Student Handbook

Welcome, students! This handbook will answer many of the questions you have about CCCOnline and provide quick access to information. We suggest that you spend some time browsing through this handbook before you begin your first semester at CCCOnline.

Click on the links in the index below. Each link will open in new window, so you can return to the index page easily.

Since we want this handbook to meet your needs, please send suggestions for additional handbook entries to the Support Request Form.

INDEX

( All links open in a new window )

Academic Calendar

CCCOnline’s Academic Calendar is available at http://ccconline.org/courses/ac_calendar.htm. Check here for current and upcoming term dates, including when registration and classes begin, drop dates, and term ending dates.

Academic Honesty/Plagiarism

Students are expected to follow the Academic Honesty/Plagiarism policies of their home colleges (available in the college catalogs).

The majority of problems with academic honesty involve plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as the act of using words and/or ideas from another person or source without acknowledgment of debt to that person or source and is a serious academic crime. Students are expected to do their own work.
Please discuss this issue with your instructor if you have any questions.
See Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities in this handbook for more information on Academic Dishonesty.

Access Codes

Some courses at CCCOnline use course materials called E-Packs, which are provided by the textbook publisher at no additional charge to you. In a few cases you will need an Access Code in order to complete your login to these courses and access all course information.

If your course uses an E-Pack, the access code will generally be included with your textbook if it is ordered through the CCCOnline Bookstore. If you order your textbook elsewhere, you will need to purchase the E-Pack Access Code separately. See WebCT Digital Content/Student Access Codes if you need to purchase an access code.

Accessing Courses

Once the semester begins, you can access your CCCOnline delivered courses (those courses with a section number of C11, C12, etc.), by following these steps exactly:

1. Go to: http://ccconline.org
2. Select “Login to Courses!”
3. Select the link to “All Other WebCT Courses and Programs”
4. Select “Log in to myWebCT”
5. Enter your WebCT ID and Password as listed below:

WebCT ID: (case sensitive) Example: B12345678
Password: (case sensitive) Your 4-digit college PIN

(To have your PIN emailed to the email address listed in your college records, please follow the directions here: http://www.cccodevelopment.cccs.edu/web-ct/en8/pin_help.html.)

If you have any trouble accessing your course(s) please visit the Support Center at http://ccconline.org/support/. (NOTE: You will not be able to access any courses until approximately noon of the first day of the term.)

Accessing Student Records

The Records and Admissions offices at your home college can answer any questions you have about your application, transcripts or your college record. See the “Apply-Register-Drop-Withdraw” column of the Colleges Information table for contact information.

Your home college is responsible for maintaining the security of your academic records. Under the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the information in your file may only be released under specific conditions. As a current or former student, you have complete access to your records in compliance with requirements under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-389 Subsctn. 513,88 Stat. 571;29 U.S.C. 1232q). Contact your home college for more information.

Accreditation

Through CCCOnline, you can now earn fully accredited Associate of Arts degrees and Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Certificates in various disciplines. Colorado Community Colleges are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

The American with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodations to be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability, either learning related or physical, who requires an accommodation to participate in college programs, services, or activities please contact the Student Services office of your home college.

If you are enrolling or enrolled in a course and you have a learning or physical disability that will require special accommodation, please notify your instructor immediately upon enrollment.

Special Services
To receive disability accommodations, all students must document their disabilities and register with the Special Services Office at the home college campus.

Requests for accommodations must be submitted each semester, at least three weeks prior to the time when the service is needed. Home college will accept requests, but we cannot promise that the desired service will be available with less than three weeks notice. Some requests will take more than three weeks to process. Please register for courses with us and contact your home college’s Special Services Office early.

Students with disabilities have rights and responsibilities in the post-secondary setting. You have the right to accommodations in order to access college programs and services provided that you

1. have documented your disability, and your documentation shows the need for the requested service;
2. have met any college or program entry requirements that apply to you;
3. have given reasonable notice of your need for accommodations;
4. have followed established procedures in working with Special Services, your faculty, and other college offices;
5. are not asking for a modification that fundamentally alters the requirements and expectations of the program, activity, or service;
6. are not asking for an accommodation that would create a financial hardship on the college.

Add, Drop and Withdraw from Courses

How to Register/Add Courses:
Once your application has been approved you are ready to register for courses. If you have not been notified that your application is approved within 2-3 business days, and you are ready to register, call the admissions office at your home college to obtain your student ID number (your social security number will not work) and PIN. Your student ID number begins an alpha letter followed by eight numbers (for example, B12345678). Your Student ID and PIN are both required in the registration process.

The dates your home college will permit registration are listed on the Calendar link in this web site (http://www.ccconline.org). Check the term dates to decide which term fits your schedule. For example, in fall and spring semesters there are two sessions: Session 1 classes last for 15 weeks; Session 2 classes begin five weeks later, and last only 10 weeks. Summer semester is 10 weeks long. Registration dates will vary by session.

Registration Step-by-Step:
http://www.ccconline.org/register/

How to Drop or Withdraw:
Dropping (which is dropping the course early in the term) and Withdrawing from courses (dropping the course later in the term) must be done through your home college, which then notifies CCCOnline. Your instructors cannot do this for you. See the Academic Calendar for the Drop Date and Withdrawal Date for the current semester. Tuition refund policies vary by Home College. (NOTE: Dropping a course removes the course from your transcript entirely; a Withdrawal will show on your transcript as a grade of “W.”)

1. Start at this web site (http://www.ccconline.org).
2. Open the Colleges Information table.
3. Click on the “Apply-Register-Drop-Withdraw” link next to the name of your home college.
4. “Welcome to CCCWeb” for your home college will open. Click on “Click Here to Continue.”
5. Enter your assigned student ID and PIN.
6. Select “Drop/Withdraw a Course” from the Registration options.
7. You will see your current schedule of courses. Under the “Drop/Withdraw?” column, click in the box next to the course you wish to withdraw from or drop.
8. Click on the yellow “Drop/Withdraw Selected Courses” button.
9. After you have completed the drop/withdraw process, please go back and view your schedule to make certain the desired course(s) has been dropped.
10. If you have difficulty with withdrawing or dropping, contact the registration office at your home college.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your course(s) or
CCCOnline, please email the CCCOnline Student Services or call 1.800.801.5040.

Admissions Policy

The admissions policy follows guidelines of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education:
1) Prospective students are not required to have a high school diploma or a GED to be admitted.
2) Applicants 16 years of age or older not enrolled in a secondary program, who have not completed high school, or fail to meet the requirements for regular-student status may be admitted as special students. They must also contact their college’s academic advisor prior to applying for admission.
3) All new students are required to take an approved math and English placement test. Exceptions made for the following:
• Students who hold an associate degree or higher
• Students who do not wish to earn a degree or certificate
• Student who have achieved acceptable ACT scores (18 or over in English and 19 or over in math) or SAT scores (Verbal 440 and math 460) within the last five years
• Students who have received previous credit for college level English or math.
4) High school students enrolling through CCCOnline under terms of the Postsecondary Options Act (juniors and seniors, 16 years of age or older) must obtain approval from their high school.

The program reserves the right to place students in classes on the basis of advising, assessments, pre-enrollment interviews, and past educational achievement. Admissions questions may be directed to the Director of Student Services at 1-800-801-5040.

Advising Services

At CCCOnline we have found that academic advising is essential to a positive and successful college experience. Advising can save you time and money and could mean the difference between success and failure in college.

Completing a college education will require a major commitment of your time, energy, and financial resources. We know you want to be successful in college, and you want to realize your educational goal as quickly and affordably as possible. Academic advisors can help you meet your particular educational objectives, which might include a degree/certificate program, career advancement, transfer to a four-year institution, or personal goals.

Since CCCOnline students receive academic advising from their home college, if you have any questions about your degree program or about what courses you should take, contact an advisor at your home college. The web addresses are listed on the Home College Contact Information page. You may also contact us through the Support Request Form or call us 1-800-801-5040.
Other advising services include Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), and Colorado Career Information System (COCIS). See your home college advisors for information on these services.

Additionally, your CCCOnline instructors are great resources for information about the courses and programs in their departments. They are happy to answer your questions.

Application Process (How to Apply to CCCOnline)

Admissions and How to Apply

How To Apply:
1. Start at this web site (http://www.ccconline.org). Read through the information in the Getting Started tab and click on Basics You Need to Know and then on “What is a Home College” and “Finding a Home College.”
2. After determining which college offers the program you need, open the Colleges Information table.
3. Click on “Apply and Register at…” under the name of your home college.
4. “Welcome to CCCWeb” for your home college will open. Click on “Click Here to Continue.”
5. Click on ADMISSION APPLICATION.
6. Complete your application and submit it to your home college
• REMEMBER YOUR ASSIGNED STUDENT ID AND PIN, AND TO INCLUDE YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS.

You must WAIT 48 to 72 hours for your application to be processed, and then you can register for courses.

Attendance Policy

CCCOnline courses are not self-paced; this means that there are definite start and end dates for courses, and it is not possible to register for courses after the term starts.

Student participation in courses is expected. Although CCCOnline does not take “attendance,” courses will have requirements for participation that will affect your grade. In general, you are expected to log on to each class 3 to 5 days each week. See the course syllabus for specific information on how your participation contributes to your course grade.

CCCOnline does not provide vacation days, nor do we schedule a Spring Break. It is your responsibility to work with your instructor to be sure any absences you have will not affect your learning outcomes.

Books

All CCCOnline courses require textbooks. Many courses also require additional materials (study guides, CD-Roms, etc.) which will be included when you order your course materials through the CCCOnline Bookstore. Ordering your books from another source will not guarantee that you will receive all required course materials.

To see what materials are required for your course, visit the CCCOnline Bookstore.

Browser Tune-up

The Browser Tune-up is a quick program that makes your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.) work optimally with WebCT. It takes just a few moments to run, and you’ll find it worth your time. No undesirable changes will be made to your browser.

You can access the Browser Tune-up from http://www.webct.com/tuneup, and it is also available in every course.

Business Office

CCCOnline has no independent business office. Your home college’s Business Office offers services including cashiering, third party billing, issuing promissory notes, invoicing outstanding accounts and refunds, disbursement of financial aid and other functions relating to cashiering and accounts receivable.

CCCOnline Specific Certificates

CCCOnline offers courses for many vocational certificates. Visit http://ccconline.org/courses/, and on the left side of the page click on Available Certificates. Specific certificate requirements are listed under each emphasis area.

CCCOnline Specific Degrees

Information on all degrees offered at CCCOnline is available at http://ccconline.org/courses/. On the left side of the page, click on Available Degrees for information on which degrees are offered. For specific degree requirements, click on Degree Emphasis and choose the area of study which interests you.

Career Planning and Job Placement

Students will have access to a wide range of services provided by their home college. This support to students ranges from one-on-one counseling and career assessment, to faculty advisement and job referral. Faculty within each career and technical area are subject-matter specialists and are knowledgeable about the job market for their specialty in Colorado.

We encourage our students to use the Colorado Career Information System (eCOCIS) which is a self-directed, computerized career planning and information software program. It taps students into career options in Colorado including descriptions of job duties, wages, occupational specialties, hiring requirement, work settings and employment outlook. This software is available in the Advising lab and information can also be found at CCCOnline. Additional career assessment instruments will be available in the future.

http://cocis.eureka.org/index_ecocis.html (link opens in new window)

Catalog

Your home college can provide you with a printed catalog. See your home college web site (available from the Colleges Information table) to see if a downloadable version of the catalog is also available.

Common Course Numbering

All community colleges in Colorado use common course numbering. This means that the course numbers, titles, descriptions, and competencies are the same throughout the community college system. This way you are assured that the course you take at CCCOnline is comparable to the same course taken at a home college.

Complaints

As much as we strive for all experiences at CCCOnline to be positive, there are occasionally situations where a student might have a complaint. If you have a concern regarding a course or a faculty member, please contact the appropriate program chair and/or the Academic Dean.

If your concern is with an issue outside of a course, then please fill out the Student Support Request form, which goes directly to the CCCOnline Student Services staff.

In either case, your concerns are important to us, and will be addressed.

Commitment to Diversity

All of the partner institutions of CCCOnline recognize that diversity is a measure of quality within academic institutions, and therefore foster a multicultural environment that promotes pluralism and values human differences. Students of different ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, educational backgrounds, sexual orientation and educational goals are welcome at CCCOnline.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) refers to college equivalent education acquired through non-traditional schooling, work or other life experiences. A CPL handbook is available upon request in the Advising Office of your home college.

E-Learning Quality Assurance Manual

CCCOnline follows an extensive E-Learning Quality Assurance Manual. This Manual is your assurance that your courses at CCCOnline meet stringent quality requirements. The requirements encompass most aspects of online course delivery, from course design to student/faculty and student/student interaction as well as necessary student support services.

The Quality Assurance Manual is not yet available online, but can be reviewed or purchased through Student Services.

Emails

Your email address is the major avenue of communication between CCCOnline and you. It is vitally important that you keep CCCOnline informed of your correct email address. Your instructor/s and Student Services will communicate with you through this address.

Student Services sends a few “broadcast” email messages (e.g., regarding course booklists, last day to drop dates, etc.) each semester, and your email address will be included in the recipients’ list of those emails. If you do not wish your email address to be known to others, you will want to obtain a separate email address (such as a Yahoo email account) to be used for this purpose. Please be certain that the email address you specify is one that you check at least a few times a week so you do not miss important information throughout the semester.

Spam Problems
One other issue about email: make sure that CCCOnline’s emails to you are not filtered out by anti-SPAM program you are running. Generally CCCOnline email will be identified by a person’s name listed as firstname.lastname@ cccs.edu.

E-Packs

Some courses at CCCOnline use course materials called E-Packs, which are provided by the textbook publisher at no additional charge to you. In a few cases you will need an Access Code in order to complete your login to these courses and access all course information.

If your course uses an E-Pack, the access code will generally be included with your textbook if it is ordered through the CCCOnline Bookstore. If you order your textbook elsewhere, you will need to purchase the E-Pack Access Code separately. See WebCT Digital Content/Student Access Codes page if you need to purchase an access code.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Please visit the FAQ section of the CCCOnline website for quick answers to commonly asked questions.

Faculty

CCCOnline faculty members are committed to the excellence of your education. The majority of our faculty reside in Colorado, where they are working professionals in their fields, college instructors, or both. Although the faculty teaching your courses may not be from your home college, all our faculty are experienced professional educators.

All faculty meet the requirements of the Colorado State Board of Community Colleges and of the North Central Accreditation Agency. Faculty members undergo intensive training in order to teach at CCCOnline, and also are committed to ongoing professional development to further their teaching expertise.

Many faculty biographies are available on the program homepages.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office at your home college awards assistance to students so that they may pursue a higher education. Both federal and state regulations and laws govern financial aid, and the financial aid process can be confusing and difficult to complete. It is the goal of Financial Aid to help students through the process and to ensure that funds exist for eligible individuals so that they may attend school and achieve their educational goals.
Book vouchers for Financial Aid Students MBS Book Voucher Form
Pueblo Community College students use the PCC Book Funds Voucher

Students taking CCCOnline delivered courses may be eligible for a wide range of federal, state and institutional financial aid including loans, grants and work-study. Student awards are dependent upon student eligibility and on the availability of funds at the student's degree-granting institution (home college). You can contact the financial aid office at your home college to get more information. Details on student eligibility and institutional requirements are outlined in the official publications of each college, which are available at your home college. For more information contact the Student Services office at 1-800-801-5040.

Eligibility Guidelines may include
· Enrolled minimum half-time as regular student
· U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
· Making satisfactory progress in course of study
· Not in default on a Federal Loans at any educational institution
· Not owed a refund on a Federal Grants at any educational institution.
View the FINANCIAL AID web site for more information.

The Financial Aid Process

Step 1 - Applying for Financial Aid
You may apply for financial aid with the assistance of the financial aid officer at your home college by completing the Federal Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and related application forms. Applications may be submitted to the federal processor electronically, through the financial aid office of the home college, or through the mail. The results of the application for student aid will be sent by the federal processor directly to your home college, which then will verify the application information, contact you for any additional information and clarification needed, and notify you of the student aid award.

Step 2 - Financial Aid Awards
Your home college will review all the documentation and make the financial aid awards. Financial aid awards will be based upon all the credit hours (including those at CCCOnline) you are taking. The initial awards reflect the amount of financial aid available for full-time attendance. Final awards will be adjusted based on your actual enrollment.

If you have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED, you may be eligible for financial aid once you have achieved the minimum scores on the federally approved placement assessment. The assessment is available through your home college’s Academic Advising Office.

Step 3 - Payment of Aid
You may obtain your awarded funds at the business office of your home college, or the funds may be mailed to your address on record. You are responsible for paying tuition and fees. After you have paid all charges on your account, you may use any remaining funds to reimburse yourself for books and materials.

Students receiving financial aid must meet the funding institution's regulations, attend classes, and make satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to be eligible for financial aid. Students who withdraw or cease to attend during the semester will be subject to federal refund and repayment provisions or may be required to repay a portion of aid received. CCCOnline will collect attendance information from the faculty at appropriate intervals during the semester. Attendance information, including the last date of attendance, for students who withdraw or cease to attend, as well as final grades, will be forwarded to your home college. At the end of each semester, your home college will review student grades and progress toward their degree.

To find out more - visit your Home College to see if you qualify!

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is located at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov (opens in a new browser window).

Global Students

The term “Global Student” refers to students who are not US Citizens, and are living in a country outside of the United States. Global students are welcome at CCCOnline, but need to apply and register through a home college. Contact a Home College for application details and to obtain a student ID number.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are issued through your home college after the semester is over. You may check your grades online through your CCCOnline classes for approximately one week after the end of the term.

Grading Scale

CCCOnline does not currently mandate a specific grade scale. The grading scale for each course is included in the course syllabus.

Contact your instructor if you have questions about how the final course grade is determined.

Grievance Process/Grade Appeals

A grievance matter is any alleged action which violates written college policies, state laws, federal law, is arbitrary or capricious or is discriminatory in regards to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Grades can only be appealed if the student can substantiate that the grade was arbitrary and capricious on the part of the faculty member and/or if the faculty member did not follow the course syllabus. Matters that cannot be grieved include those matters in which the college is without authority to act, academic decisions (unless there is an allegation the decision was influenced by discrimination), and disciplinary actions.

We encourage you to resolve the issue at an informal level by discussing the concern with the appropriate responsible staff/faculty member or their supervisor. If you are unable to resolve the concern, then you may proceed to the formal grievance process.

For all issues relating to academic concerns (i.e., grades, faculty conduct, course content), you should send a written statement describing the actions complained of and the remedy you are seeking to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will determine whether or not the matter is one in which the college has the authority to act.

For all other issues, refer to the grievance policy for your home college to determine the proper course. Filling out the Support Request Form can assist you in determining the proper course to follow for your home college.

High School Students

If you are a high school student 16 years of age or older, the State Board for Community College and Occupational Education policy BP 4-10 allows you to be admitted to a Colorado community college. The president of the college at which you apply may grant a waiver of the minimum age based on extenuating circumstances unique to the role and mission of community colleges.

To be successful at CCCOnline, it is important for you to have basic computer literacy skills. You will need to have access to the Internet and an email account. You will be expected to participate in online discussions with your instructor and classmates. Since there is no scheduled meeting time, you are expected to be self-directed and to spend a minimum of six hours of study weekly for every three credit hours enrolled.

Current high school students do not need a GED or high school diploma to enroll in CCCOnline courses. Students may enroll in CCCOnline courses as part of their high school graduation plan or in pursuit of their educational goals.

Check with your high school counselor first to see if your CCCOnline coursework can apply for high school credit. For information about enrolling for dual credit, contact the admissions office at your home college to obtain the appropriate paperwork.

Tuition Reimbursement for Colorado Students Only - Under the Colorado Postsecondary Options Act (enacted 1998), you or your parents are responsible for paying the college tuition when you enroll. If you pass core course with a C or higher, your high school district is required to reimburse you or your parents for the amount of tuition paid for up to two courses per academic term.
If you are not a Colorado high school student, but attend high school in another state, the Colorado State Postsecondary Options Act does not apply to you. Check with your high school counselor to see if your state has a similar program.

Housing

CCCOnline is a virtual college and does not provide student housing. For more information concerning on campus resident hall living, please contact your home college.

Incomplete Grades:

The incomplete (I) grade is a temporary grade, agreed upon by the instructor, indicating that the student has a satisfactory record of work completed but, for exceptional reasons, was unable to complete the final assignments. It is designed for students who, because of documented illness or circumstances beyond their control, are unable to complete their course work within the semester but have completed a majority of the course work (75-85% of the course assignments and tests) in a satisfactory manner (C grade or better). The student is responsible for initiating the request for an incomplete (I) grade from the instructor.

If circumstances beyond your control at or near the end of the semester would prevent you from completing the course, consult your instructor immediately. The instructor will determine whether you have a reasonable chance of satisfactorily completing the remaining activities.

In requesting an incomplete (I) grade, the student should email the instructor the following information for evaluation:

Documentation of Circumstances: Evidence of completion of 75-85% of the semester course work at a C-level or higher.
Completion of a work plan (contract) that includes what and how assignments and tests will be submitted to complete the course.
1. The time period in which the work must be completed. Any time limits specified by your home college will apply, generally either one or two full semesters (summer excluded). The course shell will be available the following semester only.
2. The grade to be assigned if the work is not completed.
Both the instructor and the student must acknowledge this written email and keep a copy of the acknowledgment as documentation.

NOTE: You are encouraged to let the instructor know as soon as possible if you are having difficulties with any part of the course. However, incomplete (I) grades are granted at the discretion of the instructor and are not automatic. At no time will the incomplete (I) grade be used as entrance into another current or future course section for completion of the work. In the case of further questions about a specific incomplete request, learners may contact the Academic Dean via our online Support Form .

International Students

Each participating institution is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant, alien students. An international student is a student who lives in the United States, but IS NOT a U.S. citizen and NOT classified by U.S. Immigration as a resident alien and who holds an F-1 Visa. These students must contact the International Student Advisor their home college.

International students are required to submit the following documents:

1. An application for admission

2. A high school, college, or equivalent transcript, and a certified English translation (official copies)

3. A statement of financial resources that shows sufficient funds, as determined by the college, to provide for a stay in the United States (minimum of $14,000)

4. One of the four following requirements must be fulfilled to demonstrate English proficiency
   •Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), minimum
     score of 500
   • Michigan Test scores of at least 80% on each individual
     section
   • A passing grade in English 121 and 122, or its equivalent,
     completed at an institution accredited by one of the seven
     regional accrediting agencies in the USA.
   • Graduation from a U.S. high school, with satisfactory
     completion of two years of standard high school English

5. All international students are required to present to their home college an insurance policy, written in English, showing adequate insurance for accident/illness; repatriation coverage; and medical evacuation coverage. Medical insurance for one full year must also be purchased at time of registration, but the cost will be refunded if the student can provide the college with proof of other medical and accident insurance that provides coverage in the United States. After materials are reviewed and approved, the U.S. Immigration Form I-20 A. B. will be issued.

Internships

Internships may be available; please contact your home college for more information.

Library Services

CCCOnline Students may obtain library services through both their Home College and the CCCOnline Library.

Netiquette

“Netiquette” (Internet and Email Etiquette) refers to suggestions for making online communications as effective as possible. Since CCCOnline is a virtual institution, we recommend that all course participants take a few moments to read the suggestions available at Yale University Library Email Etiquette site. These brief explanations will assist you in being as effective and courteous in online communication (including course discussions and email) as in face-to-face communication. (See also Student Expectations and Responsibilities, Mutual Respect in Online Communications.)

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action

CCCOnline, and all of its partner institutions, are equal-opportunity educational institutions and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, or sexual orientation for programs, activities, or employment, in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability, either learning related or physical, who requires an accommodation to participate in college programs, services, or activities please contact the Student Services office of your home college and they will contact CCCOnline Student Services.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Some courses will require prerequisites, which are courses you must have completed before taking the current course. Information on prerequisites is included in the course information in the Session Schedule. Also, some courses will require a co-requisite, meaning you must be enrolled for both courses at the same time. Make sure you check the Session Schedule to be certain that you are meeting prerequisite and co-requisite requirements.

Privacy Policies

Student Records
Your home college is responsible for maintaining the security of your academic records. Under the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the information in your file may only be released under specific conditions. As a current or former student, you have complete access to your records in compliance with requirements under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-389 Subsctn. 513,88 Stat. 571;29 U.S.C. 1232q). Contact your home college for more information.

Email
Your email address is the major avenue of communication between CCCOnline and you. It is vitally important that you keep CCCOnline informed of your correct email address. Your instructor/s and Student Services will communicate with you through this address.

Student Services sends a few “broadcast” email messages (e.g., regarding course booklists, last day to drop dates, etc.) each semester, and your email address will be included in the recipients’ list of those emails. If you do not wish your email address to be known to others, you will want to obtain a separate email address (such as a Yahoo email account) to be used for this purpose. Please be certain that the email address you specify is one that you check at least a few times a week so you do not miss important information throughout the semester.

One other issue about email: make sure that CCCOnline’s emails to you are not filtered out by anti-SPAM program you are running. Generally CCCOnline email will be identified by a person’s name listed as firstname.lastname@ cccs.edu.

Records and Admissions Offices

The Records and Admissions office at your home college can answer any questions you have about your application, transcripts or your college record.

Please select your college from the Colleges Information table.

Refunds

In some cases you may be entitled to a refund when you drop a course before the drop date. Your home college issues refunds in the same manner in which you paid (e.g., if you paid by credit card your refund will be posted to your credit card account). Contact the business office at your home college to verify their policies on refunds.

Residency/Tuition Classification

You are a Colorado resident or non-resident according to the information on your admission application at your Home College (CCCOnline Home Colleges). Generally, to be a Colorado resident you must have lived in Colorado for the 12 months immediately preceding the semester for which you are enrolling. If you are under the age of 23, your parents or legal guardian must have lived in Colorado for the previous 12 months. Your Home College will review your application and determine residency status. For complete residency information contact your Home College (CCCOnline Home Colleges).

Self-Paced Courses

CCCOnline courses are not self-paced; this means that there are definite start and end dates for courses, and it is not possible to register for courses after the term starts.

See the Course Schedule in each course you take for information on assignment due dates.

Sexual Harassment

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs. All of the partner institutions of CCCOnline, by virtue of their commitment to the ideals of dignity, equality, and mutual respect for all people, deplore and condemn any form of sexual harassment. It is the intent of the partner institutions to comply with both the letter and the spirit of Title IX to make certain discrimination does not occur or adversely affect the educational environment. All of the partner institutions have a legitimate and compelling interest in prohibiting sexual harassment and have an obligation to discipline those who do engage in sexually harassing behavior.

Sexual Harassment is a violation of federal law, a violation of professional ethics, and a form of discrimination. It is the policy of the partner institutions of CCCOnline that unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or educational opportunity; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individuals; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment. Such conduct will not be tolerated. Substantiated charges will result in disciplinary action, which may include expulsion. We will take care to keep the accusations as confidential as possible.

Student ID Cards

Please contact the student services office at your home college to obtain a student ID card. Go to Find a Home College page and select your home college link.

Student ID Numbers

Your Student ID is the same ID you used to register for CCCOnline courses through your “home” college. Your student ID number begins with an "S" followed by eight numbers (for example, S12345678). Your Student ID number is not the same as your Social Security Number.

You will need this number to be able to access CCCOnline courses. If you forget your Student ID Number, please contact your home college.

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

You will use the same 6-digit PIN you used to register for CCCOnline courses through your "home" college. You will need to use your PIN as your password on the login page. (NOTE: You can change your PIN if you choose to do so. Contact your home college for details.)

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities

A. Rights
Please note that the following categories of student rights, freedoms, and responsibilities apply in principle to all students enrolled in programs delivered by CCCOnline; however, even though you are a student of record at one institution, you may fall under the specific policies and procedures of the other participating institutions that govern those rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. Generally, policies and procedures of the participating colleges will govern students, from any institution, who are registered in their courses. Determination of who has final authority should any problems arise will depend on the issue, where it took place, and who was involved. In any event, the Vice President for Student Services at the student's home college shall be the initial point of contact for all students in CCCOnline delivered courses. Please consult the catalog and student handbook of your home college for the policies and procedures that govern your specific program. In all cases, questions can be directed to the Support Request Form for CCCOnline.

B. Freedoms

In addition to rights extended to students enrolled in courses delivered by CCCOnline, individuals also have rights and freedoms under federal, state, and local law. Some of those college-related rights and freedoms include:
1. Freedom of access to the college and college facilities, services, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Colorado statutes, and college policies and procedures

2. Freedom in the classroom, including the right to:
• inquire about, discuss or express any views, provided such activity does not infringe on the rights of others
• expect professional conduct from faculty
be informed of the academic standards expected in each course
• have privacy in regard to personal or scholastic information (in accordance with the Privacy Act and college policy)
• have access to faculty members during their posted office hours

3. Freedom on campus, including the right to:

• be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, national origin, handicap, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other grounds
• discuss and express in an orderly way any view in support of any cause, without disrupting college operations or infringing on the rights of others
• be informed of institutional procedures and other expectations
• have access to services without unreasonable delays
• expect professional conduct from college employees
• appeal application of college policies and procedures in accordance with established processes

C. Responsibilities - Code of Conduct

1. Mutual Respect in CCCOnline Communications:

A very important aspect of learning is an environment that provides for respectful communication. The CCCOnline learning community is based on the value of mutually respectful communication.

Upon enrolling in courses delivered by CCCOnline, students assume responsibility for respectful communications with other students and with course instructors, including communications, which do not disrupt the online environment.

a. Violations of Mutual Respect in CCCOnline Communications:

Disruptive Communications:

Definition
• communications which disrupt the respectful learning environment.
• use of profanity, insulting or harassing remarks in email, discussions, chat or telephone communications.

b. Consequences

• A student who participates in disruptive communications forfeits the right to further class participation and is subject to removal from all CCCOnline delivered courses for the given term without reimbursement by CCCOnline or the student’s home college.

• A student who is suspended more than once for disruptive communications forfeits the rights to further enrollments in CCCOnline delivered courses.

2. Violation of Rights and Freedoms

Upon enrolling in courses delivered by CCCOnline, students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with an educational institution. Each participating institution expects students to obey the federal, state, and municipal laws as well as institutional regulations. Any act which interferes with the learning process, or the rights of others, disrupts or impairs the normal functioning of college operations, damages or destroys property, or impairs health or safety is grounds for suspension or expulsion. If students neglect or ignore this responsibility, the participating institutions must, in the interest of fulfilling their function, institute appropriate disciplinary action.

Specific MISCONDUCT which may subject students to disciplinary action includes but is not limited to the following:

Any act of academic dishonesty, which include, but are not limited to:

CHEATING - intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.

FABRICATION - intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

FACILITATING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY - intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate a provision of the institutional code of academic integrity.

ONLINE MISCONDUCT - intentionally sending bulk email (spamming) for non-course related purposes or assisting others in sending bulk email. Harassing other online students through the intentional distribution or facilitating the distribution of non-course related correspondence. Online misconduct also includes any attempts to alter or interfere with the normal functioning of the online classroom environment.

PLAGIARISM - the deliberate adoption or reproduction of ideas or words or statements of another person as one's own without acknowledgment. (This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all acts of academic dishonesty, but is a guide to help instructors and students understand what constitutes academic dishonesty.)
• possession of examinations, answer keys, reserve library materials, computer software, computer codes, or laboratory materials.
• unauthorized changing of grades on an examination, in an instructor's grade book or grade report or unauthorized access to academic computer records.
• unauthorized selling or purchasing of examinations, papers, computer programs, or assignments.
• stealing or the malicious destruction of another student's notes or materials (including computer file materials) or having in possession such materials with the owner's permission.
• forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College record, documentation, identification card, educational materials or property.
• failure to make satisfactory settlement for any debts to the College.
• obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other authorized activities.
• the actual or threatened physical abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the welfare or safety of any such person.
• theft of, or damage to, college owned or college-controlled property or property of any member of the college community.
• unauthorized entry to or occupation of facilities.
• unauthorized or fraudulent use of the facilities, telephone and telecommunications systems, mail system or computer system, or use of any of the above for any illegal act, tampering, or any act prohibited by the Student Conduct Code.

3. Disciplinary Actions

The Support Request Form for CCCOnline is the initial point of contact for investigating allegations of student misconduct, and will make the determination as to which institution has jurisdiction over the issue.

Transcript Issuing and Evaluations

You must be a currently enrolled student to receive an official transcript credit evaluation. Transfer credit will be evaluated course by course, based upon declared degree or certificate. A written confirmation of the credit awarded will be posted on your record.

It is your responsibility to provide all required documents. Documents become the property of your home college and will not be released to you or transferred to other institutions. The home college is responsible for the evaluation of credits.

Your home college issues official transcripts. If you want to have a copy of your transcript sent to a college or an employer, complete a "Request for Transcript " form available in the Student Services office at your home college, or an official transcript can be ordered online by selecting your home college. Enter your student ID number and PIN and follow the on-screen directions for ordering an official transcript. There is a small fee for ordering an official transcript online. Unofficial transcripts can be viewed online for no charge. Copies ordered in person or via regular mail may have as charge as well—this varies by home college. Please allow for processing time. No transcript will be provided for a student who has not fulfilled all financial obligations.

Transfer of Credits

CCCOnline is a great starting place for anyone who plans a transfer to a four-year school. This web site will help you learn about the transfer process at the Colorado Community Colleges. It is not a substitute for direct contact with your advisor. Meet with your home college advisor or counselor each semester to plan your semester schedule, transfer plan and assess your progress. Remember to contact the four-year school you wish to transfer to regarding up-to-date transfer polices.

Starting at a community college has these benefits:

Convenient classes: Small class sizes, day and evening classes, and distance learning provide options that fit most students' schedules.

Cost: Tuition and fees are substantially lower than most four-year colleges and universities. CCCOnline does not charge an application fee.

No ACT or SAT scores required: Assessment is required by State of Colorado mandate. However, exemptions may be given if appropriate college courses have been completed successfully in College Algebra and English Composition or appropriate scores in ACT or SAT exams that are less than 2 years old or you have already earned an associate degree or higher. Fees for assessment vary by college.

State of Colorado General Education Transfer Program: Colorado's agreement between public colleges and universities guarantees that when a student completes an A.A. or A.S. degree (at least 60 semester credit hours of coursework completed with a grade of "C" or better in every course) a student may transfer to a public baccalaureate program with a Liberal Arts and Sciences major (e.g. English, history, mathematics) and graduate after earning an additional 60 semester credit hours. To transfer under this agreement, the following requirements apply:

Grades of A, B, or C must have been awarded for every course

Transfer credit: Transferred courses will be evaluated for the home college’s course equivalency and applied to certificate and degree requirements according to state and college policy. Guaranteed transfer courses may be completed at Colorado public higher education institutions. Completion of courses at any other institution may meet the home college’s degree requirements but does not guaranteed transfer of A.A./A.S. degrees.

Credit for Prior Learning: Credit earned through prior learning methodologies including CLEP, Advanced Placement, articulation, military, corporate, challenge exam, portfolio credit, substitutions, or independent study may meet various Community College's degree requirements, but invalidates the guaranteed transfer of A.A./A.S. degrees. Refer to your home college catalog, or talk to your home college advisor, for complete information about the guarantee transfer agreement.

Important Note: This Transfer Agreement does not apply to majors in Education, Business, Engineering and Nursing, and may exclude other pre-professional majors. Contact an advisor or counselor to review the transfer implications of this program.

Smooth transition: A little overwhelmed by the four-year schools? CCCOnline is a good place to gradually get acquainted with higher education.

Be sure to see an advisor or counselor from your home college to plan and monitor your transfer program! Here is why...

With Transfer Advising

Without Transfer Advising

You will find out which classes can transfer.

You may take courses that do not transfer.

You will find out how to receive junior status at most state colleges or universities.

It may take longer to reach your educational goal.

Transcripts

All transcripts, official and unofficial, are issued by your home college. Contact your home college for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition must be paid to your Home College. CCCOnline does not collect tuition and has no access to your account information. You should contact the Cashier/Business Office at your Home College if you have any questions or concerns regarding tuition.

CCCOnline Resident tuition is $ 225.40 - 89.00 = $136.40 per credit hour for all Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) registered students (e.g. the cost of a 3 credit course is $409.20 plus the cost of books and materials).
CCCOnline Resident tuition is $ 225.40 per credit hour for non-registered COF students.
CCCOnline Non-Resident tuition is $225.40 (e.g. the cost of a 3 credit course is $667.20 plus the cost of books and materials).

Tuition rates are set by the Colorado State General Assembly at the recommendation of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) and are subject to change without notice.

All CCCOnline courses require a minimum enrollment (usually 10). If the minimum is not achieved, the course is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

There are no general fees for CCCOnline courses; however, your home college may charge additional fees for specific courses.

Students will have textbook and material costs. To order materials using your awarded financial aid funds, please complete the CCCOnline Bookstore Vouchers. Please see individual course requirements for more information.

Payment Options

Options for CCCOnline course(s) payment are listed below and may vary depending on your Home College:

***Please Note: if payment is not received by the end of the drop/add period you will be removed from your online course(s).

Payment Option 1 Online Payment*Credit card acceptance may vary by Home College. Pay online using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or an Online Check and payment will be recorded by your Home College.

Payment Option 2 In-Person or Telephone
Payments may be made in person at the Cashiers Office of your Home College.

Payment Option 3 Financial Aid
Financial Aid is awarded to eligible recipients by the Home College. Contact your Home College for information regarding Financial Aid (CCCOnline Home Colleges).

Payment Option 4 Tuition Deferred Payment
It may be possible to arrange Tuition Deferred Payment through your Home College.

The following colleges may offer deferred tuition payment:

Colorado Northwestern Community College
Community College of Aurora
Front Range Community College
Pueblo Community College

Payment Option 5 Third Party Payment
Procedures for processing third party payments may vary by Home College. Contact your Home College Cashier/Business Office for specific information.

Veteran Assistance

The consortium of Community Colleges assists veterans who have eligibility under the GI Bill chapter of education benefits. Please contact your home college Student Services Center to assist you in your needs regarding Veteran benefits and affairs.

If you have other questions about VA, log on to www.gibill.va.gov.

WebCT Support

There are several ways that you can receive help with WebCT issues. First, while you are in your course, click on the Help link, which is the last link on the right on the dark blue horizontal bar near the top of the screen. This link will connect you to a searchable index of help topics. Also, you can visit the WebCT Student Resources page for access to helpful information, including FAQs (frequently asked questions) for Students. Additionally, you can use an email help service, called Ask Dr. C, where you can submit questions and receive answers within 24-48 hours.

Contact Us: If you have questions regarding your courses, please first visit the CCCOnline Student Wiki at http://students.ccconline.org to see if an answer to your question is posted there. If you need further assistance, please call 24x7 Technical Support at 1-888-800-9198.