Academic Honors

In accordance with Board Policy 07.23 – Honors List, Dean’s List, and President’s List, each semester (excluding summer term), academic honors are awarded to students who have completed at least six (6) credit hours of courses at the 040 level or above that count in the grade point average (GPA) with a semester GPA as follows:

• Honors: 3.50 – 3.64 GPA
• Dean’s List (high honors): 3.65 – 3.79 GPA
• President’s List (highest honors): 3.80 – 4.00 GPA

Students who have completed twelve (12) or more credit hours for the semester will be designated with full-time academic honors and those who have completed six (6) to eleven (11) credit hours for the semester will be designated with part-time academic honors.

Academic Load/Maximum Hours Per Term

No student may register for more than twenty (20) semester hours without permission from the Vice President for Academic Services. During the summer term, no student may register for more than ten (10) semester hours without permission. To request permission, students should submit an Academic Request form to the office of the vice president for academic services. (See Board Policy 06.20 – Limitation on Course Loads)

In accordance with Board Policy 07.26 – Academic Standing, Lake Land College interprets a cumulative “C” average (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D-1.0) as the minimum acceptable standard of scholarship for graduation. Students will be notified if their academic standing falls below the minimum acceptable standard on their grade reports each term.

Minimum acceptable standards in terms of cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing are as follows:

Good Academic Standing – Warning

Any student with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) high enough to be in good academic standing but less than 2.0 will be placed on good academic standing – warning status.

While on good academic standing- warning status, students:

1. Are encouraged to meet with an academic counselor before registration.
2. Must enroll in Strategies for Success (SFS 101).

Academic Probation

Any student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below the minimum acceptable standards to remain in “good academic standing” after twelve (12) semester hours will be placed on academic probation.

While on probation, students may continue to enroll in the College; however, they:

1. Must meet with an academic counselor before registration.
2. Must enroll in no more than fourteen (14) semester hours maximum during the fall and spring semester and no more than six (6) semester hours during the summer term.
3. Must enroll in Strategies for Success (SFS 101).
4. Can be required to take developmental reading courses or tutoring in specific areas, upon the recommendation of counseling and reading professionals.
5. Must earn a 2.00 semester grade point average or a cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum acceptable standard for the number of semester hours attempted.

A student is removed from probationary status and considered in “good academic standing” when the cumulative grade point average is at or above the minimum acceptable standard for the number of semester hours attempted.

Academic Suspension

Any student on academic probation who attempts one or more college credit courses at the 040 course level or above and fails to achieve a 2.00 semester grade point average or a cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum acceptable standard will be academically suspended from the College.

The suspension will be for the full term following the term of current enrollment. Re-admittance to the College will be automatic.

No student may enroll in any college credit courses during the suspension period; however, with consent of a counselor, the student may enroll in courses below the 040 course level (developmental and general studies), RDG050, Reading and Study Skills I, and Strategies for Success (SFS 101, 102 and/or 110).

Students returning from academic suspension will be placed on academic probation status and will be required to successfully complete (obtain a passing grade in) SFS 101, Strategies for Success. Students may also be required to complete developmental reading courses or tutoring in specific areas.

Academic Dismissal

Any student, previously suspended, who re-enters the College and, while on probation, does not earn a minimum 2.00 semester grade point average or a cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum acceptable standard for the number of semester hours attempted will be dismissed for not less than one calendar year.

After the one-year dismissal period, a student must petition the Academic Standards Committee for readmission. The petition for readmission must be submitted at least three (3) weeks prior to the beginning of the term the student wishes to apply/enroll.

Any student readmitted by the Academic Standards Committee will be notified in writing of the specific terms of readmission.

Students returning from academic dismissal will be placed on academic probation status and will be required to successfully complete (obtain a passing grade in) SFS 101, Strategies for Success. Students may also be required to complete developmental reading courses or tutoring in specific areas.

Any student who re-enters the College after academic dismissal and does not meet the conditions required by the Academic Standards Committee may be permanently dismissed from the College.

Class Attendance – Importance of Attending Class

Because regular, punctual classroom attendance is considered important for quality performance and success, students are expected to punctually attend all meetings of classes in which they are enrolled. Instructors or divisions have the prerogative to determine minimum requirements; often times these requirements are determined by accrediting and credential-granting agencies. Instructors also have the prerogative of lowering grades for unexcused absences. Because the Illinois Community College Board requires instructors to certify the attendance of students at mid-term, an instructor may withdraw a student from class if the number of absences is detrimental to their ability to meet the course objectives. In case of absence, students should notify each of their instructors. In case of prolonged absence because of illness, accident, or hospitalization for which students are not able to notify instructors, they may notify College Health Services who will then notify their instructors. Students who are seeking attendance accommodations in accordance with Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, may be required to submit medical certification in order for the absence to be excused.

Student absences for the purpose of attending regular National Guard or military reserve unit activities, volunteer emergency worker duty, and jury duty will be considered excused absences upon submission of appropriate documentation to the course instructor.

Lake Land College will reasonably accommodate student absences for religious observances in accordance with the University Religious Observations Act (110 ILCS 110/1 and 110/1.5) in regards to admissions, class attendance and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. Students faced with schedule conflicts related to religious observances should make prior arrangements with instructors at least ten (10) calendar days in advance of the examination or other activity involved. A student who believes that he or she has been unreasonably denied an educational benefit due to their religious beliefs or practices may appeal the decision in accordance with the College’s Student Concerns and Grievances Procedures. (See Board Policy 06.24 – Attendance in the Classroom)

Class Attendance and College-Sponsored Activities and Events

In accordance with Board Policy 07.35 – Class Attendance and College-Sponsored Activities and Events, college-sponsored student activities and events should not conflict with regularly scheduled classes unless necessary. Staff planning student activities and events during regularly scheduled class times must submit a request to the appropriate Vice President for prior approval. Once approved, the staff member supervising the activity will provide notification to instructors and include the names of the students who will participate. When activities are rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseeable conditions, the staff member will notify the instructors as soon as possible after the schedule change is made.

Participation in approved college-sponsored student activities and events will be considered excused absences, and students will be allowed to complete work according to the following:

1. The student will contact the instructor at least one week prior to the absence. When activities are rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseeable conditions, the student will contact the instructor as soon as possible after the schedule change is made.
2. The student should request from the instructor the work to be made up and complete what can be completed prior to the absence. Examinations and other assignments that cannot be completed prior to the absence will be made up at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the instructor.
3. If needed, an instructor can make an alternative assignment for the make-up work.
4. If a student fails to notify the instructor prior to the absence or does not complete the assignment as mutually agreed upon, the student will not be allowed to make up the work.

Drop/Add

In accordance with Board Policy 07.15 – Drop/Add, students may add or drop courses from their schedule during specifically set forth days as established by the Academic Standards Committee and published in the official academic calendar, the college catalog and other official publications.

Students may be administratively dropped from a course if they do not meet the required prerequisite.

Student/Instructor Withdrawals

In order for a student to withdraw from a course and receive a “W” on his/her academic transcript, he/she must withdraw by an official date as established by the Academic Standards Committee and published in the official academic calendar, College Catalog and other official publications.

An instructor may withdraw a student from class if the number of absences is detrimental to the student’s ability to meet the course objectives. Instructors can withdraw a student from a course by the official date established by the Academic Standards Committee and published in the official academic calendar and other official publications. (See Board Policy 07.16 – Student/Instructor Withdrawals)

Students with mitigating circumstances may make an appeal with the Vice President for Academic Services to be withdrawn after the official date to withdraw for the term. For students enrolled in correctional programs, the appeal process begins with the appropriate associate dean of the correctional site, with final approval made by the appropriate dean of the correctional site. (See Board Policy 07.16.01 – Student/Instructor Withdrawals)

Change of Program of Study

Unless informed otherwise, students are assigned the curriculum they indicate on their Application. If a student desires a change of program of study and they have not applied yet, they should contact the Admissions and Records Office. If the student is already enrolled, they should contact Counseling Services or complete a “Change of Major” form available online. (See Board Policy 07.22 – Change of Curriculum)

Incomplete Grade

If a student is unable to complete the requirements for a course during the scheduled time period due to illness or other extreme circumstance, the student may request the instructor to assign a grade of “I” (Incomplete) and be allowed to complete the course during the next scheduled term (excluding summer).

To receive a grade of “I”, the student must have been maintaining a passing grade at the time of the documented illness or extreme circumstance, the instructor must agree that this is an appropriate grade for the specific circumstance, and the student and the instructor must complete and submit a Request to Obtain an Incomplete form to the instructor’s Division Chair with final submission to the Admissions and Records Office no later than the grades-due date of the term.

The student must then complete the requirements for the course prior to the mid-term date of the next scheduled semester.  After the requirements have been completed, the instructor will determine the grade the student earned (A, B, C, D, F, or P) and report it to the Admissions and Records Office.  Once an “I” grade is assigned, the student may not withdraw from the course. Any “I” grade remaining after the mid-term date will automatically be changed to an “F” grade. Students should be aware that assignment of an “I’ grad may impact their financial aid.  Students affected by this procedure are referred to the grade appeal section of the catalog. (See Board Policy 07.17.01 – Incomplete Grade)

Course Audit

Students wishing to gain knowledge from a course but not credit may enroll to audit the class. To audit a course, students must pay the same tuition and fees as they would if they were taking the course for credit. They must declare their intention to audit the course in writing on the Audit Request form with the Admissions and Records Office during the registration period for the course. (See Board Policy 06.21 – Course Audit)

Repeating Courses

Courses in which the content varies from semester to semester or in which a student is expected to gain increased knowledge and skill through repetition are designated as repeatable. These courses, and the maximum number of times each can be repeated, are noted in the course description section of the college catalog. When students repeat courses designated as repeatable, all credit hours and grades are computed in the hours earned and cumulative grade point average.

A student who earns a grade of “F” in a repeatable course and subsequently repeats it and earns a passing grade may request to have only the last credit hours and grade earned computed in the student’s cumulative grade point average.

Students may repeat other courses that are not designated as repeatable with the understanding that only the last credit hours and grades earned will be computed in the students’ grade point average.

The Admissions and Records Office must be notified by the student in writing on the Repeat Course Notification form of a repeated course to insure the repeat is noted on the transcript.

Students should be aware that repeating courses may impact their financial aid. Because repeat course policies vary from college to college, students planning to transfer are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policy of the college they will attend. (See Board Policy 07.19 – Repeating Courses)

Course Examinations

Examinations are considered a part of the total requirements for each college course. The number of examinations given during a semester is determined by the instructor and may be given with or without prior announcement.

Final Examinations

It is recognized by the College that a final examination is an important part of the educational process; therefore, instructors are expected to provide students with some form of final examination. Students are required to complete their final examinations at the times and places scheduled. Rescheduling of final examinations is not permitted except with permission of the Vice President for Academic Services. Each class must meet at the time the final examination is scheduled. (See Board Policy 06.48 – Final Examinations)

Credit by Proficiency Examination

If reasonable evidence exists that a student possesses college-level academic proficiency in a subject area, the student may request to take a proficiency examination. In accordance with Board Policy 06.15 – Credit by Proficiency Examination, students may earn credit for college courses based on proficiency examinations and use that credit to meet requirements for an associate degree or certificate. (See Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements)

Proficiency examinations are limited to those courses recommended by the Division Chair and approved by the Vice President for Academic Services through submission of an Academic Request form.

A non-refundable evaluation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the current in-district tuition per credit hour is required for a proficiency examination and must be paid in advance.  A grade will be given and the credit earned will be posted to the student’s transcript. No official record is made of failures. Tuition and fees will not be assessed for credit earned by proficiency examination.

Proficiency examinations are given with the following criteria:

1. Examinations are given for experience for which no prior college credit has been received.
2. The student must be admitted into the College and must not have previously audited or taken any course for which he/she is seeking credit.
3. The student will not be certified for academic credit in any course that they are not eligible to register for credit.
4. No proficiency examination will be given if the student is currently enrolled in the course past the official refund date.
5. Examinations will not be given if the student has received credit for advanced work in the subject area beyond the course in which the examination is requested.
6. Students may attempt a proficiency examination one time per course.

Credit for Life Experience through Portfolio Development

Not all learning takes place in the classroom. Valuable college-level knowledge may be acquired through job experience and other life accomplishments. In accordance with Board Policy 06.17 – Life Experience Credit through Portfolio Development, students may earn credit for college courses based on life experience and may use that credit to meet requirements for an associate degree or certificate. (See Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements)

Learning experience must parallel courses offered at Lake Land College and credits are applied based on requirements of each specific certificate or degree.

Credit is awarded based on completion of INS099 Portfolio Development and an evaluation of documentation of the learning experiences presented through the portfolio process. Students must demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of the learning outcomes of the course to receive credit for life experiences. Tuition and fees will be charged for INS099 and a pass/fail grade will be assigned.

A non-refundable evaluation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the current in-district tuition per credit hour will be required prior to formal evaluation of the portfolio. No tuition or fees are charged for credit earned through portfolio development and no grade is assigned. The credit will be posted to the student’s transcript. No official record is made if no credit is granted for the portfolio.

Life experience credit is awarded with the following criteria:

1. Life experience credit will be awarded for courses for which no prior college credit has been received.
2. The student must be admitted into the College and must not have previously audited or taken any course for which they are seeking credit.
3. The student will not be certified for academic credit in any course that they are not eligible to register for credit.
4. No life experience credit will be given if the student is currently enrolled in the course past the official refund date.
5. Life experience credit will not be given if the student has received credit for advanced work in the subject area beyond the course for which the credit is requested.
6. Students may attempt life experience credit one time per course.
7. Portfolios must be completed and submitted prior to the start of the semester in which the student plans to graduate.
8. Each portfolio will be individually evaluated and must meet all requirements to be awarded credit for a specific course(s). No partial course credit will be granted.

Credit for Military Experience

In accordance with Board Policy 06.16.01 – Credit for Military Experience, Lake Land College grants credit for military training, education and occupational experience in accordance with the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide including credit for DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). ACE credit recommendations appear on a service member’s Joint Services Transcript.

To receive Lake Land College credit based on the Joint Services Transcript:

1. Students must submit the Joint Services Transcript and a Transcript Evaluation Request to Admissions and Records.
2. The Joint Services Transcript will be evaluated to determine specific course credit applicable to the requirements of the student’s certificate or degree program.
3. Credit will be granted without a grade, but it may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. (See Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements.)
4. Credit will not be used to calculate grade point average.
5. No tuition or fees will be charged for credit awarded.
6. Students should be aware that credit awarded for military experience may not be accepted by another college or university.

Students may be awarded four hours of credit for completion of military basic training. If this credit is not documented on a Joint Services Transcript, the student may submit to the Admissions and Records Office a DD 214 indicating honorable discharge.

Information regarding specific credit available for military experience is maintained in Admissions and Records.

Credit for Professional Certification and Licensure

In accordance with Board Policy 06.14 – Credit for Professional Certification and Licensure, Lake Land College may award credit to students seeking advanced education in an academic program for which the student currently holds professional certification or licensure through the State of Illinois. Specific credit to be awarded is determined by the academic department in which the program of study is offered and approved by the Vice President for Academic Services through submission of an Academic Request form. The following provisions will apply:

1. Students must submit a copy of their current certification or licensure to the Admissions and Records Office.
2. Credit will be awarded according to the pre-approved equivalencies established by the academic department and published in the college catalog.
3. Credit will be granted without a grade, but it may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. (See Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements)
4. Credit will not be used to calculate grade point averages.
5. No tuition or fees will be charged for professional certification or licensure credit.
6. Students should be aware that professional certification or licensure credit may not be accepted by another college or university.

Credit through the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy

In accordance with Board Policy 06.18.01 – Credit through the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, Lake Land College grants course credit for two semesters of foreign language, including sign language, if a student’s high school transcript indicates that the student has been awarded the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. The student must request the course credit through the Lake Land College Admissions and Records Office within three (3) academic years after graduating from high school. Credit is based on criteria established by the State Board of Education and the following provisions apply:

1. Students must submit a final high school transcript verifying receipt of the State Seal of Biliteracy.
2. Students must request course credit for the Seal within three (3) academic years after graduating from high school and must be currently enrolled at Lake Land College at the time of the request.
3. Credit will be limited to the foreign languages the College is approved to offer as follows:
   1. ENG110/111: Manual Communication-Deaf and Advanced Signing
   2. FLG140/141: Elementary Spanish I and I
4. Credit will be granted without a grade and will not be used to calculate grade point average but may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. (See Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements)
5. No tuition or fees will be assessed for the credit to be awarded.
6. Students should be aware that the credit may not be accepted by another college or university.

Degrees and Certificates Awarded

The Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree will be awarded to those students who pursue a course of study leading to transfer to a four-year college or university. The requirements for the degree are as rigorous as those at the four-year college or university and upon completion of the requirements students are admitted with junior standing to those colleges and universities that endorse the General Education Compact Agreement sponsored by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Students select either the associate in arts or the associate in science degree based on their intended major and the requirements of their four-year college or university.

The Associate in Engineering Science degree will be awarded to those students who pursue a course of study leading to transfer to a four-year college or university with a major in engineering. Degree requirements differ significantly from the associate in arts and associate in science degrees so students need to follow precisely the curriculum model for the associate in engineering science degree. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architectural or chemical engineering should consult a counselor before choosing the degree path to follow.

The Associate in Applied Science degree will be awarded to those students who meet the specific requirements based on occupations, semi-technical and technical curricula. Students pursue this degree in order to obtain training for immediate employment in business or industry.

The Associate in Liberal Studies (ALS) degree will be awarded to those students who complete a liberal course of study. The ALS degree provides a student with a unique opportunity to develop an individualized program that crosses traditional academic disciplines. This degree permits a student to develop a learning program that may be focused toward a career, personal interest, and enrichment or a combination of these objectives. For more information, contact Counseling Services.

Certificates will be awarded to students who complete the prescribed program model as listed in the catalog. Certificate programs are occupationally oriented and vary from six credit hours to one year of study. Certificate programs requiring less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for federal Title IV financial aid or the Illinois Monetary Award Program grant.

Baccalaureate/Transfer Program Guarantee

It is the policy of Lake Land College that students graduating with an Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Engineering Science degree, or an Associate in Science degree be guaranteed the transferability of Lake Land articulated credits earned in the degree program and identified in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), Transferology, or another official articulation agreement as transferrable to a baccalaureate degree-granting Illinois public college or university. If an articulated course that was selected from Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), Transferology, or another official articulation agreement and successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better within three years of initial enrollment is not accepted for transfer by an Illinois public college or university, Lake Land College will refund tuition paid by the student for said course.

Notification and Conditions
To call the guarantee, the student must submit a letter to the Transfer Coordinator showing evidence of acceptance at and enrollment in the transfer institution and stating which credits did not transfer along with a letter from the transfer institution stating why the course(s) did not transfer. If the College verifies that the course(s) should have transferred according to an articulation through the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), Transferology, or another official articulation agreement in effect at the time the course was taken and when the transfer was attempted, and if the College is unable to rectify the problem with the transfer institution, the student’s tuition paid for the course(s) will be refunded. No refunds will be issued for tuition paid by a third party. (See Board Policy 06.07 – Baccalaureate/Transfer Program Guarantee)

Occupational Program Guarantee

It is the policy of Lake Land College that students graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate in a career/occupational program be guaranteed competency in the technical skills that the program is designed to teach in the degree or certificate. Graduates of degree programs who jointly with their employers determine they are lacking in the technical skills contained in the program and graduates who have been unsuccessful in passing required licensure exams after two attempts shall be permitted to enroll in up to 15 credit hours of retraining for a degree or 9 credit hours of retraining for a certificate, tuition free. Impacted nursing graduates who fulfill specific vendor remediation requirements as listed in the nursing handbook are eligible to participate in the vendor supplied National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) remediation program for no additional cost.

Notification and Conditions
This policy shall become effective with new degree- or certificate-seeking students of the 1994 fall term. All course work for the degree or certificate must have been completed at Lake Land College with a grade of “C” or better within three years of initial enrollment at the College, and the graduate must have been employed full-time in a job directly related to their training within one year after graduation from the program. Upon written verification from the employer
within six months of the graduate’s initial employment that the graduate lacks competency in specific technical skills as represented by the degree or certificate information printed in the College Catalogue or other printed matter, a retraining plan will be developed through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Services. The retraining will be limited to courses regularly offered by the College on the main campus and must be completed within one calendar year. (See Board Policy 06.08 – Occupational Program Guarantee)

General Education Requirements

Lake Land College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the Illinois General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) between participating institutions. Complete of the GECC at any participating college in Illinois assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree have been satisfied.

Students who complete the IAI GECC may request to have the General Education Core Curriculum Credential noted on their Lake Land College transcript. Specific courses that apply to each category are identified in the Lake Land College catalog.

General Education Requirements for Transfer Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree (AA)

The General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) is fully incorporated into the Associate in Arts degree as defined by the IAI.

Associate in Science Degree (AS)

The AS degree, designed specifically for select science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors, includes a modified general education core as defined by the IAI. Students who complete the AS degree may complete an additional six (6) hours of IAI GECC courses (one course in Humanities and Fine Arts and one course in Social and Behavioral Sciences) at Lake Land or following transfer to the four-year university to meet the GECC requirements.

Associate in Engineering Science Degree (AES)

The AES degree is highly structured to require extensive, sequential mathematics and science courses required for study in Engineering. This degree includes a reduced general education core as defined by the IAI. Students who complete the AES degree may complete the GECC following transfer to the four-year university or meet the university’s lower division general education requirements.

General Education Requirements for Workforce Ready Associate in Applied Science Degrees

The AAS degree is highly structured to prepare individuals for employment in a specific field. General education requirements for this degree include the following. Specific courses that meet general education for each AAS degree are identified in the Lake Land College catalog.

Improving Human Relations

It is the policy of Lake Land College to include in its General Education Requirements course work on improving human relations. This policy includes improvement in understanding about race, ethnicity, gender and related issues as they impact on racism, gender bias, and sexual harassment.

The General Education course work addresses the issues of race, ethnicity, gender and other issues as they relate to racism and sexual harassment as a part of its discipline. Each discipline includes course work which is appropriate to that area of study. (See Board Policy 06.06 – General Education for Associate Degrees)

Grade Appeals

Grade appeals must be initiated by the student no later than the end of the sixth week following the close of the semester for which the assigned grade was recorded. Grade appeals begin with the instructor of the course, the division chair or the vice president for academic services by utilizing the Academic Request form. The vice president for academic services has the final approval of grade appeals.

Grade appeals for students enrolled in correctional programs follow the above process, with the exception that the grade appeal process begins with the appropriate associate dean of the correctional site, with final approval made by the appropriate dean of the correctional site. (See Board Policy 07.27 – Grade Appeals)

Grade Exclusion Policy

Students are offered a once-only opportunity to improve their grade point average, provided they meet the following conditions:

1. They must not have been enrolled in credit courses at Lake Land College for at least five (5) consecutive calendar years from their last enrollment period.
2. They must have completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 or better at Lake Land after the five- (5-) year waiting period.
3. Only “F” grades that were earned in a single semester or term of enrollment will be excluded.
4. The Grade Exclusion policy cannot be applied before the minimum credits, waiting period, and grade point average are earned.

Students planning to transfer to another institution are cautioned that the receiving university may use all grades earned in excluded courses for a computation of grade point average for admission or other purposes. Eligible students should see a counselor or academic advisor to begin the process and submit the Grade Exclusion Request form at the Admissions and Records Office. (See Board Policy 06.54 – Grade Exclusion)

Graduation Requirements

In accordance with Board Policy 07.24 – Graduation Requirements, Lake Land College is authorized to grant the following degrees to students who successfully complete the requirements of certain prescribed curricula:

• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Science
• Associate in Engineering Science
• Associate in Applied Science
• Associate in Liberal Studies (ALS)

Certificates are granted in technological fields to students who completed the required courses in accordance with prescribed standards developed by the College.

The requirements for each degree and certificate will be recommended by the faculty and approved by the President. The requirements shall be based upon the needs and interests of the students and of the community and shall reflect requirements of the Illinois Community College Board, transfer institutions, and/or accrediting associations.

Required of All Students in Degree Programs

Students will be eligible for graduation when they have met all of the following requirements:

1. Met all College admissions requirements.
2. Fulfilled all general and specific requirements in one of the associate degree curriculums listed in the catalog. Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degree major requirements may vary from sample college transfer curriculum depending upon the students’ selection of courses to meet four-year college requirements.
3. Accumulated the minimum semester hours required for the specific degree.
4. Accumulated a grade point average of 2.00 (C) in the general and specific requirements for the degree. Only courses at the 040 course level or above will count toward graduation with the exception of RDG 050 which also does not fulfill graduation requirements.
   1. The final grade point average for graduation of students who have made a major career program change only includes those credit hours and grades of courses applicable to meet the requirements of the major.
   2. The final grade point average for graduation of transfer students does not include grades earned at other institutions for courses accepted toward graduation at Lake Land College. Advanced standing and transfer credit are granted for courses passed in accredited colleges and universities. Accredited is defined to include only the Higher Learning Commission or other regional accrediting agencies.
   3. Students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Physical Therapist Assistant programs must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses to remain in, and graduate from, the program.
   4. Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program must earn a grade of “C”or higher in all  MAP courses and MCS-095 to remain in, and graduate from, the program.
   5. Students enrolled in the John Deere Tech program must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all JDA classes and TEC-048 to remain in and graduate from the program. Any student receiving less than a “C” in these classes will be required to withdraw from the program and repeat the class during the next scheduled offering prior to continuing in or graduating from the program.
   6. A grade of “C” or better is required in Composition I and II (ENG 120 and ENG 121) to graduate with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science Degree.
5. Completed at Lake Land College at least 15 credit hours required for the degree. Hours earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and CLEP do not count toward the 15 credit hours.  Credits transferred from other colleges are evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
6. Filed a Notice of Intent to Graduate with the Admissions and Records Office by the posted date of the semester in which the student will meet academic graduation requirements.

NOTE: A student who discontinues attendance for a full year or more will be subject to requirements in the current catalog at the time of registration. The student is responsible for proper registration each semester and satisfying all graduation requirements.

Requirements for More than One Associate Degree

Students may earn one Associate in Arts and one Associate in Science degree. Students may earn multiple Associate in Applied Science degrees. To earn more than one degree, students must meet all general and specific curriculum requirements for each degree. Students completing more than one degree according to catalog requirements in effect prior to Fall 2016, may not earn both an Associate in Science (A.S.) and an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree.

It is important that students meet with their academic advisor or counselor to ensure appropriate course selection because not all courses are applicable to a degree, or intended for, or accepted as transfer credit to senior institutions.

Students who seek more than one degree from Lake Land College are subject to published deadlines to file an Intent to Graduate form with Admissions and Records for each degree.

Required of All Students in Certificate Programs

Students will be eligible for graduation when they have met all of the following requirements:

1. Met all College admissions requirements.
2. Fulfilled all general and specific requirements in one of the certificate programs listed in the Catalog.
3. Achieved a “C” (2.00) average or received a grade of P (Pass) in those courses applicable to meet the requirements of the certificates.
   1. Students enrolled in the Massage Therapy and Practical Nursing programs must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses to remain in, and graduate from, the program.
   2. Students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program (MAP) must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all MAP course and MCS-095 to remain in, and graduate from, the program.
4. Completed at Lake Land College at least one-half of the total number of semester hours required for the certificate. Hours earned through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and CLEP, do not count toward this one-half. Credits transferred from other colleges are evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
5. Filed a Notice of Intent to Graduate with the Admissions and Records Office by the posted date of the semester in which the student will meet academic graduation requirements.

NOTE: A student who discontinues attendance for a full year or more will be subject to requirements in the current catalog at the time of registration. The student is responsible for proper registration each semester and satisfying all graduation requirements.

Graduation with Honors

In computing the final grade point average for graduation with honors, only courses and grades earned at Lake Land College will be used. The final range of cumulative grade point average (GPA) to be awarded graduation honors are as follows: Cum Laude, 3.50 – 3.64 GPA; Magna Cum Laude, 3.65 – 3.79 GPA; and Summa Cum Laude, 3.80 – 4.00 GPA.

Only those students completing degree requirements or a certificate program of twenty-four (24) hours or more can be designated as graduating with honors. The Grade Exclusion Policy (06.54) will not affect the calculation of the final grade point average used to determine graduation with honors status.

Honors for spring candidates for degrees and certificates are tentative and are based upon their cumulative grade point average for courses taken at Lake Land College during the previous semesters. Summer candidates for graduation, although allowed to participate in the spring graduation ceremony, will not have an honors designation listed in the program. However, at the time candidates are certified for graduation, a notation will be placed on their academic transcript and diploma indicating they graduated with honors. (See Board Policy 07.25 – Graduation with Honors)

Incomplete Grades

A student who is unable to complete the requirements for a course during the scheduled time period due to illness or other extreme circumstance may request the instructor to assign a grade of “I” (Incomplete) and be allowed to complete the course during the next scheduled term (excluding summer).

To receive a grade of “I”, the student must have been maintaining a passing grade at the time of the documented illness or extreme circumstance, the instructor must agree that this is an appropriate grade for the specific circumstance, and the student and the instructor must complete and submit a Request to Obtain an Incomplete form to the instructor’s Division Chair with final submission to the Admissions and Records Office no later than the grades-due date of the term.

The student must then complete the requirements for the course prior to the mid-term date of the next scheduled semester.  After the requirements have been completed, the instructor will determine the grade the student earned (A, B, C, D, F, or P) and report it to the Admissions and Records Office.  Once an “I”grade is assigned, the student may not withdraw from the course. Any “I” grade remaining after the mid-term date will automatically be changed to an “F” grade.

Students should be aware that assignment of an “I” grade may impact their financial aid.

Students affected by this procedure are referred to the grade appeal section of the catalog. (See Board Policy 07.17.01 – Incomplete Grade)

Independent Study

Students may pursue supervised study for one-half (0.5) to four (4.0) semester hours of credit on an independent basis for academic work which reflects a reasonable and moderate extension of current Lake Land College courses. Students are permitted to enroll in Independent Study with permission of the instructor and approval by the division chairperson and the vice president for academic services. (See Board Policy 06.23 – Independent Study)

Outcomes Assessment

Because of its commitment to continually improve the quality of educational experiences, Lake Land College uses information from and about students to improve instructional programs and general education. Outcomes Assessment is the process of measuring student performance and using the results to improve programs. The process is integral to the College’s affirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission’s North Central Association. To ensure that adequate information is available, students will be asked to participate in personal interviews, to take program and/or general education assessments, or to complete surveys.

Student Classifications

In accordance with Board Policy 07.13 – Student Classifications, the Admissions and Records Office evaluates all student Application forms and classifies students as follows:

Degree-Seeking Students: Students who are seeking a Lake Land College degree or certificate of 24 or more credit hours.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students: Students enrolled in courses at Lake Land College who are not pursuing a degree or certificate of 24.

Re-Admit Students: Students who have interrupted their continued enrollment for at least one full year.

Continuing Students: Students who have a continuous enrollment status including enrollment interruptions lasting for less than one full year.

Non-Credit Students: Students enrolled only in special interest, non-credit courses which do not apply toward a degree or certificate program.

New Student: A first-time enrollee at Lake Land College who has not enrolled in a degree or certificate program at any other institution of higher education.

Transfer Student: A student who has taken course work at any other institution of higher education.

Freshman: A student who has earned 28 college credits or less.

Sophomore: A student who has earned 29 college credits or more.

Full-time Student: A student is any student who is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the fall or spring term or six or more credit hours during the summer term.

Part-time Student: A student who is enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours during the fall or spring term or fewer than six credit hours during the summer term.

Transcript Evaluation

An official evaluation of college transcripts, Lake Land College, other colleges or military credit, is available to students by filing a Transcript Evaluation request online or at the Admissions and Records Office. Student copies will not be evaluated. If an informal evaluation is done, the student assumes responsibility for course selection.

Transfer to Other Colleges and Universities

Students intending to transfer to other colleges or universities are encouraged to plan their programs with a counselor to ensure compatible course selection.

The General Education Compact Agreement provides that any student who earns an associate degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program [Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree] at Lake Land College shall enter the following senior colleges and universities with a junior standing, having fulfilled all lower division general education requirements of the senior institution:

• Chicago State University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Governors State University
• Illinois State University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northern Illinois University
• University of Illinois – Springfield
• Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and Edwardsville
• Western Illinois University

Students who opt not to complete the A.A. or A.S. degree are advised to complete the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum. This option assures students that when they transfer to a senior institution they will have met all lower division general education requirements.

Students transferring without completing the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree and who have not completed the General Education Core Curriculum will have their transfer credits evaluated on a course by course basis. Also, these students will be required to meet the general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.