Academic Information for Students
Academic Advising
ACC will now offer an Advisement Center for help in choosing classes. Located in the OASIS Center in Warren Hall, the Advisement Center is a service that will be open two weeks prior to registration through the end of classes each term. Exact dates and times to be determined so watch for more details.
Students may also schedule advising appointments with faculty who have helped them previously; note: certain academic programs may require an advising appointment.
Visit the Academic Advising section of the web page (http://www.sunyacc.edu/page5453) for even more tips and resources to help you make the most of your educational journey. If at any time you have questions concerning the advising system please contact Mike Prutsman at 832-7707 or prutsmanm@sunyacc.edu.
Assessment
Adirondack Community College is committed to the continuous assessment of student learning and institutional effectiveness in order to improve the education provided by the College. Assessment is an ongoing process of administering and reviewing the results of an array of assessment instruments including surveys, objective examinations, essay assignments, and performances. Students and faculty are asked to participate in the assessment process in association with various courses, programs, and student services in a way that preserves the anonymity of each student and faculty member. The participation of members of the Campus community in the assessment process helps the College to continuously improve the quality of its academic programs and student services as well as to meet the rigorous assessment standards set forth by the State University of New York and the College’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Attendance
ACC has a “no-cut” system. You are expected to assume responsibility for regular attendance at all classes and laboratory sessions unless prevented by illness or other unavoidable situation. Faculty members determine their own policy regarding class attendance, so be aware of the requirements of each of your instructors. Explain any absences to your instructors to avoid possible penalties. Numerous absences, especially without good reason, may have negative consequences. Withdrawals may affect academic standing and financial aid. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from a class. If you must miss class for an extended period, notify the Vice-President for Academic and Student Affairs or the Registrar’s Office. They will notify your instructors.
Change of Program
A counselor or advisor can help to clarify your interests and offer you options relating to your chosen major. Complete changes are usually processed at Priority Registration.
Credit-By-Exam
If you feel that you already possess the knowledge being covered in a course (whether from practical experience, previous structured study, or personal reading), you may be able to earn credit by passing a competency exam. The Registrar’s Office has the required forms and can direct you to the appropriate faculty member or testing service.
GPA
Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. This average is calculated by dividing your total credits attempted into your quality points earned. ACC students are required to have a minimum overall GPA of a 2.0 in order to graduate, as well as to avoid academic probation or dismissal.
Drop/Add
The first five days of each regular semester are set aside for schedule adjustments. Students should be aware of the requirements for their program of study if they are going through this process, to ensure that they will be taking appropriate classes.
Grade Reporting
All student grades (mid-term and final) are available online through the Student Portal. Mid-term grades are “unofficial” and are not part of your permanent record. Your final grades are official and part of your permanent record.
Sale of Term Papers
According to New York State law, prosecutors can seek fines of up to $1,000 against persons caught selling term papers for submission by other students. In addition, it is a violation of the ACC Code of Conduct.
Withdrawal from Adirondack Community College
Officially withdrawing from the College is the responsibility of the student. If you are thinking about withdrawing from college, please talk to your academic advisor or a counselor. Many times, they can offer suggestions, such as withdrawing from one or two classes or applying for scholarships, loans, or other financial aid. If the withdrawal process needs to happen, a counselor will explain the procedure. If you are receiving financial aid, you should check with the Financial Aid Office before final withdrawal, as it may impact both current and future semester eligibility.
Withdrawal from a Course
Officially withdrawing from a class is the responsibility of the student. Withdrawing from a course after the first week of classes gives you a grade of “W” for the class on your permanent record. Official withdrawal during the first ten weeks will be processed directly by the Registrar’s Office and warrants an automatic “W” grade. After ten weeks, it is up to the individual faculty member to approve a grade of “W” for the course(s). Please talk to your advisor or counselor, and a financial aid administrator (if receiving aid) before withdrawing as even one withdrawal can affect present and future financial aid.
Bill Adjustment
To be eligible for a bill adjustment (see billing schedule in the college catalog showing percentage rates by date), you must OFFICIALLY drop or withdraw from a course(s). Official withdrawals require your signature on a withdrawal form OR a letter informing the College of your intentions. The College cannot assume that you have withdrawn because you have stopped attending classes. Failure to officially withdraw may have a negative impact to your GPA and financial aid eligibility. This is time sensitive especially in the first 3 weeks of a semester or the first week in winter/summer session.
Transfer
ACC graduates have successfully transferred to colleges and universities throughout the nation. The key to successful transfer is planning. ACC has many degrees, programs, and courses that are transferable, but much is up to you. It is generally recommended that students complete their associate degree requirements at ACC before transferring.
If you plan to transfer, you should:
1. Investigate possible transfer colleges before admission to ACC. Have two or three specific transfer colleges in mind. The catalog for each transfer college should be studied carefully, with particular reference to the statements regarding “Admission with Advanced Standing” and “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree.”
2. Plan your program of courses at ACC so that it coincides with courses normally required of freshmen and sophomores at the transfer institution.
3. Investigate costs at the transfer institution and design a sound financial plan.
4. Talk with an ACC counselor as part of your transfer plan.
5. Attend FREE ACC’s Transfer Day scheduled for Thursday, October 4, 2007 (12:00-2:00pm in the Student Center or College Night (6:30-8:30pm in the Gym).
There are more than 1,000 four-year colleges in the United States and most accept transfer students and grant transfer credit. SUNY at Albany, SUNY at Plattsburgh, Siena College, and others guarantee full transfer admission into baccalaureate degree programs for ACC students completing parallel associate degree areas of study. (See a counselor about required grade point average and recommended courses). ACC also has formal transfer agreements with other colleges. Additional college catalogs, directories, campus videos, other transfer materials and occupational information are available in our Transfer/Career library, located in the Career Services Office in Warren Hall, or visit our informative transfer website at www.sunyacc.edu/page5142.
