Original Approval: 04/01/2022
Last Updated: 06/23/2025
Last Reviewed: 06/23/2025
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.
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:
Semester Hours: Semester hours of credit are based on the average number of hours of instruction weekly during a 15-week period, with an hour of instruction defined as not less than 50 minutes of instructor/student contact.
Semester System: A semester system is defined as a fall semester, spring semester, and a summer term.
Details:
- Credit Hour Award: Coastal Alabama Community College determines that one semester credit hour will be awarded for a minimum of 750 minutes of formalized instruction during a semester that typically requires students to work at out-of-class assignments an average of twice the amount of time as the amount of formalized instruction (1,500 minutes). The College’s credit hour definition also aligns with the federal government regulation 34 CFR 600.2 which stipulates that a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit.
- ACCS Policies and Course Directory: Coastal Alabama Community College follows the ACCS Board of Trustees Policies which are published on the ACCS Course Directory. This Course Directory is used by all institutions in the ACCS to determine the amount and level of credit hours awarded for all coursework whether taught in a traditional or online format. These state mandated policies dictate the credit hours utilized for all courses including courses with theory, lab, and clinical components and co-op and internship courses. To ensure standardization across all locations and delivery methods, the College uses standardized instructional resources and ensures state mandates and policies through the use of standardized College syllabi which follow the common course directory, state mandated syllabi, and approved plans of instruction.
Procedure(s):
There are no procedures related to this policy.
Additional Provisions/Information
Refer to Financial Aid Policy if receiving any type of financial aid regarding repetition of courses.