Academic and Important College Policies

Academic Complaints

Students who want to contest a final course grade must indicate their intent to appeal within 30 days of the electronic posting of the grade. Appeals that are filed after 30 days of the electronic posting of the grade will not be considered. The appeal must be submitted by e-mail or hard copy to the department chair or departmental office and must be accompanied by a completed Student Complaint Form. This form is located on https://my.pgcc.edu/.

Complaints of an academic nature are generally resolved within the division offering the course in which the complaint occurs. Questions about grades and performance in class should normally be discussed first with the instructor. Complaints that are not resolved in this fashion or that are not suitable for resolution in this way should be referred to the department chair or to the dean who is administratively responsible for the department. Appeals of decisions in academic matters may be directed to the Executive Vice President and Provost or the Assistant Vice President for Curriculum, Programs, and Regulation. 

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Students readmitted to the College after an absence of at least five (5) calendar years may request up to sixteen (16) credit hours of work attempted prior to the five-year break in enrollment.  Upon the approval of the Executive Vice President and Provost, these courses are marked as not applicable and are no longer counted toward determining the student’s grade point average (GPA); nor are any credits originally earned in these courses applied toward graduation requirements. Students must be officially enrolled for the semester in which the request is made, and the request may not be made until after the third (3rd) week of classes during that semester.

PROCEDURE:

1. Student confers with an academic advisor to determine which courses should be listed on this form.

2. Upon reaching an agreement on the appropriate courses, the advisor and student sign this form, which is then forwarded to the Executive Vice President and Provost for review.

3. Upon approval by the Executive Vice President and Provost, the form is sent to the Office of Records and Registration to be recorded.

Academic Integrity

The College is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the College community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process.

It is the responsibility of all faculty members at the beginning of every semester to call all students’ attention to the Code of Academic Integrity as part of the College’s commitment to academic honesty. It is the student’s responsibility to know, understand, and be conversant in the tenets and sanctions associated with the violation of the Code of Academic Integrity. However, lack of awareness of this policy on the part of students shall not be considered a defense against charges of plagiarism or cheating. The definitions and policies regarding plagiarism contained in the Student Handbook and other College publications in no way preclude an individual faculty member or any academic unit from issuing supplemental guidelines on academic dishonesty.

A charge of cheating or plagiarism may result in failing the assignment and/or failing the course in addition to other disciplinary sanctions. Failing a course due to a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity will be recorded as such on the permanent academic transcript with a grade of F*.

The College shall maintain responsibility for providing information about the Code of Academic Integrity through its admissions and faculty appointment procedures and programs. The entire document is available on the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu; in the offices of the vice presidents for academic affairs and student services located in Kent Hall; the offices of the academic deans; and College Life Services.

Academic Standing

At the end of each fall, spring, and summer semester each student’s cumulative GPA is recomputed to determine that individual’s academic standing. The cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total number of quality points for all credits (A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points) by the number of semester credit hours attempted. The grades earned in developmental and ESL classes are not part of the GPA calculation, as they are pre-credit coursework. A student remains in good academic standing provided he or she maintains the minimum GPA standards set by the College.

Appeals of Academic Standing

To be readmitted following academic dismissal or restriction, regardless of when it occurred, students must meet with an academic advisor to complete an “Application for Reinstatement After Suspension or Dismissal” form and submit the completed form with all required supporting documents to the Office of Student Academic Planning and Career Readiness by emailing reinstatecommittee@pgcc.edu. The applications will be reviewed by a Reinstatement Committee, which will meet monthly. Students will receive notification of the committee’s decision within three business days after the meeting date, provided no additional information is needed.

Minimum Standards for Good Standing

Standards for students who have attempted 20 credit hours/equivalent hours/continuing education units or less, including one or more developmental education courses:

Standards for students who have enrolled in only credit courses or have attempted more than 20 credit hours overall:

Students failing to maintain these standards are placed in the following categories:
 

• Academic Warning
  A student who, at any point after six credits (or two developmental courses) are attempted, falls below the prescribed minimum standards for good academic standing is placed on academic warning. Students on academic warning may not register for more than 13 credit hours during any semester in this status. A student on academic warning must achieve a 2.00 semester GPA every period enrolled. A student on academic warning who fails to reach the prescribed minimum standard is placed on academic restriction.
   
• Academic Restriction
  Academic restriction results when a student on academic warning fails to achieve a 2.00 semester GPA and/or reach the minimum cumulative GPA. Students on academic restriction, with the approval of an academic advisor, may register for no more than two courses. Courses must be selected from those that an academic advisor has prescribed to prepare for academic success. Students must achieve the minimum required GPA during the current enrollment period to return to academic warning status or, if applicable, to good standing. Students who fail to achieve the minimum required cumulative GPA but who achieve a 2.00 term GPA will remain on academic restriction. Those who fail to meet this requirement are dismissed.
   
• Academic Dismissal
  Academic dismissal results when a student on academic restriction fails to achieve at least a 2.00 GPA during the current enrollment period. Academic dismissal precludes registration for any courses for a period of at least one semester unless the student has previously been dismissed from the College. A student dismissed for academic reasons a second or subsequent time is not permitted to register for any courses for one full calendar year.

Accessible Transportation

Accessible transportation will be provided to accommodate disabled persons on all school sponsored trips. Requests for accommodations must be made a minimum of 15 days prior to any trip.

Assignment of Credit Hours

At Prince George’s Community College, one credit hour equals 37.5 clock hours of instruction/student work per 15-week semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. Prince George’s Community College adheres to and applies the U.S. Department of Education’s Definition of a Credit Hour to all credit courses in all modalities.

U.S. Department of Education Credit Hour Definition

An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Changes of Program/Not Applicable Courses

Students must designate a program of study or curriculum at the time they apply for admission to the College. The choice of a program of study is an important one since it dictates what degree requirements a student must meet as long as they are enrolled in that curriculum. Students who decide that another curriculum is more appropriate to their goals should change the curriculum rather than continue in one no longer relevant. Students may change a program of study by completing a curriculum change form, available from the Office of Advising and Transfer Services, Bladen Hall, Room 124. Students interested in changing a program of study will also be referred to the Career Center to see an advisor before the curriculum change process is completed. Curriculum change forms received after the third week of the term will be in effect the following term.

Sometimes when a curriculum is changed, certain courses that were taken in connection with the old program of study may not be relevant to the new program. A student may request that such inapplicable courses not be counted within the new program of study. Such requests must be sent to the Office of Records and Registration as part of the proper completion of a curriculum change form. Courses that are determined to be not applicable to the new program will receive the designation N/A (not applicable) and will no longer affect the student’s GPA or be counted toward meeting graduation requirements.

The N/A designation will be applied to courses that were specifically required in the former program of study and that are not applicable to the new program as required courses or recommended electives. Courses that satisfy a general education requirement are not eligible for the N/A designation unless the new program of study lists specific general education courses as required courses and courses taken previously may not be used as approved substitutes for the required courses.

Students requesting this evaluation of their academic record should be aware that all such nonapplicable courses will receive the N/A designation regardless of the grade earned. Normally, this treatment may be requested only once.

Class Attendance/Participation

While each faculty member has the authority to set attendance and participation requirements for his/her classes, the College in general expects that students will regularly attend the classes for which they are registered from the first day onward. In the case of distance learning courses, the expectation is for participation through timely completion of assignments, involvement in online discussion groups, contact with the instructor to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course, and other such indicators of engagement with the course. Since the College does not require instructors to take attendance in their classes, attendance (or lack thereof) itself may not be factored directly into calculation of the final grade. Presumably , the lack of attendance will reflect its causal effect in a lesser degree of achievement of the course outcomes as measured in relevant assessments of those outcomes. 

Faculty are required to administratively withdraw any student who fails to attend or participate in a class during the first 20 percent of its meeting dates. This withdrawal is recorded as an NA grade and an effective date of last attendance must be assigned. It is treated the same as a student-initiated withdrawal in terms of its impact on the GPA.

Administrative withdrawals take priority over student-initiated withdrawals. Students who have been given an NA by the instructor may not, therefore, change this grade to a W at a later time in the semester.

Code of Academic Integrity

The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle.  In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity.  To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process.  The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2021-2022 Student Handbook and posted on the college’s website.

Code of Conduct

The Prince George’s Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college’s function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2021-2022 Student Handbook for a complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.

College Central Network (CCN)

CNN is PGCC’s virtual career platform used for:

• Internship and job searches
• Internship approval and enrollment coordination
• Career resources (Resume Builder®, Portfolio Builder®, etc.)
• Career events (virtual and on-campus)

All PGCC students should login/activate their FREE CCN student account by using their PGCC Owl Mail account and their seven-digit PGCC student ID number at www.CollegeCentral.com/pgcc/ to begin their career development before graduation and/or transfer.

• Additional PGCC career resources and information is available here:  https://www.pgcc.edu/student-life-support-services/support-services/career-services/ 
• General internships information is found here:  https://www.pgcc.edu/student-life-support-services/support-services/career-services/internships/  

Community in Unity Civility Pledge

As a member of Prince George’s Community College, I agree to promote a community of scholarship, civility, accountability and respect. I understand that expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or towards an individual, threaten the safety of our campus community. Therefore, I pledge to be aware of my words and actions and how they impact others. I will show respect for myself, respect for others and respect for the college and its values. I will honor this commitment to promote unity and a culture of civility both inside and outside the classroom.

Civility is a college-wide commitment and in order to identify PGCC students, students are required to enter classrooms with their college IDs visible. ALL students must have their IDs visible while AT ANY COLLEGE SITE, WHETHER THEY ARE ON THE LARGO CAMPUS OR ANY EXTENSION SITE.

Dean’s List

Each semester the Dean’s List is published to recognize students who have achieved academic distinction. To be eligible, a student may be full time or part time and must have completed at least twelve credit hours of college-level classes at Prince George’s Community College with a GPA of 3.50 or above. Dean’s List eligibility is determined after the student completes 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours of college-level work.

Designated Reporting Authorities

Any member of the College Community who believes he or she has been subjected to, has observed or has been informed of, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct should promptly file a written complaint with one of the Officials with Authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the College:

• Title IX Coordinator, 301 Largo Road, Kent Hall, Room 133, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-7011; or
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, 301 Largo Road, Kent Hall, Room 119, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-0412.

In addition, reports of prohibited discrimination suffered by any member of the College Community may also be reported to the following College personnel:

• College Police, 301 Largo Road, Facilities Building, Room 102, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-0666;
• Equity, Culture & Talent, 301 Largo Road, Annex B, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-0613;
• Affirmative Action Officer, 301 Largo Road, Kent Hall, Room 130, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-0050;
• Violence Prevention Center, 301 Largo Road, Bladen Hall, Room 122-C, Largo, MD 20774, 301-546-5281.
   

Different Ways to Take Courses

Classroom Instruction

Many students at the College take their courses in a traditional classroom setting. Courses may meet three or four days per week for an hour, two days a week for 90 minutes, or once a week for two-and-a-half hours or more. Classes also are scheduled in a variety of other formats, from intensive one-week workshops to Sunday afternoon sessions. Students may choose days and times that best fit their schedules. All face-to-face classes are web enhanced through the use of Blackboard; therefore, it is expected that all students will have internet access.

Weekend College | Marlboro Hall, Room 1095 | 301-546-0785

The Weekend College serves the needs of those who may not be able to participate in college credit courses during the week. It offers students a wide variety of courses in alternative formats. A student may choose to enroll in weekender courses that meet on alternating weekends. Generally, the weekender (Friday evening and all day Saturday) schedule permits a student to enroll in other courses within one semester. Students must register for these courses at least two weeks prior to their first face-to-face meeting. Students are required to complete course assignments online prior to the first face-to-face meeting. To ensure that students have access to course materials and assignments, all weekender courses will have a Blackboard course site available three days before the course begins. The course syllabus and any assignments due prior to the first face-to-face meeting are identified on the Blackboard site. In addition, the College offers a wide range of Saturday-only or Sunday-only courses that meet over a 15-week period on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings or afternoons.

Registration deadlines are published in the class schedule and appear on Owl Link. While most weekend courses meet at the Largo campus, additional weekend courses are offered at Prince George’s Community College at Joint Base Andrews, Laurel College Center, and Prince George’s Community College at University Town Center.

eLearning Services | Accokeek Hall, Room 346 | 301-546-0463 | www.pgcconline.com

As an alternative to the traditional, face-to-face learning environment, the College offers a wide variety of courses that use interactive Web-based applications, interactive video, and multimedia computer applications in varied combinations to deliver instruction. Students who enroll in eLearning courses typically seek added convenience, greater independence, and more autonomy in pursuing their coursework. Students may elect to participate exclusively in online courses to complete one of the degree programs available in an online format.

Online and Remote Courses

Online and remote courses are a convenient way to earn college credit at Prince George’s Community College. In online courses, students can access interactive coursework through a course management system via a computer and the internet without the need to be physically present in a classroom. In remote courses, students can access interactive coursework through a course management system via a computer and the internet and meet at a specific time virtually. Additionally, students in online and remote courses are able to interact and communicate with instructors and fellow students, complete assignments and assessments, and conduct research. For information about noncredit online courses, visit www.pgcconline.com or call 301-546-0463.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid courses combine classroom meetings and online instruction. Students come to campus at a regularly scheduled time and meet face-to-face with their instructors and fellow students; other coursework, assignments, and group work are accomplished online via the Canvas online classroom.

Hyflex Courses

Hyflex courses meet at a scheduled time with some students attending on campus and others attending remotely at the same time. Students have the flexibility to choose their class meeting modality.

Additional Locations to Take Courses (Extension and Degree Centers)

The College provides five additional locations, called degree and extension centers: Joint Base Andrews, Laurel College Center, Skilled Trades Center, University Town Center, and Westphalia Training Center. Joint Base Andrews, Laurel College Center, and University Town Center offer a wide range of credit courses and opportunities for degree attainment. Courses at these three locations are identical in title, number, course content, and credit to those available at the Largo campus. Some noncredit continuing education courses are also offered. In most cases, these locations are open the same hours as are student services offices on the Largo campus (8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday). The Skilled Trades Center offers noncredit continuing education courses in a variety of formats in the skilled construction trades, and Prince George’s Community College at John Eager Howard Community Center holds the College’s Culinary Center.

All College policies and academic regulations in effect on the Largo campus also apply at the other locations. While the College makes every effort to provide a full range of services at each location, some services, due to their specialized or complex nature, are unavailable anywhere but the main campus in Largo.

See Campus Overview for an overview, contact information, directions, and maps of each campus.

Disability Support Services

Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (LH101A) or call (301) 546-0838 (voice/TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations.  Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructor at the beginning of the semester and provide them with a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.  Faculty and staff must engage students in an interactive process when determining necessary and appropriate modifications and/or auxiliary services. Documentation can be sent to DSS@pgcc.edu for review.

Disruption of Class

Willful disruption of the instructional process both inside and outside the classroom, for whatever reason, will not be tolerated. Instructors will take appropriate actions to have disruptive students removed from their classes. Students charged with disruptive behavior are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may lead to suspension or expulsion.

Emergency College Closings/Delayed Openings

It is the practice of the college to hold all regular classes on all days scheduled on the college calendar. Should an emergency arise that requires the cancellation of classes and activities, students may learn of the delay or cancellation in several ways.

• Visit the college’s website, www.pgcc.edu. The cancellation/closure/delay will be prominently displayed on the home page.
• Students who sign up for Owl Alert, the college’s free instant messaging service, will have notice of the closure sent to their cell phone as either a voice or text message or to the preferred e-mail address shortly after the decision to close or delay has been made.
• Call the college’s main number, 301-546-7422, and listen to the recorded message. Closures and delays will be included.

In addition, the following radio stations will be asked to announce the college’s closing shortly after the decision is made: WBAL 1090 AM, WMAL 105.9, WNEW 99.1 FM, and WTOP 103.5. The following TV stations will be asked to announce the closing: CH 2 WMAR (ABC), CH 4 WRC (NBC), CH 5 FOX, CH 7 WJLA (ABC 7 News), CH 8 (NewsChannel), CH 9 WUSA, CH 11 WBAL, and CH 13 WJZ.

In case of hazardous weather, degree/extension center classes held at local public school locations will be canceled when the Prince George’s County Board of Education announces that the public schools will be closed. Other sites, such as Andrews Air Force Base, the Laurel College Center, and the University Town Center in Hyattsville, will follow the Largo campus weather schedule. If the Largo campus closes as a result of inclement weather, classes at degree/extension centers and sites will be canceled.

When the college announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining at the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that no member of the college community shall be subject to any form of unlawful discrimination. The college is an equal opportunity institution with respect to both education and employment. The college is committed to maintaining an environment free from illegal discrimination and sexual misconduct. The college will not tolerate discrimination or harassment whether verbal or physical, flagrant or subtle, related to any individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The college will not tolerate behavior that contributes to creating a hostile work or learning environment.

Non-discrimination Policy

Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons to the end that no person, on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, qualified disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of this institution. Under this policy, this institution will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, gender, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies or practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including employment, the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room, space, materials, equipment, facility, or any other property. This policy is consistent with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and other applicable laws and regulations. One who believes oneself or any specific class of individual to be subject to prohibited discrimination may, by oneself or through a representative, file a written complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education or with the college president, or both. The Senior Director of Compliance, Kent Hall, Room 133, 301-546-7011, coordinates the college’s Title IX program regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. Other issues regarding discrimination should be directed to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Kent Hall, Room 119, 301-546-0412, or the Vice President for Equity, Culture and Talent, Kent Hall, Room 130, 301-546-0050.

Enrollment Verification

The College is a member of the National Student Clearinghouse and reports the enrollment status of all registered students several times during each semester. The College relies of the Clearinghouse to verify the enrollment and degree attainment of students to lenders and other external agencies. Enrollment verification services are provided to students through Owl Link at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week by the National Student Clearinghouse. This service is available to students enrolled in credit courses at the College fall semester 2013 to present. Students may request an enrollment verification, view enrollment information and enrollment verifications provided to third parties, student loan deferment notifications, and specific information about their student loans.

 The verification may be attached to any form provided by a third party and returned by the student directly to the requester. Additionally, enrollment verifications can be used for insurance companies, scholarships, military identification cards, prospective employment, and all other services that require proof of enrollment at Prince George’s Community College.

To obtain an enrollment verification, log into Owl Link, select Enrollment Verifications, and click Continue to National Student Clearinghouse.  You will be directed to a new page that will route to the National Student Clearinghouse Student Self-Service Site to initiate your request.

Enrollment verifications are also available free of charge upon written request or upon receipt of a properly signed release form through an external agency or organization. Such verifications are not done on a while-you-wait basis. All external agency forms are sent directly to the agency involved. Verification letters may be picked up by the student or mailed to the receiving party.

No enrollment verifications will be issued for a given semester until courses have begun. The College reserves the right to enrollment verifications for any student or former student who has an outstanding debt to the College, including but not limited to tuition, fees, returned check fees, parking fines, and library charges.

Falsification of Records

Intentional falsification of academic records, which includes but is not limited to grade reports, official and unofficial transcripts, enrollment verification forms and letters, transcripts from any College, demographic information reported on the application and residency documents is subject to appropriate disciplinary action and may lead to suspension or expulsion.

Grade Reports

Students may view their grades in Owl Link as soon as a course has ended and grades have been processed. Grade reports are no longer mailed to students. No grades will be available to students who have an outstanding debt with the College until the Student Accounts Office certifies that the debt has been paid in full.

Grades and Grading Policies

At the end of each term, the semester grade point average and cumulative grade point average (GPA) are calculated. Both GPAs are shown on the official transcript. While transferred credit may be applicable to degree requirements, grades earned in courses awarded in transfer from other institutions are not used in the calculation of the cumulative GPA and are not reflected in total credits earned at PGCC. With the exception of grades changed through the College’s official change of grade process within the published timeframe, grades will permanently remain on student records and will not be removed under any circumstances.

The following grades earned at the college are used in the calculation of the GPA:

The grades listed above are those that are used to calculate a student’s GPA. However, certain courses may not use all of the grades listed above to evaluate student performance at the end of the term. Specifically, faculty in certain courses may determine that some of the grades listed above are inappropriate for the particular course.

FX The FX grade may be assigned by the faculty member to any student on the roster who did not officially withdraw from the course but who failed to participate in course activities through the end of the period. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible.

The following grade designations are not used in the calculation of the grade point average:

Graduation Requirements

Students who wish to graduate from Prince George’s Community College, either in an associate degree program or a certificate program, must successfully complete a prescribed group of courses called a curriculum, which differs for each program of study. Within any one curriculum, courses fall into one of three categories-program requirements, general education courses, and elective courses. Program requirements are those required to specialize in the field the curriculum represents (i.e., management, criminal justice, art, etc.). General education courses are those required to fulfill college and state requirements for documentable learning in broad academic categories, such as science, mathematics, or the humanities. Program Electives are chosen from a specific list unique to a particular program of study, while other elective courses may be chosen by the student and allow the student to tailor the curriculum to his or her career or transfer objectives. Some curricula have few or no electives. Certificate programs consist primarily of program requirements but also may have a few general education or elective courses listed. Students should follow requirements for the curriculum in which they plan to graduate exactly as they appear in the catalog in effect the semester in which they first officially selected a program of study. All new students and those who transfer in fewer than 12 credits are required to complete PAS-1000 First Year Experience (1 credit). First Year Experience courses from other institutions are not transferrable to Prince George’s Community College. For more information about PAS-1000 see Course Descriptions.

The overall requirements for the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate of Arts in Teaching degrees are as follows:

• A minimum of 60 credit hours in academic courses, 18 of which need to be taken at the 2000-level unless otherwise noted in the program. At least 15 of the 60 credit hours must be earned at Prince George’s Community College. No more than 30 hours may be earned through nontraditional learning modes and of those no more than 15 may be earned through portfolio assessment and/or challenge exams.
• Completion of the degree requirements of the specific curriculum in which the degree is to be awarded, including the general education requirements, as described in the College catalog issued for the academic year in which study in that curriculum began or which was in effect during the academic year of the most recent readmission to the College. Students in Health Sciences curricula must complete the program concentration requirements in place at the time of enrollment in the first course in the concentration.
• An overall GPA of at least 2.00 for all courses taken at this College.
• Filing of a formal application for graduation prior to the deadline published in the academic calendar. The Office of Records and Registration checks for completion of all degree requirements and verifies degree eligibility. The application is available online as well as from the Office of Records and Registration, Bladen Hall, Room 126. There is no fee associated with filing a graduation application.

All degree requirements, including the submission of the graduation application, resolution of outstanding incomplete grades, grade changes, course substitution and waiver approvals, and the awarding of transfer credit, must be completed within 30 calendar days of the degree conferral date (last day of final exams for the fall and spring semesters and the last day of classes for the summer semester). Students who complete degree requirements more than 30 days after the conferral date will be moved to the next degree conferral date.

Graduation with Honors

The college recognizes high academic achievement by awarding the following Honors designations to associate degree recipients based on overall GPA. These standards are:

Requirements for Additional Associate Degrees

Students may earn additional associate degrees at Prince George’s Community College either by concurrent completion of the requirements of the multiple degrees or by subsequent study after the first degree is received. The requirements for earning additional degrees are as follows:

Complete all requirements of each program of study including general education requirements.
Earn a minimum of 15 credit hours at the college in addition to those required for the initial degree for each additional degree.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 for all courses completed in addition to the initial degree.

Certificate Requirements

The overall requirements for the award of a certificate of program completion are as follows:

Complete the course and credit requirements of the certificate program of study as specified in the College catalog in effect for the academic year in which study toward the certificate began or in effect for the academic year of the most recent readmission to the College.
Earn at least 15 credit hours at this college, which are applicable to the certificate, except where special permission is granted by the Executive Vice President and Provost.
In cases where a certificate program requires fewer than 15 credits, half of the required credits must have been earned at this college.
Maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.00 for all courses taken at the college.
File a formal application for graduation at the time of the final semester’s registration. The application is available online as well as from the Office of Records and Registration, Bladen Hall, Room 126. There is no fee associated with filing a graduation application.

Records Policy (FERPA)

Notification of Rights under FERPA for Post Secondary Institutions

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords the following student rights with respect to education records:

1. The right to inspect and review the education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. The student must submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and send notice of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, the Registrar will advise the student of the college official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of education records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
3. The student must write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record in question and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
4. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will send notice of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided at that time.
5. The right to consent to disclosures of non-directory, personally identifiable information contained in education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Directory information is information that may be released to a third party without written consent of the student. Directory information includes, but is not limited to, name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, degrees earned, and previous colleges attended. While the College does not routinely release such information to everyone who inquires, it may legally do so if the third party demonstrates a legitimate need to know such information. Students may refuse to permit such disclosure without written consent by notifying the Registrar in writing of their wish to be excluded from such a release of information.
6. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat any course in which a grade lower than A was received and may be required to do so if a grade of D or F was earned. When a course is repeated, the original grade remains on the student’s permanent record but no longer contributes to total credits attempted or cumulative GPA. The new grade is entered for the appropriate semester of work and, unless a grade of W or NA was earned, the new grade becomes the one used in the calculation of the student’s GPA for that course.

Students who, after receiving a D or an F grade in a course at Prince George’s Community College, successfully complete a comparable course at another college may use the transfer credit awarded for that course as a repeat of the course taken at this college. Students must be re-enrolled at the College and must request this treatment as soon as an official transfer evaluation is received by contacting the transfer evaluator in the Office of Records and Registration, transfercredit@pgcc.edu. In such cases, the grade earned at Prince George’s Community College is flagged as repeated and the impact of the grade on the GPA is eliminated.

The College reserves the right to determine the comparability of another institution’s course to the one taken here before applying this treatment.

Students may attempt a course twice without special permission. Permission to attempt any course a third time must be granted by an advisor or the appropriate department chairperson. Permission to attempt a course a fourth time (third repeat) must be granted by the academic dean of the division offering the course and is granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus

Prince George’s Community College is a smoke and tobacco-free college and workplace. The purpose of this policy is to create a safe, clean, and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This policy applies to the Largo campus and applicable extension centers. Use of tobacco or tobacco related products, including e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, shall not be permitted in any enclosed place or outdoors on all Prince George’s Community College campus property, including parking lots.

Special Admission Policy: Nursing and Allied Health

A criminal background check and drug screen are required of all students in the health science clinical programs. Social security numbers will be verified as part of the background check. Continued participation in each program is contingent upon a satisfactory response on the background check and drug screen. All information on the background check and drug screen remains confidential. If a clinical agency denies clinical placement for a student because of the background check or drug screen, that student may not be able to complete the clinical program. The cost of the criminal background check and drug screen are the responsibility of the student. Specific information related to the process used for obtaining a criminal background check and drug screen will be discussed with students at orientation. For a current price of the criminal background check and drug screen, please contact AlliedHealthandNursingOffice@pgcc.edu. Students, at their own expense, may also be required to submit to random urine drug testing at clinical sites. Results of random urine drug testing may result in the student not being able to complete the clinical program.

All students in health science clinical programs are required to submit a completed health assessment form, verifying general health, immunization status, and ability to meet the program’s technical standards. Students with incomplete health records on file with the college will not be able to complete the clinical program. It is required that all health sciences clinical students carry health insurance. Each student must provide documentation of current health insurance coverage prior to the first day of classes. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled in the program. Before being assigned to a clinical agency, students may be required to show to the agency proof of current health insurance. It will be the clinical agency, not the college that will make any final determination about clinical placement. If a clinical agency denies clinical placement for a student because of lack of health insurance, that student may not be able to complete the clinical program.
 

Student Course Loads

Students are classified as full-time (12 or more credit hours in a semester), half-time (six to 11 credits in a semester), or part-time (fewer than six credit hours in a semester). Developmental course Equivalent Hours (EH) count as the equivalent of credit hours when determining a student’s full-time, half-time, or part-time status. Audited courses do not count in this determination nor do classes from which a student has withdrawn. Students may not register for more than 18 credits in a given semester without advisor approval.

Student Email

Prince George’s Community College assigns all students a secure student e-mail account. Students will receive e-mail notification to their personal e-mail addresses regarding the availability of their Owl Mail accounts. Upon receipt of that e-mail, students should immediately follow the instructions given to activate the e-mail account. Failure to do so within 30 days will result in the account being disabled. The student e-mail is the only e-mail address faculty and staff will use to interact electronically with students. It is also required in order to participate in online courses and to receive important, timely notices and announcements from the college. It is critical that students activate their student e-mail accounts immediately upon receipt of the notice of its availability. Complete instructions on how to activate the account are included in the notice and available on the Owl Link page. Current credit students who need assistance with their user ID and password can should contact the Technology Service Desk in Bladen Hall, Room 110 on the Largo campus or by emailing helpdesk@pgcc.edu.

Student ID Cards

Every credit student is required to obtain a Prince George’s Community College photo ID card and to wear it visibly at all times they are on campus or at any extension center. Students must be able to provide proper identification upon request to access College programs and facilities, including but not limited to the Library, computer labs, testing center, natatorium, campus special events, and as identification at the college’s bookstore. Such identification must include a properly validated college photo ID card and one other form of photo identification - a current driver’s license or learner’s permit, a Maryland Motor Vehicle Identification Card, a military ID card, or a current passport/work authorization card/permanent resident card.

New students may obtain an ID card after they have registered for classes for their first semester. A paid tuition receipt and another photo ID card , as noted above, must be presented before obtaining an ID card. Hours of operation are available online. Returning students should their ID cards validated for each semester after their first one. Photo ID cards and validation stickers are available at the Largo campus (Office of Records and Registration, the library, and the Weekend Office), University Town Center, Laurel College Center, and the Joint Base Andrews degree center.

Students who need a replacement ID card must pay a $10 reissue fee.

Student Residency Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of Prince George’s Community College to distinguish, for tuition purposes, among students who are residents of Prince George’s County, students who are residents of Maryland but not of Prince George’s County, and students who are residents outside the state of Maryland so that out-of-county students shall pay tuition as established by the Board of Trustees in accordance with Education Article 16-310, Annotated Code of Maryland, and out-of-state students shall pay tuition as established by the Board of Trustees in accordance with Education Article 16-310, Annotated Code of Maryland. In determining student residency, the following definitions apply:

• Maryland resident means a student who maintains his or her legal domicile in Maryland and has done so for a period of not less than three months before the date of his or her enrollment at the college. To be considered a Maryland resident for the purposes of this policy, the student shall possess the legal capacity under state and federal law to establish Maryland domicile or shall be a dependent of someone who may do so.
• Out-of-state student means a student who is not a Maryland resident or is a non-citizen who has failed to provide documentation of visa or permanent resident status.
• Out-of-county student means a student who is a Maryland resident but is not a resident of Prince George’s County.
• In-county student means a student who maintains his or her legal domicile in Prince George’s County and who has done so for a period of not less than three months before the date of his or her enrollment at the college or who is a dependent of someone who has maintained such domicile. For the purpose of tuition and fees only, in-county student also means a Maryland resident or a dependent of a resident who does not reside in Prince George’s County, who enrolls at the college in an instructional program designated as a Statewide Program or a Health Manpower Shortage Program.
• Domicile means a person’s permanent place of abode, where physical presence and possessions are maintained, and where a person intends to remain indefinitely. The domicile of a person who received more than one-half of his or her financial support from others in the most recently completed year is the domicile of the person contributing the greatest proportion of support without regard to whether the parties are related by blood or marriage. This definition does not apply to those who do not have the legal capacity under state or federal law to establish domicile in the state or country. At the time of admission to or initial enrollment in any course at the college, each student shall sign a statement affirming domicile and the factual basis for the claim of domicile. An electronic signature is considered to be as official as one signed on paper. At the time of each subsequent enrollment, each student will indicate whether current domicile is the same as or different from that affirmed at initial enrollment. If facts indicate the domicile has changed, the student shall complete a new statement. Students who fail to report a change of address which results in the return of official college mail will not be allowed to enroll in classes until proof of the new domicile has been received. Students have the burden of proving domicile when asked to do so, and the college will request two or more acceptable proofs of domicile. Students asked to provide proof of domicile who cannot do so will be considered out-of-state for tuition purposes. 

 The college will consider documentation of any or all of the following as evidence or proof of residence:

• Documented ownership or rental of local living quarters for a period of three months or more.
• Substantially uninterrupted physical presence, including the months when the student is not in attendance at the college.
• Maintenance in Maryland and in the county of all, or substantially all, of the student’s possessions.
• Payment of state and local piggyback income taxes on all taxable income earned, including all taxable income earned outside the state.
• Registration to vote in the state and county.
• Registration of a motor vehicle in the state, with a local address specified, if the student owns or uses such a vehicle.

It is the student’s responsibility to accurately report their residency and notify the Office of Records and Registration of any changes to their status. Proof of residence and appeals for changes to a student’s residency status must be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration within three weeks of the start of the semester. Approved documentation received within the first three weeks of the semester will result in adjusted tuition based on residency status for that semester only. No retroactive tuition adjustments based on residency status will be made. Approved documentation received after the first three weeks of the semester will result in adjusted tuition based on residency status in the following semester.

In addition to the general requirements above, the following provisions apply to Veterans and the following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Maryland while attending a school located in Maryland (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Maryland while attending a school located in Maryland (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Maryland while attending a school located in Maryland (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Maryland while attending a school located in Maryland (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) as amended.
• Honorably discharged veterans, active duty service members, financially dependent children of active duty members, and members of the National Guard who reside or are domiciled in the state of Maryland will be charged in-county or in-state tuition for coursework at the college.

Veterans, their dependents, or other individuals that meet one of the preceding provisions must also contact the Office of Records and Registration for information regarding updating their residency status.

In addition to the general requirements above, the following provisions apply to the specific categories of students indicated:

• Individuals who have the legal capacity to establish Maryland residency may not be precluded from being awarded Maryland residency because of their immigration status.
• The Maryland DREAM Act allows undocumented immigrants who are high school graduates in the state of Maryland the opportunity to pay the in-county tuition rate at Prince George’s Community College. The DREAM Act, which took effect on December 6, 2012, affects only semesters following that date and cannot be applied to previous semesters. Eligible students must meet a set of criteria to receive the in-county tuition classification. Contact the Office of Records and Registration for more information.
• A student enrolled in a program designated as Statewide or Health Manpower Shortage Programs may be considered a county resident for tuition purposes if domiciled in Maryland.
• A student from outside the state who enrolls as part of a reciprocity agreement negotiated between Maryland and another state may be considered a resident for tuition purposes.

Notwithstanding any other provision, the college may enter into a contract with a business or industry that maintains facilities, operates, or does business in the state, to provide education or training for company employees for a set contractual fee in place of payment of tuition under the following conditions:

• The employee is enrolled in credit or noncredit courses that will benefit the employer.
• The company pays the fee charged by the college.
• The fee reasonably reflects the usual costs borne by students in the same or similar courses.
• The employees enrolled under this program shall be treated as any other student in accordance with college policies and procedures of the Maryland Higher Education Commission with the exception of payment of tuition.

Title IX

Prince George’s Community College, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended. It is college’s policy not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. This policy not to discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to admission to the college. The Title IX Complaint and Grievance Process is located on the College’s webpage, search “Title IX,” or click this link: Title IX Complaint and Grievance Process.

Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Kent Hall, Room 133, 301-546-7011, to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Kent Hall, Room 121, 301-546-0412, or to the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education.

Complaint and Grievance Process

Prince George’s Community College faculty are committed to helping create a safe and open learning environment for all students. Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. If you have experienced any form of gender discrimination or sexual misconduct, know that help and support are available. The College strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support and report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, Kent Hall Room 133 (TitleIX@pgcc.edu or 301-546-7011) or with the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Kent Hall Room 121 (CampCL@pgcc.edu or 301-546-0412).

Please be aware that under Title IX, faculty are encouraged to disclose information about the above-listed misconduct to the Title IX Office. The purpose of reporting is for the College to inform you of options, supports and resources. You will not be forced to file a report with the police.

If you wish to speak to a confidential or limited confidential employee who does not have reporting responsibility, you can contact the Violence Prevention Center, Lanham Hall Room 101A (vpc@pgcc.edu; 301-546-5281) or Counseling Services, Lanham Hall Room 101A (counselingservices@pgcc.edu; 301-546-0149).

For more information about reporting options and resources at Prince George’s Community College and the community, please visit https://www.pgcc.edu/about-pgcc/institutional-information–policies/title-ix/

Pregnant and Parenting Accommodations

Due to Title IX regulations, PGCC is required to take reasonable steps to ensure that any student with certain pregnancy-related or post-pregnancy issues who must miss classes/coursework, take breaks during class, etc. due a pregnancy-related condition will return to the same position of academic progress as before they experienced medical challenges.

If you have a pregnancy-related issue, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@pgcc.edu or 301-546-7011 to discuss pregnancy or parenting accommodations. If a student discloses pregnancy to their course instructor, the instructor should inform the student that they have the right to contact the Title IX Coordinator for accommodations or to discuss accommodations directly with the instructor.

Transcripts

Prince George ‘s Community College has retained Parchment to accept transcript orders for credit and continuing education students through their website. If you do not have access to the internet, orders can be placed with Parchment at 888-662-0874.

Official copies of transcripts may be obtained upon written request from the Office of Records and Registration, Bladen Hall, Room 126. “While you wait” service is available during regular business hours. Transcripts may be requested in one of three ways: online, in person, or by mail. . No transcript will be issued for students with an outstanding debt to the College or any other hold that prevents the release of a transcript, such as a disciplinary hold. Current students may print unofficial copies of their own transcripts through Owl Link, the College’s online student system, provided there is no outstanding debt.

The College reserves the right to withhold transcripts for any student or former student who has an outstanding debt to the College, including but not limited to tuition, fees, returned check fees, parking fines, and library charges.

Withdrawal from Classes

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to drop or withdraw from classes in which they no longer wish to remain enrolled. Students may withdraw from a class up to and including the last day of classes applicable to the term in which students are enrolled.  Specific dates for withdrawal dates for each terms are published on the Academic Calendar. . Students should determine the impact of a withdrawal from one or more courses on financial aid prior to completing the withdrawal, especially in cases where the withdrawal will result in a change from full-time to half-time status or from half-time to less-than-half-time status. The College recommends that any student withdrawing from all classes for a given semester meet with an advisor to discuss options prior to processing the withdrawal. Students may not continue to attend any course from which they have withdrawn.

Students should check their schedules in Owl Link 24 hours after withdrawing from a class to make certain the withdrawal was processed. Students who withdraw in person also should keep their copy of the withdrawal form until they can see that the grade of W has been recorded. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that a requested withdrawal has been processed.

No student may withdraw after a course has ended or after an NA grade has been submitted by the instructor. The official withdrawal date is the date the Office of Records and Registration receives the proper, signed withdrawal form or the date the withdrawal is successfully completed in Owl Link.

Students who follow this withdrawal procedure will receive a grade of W. A grade of W has no impact on the student’s GPA but does count as one attempt at the course.