General Policies

Baltimore City Community College Covenant for Success

At Baltimore City Community College, we believe that the seeds of greatness are in each student. It is through

education that the gifts and talents in each student are realized. Faculty, staff, and students have complementary and mutual responsibilities to assure student success. The purpose of this Covenant for Success is to describe those mutual responsibilities.

As a faculty or staff member of Baltimore City Community College, I will:

• Have high expectations for each student; I will not accept mediocrity
• Encourage each student to become all that he/she is capable of becoming
• Value time and end classes on-time and set priorities for the use of time
• Be enthusiastic about my work. I will go out of my way to stay current in my field and find creative ways to teach my subject in a manner that is interesting and relevant to students
• Respect students and value their immense potential; I will not label students or place limitations on them about goals that they are willing to work hard to achieve
• Respect differences among students and encourage students to learn from their differences.

As a student at Baltimore City Community College, I will:

• Be responsible for my education. While others may help me, my success will depend primarily upon what I do to become successful. If it is to be, it is up to me
• Work hard to succeed, including attending all classes and devoting a great deal of time to reading, studying, and doing out-of-class assignments; I will spend at least two hours in outside preparation for each hour of class time
• Value time, come to classes on-time, and set priorities for the use of time
• Set positive, specific, and measurable goals, and visualize myself in possession of them
• Be an active learner; ask questions and seek help as often as needed
• Be honest and maintain the highest level of integrity.

Credits for Non-Traditional Learning

Students who have acquired college-level learning through work or other non-collegiate activities may want to try to earn BCCC credits for these life experiences by taking BCCC’s own department exams or through the College Level Examination Program. A maximum of 30 credits may be earned through departmental exams; 15 through CLEP. Students should contact the Associate Dean of the appropriate department and the Test Center for information and requirements for departmental and/ or CLEP exams.

Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct

Plagiarism means presenting the words or ideas of others without giving credit. A student should know the principles of plagiarism and the correct rules for citing sources. In general, if a paper states or implies that the student is the originator of the words or ideas, the words or ideas must in fact be the student’s own. If someone else’s exact words are used, they should be enclosed in quotation marks with the exact source listed. Someone else’s idea may be put in the student’s own words as long as it is clear whose idea it is (for example, “As Jane Smith points out…”). If the proper ways to give credit to sources are not clear, the student should ask the instructor.

The following conduct constitutes misconduct (not limited to course work) subject to sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct:

• cheating on an examination.
• collaborating with others in work to be presented, contrary to the rules of the course.
• submitting a paper or assignment as one’s own work when part or all of the paper or assignment contains ideas or research of others without appropriately identifying the source of those ideas.
• stealing examinations or course materials. .
• submitting work previously presented in another course, if contrary to the rules of a course.
• tampering with laboratory experiments or computer programs of another student.
• knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above, including assistance in an arrangement whereby any work, classroom performance, examination or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other than the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed.
• removing materials from the library without proper authority.
• infringing on the rights of other students to fair and equal access to academic resources.
• duplicating course materials expressly forbidden by the instructor.
• using tape recorders or other recording devices in a classroom when not specifically authorized to do so by the faculty member.
• ignoring or willfully violating class or laboratory instructions or policies.

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the State of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College that sexual harassment is an unlawful practice and will not be tolerated in any form in the workplace and/or on the campuses. The policy governs any unwelcomed and unsolicited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The policy applies to faculty, administrators, professional staff, other employees, vendors, and students. Any employee or student who believes that sexual harassment by an employee or faculty member has occurred should promptly report the incident to the employee/faculty member’s supervisor or department supervisor. Students who believe they have been sexually harassed by another student should report the incident to the Vice President for Student Affairs. In either case, the Executive Director of Human Resources will conduct an investigation and either recommend disciplinary action to be taken against the employee or student or report that sexual harassment could not be substantiated. A copy of the complete Sexual Harassment Policy may be obtained from the Human Resources Office.

Smoke-Free Environment Policy

For BCCC to fulfill its role and responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for faculty, staff, and students, it is essential to eliminate exposure to the toxic substances produced by tobacco smoke.

Facilities and Areas Affected

Smoking is prohibited within 30 feet of all building entrances. Smoking is prohibited inside all facilities owned, leased, or operated by BCCC including (but not limited to) such space as classrooms, halls, laboratories, studios, open and private offices, corridors, dining areas, restrooms, and common areas. This prohibition also includes all vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the College.

The Use of College Facilities by Outside Parties

All contracts and agreements will include a clause that states that BCCC is a smoke-free environment and, as such, prohibits smoking in all facilities for events including but not limited to conferences, meetings, seminars, concerts, colloquia, receptions, sporting events, and parties.

Tobacco Sales on College Property

There will be no sale of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco at any facility, location, or vending machine owned, leased, or operated by BCCC.

Progressive Counseling/Enforcement

While responsibility for the implementation and effectiveness of the policy lies with all BCCC faculty, staff, and students, ultimate administrative responsibility to achieve Collegewide compliance rests with vice presidents, directors, and staff in charge of the various divisions, units, offices, and facilities. To effect adherence, members of the BCCC community must be willing to inform those unaware of the policy directly and politely or to remind those in disregard of it. If these approaches and efforts are unsuccessful, the individual in violation of this policy will be brought to the attention of the vice president, director, staff member, or other persons in charge for further discussion and progressive counseling.

Smoking Cessation Programs

It is recognized that smokers who wish to stop smoking may require assistance and support. BCCC will sponsor smoking cessation programs and related health promotion activities to help faculty, staff, and students overcome their reliance on and addiction to nicotine.

The Importance of a Collegewide Commitment

For a smoke-free policy to be effective and successful, the commitment of BCCC must be visible, substantial, and total. It is essential, therefore, that the College support and articulate this policy at all levels by all means through appropriate publications, announcements, advertisements, signs, and communications.

Evaluation and Follow-Up

The Smoke-Free Policy will be reviewed and evaluated periodically to determine its impact and effectiveness.

A Drug-Free Campus Plan

1. Policy
   1. In keeping with its commitment to an environment free of the illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol, it is the policy of Baltimore City Community College that the illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol is prohibited on all College property or at any College-sponsored activity.
   2. In order to inform students of their responsibilities under this policy and to meet the College’s responsibilities as set forth in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1993 (Public Law 101-226) and the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Policies Concerning Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control, the following information is provided.
2. Prohibited Conduct
   1. Drugs
      1. Baltimore City Community College prohibits on all campus premises and at all College-sponsored activities the distribution, possession for the purpose of distribution, use, or possession of any controlled substance or illegal drugs.
         Note: Controlled substances and illegal drugs prohibited under the Code are those listed in Schedule I through V, Article 27, Part 279, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   2. Alcohol
      1. Baltimore City Community College prohibits on campus premises and at all College-sponsored activities the unauthorized distribution, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages.
      2. The Office of Student Life may authorize the use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by students on College premises or at College- sponsored activities but prohibits possession or use of alcoholic beverages by any student under the age of 21 or the providing of alcoholic beverages to a person known to be under the age of 21. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed, consumed, or distributed at events on College campuses or College-sponsored events unless advance written approval has been obtained from the Coordinator for Campus Life.
3. Disciplinary Sanctions
   1. Sanctions for the violation of College drug and alcohol policies include disciplinary reprimand or suspension from the College for a first offense and possible expulsion or dismissal for a repeated offense. Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and the College for acts which constitute violation of the law and of College policy.
4. Legal Sanctions under Federal, State, and Local Laws
   1. Drugs
      1. Federal law 21 USCA, Sections 841 and 844 to 845a (1990), states that it is unlawful to possess any controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, for any illegal purpose. If the substance is cocaine or contains a cocaine base, the penalty for simple possession is a fine and/or imprisonment from 5 to 20 years. For other illegal drugs, the penalty for simple possession is a fine of at least $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years. Penalties increase if possession includes intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance, especially near a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school or a public or private college or university. Additionally, any person who violates this law shall also be liable for an amount up to $10,000 in civil penalties.
      2. The State of Maryland has its own laws dealing with distribution, manufacture, and possession of controlled substances. Article 27, Section 286 (1989), Annotated Code of Maryland, states that any person who unlawfully manufactures or distributes any controlled dangerous substance may be fined up to $25,000 and may be imprisoned for up to 20 years for a first offense.
      3. In Baltimore City, under Article 19, Section 58C, City Code, it is illegal to loiter in a certified Drug-Free Zone, with penalties of imprisonment of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $400.
   2. Alcohol
      1. Article 27, Sections 400 to 403B, Annotated Code of Maryland, prohibits any person under 21 from falsifying or misrepresenting his/her age to obtain alcohol or to possess alcoholic beverages with the intent to consume them. It is also illegal in most situations to provide alcohol to a person under 21 or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under 21.
      2. The penalty is a fine of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
      3. Article 2B, Section 211, Annotated Code of Maryland, prohibits a person from drinking any alcoholic beverage while on public property unless authorized by the governmental entity that has jurisdiction over the property; in the parking area or on a mall or other area outside a shopping center or other retail establishment unless authorized by the owner; or in a parked vehicle located on any of the above-listed places unless authorized. The penalty is a fine not exceeding $100 or disposition pursuant to Section 8-510 of the Health- General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which allows for judicial commitment if the individual is found to be a chronic alcoholic.
5. Health Risks
   1. Substance abuse is now recognized as the number-one public health problem in the United States. Approximately 30% of all admissions to general hospitals and 50% to psychiatric hospitals have detectable substance abuse problems.
   2. Substance abuse accounts for approximately 150,000 deaths annually, including deaths from stroke, diseases of the heart and liver, and all alcohol- and drug-related suicides, homicides, and accidents. Early detection can minimize or prevent the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
6. Available Drug and Alcohol Programs
   1. Drug and Alcohol Programs on Campus
      1. Students seeking drug or alcohol abuse counseling or referral may contact the College’s Health and Wellness Center, Liberty Main 26, 410-462-8384.
   2. Alcohol and Other Drug Workshops
      1. The Director of Human Resources and the Coordinator for Student Life will jointly sponsor workshops for students and staff on various alcohol and drug topics. Announcements of these workshops will be presented at both campuses.
7. Responsible Administrative Offices
   1. The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for overseeing all actions relating to the Plan. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall conduct a biennial review of the Plan and its implementation to determine its effectiveness, make necessary changes, and see that disciplinary sanctions are enforced.

9/18/90; rev. 1/97

Student Code of Conduct

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) is a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. We recognize the importance of a Student Code of Conduct that promotes the growth and development of its members, guides actions, and defines sanctions that will be imposed if rules and regulations are violated. For the benefit of the community at large, the Student Code of Conduct limits certain behaviors and activities. Any student whose conduct violates this Student Code of Conduct (the Code) will be subject to disciplinary action. Therefore, all students attending BCCC are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Civility at BCCC is defined as behavior that demonstrates respect for the rights, needs, and feelings of others. The standards of behavior set forth in the Student Code of Conduct allow the College to promote civility within its community.

Student Computer Use and Internet Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. The computer and network facilities of BCCC are provided to support the student’s educational experience. These guidelines set forth standards for responsible and acceptable use of College computing resources. Computing resources include host computer systems, College-sponsored computers and workstations, communication networks, software, and files.
1.2. Violation of this policy constitutes unacceptable use of computing resources and may violate College policies and/or State and Federal law. Suspected or known violations should be reported to the Director of Computer and Information Technology Services or his/her designated representative. Violations will be forwarded to the Student Affairs Division to be adjudicated in accordance with the Student Handbook. Violations may result in revocation of computing resource privileges, student disciplinary action, or legal action.

2. Users Responsibilities

2.1. Users are responsible for safeguarding their logins and passwords and for using them for their intended purposes only. Each user is responsible for all transactions made under the authorization of his/her login. Users are solely responsible for their personal use of computing resources and are prohibited from representing or implying that their content constitutes the views or policies of BCCC.
2.2. Users must comply with all software licenses and copyrights and all other State and Federal laws governing intellectual property.

2.2.1. Any copyrighted electronic information retrieved from computer or network resources must be used in compliance with applicable copyright and other law. Use of electronic versions of text, pictures, icons, etc. must have the proper citation that lists the owner of that material. Plagiarism of electronic information is subject to the same sanctions as apply to plagiarism in other media.
2.2.2. Users may not install software onto the network without first receiving express authorization to do so from the Director of Computer and Information Technology Services.
2.2.3. All software protected by copyright must not be copied except as specifically stipulated by the owner of the copyright or otherwise permitted by copyright law. Protected software may not be copied into, from, or by any BCCC faculty or student, except pursuant to a valid license or as otherwise permitted by copyright law.

2.3. Users are responsible for using standard e-mail and Internet etiquette. This etiquette includes not forwarding private or confidential e-mail to any other person without permission of the sender; not altering or copying a file without first obtaining permission from the owner; not sending chain mail; not sending unsolicited mass mail.
2.4. BCCC provides access to an area on its servers where BCCC students can publish their own personal WWW pages. Web pages published by students in this personal area will not be reviewed by BCCC staff and do not constitute official College communications. The content of those WWW pages is the sole responsibility of their publishers. BCCC shall not be responsible for the material or opinions expressed in these homepages.

2.4.1. When a user creates and publishes a web page, the user is responsible for adding the following text to any web pages published: “Individual faculty, staff, or students have created this web page. Baltimore City College (“BCCC”) makes absolutely no guarantee as to the currency, accuracy, or quality of the information published and/or archived; nor will BCCC accept any responsibility for other organizations, businesses, or private persons who provide information on the BCCC system. The views and opinions expressed on this page or any links made available are strictly those of the web page author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of BCCC. The contents of these pages have not been reviewed or approved by Baltimore City Community College.” This disclaimer can be part of the web page, or there can be a hyperlink from the page to the disclaimer. When using the hyperlink option, the following should be used: “BCCC is not responsible for the content of this page. Click here for the official disclaimer.”
2.4.2. Pages must be used for educational or professional purposes only. No pages created solely or partially for commercial purposes will be allowed without the express written consent of the Director of Computer and Information Technology Services.
2.4.3. In the event that a web page or other Internet resource causes interruption of other BCCC Internet services, the appropriate staff will remove that resource until the cause of the interruption is eliminated.

2.5. Users are expected to follow any additional rules in effect at specific labs.

3. Users are prohibited from

3.1. Sending unsolicited mass mail (spamming)
3.2. Altering system or hardware configurations without authorization or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of computer resources
3.3. Attempting to access another user’s account, private files, or e-mail without the owner’s permission; or misrepresenting oneself as another individual in electronic communication
3.4. Misrepresenting oneself as another individual for the purpose of completing an online test, computer or online assignment. Suspected or known violations will be reported to the Director of Computer and Information Technology Services and will be forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall forward any violations to the Vice President for Student Affairs to be adjudicated in accordance with the Student Handbook.
3.5. Using computing resources to engage in conduct which interferes with others’ use of shared computer resources or disrupts other computer users.
3.6. Using computer resources for illegal activities. Criminal and illegal use may include obscenity, child pornography, threats, harassment, copyright infringement, defamation, theft, and unauthorized access. Conveying threats or harassment is defined as any speech that falls outside the scope of First Amendment protection.
3.7. Using computer resources for political, personal or commercial use.
3.8. Intentionally developing and using programs that disrupt other computer users or which access private or restrictive portions of the system and/or damage the software or hardware components of the system. Computer users must use great care to ensure they do not use programs or utilities which interfere with other computer users or which modify normally protected or restricted portions of the system or user accounts. The use of any unauthorized or destructive program may result in legal civil action for damages or other punitive action by any injured, including BCCC, as well as criminal action.

4. Administration

4.1. A firewall is a part of the College’s computer network. Its purpose is to protect the confidential nature of the College’s computer network. The firewall logs and documents all traffic between BCCC network and the Internet (i.e., user id’s and web pages read). These logs will be used to research violations of the Computer/Internet guidelines.
4.2. The maintenance, operation, and security of computing resources require responsible College personnel to monitor and access the system. To the extent possible in the electronic environment and in a public setting, a user’s privacy will be preserved. Nevertheless, that privacy is subject to the Maryland Access to Public Records Act, other applicable State and Federal laws, and the needs of the College to meet its administrative, business, and legal obligations.

Board of Trustees approval: February 17, 1999

Summary of Financial Aid Recipients’ Rights and Responsibilities

Students who receive financial aid from the College have the right to:

• Know the costs of attendance at the institution
• Know all available sources of financial aid
• To speak with the financial aid officer who has determined their need
• Be informed of all aspects of financial aid packages, including disbursement of aid
• Know the academic expectations of the institution Students who receive financial aid from the College are responsible for:
• Complying with the College’s deadlines
• Reporting any outside awards to the College’s Financial Aid Office
• Remaining in good Academic Standing
• Complying with loan repayment schedules
• Reporting any changes in the family’s or student’s financial status to the Financial Aid Office.

Transfer Policy

General Transfer Policy

It is the policy of Baltimore City Community College that students who have successfully completed college level courses at a regionally accredited college or university will receive credit toward an associate degree or certificate. In addition, exemption from relevant placement tests will be granted. The total number of allowable credits toward an associate degree is 45 or half the credits required for a certificate. Only credits that apply to the chosen program may count toward graduation. Students can earn up to 30 of these transfer hours through transfer of nontraditional credit. Such credits must be evaluated and approved for transfer credit by the appropriate associate dean of Academic Affairs and the Office of Admissions.

Award of Credit for Prior Learning

Transfer credit is reviewed by the appropriate associate dean of Academic Affairs and the Office of Admissions to determine the institution where the course was taken, the completion date, catalog course description including the course number, title and grade.

Students with a cumulative grade point average from a previous institution that is less than a 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale will be reviewed by BCCC. Any course with a grade of C or better will be accepted. Exception: BCCC will accept credits in which a grade of D is earned for general education courses from a student with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale from a regionally accredited Maryland public institution. BCCC will convert transferable courses taken at institutions that operate on a quarter system to semester credit hours. Quarter hours are multiplied by 2/3 to equal semester credit hours. Transfer credit cannot be awarded for a course if credit has already been earned at BCCC. In some cases, BCCC will need to review the official course description or course syllabus to determine equivalency. Upon request, the student must submit the required information.

Transfer Criteria

Credit may transfer if one of the following is met:

1. The institution is regionally accredited by the commission on higher education. BCCC recognizes the following regional accreditations:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Note: Credit may be accepted from institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation or for courses taken while an institution was not regionally accredited on a course by course bases.

2. In addition to traditional articulation agreements with other institutions of higher education, BCCC can establish articulation agreements with high schools, business and industry. Articulation agreements specify award of credit for meeting certain criteria and presenting certain documents.
3. Military Training: The American Council on Education (ACE) must evaluate military training and experience before college credits are awarded.
4. The institution is legally authorized to grant standard college degrees and accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The College may award transfer credit based upon course equivalencies, expected learning outcomes and applicability to BCCC curricula, standards and course offerings. BCCC transfer credit policy complies with COMAR 13B.02.02.16
5. Foreign institutions: Transcripts must be evaluated by a professional transcript evaluation service before transfer credit will be reviewed. BCCC requires the course-by course evaluation from this service to review transfer credit. BCCC accepts only the following transcript evaluation services:

• World Education Services (WES)
• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

Reverse Transfer

Reverse Transfer Students registered at a four-year college or university can take applicable course work and transfer that work back to the College in accordance with BCCC’s transfer policy. Prior Learning/Work Experience Assessment College credit through evaluation of noncredit prior learning or work experience is evaluated by the relevant department. Reverse Transfer Students registered at a four-year college or university can take applicable coursework and transfer that work back to the College in accordance with BCCC’s transfer policy. Apply Credits Toward Graduation Only transfer credits that apply to the chosen program may be used toward graduation. Student must meet with an academic advisor to discuss options and track their academic progress. Official transcripts from other institutions must be current and received by BCCC within one year of the issue date to be considered for transfer credit.

Maryland Higher Education Commission General Education and Transfer Regulations

Rationale

A major premise of the Maryland public higher education system is that a student should be able to progress

from one segment of higher education to another without loss of time or unnecessary duplication of effort. The Maryland Higher Education Commission’s objective is to ensure that a student who begins his/her work at a community college is able to move towards the completion of that degree by transferring to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution without loss of credit or unnecessary duplication of course content. At the same time, the Commission recognizes that some students change their educational objectives as they progress in their studies, indeed sometimes because their studies expose them to new ideas and possibilities. These students should also be able to complete their general education courses and have them transfer without loss of credit. One means of accomplishing this objective is through the development of recommended transfer programs between two- and four-year institutions. The Maryland Higher Education Commission recognizes that students select institutions of higher education for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, effective and efficient transfer of credits between and among these institutions must occur within the larger context of the Statewide structure of baccalaureate and community college education. Successful and harmonious articulation depends upon

• firm agreement that the needs of the student should be a primary concern in developing articulation procedures while maintaining the integrity of educational program;
• the establishment of clear and equitable policies to assure optimum accessibility for transfer students with minimal loss of credits and minimal duplication of course content; mechanisms for evaluating and resolving difficulties students may encounter in moving from one school to another
• free and continuous communications among institutions
• mutual respect for institutions and their missions
• adaptability, with a context of understanding that changes affect not only the institution making changes but also the students and institutions affected by the changes
• free exchange of data among institutions; and
• timely exchange of information relative to students’ progress.

The intended principal benefactor is the student, whose uninterrupted progress towards a degree based on successful academic performance is best served by the open exchange of current information about programs and is best protected by a clear transfer policy pertaining to the public segments of higher education in Maryland. The State’s interests are similarly served through such a policy, which results in the optimal use of its higher education resources by reducing the costly duplication that results in the needless waste of the valuable time and effort of Maryland students, faculty, and administration. Institutional interests and missions are also protected by this systematic approach, which permits them to incorporate into their academic planning more accurate projections about the programmatic backgrounds of transferring students. In more specific ways, this document’s purpose is to

• define broad areas of agreement among the public two-year and four-year institutions of higher education pertaining to facilitating the transfer of students within these segments
• provide a mechanism for continuous evaluation of programs, policies, procedures, and relationships affecting transfer of students
• provide such revisions as are needed to promote the academic success and general well-being of the transfer student
• provide a system of appeals beginning on the campus level to resolve difficulties that students experience in transfer.

While policies and procedures can be established that facilitate the transfer of students, it is the responsibility of the student, as the principal in the process, to know and follow the procedures defined.

Title 13B Maryland Higher Education Commission

Subtitle 06 GENERAL EDUCATION AND TRANSFER Chapter 01 Public Institutions of Higher Education Authority Education Article, 11-201-11-206 Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope and Applicability

This chapter applies only to public institutions of higher education.

.02 Definitions.

1. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
2. Terms Defined.
   1. “A.A. degree” means the Associate of Arts degree.
   2. “A.A.S. degree” means the Associate of Applied Sciences degree.
   3. “Arts” means courses that examine aesthetics and the development of the aesthetic form and explore the relationship between theory and practice. Courses in this area may include fine arts, performing and studio arts, appreciation of the arts, and history of the arts.
   4. “A.S. degree” means the Associate of Sciences degree.
   5. “Biological and physical sciences” means courses that examine living systems and the physical universe. They introduce students to the variety of methods used to collect, interpret, and apply scientific data, and to an understanding of the relationship between scientific theory and application.
   6. “English composition courses” means courses that provide students with communication knowledge and skills appropriate to various writing situations, including intellectual inquiry and academic research.
   7. “General education” means the foundation of the higher education curriculum providing a coherent intellectual experience for all students.
   8. “General education program” means a program that is designed to:
      1. Introduce undergraduates to the fundamental knowledge, skills, and values that are essential to the study of academic disciplines;
      2. Encourage the pursuit of life-long learning; and (c) Foster the development of educated members of the community and the world.
   9. “Humanities” means courses that examine the values and cultural heritage that establish the framework for inquiry into the meaning of life. Courses in the humanities may include the language, history, literature, and philosophy of Western and other cultures.
   10. “Mathematics” means courses that provide students with numerical, analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
   11. “Native student” means a student whose initial college enrollment was at a given institution of higher education and who has not transferred to another institution of higher education since that initial enrollment.
   12. “Parallel program” means the program of study or courses at one institution of higher education which has comparable objectives as those at another higher education institution, for example, a transfer program in psychology in a community college is definable as a parallel program to a baccalaureate psychology program at a 4-year institution of higher education.
   13. “Receiving institution” means the institution of higher education at which a transfer student currently desires to enroll.
   14. “Recommended transfer program” means a planned program of courses, both general education and courses in the major, taken at a community college, which is applicable to a baccalaureate program at a receiving institution, and ordinarily the first 2 years of the baccalaureate degree.
   15. “Sending institution” means the institution of higher education of most recent previous enrollment by a transfer student at which transferable academic credit was earned.
   16. “Social and behavioral sciences” means courses that examine the psychology of individuals and the ways in which individuals, groups, or segments of society behave, function, and influence one another. The courses include, but are not limited to, subjects which focus on:
       1. History and cultural diversity;
       2. Concepts of groups, work, and political systems;
       3. Applications of qualitative and quantitative data to social issues; and
       4. Interdependence of individuals, society, and the physical environment.
   17. “Transfer student” means a student entering an institution for the first time having successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at another institution which is applicable for credit at the institution the student is entering.

.02-1. Admission of Transfer Students to Public Institutions

1. Admission to Institutions
   1. A student attending a public institution who has completed an A.A., A.A.S., or A.S. degree or who has completed 56 or more semester hours of credit, shall not be denied direct transfer to another public institution if the student attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent in parallel courses, except as provided in subsection (4) below.
   2. A student attending a public institution who has not completed an A.A., A.A.S., or A.S. degree or who has completed fewer than 56 semester hours of credit, shall be eligible to transfer to a public institution regardless of the number of credit hours earned if the student:
      1. Satisfied the admission criteria of that receiving public institution as a high school senior and
      2. Attained at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent in parallel courses.
   3. A student attending a public institution who did not satisfy the admission criteria of a receiving public institution as a high school senior, but who has earned sufficient credits at a public institution to be classified by the receiving public institution as a sophomore, shall meet the stated admission criteria developed and published by the receiving public institution for transfer.
   4. If the number of students seeking admission exceeds the number that can be accommodated at a receiving public institution, admission decisions shall be:
      1. Based on criteria developed and published by the receiving public institution and
      2. Made to provide fair and equal treatment for native and transfer students.
2. Admission to Programs
   1. A receiving public institution may require higher performance standards for admission to some programs if the standards and criteria for admission to the program:
      1. Are developed and published by the receiving public institution and
      2. Maintain fair and equal treatment for native and transfer students.
   2. If the number of students seeking admission exceeds the number that can be accommodated in a particular professional or specialized program, admission decisions shall be:
      1. Based on criteria developed and published by the receiving public institution and
      2. Made to provide fair and equal treatment for native and transfer students.
   3. Courses taken at a public institution as part of a recommended transfer program leading toward a baccalaureate degree shall be applicable to related programs at a receiving public institution granting the baccalaureate degree.
3. Receiving Institution Program Responsibility
   1. The faculty of a receiving public institution shall be responsible for development and determination of the program requirements in major fields of study for a baccalaureate degree, including courses in the major field of study taken in the lower division.
   2. A receiving public institution may set program requirements in major fields of study which simultaneously fulfill general education requirements.
   3. A receiving public institution, in developing lower division course work, shall exchange information with other public institutions to facilitate the transfer of credits into its programs.

.03 General Education Requirements for Public Institutions.

1. A. While public institutions have the autonomy to design their general education program to meet their unique needs and mission, that program shall conform to the definitions and common standards in this chapter. A public institution shall satisfy the general education requirement by:
   1. Requiring each program leading to the A.A. or A.S. degree to include not less than 30 and not more than 36 semester hours, and each baccalaureate degree program to include not less than 40 and not more than 46 semester hours of required core courses, with the core requiring, at a minimum, course work in each of the following five areas:
      1. Arts and humanities,
      2. Social and behavioral sciences,
      3. Biological and physical sciences,
      4. Mathematics, and
      5. English composition; or
   2. Conforming with COMAR 13B.02.02.16D(2)(b)-(c).
2. Each core course used to satisfy the distribution requirements of §A(1) of this regulation shall carry at least 3 semester hours.
3. General education programs of public institutions shall require at least
   1. One course in each of two disciplines in arts and humanities;
   2. One course in each of two disciplines in social and behavioral sciences;
   3. Two science courses, at least one of which shall be a laboratory course:
   4. One course in mathematics at or above the level of college algebra; and
   5. One course in English composition.
4. Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues.
   1. In addition to the five required areas in §A of this regulation, a public institution may include up to 8 semester hours in a sixth category that addresses emerging issues that institutions have identified as essential to a full program of general education for their students. These courses may:
      1. Be integrated into other general education courses or may be presented as separate courses; and
      2. Include courses that:
         1. Provide an interdisciplinary examination of issues across the five areas, or
         2. Address other categories of knowledge, skills, and values that lie outside of the five areas.
   2. Public institutions may not include the courses in this section in a general education program unless they provide academic content and rigor equivalent to the areas in A(1) of this regulation.
5. General education programs leading to the A.A.S. degree shall include at least 20 semester hours from the same course list designated by the sending institution for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. The A.A.S. degree shall include at least one 3- semester-hour course from each of the five areas listed in (A)(1) of this regulation.
6. A course in a discipline listed in more than one of the areas of general education may be applied only to one area of general education.
7. A public institution may allow a speech communication or foreign language course to be part of the arts and humanities category.
8. Composition and literature courses may be placed in the arts and humanities area if literature is included as part of the content of the course.
9. Public institutions may not include physical education skills courses as part of the general education requirements.
10. General education courses shall reflect current scholarship in the discipline and provide reference to theoretical frameworks and methods of inquiry appropriate to academic disciplines.
11. Courses that are theoretical may include applications, but all applications courses shall include theoretical components if they are to be included as meeting general education requirements.
12. Public institutions may incorporate knowledge and skills involving the use of quantitative data, effective writing, information retrieval, and information literacy when possible in the general education program.
13. Notwithstanding A(1) of this regulation, a public four-year institution may require 48 semester hours of required core courses if courses upon which the institution’s curriculum is based carry 4 semester hours.
14. Public institutions shall develop systems to ensure that courses approved for inclusion on the list of general education courses are designed and assessed to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

.04 Transfer of General Education Credit.

1. A student transferring to one public institution from another public institution shall receive general education credit for work completed at the student’s sending institution as provided by this chapter.
2. A completed general education program shall transfer without further review or approval by the receiving institution and without the need for a course-by-course match.
3. Courses that are defined as general education by one institution shall transfer as general education even if the receiving institution does not have that specific course or has not designated that course as general education.
4. The receiving institution shall give lower-division general education credits to a transferring student who has taken any part of the lower-division general education credits described in Regulation .03 of this chapter at a public institution for any general education courses successfully completed at the sending institution.
5. Except as provided in Regulation .03M of this chapter, a receiving institution may not require a transfer student who has completed the requisite number of general education credits at any public college or university to take, as a condition of graduation, more than 10-16 additional semester hours of general education and specific courses required of all students at the receiving institution, with the total number not to exceed 46 semester hours. This provision does not relieve students of the obligation to complete specific academic program requirements or course prerequisites required by a receiving institution.
6. A sending institution shall designate on or with the student transcript those courses that have met its general education requirements, as well as indicate whether the student has completed the general education program.
7. A.A.S. Degrees.
   1. While there may be variance in the numbers of hours of general education required for A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degrees at a given institution, the courses identified as meeting general education requirements for all degrees shall come from the same general education course list and exclude technical or career courses.
   2. An A.A.S. student who transfers into a receiving institution with fewer than the total number of general education credits designated by the receiving institution shall complete the difference in credits according to the distribution as designated by the receiving institution. Except as provided in Regulation .03M of this chapter, the total general education credits for baccalaureate degree-granting public receiving institutions may not exceed 46 semester hours.
8. Student Responsibilities. A student is held:
   1. Accountable for the loss of credits that:
      1. Result from changes in the student’s selection of the major program of study,
      2. Were earned for remedial course work, or
      3. Exceed the total course credits accepted in transfer as allowed by this chapter; and
   2. Responsible for meeting all requirements of the academic program of the receiving institution.

05 Transfer of Non-General Education Program Credit.

1. Transfer to Another Public Institution.
   1. Credit earned at any public institution in the State is transferable to any other public institution if the:
      1. Credit is from a college or university parallel course or program;
      2. Grades in the block of courses transferred average 2.0 or higher; and
      3. Acceptance of the credit is consistent with the policies of the receiving institution governing native students following the same program.
   2. If a native student’s “D” grade in a specific course is acceptable in a program, then a “D” earned by a transfer student in the same course at a sending institution is also acceptable in the program. Conversely, if a native student is required to earn a grade of “C” or better in a required course, the transfer student shall also be required to earn a grade of “C” or better to meet the same requirement.
2. Credit earned in or transferred from a community college is limited to:
   1. 1/2 the baccalaureate degree program requirement, but may not be more than 70 semester hours; and
   2. The first 2 years of the undergraduate education experience.
3. Nontraditional Credit.
   1. The assignment of credit for AP, CLEP, or other nationally recognized standardized examination scores presented by transfer students is determined according to the same standards that apply to native students in the receiving institution, and the assignment shall be consistent with the State minimum requirements.
   2. Transfer of credit from the following areas shall be consistent with COMAR 13B.02.02. and shall be evaluated by the receiving institution on a course-by-course basis:
      1. Technical courses from career programs;
      2. Course credit awarded through articulation agreements with other segments or agencies;
      3. Credit awarded for clinical practice or cooperative education experiences; and
      4. Credit awarded for life and work experiences.
   3. The basis for the awarding of the credit shall be indicated on the student’s transcript by the receiving institution.
   4. The receiving institution shall inform a transfer student of the procedures for validation of course work for which there is no clear equivalency. Examples of validation procedures include ACE recommendations, portfolio assessment, credit through challenge, examinations, and satisfactory completion of the next course in sequence in the academic area.
   5. The receiving baccalaureate degree-granting institution shall use validation procedures when a transferring student successfully completes a course at the lower division level that the receiving institution offers at the upper division level. The validated credits earned for the course shall be substituted for the upper division course.
4. Program Articulation.
   1. Recommended transfer programs shall be developed through consultation between the sending and receiving institutions. A recommended transfer program represents an agreement between the two institutions that allows students aspiring to the baccalaureate degree to plan their programs. These programs constitute freshman/sophomore level course work to be taken at the community college in fulfillment of the receiving institution’s lower division course work requirement.
   2. Recommended transfer programs in effect at the time that this regulation takes effect, which conform to this chapter, may be retained.

.06 Academic Success and General Well-Being of Transfer Students.

1. Sending Institutions.
   1. Community colleges shall encourage their students to complete the associate degree or to complete 56 hours in a recommended transfer program which includes both general education courses and courses applicable toward the program at the receiving institution.
   2. Community college students are encouraged to choose as early as possible the institution and program into which they expect to transfer.
   3. The sending institution shall:
      1. Provide to community college students information about the specific transferability of courses at 4-year colleges;
      2. Transmit information about transfer students who are capable of honors work or independent study to the receiving institution; and
      3. Promptly supply the receiving institution with all the required documents if the student has met all financial and other obligations of the sending institution for transfer.
2. Receiving Institutions.
   1. Admission requirements and curriculum prerequisites shall be stated explicitly in institutional publications.
   2. A receiving institution shall admit transfer students from newly established public colleges that are functioning with the approval of the Maryland Higher Education Commission on the same basis as applicants from regionally accredited colleges.
   3. A receiving institution shall evaluate the transcript of a degree-seeking transfer student as expeditiously as possible, and notify the student of the results not later than midsemester of the student’s first semester of enrollment at the receiving institution, if all official transcripts have been received at least 15 working days before mid-semester. The receiving institution shall inform a student of the courses which are acceptable for transfer credit and the courses which are applicable to the student’s intended program of study.
   4. A receiving institution shall give a transfer student the option of satisfying institutional graduation requirements that were in effect at the receiving institution at the time the student enrolled as a freshman at the sending institution. In the case of major requirements, a transfer student may satisfy the major requirements in effect at the time when the student was identifiable as pursuing the recommended transfer program at the sending institution. These conditions are applicable to a student who has been continuously enrolled at the sending institution.

.07 Programmatic Currency.

1. A receiving institution shall provide to the community college current and accurate information on recommended transfer programs and the transferability status of courses. Community college students shall have access to this information.
2. Recommended transfer programs shall be developed with each community college whenever new baccalaureate programs are approved by the degree-granting institution.
3. When considering curricular changes, institutions shall notify each other of the proposed changes that might affect transfer students. An appropriate mechanism shall be created to ensure that both 2-year and 4-year public colleges provide input or comments to the institution proposing the change. Sufficient lead time shall be provided to effect the change with minimum disruption. Transfer students are not required to repeat equivalent course work successfully completed at a community college.

.08 Transfer Mediation Committee.

1. There is a Transfer Mediation Committee, appointed by the Secretary, which is representative of the public 4-year colleges and universities and the community colleges.
2. Sending and receiving institutions that disagree on the transferability of general education courses as defined by this chapter shall submit their disagreements to the Transfer Mediation Committee. The Transfer Mediation Committee shall address general questions regarding existing or past courses only, not individual student cases, and shall also address questions raised by institutions about the acceptability of new general education courses. As appropriate, the Committee shall consult with faculty on curricular issues.
3. The findings of the Transfer Mediation Committee are considered binding on both parties.

.09 Appeal Process.

1. Notice of Denial of Transfer Credit by a Receiving Institution.
   1. Except as provided in §A(2) of this regulation, a receiving institution shall inform a transfer student in writing of the denial of transfer credit not later than mid-semester of the transfer student’s first semester, if all official transcripts have been received at least 15 working days before mid-semester.
   2. If transcripts are submitted after 15 working days before mid-semester of a student’s first semester, the receiving institution shall inform the student of credit denied within 20 working days of receipt of the official transcript.
   3. A receiving institution shall include in the notice of denial of transfer credit:
      1. A statement of the student’s right to appeal; and
      2. A notification that the appeal process is available in the institution’s catalog.
   4. The statement of the student’s right to appeal the denial shall include notice of the time limitations in B of this regulation.
2. A student believing that the receiving institution has denied the student transfer credits in violation of this chapter may initiate an appeal by contacting the receiving institution’s transfer coordinator or other responsible official of the receiving institution within 20 working days of receiving notice of the denial of credit.
3. Response by Receiving Institution.
   1. A receiving institution shall:
      1. Establish expeditious and simplified procedures governing the appeal of a denial of transfer of credit; and
      2. Respond to a student’s appeal within 10 working days.
   2. An institution may either grant or deny an appeal. The institution’s reasons for denying the appeal shall be consistent with this chapter and conveyed to the student in written form.
   3. Unless a student appeals to the sending institution, the writing decision in C(2) of this regulation constitutes the receiving institution’s final decision and is not subject to appeal.
4. Appeal to Sending Institution.
   1. If a student has been denied transfer credit after an appeal to the receiving institution, the student may request the sending institution to intercede on the student’s behalf by contacting the transfer coordinator of the sending institution.
   2. A student shall make an appeal to the sending institution within 10 working days of having received the decision of the receiving institution.
5. Consultation Between Sending and Receiving Institutions.
   1. Representatives of the two institutions shall have 15 working days to resolve the issues involved in an appeal.
   2. As a result of a consultation in this section, the receiving institution may affirm, modify, or reverse its earlier decision.
   3. The receiving institution shall inform a student in writing of the result of the consultation.
   4. The decision arising out of a consultation constitutes the final decision of the receiving institution and is not subject to appeal.

.10 Periodic Review.

1. Report by Receiving Institution.
   1. A receiving institution shall report annually the progress of students who transfer from 2-year and four-year institutions within the State to each community college and to the Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
   2. An annual report shall include ongoing reports on the subsequent academic success of enrolled transfer students, including graduation rates, by major subject areas.
   3. A receiving institution shall include in the reports comparable information on the progress of native students.
2. Transfer Coordinator. A public institution of higher education shall designate a transfer coordinator, who serves as a resource person to transfer students at either the sending or receiving campus. The transfer coordinator is responsible for overseeing the application of the policies and procedures outlined in this chapter and interpreting transfer policies to the individual student and to the institution.
3. The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall establish a permanent Student Transfer Advisory Committee that meets regularly to review transfer issues and recommend policy changes as needed.

The Student Transfer Advisory Committee shall address issues of interpretation and implementation of this chapter.

Effective date: December 4, 1995 (22:24 Md. R. 1901)
Regulations .02, .03, and .05 amended. Effective date:
July 1, 1996
(23:13 Md. R. 946)
Revised: February 11, 1998

Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate.
   
   Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
    
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-5901

Resolution on Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance

WHEREAS, Congress has enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Baltimore City Community College intends to comply with the requirements of that Act; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is committed to compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is committed to providing opportunities to qualified persons with disabilities in employment and in access to education, where this will not pose an undue burden or fundamentally alter the programs of the institution; and WHEREAS, compliance with ADA requires the awareness of all employees of the institution and a commitment of institutional resources. NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees resolves to make compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act a priority of the institution and to take appropriate steps to meet the deadlines established by Congress. In preparing its plan for compliance, the Board of Trustees requests the following actions:

1. Implement procedures for raising awareness of the requirements of the ADA at all levels of the institution, including administrators, faculty, and supervisors.
2. Take steps to coordinate responses to requests from individuals with disabilities and respond to those requests in a timely fashion.
3. Support the work of the Committee on Disability Support Services and ensure prompt preparation of a self-evaluation.

The members of the Board of Trustees hereby resolve to encourage the administration to raise awareness on the ADA with the appropriate State legislative bodies and to secure the resources necessary to comply with ADA. It is the intent of the Board of Trustees that compliance with the letter of the ADA shall be a priority of the institution and appropriate changes be made and accommodation provided to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless this poses an undue burden on the institution’s resources or would fundamentally alter the nature of a program.