Catalog_2017_2018_3-7

33 Certificate and Degree Requirements 2017-2018 Catalog C ertificate & D egree R equirements Catalog Rights For the purpose of this section, continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one primary semester (fall or spring). Any of the following academic records constitutes as enrollment during a semester: A, B, C, D, F, P, NP, CR, NC, Y, N, I, IP, RD, and W. A student may elect to meet the requirements for an academic program from one of the following: 1. The catalog in effect at the time the student first applied or reapplied and began continuous enrollment; 2. In the event of a major/program change, the student may assume new catalog rights under the following conditions: • The change of major/program must be approved by counselor, and • The major selected must be within a catalog during the student’s continuous enrollment; 3. The catalog in effect at the time of the student’s program completion. Course Classification Pursuant to revisions to the California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 55002 and 55062, all courses listed within the college catalog fall into one of the following classifications: • Credit, Degree Applicable • Credit, Nondegree Applicable • Noncredit Certificates Certificates for a course or a series of courses fewer than 18 units may be offered by disciplines/departments/divisions. A certificate may be awarded with a minimum of “C” average for finishing a course or courses leading to specific competencies. Certificate of Achievement A certificate of achievement shall be awarded to students who successfully complete a specified curriculum with a minimum “C” grade in each required course. The specific courses required for the certificate of achievement are identified in each degree program where such certificates are awarded. In order to receive the certificate of achievement, the student shall apply for the certificate with Admissions and Records upon completion of the requirements. Graduation Requirements Associate Degrees The awarding of an Associate Degree represents more than an accumulation of units. It symbolizes a pattern of learning experiences designed to develop specific capabilities and insights. Among these are an understanding of the major disciplines, required proficiencies in math, reading, and English, and sufficient depth in some field of knowledge. It is the responsibility of the student to consult a counselor regarding the proper sequence in which courses should be taken to satisfy graduation requirements. Students earning an Associate Degree usually have one of two purposes. Either the program of study prepares the student for transfer to a four-year college or university, or the program of study is intended to prepare the student for immediate employment. Most majors lead to an Associate in Arts degree. Minimum requirements for the Associate in Science degree are the same as for the Associate in Arts degree with the exception of the major requirements. The Associate in Science degree will be awarded for the completion of a required pattern of courses in any occupational curriculum or in the biological sciences, the physical sciences, or engineering. The Board of Trustees of this District shall award the Associate in Arts Degree, the Associate in Science Degree, Associate in Arts or Science Degree for Transfer, and the Certificate of Achievement to applicants upon the satisfactory completion of the requirements as listed in this catalog section. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of degree and certificate requirements and of the student’s standing in regard to those requirements. Students are urged to consult a counselor regarding any questions about degree or certificate requirements for the catalog year the student selects. All references to credit units which appear in this section are to semester units.