Academic Information

In order to ensure student progress, the following academic standards and regulations have been established. Exceptions may be granted under special circumstances through the established appeal process.

Academic Course Load/Think 30

To complete 60 credits in two years, students must complete 30 credits a year or about 15 credits each fall and spring semester. The average full-time student course load is considered to be 15 credit/billable hours. First-term freshmen are encouraged to carry no more than 16 billable hours per term (unless a curriculum requires more credit hours in the first term). Students planning to take more than 18 credit hours must obtain permission from the Sr. Director of Advising and Retention. It is strongly recommended that students employed more than 20 hours per week carry a reduced college course load. A part-time student is enrolled in 11 or less billable hours per term. Advisors of students on probation may require their students to reduce their course load or repeat courses.

To improve a student’s learning skills, the College retains the right and responsibility to restrict the student’s program of study. Thus, in accordance with the assessment policy, the College may limit a student’s credit load, prescribe transitional courses, and/or require certain course placement(s):

1. When a student does not present evidence of satisfactory academic achievement and does not present satisfactory evidence of strength on the SAT/ACT or placement test(s);
    
2. When a student does not offer a pattern of high school courses which contains satisfactory prerequisites for the College curriculum;
    
3. When a student has been academically dismissed from another college or university within one term of enrolling at Carroll;
    
4. When a high school student applying for “early admission” or “released time” does not present evidence of above-average high school achievement and/or other factors related to successful management of college work;
    
5. When a student is under sixteen years of age.

Attendance Policy

A student is fully accountable for performing on schedule all tasks necessary to fulfill the objectives of each course, and should expect that such performance may consist of classroom, laboratory, or conference participation and experience. Completion of course objectives is the chief criterion used by the College to govern attendance. The attendance policy of Carroll Community College is as follows:

1. The purpose of an attendance policy at Carroll is the encouragement of class session attendance, in the belief that students who work consistently with their instructors learn more and have higher academic achievement than those who do not.
    
2. Guidelines for expected attendance in each course are approved at the departmental level and are published in the course syllabus by instructors during the first week of the class.
    
3. Students are expected to attend all class sessions except in case of emergency (e.g., illness, death in the family, religious holidays (the observances of which requires restriction of daily activity; see paragraph 4), or when participating in official College functions (e.g. field trips). In these cases, notification or verification, if requested, will be given to the instructor by the student. In the case of absence for special personal reasons, other than those mentioned above, it is the student’s responsibility to confer with the instructor about whether the absence is to be considered as excused. When determining whether to consider an absence as excused, the instructor may require such evidence as seems appropriate. When a student’s unexcused absences have exceeded the number of class sessions per week, the instructor issues a written warning (delivered via email) to the student, with a copy forwarded to the assigned academic advisor.
    
4. Religious observance: Students shall be allowed, whenever practicable, to make-up assignments, quizzes, or exams that are missed due to religious observances. It is the student’s responsibility to contact each instructor and arrange for make-up assignments or examinations. The student is responsible for providing written notification to the instructor(s) within the first two weeks of the term and must identify the religious holiday(s) and the date(s). The written notification will be handed to the instructor(s) personally, understanding that such requests shall be treated confidentially. Students will be limited to no more than two absences per term for religious observance.
    
5. A student who thinks this policy is being applied unfairly may file a complaint following the Complaint Process for Students (forms and directions at www.carrollcc.edu/MyCarroll; click on student forms and then Formal Complaint Policy).

Attendance for Final Exam

The Final Examination Policy as stated in the Faculty Handbook is as follows: A final examination week is maintained apart from the designated weeks of instruction and some form of final evaluation must occur during the designated final examination week. The final exam may not count more than 40%, or less than 10%, of the final grade. An exemption from the exam requirement may be granted when the department chairperson decides it is warranted. The individual instructor, however, is responsible for the scope, format, and appropriateness of the final evaluation.

The Final Exam Schedule is available on the college web site at www.carrollcc.edu/examweek. Faculty giving face-to-face exams must hold exams at the assigned day and time. Students who do not report for the final examination and do not contact the instructor within 24 hours will be given a failing grade for the examination. Absence from other tests will be handled at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who has three final exams scheduled on the same day during final exam week, may work through the Record’s Office to have one of the exams rescheduled (email lshields@carrollcc.edu for assistance one week prior to exam week).

Audit

A student who registers as an audit will not receive credit for the course. The student is expected to attend class sessions and participate fully in the course. However, completion of examinations and other course assignments is not required. All tuition and fee charges are applicable. Students who are auditing courses must meet course prerequisites and are not eligible to receive tutoring. Audited courses do not satisfy prerequisite requirements for other courses. Audited courses are noted on the transcript with the final grade of AT. The AT grade is not calculated in the cumulative GPA.

During registration, a student may register for a course on an audit basis. After registration, a student will be allowed to audit a course only with the prior approval of the instructor of the course on a “Change to Audit” form. (Submit the form, signed by the appropriate faculty member, to the Records Office). A student will have until up to the 60% point (ninth week of the full fall and spring terms) to seek permission to change a course to Audit. Term dates are published at www.carrollcc.edu/refund.

Credit Units

The term “hour,” which is the unit of credit awarded by the College, is the equivalent of a subject pursued one fifty-minute period a week for one term (15 weeks). In certain courses, two or three hours of laboratory or field work are equivalent to one lecture period. In general, two to three hours of work outside of class will be required for each hour in class. Meeting times are adjusted when the duration of the course is shortened.

Grade Point Average

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the term hours (credits) of each course by the number of quality points corresponding to the term grade for the course. (i.e., A = 4 points; B+ = 3.5; B = 3 points…) The total of all such points for the grading period is then divided by the number of term hours attempted for that period. This average is computed only on credit courses. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.000 average GPA to indicate a level of competent achievement in courses. While most programs of study require a 2.000 GPA for graduation, some programs require higher achievement. See individual programs of study  and Satisfactory Academic Progress in the Regulations and Policy  section for more information.

Withdrawal and Course Changes

Students wishing to withdraw from the College should understand that this action is not complete and recorded until they have officially withdrawn. Students must withdraw in person, by mail, or by fax by submitting a Registration/Schedule Change form to the Records Office in the first 60% of the course (the form must be signed by an academic advisor). See the Tuition and Refund  page for deadlines www.carrollcc.edu/refund. Courses dropped during the refund period (first 7% of the instruction time for the course) will not be posted on the student’s academic record. Any student stops attending courses or withdraws from the College without completing the required procedures will not be eligible for refund of tuition and an “F” grade will appear on the student’s academic record. An administrative withdrawal is defined as a withdrawal initiated by the administration for disciplinary reasons, due to extenuating circumstances whereby the student is physically unable to perform the withdrawal procedures in person, or when the student does not meet the prerequisites to take the course.

Course additions and schedule changes may be initiated/completed by the student prior to the start of each course. Note that refund dates vary according to the duration of the course and its start/end dates. Students may add, if space is available, or drop a course via their Student Planning account or by going to the Records Office and completing a Registration/Schedule Change form before the course meets. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be permitted to add a course late. To request consideration for late enrollment to a course, the student must complete the Registration/Schedule Change form and see the academic division chair or program director for a signature/permission. To drop a course after the refund period and before the drop deadline (60% of the instruction for the course), the student must complete the Registration/Schedule Change form and seek a signature of the instructor of the course or an academic advisor. (Approved, Academic Chairs, 9/14/2006)

Tuition and Fee Refund Policy

For courses that encompass the full 15-week term, the refund period concludes at the end of the day one calendar week after the start of the term (7% of the instruction for the course). For courses that encompass less than 15 weeks, the refund period is calculated as 7% of the instruction time for the course, (estimated on the following chart.) See the Records Office, room A112, for assistance in confirming deadline dates and logistics for withdrawing from a course or visit www.carrollcc.edu/refund

Grading

Grading Philosophy

Grading is a measure to indicate the student’s degree of mastery of a course’s objectives and content. The objectives and grading criteria are communicated to the student at the beginning of the term via the course syllabus.

Grades and Final Grade Report

Students check Canvas during the term to monitor progress and Student Planning at the end of each term to view final grades. Paper grade reports may be requested in the Records Office; unofficial transcripts, printed from the Lynx Portal also document term grades. Note that some courses require a C grade in their prerequisite courses. The grades and accompanying quality points awarded are as follows:

The following grades are also awarded for courses. No quality point value is assigned to these grades.

*See below for conditions and resolution of Incomplete grades.

Final Grade Challenge

Any challenge to a student’s final grade must be presented to the instructor no later than 30 days after the closing date of final exams for the term. Grade challenges will not be considered after that time. With regard to grade disputes, If students are dissatisfied with grading decisions they may initiate a formal complaint (form available at www.carrollcc.edu/mycarroll under Student Forms).

Incomplete

When students have not completed course objectives because of illness or due to unavoidable circumstances, they may request that an Incomplete grade (I) be issued by the instructor. At the discretion of the instructor, verification of the mitigating circumstance may be required. If the request is approved by the instructor, the student must complete the outstanding course objectives within 30 days of the end of the term. At the end of 30 days, the instructor will change the “I” grade to the grade earned.

Repeated Courses

No course may be taken more than twice without the approval of the division chair or a designated representative. When a student repeats a course, the highest grade and corresponding credits awarded will be used in computing the grade point average. All courses taken will become part of the student’s academic record. Please note that transfer credit (including credit earned via credit by exam or the College Level Examination Program/CLEP) will be accepted in transfer even if the course has been attempted at Carroll. While transfer grades do not carry a numeric value in GPA calculation, the transferred credit will nullify an F grade thereby removing the F grade from the GPA calculation. Consult with an academic advisor for additional details. (Approved: Academic Council, 2012)

The repeat policy is especially important for students seeking to repeat transitional courses. To repeat a transitional English course (ELL or ENG 001  or ENG 002 ) for the third time or more, submit a letter of appeal along with any supporting documentation to the Chairperson of Transitional Studies and Academic Services, c/o the Academic Center/room L-288, no later than two (2) weeks before the beginning of a term.

Students requesting to repeat an English (ENGL) course for the third time may be required to attend a workshop for study skills.

The Math Chair or Math Success Navigator approve students to repeat transitional mathematics courses (MAT or MATH) for the third time or more. Math students repeating classes will be required to meet with Jenelle Cutitta, Math Success Navigator to design a success plan. Visit room K302 or email jcutitta@carrollcc.edu to arrange an appointment.

Early Alert Retention Program

In accordance with Carroll’s student Retention Program, faculty members are required to submit alerts when students are performing poorly in their courses. Alerts for students who have poor academic skills or poor attendance/missed assignments are submitted within the first three weeks of the term and again at midterm. Appropriate referrals to the Academic Center and/or the Advising and Transfer Center are made in an effort to assist students and correct the issues impacting academic performance.

As part of the College’s Retention Program, academic advisors assist students who are on academic probation to develop an individual strategies for academic improvement. In an attempt to meet these goals, probation students are required to meet with their assigned advisor at least once per term until they return to good academic standing.

Academic Standards and Progress

Students are expected to achieve success during every academic term and maintain a minimum C average (2.000 GPA or higher). Some programs are more rigorous and have higher requirements. Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress are subject to academic action.

Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.000 at the end of the fall or spring term will be deemed on probation. Their transcripts will be marked with probation for that term. Students who have been on probation (cumulative GPA below 2.000) three or more times may be suspended. In addition, students on probation must meet with their dedicated academic advisor prior to each term for review/approval of that term’s schedule. Students on probation will not be permitted to register via Student Planning. A complete description of this regulation is available in the Regulations, Section One: Academic Regulations.

Academic Amnesty

Academic Amnesty will have the effect of removing selected unsuccessful course attempts from grade point average (GPA) calculation. This recalculation will allow students to improve their GPAs and move closer to good standing. It may also improve opportunities for transfer and scholarship qualification.

Carroll students may request Academic Amnesty, if the following criteria are met:

• Carroll course grades must be 5 years old or older to be considered for Amnesty.

• Students must successfully complete 6 college-level credits with C grades or better since the Amnesty-requested grades were issued.

• Students must be currently registered for credit courses at Carroll.

• A maximum of 5 courses (D, D+, or F) grades may be considered for Amnesty. 

• One request for Amnesty can be granted; once granted, Amnesty will not be reversed.

• Financial aid appeals are considered separately and all grades are considered (amnesty does not improve financial aid qualification). Students should contact Financial Aid for details.  
 

Amnesty-granted grades will remain on the transcript, but will be nullified (credit value will be manipulated to zero to remove the quality points from the GPA calculation). Prior Probation and/or Suspension marks will remain on the transcript and a notation of “Academic Amnesty Applied” will be posted on the transcript on the term(s) where grades were forgiven.

To request consideration for Academic Amnesty, meet with an advisor for guidance. Your advisor will forward an official request to the Records Office for processing.

Honors

Dean’s List Honors

The Dean’s List announces those students who have achieved outstanding scholastic success during each term. To qualify, a student must have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better and have completed six credits or more during that academic term. In addition, if applicable, a student must be successful in all developmental courses.

The Hill Scholars Program

The Hill Scholars Program is a selective admission, honors cohort program. This cohort program is made up of honors courses linked by a common theme; seminars; and extra-curricular enrichment opportunities. The core of the Hill Scholars Program is a group of seven General Education courses in English, history, speech, anthropology and/or sociology. Hill Scholars will take two of the designated honors courses and a one-credit honors seminar each term. The remainder of the 15 credits per term will be made up of courses chosen for the individual student’s major. At the end of the 2-year program, students will have earned an associate’s degree as well as the designation of Hill Scholar.

Potential Hill Scholars are invited to apply to the program by completing an application and supplying basic educational information. Students will be accepted to the program on the basis of grade point average in their college-preparation courses; teacher or guidance counselor recommendations; an admissions essay; standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.) and satisfactory performance on the College’s placement tests (including English, math, and reading). Scholarships are available for qualified students. See the Honors Program page on the College website for more information.

The STEM Scholars Program

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The STEM Scholars Program has a selective and competitive admission process. As the four areas under STEM are immensely diverse, this unique cohort model allows the students in the program the flexibility to take appropriate courses for their program of study, yet be linked to study common themes through a 0.5-credit course taken each term (three terms). The seminars include topics around professional development opportunities, career planning, transfer preparation (visits to both STEM industries and transfer four-year institutions) and an invited speaker series. Seminars will collectively encompass outside the classroom enrichment. Finally, as a requirement of the STEM program, students in their final term register for a high-impact, rich, authentic and interdisciplinary undergraduate (2 credit) research course. The students who are successful in the program will earn scholarships while attending Carroll Community College. Graduates of the STEM program will earn an associate degree with the designation of STEM Scholar and will be ready to transfer to four-year institutions.

Please visit www.carrollcc.edu/STEMScholars for more information. Please note: students must select either the STEM Scholars program or the Hill Scholars program.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Alpha Beta Gamma is a national business honor society established to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students in business and related curricula at degree granting academic institutions. To be eligible for membership, a student must be enrolled in an accounting or business administration curriculum. Students are invited to join when they have completed 15 academic credit hours, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.200 (both overall and within program requirements), and have completed at least two program requirements. Contact Marlene Titus, 410-386-8554 or mtitus@carrollcc.edu.

Alpha Delta Nu

Alpha Delta Nu is the nursing honor society sponsored by the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Carroll Community College’s chapter is named Alpha Alpha. The organization recognizes the academic excellence of students in the study of associate degree nursing and encourages the pursuit of advanced degrees and lifelong learning. Students are required to have a minimum of B’s in all clinical nursing courses and must complete a capstone project. Membership is by invitation only. Students are inducted into the honor society in the spring term. Contact LuAnn Gamber, 410-386-8527 or lgamber@carrollcc.edu, for more information.

Delta Alpha Pi

Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society is the international honor society for students with disabilities. It was founded for the purpose of recognizing the academic achievements of college students with disabilities. In addition, this honor society facilitates development of skills in leadership, advocacy and education for student participants. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society participate in activities designed to educate the community and society regarding disability issues and the need to apply the principles of universal design in learning. Students are invited to join the Carroll chapter (Alpha Sigma) when they have met the following criteria:

Students must present with a documented disability and work with one of the advisors in the Office of ADA Support Services; students must demonstrate an interest in disability issues, and must have completed a minimum of 24 academic credit hours and earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.100 or better. Contact the Office of ADA Support Services, 410-386-8327 or jtatela@carrollcc.edu, for information.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Students are eligible for members-only scholarship opportunities, and many four-year institutions offer scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa transfer students. The majority of these scholarships require students to maintain a 3.500 or higher cumulative grade point average.

Membership invitations to join the Carroll chapter (called Alpha Psi Psi) are extended to students in the beginning of the fall and spring terms. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have attained a 3.500 or higher cumulative grade point average and have earned at least 12 credits at Carroll. Once a member, students must maintain a 3.000 GPA in any additional coursework. Contact PTK@carrollcc.edu or admissions@carrollcc.edu, for information.

Student Learning and Core Curriculum Expectations

Learning is the key to Carroll success. Carroll Community College recognizes the academic process as a collaborative journey. We ask each student to fully commit to shaping their individual learning experience and to work together with faculty and staff in creating their most productive pathway.

Academic Preparation

Carroll Community College has established a comprehensive program of assessment and placement for students. The College is prepared to meet the educational needs of those students whose demonstrated academic skills are commensurate with the level of programs offered. In addition to the traditional collegiate level programs offered, a number of academic preparatory experiences are provided in order to build skills and better prepare students for college-level work. Included are transitional courses in English and mathematics.

Upon admission to the College, most students are required to take placement tests in English and mathematics.

All General Education courses require students to be eligible for ENGL 101 . Students must be exempt from or to have successfully completed transitional English course work (co-enroll in ENGL 101 /ALP or complete ENG 002 - Integrated Reading and Writing 2 ). Courses not in the General Education requirements also have an English competency prerequisite. Refer to the course description  section for information on specific course prerequisites.

Learning Outcomes Assessment

Carroll Community College is an innovative center of learning that focuses on the intellectual and personal development needs of students and promotes effective teaching. As part of our mission, the college community is involved in an ongoing process to improve the quality of learning, programs, and services. In order to help us maintain a successful outcomes assessment process, students will routinely be asked to participate in departmental assessments as well as institution-wide surveys and assessments.

General Education Learning Goals

At Carroll Community College, the purpose of the General Education Program is to provide all students with skills and knowledge necessary to be informed, productive citizens in a diverse and changing world. Each course in the program requires students to integrate skills and knowledge gained from academic and life experiences in a signature assignment. General Education courses support the following goals:

1. Communicate ideas in written, oral, and other modes as appropriate to a situation and audience.
    
2. Apply quantitative and scientific reasoning skills relevant to a field of study.
    
3. Employ various thinking strategies to develop well-reasoned judgments.
    
4. Evaluate sources of information for accuracy, relevance, and reliability.
    
5. Use technology tools to manage, integrate, and evaluate digital information.
    
6. Explore issues through creative, interdisciplinary, and innovative approaches.
    
7. Cultivate intellectual and ethical practices that promote the wellness of self, community, and environment.
    
8. Identify their roles as global citizens in a multicultural country and world.

General Education Requirements

The College offers a comprehensive list of General Education courses that meet statewide requirements. All degree-seeking students must successfully complete the necessary General Education courses as identified under their specific program of study. Throughout this catalog, General Education courses are clearly marked.

Students who enroll in a degree program at Carroll Community College will complete a core of courses referred to as General Education. This course distribution is intended to ensure that students have met the General Education Learning Goals. These General Education courses are transferable to all two- and four-year public institutions (and many private institutions) in Maryland and are guaranteed so in the Maryland State Transfer Policies. While these courses are highly transferable, in many cases, some programs of study require specific General Education courses. Students who intend to transfer should check transfer destination requirements when selecting all Carroll courses.

It is strongly recommended that all students complete both a mathematics and English course within their first 12 credit hours. To ensure maximum success, mathematics and English courses should be taken during consecutive terms until the sequence is completed. By Maryland law, all degree-seeking students must have completed their English and mathematics sequences by completion of their first 24 credit hours or registration will be blocked.

Effective 2017/Fall, a grade of C or higher is required in ENGL 101  to meet requirements for graduation, to transfer the course to a 4-year institution, or to enroll in any class for which ENGL 101  is a prerequisite.

Arts and Humanities General Education

Biological and Physical Sciences General Education

English Composition and Literature General Education

Mathematics General Education

Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education

General Education Electives

**ENGL 102  may count as Arts and Humanities in programs that do not require it in the Composition and Literature requirement.

Diversity Requirement

All associate degree-seeking students must complete one or more General Education Diversity designated course(s). See program requirements for details. These courses explore differences across world cultures, historically marginalized populations, and systems of injustice. Diversity designated courses are marked.

Diversity General Education ​ 

Graduation Requirements

Program of Study/Graduation Requirements

Students select a program of study and therefore graduation requirements from the catalog in effect upon enrollment in the College. Students who do not enroll for two consecutive calendar years must follow the program requirements/catalog in effect when they reenroll. Students may change their program of study, but must follow the requirements in the catalog in effect at the time of the change. Typically, students graduate under the catalog in effect at the start, re-enrollment, or end of studies. Anyone wishing to change curriculums will visit with their assigned academic adviosr. Exceptions to program requirements may be made only at the discretion of the faculty division chair. Upon application for graduation (at the 45 credit milestone appointment), the student’s academic history will be reviewed against degree requirements for the catalog and program the student has officially selected. See an academic advisor, room A102, for assistance.

Award of Multiple Degrees

After program and graduation requirements are satisfied for the first degree, students may apply for a second degree, provided a minimum of 15 additional credits are earned at Carroll to fulfill the residency requirement for the second degree. Multiple degrees may be awarded within the same term. Only one Associate of Arts in Arts and Sciences degree can be awarded to each student.

Reverse Transfer and Graduation

Maryland educators are working to encourage students to complete degrees. Students who transfer prior to completing a Carroll degree may send credits back to complete outstanding requirements as long as 25% of the associate degree coursework was completed at Carroll. See the Record’s Office for assistance.

Requirements for the Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, and Associate of Applied Sciences Degrees

To be eligible for an Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or an Associate of Applied Sciences degree, complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the curriculum as set forth by the College (at least 60 credits) with a cumulative grade point average of 2.000;
    
2. Complete 15 of the required credits at Carroll Community College (residency requirement);
    
3. Complete General Education courses, as indicated in the table below;
    
4. Apply to graduate by the last day of the term (May, August, or December; by March 1 to attend the May commencement ceremony). See an academic advisor;
    
5. Carroll Community College is committed to improving the learning experience for all students. As a result, we will need the assistance of the students. Graduation candidates may be required to complete student learning outcomes assessments outlined in the Carroll Community College comprehensive assessment plan prior to the date of graduation. The results of these assessments will not be included on the student’s academic record.

Requirements for the Associate of Science in Engineering Degree

To be eligible for an Associate of Science in Engineering degree, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the curriculum as set forth by the College with a cumulative grade point average of 2.500 and at least a “C” grade in all physics, chemistry, math, computer science, and engineering courses;
    
2. Complete 15 credits at Carroll Community College (residency requirement);
    
3. Complete not less than 30 credits of General Education courses including one Diversity-designated course;
    
4. Apply to graduate by the last day of the term (May, August, or December; by March 1 to attend the May commencement ceremony). See an academic advisor;
    
5. Carroll Community College is committed to improving the learning experience for all students. As a result, we will need the assistance of the students. Graduation candidates may be required to complete student learning outcomes assessments outlined in the Carroll Community College comprehensive assessment plan prior to the date of graduation. The results of these assessments will NOT be included on the student’s academic record.

Requirements for the Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree

To be eligible for an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the curriculum as set forth by the College, with GPA of 2.75;
    
2. Complete 15 credits at Carroll Community College;
    
3. Complete not less than 30 credits of General Education courses and one Diversity-designated course;
    
4. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.750 and at least a “C” grade in EDUC 121 , EDUC 126 , and EDUC 131 .;
    
5. Achieve a passing score a Pre-professional Basic Skills test, which includes the Praxis Core exam or qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or GRE as determined by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students are encouraged to take the Praxis Core at the completion of 24 credits.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that official, qualified test scores are sent to the Records Office at Carroll Community College. Students who have a 3.0 GPA upon completing AAT degree will be considered as having met the basic skills requirement at Carroll, but may need to meet additional basic skill requirements at their transfer institution. Students who have not met this requirement are prohibited from attending the commencement ceremony;
6. Apply to graduate by the last day of the term (May, August, or December; by March 1 to attend the May commencement ceremony). Students who have questions about graduation requirements are urged to discuss them with the Education faculty chair;
    
7. Carroll Community College is committed to improving the learning experience for all students. As a result, we will need the assistance of the students. Graduation candidates may be required to complete student learning outcomes assessments outlined in the Carroll Community College comprehensive assessment plan prior to the date of graduation. The results of these assessments will NOT be included on the student’s academic record.

Requirements for the Associate of Fine Arts Degrees

To be eligible for an Associate of Fine Arts degree, complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the curriculum as set forth by the College (60 credits) with a cumulative grade point average of 2.000;
    
2. Complete 15 of the required credits at Carroll Community College (residency requirement);
    
3. Complete not less than 18 credits of General Education courses including one Diversity-designated course;
    
4. Apply to graduate by the last day of the term (May, August, or December; by March 1 to attend the May commencement ceremony). See an academic advisor;
    
5. Carroll Community College is committed to improving the learning experience for all students. As a result, we will need the assistance of the students. Graduation candidates may be required to complete student learning outcomes assessments outlined in the Carroll Community College comprehensive assessment plan prior to the date of graduation. The results of these assessments will NOT be included on the student’s academic record.

Requirements for the Certificate

A Certificate is awarded to students in certain designated occupational areas. To be eligible for a Certificate, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the sequence of courses listed for the certificate with a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in the applicable courses;
    
2. Take a minimum of 25% of the courses required in the certificate program at Carroll Community College;
    
3. Apply to graduate by the last day of the term (May, August, or December) See an academic advisor.

Requirements for the Letter of Recognition

A Letter of Recognition may be requested by students in certain designated occupational areas. Students will receive a paper document suitable for framing. Letter completion does not appear on the Carroll Community College transcript. To be eligible for a Letter, a student must meet the following:

1. Complete the sequence of courses listed with a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in the applicable courses;
    
2. Complete a minimum of 25% of the courses required in the program at Carroll Community College;
    
3. Apply for a Letter of Recognition in the Records Office after completing Letter requirements.

Commencement

The president of Carroll Community College presides over an annual commencement ceremony in May. Students graduating with degrees in August, December, and May are invited to participate. Graduates may invite family and friends to attend.

Upon registering for the final Carroll term, students meet with an advisor to complete a graduation audit and apply to graduate. An application for graduation must be completed before the last day of the term in May, August, or December (by March 1 to attend the May ceremony). Students must apply to graduate whether or not they plan to participate in the ceremony.

Graduation with Honors

Students who qualify for a degree and whose cumulative grade point average is 3.500 to 3.749 will be graduated Cum Laude (with honors); those with a grade point average of 3.750 to 3.899 will be graduated Magna Cum Laude (with high honors), and those with a grade point average of 3.900 to 4.000 will be graduated Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors). Final GPAs will be calculated prior to diploma preparation and diplomas will be marked with official earned honor distinctions.

Students with Carroll GPAs of 3.50 or higher on May 1 are invited to wear a gold cord during the Commencement ceremony.