Developmental Studies: Grading
A grade of S (Satisfactory) shall be assigned for satisfactory completion of each course in developmental studies or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses numbered 1-99. S grades are not included in grade point average calculations.
Students making satisfactory progress, but not completing all of the instructional objectives for courses in developmental studies or ESL courses, shall be graded with an R (Re-enroll). A student who has earned an R must enroll again and successfully complete the course.
Students not making satisfactory progress in developmental studies or ESL courses shall be given a U grade. Students on financial aid should check on grade requirements for making satisfactory progress each semester.
The I and W grades may be utilized, as appropriate, for developmental studies and ESL courses.
Grade Point Average
The term and cumulative grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned in courses by the total number of credits attempted. Courses which do not generate grade points are not included in credits attempted (audits, developmental courses, ESL courses, courses taken with pass/unsatisfactory option). The GPA is carried out to three digits past the decimal point (i.e., there is no rounding). See Repeated Grade and Academic Renewal sections.
Repeated Grade
Credit courses that are designated as repeatable for credit in the Master Course File or are identified as General Usage courses in the Master Course File may be repeated for credit. (General Usage courses: 90-190-290; 93-193-293; 95-195-295; 96-196-296; 97-197-297; 98-198-298; 99-199-299.) Other than the general usage courses, only those courses designed to develop and maintain proficiency in the visual and performing arts, or to meet requirements for certification or re-certification in allied health or applied technology fields, may be designated as repeatable for credit. Students should be limited to 10 credits earned through multiple enrollments in the same course.
A student should normally be limited to two enrollments in a credit course that is not designated as repeatable for credit or is not a General Usage course. Exceptions to this policy should be made on a student-by-student basis, with the need documented and approved by Reynolds’ chief academic officer or designee.
Periodically, the VCCS renames or renumbers courses, but they remain equivalent to the previous named and numbered courses. In such cases, completion of a renumbered/renamed course maybe determined to be a repeat of a course completed previously under a different department and/or course number. These determinations are made on a college-wide basis, and exceptions cannot be made for an individual student.
Implementation of this policy does not revise any GPA calculations for prior terms or any academic, financial, or administrative events that have occurred in the past. Any questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
*See Repeating a Course
Final Grades
Final grades for each semester can be viewed and printed using MyREYNOLDS. Students must have their Reynolds username and password to obtain their grades. Passing grades are A, B, C, D, P, and S. Grades of F and U are failing, and R and I are interim grades. Grades of W and X are final grades carrying no credit.
Academic Renewal
Students who return to the college after a separation of three years or more, may petition for Academic Renewal.
If a student is determined to be eligible for Academic Renewal, D and F grades earned prior to reenrollment will be deleted from the cumulative and curriculum GPA, subject to the following conditions:
- The student must demonstrate a renewed academic interest and effort by earning at least a 2.0 GPA in the first 12 semester hours completed after reenrollment prior to petitioning for academic renewal.
- All grades received at the college will be a part of the student’s official transcript.
- Students will receive degree credit only for courses in which grades of C or better were earned prior to Academic Renewal, providing that such courses meet current curriculum requirements.
- Total hours for graduation will be based on all course work taken at the college after readmission, as well as former course work for which a grade of C or better was earned, and credits transferred from other colleges or universities.
- The Academic Renewal Policy may be used only once and cannot be revoked once approved.
A Petition for Academic Renewal should be completed in SIS during the semester the student will complete the 12th semester hour after reenrollment. Questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Academic Standing
President’s Honor Roll
The President’s Honor Roll is awarded to curricular and non-curricular students who demonstrate the highest level of academic achievement at Reynolds. In order to receive this recognition, students must have:
- Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.800 or higher
- Earned a semester GPA of 3.500 or higher
- Earned at least six (6) non-developmental credit hours for the semester
- Earned 20 or more credit hours at Reynolds
- Earned no grades of D, F, I, or U for the semester
- Earned no more than one W for the semester
Students who earn this distinction will receive an email notification and instructions on how to access the certificate during the first month of the subsequent semester.
Dean’s List
The Dean’s List is awarded to curricular and non-curricular students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement at Reynolds and are in good standing. In order to receive this recognition, students must have:
- Earned a semester GPA of 3.200 or higher
- Earned at least six non-developmental credit hours for the semester
- Earned no grades of D, F, I or U for the semester
- Earned no more than one W for the semester
Students who earn this distinction will receive an email notification and instructions on how to access the certificate during the first month of the subsequent semester.
Good Standing
Students are considered to be in good academic standing if they maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 each semester and are not on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal. Students in good standing are eligible to re-enroll at Reynolds.
Academic Warning
Students who fail to attain a minimum GPA of 2.000 for any semester shall be placed on Academic Warning.
Academic Probation
Students who fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.500 will be on Academic Probation until such time as their cumulative GPA is 1.750 or better. The statement “Academic Probation” will be placed on the permanent record. Students on Academic Probation are ineligible for appointed or elected office in student organizations unless the Dean of Students or another appropriate administrator grants them special permission. Students usually will be required to carry less than a normal course load the following semester. Students on Academic Probation are required to consult with their academic advisor prior to enrollment. Students shall be placed on probation only after they have attempted 12 semester credits.
Academic Suspension
Students on Academic Probation who fail to attain a semester GPA of 1.500 will be placed on suspension only after they have attempted 24 semester credits. Academic Suspension shall be for one semester. The statement “Academic Suspension” will be placed on the student’s permanent record. Students who wish to appeal Academic Suspension should submit an Academic Reinstatement Appeal form to Advising Services or the Office of the Registrar. Suspended students may be readmitted after termination of the suspension period without appealing for reinstatement. The student will be required to meet with an academic advisor and develop an educational plan upon reinstatement. Students who have been reinstated from Academic Suspension must achieve a 2.00 GPA for the semester of their reinstatement and must earn at least a 1.750 GPA in each subsequent semester of attendance. The statement “Subject to Dismissal” shall be placed on the student’s permanent record. Students who have been reinstated from Academic Suspension will remain subject to dismissal until their cumulative GPA is raised to a minimum of 1.750. See Reinstatement from Suspension or Dismissal
Academic Dismissal
Students who do not attain at least a 2.000 GPA for the semester of reinstatement following Academic Suspension will be Academically Dismissed. Students who achieve at least a 2.000 GPA for the semester of their reinstatement following Academic Suspension must earn at least a cumulative 1.750 GPA in each subsequent semester of enrollment. Failure to earn a 1.750 GPA in each subsequent semester until the cumulative GPA reaches 1.750 will result in Academic Dismissal. The statement “Academic Dismissal” will be placed on the student’s permanent record. Academic Dismissal is normally permanent. In exceptional circumstances, students submit an appeal form to the Office of the Registrar. (see Reinstatement from Suspension or Dismissal). Students who have been reinstated after Academic Dismissal will remain subject to dismissal until their cumulative GPA is raised to a minimum of 1.750.
Reinstatement from Suspension or Dismissal
Dismissed students who would like to be considered for reinstatement must submit the Academic Reinstatement Appeal form along with supporting documentation by the applicable deadline:
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July 1 for fall reinstatement
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November 1 for spring reinstatement
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April 1 for summer reinstatement
The Academic Reinstatement Appeal form is forwarded to the Academic Standing Committee for consideration. Reynolds will ensure consideration of all appeals for reinstatement received by the deadline, including a review of the student’s academic history at Reynolds and documentation of mitigating circumstances. Once the appeal is received, students will be contacted when the Academic Standing Committee reaches its decision.
Decisions to reinstate may be accompanied by conditions designed to ensure the student’s improved performance. Decisions to deny reinstatement will result in the continued enforcement of suspension or dismissal terms. Students who are not granted reinstatement will be dropped from any courses for which they may have pre-registered, and their tuition will be refunded automatically.
Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit from Other Colleges
Advanced standing is defined as the application of awarded credit, earned by means other than instruction at this institution, toward satisfying program requirements. No more than 75 percent of a degree or certificate may be earned through advanced standing credit. Transcripts are evaluated for curricular students only. Courses included on an official transcript, equivalent and relevant to the curriculum in which the student is enrolled, will be applied toward credit in their program. Awarded credit is added to the student’s permanent record, but is not used for computation of the grade point average and does not carry a letter grade.
The Office of the Registrar evaluates requested advanced standing and places advanced standing, by type, on the permanent record and transcript. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant and official documents have been forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts are considered official if they are in a sealed envelope and carry the seal of the institution, are printed on official college letterhead, or delivered through a transcripting service.
Credit evaluation for courses taken at other VCCS colleges can be requested by completing a Request for Evaluation of a VCCS Transcript form; official transcripts from other VCCS colleges are not necessary.
Awarded transfer credit is available to view on the Student Information System (SIS). Official transcripts received four weeks prior to the beginning of the desired semester or term will be placed on SIS prior to the final registration period. Transcripts received after that point will be evaluated as time permits and in date priority. Students should address questions regarding advanced standing with the Office of the Registrar.
Credit will be awarded only for courses earning a grade of C or better, or the equivalent. When the course contains equivalent content and credit, the course may transfer to satisfy a program requirement at this institution. Reynolds evaluates credit for transfer from other colleges and universities using guidance from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers or the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Transfer Credit from International Institutions
Credit from international post-secondary institutions may be awarded upon evaluation by a private evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, naces.org. This process pertains to both international students seeking Reynolds transfer credit and Reynolds students earning credits at foreign institutions during study-abroad experiences. The student will send official transcripts to an approved agency to obtain a course-by-course evaluation. All fees must be paid by the students directly to the evaluation agency. This evaluation is provided to the Office of the Registrar so that credit can be assigned based on the student’s chosen curriculum in accordance with established college policies.
Graduation and Program Requirements
Graduation Honors
Students who have fulfilled the requirements of degree or certificate programs (with the exception of career studies certificates) are eligible for graduation honors based on their cumulative GPA. Scholastic achievement honors are:
Cum laude (with honor), 3.200 cumulative GPA
Magna cum laude (with high honor), 3.500 cumulative GPA
Summa cum laude (with highest honor), 3.800 cumulative GPA
Graduation Requirements and Procedures
- Submit Graduation Application by applicable deadline: curricular students eligible for graduation must complete the graduation application through SIS for each degree and certificate they are completing by the deadline for that semester or term. Deadlines are posted on Academic Calendars, found at reynolds.edu.
- Complete all program requirements as specified in the program catalog, including curricular admission requirements.
- Earn a grade point average of at least 2.000 in the curriculum.
- Fulfill all course and credit-hour requirements of the curriculum with at least 25 percent of credit semester hours earned at Reynolds.
- Submit all documentation of training, education, or tests from organizations outside of Reynolds to the Office of the Registrar by the last day of classes in their final semester. All Reynolds courses must also be completed by the last day of classes in their final semester. Incomplete (I) grades must be completed by this time in order to be used for graduation.
- Resolve all financial obligations with Reynolds and return all library and college materials.
- The school dean for the curriculum must recommend the student for graduation, and the Registrar must certify completion of all graduation requirements.
- If a student files for graduation but does not graduate, they must submit another graduation application for a subsequent term. Students may graduate after fall, spring, or summer terms. See Commencement.
Reynolds has one formal commencement ceremony each year, which occurs after the spring semester for students completing curricula throughout the academic year. A student is not permitted to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of the program of study, unless they meet the guildlines for early participation. Students who graduate in the summer or fall will be invited to participate in the next spring commencement ceremony.
Early Participation requirements are to have no more than seven credits or two classes left to finish the credential in the following summer semester. Students who meet this requirement should apply for their summer graduation in SIS and complete the Early Participation Request form by the spring graduation deadline to ensure they are included in the commencment communications and events.
Program Requirements
The catalog that will be used to review a student’s progress toward completion of program requirements and certification for graduation will be the catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial matriculation into the program or any subsequent catalog in effect during the time of the student’s enrollment in the program, to be chosen by the student, provided that:
- The student has not been discontinued, as a result of breaks in enrollment. Otherwise, the catalog in effect at the time of their return will become the effective catalog; and,
- The catalog is no more than seven years old at the time of graduation. Otherwise, either the current catalog or any catalog that is no more than seven years old becomes the effective catalog. The catalog year to be used should be chosen by the student in consultation with the program head/curricular advisor, with the program head having the final determination of appropriate catalog year. Wherever possible, substitutions will be utilized to maximize the usage of previously-taken courses while maintaining the integrity of the degree.
Associate Degree
An associate degree program is defined as a two-year curriculum of study that consists of a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 72 semester hours with an emphasis in a career/technical area. Exceptions to credit hour limits must be justified on the basis of documented business and industry requirements or standards. Associate degree curricula may include any appropriate courses numbered 10-299. A minimum of 15 percent of a diploma’s credit hour requirement shall be in general education. The general education requirements must include one three-credit hour English class. Existing programs (as of 2009) that exceed the 72 semester hour maximum are grandfathered in at their current length.
Certificate
A certificate program is defined as a curriculum of study less than two years in length that consists of a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 59 semester credit hours. Certificate curricula may include any appropriate courses numbered 10-299. A minimum of 15 percent of a certificate’s credit hour requirement shall be in general education. The general education requirements must include one three-credit hour English class.
Career Studies Certificate
A career studies certificate program is defined as a program of study of not less than nine nor more than 29 semester credit hours which may include courses numbered 10-299. Career studies certificate programs are not required to include general education.
Second Degree Or Certificate
Reynolds may grant credit for all completed applicable courses which are requirements of the additional degree, diploma, certificate, or career studies certificate. However, the awards must differ from one another by at least 25 percent of the credits.
Change of Curriculum (Program/Plan)
Students who desire to change programs must consult with a faculty advisor or advising specialist in Advising Services. The Office of the Registrar will process the request, provided all applicable admission requirements for the new program have been satisfied. Program/plan changes are effective for subsequent semesters in most cases.
Students should be aware that program/plan changes affect the catalog year of their respective program. Students will follow the curricular requirements based upon the effective date of the plan change. Program changes may also affect Financial Aid Award status.
Waiver and Substitution of Course Requirements
Students may petition the appropriate school dean for the waiver of required courses in the curriculum. If required courses are waived, other courses must be substituted in the curriculum to meet the specified credit hour requirement.
No credit is granted for the waived courses.
Student Records
Mailing Address
It is the student’s responsibility to keep this information up-to-date with the Office of the Registrar. Timely reporting of name and address changes will assist Reynolds in ensuring proper delivery of important notices and announcements. Students can submit address changes through SIS.
Email Communication
Email is an official method for communication at Reynolds. All official email communication will be distributed to VCCS email accounts only for students enrolled in at least one course. Reynolds uses VCCS email to communicate important information to enrolled students, and students should check their VCCS email regularly.
Transcripts
A transcript is a copy of the student’s permanent academic record at Reynolds. An official transcript carries the Reynolds seal and is sent to other educational institutions and agencies. Effective July 1, 2019, Reynolds began using the Parchment transcript ordering and delivery service. There are associated fees based upon type of delivery (electronic, U.S. Postal Service). Visit the Reynolds Parchment storefront to set up an account using a personal email address and order transcripts.
Unofficial transcripts are available at no cost through MyREYNOLDS.
Transferring between Reynolds and another VCCS school? Transcripts are not required. Students should complete the Request for Evaluation of a VCCS Transcript form in SIS to have these credits transfered.
Enrollment Verification and Certifications for Loan Deferment
At the written request of the student, the Office of the Registrar will produce official verification of enrollment. These are typically required as documentation to continue the student’s eligibility for dependent services, benefits, and insurance external to Reynolds.
Students wishing to defer repayment of certain loans should submit the appropriate forms from the lending agency to the Office of the Registrar. Reynolds will transmit the student’s enrollment data to the National Student Loan Clearing House for distribution to the appropriate lending agency as well. Official and final enrollment verification as well as loan deferment certifications will be processed after the deadline to drop with a refund for any particular semester or term.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) offers students certain rights with respect of their education records. These are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day Reynolds receives a request for access. Students should submit written requests to the Office of the Registrar, Parham Road Campus, Georgiadis Hall, Room 207. The request must identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. Staff will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records maybe inspected.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Reynolds to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
- The right to request amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes to be inaccurate or misleading. Students should write the Reynolds official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If Reynolds decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the student will be notified and advised of their 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.
- 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 Reynolds or VCCS in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff). Other typical exceptions include:
- Other schools to which a student is transferring
- High schools of dual or concurrent enrollment students
- Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
- Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
- Accrediting organizations
- Compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
- Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
- State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, and pursuant to specific State law
- A person or company with whom Reynolds or VCCS has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent)
- A person serving on the Reynolds College Board or Foundation Board
- A student serving on an official college committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks, excluding student government/leadership organization tasks
- A school official with a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility
FERPA administrated by:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Notice Regarding Directory Information
FERPA designates certain information as “directory information,” which may be released upon request without the student’s expressed written consent. It is the policy of Reynolds Community College not to publish a student directory. However, certain information (name, address, telephone number, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and term course load) can be released upon request unless the student has blocked release of their directory information.
To block release of directory information, provide written notification to the Office of the Registrar, registrar@reynolds.edu.
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