Evaluation of Student Performance
Academic achievement in each course is evaluated at midterm for advising purposes. A final grade is assigned by the instructor at the end of each term. The final grade becomes a part of the student’s permanent academic record. Reports of both midterm and final grades are distributed to the student, his or her advisor, and, with the student’s permission, to his or her parents.
The student evaluation system at Hesston College is based on letter grades. Quality points are assigned as follows:
A (excellent) – 4 quality points
B (good, high average) – 3 quality points
C (low average) – 2 quality points
D (poor, but passing) – 1 quality point
NC (no credit; failed to meet course requirements) – 0 quality points
W (withdrew) – 0 (not figured in GPA)
U (audit)-0 (not figured in GPA)
CR (credit; passing) – 0 (not figured in GPA)
I (incomplete)
A grade of I (incomplete) is used if a student is unable to complete all requirements for a course due to circumstances beyond his or her control. At the end of the term, the instructor submits both an I and the grade the student has earned to date. The student has until the end of the next term to complete the missing work. If the student is successful, the instructor submits a new final grade. If the student is unsuccessful, the alternate grade originally submitted automatically becomes the final grade. While the I is on the record, the incompleted hours are not included in cumulative hours and GPA calculations and cannot be used to satisfy any requirements regarding eligibility for varsity athletics or financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
All students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress as defined below. All courses taken at Hesston College are considered, including developmental courses, the most recent attempt of repeated courses and courses from which a student withdraws. Courses transferred in or taken concurrently at another institution are not included.
Quantitative Progress
A student must earn (pass) the following minimum number of credit hours each semester:
11 hours if enrolled in 12 or more hours
9 hours if enrolled in 9 to 11 hours
6 hours if enrolled in 6 to 8 hours
A student may use no more than three years of full-time study or the equivalent to complete the two-year degree.
Qualitative Progress
A student must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as follows:
1.50 when earned hours equal 1 to 21
1.75 when earned hours equal 22 to 43
2.00 when earned hours equal 44 or more
Academic Probation
A student who does not meet both the quantitative and qualitative standards above will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. A student on probation is required to meet regularly with an advisor or mentor. Additional expectations may be established that seek to address the factors that led to inadequate performance during the previous term.
A student on probation is required to:
- Enroll in developmental reading, writing and math courses according to placement guidelines.
- Limit enrollment in the first semester to 14 hours or less.
- Meet weekly with an advisor.
The college will provide the following support:
- Advising that focuses on the needs of the probation student.
- Regular grade checks with professors.
- Walk-in assistance at the ACCESS lab.
- Help in arranging individual tutoring.
- Other services to accommodate learning needs.
Reinstatement and Dismissal
A student who meets both criteria for satisfactory academic progress at the end of the probationary term will be reinstated to full academic eligibility. A student not meeting both criteria at the end of the probationary term will be dismissed. A dismissed student may request in writing that the dismissal be waived, allowing the student to return the following semester. If readmitted, the student will return on academic probation. Procedures for requesting waivers are available through the Registrar’s Office.
Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities
Hesston College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and follows NJCAA requirements for eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Eligibility questions should be directed to the Hesston College athletic director.
Students who enter Hesston College on academic probation will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, but remaining eligible is contingent on meeting the requirements of the probationary term.