GC Catalog

Class Schedule

Residency

Degrees & Programs

academic standards and requirements

 

Credit for Courses	Credit by Exam	Local Exams	CEEB Tests
CLEP Test	AP Exams	IB Exams	TSI

Credit for Courses

The semester hour is the unit of measurement at Galveston College and is defined generally as one clock hour of class per week for a sixteen-week semester, or its equivalent.
The number of clock hours of laboratory work equated to one clock hour of lecture will vary with the special requirements of the course.
It is the student’s responsibility to take courses in sequence and at the proper level.
 
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Credit by Examination

A person who believes he/she is qualified by experience or previous training is provided with an opportunity to establish college credit in specific courses through a variety of testing programs. Credit established through examination becomes part of the student’s record following successful completion of six (6) semester hours of credit at Galveston College. Students receive a grade of “CR” on their transcript and the semester credit hours will apply toward graduation requirements but is not used in the grade point average calculation. Not all courses offered at Galveston College are approved for credit by examination. A list of those credits which may be established through this method is available in the Counseling Office.

Request for examination should be made to a counselor who will provide the necessary petition forms and advise the student of the procedure. A non-refundable fee will be charged for locally prepared and administered examinations in accordance with the prevailing fiscal policy. Students will be allowed to earn a maximum of twenty-four (24) semester credit hours, through examination.  Credit by examination may be attempted only one time in any given course. Students may not establish credit by examination for any course which has been previously attempted at this College or elsewhere.

A student may establish no more than three (3) credit hours earned by credit by examination for the degree requirement in History and no more than three (3) credit hours earned by credit by examination for the degree requirement in Government. Though great effort has been made to interrelate the College’s credit by examination program with transferring four-year institutions, final acceptance of these credits for specific degree purposes is determined by that institution.

The following credit by examination programs are recognized by Galveston College.

1. Galveston College Locally Prepared Examinations
Students desiring to take an examination for credit in occupational-technical or specific university-parallel courses, which are on the College approved list, are to complete the following steps:
     a. Obtain a permit For Credit by Examination form from the Counseling Office.
     b. Obtain approval from the appropriate Dean and schedule test.
     c. Pay the required fee in the Business Office.
     d. Take the form to the examination room on the scheduled date and complete the examination.
Locally developed examinations will be prepared by the appropriate Dean’s Office. Administering these examinations will be the responsibility of the appropriate Dean or his designated representative. Scoring and grade determination procedures will be identified by the Dean. The Dean will retain all examination materials in a secured file for at least one calendar year. The student, upon request, will be afforded the opportunity to discuss examination results with the Dean. Credit will be granted by the designation of the grade “CR” on the student’s transcript. The semester credit hours will apply toward graduation requirements but is not used in the grade point average calculation.

2. The College Entrance Examination Board Achievement Tests

These tests are different from the Advanced Placement Tests. Counselors in local high schools will furnish information concerning registration for the tests which are administered several times each year.

CEEB Achievement	Test Minimum Score	Course	Semester Hrs
Composition I	620	ENGL 1301	3
Composition I	550	ENGL 1301	3

Students desiring to establish credit as outlined above must complete a Petition for Credit form which is available in the Counseling Office. Credit will be granted by the designation of the grade “CR” on the student’s transcript. The semester credit hours will apply toward graduation requirements but is not used in the grade point average calculation.

3. The College Entrance Examination Board, College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Some subject examinations will be recognized for credit. Students desiring credit for a subject examination should contact a Galveston College counselor prior to taking the examination. Credit will be granted by the designation of the grade “CR” on the student’s transcript. The semester credit hours will apply toward graduation requirements but is not used in the grade point average calculation.

CLEP Achievement Test	Test Minimum Score	Course	Semester Hrs
Biology	50	BIOL 1406-1407	8
American Government	50	GOVT 2305	3
Introductory Psychology	50	PSYC 2301	3
Human Growth and Development	50	PSYC 2314	3
Introductory Sociology	50	SOCI 1301	3
U S  History I: Early Civilization	50	HIST 1301	3
U S History II: 1865 to the Present	50	HIST 1302	3
Freshman  College Composition	50	ENGL 1301	3
English Composition (with essay)	50	ENGL 1301 & 1302	6
Financial Accounting	50	ACCT 1401	4
Intro. to Macro-Econ	50	ECON 2301	3
Intro. to Micro-Econ	50	ECON 2302	3
Chemistry	50	CHEM 1411 & 1412	8
College Algebra	50	MATH 1414	4
Calculus	50	MATH 2513	4
Spanish Language, Level I	50	SPAN 1411 & 1412	8
Spanish Language, Level II	66	SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312	14
Humanities	50	HUMA 1301	3
American Literature	50	ENGL 2327 & 2328	6

4. The College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program Examination (APP)

These examinations may be taken in any high school which offers advanced placement courses.                                 

APP Achievement Test	Minimum Score	Course	Semester Hrs.
Biology	5	BIOL 1406-1407	8
Biology	4	BIOL 1406-1407	8
American History	5	HIST 1301	3
American History	4	HIST 1301	3
Spanish	4	SPAN 1411 & 1412	8
Spanish	3	SPAN 1411 & 1412	8
French	4	FREN 1411 & 1412	8
French	3	FREN 1411 & 1412	8
Language & Comp.	3	ENGL 1301	3
Language & Comp.	5*	ENGL 1301	3
Language & Comp.	4*	ENGL 1301	3
Chemistry	4	CHEM 1411 & 1412	8
Chemistry	3	CHEM 1411 & 1412	8
Calculus AB	5, 4	MATH 24	4
Calculus AB	3	MATH 2413	4
Calculus BC	5	MATH 2414	4
Calculus BC	4	MATH 2414	4
Physics Form B	5	PHYS 1401 & 1402	8
Physics Form B	4	PHYS 1401 & 1402	8

5.  International Baccalaureate (IB)

Galveston College, in compliance with SB 111, will award a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of course-specific college credit in subject-appropriate areas on all International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores of 4 or above as long as the incoming freshman has earned an IB Diploma. While some course credit will be awarded regardless of a student's IB Diploma status, some course credit at Galveston College may be subject to the successful completion of the IB Diploma.  IB credit will be awarded and graded as Credit Only (CR) at Galveston College.

Entering freshman students for the 2006-07 academic year should submit their International Baccalaureate transcript to the Office of Admissions regarding their eligibility for course credit.  Students should work with a Counselor or Academic Advisor to determine the application of the IB credits in their individual degree.  The evaluation of IB courses in order to identify the appropriate course credit is continuing and will be posted as it becomes available.

HL = Higher Level Exams
SL = Standard Level Exams

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Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted to students who earn college credit from institutions that are accredited by one of the following recognized accrediting agencies:

Middle States Association of College and Schools/Commission on Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Transfer grades below “C” are not accepted for credit.

Transcript evaluations are processed by the Registrar.

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TEXAS STATE INITIATIVE (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was passed by the Texas State Legislature in 2003 to improve the success of students attending pubic colleges and universities in Texas. The Texas Success Initiative replaced the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). The Texas Success Initiative requires the assessment of academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student’s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. Galveston College has filed the Student Success Initiative plan with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board detailing compliance with the Texas Success Initiative. Sections 51.307, 51.3062, and 51.403(e) of the Texas Education Code govern the Texas Success Initiative. The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) is a state-wide administered test that assesses the academic skills of students.

Galveston College administers the COMPASS® test as an alternative to THEA to assess entering student’s academic skills. Other tests that are considered THEA alternative are ASSET® and ACCUPLACER®. Information on the Texas Success Initiative, THEA test, and COMPASS® test is available in the Counseling Center.

WHO MUST BE TESTED FOR COLLEGE READINESS?

All full and part-time students enrolling in Galveston College in Spring 2004 and thereafter, except:

a. Students who met requirements or were exempt under the Texas academic Skill Program (TASP).

b. Those who enroll in a level-one certificate program. (NOTE: Students may be assessed to determine placement in courses).

c. Students who transfer from an accredited private or out-of-state institution of higher education with demonstrated college readiness in reading, writing, or mathematics.

d. Students who received a baccalaureate or associate degree

e. Students who have an ACT composite score of 23 or higher, and a Math and ENGLISH score of 19 (valid for five years from the date of testing).

f. Students who have a SAT score of 1070 or higher with at least 500 on both the Math and Verbal (Critical Reasoning) sections (valid for five years from the date of testing).

g. Students who scored at least TLI X-89 in reading, TLI X-86 in math and 1770 in writing on the exit-level TAAS test (valid for three years from the date of testing).

h. Students who scored at least 2200 English/Language Arts (ELA) with a writing subscore of at least 3, and/or 2200 in math on the exit-level TAKS test (valid for three years from the date of testing).

i. Students with qualifying military service (NOTE: Students may be assessed to determine placement in courses).

j. Students who have attended any Texas public institution of higher education and have been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution

k. Students not seeking a degree or certificate (NOTE: Students may be assessed to determine placement in courses).

WHEN MUST THE TEST BE TAKEN?

Non-exempt students and students who require assessment for placement must take the THEA or THEA alternative test prior to enrolling in any courses at Galveston College.

WHAT IF A STUDENT DOES NOT TAKE THE TEST AT THE REQUIRED TIME?

The student will not be permitted to enroll at Galveston College for courses until test scores are available.

Galveston College offers the THEA test on state-wide dates determined by NES. The COMPASS® test is administered as a THEA alternative on a continuous basis throughout the semester in the Learning Resource Center. The COMPASS® test is a computer based with results given upon completion. Please contact the Learning Resource Center or the Counseling Center for information on dates, times, and cost for the Compass® test.

If a student is found to be in violation of TSI requirements, the student may be withdrawn.

WHAT IS COVERED ON THE TEST?

The THEA and COMPASS® tests includes mathematics, reading, and writing (objective test and a writing sample) sections. Information on test content and retesting requirements can be obtained from the Counseling Center.

HOW ARE THE TESTS USED IN THE TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE?

The scores from the THEA and THEA alternative tests are used for placement in developmental or college level courses and to determine college readiness (NOTE: higher test scores than the minimum test score for college readiness may be required for college level courses)

WHAT MUST A STUDENT DO TO MEET THE TSI REQUIREMENTS?

Students who are not exempt who do not achieve a college readiness score:

a. Must enroll continuously in developmental instruction (excluding summer sessions) directly related to the section(s) of the test where the score does not meet the college readiness standard, and must give priority in course selection to the corresponding developmental course(s). (NOTE: Students will not be permitted to withdraw from developmental instruction required because not meeting the minimum score for college readiness. Students not attending developmental classes assigned may be administratively withdrawn from ALL classes in which they are enrolled.)

b. Complete satisfactorily all coursework in the developmental sequence at the point of placement before enrolling in college level courses.

c. Will be prohibited from enrolling in courses where college-readiness has not been met.

d. Cannot graduate from an associate degree program, or from a level-two certificate program.

e. Cannot enroll at a senior institution in upper-division courses that require the college-readiness standard to have been satisfied.

Galveston College will make every effort to prepare students for the THEA test through its own Learning Resources placement testing, through formal courses, and through additional learning assistance provided by the Skills Enrichment Center and the Counseling Center. Students are encouraged to carefully monitor their own progress through Placement and THEA requirements and to consult often with counselors and faculty advisors. Students should not be fearful of THEA requirements but they must take them very seriously since their academic progress is contingent upon performance in the Texas Success Initiative requirements.

PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNSELING CENTER FOR INFORMATION ON TESTING DATES, REGISTRATION, FEES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND TEST PREPARATION.

ALTERNATIVE TESTS USED TO SATISFY THEA REQUIREMENTS

1. Alternative tests used to satisfy THEA requirements are the ASSET, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, MAPS, and QUICK THEA.

SCORES FOR TESTS USED TO SATISFY TSI REQUIREMENTS

(1) THEA                                      RDG 230         MTH 230         WRT 220

(2) ASSET®                                 RDG 41           Elem Alg 38    WRT 6 or 5 and 40

(3) ACCUPLACER® RDG 78           Elem Alg 63     WRT 6 or 5 and 80

(4) COMPASS®                            RDG 81           ALG 39           WRT 6 or 5 and 59

PLACEMENT TEST

Each credit course in the Galveston College catalog has been assigned prerequisites or placement levels. Students wishing to enroll in these courses must demonstrate the assigned competency level through prerequisites on a required placement test (COMPASS), and/or the THEA. If that competency level is not achieved on a placement test or prerequisites, the alternative is to pass an appropriate developmental course or courses.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

All students interested in obtaining a degree from Galveston College should file a degree plan. Certificate applicants should file early in the semester for the one semester certificate and according to the published deadline for the one year certificate programs.

Eighteen (18) of the last 27 semester hours prior to graduation must be completed in residence at Galveston College. Exceptions may be considered and granted by mutual consent of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services and the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success. The Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and the Arts in Teaching (AAT) degrees require a minimum of 60 credits with passing grades (a minimum if 43 core credits are required) The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and certificate programs total credit requirements vary according to state requirements. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) is required on all course work applying toward a degree and/or a certificate. DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES MAY NOT BE APPLIED TOWARD DEGREES.

Only those candidates who have fulfilled all proficiency-level and scholastic requirements for a degree or certificate and who have met the TSI requirements and have met their financial obligations to the College will be recommended for the degree or certificate sought. Any variation from the requirements of a specific degree or program must be approved by the appropriate Dean, and by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

GRADUATION UNDER A PARTICULAR CATALOG/DEGREE PLAN
The student is responsible for all requirements of the catalog under which that student is graduating. To graduate, students must complete the course requirements of the GC Catalog in effect at the time a degree or certificate program is selected. To change majors, a change of major form must be completed and filed in the Admissions Office. The program of the student who changes a major within the college shall be governed by the degree requirements in effect at the time the change of major becomes effective. These exceptions apply:

A catalog more than 10 years old shall not be used.

The program of the student who interrupts enrollment for more than twelve months shall be governed by the catalog in effect at the time of the student’s re-entrance to the College. For these purposes, enrollment shall be defined as registration for and successful completion of at least one course during an academic term.

APPLICATION FOR DEGREE/CERTIFICATE
Students who plan to receive one of the following degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Arts in Teaching, Associate of Applied Science or a Program Certificate from Galveston College must submit an Application For Graduation to The Office of Admissions by the deadline which is published in the schedule of the semester preceding the semester of anticipated graduation. For example: If a student plans to graduate in the spring, the student should apply for graduation by the end of the preceding fall semester. Applying for graduation in advance to the Office of Admissions permits timely updating of degree audits, allowing students to plan or change their final semester courses to ensure completion of all requirements. All grade changes, removals of incompletes, and transfer work necessary for completion of degree requirement must be on file in the Office of Admissions by the end of the semester of graduation. Academic records are sealed thirty days after the conferral of a degree/certificate; no changes to the record will be made following that date. Incomplete grades that are not resolved in thirty days will result in reapplying for graduation for the subsequent semester.

There is one formal commencement exercise held at the end of spring semester. All graduating students are encouraged to participate in the exercise. Summer and Fall graduates are also encouraged to participate.

Graduation With Honors

Students who graduate from Galveston College in a degree program with an overall grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74 will graduate with “Honors”. Students achieving an overall grade point average of 3.75  to 3.89  will graduate with “High Honors”. Students achieving an overall grade point average of 3.90 or better in a degree program will graduate with “Highest Honors”.

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