POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Academic Bankruptcy

Grade Symbols

Standards of Academic Progress

Adding and Dropping Courses

Grades Quality Points

Standards of Honesty

Advanced Placement

Grading System

Standards of Progress for Transfer Students

Application of Standards of Progress

Grading System Exception Nursing Department

Statute of Limitations of Courses

Auditing a Course

Graduation

Student Course Overload

Change of Address

Grounds for Student Dismissal

Student Responsibility

Change of Program

Honors List

Transcripts of Grades

Class Attendance

Intervention for Student Success

Transcript Policy

Credit Hours and Course Loads

Policy Statements—Assurance of Compliance with Federal Laws

Transferring to Another College From Lawson State

Credit for Non-Traditional Academic Work

Required GPA Levels According to Hours Attempted at Lawson State

Transferring to Lawson State From Another College

Days of Absence

Residency

What the Grades Mean

Dismissal from an Associate in Applied Science Degree Program and Certificate Program

Second Associate Degree

Withdrawal

Equal Opportunity Policy

Sexual Harassment Policy

BACK TO ADMISSIONS                        

Student Responsibility     ►  Back to Top

Lawson State Community College has established a set of regulations, polices, and standards in order to provide an academic environment that will promote quality education and assure compliance with state, federal, accreditation, and certification directives and statues.

Students are responsible for the proper completion of their academic programs based upon the requirements stated in Lawson State’s Student Catalog 2003-2005.  Faculty members, staff members, counselors, and administrators are available to help students with planning, but the responsibility of fulfilling all requirements rests upon the individual student.  

Class Attendance     ►  Back to Top

The instructional work of the College is designed for class attendance.  The responsibility for class attendance is placed specifically on the individual student.  Absences are counted from the first day of class.  A student who fails to maintain attendance requirements may receive a failing grade for the course.

Days of Absence     ►  Back to Top

Absences do not preclude a student’s responsibility for class activities missed during the period of absence.  The student is responsible for all material covered in each course for which he or she is registered.  In no instance does absence from class relieve the student from the responsibility for the performance of any part of the course work.  The student is further responsible for initiating any request to make up work because of class absence.  The decision to assist the student with makeup work, including tests, in every case rests with the instructor.  The instructor may require verification of medical and personal circumstances presented by the student to influence this decision.  Course work not made up may cost a student grade disadvantage in the final evaluation.  

Standards of Honesty      ►  Back to Top

Lawson State Community College is conducted on the principle of honesty. Lawson State regards dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to Lawson State, as serious offenses.  It is expected that cases of dishonesty will first be considered at the department-faculty level, the matter will follow procedures in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. 

Change of Program      ►  Back to Top

Students may change their program by completing a "Program Change Form", which is available in the Office of Admissions and Records.  The division dean/director for the new program will be asked to evaluate the student’s transcript.  Following the evaluation, the student’s permanent record will indicate a change of program.  Only Lawson State Community College grades, accepted through the Vice President or Divisional Administrator’s evaluation, will be considered in computing the Lawson State Community College grade point average.  Credits successfully earned, prior to the change, will be applied toward the new program.

Students planning to transfer to another college or university are cautioned that the receiving institution may use all grades earned in computing grade point averages for admission or other purposes.  For more information, log on to AGSC/STARS Home Page at:  http://stars.troyst.edu.    

Auditing A Course      ►  Back to Top

Registration for an audit course must be declared by the end of the registration period and may not be changed thereafter.  To change the registration for a course from credit to audit, the following procedures is used:

• The student must have the approval of the instructor and the appropriate divisional administrator.

• When the request to change to audit is approved, the student must officially notify the Office of Admissions and Records.

• Class attendance and work requirements are the same as for students taking the course for credit.  The student is not required to take the final examination.

• Students who satisfactorily complete a course for audit will be assigned the grade of AU.

• The cost for auditing a course is the same as taking it for credit.. 

Adding and Dropping Courses      ►  Back to Top

Students may receive permission from his or her advisor to change from one class to another only when it is determined that:

• The schedule has conflicting classes.

• The student does not have the required course prerequisites.

• The student is enrolled in a course not acceptable in his or her program of study.

• The student already has credit in the course and does not wish to repeat it.

• Administrative actions justify such changes.  Appropriate signatures must be secured and the “Drop/Add Form” must be returned to the Office of Admissions and Records before it is official.

No course may be dropped or added after the date designated for such by the College calendar.

Statute of Limitations for Courses     ►  Back to Top

Acceptance of some courses that were taken five years of more may be recommended for approval by the appropriate departmental chairperson to the chief academic officer.

Withdrawal     ►  Back to Top

A student may withdraw from a course and receive a grade of “W” at any time during a given semester subject to the last day to withdraw to receive a “W”. The deadline for withdrawals is specified in semester schedule.  (“WP” or “WF” grades will be assigned for courses(s) withdrawn after the deadline specified in semester schedule.  The Vice President must approve “exceptions” to this policy).

Withdrawal procedures must be initiated in the Office of Admissions and Records.  The withdrawal form must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records with appropriate signatures before it is official.  Students who stop attending classes for any reason should not expect the instructor to withdraw them.  It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially by completing the withdrawal form in the Office of Admissions and Records by the deadline date published in the semester schedule.

Credit for Non-Traditional Academic Work  (Credit By Examination)      ►  Back to Top

Students who wish to enter the Nursing Education Mobility Program and seek college credit for nursing courses by examination, may write the ACT PEP Examination in Fundamentals of Nursing and Maternity Nursing.  Successful completion is to receive a minimum score of 45 on each examination.  Credit for the course(s) will be given and the grade recorded depends upon the score.  The student may take the examination only once.  Credits by examination will be applied toward graduation requirements.  The student’s record will indicate credits by examination.  Quality points are computed for the grades.

Advanced Placement     ►  Back to Top

A student may be granted advanced placement by presenting scores on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.  Students with a minimum score of 3 will be given college credits (but no academic grade) for beginning courses. 

Credit Hours and Course Loads  (Full-Time/Part-Time Status)      ►  Back to Top

A student must take at least 12 semester credits to be considered a full-time student.  Although the normal course load for a full-time student is 15 to 20 semester credits, a counselor or advisor may recommend a lighter load depending on ability and/or past performance.  Permission from the divisional administrator is necessary to enroll for more than 20 semester hours.

Each credit hour taken usually requires a minimum of two hours of outside study each week.  A student employed full-time should not attempt to carry more than three courses per semester.  A student working part-time should carry a course load in proportion to hours of employment. 

Student Course Overload      ►  Back to Top

The student course load for a full-time student will be 12 to 19 credit hours per semester.  Credit hours above 19 credit hours will constitute a student overload. The President or the President’s designee must approve a student’s course overload.  No student will be approved for more than 24 credit hours in any one term for any reason.   

Transferring To Lawson State from Another College     ►  Back to Top

Any applicant who has previously attended another college will be considered a transfer student and will be required to furnish an official transcript of all work attempted at all institutions before he or she will be considered for admission.

• Courses completed at other regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a passing grade of “C” or better will be accepted for transfer.  A higher grade may be required in said course for in-state students.

• Credit extended to an applicant for graduation requirements will be granted based on the applicability of previous courses accepted for the requirements of the degree pursued.  All transfer students must complete at least 26 semester hours at Lawson State.

• Transfer students whose cumulative grade point average is less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale will be admitted only on academic probation and will be subject to the same probation and suspension regulations as returning students at Lawson State.  Transfer students admitted on academic probation will have course grades of “C” or better accepted for transfer.

• Any applicant who is on temporary academic suspension from another post-secondary institution may be considered for admission to Lawson State upon appeal to Lawson State’s Office of Student Development Services.

• Students from other institutions who are on permanent academic suspension may, after twelve month’s duration, be considered for admission upon appeal to Office of Student Development Services.

• Any applicant who has been suspended from another institution for disciplinary reasons will not be considered for admission to Lawson State except upon appeal to the Office of Student Development Services.  

Standards of Progress for Transfer Students   ►  Back to Top

• A transfer student who is admitted on clear academic status is subject to the same standards of academic progress as a Lawson State student.  Grades accrued at other regionally accredited post-secondary institutions are not included in GPA calculations.

• A transfer student who is admitted on academic probation retains that status until the student has attempted at least 12 credit hours at the institution.  If, at the conclusion of the semester, in which the student has attempted a total of 12 or more credit hours at the institution, the cumulative GPA (at the institution) is below 1.5, the student is suspended for one semester.  The transcript will read: suspended—one semester.

• If, at the conclusion of the semester, in which the transfer student is admitted on academic probation has attempted a total of 12 or more credit hours at the institution, the cumulative GPA at the institution is 1.5 or above, the student’s status is clear.  

Transferring to Another College from Lawson State     ►  Back to Top

Counselors and other members of the College’s staff will advise and assist any student planning to transfer to a four-year institution.  However, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the admissions requirements closely. These requirements are indicated in the particular institution’s catalog.  Reference copies of various catalogs are available in the various offices at Lawson State.

Because of the highly specialized nature of courses in career programs, many of the courses are not designed for transfer to a four-year institution.  Students also should note that courses with numbers below 100 usually do not transfer.  Students are strongly recommended to see an advisor regularly if they are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.  Representatives from four-year colleges often visit the campus to help Lawson State Community College’s students plan their transfer programs.   

Transcripts of Grades      ►  Back to Top

Information on a student’s academic performance is available on a semester basis via direct mailings and transcript records.  Transcripts are sent only upon written request of the student.  No transcript will be furnished for any student or alumnus who has a financial obligation to Lawson State such as unpaid fees or overdue library books.  Transcripts may also be held for incomplete admissions records.  It is the policy of Lawson State Community College not to issue transcripts of other colleges and schools.  Official transcripts will be mailed to other institutions by written request only.   

Residency  (In-State vs. Out-of-State)     ►  Back to Top

Lawson State Community College is supported by the taxpayers of Alabama.  Students who are not state residents pay out-of-state fees.  A student’s official residency is determined at the time of registration according to the residency policy of the state of Alabama. To qualify for in-state tuition, a legal residence must have maintained residency in Alabama for a least the twelve months immediately preceding the date of first enrollment in an institution of higher education in Alabama.

Change of Address      ►  Back to Top

A student should report a change of address on forms available in the Office of Admissions and Records.   

Grade Symbols      ►  Back to Top

A final grade is the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s work and achievement throughout the course.  Grades and marks are given at the discretion   of   the  instructor.  Grade changes may occur if legitimate calculation errors are made.  The "Change of Grade Form" must be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records.  Factors upon which the final grade may be based are class participation, recitation, written and oral quizzes, reports, papers, final examination, and other class activities.  At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of each instructor to notify students in writing the grading practices that will be used.  The evaluation will be expressed according to the following letter system.   

Grades Quality Points (Per Semester Hour)  ►  Back to Top

Grading System  ►  Back to Top

Grading System Exception Nursing Department  ►  Back to Top

What the Grades Mean   ►  Back to Top

A student who receives a grade of “U” for two semesters may not take the course a third semester until he or she received special academic advising.  The student must appeal through the institutional appeal process before being allowed to enroll in the course for the fourth time.  Credit hours are not averaged in the grade point average.  

Standards of Academic Progress     ►  Back to Top

These standards of progress shall apply to all students unless otherwise noted.

Exceptions  Programs within the institution which are subject to external licensure, certification, and/or accreditation, or which are fewer than four semesters in length may have higher standards of progress than the institutional standards of progress.

Selected transfer students will be placed on academic probation upon admission and must transition to these standards of academic progress.

Special standards of academic progress have been established for students enrolled in institutional credit courses carrying optional grades and for students who wish to remain eligible to receive Title IV Financial Aid. 

Required GPA Levels According to Hours Attempted at Lawson State     ►  Back to Top

The following applies to required GPA for attempted hours:

• Students who have attempted 12-21 semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 1.5 cumulative grade point average.

• Students who have attempted 22-32 semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 1.75 cumulative grade point average.

• Students who have attempted 33 or more semester credit hours at the institution must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Intervention for Student Success      ►  Back to Top

When a student is placed on academic probation, one-term academic suspension, or one-calendar year academic suspension, college officials may provide intervention for the student by taking steps including, but not limited to, imposing maximum course loads, requiring a study skills course, and/or prescribing other specific courses.

Application of Standards of Progress  ►  Back to Top

• When the cumulative GPA is at or above the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution, the student’s status is “Clear.”

• When a student’s cumulative GPA is below the GPA required for the number of credit  hours attempted at the institution, the student is placed on academic probation.

• When the cumulative GPA of a student who is on academic probation remains below the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution, but the semester GPA is 2.0 or above, the student remains on academic probation.

• When the cumulative GPA of a student who is on academic probation remains below the GPA required for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution and the semester GPA is below 2.0, the student is suspended for one semester.  The transcript will read suspended—one semester.

• The student who is suspended for one semester may appeal.  If, after appeal, the student is readmitted without serving the one semester suspension, the transcript will read Suspended—One  Semester/Readmitted Upon Appeal.

• The student who is readmitted upon appeal re-enters the institution on academic probation.

• A student who is on academic probation, after being suspended for one semester, will remain on academic probation until the required GPA for the total number of hours attempted is sufficient.

• A student returning from a one semester suspension that has failed to obtain the required GPA for the number of hours attempted, and has failed  to maintain a semester GPA of 2.0, will be placed on a one year suspension.  The student may appeal a one term or one-year suspension.

The permanent student record will reflect the student’s status (except when the status is clear).  When appropriate, the record will reflect Academic Probation, Academic Suspension—One Term, Academic Probation—One Year, One Term Suspension—Readmitted On Appeal, Or One-Year Suspension— Readmitted On Appeal.

If a student declares no contest of the facts leading to suspension, but wishes to request consideration for readmission, the student may submit a request in writing for an “appeal for readmission” to the Dean of Student Development Services within a designated published number of days of receipt of the notice of suspension.  During the meeting, which shall not be considered a “due process” hearing, but rather a petition for readmission, the student shall be given an opportunity to present a rationale and/or statement of mitigating circumstances in support of immediate readmission.  The decision, together with the materials presented by the student, shall be placed in the Lawson State’s official records.  Additionally a copy of the written decision shall be provided to the student.  Equity, reasonableness, and consistency should be the standards by which such decisions are measured.

Definition of Terms Related to Standards of Progress

Grade Point Average (GPA)—The grade point average based on all hours attempted during any one term at the institution based on a 4.0 grading scale.

Cumulative Grade Point Average—The grade point average based on all hours attempted at the institution based on a 4.0 grading scale.

Clear Academic Status—The status of a student whose cumulative grade point average is at or above the level required by this policy for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution.

Academic Probation—The status of a student whose cumulative GPA falls below the level required by this policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution.

or

The status of a student who was on academic probation the previous term and whose cumulative GPA for that semester remained below the level required by the policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution, but whose semester GPA for that term was 2.0 or above.

One Semester Academic Suspension—  The status of a student who was on academic probation the previous term but who has never been suspended, or since suspension, had achieved clear academic status. In addition, the cumulative GPA for that term was below the level required by the policy for the total number of credit hours attempted at the institution and whose semester GPA for that term was below 2.0.

One Year Academic Suspension—The status of a student who was: (1) on academic probation   the   previous  term; (2) was suspended without since having achieved clear academic status; (3) whose cumulative GPA that term remained below the level required by the policy, for the total  number   of   credit   hours  attempted at the

institution); and (4) whose semester GPA for that term was below 2.0.

Appeal of Suspension—The process by which an institution shall allow a student, suspended for one term or one year (whether a “native” student or a transfer student), to request readmission without having to serve the suspension.

Academic Bankruptcy   ►  Back to Top

A student at Lawson State may declare academic bankruptcy only once.  The student may request in writing,   to   the  Office  of  Admissions   and Records, declaration of academic bankruptcy under the following conditions:

• If fewer than three (3) calendar years have elapsed since the semester for which the student wishes to declare bankruptcy, the student may declare academic bankruptcy on all course work taken during that one semester. The student MUST have taken a minimum of 20 semester credit hours of work since the bankruptcy semester occurred.  All course work taken, even hours completed satisfactorily during the semester for which academic bankruptcy is declared, will be disregarded in the cumulative GPA.

• If three (3) or more calendar years have elapsed since the most recent semester for which the student wishes to declare bankruptcy, the student may declare academic bankruptcy on all course work taken during 1-3 semesters.  The student MUST have taken a minimum of 20 semester credit hours of course work at Lawson State since the bankruptcy occurred.  All course work taken, even hours completed satisfactorily, during semester(s) for which academic bankruptcy is declared, will be disregarded in the cumulative grade point average.

When academic bankruptcy is declared, the term “Academic Bankruptcy” will be reflected on the transcript for each semester affected.  When academic bankruptcy is declared, the transcript will reflect the semester of its implementation and the transcript will be stamped “Academic Bankruptcy Implemented.”

Implementation of academic bankruptcy at Lawson State Community College does not guarantee that other institutions will approve such action.  This determination will be made by the respective transfer institution.

Dismissal from an Associate in Applied Science Degree Program and Certificate Program  ►  Back to Top

If the department chairperson determines that a student is not a safe and dependable practitioner in the lab, shop, clinic, or field area (in the progress of a course), the student may be dismissed     from     the     program     with     the concurrence of the Vice President through the due process procedure.

Due to the fact that certain courses of many occupational programs are prescribed in a one or two-year sequential pattern and are offered only once during the sequence, a student has no opportunity to repeat one of these courses or to elect a substitution course.  Therefore, a student who fails one of these courses will be dismissed from the program at the end of the semester in which the failure occurs.

Students dismissed from an occupational program under this policy may petition for enrollment in a later class.  Re-enrollment may be based on availability of space.  Dismissal from a degree or certificate program does not cause dismissal from the college.

Grounds for Student Dismissal   ►  Back to Top

Academic standards and compliance with accreditation and legal requirements are maintained through regulations and policies related to student behavior, both in and out of the classroom (matriculation for scholarly pursuit and citizenship regulations).

Honors List  ►  Back to Top

President’s List

The President’s List is a semester honor roll for students attaining a grade point average of 4.0 consisting of twelve or more hours of work in any given semester (with no withdrawals and/or incompletes being recorded).

Dean’s List

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must take a minimum course load of not fewer than twelve semester hours, and maintain at least a 3.50 average with no grade lower than a “B” and with no withdrawals or incompletes being recorded.

Graduation  ►  Back to Top

Requirements for the degree or certificate will vary according to the curriculum.  Students should refer to their required courses in the Student Catalog 2001-2003, which apply to their particular program.  All courses presented for graduation must be a minimum of “C”.  At least 26 credit hours for an associate degree must be completed in attendance at Lawson State Community College.  Students are expected to file a graduation application with the Office of Admissions and Records the semester of completion of degree requirements or within 10 semester hours of completing his or her degree requirements.  The application must be submitted on or before the deadline is announced.  The student must be enrolled during the school year in which the degree is earned, or with the approval of the Vice President within one calendar year of the last semester of attendance.  Commencement exercises to award degrees and certificates to students in respective divisions are at the conclusion of the spring semester.  A graduation fee is charged to each graduating student. 

The specific date of the commencement exercise is listed in the College calendar (in front of this catalog).  Students must fulfill all financial obligations to Lawson State.

Graduation with Honors

Superior academic achievement by graduating students shall be recognized by the following designations on transcripts:

·         Graduation with Honors

(Cum Laude—3.50 to 3.69)

·         Graduation with High Honors

(Magna Cum Laude—3.70 to 3.89)

·         Graduation with Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude 3.90 to 4.00)

Graduation with Honors for Certificate

·         Graduation with Distinction

(3.50 to 4.00)

Calculation of the GPA for graduation honors shall be identical to that method used to calculate the GPA to fulfill graduation requirements (degree, diploma, or certificate being earned).  In addition, to be eligible for a graduation honor, the student must have completed a minimum of 32 semester credit hours at the college conferring the degree.

Second Associate Degree  ►  Back to Top

A student may earn a second associate degree by completing (in residence with an average grade of "C" or better) at least 18 semester hours of work over and above work done for the first degree, including a new major.  The first degree must be based on at least 64 semester hours of fully accredited work.  All requirements for the second degree major must be complete.  Second-degree programs should be submitted to the Dean of Instruction for approval in advance.  Statue of limitation is five (5) years.

Policy Statements—Assurance of Compliance with Federal Laws  ►  Back to Top

American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Lawson State Community College is committed to providing a quality environment to support and assist its students during the academic process.  Counseling and other special assistance are available to students with disabilities, with emphasis on the unique needs of the student.  The counselor acts as a liaison between Lawson State and the rehabilitation agency to assist the student in every way possible.  We strive to create a welcoming environment and will work in good faith to meet the needs of our students.  It is the responsibility of the student to notify the ADA Coordinator of his or her need(s) for accommodations and provide documentation of the disability.  Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions and Records if assistance is needed in applying for college admission.  The ADA Coordinator is Mrs. Janice Williams.  Her office is located in the Student Center • Room 221 • (205) 929-6383.

Drug Abuse Workplace Policy

Lawson State is committed to the maintenance of a drug-free environment for both employees and students.  Lawson State has in operation a drug abuse prevention program, which is accessible to all officers, employees, and students.

Drug Free Workplace Policy

As a recipient of Federal contracts and grants, Lawson State Community College complies with the requirements of Public Law 100-690 for a drug free workplace.  Lawson State’s policy:

• The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited by Lawson State Community College or any property owned, leased or controlled by Lawson State Community College or during any activity conducted, sponsored or authorized by or on behalf of Lawson State Community College.  A “controlled substance” shall include any substance defined as a controlled substance in Section 102 or the Federal Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S. Code 802)  or in  the  Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance Act (Code of Alabama, Section 20-2-1, et seq.)

• Lawson State Community College has and shall maintain a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:

·         The danger of drug abuse in the workplace.

·         Lawson State Community College’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.

·         Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance program.

·         The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

• All employees of Lawson State Community College shall comply with bullet 1 above.

• Any employee who is convicted by any federal or state court of an offense which constitutes a violation of bullet 1 above shall notify Lawson State’s President in writing of said conviction within five (5) days after the conviction occurs.   Conviction, as defined in PL 100-690, shall mean “a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence or both”.

• Pursuant to bullet 4 above, if the President receives a report of conviction of an employee who is working in a project or program funded through a federal contract or grant, Lawson State Community College shall notify, in writing, within ten (10) days any federal agency  to  whom   such   notification  by Lawson State Community College is required under PL 100-690.

• In the event that any employee violates bullet 1 above or receives a conviction as described in bullet 4 above, the employee shall be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include, but not limited to, termination of employment. As a condition of continued employment, to complete satisfactorily, a drug rehabilitation program of a reasonable duration and nature must be in effect.

• Lawson State Community College shall make a good faith effort to comply with bullets 1-6 above.

• Each employee of Lawson State Community College shall receive a copy of this policy.  The Drug and Substance Abuse Coordinator is Mr. Carl L. Davis.  His office is located in the A. G. Gaston Building (East Campus) • (205) 929-6353.

Equal Opportunity Policy  ►  Back to Top

Lawson State Community College has filed with the Federal Government an Assurance of Compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to Title VI, VII, or the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Regulation issue thereunder, to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving “Federal Financial Assistance”.  Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of individuals to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI or by Title XI of the Act and Regulation issued thereunder may, by himself or by herself or by a representative, file with the United States Commissioner of Education or with this institution, or with both, a written complaint.  The Title IX Coordinator is Mr. Carl L. Davis.  His office is located in the A.G. Gaston Building (East Campus) • (205) 929-6353.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) Transcript Policy  ►  Back to Top

A.      In accordance with the provisions of Public Law 93-380, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Also known as the Buckley Amendment), the Office of Admissions and Records will release a transcript of a student's academic record only upon written request of the student. The request for the transcript release must bear the signature of the student along with identifying information. Official transcripts are not issued to the student but to the institution, official, or agency listed on the request.

B.         Facsimile (FAX) Transmission of Records.  The Office of Admissions and Records will accept transcript requests by fax. Students wishing to send transcript requests by fax must furnish the following information: full name and any previous names under which enrolled, social security number, date of birth, approximate dates of attendance, school or organization where transcript is to be forwarded, daytime phone number, and a COPY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE.

The Office of Admissions and Records will honor requests to fax transcripts to other institutions provided a written request by the student is on file in the Office of Admissions and Records. Telephone requests are not honored. A student should be aware that the receiving institution has the right to decline faxed transcripts. Regular transcript fee is $3.00. Lawson State Community College will accept a faxed transcript only as a working document pending the receipt of an official transcript with the seal imprint and Director of Admissions and Records’ signature from the forwarding institution.

C.      Transcript requests will not be honored for any student who has outstanding academic or financial obligations in any of the administrative offices of the College.

D.     Any student who withdraws from the College must have completed all admission credentials and have cleared all financial or other obligations in all of the administrative offices before being entitled to an official academic transcript.

E.      The College will accept verified faxed transcripts from high schools within Jefferson County as official. However, the College reserves the right to require the official transcript by mail.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  (FERPA) of 1974, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student educational records. Lawson State Community College officials recognize their obligation to exercise discretion in recording and disseminating information about a student. To implement this law and to meet the obligation to the student, a written institutional policy governing student records has been formulated. Annual notification will be made to Lawson State Community College students to their rights relative to educational records by publishing the policy in the Student Catalog 2001-2003 and distributing copies of the policy at fall registration.

For purposes of this policy, a student is defined as an individual who has been admitted and is enrolled or has been enrolled at the College. A student has the right of access to his/her educational records and may inspect and review. the information contained therein. Exceptions to a student's rights of access are stated in the College policy. Educational records refer to all records maintained directly pertaining to an individual as a student. At the postsecondary level, parents have no inherent rights to inspect a student's education records. The right to inspect is limited solely to the student.

Student Access to Records

A.      The student has the following rights:

·         To be provided with a list of the types of educational records maintained in the College.

·         To inspect and review contents of these educational records.

·     To be given responses by the Director of Admissions and Records to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of these records.

·         To request amendment of any part of these records considered by the student to be inaccurate or misleading.

·         To be afforded hearings, should the request to amend the records be declined.

·         To consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

·         To file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Lawson State Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

B.      The student does not have access to the following records:

·         Financial records, including any information those records contain, of his/her parents.

·         Confidential letters and confidential statements of recommendation placed in the educational record prior to January 1, 1975, as long as the statements are used only for the purposes for which they were specifically intended.

·        Confidential letters and statements of recommendations placed in the file after January 1, 1975, if the student has waived his/her right to inspect and review those letters and statements and those letters and statements are related to the student's admission to an educational institution, application for employment, and receipt of an honor or honorary recognition.

·         Instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel records which remain the sole possession of the maker.

·         Campus security records.

·         Employment records, except when such employment requires that the person be a student.

·         Alumni office records.

·         Physical or mental health records created by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professionals.

Procedures for Access

The Office of Admissions and Records has a list of educational records maintained by the College. The Director of Admissions and Records may require that a college official be present when a student inspects and reviews his/her educational records. A student should submit to the Director of Admissions and Records a letter that identifies the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. If it is an inappropriate time to retrieve the record(s) on short notice, the Director of Admissions and Records will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Director of Admissions and Records, the student will be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. Any questions concerning a student's access to records should be directed to the Director of Admissions and Records.

Amendment of Education Records

A student may ask for amendment of a record that he/she believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should make the request in writing to the Dean of Students, clearly identify the part of the record requesting to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the decision is not to amend the record as requested by the student, the Dean of Students will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Release of Directory Information

The College may release directory information to others without the necessity of obtaining permission from the student. Directory information is limited to the following:

·         Student's name, address (local and permanent), and telephone number.

·         Date and place of birth.

·         Major field of study.

·         Participation in officially recognized activities and sports.

·         Weight and height statistics for athletic team members.

·         Dates of attendance.

·         Degrees and awards received.

·         Previous educational institution most recently attendance.

·         Photographs.

If a student does not wish the directory information released, he or she may indicate by notifying the Director of Admissions and Records in writing at the time of registration, and the College will withhold the information during that particular semester.  The request for nondisclosure of directory information should be renewed each semester.

Directory information will not be disclosed to private or profit making entities other than employers, prospective employers or representatives of the news media.  Directory information will be released only on the condition that the party to whom the information is disclosed will not disclose the information to any other party without prior written consent of the student. When directory information is disclosed to an institution, agency or organization, such information may be used by its officers, employees, and agents but only for the purposes for which the disclosure was made.

C.  Release Of Educational Records

The student may request release of copies of those educational records that are subject to release. The student must submit a written request in the Office of Admissions and Records and specify the following information:

·         Records to be released.

·         Purpose of disclosure.

·         Party and address to which information is to be released.

All requests must have the student's signature (not printed name) in the space provided for the signature.

Copies of transcripts from other colleges or universities are not released to the student or other parties. A student may request to view his/her educational records under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and Records.  Student educational records may be released to the following without prior written consent from the student:

• School officials within the institution who have been determined by the College to have a legitimate educational interest.  School officials include counselors and instructors who are involved in counseling students, administrators who assist in counseling and who advise students with other problems, professional staff and clerical staff who directly relate to the administrative task of the College, College law enforcement officials, College attorneys, auditors, and a student serving on an official College committee.

• A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.

• Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of Education, or state or local educational authorities.

• Appropriate authorities in connection with financial aid if the information is necessary to determine eligibility, amount of aid, conditions of aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

• State and local authorities if a state statute adopted before November 19, 1974, specifically requires disclosures to those officials.

• Organizations conducting studies, for, or on behalf of, the College for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction and student life provided that the studies will not permit the personal identification of the student and his/her parents by individuals other than representatives of the organization and provided that the personally identifiable information furnished will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes for which the study was conducted.

•  Accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.

• Officials to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena with the understanding that the student will be notified in advance insofar as possible.

• Appropriate parties to protect the health and safety of the student or another individual in emergencies with the understanding that only information essential to the emergency situation will be released.

No personal information about a student will be released without statements from the College to the parties receiving the information that no third parties are to have access to such information without the written consent of the student whose records are involved.

The Office of Admissions and Records will maintain records of all requests and disclosures of personally identifiable information from the educational records of a student except for information requested in writing by the student and directory information. The student may inspect the record of requests, disclosures and the legitimate interests of the parties requesting or obtaining information.

Any student who believes that his/her rights under the Privacy Act have been violated by the College may notify and request assistance from the Dean of Students and may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

Lawson State Community College offers equal opportunity in its employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities in compliance with Section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The 504 Coordinator is Mrs. Janice Williams.  Her office is located in the Student Center Room 221 •  (205) 929-6383.

Sexual Harassment Policy  ►  Back to Top

Lawson State Community College is committed to protect all persons from sexual harassment, intimidation, and exploitation of its students, staff, and campus visitors as prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and of Title VII (Section 703) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Any person who believes he or she is subjected to such sexual harassment, intimidation, and/or exploitation, should contact the Lawson State Title IX coordinator.  The Title IX Coordinator is Mr. Carl L. Davis.

All colleges shall comply with federal regulations relative to refund of tuition and other institutional charges for first-term Title IV recipients.

Refund for Alabama National Guard and Reservists Called to Active Duty

Students who are active members of the Alabama National Guard or reservists or who are active duty military who are called to active duty in time of national crisis shall receive a full tuition refund at the time of withdrawal, if such student is unable to complete the term due to active duty orders or assignment to another location.

Additional Information

• Pertinent dates affecting withdrawal and late registration are noted on the College calendar.

• When credit hours are added during the drop/add period, additional tuition and fees are charged.

• The refund policy is applicable to tuition, instructional fees and facility renewal fees only.

• Drop/Add period is referred to as registration in the College calendar.  This period is specified by dates on a semester-to-semester basis.

Textbook Refund Policy  ►  Back to Top

Students may return textbooks to the bookstore within two weeks of the first day of class.  In order to be refunded for returned textbooks, one must present a cash register receipt. Merchandise must be returned within five (5) business days from the date of purchase to receive a refund. Merchandise must be in resell condition. Exchanges of equal or greater value will be made if there is not a receipt.

If the textbook was purchased new and has not been damaged or written in, the bookstore will exchange or refund the full purchase price.  If the textbook has been damaged or written in, the bookstore will refund half the purchase price.  It is up to the bookstore personnel to determine the condition of the returned textbooks.

Please also note the following:

Optional textbooks are not returnable, and there will be no refunds on textbooks, general merchandise, supplies, and clothing during exam periods.

Student Insurance  ►  Back to Top

A mandatory accidental protection plan is approved for all students enrolled at Lawson State Community College. This plan is a 24-hour coverage for accidental physical and medical protection up to $1,000 and $150 for dental. Accidental Insurance fee is $10 per semester.