UHCC FS Subgroup on Academic Policies
September 10, 2015 partial meeting minutes for action
At the Sept 10th UHCC FS Subgroup meeting discussion continued on the following topics with
homework due prior to the January 29, 2016 Subgroup meeting. It is suggested that the KapCC
FS Executive Committee forward this to the Admission, Academic Standards & Graduation
Standing Committee for discussion and recommendation.
Timeline:
 Dec 2015-KapCC FS Admission, Academic Standards & Graduation Standing
committee report to FS
 Jan 2016 UHCC meeting
Topics:
Background:
1. Repeat Courses -- Discussion of how a grade for a repeated course is calculated/not
calculated in the grade point average. General consensus that grades for all courses
attempted will show on the transcript. Highest grade earned in the course will be used in
the grade point average. Any policy developed will need to include clear language
regarding financial aid. Colleges will continue this discussion and report at January 2016
meeting. Under discussion – limit on number of times a course may be repeated, are
students allowed to repeat any course in which a grade was received (e.g., may a
student repeat a course in which they earned a grade of “B”)
2. “N” grade, or a non-calculated grade. The group discussed a need for a “non calculated”
grade to be used for students who have not achieved all student learning outcomes
preparing them to go on to the next level. Colleges that currently have an “N” grade wish
to keep it. Those who do not, do not want to add it in general. Group discussed limiting
the “N” grade to remedial/developmental courses. Four colleges use “N” grade for nonremedial/developmental courses.
Options discussed for use of a non punitive grade:
 Limited to remedial/developmental (less than 100 level) English, English as a
Second Language, and Mathematics courses
 Limited to courses that are less than 100 and applicable to the A.A.S
 Not available for 100+ AA and AS applicable courses
 Is the receipt of a “non punitive” grade initiated by the student or by the instructor?
How do we make this consistent systemwide?
Any policy will need to specific that receipt of a “non punitive” grade may have financial
aid and/or VA benefit consequences. While a code/description for this grading option
has not been determined, it is intended to signify achievement or non-achievement of
the course-stated student learning outcomes. Consideration that there should be a new
code due to the baggage/history associated with current codes (N, NC, U, etc).
Homework
Action required:
1. Report on the number of “N” grades awarded in the past three academic years,
summarized by the courses in which they were awarded. If possible, report on the
number of students earning an “N” grade who subsequently re-enrolled in the same
course. [Note: not applicable to KapCC]
2. Consult with campus faculty on limiting “non calculated” grades to
a. Remedial/Developmental English, ESL, and mathematics
b. CTE courses under 100 [Note: may want to discuss]
3. Should General Education requirements be standardized [System-wide] for all AAs? For
all ASs? For all AASs?
[Note: Discussion and recommendation required. Some thoughts/background:
 E.g., At HCC all AA gen eds apply to the AS degree gen eds. The HCC AS
gen eds also include a few CTE specific.
 Students cross campus register and transfer
 Students completing an AS gen ed at one campus have been denied
applicability at another campus for the same AS gen ed requirement]
4. How should the grades/credits be calculated in the GPA when a student repeats a
course? Credit used only once? Highest grade calculated?
[Note: Discussion and recommendation required]
a. Should all courses be eligible for repeat or only courses in which a D or lower
was earned?
b. Should there be a limit on the number of times a student may repeat a course?