Academic Policies & Information

Student Classification and Load

Student classification is defined as follows:

The normal student load during a regular semester is 12 to 15 hours with a maximum of 19 hours. Maximum load during the summer session is 7 hours for each six-week term. Maximum load during an interim session is one course (3-4 hours).  Appeals for an overload should be directed to the Vice President of Student Services.

Students enrolled during the fall or spring semesters are classified according to the following:

1 - 5 hours - part-time

6 - 8 hours - half-time

9 - 11 hours - three-quarter time

12 or more hours - full-time

See Policy 03:01:03, Student Classification System

Grades

A grade is assigned for each credit course which a student completes, and a passing grade may be earned only if the student is enrolled for the duration of the course. The instructor of record determines all grades for a course. The method of determining a grade is included in the syllabus that is presented to students at the beginning of the course.

Grades or transcript notations and their corresponding rating values are as follows:

Midland College procedures for determining the credit hours awarded for courses and programs conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education, Texas Administrative Code and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines.  The semester credit hour is the standard unit of measurement of college work.

The semester credit hour provides the basis for measuring the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student enrolled in the traditional classroom settings and in laboratories, internships, studios, clinicals, practica, and cooperative education experiences and in distance education. The value of a credit hour is determined by contact time, the educational experience, and out-of-class preparation by the student.

A semester credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that approximates not less than one contact hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for fifteen weeks of instruction plus one week for final examination for one semester and an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities including laboratory work, internships, co-operative work experiences, practica, and clinicals.

Semester credit hours for online, hybrid or other nontraditional modes of delivery are based upon the learning outcomes and estimated contact hours required to successfully meet those outcomes. Faculty review courses to ensure that the learning outcomes and quality of instruction are equivalent to traditionally-delivered courses.

The second digit of the course number indicates the semester-hour credit. Course numbers beginning with “0” are not college-credit courses.

Grade point averages (GPA) are computed by dividing the total number of grade points accumulated by the total number of semester hours attempted. Grades of “W” are not included in calculations of grade averages, and incomplete grades are not included until the final grades have been recorded.

Incomplete Grade

A student who does satisfactory work in a course but does not finish due to extenuating circumstances may be eligible to receive an Incomplete (“I”) grade. An Incomplete grade is granted after the student has had a conference with the instructor and an Incomplete Contract has been completed and signed. The contract states the conditions that must be fulfilled. The time permitted for the work to be completed can be no later than the end of the next regular semester. After the work is completed or the time has expired, a final grade will be assigned by the instructor or the division dean if the instructor is not available.

In exceptional cases, the deadline may be extended. An incomplete may only be extended once. An extension will only be granted after a conference between the student, faculty member, and the dean or program/department chair. Final approval must be given by the division dean.

See Policy 02:05:01, Scholastic Standards

Scholastic Standard

1. Student retention is essential to the Midland College mission, and every effort is made to promote student success.  Each student’s scholastic standing is dependent upon his/her scholastic performance.
2. A student’s scholastic performance is evaluated relative to a minimum scholastic standard of achieving a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for each regular semester. 
3. A student is in good scholastic standing if he/she has no previous academic record at Midland College or has achieved a minimum of a 2.0 GPA during the most recent regular semester.
4. A student who falls below a 2.0 GPA during a regular semester will be placed on scholastic probation and will be allowed to enroll for a maximum of only twelve semester credit hours in the next regular semester.
5. A student who fails to achieve a minimum of a 2.0 GPA for each of two consecutive regular semesters will be placed on enrollment restriction and will not be allowed to enroll for more than six semester credit hours in a regular semester.
6. To remove the enrollment restriction, the student must complete six semester credit hours during a regular semester or two consecutive summer sessions with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
7. Upon student request, a counselor or advisor may grant an exemption to the enrollment limits resulting from scholastic probation or enrollment restriction.  If a student’s request for exemption is denied, he/she may appeal this decision in writing to the Executive Vice President.  Subsequent appeals may be pursued according to student rights and due process procedures.
8. A student will be notified when placed on scholastic probation or enrollment restriction.
9. A student will not be placed on scholastic probation or enrollment restriction as a result of scholastic performance during summer sessions.  However, scholastic performance during summer sessions may be used to remove scholastic probation or enrollment restriction.
10. Only semester credit hours and grade points earned at Midland College are used for calculations of scholastic standing.

Student Progress Standard

1. Course work completion is essential for student success and progress toward obtaining upgraded skills, a certificate, a degree, or transfer hours.
2. The Student Progress Standard is completion of at least half of the semester hours attempted each regular semester.
3. If the standard is not met, the student will be placed on Progress Warning and required to meet with an advisor.
4. A student who fails to meet the progress standard for two consecutive regular semesters will be placed on enrollment restriction and will not be allowed to enroll for more than six semester credit hours in a regular semester.  Completion of at least half of these hours will remove the enrollment restriction.
5. Upon student request, a counselor or advisor may grant an exemption to the enrollment limit resulting from student progress enrollment restriction.  If the request is denied, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the Executive Vice President.  Subsequent appeals may be pursued according to student rights and due process procedures.
6. A student will be notified when they have not met the minimum student progress standard.

Honor Roll

The honor roll is published after the fall and spring semesters. The purpose of the honor roll is to recognize academic achievements for full-time and part-time students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. Students earning a semester GPA of 4.0 will be included on the President’s List; those earning 3.50 to 3.99 will be included on the Dean’s List. Only college level coursework is calculated in the GPA.

See Policy 02:05:01, Scholastic Standards

Acceptance of College Credit

Transfer Credit

1. Transfer coursework is evaluated by the end of the semester in which the transcript is received for all students other than those who are transient or non-degree seeking.
2. Transfer credit is granted only for work (a) completed at a regionally accredited institution, (b) evaluated by a recognized foreign transcript evaluator, or (c) completed at an approved institution.
3. Transfer courses from Texas institutions with a Common Course Number and drawn from the Academic Course Guide Manual or drawn from the Workforce Education Course Manual are accepted.
4. Courses not included in 3 above are evaluated based on content and semester credit hours with consultation with and approval of instructional administration as needed.
5. Transfer courses that have an equal number of semester credit hours and the same course content as Midland College courses are accepted in transfer as equivalent to the Midland College courses.
6. Certain courses may require two or more courses of the same content area to be combined for transfer equivalency.
7. Transfer courses that have different semester credit hours but have the same content as Midland College courses may be granted credit upon approval by an appropriate instructional Dean.
8. If needed, transfer coursework is converted to semester credit hours.
9. Coursework is accepted in transfer with a grade of A, B, C, D, or test credit.
10. Transfer courses are posted to the student’s academic record and are available for degree planning.

See Policy 02:17:02, Transfer of Coursework Evaluation

Credit for Nontraditional Education

Midland College may grant credit toward a degree or certificate if a student has achieved knowledge and skills from non-traditional sources. This knowledge must be demonstrated by: 1) written examination conducted by nationally recognized services or by a Midland College instructional department; 2) professional certification; 3) military training/education; or 4) completion of the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.  Credit for non-traditional learning policy provisions are as follows:

1. The amount of credit awarded will be stated clearly on the student’s transcript and will be identified as credit which was earned non-traditionally.
2. Credit will be awarded only for courses offered within the current curriculum of the college.
3. Decisions regarding the awarding of credit will be made by qualified faculty members and according to procedures approved by the Curriculum Committee.
4. Credit will be awarded only to enrolled and formerly enrolled students.
5. With the exception of credit awarded under the provisions of the International Baccalaureate Program, credit by examination will not be awarded until a student has earned an equal or greater number of semester credit hours at Midland College.
6. Credit will not be granted for courses which the student has audited or for which the student has received grades.
7. Credit granted for completion of the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Program will be awarded upon presentation of an International Baccalaureate Diploma transcript.
8. In accordance with State law, no more than three semester credit hours will be awarded through examination for American and Texas Government or American or Texas History.
9. No more than 75 percent of the credit applied to a degree or certificate may be earned under the provisions of the credit for non-traditional learning policy.

See Policy 02:17:01, Credit for Nontraditional Education

Credit by Exam

Midland College administers College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations and awards credit as shown below.  For more information, visit the Midland College Testing Center website.

CLEP Credit Granted at Midland College

*In the State of Texas, students may receive credit by exam for either HIST 1301 or HIST 1302 but not for both.  Likewise, students may receive credit by exam for only one Government course, GOVT 2305. 

Advanced Placement Examination Credit Granted at Midland College

Advanced Placement scores of 3 or better are accepted for designated subject areas. Students with scores for areas not listed below should contact the Testing Coordinator.  For more information, please visit the Midland College Testing Center website.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Credit

Midland College will grant a maximum of 24 semester credit hours (SCH) to any new student having an International Baccalaureate Diploma based on the table below.  Credit may be granted for exam scores of 4 or better on most Higher Level (HL) Exams and for a 5 or better on most Standard Level (SL) Exams. The amount of credit awarded will depend upon the exam scores and the level of the courses. Midland College may grant fewer than 24 SCH to a student if the student has scored less than 4 on any IBD examination administered as part of the diploma program. Applicants with the IB diploma must provide a completed IB transcript to the Registrar’s Office before enrolling in order to receive credit.

Transferability of Coursework

Students who intend to transfer to a senior college or university should first select a major field of study at that institution.  A Midland College advisor will assist students in selecting Midland College courses corresponding to those at the senior college or university.  

Students are responsible for checking with the senior college or university regarding admission requirements and transfer regulations and for requesting the Registrar to send an official Midland College transcript to that institution.

Transfer Agreement Programs

Midland College partners with area universities to provide unique transfer opportunities. These transfer agreements are designed to provide Midland College students a seamless transfer experience.

Depending on the institution, students can expect a variety of benefits including: special admissions coordination to the universities, early degree planning, access to upper level advising, and access to the institutions’ online student website.  Transfer programs also provide for the retroactive awarding of an associate degree from Midland College when appropriate. This process allows hours completed at the upper-level institution to be transferred back to Midland College to complete an associate degree program.

Each university may have additional admission requirements. Midland College advisors can provide information regarding those requirements.

Several of the current transfer agreement programs are:

• Texas Tech University - Pathways Program
• Angelo State University - Access ASU Program
• Sul Ross State University - SRSU@MC
• University of North Texas - UNT@MC:  Primary Care Pathway

For more information, visit the Midland College Advising website.

Transfer Appeal Process

Procedures for the resolution of disputes involving the transfer of courses from Midland College to other public institutions in Texas are as follows:

1. If an institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the receiving institution shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. A receiving institution shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.
2. A student who receives notice as specified may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or receiving institution.
3. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and guidelines.
4. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for the denial.
5. The Commissioner of Higher Education or the Commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

Graduation/Degree Posting

Students should file applications for graduation early during the semester in which they will complete their coursework. The application may be filed in the Registrar’s Office or online. Students are responsible for filing all transcripts from other colleges with the Registrar’s Office.

Each May, Midland College holds commencement to recognize those students who have completed degree and certificate programs during the course of the year.  Students who plan to participate in the May ceremony must apply for graduation by March 1.  All students who have completed graduation requirements for a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or a certificate of at least 24 hours are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony.  A student who has not completed all graduation requirements may participate in commencement if

1. he/she lacks nine semester credit hours or less of required coursework; and
2. all non-course requirements for graduation have been met.

Exceptions may be made by the Vice President of Student Services.

Degrees and certificates are posted to transcripts only after the student has completed all requirements. Transcript postings are made at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Graduation with Honors or High Honors is calculated by the Midland College Registrar’s Office. The GPA is determined using all college-level Midland College courses.  Honor graduates have a GPA of 3.5 to 3.99; high honor graduates have a GPA of 4.0.

See Policy 02:06:01, Degrees, Degree Requirements and Academic Requirements for Graduation