FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Remember that your Coordinator is always there to answer questions and to help you.
Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions! It can be challenging the first semester addressing
required College procedures, meeting deadlines, learning about College resources,
teaching concepts in a new textbook, developing exams, properly pacing your course,
and assessing student learning. Your Coordinator, Dean, and other faculty are there to
help. Just ask!
The list of Frequently Asked Questions included below addresses many of the
questions you will have. There are five categories of questions included.
1. COLLEGE INFORMATION
Payroll; Check cashing; EPCC website; Parking; Faculty ID; Ft. Bliss classes; Meetings;
Staffing; Evaluations; College Policy and Procedure
2. PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Student Rosters; Syllabus; Personal contact information; EPCC
Email address; Textbooks; Office hours; Mailbox; ISC ServicesDuplicating, Typing, Fax services; Media services-Audio-Visual
equipment; EPCC Email account; Library services; Professional
Courtesy
3. IMPORTANT DATES AND PAPERWORK
Certified Roster; Midterm Grades (no); Final Exam; Surveys; Submission of Grades
4. STUDENT AND CLASSROOM RELATED QUESTIONS
Attendance; Dropping students from class/Reinstatements; Classroom changes;
Classroom Visitors; Testing Center and Scantron forms; Tutoring and Labs; Service
Learning Program; Career Planning Center; Job Placement Center
5. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Academic dishonesty and inappropriate student behavior
COLLEGE INFORMATION
Payroll; Check cashing; EPCC website; Parking; Faculty ID; Ft. Bliss classes; Meetings;
Staffing; Evaluations; College Policy and Procedure
Where do I pick up my check?
EPCC provides automatic deposit and your paycheck will be deposited at the bank of
your choice. You need to complete and submit the Direct Deposit form that you will
find at this email address.
http://www.epcc.edu/FacultyStaff/DistrictForms/tabid/213/Default.aspx
Can I cash a check on campus?
Checks will be cashed as a courtesy on a monies available
basis for students, faculty, and staff who present valid
identification. You can cash a check for up to $25 per day.
How do I access the EPCC website?
http://www.epcc.edu/
Do I need a parking permit?
As of now, January 2006, all employees are required to have a parking sticker on their
vehicle. To get a sticker, which costs $5 per semester or $15 per year, go to the
cashier at any campus, pay for the sticker and take the receipt to the Police Department
to pick up your sticker. You will need to know the make and model of your car and your
license plate number to get your sticker. The sticker is nontransferable and you can
purchase additional stickers for your other vehicles. The parking sticker is valid at all
campuses. On some campuses, you will find teal colored stripes in the parking lot that
designate reserved parking spaces for faculty.
Do I need an employee ID card?
If you want to check out books in the library, you will need an employee ID card. The
photo ID card is free and can be obtained at the Campus Life Office at any campus.
What do I need to know if I am teaching at Ft. Bliss?
If you teach a class at Ft. Bliss you will need to get a memo from Joyce Ritchey or
Steve Smith, TM Campus Deans, to present at the guard gate to access your Ft. Bliss
post pass. When entering the Ft. Bliss gate you will need to provide your driver’s
license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration with your post pass.
You can contact the Ft. Bliss Coordinator at 562-4004 with any questions 8-5 PM
Monday through Friday. An evening monitor will be available at the EPCC Ft. Bliss
office after 5 PM and until all instructors leave the building. EPCC shares parking with
Park and Webster Universities so be sure to arrive early to get a parking place.
You will receive your Certification Roster at Ft. Bliss. Students can purchase their
books at TM, at off-campus textbook outlets or online, as available. Sometimes, the
bookstore brings textbooks to Ft. Bliss during the first week of classes. Limited media
support is available to instructors. If you need a laptop and projector, be sure to order
your media cart early in the semester. If you have any instructional needs, be sure to
contact your coordinator or dean.
Am I required to attend Division and Discipline meetings?
Adjunct faculty are to expected to attend Division and Discipline meetings held
throughout the academic year unless they are unable to due to other employment
responsibilities.
Does EPCC provide onsite childcare for employees?
Childcare services provided at TM and VV are open to the
community, faculty, and staff, however, first priority is given to
El Paso Community College students. There is a $30.00
membership fee (per family), which is applied yearly. Rates are based on the age of the
child. Payments are to be made in accordance with the childcare provider's policy.
Are adjunct faculty assigned classes based on a seniority system?
No, faculty with more years of experience at the College do not necessarily have
seniority. There are many considerations that factor into staffing decisions.
Can I teach at more than one campus?
Absolutely! Many adjunct faculty teach at more than one campus. You work for the
College, not one particular campus or dean. However, if you are considering teaching
at more than one campus, it is VERY important that you keep each Coordinator
informed about your potential assignments at other campuses. Most campus
Coordinators work closely together to ensure districtwide staffing and to also meet your
needs. Additionally, one dean (not two or three) will be responsible for completing your
payroll paperwork. It is important that he or she is aware of your complete workload
status in order for you to be properly paid.
How is my teaching evaluated?
Your Coordinator will visit one of your classes each year to complete an Instructor
Performance Evaluation and you will complete a Self-Evaluation. Copies of both forms
can be found on this CD, Section B. Important
Information. EPCC, Faculty Evaluation Process and Forms. Students will also
complete a course evaluation in your Valle Verde Campus classes each spring and at
all other campuses each fall semester.
Ask your coordinator for a copy of the Credit and ALP Evaluation of Instructor
Performance. This is the evaluation form that students use to evaluate instructors.
Where do I find a copy of College Policies and Procedures?
College Policies and Procedures can be found on the EPCC website at
http://www.epcc.edu/InstEff/policy.pdf
Some policies and procedures related to adjunct faculty in particular include:
College Employment Policies
 Board Policy 3.07.02
 Board Policy 3.07.06
 Board Policy 3.08.01
Faculty
Summer Faculty
Workload
College Employment Procedures
 Part-time Faculty Evaluation
 Employment of Staff and Part-time Employee Salary Determination
 Part-time Employment Guidelines
 Part-time Faculty Recruitment and Selection
 Part-time Faculty Workload
PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Student Rosters; Syllabus; Personal contact information; EPCC Email
address; Textbooks; Office hours; Mailbox; ISC Services-Duplicating,
Typing, Fax services; Media services-Audio-Visual equipment; EPCC
Email account; Library services; Professional Courtesy
Where do I get a list of students enrolled in my class?
A first day roster (preliminary roster) will be available at your inservice
Division or Discipline meeting or on the first day of class at the Admissions
Office. This roster lists those students who are officially enrolled in your
class.
What should I include in my syllabus?
The course syllabus is an official statement to the student that describes the nature and
objectives of the course. It should include, among other things, prerequisite information,
attendance, drop and reinstatement policies, evaluation procedures, and a calendar of
activities. The syllabus consists of part I and part II. Part I consists of each instructor’s
individual information such as office hours, attendance policy and grading criteria.
Part II is the official course description. Your syllabus, including Part I and Part II,
should be distributed during the first week of class, and in your discussion of the
syllabus with your students, be as specific as possible concerning any special
requirements or rules for your class. Your Dean and your Coordinator will need a copy
of your syllabus. Your Coordinator will check your syllabus for the following information:
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Adherence to official format standards
Identification of current year and semester
Course name and section number
Grading scale, policies, assignment criteria, and evaluation methods
Course calendar
Instructor policies such as attendance and drop policy
Late work, make-up, missed exam policies
Classroom rules, expectations of your students
Textbook information
If you make significant changes in your syllabus such as changes in the grading scale,
number of assignments or attendance/drop policies, you will need to provide those
changes to students in writing in a syllabus addendum. You might want to have
students sign in on the day that you distribute the changes to verify that each student
received a copy of the changes.
On your syllabus and in class, you might consider encouraging students to participate in
Student Clubs, the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government
Association, Service Learning, and Campus Life activities. Contact the Student
Leadership office at 831-2712 for more information about campus activities.
What contact information should I give to students?
You can give students your EPCC or personal email address, the phone number at your
campus ISC, the phone number in your campus part-time office, or your home/cell
telephone number.
ISC Message Center
Adjunct faculty members can refer students to the ISC message center phone numbers
to leave a message. The ISC will take the message and place it in your mailbox/mail
folder.
ISC Message Center Telephone Numbers are:
 Rio Grande - 831-4014
 Transmountain - 831-5088
 Valle Verde - 831-2617
 Northwest - 831-8875
 Mission del Paso - 831-7051
How do I get an EPCC email account?
Call Technology Services at 831-6440 to inquire about an EPCC email account.
What textbook do I use for my class?
Your Coordinator or Dean’s Administrative Assistant will provide you with your textbook
and accompanying materials. In some cases, publishers provide a website that
includes a testbank, related websites, and classroom activities. Instructors are expected
to use the textbooks specified for the courses they have been assigned to teach. You
will include textbook details in your syllabus for students. Financial Aid students will be
able to charge textbooks in the bookstore against their financial aid. Students can also
purchase textbooks online or at the textbook outlets on the east and west side of town.
Students expect instructors to use the textbook and might be frustrated about
purchasing an expensive book that is rarely
used in class. One challenge that faculty express is that students are so busy that they
sometimes don’t read the book. You might consider having pop quizzes over the
chapters, weekly chapter quizzes, on-time quizzes over chapter concepts (for students
who are in class on time), or having students outline or present each/some textbook
chapters for points.
Do I have an office?
Adjunct instructors share office space with other adjunct instructors at each campus. In
some cases there will be locker space in the office for you to store personal items. Do
not leave personal items that are not secured in the office. Each office has desks,
computers and telephones. Sharing office space gives you the opportunity to meet
many other instructors and share teaching/learning challenges and successes.
Adjunct office locations and telephone numbers:
TM
1120 831-5214 or 831-5213
VV
B242 831-2876; VV Library, C200B; 831-2138; MV 12B (no phone)
RG
A114 831-4485
MDP
C145 831-7067
NW
M21 831-8847
You will need to designate on your syllabus the location where you will hold office
hours. You can meet with students in the adjunct office, the library, the food court,
computer lab or another location on campus that you choose to designate.
Am I supposed to keep office hours?
All adjunct instructors are expected to keep one office hour per week for each class
taught. If you are teaching at more than one campus, you will hold office hours at each
campus.
How do I request a mailbox?
It is important to request/open a mailbox or mail folder immediately.
The ISC at each campus is a receiving point for all in-coming mail.
The mail is delivered to the ISCs twice a day. Even though you may
be teaching at more than one campus, do NOT open more than
one mailbox. Open your mailbox at the campus that is most convenient
for you. Be sure to check your mailbox at least weekly.
If you do not check your mailbox on a regular basis, you will miss
very important information and might fail to meet required deadlines.
What is ISC?
The Instructional Service Centers (ISCs) are a major source of support to all full-time
and part-time faculty. The ISCs provide duplicating, typing, word processing, message
center and fax services, and mail distribution. There is an ISC located at each campus.
 Transmountain - 831-5088
 Rio Grande - 831-4014
 Valle Verde - 831-2617
 Northwest - 831-8861
 Mission del Paso - 831-7051
Where do I get exams and class materials copied?
ISC staff will do your duplicating for you!
 Copies and supplies that you request will be billed to your Discipline account.
Your Coordinator will give you the account number that you will use. There is a
24-hour turn-around-time period required on duplicating at a cost of 3 cents per
copy. Faculty do not pay for the duplication of class materials. Discipline
accounts will be billed at the end of each month for the copies and services
requested by faculty. Some deans require advance permission for or request
special documentation on duplication forms for especially large duplication
requests (over $7.50 in some cases). Try to keep duplication to a minimum.
Check with your coordinator for more details.
 If you are teaching at more than one campus, you will have more than one ISC
account number. Be sure to use the account number that correlates with the
class for which you are duplicating materials. For example, if you are teaching
at VV and TM, be sure to use your VV account number when requesting ISC
services for classes taught at VV and your TM account number for classes
taught at TM.
 Typing/Word Processing
This service is provided to faculty members on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is a 4-working day turn-around-time required on all typing requests.
Materials submitted to the ISC for typing must be legible. If the materials are
illegible, the ISC Supervisor has the option to refuse the job(s).
There is no limit to the number of typed pages that can be requested;
however, if additional time is required by the ISC to complete a large typing
job, the ISC Supervisor will contact the requestor and inform him/her. There is
no charge for typing services. Typing priorities are as follows:
 Exams
 Instructional materials
 Course development materials
 Fax Services
There is a fax machine located at each of the ISCs. This service is provided to
College personnel and can be used for local or long distance transmittals. Any
questions regarding cost on long distance transmittals should be directed to the
Telecommunications Dept. Fax numbers for the ISC at each campus are:
 Rio Grande - 831-4114
 Transmountain - 831-5122
 Valle Verde - 831-2155
 Northwest - 831-8861
 Mission del Paso - 831-7054
How do I access audio-visual equipment for class?
Each campus has an Instructional Media Services (IMS) office that houses audio-visual
equipment for instructor use. Materials available from the department include tapes and
other audio visual materials. For details, call:
 Rio Grande - 831-4042
 Transmountain - 831-5087
 Valle Verde - 831-2649
 Northwest - 831-8868
 Mission del Paso- 31-7050
.
Weather permitting (in some cases), IMS staff will deliver and retrieve the following
audio-visual equipment when a written request is submitted 24 hours in advance:
 Laptop, projector, DVD, VHS VCR, Video Camera, tripod, Audio Cassette
Player/Recorder, Filmstrip Projector, 16 mm Movie, Projector, Slide
Projector, Portable Screen, Public Address System, Microphone with
Stand
The following items are also available at IMS:
 Acetate sheets
 Transparencies
 Laminations
 Audio and video tape duplication
Do I need an ID to use the EPCC Library?
Yes, in order to check out library material a validated Employee ID card is required; available
at any Campus Life Office at no cost.
For more information about the EPCC Learning Resource Centers,
see section B. Important Information, EPCC Libraries or visit online at
www.epcc.edu/library/library.htm
Campus Learning Resource Centers (Libraries):
 Northwest LRC
831-8840
 Rio Grande LRC
831-4019
 Transmountain LRC
831-5092
 Valle Verde LRC
831-2645
 Mission del Paso LRC
831-7052
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY
It is considered a professional courtesy to leave the classroom no later than five
minutes past the time an instructor’s class ends (designated ending time as noted in the
classroom schedule). These five minutes may be used to gather materials, rearrange
furniture, erase the chalk board and make arrangements with students who need to
speak with you outside class. It is best to leave the classroom arranged the same way
you found it.
IMPORTANT DATES AND PAPERWORK
Certified Roster; Midterm Grades (no); Final Exam;
Surveys; Submission of Grades
What is a certified Roster?
It is required that you take attendance for the first two weeks of class
because you will be asked to verify student attendance on the Census
Date identified on the 12th Day Certification Roster. (The CENSUS
date is also included in each semester class schedule.) If a student
has not attended class prior to the CENSUS DATE, you should drop the
student on the Certification Roster. Students dropped from your
Certification Roster as having never attended cannot be reinstated later.
Students dropped on the Certification roster who have attended some class meetings
can be reinstated. If reinstating a student dropped on the Certification Roster, it should
be done within two weeks. Reinstatement forms must be submitted to the Dean’s
Office. Reinstatement and Drop forms are available at the Registrar’s Offices.
The Certification Roster is a VERY important document that you will pick up from and
return to the Admissions and Records Office, Student Services Office or Registrar’s
Office at your campus. BE SURE TO NOTE THE DUE DATE. It is important that you
meet the deadline in completing and submitting this document.
You will need to provide your attendance policy for the semester on your syllabus.
Since there are attendance standards within some disciplines, your coordinator will
provide you with recommendations regarding attendance. Student retention and
success is important and you might consider requesting student phone numbers during
the second week of class so you can follow up with students who suddenly quit
attending. Be sure to let students know whether you will drop them for non-attendance
or whether it is their responsibility to do if they decide to quit attending class.
It is recommended that you take attendance on test days in case a student states that
he/she was there and you do not have an exam to verify that.
Besides my grades, what other paperwork will I need to submit during the
semester?
Each semester you will be asked to administer a very important Student Survey. The
information gathered is used in determining some of the funding for EPCC. You will
pick up surveys and return completed surveys to your dean’s office. There are
deadlines for returning these surveys. From time to time, you will also be asked to
administer campus climate surveys.
Do I need to submit midterm grades?
No, you do not need to submit midterm grades to the Registrar’s Office. It is a good idea
to keep students informed about their grades throughout the semester. They often do
not know how to figure out even the simplest grading scales to determine their current
grade. Sometimes students will drop a class because they think they are failing when
then actually have a passing average. You might consider encouraging students to
record all of their grades on their syllabus.
Am I required to give a final exam?
You are not required to give an exam on the exam day identified in the Final Exam
Schedule in the semester class schedule, but you are expected to be in class that day.
In some courses, the final/exit exam is administered prior to the day identified in the
class schedule for final exams. This occurs for two reasons: (1) to allow time for the
scoring and return of the results, and (2) to allow time for retakes. This early testing
does not excuse you from the classroom during the specified final exam time.
Instructors not in class during the designated final exam class time will have hourly pay
adjusted accordingly.
How do I submit my final grades?
You can submit final letter grades for each class you teach electronically on any
computer by accessing the EPCC website at http://www.epcc.edu
In addition, you must submit your grade records to the Registrar’s Office at VV or to the
Registrar’s Office at any campus by the designated deadline. At the end of each
semester, faculty will be notified of the dates and times grades can be submitted.
Instructions for electronic input into Banner software are included below.
The paper copy of your grade records for each class must include all of the information
included on the top of your Official Roster that you will receive a few weeks after
classes begin. The paper copy must also include documentation of each student’s
grade for each assignment that was used to determine the final grade. Keep a copy of
these records in your files before submitting your grade report to the Registrar’s Office.
TO SUBMIT YOUR GRADES ELECTRONICALLY: BANNER GRADE INPUT
EPCC Faculty use the Banner system to enter their final grades online in addition to
submitting grade sheets at the Registrar’s Office.
LOGIN TO BANNER
1.
Connect to the EPCC Homepage at www.epcc.edu .
2.
Click the Faculty & Staff pull-down menu at the top.
3.
Click Banner System. This link will take you to the EPCC Banner System
homepage.
4.
Click once in the User ID text box and enter your Employee ID or your Social
Security Number (without the dashes).
5.
Your default PIN is your birth date (MMDDYY). Your PIN is the same for the
Smart Start Network, WebCT and Banner. If you have changed your PIN use your new
PIN.
6.
Click the Login button or press the <ENTER> key on your keyboard.
You should now be at the EPCC Web Banner – Main Menu page. You will see links to
Personal Information, Student & Financial Aid (if you have ever registered for
classes), Faculty Services and Employee.
BANNER SECURITY: THE PIN
If you cannot remember your PIN or you are not able to login, you must contact the Help
Desk at 831-6440 to have your PIN reset. Your PIN will be reset to your birth date
(MMDDYY).
If this is the first time you have logged into Banner, you will be asked to create a
security question. The purpose of the security question is to verify your identity if you
forget your PIN in the future. You will be able to click the Forgot PIN? button and the
security question will be displayed. Your PIN will be provided if you answer the
question correctly. Create a security question to which only you know the answer. For
example, “What is your mother’s maiden name?”
It is recommended that you change your PIN.
1.
Click the Personal Information link.
2.
Follow the screen directions to change your PIN.
3.
Click the Faculty Services link at the top of the page to access the Grade Input
area.
GRADE INPUT
On the Faculty Services page, you must first select the current semester and then the
course you want to work with.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Click Term Selection.
Select the current term and click the Submit button.
Click CRN Selection.
Click the CRN text box to view a menu listing all courses assigned to you.
Select the course you wish to work with and click the Submit button.
In the Faculty Services click on Final Grades. You may need to scroll down to
see the Final Grades link.
Your students will be listed in alphabetical order. Click the text box in the Grade
column to see a drop-down grade menu. Grades are listed as “A, A*, B, B*, C,
C*, CR and NC. See NOTES ON GRADES below for further clarification.
Select the grade the student earned by clicking on the grade.
Click the “Submit Grades” button when you are finished entering your grades.
There is a 30 minute time out limit of inactivity on this screen.
You may click the CRN Selection link at the bottom of the page to go back and
select a different class.
Once you have finished entering and submitting all of your grades Exit the
Banner system (upper right corner) and close your web browser completely.
NOTES ON GRADES
Grades are listed on the drop-down grade menu as “A, A*, B, B*, C, C*, CR and NC.
Those who teach the following courses must assign the grade with an asterisk:
ENGL 0309, 0310, 0315
ESOL (all courses)
MATH 0300, 0301, 0303, 0305
READ 0307, 0308, 0309, 0310
NOTE: Grades with asterisks are not used to compute the student’s
GPA.
If you see “Reinstated” with a grade of “W,” a grade for this student must be submitted
on your grade record (sheet) and on a Missing Grade form. Grades of “W” for
Withdraw and “I” for Incomplete are not listed as grade options. The Registrar’s Office
will input these final grades for you. Only remedial classes can drop students past the
Drop Date.
If your screen does not allow you to enter grades, you are not the instructor of record.
Contact your Dean if you are responsible for assigning final grades.
Frequently Asked Questions about Submitting Grades
What if I forget my PIN? Call the Help Desk at 831-6440. They will reset your
PIN to your birth date.
What if a student’s name is not listed on the Final Grades page? If you
think a mistake has been made, call the Registrar’s Office at 831-2586/2261/2591.
When and where do I turn in my grade records? You may enter and submit
grades via the Banner system during Final Exams week; Sunday, through Saturday.
You may turn in your grade records at the Registrar’s Office at any campus Monday
through Friday. The Valle Verde Registrar’s Office will be open Saturday morning; the
last day of Finals Exams week. The Valle Verde Registrar’s Office will be open
Monday morning, following Finals Exams week ONLY for those teaching Saturday
classes.
Where can I enter my grades? You can enter your grades using any computer
with Internet access. There will also be computers set up at the Registrar’s Office
during Final Exams week. The Registrar’s Office will assist you if you have any
questions. The ACS Labs will also be available during Final Exams week. The
Technology Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Libraries also have computers with Internet access.
Once I enter the final grades, am I finished for the semester? NO! You
MUST turn in your grade sheet at the Registrar’s Office. You may use a spread
sheet instead of the grade sheet provided. Include your name, control number, subject,
course, section, year, and signature at the top of the page and a grade key.
What if I make a mistake when I enter my grades? If you catch a mistake
before the Grades Due deadline, you can change it online. If you find the mistake after
the deadline, you must fill out the appropriate Change of Grade form provided by the
Registrar’s Office. You must turn in a revised grade record to the Registrar’s
Office if you change any grades. Your dean will need to sign the Change of
Grade form, and you will need to write a memo detailing the circumstances.
How can I get more information on how to input grades? If you have any
questions about Banner you may contact the Registrar’s Office at 831-2586 or the
Technology Resource Center at 831-4631; 831-2767; 831-3362.
STUDENT AND CLASSROOM RELATED QUESTIONS
Attendance; Dropping students from class/Reinstatements; Classroom changes;
Classroom Visitors; Instructor Absence; Testing Center and Scantron forms; Tutoring
and Labs; Service Learning Program; Career Planning Center; Job Placement Center
Am I required to take attendance?
It is required that you take attendance for the first two weeks of
class because you will be asked to verify student attendance on the
Census Date identified on the 12th Day Certification Roster. (The
CENSUS date is also included in each semester class schedule.)
You will need to determine and provide your attendance policy for the semester on your
syllabus. Since there are attendance standards within some disciplines, your
coordinator will provide you with recommendations regarding attendance. Student
retention and success is important and you might consider requesting student phone
numbers during the second week of class so you can follow up with students who
suddenly quit attending. Be sure to let students know whether you will drop them for
non-attendance or whether it is their responsibility to do if they decide to quit attending
class.
It is recommended that you take attendance on test days in case a student states that
he/she was there and you do not have an exam to verify nonattendance.
Should I drop students from class?
You will determine your own drop policy. Ask your coordinator for his or her
recommendations. Students may be withdrawn (dropped) from class for the following
reasons:
1.
Lack of attendance;
2.
Disruptive behavior;
3.
Failure to appear for the examinations, presentations, other required class
activities as identified in course syllabus;
4.
Failure of the student to submit required papers, projects, and/or reports.
You may drop a student or a student may also decide to officially withdraw (drop) from
your class any time prior to the “Last day to WITHDRAW with a Grade of W” that is
identified in each semester class schedule. A student who is failing may request you to
drop him/her after the “Last day to withdraw,” but that will not be possible. In that case,
the student would have to receive the “F” instead of a “W” for that class.
What if I accidentally drop a student from class and need to reinstate the
student?
Reinstatement and Drop forms are available at the Admissions and Records Office, the
Student Services offices, and in some dean’s offices.
To be reinstated, the student must do the following:
1. The student must appeal in writing within ten (10) days after the drop form has been
received by the Admissions and Record Office.
2. The student who seeks reinstatement appeals directly to his/her instructor who will
review both the attendance and performance record with the student. In most
instances, the decision of the instructor is final.
3. If further appeal is desired, the student must schedule an appointment with the
discipline coordinator who will review the circumstances of the withdrawal and make a
recommendation to the instructor.
4. If further appeal is desired, the student may schedule an appointment with the dean
who will review the circumstances of the withdrawal by consulting the student, the
instructor, and discipline coordinator.
Is it OK if I change classrooms?
No, you cannot change classrooms or class meeting times. Classroom changes
need to be coordinated among several people. Contact your Dean if your
assigned classroom is unsatisfactory for some reason. Since students have other
classes and typically work, you will need to meet during regularly scheduled class
times.
Is it OK to allow people not enrolled in my class to sit in on class?
Students attending your class should ONLY be those OFFICIALLY enrolled in your
course and section. Under NO circumstances should the instructor allow a nonregistered student to remain in class. If a student is attending class and his/her name
does not appear on the roster, ask the student to show you his/her registration receipt.
The student may remain in the class if the receipt shows the proper course and section
number. If not recorded on the roster, the student should be immediately directed to the
Records Office at your assigned campus.
What if I am not able to attend my class(es)?
Notify your Coordinator and Instructional Dean’s Office if it is between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. The Dean’s Office will notify the appropriate personnel so they can
communicate information to your students. Contact the EPCC Police Department for
classes meeting before 8:00 a.m. Contact the Registrar’s Office or evening supervisor
at the following numbers if the class meets after 5:00 p.m.:
RG
831-4035
TM
831-5030
VV
831-2027
MdP
831-7071
NW
831-8830
Ft. Bliss
562-4004
What if a student misses a test given in class?
If you choose to allow students to make-up tests, the student can complete the test in
the testing center located at your campus (but not at Ft. Bliss). You can provide the
necessary information electronically to the Testing Center or complete the information in
person. The phone numbers in the campus Testing Centers are:
 Valle Verde
831-2043
 Rio Grande
831-4050
 Transmountain
831-5093
 Northwest
831-8870
 Mission del Paso 831-7014
What instructions should I give students to prepare for taking a test in the Testing
Center?
 Current hours of operation are published at the beginning of each semester.
Students should plan their time accordingly to allow sufficient time to arrive,
receive and take the test. Encourage students not to wait until the deadline
date to test. When many do this, it increases the possibility that a student will
be unable to take a test if seats are not available when the student comes in.
 No tests will be administered 30 minutes prior to the published closing time and
all exams will be collected 15 minutes prior to closing time.
 Students who do not present a photo identification will not be tested.
 Students will be asked to complete a test administration request form and
should know their instructor's name, course number and name of the test they
are to take. Students who are not prepared with this information hinder
themselves (they may not be able to test) and cause delays for other students
who must wait in line while the student tries to remember what test to take (or
try to describe the instructor to the testing staff!).
 Students should bring their own pens and sharpened pencils. Children are not
allowed in the testing room and may not be left unattended in any other testing
center area while the student tests.
Where do I get Scantron Forms and where are the Scantron Machines located for
multiple choice or True/False quizzes that I give?
Faculty can pick up up to 200 scantron forms at one time for their classroom tests at
each campus Testing Center. Inform your students that you will provide the scantrons
they need for each test you administer in the classroom. Scantrons are not available for
students to purchase at the bookstore (as UTEP does) and frequently students will go to
the Testing Center or bookstore expecting to purchase their own scantrons.
Scanning machines are available at all campuses for the convenience of faculty who
use scantrons for their classroom exams. Ask your Coordinator or Testing Center staff
where to find the Sacntron machines. Testing Center Staff can provide instruction on
using the scanners to obtain test item analysis. Item analysis forms are available at the
Testing Centers.
Does EPCC offer Tutoring Services to students?
Computer Assisted Instruction provides supplemental course work and tutorial
assistance. Students may receive help in the language arts, ESL, mathematics, and
reading. All of the CAI courses are free to any student enrolled at El Paso Community
College. For further information, contact any CAI Program staff member at one of the
following numbers: 831-2144 (Valle Verde); 831-4136 (Rio Grande); 831-5094
(Transmountain); or 831- 7036 (Mission del Paso).
Tutoring is available in basic skills areas, including ESL, for students who need
assistance with a course for which they are enrolled. Students may "walk-in" or be
referred by a faculty member. Faculty referring students should submit a specific
statement as to the materials or skills the student is to master and communicate directly
with the instructional personnel who will be working with the student as to learning
objectives. For more information, call 831-2144.
Writing Centers are available on some campuses. You can meet with Writing Center
staff to discuss your classroom assignments.
Check at your campus to see what lab services are provided for ESL students. Some
campuses also offer discipline-specific labs such as math, reading, or accounting labs
What is Service Learning?
The Service Learning Program at EL Paso Community College encourages civic
responsibility among students through community service. The program provides
academic credit for service work in the community. Students contact their instructor and
ask to participate in the Service Learning Program. All student must attend an
orientation session, which is given at all campuses the third week of class. The student
and faculty member agree on 20 hours of specific volunteer work, in specific Community
Service Agencies, that students will perform in exchange for specific academic credit. If
the student completes the designated assignment she/he will receive credit through the
course, and receive recognition by El Paso Community College through a Certificate of
Recognition.
Through Service Learning students can apply newly-acquired academic skills and
knowledge to address real-life needs in their own communities and reflect on the
meaning of this service.
What services does the Career Planning Center provide?
Career Centers located at each campus provide comprehensive career assessment and
exploration services to assist students in making an informed career decision. Faculty
are encouraged to allow students the opportunity to become familiar with the career
planning process through Career Awareness presentations and Self-Assessment
workshops conducted in the classroom. Class assignments and visits to the Career
Center are welcome. Some workshops are specifically designed to meet the needs of
students in special programs such as ESOL, BASK, GED, etc. The following services
are available:
 Hands-on Vocational Career Exploration Lab (English and Spanish)
 Scholarship Information
 Audio-visual career and occupational information
 Career books, magazines, periodicals, and brochures
 Various Interest Inventories (English and Spanish)
 College/University reference books and computer printouts
 College and University catalogs
 Computer generated career and educational information
 University transfer course equivalency guides
You can call the Career Center at your campus for more information:
 Rio Grande 831-4034
 Transmountain 831-5111
 Valle Verde 831-2417
 Mission del Paso 831-7127
 Northwest 831-8871
What is the Job Placement Center?
Part-time and full-time Job Placement services are available for both graduates and
currently enrolled students on each campus. Extensive job listings of local and out-oftown opportunities are posted in the Placement Centers for review. Interview facilities
and a referral system are provided to students so they can make efficient use of their
time while seeking employment. Workshops are provided for those students requiring
information on job search techniques, résumé writing, and job interviewing skills. For
more information call the Rio Grande Campus at 831-4033, the Transmountain Campus
at 831-5033, the Valle Verde Campus at 831-2636, the Mission del Paso Campus at
831-7008, and the Northwest Campus at 831-8872, or 831-8903.
Faculty may use the services such as viewing open job listings in colleges and
universities, federal, state and local agencies, and area businesses. Faculty members
may also inquire about summer job listings for themselves or families.
Student Code of Conduct
How do I handle academic dishonesty or inappropriate student behavior?
Very importantly, always talk with challenging or disruptive students privately. Ask the
student how you can help him or her succeed. The best way to avoid discipline
problems is to make your expectations very clear in your syllabus. If a student is not
adhering to your standards, find out if the student is aware of your rules and
expectations.
Let students know in your syllabus and in classroom discussion how serious plagiarism
is. Define the various forms of plagiarism and discuss possible consequences. Ask
your Coordinator to share discipline specific examples of plagiarism. The librarians can
be helpful in identifying sources that students may have plagiarized.
The following information is provided as a guide on how to handle issues of academic
dishonesty or inappropriate behavior by a student in the classroom. You may wish to
include all or part of this information in your syllabus. This is presented as information
only. All issues involving student academic dishonesty or disruptive behavior must
follow the provisions of the El Paso Community College Student Code of Conduct.
For further information or clarification, please contact the Office of the Vice President of
Student Services at 831-2655 or 831-2640 or Dr. Tammie Campos, Dean of Students at
831-2405 or 831-2408.
Student Code of Conduct
(See EPCC Catalog)
Academic Dishonesty
As stated in section II. Student Responsibility, 5., “Academic dishonesty shall constitute
a violation of the rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board
Polices. Academic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test,
plagiarism, and collusion.”
Instructor Options:
I. When there is sufficient evidence of academic dishonesty, the Instructor should
meet with the student to present the evidence and get an explanation/response to
the charge from the student. If the student does not deny the charge, the Instructor
should get the admission of the violation in writing from the student and can then
take any or all of the following actions:
1. Provide a warning to the student and explain the consequence of another
infraction.
2. Take any corrective action as deemed appropriate. For example, in the case of
plagiarism, the student could be given an opportunity to redo the paper in
question but receive a lower grade.
3. Give the student a zero/failing grade for the test/quiz/paper in question.
4. In addition to the above, the Instructor can give the student an “I” incomplete
for the course and refer the issue through the responsible Instructional Dean to
the Vice President of Student Services for administrative disposition. The
Instructor should include his/her recommendation of the administrative
disposition to be taken. A list of penalties that can be imposed can be found in
the Student Code of Conduct. However, it is advised that Instructors not give an
“F” for the course to the accused student, since this places any challenges to the
charge directly on the Instructor and bypasses the student’s right to due process.
If, upon notification by the Instructor of the charge of academic dishonesty, the
student drops the class, the Instructor’s final course failing grade does not override the drop. Nevertheless, if the issue is referred to the Vice President of
Student Services, the student will go through the administrative process and, if
found guilty, can be administratively re-instated and receive the failing grade for
the course, if that is the administrative disposition of the case.
When any of the above actions are taken by an Instructor, it is requested that a copy of
all documentation, to include corrective action taken, be forwarded to the responsible
Instructional Dean and the Office of the Vice President of Student Services. These
offices will then have a copy of the incident on file in case the student challenges the
action at a later date and have information concerning previous incidents on file in case
the student is reported for academic dishonesty in another class.
II. If the student denies the charges, the issue should be referred through the
Instructor’s Instructional Dean to the Vice President of Student Services for
administrative disposition. Copies of all documentation/evidence must be forwarded
in support of the charge. The Instructor should also include a recommendation on
the disposition of the violation. If the evidence presented is sufficient to uphold a
finding of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the student will receive a letter
informing him/her to make an appointment with the Vice President of Student
Services to discuss the incident. At that meeting, the student is advised of his/her
right to due process which includes the right to a disciplinary hearing under the
provisions of the Student Code of Conduct; paragraph III, Student Discipline, I.
Discipline Hearings Procedure.
If the student does not dispute the charge, the student signs a document stating that
he/she does not dispute the charge and will accept the administrative disposition of the
Vice President. The Vice President then administers the penalties for the violation. If
the student denies the charges, the case is then referred to a Disciplinary Hearing. See
the Student Code of Conduct, Paragraph I for details.
Following is the administrative disposition (penalty) normally applied in cases of
academic dishonesty:
First Offense: Receive a failing grade for the course and be placed on Disciplinary
Probation for one year. Record of disciplinary action becomes a
permanent record of the student.
Second Offense: Receive a failing grade for the course, administrative withdrawal from
all current semester courses (without refund), and suspension for one
year.
Third Offense: Receive a failing grade for the course, administrative withdrawal from all
current semester courses (without refund), and suspension for one year
or permanent expulsion.
The above examples represent the “normal” administrative disposition of cases;
however, each case is reviewed on an individual basis. Mitigating circumstances are
taken into account and the outcome may vary case by case.
Disruptive Behavior/Disorderly Conduct in the Classroom
The Instructor must use his/her own judgment and common sense as to what
constitutes disruptive behavior, but normally it will be any activity that interrupts or
causes the Instructor or a student to stop a class activity to respond to another student
who is behaving in an unacceptable manner. It could be talking on a cell phone while
the class is in session, talking to others in the class when not directed to do so by the
Instructor, or an unsolicited or unwarranted interruption or outburst that disrupts the
class. When an Instructor feels that a student is being disruptive, the following step
should be followed:
First Incident: A one-on-one verbal warning describing the unacceptable behavior and
the type of behavior expected and required of the student. A record of the date and
time of incident should be kept by the Instructor.
Second Incident: A one-on-one verbal warning with a written record of the second
meeting outlining the type of incident which took place with the dates of both/all
incidents recorded. Again describe the type of behavior expected/required and
indicate that a further violation will result in the student being referred to the
Instructional Dean.
Third Incident: Refer to Instructional Dean who will meet with the student and Instructor
to discuss the issue and give the student a written warning regarding the
unacceptable behavior and indicating that any further incident will result in the
student being referred to the Vice President of Student Services for disciplinary
action. The Instructor needs to inform the Dean of the issue and provide all back up
documentation prior to the meeting with the student.
Fourth Incident: Refer student to the Vice President of Student Services for
administrative disposition. All back up documentation needs to be forwarded by the
Instructional Dean with a recommendation on the corrective action to be taken.
Administrative disposition normally taken if the student is referred to the Vice President:
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If the disruption is so severe as to present an immediate danger to persons or
property or is an on-going threat to the academic process, the instructor should
notify the EPCC Police Department immediately to have the student escorted out
of the classroom and to have the incident recorded. The student is not allowed to
return to the class until he/she meets with the Vice President. In these cases, the
Vice President may place the student on Summary Suspension pending
administrative disposition of the case. See Student Code of Conduct, H, 3 and 4.