Standards of Scholarship
Standards of scholarship at Sacramento City College depend upon the objectives, nature and content of the courses. Individual progress is a basic consideration, and the development of each student in the light of his or her needs and aptitudes is the major concern of the college. If minimum standards of scholarship are not attained, failure will result. In no case is credit given or are grades awarded merely on the basis of attendance. The evaluation of student performance is based on periodic examinations, class reports, term papers, and other evidence of scholarship. Each instructor is responsible for the evaluation methods employed in his or her courses. Students may not enroll for a class for which an incomplete was received.
Academic Expectations
Sacramento City College endorses an open door policy where students are welcome to attend regardless of previous educational background and where the college faculty and staff are committed to the success of students. It is the expectation of the college that students take responsibility for their learning as evidenced by their actions in class, on campus, and in the preparation for their classes. The college fully expects students to make measurable progress and meet the objectives of each course in which they are enrolled with or without accommodations for a verified disability. The college has both academic probation and progress probation policies outlined in the catalog.
With certain exceptions students are entitled to attempt a maximum of 30 remedial or developmental units so that they have an opportunity to develop the skills to succeed in college level work. Students are ultimately expected to succeed in associate degree level courses and/or meet their educational objectives.
Back to TopUnits of Work
A "unit" represents an hour per week for one semester in lecture or recitation with the necessary preparation time, or three hours in laboratory or other exercises not requiring homework for preparation.
Students will notice that some courses have units (1-2, .5-4, or 1-3 units). Some courses may be taken more than once (two to four times each) provided there is no duplication of topics. For example, MUIVI 315 is offered for 1-2 units and can be taken twice.
Back to TopBasic Skills Unit Limitation
The Board of Governors adopted regulations beginning July 1, 1990, limiting the number of developmental and/or basic skills course units to 30. These courses are usually numbered in the 1-99 series. Students may petition for a waiver of the 30-unit limitation.
Grades and Grade Point Averages
The grading standards with their grade point equivalents are as follows:
| A | Excellent - 4 grade points per unit |
| B | Good - 3 grade points per unit |
| C | Satisfactory - 2 grade points per unit |
| D | Passing, less than satisfactory - 1 grade point per unit |
| F | Failing - 0 grade points, no units earned |
| CR | Credit (C or better) - Not computed in GPA |
| NC | No Credit (less than C) - Not computed in GPA, but affects progress, probation, and dismissal |
| I | Incomplete - Not computed in GPA, but affects progress, probation, and dismissal |
| IP | In Progress - Course transcends semester limitation |
| RD | Report Delayed |
| W | Withdrawal - Not computed in GPA, but affects progress, probation, and dismissal |
Grade Reports
Once during each semester all students may be given progress grade reports which are indicators of the level of work they are achieving in each class as of that date. These reports are only an estimate of the student's work at the time, and do not in any way guarantee that these will be the final grades. If the student's work is unsatisfactory at this time, he/she should consult with instructors to determine the cause of their difficulty and the steps to be taken to improve their performance. Final grade reports are issued after the end of each semester and are available at www.scc.losrios.edu.
Good Standing
In determining a student's eligibility to acquire or remain in good standing and attendance at a Los Rios College, both quality of performance and progress toward completion of objectives are considered. A student who attempts 12 or more semester units and earns a 2.0 GPA on a 4-point grading scale and who completes more than 50% of all attempted units merits a good standing relationship with the college.
Grades of Incomplete
An incomplete grade (I) may be assigned by the instructor when, in the judgment of the instructor, the student is unable to complete the requirements of a course because of unforeseeable emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the semester. To receive credit for the course, the incomplete work must be finished no later than one year from the end of the semester in which it was assigned. A final grade will be assigned when the work stipulated has been completed and evaluated or when the time limit for completing the work has elapsed. A student may petition for a time extension due to unusual circumstances. A student may not re-enroll in a course for the purpose of completing an incomplete.
Academic Renewal Without Course Repetition
A student may have previous substandard work (D's or F's) earned at Sacramento City College alleviated. Courses and grades that no longer reflect the student's current educational objective and current level of academic success may upon petition be discounted in the computation of the grade point average. The following minimum conditions must apply:
- No more than 30 units of substandard grades may be discounted.
- Three (3) full semesters shall have elapsed and a minimum of twelve (12) units of academic work with a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) shall have been completed by the student at a District college since the most recent work to be alleviated was recorded.
- All work on the permanent record must remain legible, insuring a true and complete academic history.
- Under no circumstances may course work that has been used in the fulfillment of requirements for a degree that has been granted be discounted.
- The form may be submitted to the Dean of Admissions.
Scholastic Honors
Honors may be earned by students enrolled in twelve (12) units or more for the semester. Nine (9) of these units must be graded on a letter basis exclusive of Credit (CR). Students will be placed on the President's Honor Roll if they earn a grade point average of at least 3.0. If they earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better, they will be named for Highest Honors.
Honors at Graduation
Students who maintain a high scholarship average are eligible for honors at graduation. Students who maintain a scholarship average of 3.5 or better are eligible for graduation "with great distinction"; students who maintain a scholarship average of 3.0 or better are eligible for graduation "with distinction." The published lists of students are compiled from the data available at time of publication and may be subject to subsequent revision. Grade point averages from the other colleges are used in the computation of scholastic honors.
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for the two-year college. It offers recognition of academic excellence, scholarships, career placement resources, leadership development and service opportunities. It is the only two-year college honor society whose members are automatically nominated for the national dean's list. Students who join Beta Eta Psi, SCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, automatically receive the designation "Phi Theta Kappa Member" on their official transcripts.
Phi Theta Kappa membership is based on academic achievement. Students must be enrolled in at least .5 unit of coursework in a regionally accredited institution offering an associate degree program, must have completed a minimum of 12 hours of course work leading to an associate degree or transfer, must have a 3.5 grade point average, and must enjoy full rights of citizenship in the U.S. or in the student's home country.
After induction, members must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Every member of Phi Theta Kappa at SCC is automatically a member of the Honors Club; however, members of Phi Theta Kappa must apply to the Honors Program separately to take Honors courses and to be eligible for the "Honors Scholar" designation on their transcripts.
Back to TopProbation
There are two types of probation: academic and progress.
- Academic Probation
- A student who has attempted at least 12 units is placed on Academic Probation if the student has earned a grade point average below 2.0 in all units which were graded.
- Progress Probation
- A student who has attempted at least 12 semester units is placed on Progress Probation when the percentage of all units in which a student has enrolled and for which entries of "W," "I," and "NC" are recorded reaches or exceeds fifty (50) percent.
Removal from Probation. A student on Academic Probation is removed from probation and acquires good standing when the student's cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher. A student on Progress Probation is removed from probation and placed in good standing status when the percentage of units with entries of "W," and "I," and "NC" drops below fifty (50) percent.
Back to Top
Computations
| (Total Grade Points Earned) | |
| Grade Point Average = | (Total Units Attempted With a Letter Grade) |
| (Total Units With "W," "I" and "NC") | |
| Progress Percentage = | (Total Units In Which Enrolled) |
Summer session units and grades will count toward earning probation, removal from probation, or possible dismissal.
Back to TopDismissal
A student on Academic Probation is subject to dismissal when the student earns a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 in all units attempted in each of three consecutive semesters.
- Progress Dismissal
- A student on Progress Probation is subject to dismissal if the cumulative percentage of units in which the student has been enrolled for which entries of "W", "I", and "NC" are reported in at least three consecutive semesters reaches or exceeds fifty (50) percent.
- Dismissal Period
- A student may be required to remain out of college one semester, but may return on probationary status after one semester's absence subject to petition approval.
- Appeal Option
- A dismissed student may appeal to the Dean, Admissions and Records, for permission to enroll without loss of semester if the student feels that the cause for the dismissal reflects extenuating circumstances. The burden of written documentation in support of these circumstances remains with the student. The petition form may be submitted at sccpetitions@scc.losrios.edu.
Exceptions:
Students may petition to the Dean, Admissions and Records, for readmission following dismissal if their dismissal arises from one of the following:
- Military service obligations.
- Unusual personal problems which interfered with academic performance.
- Serious health problems, substantiated by a doctor's statement, which affected academic performance.
- Disqualified from a four-year college or university to which they were admitted directly from high school.
- Conditions that their counselors determine may be rectified by a change of curriculum.
Satisfactory Progress
Students readmitted for those reasons listed (see Exceptions) are considered to be making satisfactory progress.
Students readmitted must maintain a satisfactory progress point average to maintain "satisfactory progress" status.
Back to TopAthletics
Students who participate in intercollegiate athletics must meet the requirements of the athletic codes of the Commission on Athletics (COA) and the Bay Valley Conference, which relate to legal residence, academic standing, and previous seasons of college competitions. Eligibility requires a student to be currently enrolled and passing in a minimum of 12 units.
In order to continue athletic participation in any sport, the student athlete shall maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
The nature of eligibility requirements in the athletic code is very exacting, and athletes are advised to become thoroughly familiar with them in order to avoid loss of eligibility. Information on these requirements should be obtained by interested students from the appropriate coach at the beginning of the school year.
Back to TopAttendance
For students to successfully complete their college work, regular class attendance is necessary. The following regulations pertain to attendance:
- Students are expected to attend all sessions of classes in which they are enrolled. A student having excessive absences may be dropped from any course by the instructor any time during the semester. Excessive absences are defined as 6% of the total hours of class time.
- Students not cancelled or withdrawn from courses after the last day to drop a course without penalty may receive an "F" grade on their permanent record. This grade will be used in computing probation or disqualification. Exception to this policy requires the approval of the instructor(s) involved and the Dean of Admissions and Records.
- The application of the excessive absence concept may vary by division according to the attendance demands of a certain curriculum. Students enrolled in a program such as Cosmetology, Vocational Nursing, Registered Nursing, Aeronautics, Dental Assisting, or Dental Hygiene should become familiar with special attendance procedures.
- The instructor may reinstate a student dropped from a course provided the instructor feels the student can successfully complete the course.
- Students absent from classes for any reason should contact their instructors to determine "makeup" requirements.
- The regulations cited in 1-5 above also apply to summer session. The time periods are adapted for 6-or 8-week summer classes.
No Shows
Students who do not attend one of the first two class meetings of a course may be dropped by the instructor as a "no-show". However, to assure no grade penalty for the course, a drop may be submitted by telephone or by accessing www.scc.losrios.edu. Students are responsible for ensuring they are dropped from class by using by the Telephone Enrollment System or by accessing SCC eServices.
Withdrawal From Class (Drops)
Students may withdraw from regular semester courses prior to the end of the fourth week without a notation being placed on their permanent academic record. Withdrawals between the beginning of the fifth week and the end of the 14th week of classes will be noted as a "W" on the permanent academic record. Summer deadlines are adjusted. Check the schedule of classes for more information and dates.
"W's" are used for determining progress probation and progress dismissal.
To officially drop a class without penalty, a student must drop by telephone or accessing SCC eServices before the deadline dates published each semester in the schedule of classes.
Back to TopCourse Selection
Students are responsible for the selection of courses. However, they should consult with a counselor to determine the appropriateness of course selections for their major and general education requirements, especially for students transferring to the four-year institutions. Courses offered are subject to change, contingent upon availability of staff and funds.
Prerequisites
Sacramento City College intends to guide students into courses in which they will have the greatest chance for academic success. Throughout the catalog, courses are designated as having prerequisites, corequisites, and/or advisories. Following are the definitions for prerequisites, corequisites, and advisories on recommended preparation:
- "Prerequisite" is a course or skill level that a student must meet prior to enrolling in a course or program.
- "Corequisite" is a course that a student is required to enroll in at the same time as another course.
- "Advisory" is a suggested course or skill level that a student is advised to meet prior to enrolling in a course or program.
Counselors and instructors can advise students about which courses to take. Their advice will be based on test scores, transcripts, and student educational goals.
Courses that are cross-referenced are indicated in parentheses following each of the particular courses. Students should be aware that credit will be given for ONLY one of the cross-referenced courses, but not for both.
In the Class Schedule students will find specific information regarding the days, hours, instructors, and rooms in which classes will be held. Class Schedules can be purchased from the Business Office and the College Store, prior to the start of registration for the next semester.
Back to TopPrerequisite Challenge Procedure
If you feel that you can meet the requirements, or one of the conditions below exists, you can challenge a prerequisite or corequisite. A Prerequisite Challenge Form can be obtained from any division office. Criteria for challenging a course are as follows:
- You have knowledge or ability to succeed in the course without the prerequisite.
- The course that provides the prerequisite is not readily available.
- You believe that the prerequisite is discriminatory or being applied in a discriminatory manner.
Once you have completed the challenge procedure, your challenge will be reviewed by faculty. You will be informed in writing of the faculty's determination within five working days.
Back to TopEnrollment Limitation
Enrollment in some college programs and courses may be limited due to health and safety considerations, requirements of a contracting agency, performance auditions or tryouts, and acceptance into a program.
Change of Address or Name
Students should report a change of address immediately to the Admissions and Records Office. The student will be held responsible for any mail sent to the wrong address. Any change in a name as a result of marriage or court action should be reported to the same office with the proper documents to substantiate the change. Students may change their name, address and phone number at SCC eServices.
Access to Student Records
The Los Rios Board of Trustees, in order to meet the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Education Code, has established policies giving students and parents of dependent students access to certain designated records. A summary of the rights and procedures for access are contained in the Students Rights and Responsibilities section of the Los Rios Community College District Policy manual. Complete copies of the Act, Education Code, and Board policies are available in the offices of the Dean of Admissions and Records and the Vice President of Student Services.
District Regulation 2265 provides for the release, without student consent, of Student Directory Information, i.e., student's name, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous public or private school attended. In addition, federal law provides that representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense shall be provided a student's name, address, and telephone number for recruitment purposes. Students have the right to refuse the release of directory information by submitting a written statement to the Admissions and Records Office.
Back to TopStudent Rights and Responsibilities
College students are both residents of the United States and members of the community; they have the same rights and freedoms that all residents have and, as residents, they are accountable to Federal and State laws and statutes. In addition, students are also accountable to Los Rios Board policies and individual college rules and regulations.
The President of a college in the district serves as the chief administrator and has been delegated by the Board of Trustees to be responsible for the overall supervision of the operation of the college in conformity with the directives and duties as defined by the district Chancellor/Superintendent and consistent with the policies of the Board of Trustees.
In any conflict related to student discipline, students shall be informed in writing of charges to be brought against them, and they shall have the right to be assisted in their defense by non-legal counsel and/or advisor.
Back to TopStudent Conduct
Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Student Rights and Responsibilities and are expected to observe appropriate standards of conduct, order, morality, personal honor, and academic duty. Certain activities are not considered appropriate to a college campus, and are prohibited by the Board of Trustees. These include participation in gambling, raffles, and card playing except when approved by the Vice President of Student Services as a regularly scheduled activity. Smoking is prohibited in all SCC buildings and at least 30 feet from any door. Drinking or being in possession of or under the influence of alcoholic beverages on college campuses is prohibited without qualification. The Student Guide covers these procedures in more detail.
Student Grievance Policy
While attending SCC, students sometimes have misunderstandings or experience difficulty with a district or college employee. When students feel they have been treated unfairly and believe that one or more of their student rights have been violated, they can pursue a remedy or solution to the problem through the college's Student Grievance Process. The grievance process is explained in detail in LRCCD Board Policy and Regulations P/R-2412.
The levels and time lines of the Student Grievance Process are as follows:
Informal Grievance,
Level 1-
Student is required to meet with staff member(s) and/or immediate supervisor of the staff member(s) in an attempt to mutually resolve the matter. This discussion must take place within ten (10) days of the alleged incident.
Formal Grievance,
Level 2-
Filing: Within five (5) days of completion of informal procedure, and not later than twenty-five (25) days from the date of the alleged incident, student may choose to file a Student Grievance Form.
Where: RN257, Office of the Student Grievance Officer, Julia Jolly, Associate Vice President of Instruction, (916) 558-2386.
Purpose: Student Grievance Officer to determine grievability of the matter.
Timeline: Within ten (10) days of filing date, Student Grievance Officer must notify all parties of status of grievability.
- If deemed not grievable, the Student Grievance Officer will notify the student, in writing, that the grievance has been rejected and state the reason(s) why.
- If deemed grievable, a hearing is scheduled.
Level 3-
Hearing: Formal hearing scheduled within ten (10) days following the appointment of a Hearing Officer.
Decision: Within ten (10) days of receipt of hearing, the Hearing Officer will inform all parties, in writing, of his or her decision.
Level 4-
Filing: Within five (5) days of Level 3 decision, either party may appeal the Hearing Officer's decision.
Where: President, RN275.
Decision: Within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal documents, the President will inform all parties, in writing, of his or her decision and that decision is final.
- Students should be aware that an assigned grade by an instructor is not a grievable matter, except as outlined in Education Code 762442(a), which states:
- When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence shall be final.
Students should remember that it is important to fully understand and comply with the various time lines. As used in these procedures, "days" shall mean calendar days, provided, however, that days during winter break, spring break and breaks before and after summer sessions shall not be counted as "days."
Student Grievance Officer: Julia Jolly, Associate Vice President of Instruction, (916) 558-2386, RN257.
The Associate Vice President is prepared to assist students in resolving concerns or problems that may be handled through the college's Student Grievance Process and can answer questions students have about any aspect of the process. The Student Grievance Form and LRCCD Board Policy and Regulations P/R-2412 are available through this office.
A copy of the policy and regulations can also be obtained from Dean of Student Services (RN111), Dean of Matriculation, Support Services, and Student Development (SG228), Vice President of Student Services (RN272), and Instructional Services (RN257), as well as all Division Dean offices.
Back to Top