The vice president for educational programs and resources may grant approval to audit a class. Approval to audit is subject to the space available in the class. The charges for auditing classes will be the same as charges for credit enrollment. No transcript records are maintained for audited classes, and credit will not be granted for a course that has been audited. Students may not change to/from credit to/from audit status. Registration for audit is the week prior to the first day of classes.

Academic Course Load

A full-tme student is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the semester. An academic credit is measured by units called semester hours. One semester hour is earned by attending a classs for one clock-hour per week for a full semester. Most classes meet three hours per week for 16 weeks. A semester hour per course is indicated by the second digit in the course number (ex. Engl 1301=3 sem. hrs.).

An academic overload is attempting more than 18 hours in the fall or spring terms and more than 8 hours each summer session. An overload must be approved by the Vice President for Educational Programs.

Survival Tip - It is important to maintain a balance with school, work and family. A rule of thumb is to allow two hours of preparation and study time for every hour you spend in class.

Work Hours	Recommended Course Load
40	3-6 hours
30	6-9 hours
20	12 hours
0-10	15 hours

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend regularly all lecture classes and labs. It is your responsibility to consult with the instructor regarding absences and materials covered during your absence. Although you are responsible for dropping a course for non-attendance, the instructor may drop a student for excessive absences, in which case the student will receive a "W".

Prerequisite/Corequisite Courses

Before registering for certain courses, a student must complete designated prerequisites. It is the student's responsibility to take courses in sequence and at the proper level. Such requirements are indicated in the college catolog as part of the course description. Failure to adhere to prerequisite/corequisite requirements may result in administrative withdrawal from the course.

The corequisite notation in a course description indicates that a student who enrolls in the course must enroll concurrently in the listed corequisite unless the course has been taken previously.

Add/Drop/Withdraw

If the student wishes to drop a course, it is recommended that the student consult with the faculty member before submitting a written withdrawal requst at the admissions office. This written request may be faxed, mailed or delivered in person. Although students can drop a classes up until the official withdrawal date, refunds are only granted if a withdrawal request is submitted prior to dates included in the refund schedule.

Survival Tip - No longer attending class does not automatically constitute withdrawal from that class, nor does a student's notification to an instructor that the student wishes to be dropped. Failure to officially drop a class will result in a grade of "F".

Repeating a Course for a Grade Change

Students who need to amend their academic record by changing a failing grade are required to complete a "Repeated Course Notification" form in the Admission Office. This form should only be completed after the repeated course has been completed and new grade awarded.

Degree /Certificate Plans

Students who are currently enrolled at NHC and have completed thirty (30) semester hours for an associate degree or fifteen (15) semester hours for a certificate may complete a Degree/Certificate Plan Request for an official evaluation of their academic course work. Currently enrolled transfer students from other colleges or universities may request a degree/certificate plan any time after all official transcripts from their previous schools have been received. These request forms are availabe in the Registration Office.

Graduation

NHC has one graduation ceremony each year in May in conjunction with the other NHMCCD colleges. Students are eligible to participate if they have completed their course requirements the previous Summer or December or will complete them in May.

Eligible candidates must file a Graduation Application and meet all requirements outlined in the catalog for the year of their initial enrollment within a five year period. If you fail to complete the degree requirements within five years, you will be required to graduate under a catalog not older than five years. Detailed information on graduation is listed in the NHMCCD catalog.

Students whose first year of enrollment in credit courses is prior to fall 1993 may graduate according to requirements in effect at that time.

An application for graduation should be submitted before the semester all course work is completed.

Transcripts

A official copy of your transcripts can be obtained by completing a transcript request form or providing a written request to the Admissions Office. All admissions information must be on file and all holds cleared before your transcript will be released. NHC cannot provide transcripts of work completed at another institution. An Advising Profile is an in-house student record used for advising.

Residency Requirements

For tuition purposes, students who enroll at NHMCCD will be classified in one of four categories: in-district resident, out-of-district resident, non-resident of Texas, or foreign student. The legal residence of each applicant for admission will be determined by the Admissions Office. Verification of residence will be required. Consult the college catalog for description of the residency requirements.

Name/Address Change

Any changes in name or address should be promptly reported to the registar's office. If your address change results in a new residency status, official verification will be required before you qualify for a new tuition rate.

Learn To Calculate Your Grade Point Average (GPA)

In order to calculate your (GPA), you need to calculate the grade points earned in each of your courses. Grade points are determined by multiplying the grades' numerical value by the number of credits assigned to the course.

For example:
Grade Value:

A = 4
B = 3
C = 2
D = 1
F = 0

Course	Grade	Numerical Value	Credits	Grade Points
English	C	2.0	3	6.0
History	B	3.0	3	9.0
Math	A	4.0	3	12.0
P.E.	A	4.0	1	4.0
Biology	B	3.0	4	12.0
			14	43.0 =
		43 grade points divided by 14 credits =		3.07 GPA

In order to determine your grade point average (GPA):

1. List each of your courses, the grades you have earned and their numerical value.
2. List the credit value for each course and multiply by the numerical value to determine the grade points for each course.
3. After calculating the grade points for each course, add up your total credits and total grade points.
4. Final step requires dividing the total grade points (43.0) by the total credits (14); above example: student has earned 3.07 GPA for the semester.

Survival Tip - If you use this method at the beginning of the semester to predict your grades, you can set goals for the semester. The GPA can be recalculated by changing grades to reach the desired goal.

Plan Your Schedule Here

Work Hours Course Load

40 3-6 hrs

30 6-9 hrs

20 12 hrs

0-10 15 hrs

Fall

Spring

Registration #

Subject

Course #

Instructor

Grade

Summer I

Summer II

Registration #

Subject

Course #

Instructor

Grade

Work toward balance: In order not to overload yourself, balance the number of reading courses you take with skill building classes.

TASP (Texas Academic Skills Program) New TASP rules Fall 1998 - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is required to take TASP?
A: All students* must take the TASP test or an approved alternative test before registering for classes for Fall 1998. (*Except TASP Exempt students and those enrolled in certificate programs of 42 hours or less).

Q: What are the approved alternative tests?
A: COMPASS, ASSET, MAPS and ACCUPLACER have been approved as alternative tests by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. All tests have now added a writing sample. North Harris College administers the COMPASS and ASSET.

 

	TASP	COMPASS	ASSET
Writing	220	Essay score 6+ or 5 with 59 on objective	Essay score 6+ or 5 with 40 on objective
Reading	230	81	41
Math	230	Algebra 39	Elem Alg 38

Q: What if I don't pass a section of TASP (or alternative TASP)?
A: If you fail to meet the passing standard on one or more sections, you must enroll in developmental or ESL coursework in at least one failed area. You must do this each semester until you complete your developmental requirements. It is to your advantage to complete all developmental requirements as soon as possible. You may NOT enroll in the following courses until you have completed all required developmental coursework in the area stated:

 

Writing	ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302
Reading	HIST 1301, HIST 1302, GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302, PSYC 2301
Math	MATH 1314, 1316, 1332

Q: When do I retake the TASP test?
A: After you have completed ALL your developmental coursework in ALL failed areas, you may be given a semester to retake the TASP test. This semester is called the "lag semester," and you will not be required to enroll in developmental coursework during this semester.

Q: How do I register for the TASP test?
A: To register for the test, pick up a TASP Test Registration Bulletin in the Counseling Office. Complete the registration form, include payment of the $29 fee and mail in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Mail at least one month in advance of the TASP date. There are only six regularly scheduled TASP dates per year.

Q: What happens if I don't take the TASP test during my "lag semester"?
A: If you do not take the TASP test during your lag semester, you will be returned to developmental coursework until you retake and pass the TASP.

Q: What if I fail a section of the TASP a second time?
A: If you fail a section of your TASP retake, after completing all your developmental coursework, meet with an advisor or counselor to discuss your options. At this point, completion of certain courses with a B or better may satisfy TASP passing standards.

Q: When must I pass the TASP test?
A: You must pass all sections of the TASP test to graduate with a degree (or certificate with 43 or more hours) or take upper level coursework beyond 60 hours at a university.

Changing Your Major

You may change your major at any time by filling out a Change of Major Form in the Admissions Office, Academic Building A-105. Consider the following before making a change:

• If you are changing from a Certificate program to a Degree program, you will fall under TASP (see Testing section) requirements.
• If you are on financial aid or V.A. benefits, you need to contact the office in charge to alert them of your intention to change.
• Contact the Counseling Office to set up an appointment to speak with a counselor if you need help in planning classes for your new major.
• Visit the Career Services to get information on your major (salary, job outlook, education required, etc.)

Transfer Dispute Resolution

The Texas Higher Education Coordination Board intends that approved academic course work transfer between Texas public institutions, providing the course(s) are within approved transfer curriculum of the declared major field and provided that published transfer policies are met.

In cases of transfer disputes in lower-division courses, the following procedures shall be followed:

1. Should North Harris College not accept the course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, NHC will give written notice to the student and to the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied.
2. North Harris College, the other institution and the student will attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines.
3. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, or the other institution at which the credit was earned, within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of the denial, NHC will notify the Commissioner of its denial; and the reason for the denial.
4. 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 the institutions.

Students who have transfer disputes should contact Rhonda Cannon in the Counseling Office at (281) 618-5481.

Glossary of Terms

Academic Advising - Process in which students interact with college staff/faculty advisors in decision-making, problem-solving, and long-range planning related to the student's academic goals.

Advance Placement - Credit that may be earned through standardized tests offered through the high schools.

Adviser - A member of the college staff who will assist you with information about NHC and various academic programs.

Add - To enroll in another course after your original registration within the specific time frame.

Articulation Agreement - After completing an associate degree at NHC, the entire degree will be used at a four-year institution to satisfy requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Assessment - A method to determine your preparation for college level work.

Attempted Hours - The number of hours a student is enrolled in at NHC, including college-level and developmental coursework.

Behavioral/Social Science - A science examining human activities in an attempt to understand human social behavior. Includes subjects as Psychology and Sociology.

Blue Book - Paper used for essay tests available in the college Bookstore.

Class Schedule - List of courses and sections for a specific semester, including names of instructor; day, hour and place of class meetings; and detailed registration procedures.

CLEP - College Level Examination Program is a series of standardized tests for college credit.

Core - Refers to a common set of courses required for a degree.

Co-Requisite - Refers to two courses that must be taken simultaneously during the same semester.

Course Load - The number of semesters hours for which a student enrolls in a given term.

Credit - Units assigned to each course.

Credit Hour - Varies by course, but generally refers to the number of hours you will spend in a specific course each week.

Degree Plan - The list of courses required for a specific degree, usually outlined in the NHC catalog.

Drop - Withdrawing from one or more courses while remaining enrolled in other courses in the college.

Electives - Credit that does not count toward a major but which is required for a degree.

Fee - A charge for services that is added to the tuition.

Full-time - To be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the fall and spring, or six or more hours in the summer.

GPA/Grade Point Average - A calculation made each semester that summarized grades and credit hours.

Major - Your subject area of specialization.

New Student Information Session/NSIS/Orientation - A session held to acquaint you with academic information of the college.

Non-Credit Course - A course for which no credit can be earned.

Part-Time - To be enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in the fall and spring or less than six hours in a summer session.

Prerequisite - Refers to a course which must be taken before you can enroll in a subsequent course.

Probation - A way to warn a student that his/her grades are below a certain standard. Probation may also be for disciplinary reasons.

Registration - Enrollment at the beginning of semester, including selection of classes and payment of fees and tuition.

Semester Hour - A unit of measurement of college work equivalent to one hour of class work. A 3-hour course is equivalent to three lecture hours per week.

Suspension - Dismissing a student whose grades have fallen below a certain standard. Suspension may also be for disciplinary reasons.

Syllabus - An outline, usually presented on the first day of class, covering course topics, textbooks required, attendance and grading policies.

Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) - Testing component designed to ensure that all students attending public institutions of higher education in Texas have the reading, mathematics and writing skills necessary to perform college level work.

Transcript - The official record of all course work at a particular institution.

Transfer Courses - Courses that should transfer to other colleges or universities.

Withdrawal - To withdraw from all courses enrolled in for a particular semester.