04.01.07 Course Forgiveness

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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 for course forgiveness under specific circumstances.

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:

Course Forgiveness: Course forgiveness is implemented when a student repeats a course and the higher/highest grade awarded (excluding the grades of W and WP) replaces all previous grades for that course in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The official transcript will list the course and grade each time it is attempted.  

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.

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.

Withdrawal: The grade (W) earned when a student officially withdraws from a course or from the institution within the time designated by the institution.

Details:

  1. The grade point average during the term in which the course was first attempted will not be affected.

  2. When a student completes a course more than once, the highest grade will be counted in the GPA and all other grades excluded from the GPA. Official transcripts will list each course in which a student was enrolled.

  3. A student may repeat a course more than once, but that course may be counted only once toward fulfillment of credit hours for graduation.

    NOTE: STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK FINANCIAL AID REGULATIONS REGARDING REPETITION OF COURSES. 

Procedure(s):

  1. A student must request, by submission of the appropriate form, that the Registrar implement the "Course Forgiveness" policy after a course has been repeated. Refer to the Course Forgiveness Request Form 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