Academic Policies

Faculty Advisors

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor. All advisors post and maintain office hours. Students are required to have their class schedules approved by their advisors during registration. Students are also encouraged to attend an individual conference with their advisor prior to the end of the first eight weeks of each semester. All students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor. Each semester, an Advising Day is scheduled. There are no curriculum classes on these days to give students the opportunity to meet with their advisors to discuss scheduling for the next semester.

Classification of Students

Semester Hour Credits for Degree, Diploma and Certificate Courses

Credit for semester hours is awarded to students for classwork, laboratory, manipulative laboratory or shop, clinical practices, and work experiences such as cooperative education, practicums, and internships.

Definitions

Numbers in the course listings indicate the hours per week to be spent in each area during a regular 16 week semester. The last number in the listing indicates the number of semester hours of credit awarded for the course. A course listed as 3-0-3 indicates 3 class hours and 0 lab, shop, clinical, or intern hours per week; with a total of 3 credits for the course. Shorter terms (such as summer) may increase the number of hours required each week.

Scheduling Courses

Curriculum courses may be taught from 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Summer hours may vary. Clinical components of applicable courses typically begin prior to 8:00 a.m. Nearly all courses for full-time students are scheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless the student prefers to attend an available evening course. However, it is possible that a required course may be available on an evening basis only.

Class Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

The College will remain open except for official holidays. However, in times of inclement weather, CLASSES may be suspended. This decision will not necessarily parallel that of the public schools. Announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations, posted on the College website www.wilsontech.edu and on the information phone line (252) 246-1234, where the most current information can be found. Refer to the student handbook section for a list of radio and television stations that will be notified when classes are suspended. PLEASE do not call the main phone number at the College, as telephone lines must remain open for emergencies.

If the College opens at a time different from normal operating hours, students should report to the classes that would be in progress at that time. If the College closes early, classes in progress will end at the designated closing time, classes after that time will be cancelled. When classes are cancelled due to the closing of the College, arrangements will be made to make up missed instructional hours to ensure that students receive the full hours of instructional time that is required for each course.

Challenging Courses - Credit by examination

A student seeking to exempt a course by examination can do so by following the policies and procedures below.

1. The approval and examination process for exempting a course must be completed prior to the fifth class day of the semester in the semester for which the exemption is being sought. Developmental courses (any course that has 0 as the first number in the 3 digit course number) cannot be considered for credit by examination.
2. A student seeking approval for credit by examination must register for the class, make the request with his or her advisor, and complete the Credit by Examination Request form. When the Credit by Examination Request form has been denied or approved, the advisor will inform the student. Upon approval, the student will arrange a time with the instructor to take the exam. The instructor will submit an Exempt/Change of Grade Approval form to the Registration Center on or before the roster collection date (20%).
3. Approval to exempt a course by examination is considered if the student can show one of the following:
   • Experience - a student who thinks he or she possesses verifiable competencies of a specific course may request an assessment through their advisor. This may include previous or related course work or work experience. Documentation of work experience will be required
   • Licensure and Certification - a student who holds current licensure or certification in an occupational field may request exemption from courses in which these competencies are specified. Licensure or certification does not automatically equate to course exemption.
4. A request for credit by examination will be given only for courses on the schedule that particular semester unless the course is the only course needed to complete the student's program.
5. Exemptions may be granted for no more than 50% of the required courses in a curriculum.
6. Only one attempt at exemption assessment is allowed for each course. To successfully challenge a course, the student must pass the comprehensive exam, based on standards set by the department, which are not lower than a "C". The grade received will be recorded on the student's permanent record as "EX". Please note that credit earned by examination may not transfer to another post-secondary institution. Students who do not successfully pass the exam will have to continue in the course in order to receive credit. If the student does not wish to continue in the course, he/she should officially withdraw from the course. Anyone who withdraws and requests a refund will be subject to the Tuition Refund Policy.
7. Hours earned by exemption or audit will not be counted towards enrollment status for Title IV Financial Aid or VA benefits.
8. A student who fails, audits, withdraws or is withdrawn from a course is not eligible to earn credit by examination.

Course Prerequisite/Corequisite

Many courses have prerequisites. This means that one or more courses must be completed before enrolling in the course with a listed prerequisite(s). Some courses have corequisite(s). This means that one or more courses must be taken at the same time as the course with a listed corequisite or prior to the course to be taken. Prerequisites and/or corequisites are listed in the course descriptions of this catalog. All students, including special credit students and audit students, must meet prerequisite and corequisite requirements.

Colleges are responsible for ensuring that students have satisfied prerequisite and corequisite requirements by documenting that they have either completed the appropriate courses or have demonstrated that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills required for admission to the course(s). Students may request a Credit by Examination to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of a prerequisite or corequisite course (see Credit by Examination procedures).

Students early registering for classes that require the successful completion of a prerequisite/corequisite, but who do not successfully complete the requirements of that prerequisite/corequisite, must make appropriate schedule adjustments within the Administrative Schedule Adjustment period for which they are registered. Students who do not make those course adjustments will be dropped from any course for which they do not meet prerequisite/corequisite requirements.

Audit Policy

The privilege of auditing a course is available to full and part-time students with permission of the instructor. Students who wish to audit a course must declare this intent on the Audit Grade Reporting form, obtain the instructor's signature, and submit the form to the Registration Center prior to the fifth class day of the semester. To audit, students must register for the course and pay regular tuition, except in the case of full-time students (16 or more credit hours) who may audit with no additional charge.

Audit requests are considered if space is available. Priority will be given to regular credit students. Students who audit courses with a clinical component do not take part in the clinical aspect of the course. Audited courses receive no grade and no quality points. Audit students are expected to adhere to the same attendance policy as credit students. Participation in class discussion and examinations is at the discretion of the instructor. A grade of AU is given for record purposes. Students may audit a course only one time. Credit by examination will not be allowed for courses that have been audited. Audited course hours do not count toward financial aid awards or VA benefits.

Administrative Schedule Adjustment Period

Registered students are given an opportunity to adjust their course schedule only through the schedule adjustment period with the recommendation of the instructor and final approval by the associate dean. Students dropping a course(s) during or after the Schedule Adjustment Period will follow the procedures for Official Withdrawals as outlined below.

Drop Procedure for Official Withdrawals

STUDENTS finding it necessary to withdraw from a course(s), or from the College, must do so officially according to the following procedure:

Before The First Day of Class

A pre-registered student who officially withdraws from a curriculum course(s) prior to the first day of the semester begins will be eligible for a 100% tuition refund, upon request. Requests for refunds must be made by completing a drop form in the Registration Center (Room C-101). For all drops involving a refund, the student must end the process with the College Cashier.

On or After The First Day of Class

Students receiving financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office before dropping a course(s).

1. A student who officially withdraws from a curriculum course(s) after the first day of class but prior to or on the official 10% point of the semester is eligible for a 75% refund, upon request. For all drops involving a refund, the student must end the process with the College Cashier.
2. Students can obtain a drop form from the instructor or the Registration Center.
3. The form must indicate the last date of attendance and have the instructor's signature. If the student is unable to obtain a physical signature, the student may email the instructor through Campus Cruiser. A copy of the email with the last date of attendance will serve as the signature and must be attached to the drop form.
4. Completed drop forms must be returned to the Registration Center. Incomplete forms will not be accepted and will be returned to the student to obtain signatures and last date of attendance.

INSTRUCTORS may drop students for attendance purposes and will utilize the following procedure:

1. A drop form must be completed, indicating the last date of attendance and have the instructor's signature.
2. Completed drop forms must be returned to the Registration Center within thirty (30) days of the last date of attendance due to federal financial regulations. Incomplete forms will be returned to the instructor for completion.

Course Load

Students enrolled in the fall and spring semesters for 12 or more credit hours are designated as full-time students. Students enrolled in the summer semester for 9 credit hours or more are designated as full-time students. For PELL grant purposes, students must be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students may enroll for up to 19 credit hours with the approval of their faculty advisor. Course loads in excess of 19 credit hours must be approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, except where specified in the suggested curriculum outline. Those students who are placed on academic probation are required to take a reduced course load. Students employed full or part-time may be advised to take a reduced course load contingent on their academic standing. For additional information, see Standards of Academic Progress.

Course Repeat Policy

Students who receive a grade of "C" or better on a curriculum course can repeat the course once. Students who receive a grade below "C" or "CR" on a curriculum course may repeat the course until a grade of "C" or better has been obtained. Two attempts will be the maximum allowed for counting a course as part of a student's credit hour load for determining financial aid eligibility. Veterans who wish to repeat a course, for which a passing grade has been earned, will not receive educational benefits for repeating those courses.

No course may be counted more than once in calculating the total number of hours towards graduation. Only the last grade will be used for computing total credit hours attempted and passed, total quality points, and grade point averages. Only courses repeated at Wilson Technical Community College will replace grades in computing GPAs. Transfer credit does not replace previous course grades.

Independent Study Policy

Independent Study is an opportunity for students to complete a course or courses utilizing methods other than the traditional classroom setting. Students participating in Independent Study course work must be registered for the course(s) and will be evaluated by the assigned faculty in accordance with established grading policies. Students will be required to maintain satisfactory progress and to maintain regular contact with the instructor. Students who withdraw or otherwise fail to complete an independent study course within the scheduled term will be dropped as of the last date of contact with the instructor.

Independent study approval begins with a request to the student's advisor, who verifies the need for the course for graduation. Once verified, the request must be approved by the associate dean.

Attendance

To ensure that students do not miss significant instructional material that jeopardizes their success in class, each instructor develops his or her own attendance requirements. Once registered, students are expected to attend all classes, laboratories, and shop sessions and have full responsibility for accounting to their instructor for absences. Students will be counted absent starting from the date they register for each class. Make-up work may be allowed at the discretion of the instructor. Students are expected to report for class on time. Habitual tardiness may, at the discretion of the instructor, be considered in computing class attendance.

The intent of the attendance policy is that the student be fully accountable to the instructor for meeting all educational objectives of the course. The instructor is in turn accountable for the quality of instruction given and for assuring that course objectives have been met before credit is awarded for any course. The instructor is to provide the student with a syllabus, which will list course requirements, objectives and attendance requirements, at the first class meeting of the course.

Late Entry

During the fall, spring, and summer semesters, students must attend class on or before the census date. The census date is 10% of the total class hours, which is the date set by the State for reporting purposes. Attendance by the census date enables the student to be included in State required attendance reports. Failure to adhere to this schedule will result in the student being dropped from his/her class/classes. Students will not be permitted to enter the class without the permission of the associate dean.

Withdrawals from Courses (Grade "W" or "WF")

Students who withdraw from a course after the last day of the registration period but on or before the sixty percent (60%) point of the semester will receive a grade of (W). Students who withdraw from a course after the sixty percent (60%) point will receive a failing grade (WF). Students requesting a W after the 60% point must provide documentation of the reason for withdrawal for approval by the Dean of Student Services in consultation with the instructor.

Any of the following conditions will constitute a withdrawal:

1. The student officially withdraws by submitting a drop form to the Director of Admissions and Records, transferring to another class section during the schedule adjustment period, or officially withdrawing from the course, or
2. The student declares (verbally or in writing) that there is no intention to pursue the learning activities of the course, or
3. The student has exceeded the allowable absences from the class as specified in the course syllabus. The student may petition the instructor for readmission when dropped for excessive absences.

Reinstate to Class

When a student has been withdrawn from a class by the instructor for absences, the student must obtain written permission of the instructor and the associate dean to be reinstated.

Grading System

Grades will be issued to students at the end of each semester. Grade criteria are included on each course syllabus. Students will be graded by the following letter grade system. Each grade is assigned a grade point equivalent in quality points for each semester hour scheduled.

*Developmental courses (any course that has 0 as the first number in the 3 digit course number) do not earn quality points.

Incomplete Grades

If the student is unable to take the final examination or complete the final project because of illness or other reasons over which the student has no control, the grade of "Incomplete" is given at the discretion of the instructor. When an "Incomplete" is given, the instructor will file a written statement of conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" grade, with one copy to the student and one copy to be placed in the student's permanent file. The amount of time allowed for removing an "Incomplete" shall be determined by the instructor, not exceeding the mid-point of the following semester unless approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. Failure to complete the required work will result in a grade of "F" in the course.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The following example shows how grade point averages are computed. If a student's grades for the semester are:

The grade for each subject will be converted to a grade point. Then the grade point is multiplied by the semester hours. The result (total quality points) is then divided by the total hours credit to give the grade point average (GPA).

Divide 36 by 15 = 2.4 -- The grade point average is 2.4.

Grade Reports

Grade reports will be mailed at the end of each semester to the student's last permanent address listed. For this reason, it is important to keep the Director of Admissions and Records advised of address changes. Change of Address forms are available in the Registration Center.

Grade Report Correction

Students initiate a grade correction with the instructor who issued the grade. A grade may be changed only through the mutual agreement of the instructor who issued the grade, the associate dean and the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. Grade report corrections must be reported to the Registration Center within three (3) weeks after grades are mailed.

Grade Appeals

A student enrolled in a class at Wilson Technical Community College has the right to appeal a grade. All appeals must be made and resolved before the end of the academic semester, which follows the semester in which the grade was awarded. The student desiring to appeal a grade must follow the procedure in the order outlined below.

1. The student must first contact the instructor who has assigned the grade; discuss the matter with him/her, asking for a review of the basis for assigning the grade. The student should be prepared to present all supporting documentation. If the disagreement about the grade is resolved in this discussion, grade change action, where needed, will originate with the instructor.
2. The student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the associate dean. The student must submit to the associate dean a written appeal stating his/her reasons for appealing the grade. Counselors and academic advisors are available to assist the student in developing a written appeal. After the submission of the written appeal, the student will schedule an appointment with the associate dean to discuss the appeal. If the instructor is the associate dean, this step should be directed to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
3. The student may appeal the decision of the associate dean to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. The student must submit to the Vice President a written appeal stating reasons for the appeal to include supporting documentation relating to the previous levels of appeal. The Vice President will conduct the final review. The decision of the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services will be final.

Plagiarism and Cheating

The College guarantees the integrity of the academic process. Cheating and plagiarism are threats to this integrity; therefore, everyone must work together to prevent its occurrence. Students are expected to perform honestly and to work in every way possible to eliminate cheating by any member of a class.

The instructor has the responsibility to fairly evaluate the academic progress of each student and is obligated to explain at the beginning of each course how the College's policy on cheating and plagiarism applies to that particular course.

Cheating is the intent to deceive the instructor in his/her effort to fairly evaluate an academic exercise. It includes copying another student's homework, classwork, or required project (in part or in whole) and handing it in as one's own; giving, receiving, offering, and/or soliciting information on a quiz, test, or exam; or plagiarism.

Plagiarism is the copying of any published work such as books, magazines, audiovisual programs, electronic media, and films, or copying the theme or manuscript of another student. It is plagiarism when one uses direct quotations without proper credit and proper punctuation and when one uses the ideas of another without proper credit. Whenever phrasing is borrowed, even if only two or three words, the borrowing should be recognized by the use of quotation marks and by frequent mention of the author's name.

The instructor will submit a written report of the incident to the associate dean with recommendations for appropriate action. All decisions may be appealed for review by the Judicial Council.

Removal from Course/Curriculum

A student may be dismissed from a course or curriculum or portion thereof due to unsatisfactory performance/progress. Such action, if warranted, will be taken by the appropriate associate dean or school director after a review of the case.

Students who have such action invoked against them may appeal through the grade appeal process. In cases of disciplinary offenses, students may appeal through the Disciplinary Procedures as outlined in the Student Handbook section.

Standards of Academic Progress

Academic standing is based on original grades made the semester the courses were completed. Retroactive adjustments made to grades, such as adjustments made due to courses being repeated or change of major, may impact on the previously determined academic standing.

The standards for measuring Satisfactory Academic Progress are grades and grade point averages.

Satisfactory Academic Progress - A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on required courses in one's curriculum is the minimum required for graduation for all degrees, diplomas and certificates. A 2.0 GPA on all courses completed at Wilson Technical Community College will be considered the minimum for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Academic Warning - A student who fails to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. The student will be notified in writing of this status by the Director of Admissions and Records. Students on Academic Warning will be encouraged to seek tutoring through Student Support Services or the ACT Lab. Students on Academic Warning will not be permitted to participate in early registration.

Academic Probation - Should the student fail to reestablish a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 during the academic warning semester, he/she will be notified in writing by the Director of Admissions and Records of the Academic Probation status. Students on Academic Probation will be allowed to take no more than two courses and will not be eligible for Financial Aid or VA benefits until their cumulative grade point average is at least 2.0. The student will be encouraged to attend tutoring during Academic Probation semesters and must consult his/her advisor and a counselor before registering for the following semester. Students on Academic Probation will not be permitted to participate in early registration.

Students will remain on academic probation until they achieve at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Any student who has not been enrolled at Wilson Technical Community College for 24 consecutive months and was on Academic Warning or Probation at the end of the term last enrolled, may upon readmission, enroll full-time and receive financial aid if qualified (See Reinstatement of Financial Aid). A student's academic standing at the end of the first semester re-enrolled will be based on previously earned and new course work.

Dean's List

Wilson Technical Community College encourages scholarship. To honor those students who achieve excellence, a list will be published following each semester recognizing all students who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or above on a minimum of 6 semester hours with no grade below "B". Credit hours in developmental courses (any course that has 0 as the first number in the 3 digit course number) and courses for which grades of I, CT, S, U, AU, W or EX are earned will not be counted in the 6 credit hour load for computing Dean's List eligibility. Students who qualify for Dean's List with a 4.0 grade point average will be cited with "Distinction".

Graduation

Graduation exercises are held annually, usually at the end of spring semester, to honor students who have satisfactorily completed a degree or diploma program of study.

The following conditions must be met to be eligible for graduation.

• Students have satisfactorily completed the required courses by the end of the summer semester, specified by the curriculum in which they are enrolled, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in those courses.
• Students have completed and submitted an Intent to Graduate form during registration for their final semester, or by March 1 for summer semester graduates.
• The Director of Admissions and Records has conducted a graduation audit to ensure that candidates have met all requirements for the conferring degree.
• Students have paid all required fees, fines, and other financial obligations owed to the College or State.

Those students eligible to graduate are encouraged to participate in graduation exercises.

• Graduates will be allowed to march only once. Students who submit the Intent to Graduate form for summer semester will have the option to march in the May ceremony before or after completion of their program.
• Graduates who wish to participate in the graduation ceremony will be permitted to wear only College approved caps and gowns.
• Graduates who are members in good standing in either Phi Theta Kappa or the National Vocational Technical Honor Society will be permitted to wear the stole of their respective organization. Other caps, gowns, stoles, uniforms, or altered Wilson Technical Community College caps and gowns will not be permitted. Anyone attempting to wear alternative items will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.
• Appropriate degrees or diplomas are issued at graduation for May graduates. For graduates completing course work in the summer term, degrees and diplomas are issued in August.

Honors

Each year, at graduation, students are recognized for outstanding achievement. Among these are the Faculty Cup, awards from the local community and College departmental awards.

Non-graduating students with the highest academic averages are honored by being named marshals to serve at graduation exercises.

Students who have completed all requirements for graduation and have achieved a 3.50 - 3.99 grade point average will graduate with "high honors". Students that complete with a 4.00 grade point average will graduate with "highest honors". This distinction is noted on the diploma.

Cooperative Education Program

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is designed to give students enrolled in curriculum programs within the College an opportunity to work on a job while completing their degrees. This combination of classroom instruction with practical/related work experience provides numerous benefits to participating students.

Co-op students work from one to three semesters in part-time or full-time jobs with employers approved by the College. Academic credit is earned for the learning gained during the Co-op work period. Students are contacted periodically by the Co-op coordinator and/or their advisor and receive on-the-job supervision by the employer.

Eligibility for Co-op

All students enrolled in programs that offer the option of Cooperative Education for academic credit, and who have completed a minimum of two full-time (at least 24 semester hours) academic semesters, are eligible to enter the Cooperative Education program if they meet the following conditions:

• An academic standing of 2.0 GPA
• Approval of Co-op coordinator and their advisor
• Have a supervisor who will direct the Co-op experience who is legitimately in charge of the Co-op student (this includes students who are owner/operators of a business).

Note: Special credit, developmental, and certificate program students are not eligible for Co-op.

Application Procedure for Co-op

Interested students should see their advisor. If the student is accepted, the student's advisor will prepare the Co-op approval form. All Cooperative Education students must submit a job description for their Co-op experience.

Academic Credit for Co-op

One (1) credit hour will be given for the satisfactory completion of each semester's cooperative training assignment of each ten (10) hours per week. Grades given by the Co-op coordinator will be based on reports and evaluations submitted by the student and the employer. A student may receive a maximum of two (2) credit hours during any one semester. Each curriculum program specifies the maximum number of credit hours possible toward degree or diploma requirements.

Registration for Co-op

Students must have the "Approval for Cooperative Education Program" form signed by the faculty advisor and the Co-op coordinator at the time of registering for the Co-op class.

Students interested in Cooperative Education are invited to contact the Co-op office, especially during the time of early registration. Information is also available through faculty advisors and Student Services.

All Cooperative Education students must early register.

Orientation for Co-op

All COE 111 and COE 112 Cooperative Education students entering the Co-op program for the first time must attend an orientation on the Co-op program before being allowed to enter the Co-op program.

The following are the dates, times, and places for orientation:

Fall Semester 2007

8/16/07 - 11:00 am - Room G-209 • 8/20/07 - 6:00 pm - Room G-209

Spring Semester 2008

1/10/08 - 11:00 am - Room G-209 • 1/14/08 - 6:00 pm - Room G-209

Summer Semester 2008

5/20/08 - 6:00 pm - Room G-209 • 5/22/08 - 11:00 am - Room G-209

Distance Learning

The distance learning program offers various courses delivered through the following modes: on-line, hybrid, video cassette or DVDs, and information highway. Distance learning courses are offered for curriculum credit and will have the same standards and credit hours as those listed in the catalog.

Registration for Distance Learning

Registration for distance learning courses follows the same procedures as traditional classes. Each distance learning course is equivalent to the on-campus sections of the same course in terms of objectives, contact, rigor, and transferability. Distance learning courses are also approved for financial aid.

Students interested in enrolling in on-line (NET) courses must (1) be computer literate; (2) have access to a computer regularly and continuously; and (3) have access to the Internet regularly and continuously. In some on-line (NET) courses, students may be required to have specific software. Students should discuss these course requirements with their campus advisors to ensure their success.

Email Policy for On-line (NET) Classes

All students taking an on-line (NET) course will be required to use the email account provided by Wilson Technical Community College to communicate with the instructor of the course. Student email accounts will be provided by Campus Cruiser, and access information is posted on our website (www.wilsontech.edu) under the Campus Cruiser link.

Students will be emailed by his/her instructor(s) through Campus Cruiser on the first day of classes of each semester. (Students are to contact the instructor(s) if an email has not been received by the end of the day.)

Orientation for Distance Learning

All distance learning students must complete an orientation session(s) required for the course(s) in which they are enrolled, excluding information highway courses. Please note that for on-line (NET) courses, ORIENTATION occurs on-line. Students MUST complete the orientation requirements to prevent being dropped from the course as a Never Attended (NA) student. These requirements are posted and printed in all course offering publications and distance learning handouts.

Student Services for Distance Learning

All students are encouraged to take full advantage of the services offered by Wilson Technical Community College. Distance learning students (and others who may be unable to seek services on-campus) are encouraged to contact staff via the College web site, phone, email, and postal services. Refer to the Student Handbook section or www.wilsontech.edu for on-line services, as well as a listing of phone numbers and email addresses for personnel providing services for students.

On-line (NET) Courses

On-line (NET) courses are college credit courses that utilize the Internet as a means of delivery. Various courses may be offered through this medium. Students must complete a course specific on-line orientation session where all course requirements are discussed. On-line (NET) courses offered for curriculum credit have the same standards and credit hours as those listed in the catalog. Most on-line (NET) courses utilize Blackboard, a course management software system. All students enrolled in on-line classes must follow applicable computer and Internet usage policies.

Video Cassette Courses (TV)

Video cassette courses are college credit courses that are pre-recorded either from PBS and/or purchased video courses. Cassette course tapes/DVDs are made available through the Library. Students receive the entire course via video cassette tapes or DVDs and are required to return all tapes/DVDs at the end of the semester. A $25 fee will be assessed if tapes/DVDs are not returned. Until this fee is paid, or tapes/DVDs are returned, students will be flagged in the system and will be unable to register and/or receive a transcript. Students must complete the required orientation information session, attend scheduled on-campus sessions, and complete on-campus tests as deemed necessary by the instructor. Course requirements may include tests, papers, and other assignments at the discretion of the instructor. Video cassette courses are offered for curriculum credit and have the same standards and credit hours as those listed in the catalog. Students not attending an orientation session will be dropped as a Never Attended (NA) student.

Hybrid Courses (HY)

Hybrid courses are college credit courses in which a significant portion of the learning activities have been moved to nontraditional methods of delivery, and time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. The goal of hybrid courses is to join the best features of face-to-face teaching with the best features of distance learning to promote active independent learning and reduce class seat time. Students must attend the first class meeting on the specified date to receive all pertinent course-related information to be successful in hybrid courses or be dropped as a Never Attended (NA) student. Hybrid courses are offered for credit and have the same standards and credit hours as those listed in the catalog.

North Carolina Information Highway Courses (NCIH)

North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH) courses are college credit courses that utilize the Information Highway as a means of delivery. This technology uses live two-way video and most nearly replicates the traditional classroom of any of the technologies.  This technology allows us to combine students at remote locations or from other colleges, universities, or high schools with one instructor. Various courses may be offered through this medium. Information Highway (NCIH) courses offered for curriculum credit have the same standards and credit hours as those listed in the catalog.

Advisory Committees

Local Advisory Committees are an important element in the operation of the College. These committees are composed of representatives from secondary and post-secondary schools, local industries, businesses, management, labor, service trades, community organizations, alumni, and students. The purpose of the advisory committees is to provide a link between the College and the community through which its activities may be coordinated. Advisory Committees counsel and advise the College regarding the improvement of its occupational and continuing education programs in an effort to meet the needs of the community. A committee is formed to serve each occupational program or group of related programs so that current information and relevant advice will be constantly available to the instructors and administrators in each program area. Committees meet at least once each year and more often as needs are identified. The College is thus served by community leaders in its endeavor to maintain current, relevant programs of instruction.

Facilities

The College's main campus consists of a thirteen building complex situated over thirty-five acres.

All classrooms are well lighted and are air-conditioned for year-round comfort. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Laboratories and shop facilities are well equipped, well lighted and properly ventilated. A continuous program of upgrading instructional equipment and tools assures that student skills transfer easily into business and industry. Other required facilities are made available by leasing arrangements, various community agencies and local governments.

Bookstore

The Bookstore, located in Building G, carries a variety of supplies and textbooks. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday. Summer hours may vary; please call (252) 291-1195 for summer hours. The Bookstore has an extended schedule during registration periods. The prices of textbooks are held to a minimum. Students may purchase used books when available from the Bookstore. Miscellaneous supplies required in various courses are available in the Bookstore. Wilson Technical Community College insignia clothing is also sold in the Bookstore.

Students should make sure they have purchased the correct books before writing in them as book returns and exchanges are limited. New books may be returned for full credit and/or exchange: (1) within the first 10 class days of the semester or, if the book is purchased after this point in the semester, within three business days, (2) only if the student has a valid cash register receipt, and (3) only if the book has not been marked in or damaged in any manner. Used books may be returned for full credit or exchange: (1) within the first 10 class days of the semester or, if the book is purchased after this point in the semester, within three business days, (2) only if a drop slip is provided or the class is canceled, and (3) only if the student has a valid cash register receipt. No refund on supply items. Refund dates are subject to change to correspond to tuition refund dates established by the North Carolina General Assembly.

Student Lounge

The College provides a modern student lounge in Building G with recreation and food facilities. Food service is commercially pre-packaged. Microwave ovens are available for warming foods.

Library

The Library, located in Building D, offers students, instructors, and the local community the use of traditional information sources, as well as multimedia materials and a variety of professional services. In addition, Internet based information resources such as NC LIVE and Westlaw Online are accessible either on campus or from any computer with Internet access. Passwords to these databases are available upon request through the Library. The Library staff is available to help users locate both print and electronic resources. Cooperative lending agreements with nearby libraries supplement the collection.

The print and audiovisual resources housed in the Library are indexed in an on-line catalog. This collection includes over 34,000 books, nearly 400 magazines and periodicals. In addition, over 7,000 audiovisuals (videotapes, CDs and DVDs) are a vital part of the Library's collection. A coin-operated photocopier and two microfiche reader-printers are available during Library hours. Sixteen computers are conveniently located in the Library.

Library hours are usually Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Summer hours vary. During the fall and spring semesters, the Library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on certain Saturdays. For user convenience, Library hours are always posted on the Library's Internet link at www.wilsontech.edu, as well as on the Library doors in Building D.

Media Services

Media Services maintains an inventory of audiovisual equipment for checkout by faculty and staff and repairs audiovisual equipment owned by the College. Video, audio, and photography are just a few of the services available to faculty and staff. Media Services staff specializes in assisting faculty in meeting the needs of students, including providing the Library with copies of telecourses being offered at the College.