Academic Policies and Procedures

All BPCC students are expected to become acquainted with College policies, requirements, procedures, and regulations. In addition, students are to remain aware of these policies and procedures during their attendance at BPCC.

Academic advisors, counselors, deans, instructors, administrators, and other College officials assist students in becoming acquainted with College regulations; however, students must assume final responsibility for being acquainted with College procedures. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception be granted because a student pleads ignorance of the regulation.

Classification of Students

Freshman

A student with fewer than 30 semester hours of credit.

Sophomore

A student with at least 30 semester hours of credit.

Part-Time Student

A student who does not meet the qualifications for full-time student status.

Full-Time Student

A student enrolled for 12 or more hours of resident credit in a regular semester or six or more hours of credit during a summer semester.

Audit

A student who has been officially admitted to the College (meets all entrance requirements) and who has obtained written permission to audit must complete an audit permit during the dates posted in the Academic Bulletin (www.bpcc.edu/bulletin).

To audit a course, the applicant must complete an audit permit during the dates posted in the Academic Bulletin. A student auditing one or more classes must follow regular admission and registration procedures, pay all fees, and attend class regularly. Failure to comply with attendance regulations could result in suspension from the course. No tests are required. An audit may not be changed to credit or credit to audit after the deadline published in the Academic Bulletin. An audited class may be repeated for credit.

Official Registration

The dates and times for registration are announced in the Academic Bulletin (www.bpcc.edu/bulletin). A period is allotted for extended registration. Extended registration does not excuse a student from missed assignments.

Instructors serve as academic advisors during the academic year. A student is advised according to the curriculum choice and should consult an advisor for guidance in planning course schedules.

The semester hour is the unit of credit. A semester hour is the meeting of a lecture class for one hour a week. A three-hour lecture course meets for three hours a week. Credit for each course is indicated in the course description and also in the Academic Bulletin. Most colleges and universities will allow the transfer of no more than 60 hours from a community college.

Prerequisite requirements are specified in the course description. Students are responsible for completing all prerequisites. Students must make a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.

The appearance of a student’s name on an official class roster is evidence that the student is registered and admitted to class. The instructor must verify the official class roster within LOLA by the deadlines established in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office.

Schedule Changes and Withdrawals

Adding Courses - Courses may be added through the Last Day to Register as outlined in the BPCC Academic Bulletin. Courses may not be added for credit or audit after the dates outlined in the Academic Bulletin. The student can make schedule changes by accessing LOLA (https://ethos.lctcs.edu/authenticationendpoint/lctcs/luminis.jsp).

Dropping Courses/Withdrawing - A course may be dropped through the Last Day to Drop Without a Grade of “W” as outlined in the BPCC Academic Bulletin and the course will not appear on the student’s transcript. The grade of “W” is given when a student drops or resigns from a course until the Last Day to Drop with a Grade of “W” as outlined in the BPCC Academic Bulletin and established by the Admissions/Registrar’s Office. Students may drop courses on the LoLA website (https://ethos.lctcs.edu/authenticationendpoint/lctcs/luminis.jsp).

Responsibilities of Students

All BPCC students are expected to become acquainted with College policies, requirements, procedures, and regulations regarding all phases of College operations. In addition, students are to remain cognizant of these policies and procedures during their attendance at BPCC.

Academic advisors, deans, instructors, administrators, and other College officials assist students in becoming acquainted with College regulations; however, students must assume final responsibility for being acquainted with College procedures. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception be granted because a student pleads ignorance of the regulation.

• Close adherence to curricula assures the student’s completion of all general education requirements and all major requirements.
• The student should be familiar with all the requirements of the degree program and should consult with an academic advisor when necessary.
• Each student assumes the responsibility for scheduling courses that are applicable to degrees and for taking courses in proper sequence to ensure the orderly progression of work.

Students attending evening and/or online classes are expected to assume the same academic responsibilities as all other students. Evening and online students are given the same curricular guidance and counseling as day students. Evening and online students follow the same procedures for admission to the College as other students, including the submission of applications and transcripts. Evening and online students pursuing associate degrees assume the responsibility of scheduling classes to fulfill degree requirements. BPCC does not guarantee that all classes required in an associate degree or academic certificate can be obtained during the evening or online schedule of classes.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege, and students are expected to attend all classes regularly and punctually. Failure to do so may jeopardize a student’s scholastic standing.

• Attendance will be checked every class meeting. A written explanation of expectations regarding class attendance will be included in the instructor’s Syllabus. Ultimately, each faculty member’s individual Syllabus will serve as the governing attendance policy for a particular class and may differ from others based on academic discipline, teaching philosophy, or instructional necessities. Students should refer to each of their instructors’ Syllabi for guidance and seek immediate clarification from their instructors if needed.
• Any student who ceases to attend a class may be subject to a College-Initiated Withdrawal. A student who wishes to withdraw from a course or resign from the College must do so officially by withdrawing from courses online through LOLA.
• When a student has missed 15% of a course, the instructor may remove the student by assigning a College-Initiated Withdrawal. As a result of this action, the student will receive a grade of “WN” for the course if action is initiated prior to the last day to drop. NOTICE: More restrictive attendance requirements may apply in some specialized classes such as laboratory, activity, and clinical courses because of the nature of those courses. Neither the instructor nor the College assumes responsibility for students who are absent from these classes.
• Students who are absent due to participation in school-sanctioned activities, mandatory military exercises, mandated appearance in a court of law (jury duty or subpoena obligations), or physician documented physical or emotional condition must submit official documentation to the instructor to be eligible for assistance in meeting missed course requirements.
• Students who are receiving any type of financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance should consult the rules governing that aid before withdrawing from a course or resigning from the College.

Note: Financial Aid Students: Please refer to the Financial Aid Policy regarding attendance and withdrawal at the following link www.bpcc.edu/financialaid/policies.html.

Intent to Pursue Degree or Certificate

Students pursuing associate degrees and certificates at BPCC must declare their intent to do so. Curricular requirements become effective at the date of the declaration of the academic major and do not date from the point of original enrollment in the College. If the student resigns or does not enroll for one semester, the student would have to meet the requirements of a new curriculum. Financial aid recipients must be enrolled in a degree or eligible technical diploma or certificate program at BPCC. BPCC students may only pursue one associate degree at a time.

Changing Curriculum

Any student wishing to change from one curriculum to another (change a major) should fill out a change of status form available online (www.bpcc.edu/admissions/forms.html) or in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office.

Grading System

“A”
The grade of “A” has a value of four quality points per semester hour and is given for superior work.

“B”
The grade of “B” has a value of three quality points per semester hour and is given for excellent work.

“C”
The grade of “C” has a value of two quality points per semester hour and is given for average work.

“D”
The grade of “D” has a value of one quality point per semester hour and is given for work that is considered minimum for receiving credit for the course.

“F”
The grade of “F” has a value of zero quality points per semester hour and is given for a quality of work that is unacceptable for receiving credit for the course.

“I”
The grade of “I” means incomplete and is given for work which, because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, is incomplete. A time limit may be set by the instructor for completion of the work, but in no case may that be after mid-term of the spring semester according to the Academic Calendar for courses taken in fall semester and not after mid-term of fall semester according to the Academic Calendar for courses taken in the spring or summer semesters. A grade of “I” is computed as a temporary “F” on a student’s transcript until it is changed after the completion of all work for the course in question. If the coursework has not been completed by mid-term of the following semester according to the Academic Calendar, a grade of “F” will be reported.

“W”
The grade of “W” is given when a student drops or resigns from a course prior to the drop date published in the Academic Calendar if regular attendance is maintained.

“WN”
Any student who ceases to attend a class may be subject to a College-Initiated Withdrawal. A student who wishes to withdraw from a course or resign from the College must do so officially by completing the required admissions forms.

When a student has missed 15% of a course, the instructor may remove the student by assigning a College-Initiated Withdrawal. As a result of this action, the student will receive a grade of “WN” for the course if action is initiated prior to the last day to drop.

“P”
The grade of “P” is given for work which meets or exceeds the requirements for a course taught on a pass-fail option. Grades of “P” are not used to compute a grade point average.

“S”
The grade of “S” is given for work which meets or exceeds the requirements for a course taught on a pass-fail option. The grade of “S” is also given when a student successfully completes a credit examination. Grades of “S” are not used to compute a grade point average.

“U”
The grade of “U” is given for work which is below the requirements for a course taught on a pass-fail option. Grades of “U” are not used to compute a grade point average.

“AU”
The grade of “AU” is given when a student has audited a course.

Cumulative Grade Point Averages, Earned GPAs, and Repeated Courses

Repeating a Course - All attempts at a repeated course will be computed into the cumulative grade point average. The highest grade in a repeated course is the grade applicable to the earned grade point average.

Notes:

1. Agencies and organizations which provide financial assistance/scholarships (federal and state government, businesses, etc.) may have requirements relative to course withdrawal and course repeats which are more stringent than those described here;
2. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the effects of his/her enrollment and/or withdrawal upon financial aid.

Earned GPA - Bossier Parish Community College uses the earned GPA to determine eligibility for receipt of academic credentials except in identified curricula where higher GPA’s are required. An earned GPA is defined as the adjusted quality points divided by the adjusted hours pursued within the curriculum of the academic credential being awarded.

1. Adjusted quality points are computed by subtracting quality points received for repeated classes in the curriculum from total quality points;
2. Adjusted hours pursued are computed by subtracting credit hours for “F” grades and repeated classes from total hours pursued in the curriculum.

The earned GPA is certified by the academic division dean. Earned GPA’s are not maintained in the Student Information System as part of the student’s electronic file and are not reported with grades or on the academic transcript.

Note: There is no consistency among colleges and universities with respect to grades in repeated courses in the way in which repeated courses are computed in a student’s grade point average. Limited access programs at Louisiana universities and private institutions might consider the extent to which a student has used course repetitions and the effect on the student’s cumulative grade point average when selecting students for admission. Some institutions have a limit on the number of times a repeated course grade can be used. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the transfer institution in order to be sure of its repeat course/grades policy.

Academic Records

Grade Reports: The College does not issue mid-semester grade reports. Students may verify final grades accessing LOLA. Reports of final grades earned in courses are not mailed to the student.

Chancellor’s List: Each semester the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs submits a list of full-time students whose semester averages are 3.750 or higher (measured on the current semester).

Dean’s List: Each semester the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs submits a list of full-time students whose semester averages are 3.500 or higher (measured on the current semester).

Transcript Record: A student may request a copy of his/her official transcript by accessing LOLA, or by filling out the proper form (www.bpcc.edu/admissions/forms.html), or in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office. However, if the student is indebted to the College, all debts must be cleared before the transcript can be released.

Official Records of Graduation: The official record of student completion of requirements for academic degrees and certificates is located in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office at BPCC. Signed diplomas and certificates are not official certifications of degree or certificate completion at Bossier Parish Community College.

Scholastic Regulations

Scholastic regulations convey the academic standards of a college. The following regulations present the standards of BPCC and convey the academic integrity of the institution. The standards ensure appropriate academic progress at the College and assure students that they are making academic progress. Students who do not meet the following academic criteria and cannot demonstrate the requisite ability, preparation, motivation, or maturity will not be continued as students at BPCC. The College reserves the right to study continually, augment, and enhance its academic regulations and requirements. These changes are incorporated into existing policies, and students are expected to conform to new policies when adopted by the College.

The conditions for probation and suspension were formulated by the Board of Regents to embody the following objectives:

1. To inform the student of the minimum requirements and standards necessary to obtain transfer credits and/or a college degree;
2. To allow the beginning student (first time to attend college) the opportunity to remain a student until at least two enrollments have been attempted;
3. To provide for the student whose academic attainment shows that ultimate success in a college may be in doubt, a trial period during which he is allowed to demonstrate appropriate academic competence;
4. To state the standards and to encourage students to become acquainted with them so that the results and consequences of inadequate performance may be known by students, parents, faculty, and administrators.

Academic Probation, Suspension, and Re-Admission Regulations

There are three categories of academic status: academic good standing, academic probation and academic suspension. Students will receive official notification of academic status. Such notice is not a prerequisite to students being placed in one of the above categories. Students have the responsibility to ascertain their academic status prior to the beginning of the next enrollment period. Specific BPCC programs may have higher academic status rules.

Academic Probation: Students who have attempted a minimum of 15 semester hours will be placed on academic probation whenever their adjusted cumulative grade point averages fall below 2.000. Once on academic probation, a student will remain on probation (as long as each semester average is at least a 2.000) until the adjusted cumulative grade point average of 2.000 or higher is achieved.

Once an adjusted cumulative GPA of 2.000 or higher is achieved, a student will be removed from probation.

Definitions:

Quality Hours: Quality hours are those credit hours for which a student registers and receives a grade of A-F. Credit courses for which a student receives a grade of “P,” “CR,” and “S” are included in earned hours. Courses for which students register, but later withdraw with a grade of “W” are included in attempted hours.

Cumulative Quality Hours: Cumulative quality hours are all hours for which a student has registered and received a final grade of A-F at the college as well as all quality hours accepted in transfer (including hours that would have been accepted had the student not earned a grade of F).

Adjusted Quality Hours: Adjusted quality hours are those credit hours for which a student registers and receives a grade of A-F at BPCC, excluding those credit hours removed from the calculation of the student’s grade point average through those credit hours removed through Academic Amnesty.

Adjusted Cumulative Grade Point Average (adj cum GPA): This GPA is adjusted to exclude those quality hours and grades which have been removed from the calculation of a student’s grade point average through BPCC’s Academic Amnesty. This adjusted cumulative grade point average will include grades earned at BPCC and is used to determine a student’s academic status.

Academic Suspension

Students who are on academic probation who have attempted a minimum of 24 semester hours and who fail to achieve a semester grade point average of at least a 2.000 will be suspended for one semester. If a student is suspended at the conclusion of a spring semester, the student is suspended for the following fall semester. If a student is suspended at the conclusion of a fall semester, the student is suspended for the following spring semester.

A student who has been academically suspended from BPCC at the conclusion of the spring semester may attend the BPCC summer semester without appeal. If the summer semester grade point average is a 2.000 or higher, the suspension for the fall is rescinded. If the student’s adjusted semester grade point average is not at or above 2.000 at the conclusion of the summer session(s), the academic suspension remains in effect for the fall semester.

Academic Status Determination for Transfer Students

A student who transfers to BPCC with an adjusted cumulative grade point average of 2.000 or higher as defined by the last institution attended will be admitted in good standing. A transfer student with less than a 2.000 adjusted cumulative grade point average will be admitted on probation. If the student earns a semester grade point average of 2.000 or higher during the first semester of BPCC enrollment, the student’s academic status will be based on the adjusted cumulative grade point average. If the student fails to achieve a semester grade point average of 2.000 or higher, the student will be suspended for one semester. No student will be suspended before he/she has attempted at least 24 semester hours.

Academic and/or Disciplinary Suspension or Expulsion from Another College

Students on suspension from another institution, should consult with the suspending institution for policies regarding transferability of courses taken at BPCC while on suspension. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this information prior to the start of the semester.

Students suspended and/or expelled from another college or university for disciplinary reasons may not be allowed to enroll in Bossier Parish Community College.

Readmission or Admission After Academic Suspension

A student who has been suspended from BPCC may be considered for readmission in accordance with the following policies:

• A student who is suspended for the first time for academic reasons must remain out of the College for one semester before being considered for readmission. After the lapse of one regular semester on suspension, the student will be readmitted to BPCC on probation. A student who is suspended for the frist time may submit an Appeal of Academic Standing (see Appeal of Academic Standing below).
• A student who has been suspended two or more times for academic reasons must remain out of BPCC for two regular semesters, before applying for readmission. After the lapse of two semesters, the student will be readmitted to BPCC on probation. A student who has been suspended two or more times may not appeal Academic Standing.

Academic Appeal Procedures

Appeal of Academic Standing

A student who believes that his/her academic standing (suspension) does not reflect the quality or quantity of effort put forth, or which is the result of extenuating circumstances, may appeal his/her standing to the Academic Standing Appeals Committee. Students should, at least one week prior to the start of the session, submit the following to the Admissions/Registrar’s Office: 1) an Academic Standing Appeal Form; 2) a letter stating the reasons why the academic standing should be re-evaluated; and 3) documentation (if any) to help their cause. The committee will hold a meeting at which the student’s appeal will be presented. The student will be notified of the committee’s decision. Academic Standing Appeal forms are available online or in the Admissions/Registrar’s office.  (www.bpcc.edu/admissions/documents/academicstandingappeal.pdf)

A student whose Academic Standing Appeal has been approved may not register for future semesters until grades have been posted and the appealed semester GPA is a 2.0 or above. A student who is placed on academic suspension for two or more times is suspended for two regular semesters. The student cannot appeal the suspension of two or more suspensions.

Appeal of a Reported Grade

Appeal Policy: All academic appeals related to grades received in courses must be lodged with the proper appellate authority within 45 calendar days from the date the semester ends. Failure to appeal within the 45 day period will result in the waiver of the student’s rights to appeal the decision. Note: This policy does not apply to students disputing grades received on exams, assignments, research papers, clinical rotations, etc. Those kinds of grade disputes must be resolved between the faculty member and the student within the same semester. This policy does not apply to grades students received due to suspension for non-attendance.

1. A student consults the faculty member regarding a disputed course grade within the timeframe listed above. If the faculty member agrees that a course grade change is warranted, the faculty member will complete a BPCC Grade Change Form and forward the form to the Admissions Office with a copy to the dean.
2. If no satisfactory agreement can be reached with the faculty member, or if the student is unable to contact the faculty member, the student contacts the academic dean. Students consulting the academic dean without first meeting with the faculty member will be referred back to the faculty member.
3. The student may consult the academic dean who determines that the student has first failed to reach satisfactory resolution with the faculty member. If no satisfactory conclusion can be reached between the faculty member and the student, the student completes the top portion of the academic appeals form and returns it to the academic dean.
4. The faculty member is contacted by the academic dean and is given a copy of the Student Academic Appeal Form. The faculty member is required to respond, and may add documentation to the Student Academic Appeal Form, and returns it to the academic dean. The academic dean sends the form and documentation to the Registrar.
5. The committee will hold a meeting at which time the student’s written appeal and Student Academic Appeal Form will be considered. The committee will make a decision, and the Admissions Office or designee will notify the student. The committee may change a reported grade for a reason or may change a grade in the case of emergency circumstances (e.g., death of a faculty member, faculty member leaving the country, etc.). The Student Academic Appeal Form must be completed and signed by the committee chair.
6. If the committee directs a grade change, a Grade Change Form must be completed and signed by the committee chair. The committee minutes will reflect the official action of the committee. The Registrar or designee will notify the student and the faculty member of the committee’s decision.
7. If a student is not satisfied with the committee’s decision, the student may submit a written appeal within four (4) working days to the Chancellor of the College. The Chancellor will respond to the student after review of the written appeal.

Rescinding of Degrees and Certificates

BPCC reserves the right to rescind the awarding of associate degrees and certificates if the College discovers that the degrees and certificates were awarded in error.

Academic Renewal

Bossier Parish Community College provides students who have not been enrolled in college due to academic deficiencies the opportunity to renew their academic record. The student must not have been enrolled in college level course work for one year (12 months), demonstrate that the conditions that led to the academic deficiencies have changed, and complete the necessary steps to be considered for Academic Renewal. Academic Renewal can only be awarded once in an academic lifetime at any LCTCS college and cannot be declared for any period that was previously used for an awarded credential.

The following standards apply:

1. The student must submit an application for admission, submit an official transcript from ALL colleges attended (excluding BPCC), be degree seeking, and be admitted to the College.
2. The student should submit a request for Academic Renewal along with supporting documents to the Admissions/Registrar’s Office before or during the first semester of enrollment.
3. If Academic Renewal is not declared during the first term of enrollment, then the student is eligible to appeal for an exception. Only those courses prior to the one-year lapse of enrollment will be considered for renewal.
4. The student must also submit a letter of explanation to include evidence that there is reasonable expectation of future satisfactory performance.
5. Admissions/Registrar’s Office reviews the academic record to determine eligibility to be considered for Academic Renewal and accordingly approves or denies the request.
6. Denials of requests for academic renewal may be appealed to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for a final decision.
7. BPCC will recognize Academic Renewal granted by other institutions in the LCTCS System without appeal of acceptance.
8. A non-LCTCS institution may choose to accept or deny the transfer of Academic Renewal granted by BPCC. Students are encouraged to investigate the Academic Renewal policy if they plan to transfer to another institution.
9. Applying for Academic Renewal does not ensure approval.
10. If the student is approved for Academic Renewal, the actual implementation of Academic Renewal will be contingent upon successful completion of courses during their first semester after the one-year lapse of enrollment. It will be the student’s responsibility to return to the Admissions/Registrar’s Office for review of the academic success.
11. Successful completion is defined as, “the completion of at least six (6) credit hours with a “C” or better in every course attempted.”
12. If the student does not successfully complete courses (as defined in number 11) during the first term of enrollment after the appeal request, Academic Renewal will not be implemented on the student’s academic transcript and the approval for Academic Renewal will be null and void.
13. If the student successfully completes courses (as defined in number 10) during the first term of enrollment after the appeal request, Academic Renewal will be implemented on the academic transcript. Only credits with grades of A, B, C, S, and P will remain as credits earned to be used to satisfy requirements for awards and will be used in the cumulative GPA.
14. All other grades (considered unsuccessful passes) will be flagged for Academic Renewal. These credits will be excluded from credit earned and will not be used in the GPA. In addition, these credits will not be used to meet graduation requirements or to compute the cumulative GPA leading to awards.
15. These credits, however, will remain on the transcript as attempted hours and will be used to determine eligibility for financial aid. A student who receives Academic Renewal may or may not be eligible for financial aid at BPCC. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Financial Aid for more information.
16. A student who received Academic Renewal will have the total cumulative grade point average (including courses waived by Academic Renewal) considered for academic honors awarded at graduation.
17. If granted, Academic Renewal will be noted on the academic transcript.

Students are cautioned that many undergraduate curricula and graduate professional schools compute the undergraduate grade point average on all hours attempted when considering applications for admission.

Students must sign the application for Academic Renewal certifying that they understand the ramifications and accept all the terms of Academic Renewal.

Graduation Requirements

Students assume full responsibility for awareness of all graduation criteria and for the appropriateness of their credentials applicable toward satisfaction of all requirements. No credential shall be conferred by BPCC until the procedural and academic requirements listed below are met. The following are the criteria for, and conditions of, graduation from BPCC:

• Each student must complete the Application for Graduation with an academic advisor. Students who previously applied for graduation but who did not graduate must file another application the semester they plan to complete requirements.
• Take a survey during the last semester enrolled.
• For credential completion, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of required semester course hours for all credentials, including associate degrees, must be earned at Bossier Parish Community College.
• In order to obtain an associate degree, certificate, or technical diploma, students must make a “C” or higher in all courses which satisfy graduation requirements.
• Developmental courses are not acceptable as electives toward an associate degree or certificate program at BPCC. These include, but are not limited to, CTEC 099 , ENGL 099 , MATH 098 , MATH 099 , and READ 099 . The final determination of the applicability of courses toward completion of academic certification and associate degrees will be made by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs or her designee.
• BPCC reserves the right to determine appropriate academic competencies in the General Education core in all curricula.
• Community education, adult education, and correspondence courses are not applicable toward an associate degree or academic certificate.
• All graduating students must file the Application for Graduation by the date listed in the official College calendar. Students may pursue only one associate degree at a time while enrolled at BPCC.
• During the semester in which students complete all requirements for graduation, candidates’ academic records must be evaluated for compliance with College procedural and academic requirements by the appropriate College personnel, and official certification that candidates have completed all requirements for graduation is certified by the College Registrar.
• In order to participate in commencement ceremonies, students must meet all academic and procedural graduation requirements. If students who are candidates for graduation do not meet all the requirements for graduation by the day of commencement ceremonies, the candidates MUST reapply for graduation the following semester.
• In order to be eligible for graduation from programs in the Division of Technology Engineering, and Mathematics accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), transfer students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 technical credit hours from Bossier Parish Community College.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning evaluation is the process of earning credit for college-level learning acquired through a variety of resources. Through Credit for Prior Learning evaluation, Bossier Parish Community College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge and skills attained through educational or work experiences. Such credit may include - but is not limited to - the institution’s faculty-developed challenge examinations, CLEP, DSST, AP examinations, and other institutional examination programs; industry-based certifications (IBC’s); instruction evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE); and others as approved by the institution’s chief academic officer. Students may be assessed a fee for the administration of examinations and for the evaluation of credentials when credit is being requested.

Relative to the awarding of Credit for Prior Learning, or non-traditional credit, the appropriate faculty/staff of each respective academic area shall determine the level of student performance necessary to demonstrate satisfactory mastery of course content. Students should be enrolled and have successfully completed nine (9) academic course hours at Bossier Parish Community College in order to receive non-traditional credit. Non-traditional credit cannot be used to meet residence requirements.

Non-traditional credit will be recorded on the student’s permanent academic record with a grade of “S.” A grade of “S” is not used to compute the grade point average (no quality points awarded), and the hours of credit will not be considered in determining academic hours, probation, or suspension. Non-traditional credit is limited to twenty-one (21) semester hours. Some programs may prohibit the awarding of non-traditional credit due to external accreditation restrictions.

The purpose of non-traditional credit is to provide the student with a method of receiving academic credit toward a degree at Bossier Parish Community College. Because other institutions may have their own policies for Prior Learning credit and evaluation, they may not recognize this credit toward degrees earned at their institutions.

Eligibility criteria for non-traditional credit include the following:

• Candidate cannot have previously enrolled in the academic course being challenged.
• Candidate has not attempted non-traditional credit for the course on a previous occasion.

Challenge Examinations

“Challenge examinations” are administered in some subject areas by the appropriate academic department for the benefit of the student who believes he/she has already attained the level of knowledge required in the course(s). Accepted courses are listed in the PLA Matrix. (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html)

The procedure for registering for a challenge examination is as follows:

1. Regularly enrolled students (students currently enrolled in other courses or special cohorts of students) in good academic standing may register for a challenge examination in any approved course. No examination can be given to a student who has not properly registered for the examination.
2. Permission to take a challenge examination in a given course will be denied those students currently enrolled in the course, those who have previously attempted the course for credit at any college, those who have earned credit in a higher sequence course, those previously taking a challenge examination in the same course, or those who did not receive approval from the dean responsible for the course.
3. The student’s registration record will reflect the challenge examination course(s) for which the student registered. These courses will not, however, be added into the total semester hour load of the student for determining “full-time” status.
4. Students interested in earning credit by challenge examination should contact the appropriate dean. Examinations will be given according to the times assigned by the dean.
5. Successful completion of a challenge examination will be recorded on the permanent academic record as “credit by examination” with a grade of “S.” Grades of “S” are not used to compute the grade point average (no quality points awarded).
6. The hours of credit will not be used in the computation of grade point averages or considered in determining academic hours, probation, or suspension. In addition, credits earned by examination may not be used to reduce residence requirements.
7. Students  may be assessed a fee for each challenge exam taken.

CLEP®

The College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP®) exams are offered through BPCC’s Testing Center located in D-203. DANTES-funded and self-pay CLEP exams are also offered in the National Test Center located in the Education Building at Barksdale Air Force Base. Accepted courses are listed in the PLA Matrix (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-678-6002 or visit the webpage at www.bpcc.edu/testingcenter. Students should consult the appropriate academic dean for additional information.

DSST™

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams are offered through BPCC’s Testing Center located in D-203. DANTES-funded and self-pay DSST exams are also offered in the National Test Center located in the Education Building at Barksdale Air Force Base. Accepted courses are listed in the PLA Matrix. (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html). Call BPCC’s Testing Center at 318-678-6002 or more information and to schedule an appointment or visit the webpage at www.bpcc.edu/testingcenter. Students should consult the appropriate academic dean for additional information.

Advanced Placement Examinations

Students who attain satisfactory scores on the Advanced Placement Examinations administered by the College Board are eligible to receive credit on the basis of such tests. The student who submits a score of three or higher to the Admissions/Registrar’s Office is given credit for the appropriate course(s).  These examinations are given at high schools which participate in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students must be pursuing an academic certificate or associate degree to receive Advanced Placement credit. Accepted courses are listed in the PLA Matrix. (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html)

National Industry-Based Certifications

BPCC’s Testing Center located in D-203 offers test services that include information technology certifications and many other industry-based certifications. Test services include Castle Worldwide, Certiport, Pearson VUE, Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, NOCTI Business Solutions, Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, Performance Assessment Network (PAN/PSI) including I-9 verifications, ServSafe exam for those who only need the Food Protection Manager Certificate, and many others. Industry-based certifications that are accepted for college credit are included in BPCC’s Prior Learning Matrix  (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html). Instructors will provide students with information about any industry-based certifications required to complete degree requirements and discounted academic vouchers that may be purchased for some exams.

Credit for Military Educational Experiences

Credit for military educational experiences is given to honorably discharged veterans. BPCC may allow credit for courses based on documented military experiences. BPCC does not give credit for First Aid (HLPE 221 ) based on military service. A copy of the veteran’s Joint Services Transcript or other military records should be sent to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation to determine the credit allowed. The maximum number of hours that may be granted from the military as college equivalent course work is 21. Students must be pursuing a BPCC associate degree or academic certificate. The student receives a grade of “S,” which goes towards earned hours on the official BPCC transcript.

Certified Professional Secretary Credit Examination

Up to 18 hours may be awarded to a student who successfully passes the Certified Professional Secretary examination, which is administered by the Institute for Certifying Secretaries. Accepted courses are listed in the PLA Matrix. (www.bpcc.edu/academics/plamatrix.html). For information, students may contact the Division of Business at 318-678-6322.