04.01.01 Academic Bankruptcy

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Original Approval: 04/01/2022
Last Updated: 04/08/2024
Last Reviewed: 04/08/2024

Policy/Purpose:

It is the policy of Coastal Alabama Community College to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations as well as Alabama Community College System (ACCS) policies related to Instructional Programs and regarding the level of credit awarded for courses taught at all colleges within the ACCS, regardless of the format or mode of delivery. The ACCS requires all institutions in the System to operate on a semester system.

It is the policy of Coastal Alabama Community College to allow students at certain intervals of their academic career or training to declare bankruptcy. 

NOTE: This policy is subject to change at any time without notification. ACCS policies related to Academic Instruction supersede this policy.

The following ACCS policies are referenced in this policy:
Board Policy 705.01
ACCS Chancellor’s Procedures 705.01

Scope:

This policy applies to all Coastal Alabama Community College students and employees during any activity involving the College, including the workday. In addition, visitors, vendors, contractors, and all other non-employees are expected to recognize and comply with College policies.

Definitions:

Academic Bankruptcy: The removal of one to three semesters of grades from the calculation of a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Academic Calendar: Schedule of institutional events and important dates within an academic year.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA): The grade point average based on all hours attempted at the institution based on a 4-point scale.

Distance Education: Distance education at Coastal Alabama Community College is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) in a course occurs when students and instructors are not in the same physical location. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. A distance education course at Coastal Alabama Community College is any course in which students may complete fifty percent (50%) or more of the requirements through the College’s learning management system. Distance education courses at Coastal Alabama Community College may be classified as Online, Hybrid Online, or HyFlex. Traditional courses are not classified as distance education courses. 

Grade Point Average (GPA): The grade point average based on all hours attempted during any one semester at the institution based on a 4-point scale.

Hybrid Classroom: Courses require a combination of online and in-person activities, with 50% or less of the course content requiring online interaction. Some elements will have specified days, times, and locations when attendance is expected. Identity verification will be required using the college’s approved verification process.

Hybrid Online: Courses require a combination of online and in-person activities, with more than 50% of the course content requiring online interaction. Some elements will have specified days, times, and locations when attendance is expected. Identity verification will be required using the college's approved verification process. 

HyFlex: HyFlex courses feature highly flexible course delivery models that offer students multiple options for receiving instruction and participating in course activities. These may include a mix of face-to-face, online, virtual, and/or videoconference. Available options may vary by course and by instructor and are subject to local college policy. Students should inquire about expectations for participation/attendance before registering for a HyFlex course. Identity verification for students participating online may be required using the college's approved verification process. 

Online: Online courses are delivered asynchronously. There are no required face-to-face sessions within the course and no requirements for on-campus activity. Faculty interact with students through assignments, discussion posts, email, office hours and other electronic/virtual means. Identity verification will be required using the college's approved verification process.

Prerequisite: A course or other requirement a student must have successfully completed prior to enrolling in a specific course or program.

Semester System: A semester system is defined as a fall semester, spring semester, and a summer term.

Traditional: These courses are face-to-face on campus and web-enhanced with technology-based course resources that complement in-person class sessions without reducing the number of required class meetings.

Details:

  1. Academic bankruptcy is initiated by the student by completing the Academic Bankruptcy Request Form.
  2. Upon receipt of the completed form, the College will inform the student that an award of academic bankruptcy may impact their financial aid status.
  3. Academic bankruptcy may only be declared once and may be applied to no more than three (3) semesters, which do not have to be consecutive.
  4. The bankrupted courses and grades remain on the transcript but are not calculated in the student’s cumulative GPA.
  5. None of the coursework taken during a semester for which academic bankruptcy is declared, including hours completed satisfactorily, will be used to fulfill degree requirements.
  6. Developmental courses successfully completed during a period of academic bankruptcy can be used to fulfill prerequisites.
  7. To be eligible for academic bankruptcy, the student must have completed 12 semester credit hours of coursework at the College since the most recent semester for which academic bankruptcy is requested. A grade of “C”, “S”, or higher is required in each course in 12 semester credit hours in the post-bankruptcy period.
  8. When a student receives a declaration of academic bankruptcy, a permanent notation of “ACADEMIC BANKRUPTCY” will be reflected on the transcript for each semester affected.
  9. Approval of the academic bankruptcy status at a college does not guarantee other institutions will honor that status. This determination will be made by the respective transfer institution(s).

Procedure(s):

  1. Students must request academic bankruptcy using the online form located on the Registrar page of the College website at https://www.coastalalabama.edu/admissions-aid/student-records/registrar-forms.

Additional Provisions/Information

Refer to Financial Aid Policy if receiving any type of financial aid regarding repetition of courses.

Instructional Affairs