
12. Unauthorized representation of contracting in the name of Community College of Aurora. (A student may not claim to be an official representative of the college for any commercial purpose.)
13. Acts of abusive speech or writing that exposes any individual or group to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, and thereby injures the person, property, or reputation of another.
14. Dress or personal hygiene that fails to meet the established safety or health standards of specific classes on college-owned or controlled property or at college-sponsored activities.
15. Engaging in any kinds of hazing action or situation on or off campus that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or participation in any student organization.
16. Unauthorized distribution or sale of goods on campus.
17. Failure to comply with reasonable requests and orders by authorized college officials or representatives acting on behalf of the college. (This requirement includes reasonable requests for students to attend any scheduled appointments in administrative offices, at disciplinary investigations, and/or at hearings.)
18. Creating litter, throwing, discarding or depositing any paper, glass or other matter of any kind on the property, except in designated trash receptacles.
19. Violations of college policies regarding parking.
20. Unauthorized presence of pets on campus.
21. Tobacco use is prohibited in classrooms, elevators, college owned vehicles, college grounds and properties. The CentreTech and Lowry campuses are tobacco-free. Smoking is permitted in college parking lots, but must occur not less than 25ft from all entrances/doorways and common walkways.
22. Illegal possession and/or sale of property. (Students involved in such violations are subject to college disciplinary action, as well as arrest and prosecution by legal authorities. Students are required to make full restitution.)
23. Operation of any motorized or non-motorized vehicle (including skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles) in any location or at times which, at the discretion of campus officials, constitute a pedestrian or motor traffic hazard, or which imperil the health and safety of a person or property on the campus.
24. Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemical, or other weapons on campus or at college-sponsored activities except as permitted by law and college regulations. (Weapons are defined as firearms, knives, explosives, inflammable materials, or any other items that may cause bodily injury or damage to property.)
25. Unacceptable uses of any college-owned computing equipment and/or network including, but not limited to: any use of computers that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; knowingly spreading computer viruses; sending harassing, intimidating, offensive, and/or threatening messages; reposting personal communications without the author's consent; copying protected material in violation of copyright law; using the network for financial gain, commercial activity, or illegal activity; accessing the network using another individual's account; downloading, loading, or executing software without appropriate authorization; or any other attempt to compromise network integrity.
26. Leaving children unattended or unsupervised in campus buildings or on campus grounds can constitute child abuse or child neglect (as outlined in the Colorado Child Protection Act of 1975). Children may be permitted in class only with the instructor's permission and with the understanding that the child's presence will not be disruptive or unduly distracting.
27. Influencing or attempting to influence any employee or student of the college by offering favors, including sexual favors, bribes, or threats.
28. Engaging in behavior which may constitute sexual harassment, such as sexually suggestive looks, comments, or gestures; prolonged staring, sexual teasing, or jokes; pressure for dates; sexually demeaning comments; deliberate touching, cornering, or pinching; attempt to kiss or fondle; pressure for sex; requests for sex in exchange for grades or favors, or to avoid poor grades or suspension; other actions of a sexual nature which interfere with school performance or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.
29. Knowingly pursuing malicious, frivolous, or fraudulent charges against a student or staff member without cause.
30. Violating federal, state, and municipal laws, as well as Colorado Community College System policies and college procedures and regulations.
     

Due Process

Student Conduct:

A student accused of violating the above code has a right to due process. Anyone may file a complaint with the Chief Student Services Officer or designee. College personnel will investigate valid complaints and notify the accused student upon reaching a decision. The accused student will be informed of the nature of the complaint and be given an opportunity to respond. Witnesses and other appropriate individuals may be interviewed.  

Upon completing an investigation, the Chief Student Services Officer or designee will issue a decision. Depending on the severity and the number of violations, a student may face disciplinary action.  Examples include: warning, probation, being dropped from a class, summary suspension, suspension, expulsion, and many other remedies necessary to resolve the complaint.

The Chief Student Services Officer or designee may at anytime summarily suspend a student. An immediate action taken by the Chief Student Services Officer to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college community or preservation of college property; to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or if the student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the college.

Pursuant to this policy, students who feel the disciplinary action is unfair may file an appeal.

Note: In the event of student misconduct, a faculty or staff member may take reasonable and discretionary action including, but not limited to, requesting the student leave the area for the duration of the specified activity or class period.  

Allegations of sexual harassment should be reported and investigated by or under the direction of the Director of Human Resources.

Appeal - Student Conduct:

Chief Student Services Officer or his/her designee shall receive all allegations of student misconduct, investigate the complaints and make a Decision. He/she may decide that the charges can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties Involved on a basis acceptable to him/her. If an administrative resolution is not achieved, the Chief Student Services Officer or designee shall issue a Decision which determines whether the alleged conduct occurred; whether the conduct violated the Code of Conduct or College policies or procedures; and impose a sanction(s) if appropriate. The student shall receive written Notice of the Decision and be advised of his/her right to appeal the Decision by filing a written appeal with the Chief Student Services Officer within seven (7) days of service of the Decision. In the case of suspension or expulsion, the sanction shall be imposed no earlier than six days after

Service of the Notice unless it is a summary suspension or the sanction is agreed to by the student. If an appeal is requested, suspension and/or expulsion shall not be imposed until the appeal procedures below have been completed.

In the event of an appeal, the Chief Student Services Officer shall give written Notice to the student and the Impartial Decision Maker which describes the conduct to be inquired into; the Code of Conduct and/or College policies or procedures which were allegedly violated; the date, time and place of the alleged violation; the sanction that is threatened and the date, time and place of the hearing before the Impartial Decision Maker. The Notice shall be given at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing, unless a shorter time is agreed to by the parties.

Conduct of Hearings

The Impartial Decision Maker shall determine its own hearing procedures, keeping in mind the following guidelines:

1. Student shall have the right to be heard by the Impartial Decision Maker. In the event that the student is under the age of eighteen or incapacitated, he/she may have an advisor present to assist him/her in presenting his/her case.
2. Students do not have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings except in the case where civil or criminal actions concerning the student are pending and in that case the attorney’s role shall be advisory only. The Student is responsible for presenting his/her own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing except as provided in #1 above.
3. Student shall have the right to identify documents, witnesses and other material he/she would like the Impartial Decision Maker to review before making a final decision.
4. Hearings shall be conducted in private unless all parties agree otherwise.
5. A record of the hearing should be maintained by the Impartial Decision Maker.

Determination by Impartial Decision Maker

The Decision Maker shall make its findings and determinations in closed meeting out of the presence of the Chief Student Services Officer and the student charged. Separate findings are to be made as to the conduct of the student, and on the sanction(s), if any, to be imposed. No discipline shall be imposed on the student unless the Impartial Decision Maker is persuaded by a preponderance of the evidence that the student committed the alleged conduct and that it constituted a violation of the Code of Conduct and/or College regulations; that the student should be sanctioned (including modifying the sanction imposed below) and that the discipline is reasonable given the violation. The student and the Chief Student Services Officer shall be given written Notice of the decision. The decision shall be issued within five calendar days of the close of the hearing and it shall become final unless a petition for review is filed.

Petition for Review

The Chief Student Services Officer or the student may petition the president to review the Impartial Decision Maker’s decision by filing a written petition within five (5) days after notification of the decision. If a review is requested, the other party will be given three (3) days to respond to the petition and his/her response materials will be given to the president to review before a decision on the petition is made.

President’s Decision

The president shall review the record of the case and the petition and may affirm or reverse the decision of the Impartial Decision Maker. The record shall consist of the Impartial Decision Maker’s written documents and the recording of the hearing and any written materials submitted in support of the Petition for Review. The president shall notify the Chief Student Services Officer and the student in writing of his/her decision within fourteen (14) days of service of the Petition for Review. The president’s decision is final.

Miscellaneous

1. College disciplinary proceeding may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law if the violation occurred at the College or College-sanctioned activities or was of such a nature as to impact upon the College which is also a violation of the College’s Student Code of Conduct. Proceedings under this Procedure may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.
2. Time limits for scheduling of hearings may be extended at the discretion of the Impartial Decision Maker.
3. The procedural rights afforded to students above may be waived by the student.

Grievance Procedures

Basis: This Student Grievance Procedure is intended to allow students an opportunity to present an issue that they feel warrants action, including the right to secure educational benefits and services without regard to sex, race, national origin or ancestry, creed, color, disability, or age, and have the issue considered in a prompt and equitable fashion.

Non-grievable matters: The following matters are not grievable under this procedure except as noted: matters over which the college is without authority to act; grades and other academic decisions unless there is an allegation that the decision was motivated by illegal discrimination; and disciplinary actions taken pursuant to BP 4-30.

Procedures:

1. Informal

Grievant is encouraged to resolve the issue with the Respondent or his/her supervisor. In the case of grievances based upon one’s race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, age or gender, the Grievant may first contact the college employee responsible for affirmative action to seek informal resolution of the issues. If the complaint alleges facts which might constitute a violation of SP 3-120a concerning sexual harassment, the administrator shall investigate and process the complaint under that procedure. While the Grievant is encouraged to resolve the issues through the informal process, he/she may at any time elect to go to the formal stage by following the process outlined below.

1. 2. Formal
   1. Grievant timely files a written statement of the actions complained of and describes the remedy he/she is seeking with the Chief Student Services Officer or designee. A matter could also be referred to this process by the College president or his/her designee. Once a written grievance is filed or referred, the Chief Student Services Officer or designee will determine whether or not the situation states a grievable offense. The matter will be closed if the situation is determined not grievable and the Grievant will be notified of the reasons.
   2. If the matter is determined to be grievable, Chief Student Services Officer or designee (which may be an individual or a committee) shall hear the Grievance. A hearing will be held which will give the Grievant, Respondent, and others invited to appear, and given the opportunity to explain what they know about the issues surrounding the grievance. Considering the oral and written statements and documents, the Chief Student Services Officer or designee shall issue a Decision within ten (10) calendar days of close of the hearing. The Decision shall be served upon the Grievant and the Respondent personally or by certified mail to the addresses on file in the Admissions office. The Decision shall reject the grievance or grant the grievance and make recommendation(s) to resolve the issue(s). The Chief Student Services Officer or designee’s decision is final unless a Petition for Review is filed with the president by either party within five (5) calendar days of service of the Decision.
   3. Upon receipt of a Petition for Review, the college president will review the record and issue a written decision within ten calendar days of receipt of the Petition for Review. The president’s decision is final.
   4. The Chief Student Services Officer or designee may extend the scheduling timelines described above for good cause.
   5. If the grievance is against the Chief Student Services Officer or designee, the Chief Academic Officer or other person designated by the president shall perform the duties of the Chief Student Services Officer.

  Definitions:

1. Code of Conduct: A document developed and published by each college which defines prescribed conduct of students.
2. Impartial Decision Maker: The individual/committee designated by the college president to hear student disciplinary appeals.
3. Chief Student Services Officer or designee: The individual designated by the College President to administer student affairs and be responsible for administering the College’s Student Conduct Code and this procedure.
4. Notice: Notices which are required to be given by this procedure shall be considered served upon the student when given by personal delivery or mailing by certified mail to the address the student has filed with the College’s admissions and records office. If notice is mailed, student shall be given three (3) additional days to respond.
5. Sanctions: One or more of the following may be given when there is a finding that a student has violated the College’s Code of Conduct.
   1. Warning: A Notice served upon the student advising him/her that he/she is violating or has violated College regulations.
   2. Probation: After a finding of violation of the Code of Conduct, restriction of student’s privileges for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any College regulations during the probationary period.
   3. Other disciplinary sanction: fines, restitution, denial of privileges, assignment to perform services for the benefit of the college or community; or other sanction that doesn’t result in the student being denied the right of attending classes.
   4. College suspension or expulsion: An involuntary separation of the student from the College for misconduct apart from academic performance for a specified period of time.
      1. Suspension is a separation that shall not exceed two academic terms per suspension for any singular offense or situation. While a student is suspended, he or she is not eligible for admission or re-admission at any of the community colleges within the Colorado Community College System. Once the suspension is lifted the student is eligible for admission or re-admission. Students may be suspended from a class, residence hall, use of a college facility or an activity in the sole determination by an authorized college employee that the conduct is in violation of the Code subject only to an appeal to the Chief Student Services Officer to ensure that the action was taken pursuant to college policies. Students may be suspended from one class period by the responsible faculty member, longer suspensions can be done only in accordance with college procedures.
      2. Expulsion is a separation for more than two academic terms. While a student is expelled, he or she is not eligible for admission or re-admission at any of the community colleges within the Colorado Community College System. After the expulsion, a student’s eligibility for re-admission is contingent upon their ability to prove the behavior that resulted in the expulsion has been resolved.
6. Summary Suspension: An immediate action taken by the Chief Student Services Officer to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college community or preservation of college property; to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or if the student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operations of the college. In the event of a summary suspension, the hearing before the Impartial Decision Maker (if requested by the student), shall occur as soon as possible following the suspension.
7. Day: Refers to calendar day unless otherwise noted below.
8. Grievant: Enrolled student, a client or volunteer who is providing a service to benefit the College under the supervision and control of a college employee. A client or volunteer may only grieve a decision which bans him or her from the campus.
9. Grievance: A grievable offense is any alleged action which violates or inequitably applies written college policies or procedures. The grievant must be personally affected by such violation or inequitable action. A grievance must be brought to the formal stage within 20 calendar days of the date the student knew or reasonably should have known about the action.
10. Remedy: The relief that the Grievant is requesting.
11. Respondent(s): Another student, volunteer, client, faculty member and/or administrator identified by the Grievant as causing or contributing to the grievance.

Appeal of Appeal or Grievance Council Finding

The right to appeal the decision is available for a period of 15 days after notification of the decision. The request for an appeal must be submitted in writing to the college Vice President of Student Services. The decision of the Vice President is final.

Terms

• Complainant – One who files the complaint against the respondent.
• Days – Calendar days
• Disciplinary Action – Expulsion, probation, suspension, assignment of community services or other actions or conditions appropriate to the situation; these actions may be imposed through administrative hearing or appeals council.
• Finding – A decision as to whether it is more likely than not that a violation of the CCA Student Conduct Code occurred.
• Petitioner – One who files the grievance against the respondent.
• Probation – A status in which a student remains enrolled and in attendance, but under stated conditions.
• Respondent – One who responds to the request or complaint. In the case of student disciplinary matters, the student is the respondent.
• Student – Currently enrolled full-time or part-time student.
• Suspension – Dismissal of a student from the college or program for misconduct for a specified period of time. Suspension differs from expulsion because after the stated time period, the student is eligible for readmission.
• Warning – A status in which a student remains enrolled and in attendance, but is counseled to desist from specified undesirable course of action.

Honors Program

Community College of Aurora offers honors options for students who want additional educational challenges. Courses can be taken for honors credit and students can earn honors distinctions upon graduation. Honors courses must be college-level; courses numbered 100 and below cannot be taken for honors credit. Students can opt to take selected courses for honors credit on a case-by-case basis by contracting with an instructor.

Recognition of Academic Excellence

Transcripts will note the following:

1. Graduation honors recognize outstanding academic achievement throughout a student’s academic career at the Community College of Aurora. The honors are awarded to students who complete the requirements for an associate degree and who earn a 3.5 or better cumulative grade point average. Honors are designated as follows:
   • Summa Cum Laude - with highest honor - 4.00 cumulative GPA
   • Magna Cum Laude - with great honor - 3.75 to 3.99 cumulative GPA
   • Cum Laude - with honor - 3.50 to 3.749 cumulative GPA
2. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa -cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, with a minimum of 12 semester hours in residency at CCA.
3. Honor designations are noted on transcripts each term to students who complete a minimum of 12 semester GPA producing credits at CCA with a 3.5 or better GPA for the term. Term honors are designated as follows:
   • President’s List - GPA of 4.0
   • Vice President’s List - GPA of 3.75-3.99
   • Dean’s List - GPA of 3.5-3.749

Transferability of CCA Credit

Students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree program at a Colorado public community college have a distinct advantage over other transfer students.

These degrees are designed to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs in the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences with junior standing for most majors at Colorado public four-year colleges, if students earn a C grade or better in all courses. Special articulation agreements exist for teacher education, business, criminal justice, and engineering. Certain majors require essential lower-division prerequisites. Students need to see an advisor and consult the transfer guide for assistance in selecting lower-division credits that will apply directly toward the baccalaureate degree. Information on statewide guaranteed courses is available online at http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Transfers/gtPathways/default.html. Credit earned through advanced placement, credit for prior learning, correspondence courses, CLEP, and other tested-only credit may not be applicable; the institution to which students transfer will evaluate these credits according to their own policies.

CCA has articulation agreements with many of the private four-year institutions in Colorado as well, and many of these colleges accept 60 to 90 or more credits from CCA. For more information, contact an advisor in the Enrollment Services office, CentreTech campus, Administration Building, Room A106.

If students follow the transfer guide for a specific degree program, their courses will apply toward the graduation requirements in their majors. Students who do not complete an AA or AS degree may transfer their credits to four-year colleges on a course-by-course basis. Transfer guides can be found on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s website at http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Transfers/Students.html.

Note: Some Colorado colleges and universities have special scholarship programs designated for community college students who complete an AA or AS degree. Contact an advisor for more information.

To learn more about these opportunities, contact the transfer coordinator or admission director at the chosen institution as soon as possible to start the financial aid planning process.

Service Members Opportunity College

The Community College of Aurora is a member of the Service Members Opportunity College (SOC). SOC is a consortium of national higher education associations and 569 institutional members that function in cooperation with the Department of Defense and military services to help meet the voluntary higher education needs of service members. As a member of SOC, the Community College of Aurora subscribes to principles and criteria to ensure that high-quality academic programs are available to military students.

Instructional Policy on Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the unauthorized use of assistance with intent to deceive an instructor or any other individual responsible for evaluating a student’s work. The following are examples of unethical actions:

1. Submission of any materials not prepared by students but presented as their own.
2. The unauthorized possession and/or use of notes, books or the soliciting of assistance from another student during an examination.
3. Illegitimate possession or distribution of examinations, test materials, and/or answer keys to tests and examinations.

Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s work without giving proper credit to that person. A student must give proper credit through the use of appropriate citation format when (a) copying verbatim another person’s work (e.g., words, phrases, sentences or entire passages); (b) paraphrasing another person’s work (i.e., borrowing but rewording that person’s facts, opinions or ideas); and (c) summarizing another’s work (i.e., use of one’s own words to condense longer passages into a sentence or two).

Consequence of Academic Dishonesty

When dishonesty is evident, the following minimum sanctions will be applied:

1. First offense: The student may receive an F or Zero as the grade for the assignment. In addition, the first incident may result in the loss of testing privileges in the Learning Resource Center for the current and next semester in which the student is enrolled in the college. The student’s name is added to the college wide academic dishonesty database by the associate dean of instruction.
2. Second offense: The student may receive an F for the course and may be expelled from the class. A second offense may also result in permanent loss of testing privileges in the Learning Resource Center.
3. Third offense: The student may receive an F for the course and may be expelled from the college.

Procedures for Reporting Alleged Dishonesty

1. The instructor or LRC proctor who suspects a student of dishonesty must notify the student as quickly as possible after the alleged infraction. The instructor or LRC proctor will collect all pertinent materials. The LRC proctor will not make any decisions regarding the suspected dishonesty incident but will report it to the instructor. The instructor will discuss the suspected incident with the division chair. If the instructor and chair jointly decide that there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation, the chair will report the incident to the Associate Dean of Instruction.
2. A student may appeal the cheating allegation according to the CCA Policy Procedure entitled Student Academic Appeals.

Student Code of Conduct

Students need to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college’s function as an educational institution. CCA expects each student to obey the federal, state, and municipal laws, as well as college regulations.

Any act which interferes with the learning process, rights of others, disrupts or impairs the normal functioning of the college, damages or destroys property, or impairs health or safety is grounds for disciplinary action. Examples of misconduct subject to disciplinary action and associated procedures may be found online at http://www.CCAurora.edu/students/studentlife/additionalinfo/stuconduct.shtml.

Safety/Security

It is the responsibility of all persons to practice appropriate safety measures. In the event of an injury, during instruction or any other time on campus, the injured party must report the nature of the incident and the manner in which it was handled. This first report is to be filed in the Human Resources office, CentreTech Campus, Administration Building, Room A201, with a second copy filed in the Director of Facilities office, CentreTech Campus, Administration Building, Room A105-C.

Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act

CCA supports and complies with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act.

In accordance with 20 U.S.C.§1092, information about campus security is available online at www.ccaurora.edu/students/student-right-know and from the Director of Campus Security, CentreTech Campus, Administration Building, Room A101-A. A list of crime-related statistics for the Lowry Campus can be obtained online through the Colorado Community College System Web site at www.cccs.edu. A list of sexual offenders in the area can be obtained through the Aurora Police Department at 303-739-6308 or online at http://gis.auroragov.org/so/viewer.asp. Security at the CentreTech Campus is located in the Administration Building, Room 101, 303-360-4727. The Security office for the Lowry Campus is located at 700 Boston Street, 303-419-5557 or 720-858-2731.

Level of Security

The Community College of Aurora will strive to make its facility a reasonably secure place for all members of the campus community. The college provides its students and employees with a level of security equal to that afforded similar activities throughout the community.

Administrative Responsibility

Responsibility for CCA security at the CentreTech Campus is assigned to the Campus Security office under the supervision of the Executive Vice-President for Administrative Services. Responsibility for CCA security at the Lowry Campus is assigned to Lowry Campus Security under the supervision of the Vice President for Administration and Finance for the Colorado Community College System.

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