Academic Policies

Attendance and Participation

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. In case of absence, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange for completion of class work. Attendance may affect the student´s grade because of missed instruction and/or in-class or laboratory activities. Absences should be discussed with the instructor. It is the student´s responsibility to read each instructor´s syllabus.

Semester System

WETCC follows a semester calendar, with two academic terms scheduled between the end of August and the end of May. A summer term is scheduled for June and July. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.

Credit Load

The average course load for a regular full-time student is 16 credits with a minimum of 12 credit hours. Students can enroll for a maximum of 18 credit hours. A student who desires to take more hours than the maximum must petition the Academic Director to request approval of the overload. A student who carries an overload must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5. The maximum course load for a student on probation is 12 semester hours of academic credit.

The summer session full time load is 6 credit hours. A student may increase the credit hour load with the permission of the Academic Director. For financial aid purposes, a student needs 12 credits to be considered full-time in summer session.

Grading System/Grade Point Average (GPA)

All academic work is expressed in terms of semester credit hours. The semester hour is the unit of credit and represents one hour of class instruction or two hours of directed laboratory work per week for a semester term.

A class period is approximately 50 minutes in length, except for laboratory work. Exact distribution of time may vary with the type of course. Check with the class schedule for reference.

All study for credit is recorded by letter symbols, each of which carries a value in honor points per credit hours. Letter grades will be assigned in each course as an evaluation of student achievement. The student´s overall progress is measured by the grade point average, which is determined by dividing the sum of the grade points earned in all letter-graded courses (A-F) by the sum of all credits earned in those courses. The following grading policy is used:

Grading Policy

Grade	Definition	Grade Points/Credit
A	Superior	4.0
B	Above Average Achievement	3.0
C	Average Achievement	2.0
D	Below Average Achievement	1.0
F	Inadequate Achievement	0.0
I	Incomplete	0.0
W	Withdraw	0.0
NC	No Credit	0.0
P	Passing (not calculated into gpa for Those courses specifically designated as pass/no credit)

Pass/Fail Grading System

A student may elect to take courses for Pass/Fail grades under the following conditions:

1. Consent of the advisor and the instructor must be obtained for complete registration.
2. A student may register for only one pass-fail course per semester.
3. A maximum of 12 semester hours of "P" grades from WETCC will be accepted toward an Associate Degree for any student.
4. Pass/Fail may be used only for elective credits.

A student should understand that it might be difficult to have courses with pass "P" grades accepted for transfer to another institution of higher education. The "P" indicates that the credit earned counts toward the total credit required for graduation. However, the credits with the grade of "S", "P" or "AU" are not used in the calculation of the grade point average. In addition to grades, the following symbols may be used:

"I" (Incomplete)

"I" denotes lack of completion of the course during the semester in which it was offered. The grade of "I" is assigned only in exceptional circumstances and is a temporary grade. It will be given only to students who cannot complete work in a course on schedule because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control.

A student has a specific time period to complete the incomplete grade. Any incomplete grades carried beyond the approved time will be changed to NC unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor. Students are given four (4) weeks from the beginning of the next full semester to complete the missing course work.

Students who do not complete their work within the required time period are still responsible for the total cost of the tuition, books, and fees for that particular incomplete course.

NOTE: Students on Academic Probation will not be allowed to receive an incomplete grade from an instructor.

"W" (Withdrawal)

"W" denotes complete withdrawal from a course within the official withdrawal period. "W" is non-punitive and is used only when the student completes the proper withdrawal procedures. Withdrawals are not permitted following the conclusion of a course.

Repeating a course

Students who receive a grade of D, NC, or I may repeat the courses in which they received these grades. Students should discuss their intentions with an advisor. The old and new grades both remain on a student transcript, but only the new grade will be used to calculate the grade point average.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

WETCC maintains an open door admission policy, assesses students admitted, and provides programs to support students´ success. However, students must perform at an acceptable academic level to continue enrollment and to receive financial aid.

To earn a certificate or an associate-level degree, a student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in college-level courses. Students are considered to be making unsatisfactory progress whenever they fail to meet the standards listed below. At the conclusion of each semester, students will be evaluated in two ways:

Qualitative

1. Minimum semester grade point average, and
2. Cumulative or total grade point average based on the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Quantitative

Current standards require students to satisfactorily complete 67% of their total cumulative attempted WETCC credits (including transfer credits) with a grade of D (or P if enrolled on a pass/fail basis). Students who do not meet this requirement at the end of fall semester receive a warning. Students who fail to meet this requirement at the end of spring semester are placed on aid suspension.

In addition, students must complete their program of study within a specific number of credits. Students reaching credit limits at the end of a term are subject to financial aid suspension effective the following semester. Credit totals include accepted transfer credits. Grades of F, W, and I count as attempted but not earned. Courses taken for audit are not used in the calculation of SAP.

If a student falls behind in either status, the student will be placed on academic warning, probation or suspension. While on probation status, a student must earn a minimum 2.0 semester grade point average until the student complies with the Standards or Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Definitions/Conditions

Registered Credits:

Credits for which a student is officially enrolled at the end of the registration drop period each term.

Cumulative Credits:

Total number of credits for all periods of enrollment, including summer terms or terms from which the student did not receive financial aid.

Earned Credits:

Successfully completed credits counted toward the required percentage of completion; includes only A, B, C, D, P and does not include audits, F, I, NC or W grades.

Completed Credits:

Credits completed that may be used to disburse financial aid; includes only A, B, C, D, P grades.

Grade Point Average (GPA):

Calculated using a grade point value for grades of A, B, C, D, and NC. (Although ‘P´ will count as a credit earned, they carry no grade point value)

Incompletes (I):

Temporary grade assigned only in exceptional circumstances. I grades automatically become NC at the end of the next term if requirements to complete coursework have not been met.

In Progress (IP):

Temporary grade assigned to courses that are still in progress

Withdrawals (W):

Withdrawing from a course before the end of the term. W´s are included when evaluating a student´s percent completion, but not when determining their GPA.

Repeat Credits:

Repeats are allowed in order to improve a grade if they are needed to meet degree requirements.

Transfer Credits:

Credits earned at another college are not included when calculating GPA or percentage of completion, but are included when calculating maximum time frame.

Consortium/Joint Program Credits:

Credits accepted for purposes of processing financial aid are included with registered credits.

Grade Reports

Grades will be given to students, either in person or by mail within two weeks of the end of each semester. Grade reports will be withheld from a student who has not satisfied admission requirements, has not returned library materials, or has financial obligations to the college.

Graduation Honors

Students who complete at least 60 credits at White Earth Tribal and Community College may graduate with Academic Honors if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better.

Dean´s List

In order to qualify for the Dean´s List, a student must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours. Courses with a grade of P are not computed in the GPA and will not generate honor points. A student with at least a 3.00 GPA will be placed on the Dean´s List. This list will be posted each semester.

Requesting a Transcript

Students must submit a written request for copies of an Official Transcript. Updated transcripts are not available for at least two weeks after grades are submitted to Student Records Office. Students are encouraged to keep a file of their grades and transcripts. Students may request an unofficial transcript at any time.

General Transfer Information

Transfer to WETCC

For information on transferring to WETCC, see the Transfer Student section in the Admissions section.

Transfer from WETCC

Minnesota´s public colleges and universities are working to make transfer easier. You can help if you plan ahead, ask questions and use pathways created by transfer agreements.

Preparing for transfer if you are currently enrolled at WETCC:

1. Discuss your plans with the campus transfer specialist.
2. Call or visit your intended transfer college. You should obtain the following materials and information: college catalog; transfer brochure; information on admission criteria and materials required for admission, e.g. portfolio, transcripts, test scores; note that some majors have limited enrollments or their own requirements such as a higher grade point average; and information on financial aid (how to apply and by what date).
3. After you have reviewed these materials, make an appointment to talk with an advisor/counselor in the college or program you want to enter. Be sure to ask about course transfer and admission criteria. If you are not currently enrolled in a college or university, you might begin by meeting with a transfer specialist or an admission officer at your intended transfer college to plan the steps you need to take.

How transfer of credit works:

• The receiving college or university decides what credits transfer and whether those credits meet its degree requirements. The accreditation of both your sending and your receiving institution can affect the transfer of the credits you earn.
• The institution accepts credits from courses and programs like those they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content, and level.
• Not everything that transfers will help you graduate. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education, major/ minor courses and prerequisites, and electives.
• The key question is: Will your credits fulfill requirements of the degree or program you choose?
• If you change your career goal or major, you might not be able to complete all degree requirements within the minimum number of graduation credits required.

Rights as a Transfer Student:

• A clear, understandable statement of an institution´s transfer policy.
• A fair credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.
• A copy of the formal appeals process.

FERPA

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 provides that students in post-secondary institutions are extended the right to inspect and review any records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to them. The law specifically denies access to such confidential records to all other parties without the written consent of the student, except under limited and specific circumstances.

White Earth Tribal College is in full compliance with federal law pertaining to student records. A copy of FERPA is available at the Registrar´s Office in Waadookoodaading.

WETCC collects and maintains current and accurate student information such as Tribal enrollment status, address, phone number, program of study, etc. This information is required for institutional improvement and the determination of federal funding. Personal data changes such as change of address or phone number should be reported to the Registrar´s Office.

The following directory type of information may be given to any inquirer without written authorization from the student: name, email address, academic program, period of enrollment, diplomas or certificates awarded, honor, and date of program completion. Any student wanting any of this information to remain confidential must inform the Registrar in writing. The release of student grades, transcripts, and other data not listed above requires written consent by the student.

Solomon Amendment Implications

The Solomon Amendment to FERPA allows for the release of additional information in military recruiting and draft inquiries. In this case, the following information may be released without written authorization from the student:

• Name
• Program enrolled/Enrollment Status (enrolled, graduate, withdrawn, part-time, full-time)
• Number of credits currently taking
• Diplomas or Certificates awarded
• Honors
• Date of Completion
• Student picture, videotaped, or computerized images

Any student wanting this information to stay confidential must inform the Registrar in writing. For further information on your rights to confidentiality see the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

Solomon defines a student as a person over the age of 17 enrolled in one or more credit hours at the institution. If you need more information after contacting the Registrar, you can contact the following:

• Family Policy Compliance Officer
• U.S. Dept of Education
• 400 Maryland Ave SW
• Washington D.C. 20202-4605

Student Right to Know Report

The purpose of this information is to disclose annual student completion and graduation rates. This report is available at the Admissions Office in Waadookoodaading.

Student Rights

Students have the right to:

• A Tribally controlled higher education
• An education based on Anishinaabe epistemology
• Academic freedom
• Spirituality & culture
• Privacy
• Speech and assembly
• Fair and responsive treatment
• Participate in matters concerning their education
• Academic decisions based solely on considerations that are intellectually relavant to the subject matter under consideration
• Due process

Student Responsibilities

Each WETCC student has responsibility for complying with the instructions and regulations set forth in this catalog, for selecting courses that will satisfy his/her educational objectives, and for satisfying course prerequisites. Advisors are always available and willing to assist students.

The College does not assume responsibility for student misinterpretation of policies and procedures presented in this catalog. Any question concerning the content should be referred to the Admissions Office or the assigned Academic Advisor for the student.

Student Conduct Code

WETCC endeavors to do everything through the seven teachings of the Anishinaabeg: debwewin, dabasendizowin, zoongide´eiwin, gwayakwaadiziwin, manaaji´idiwin, zaagi´idiwin, and nibwaakaawin. Likewise, students also are expected to strive to live these values while earning their education. To do otherwise diminishes the value and integrity of your education and degree from WETCC.

Each student should realize that White Earth Tribal and Community College´s primary mission is to meet the needs of the community and of the individuals who make up the community. Public opinions may be easily skewed as a result of the actions of any single individual. Our Anishinaabe values teach us to consider the group before ourselves. With this in mind, it is expected that each student and staff member will do her or his part to represent the college and to project its name in a positive manner, thereby enabling it to fulfill its mission of service in the tradition of excellence.

Student conduct regulations apply to actions on college premises and at college sponsored activities off campus. In addition, students must also abide by Tribal laws, state laws, and federal laws. Failure to meet the following standards of conduct may result in disciplinary action. However, the regulations do not define misconduct in every circumstance.

Academic Misconduct

WETCC students are expected to be honest in their endeavor to attain a college education. Gwayakwaadizin debwen dash.

Cheating includes but is not limited to:

• Knowingly using, buying, selling, transporting or soliciting the contents of an unadministered test or assignment
• Copying from another student´s test or assignment
• Possessing unauthorized test material during a test
• Getting answers from another student during a test without permission from the instructor
• Plagiarism (including, but is not limited to, the unacknowledged use of another´s ideas, writings, or images)

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

• Acting to circumvent the honest completion on an individual´s assignment or test.
• Using a previously graded assignment for a new class assignment without major modifications.
• Knowingly furnishing false or misleading academic information to college officials.

Social Misconduct

WETCC students are expected to uphold the seven teachings of the Anishinaabeg while on campus or at college activities. The following are acts or behaviors that violate these teachings:

• Possession of any firearms or other weapons except as permitted by law
• Assaulting, threatening, harassing, or endangering the health or safety of any individual
• Using, possessing, or being under the influence of any illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages
• Thieving or damaging public or private property on college premises
• Unauthorized presence in or use of college premises, facilities, or property
• Abusing tobacco, except as permitted in authorized areas (traditional use of tobacco is not considered abuse)
• Refusing to comply with college officials performing their duties
• Behaving disruptively in the classroom or while representing the college in on or off campus activities
• Hindering the learning of other students

Alcohol/Drug-Free Campus Policy

All persons entering White Earth Tribal and Community College must comply with the Alcohol/Drug Free Campus Policy as required by Public Law 101-226, "The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989." No person may bring, keep or drink alcoholic beverages on college premises or at college functions. Possession of stimulants, depressants, narcotics or hallucinogenic drugs, including marijuana and other agents having the potential for abuse, is strictly prohibited, except as physician´s prescriptions. Any person found to be possessing, using or distributing such drugs and alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include prosecution for violation of Tribal, State, or Federal law.

Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

White Earth Tribal and Community College is committed to ensuring an educational and employment environment free of sexual harassment, sexual violence, or harassment. Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, affectional preference, national origin, disability, marital status, membership or activity in a local commission has no place in a learning environment and is prohibited. This policy is directed at verbal and physical conduct that constitutes discrimination or harassment under state, Tribal, and federal law, and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases where verbal statements and other forms of expression are involved, White Earth Tribal and Community College will give due consideration to an individual´s constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. Complaints of sexual harassment shall be referred to the Academic Director, who will seek to work with the aggrieved person by informal means, and who will advise the aggrieved person of his/her rights. All complaints will be investigated and appropriate options outlined.

The person complaining of sexual harassment may file a formal complaint with the President of the College and/or the judicial system having jurisdiction over Affirmative Action/Title IX complaints.

All members of the College are expected to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence or assault, or harassment based on gender or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964, as amended in 1972 (42 U.S.C. S 2000e. ET. Seq.), the Minnesota Human Rights Law 363.03 subdivisions 51, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments (20 U.S.C. 1681, et.seq.) and is punishable under both federal and state laws.

The OCR Offices for Minnesota

• Chicago Office
• Office of Civil Rights
• US Department of Education
• 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 1053
• Chicago, IL 60606-7204
• Telephone: 312-886-8434
• Fax: 312-353-48888 TDD: 877-521-2172
• Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov

The OCR National Headquarters

• U. S. Department of Education
• Office for Civil Rights
• Customer Service Team
• 550 12th Street, SW
• Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
• Telephone: 1-800-421-3481
• Fax: 202-245-6840 TDD: 877-521-2172
• Email: OCR@ed.gov

WETCC Concealed Weapons Policy

It is the policy of WETCC to prohibit the concealment of guns in the premises of White Earth Tribal and Community College buildings. Signs are posted at every entrance stating " WETCC bans guns in these premises" as required by state law. It is the responsibility of our staff to personally notify and demand compliance of this policy.

Classroom Behavior

Students are entitled to a classroom environment conducive to learning. Students whose behavior is disruptive either to the instructor or other students will be asked to leave and will be subject to disciplinary action under the terms of the Student Conduct Code.

Statement of Academic Honesty

WETCC students are expected to be honest in their endeavor to attain a college education. Gwayakwaadizin debwen dash.

Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person´s work (either word for word or in the substance of an idea) in one´s own work offered for credit. Plagiarism, cheating, and possession and/or distribution or unadministered examinations may result in suspension, disciplinary action, and/or expulsion from college.

Disciplinary Actions

Appropriate disciplinary actions will be enforced upon any student who violates regulations governing students at WETCC. In compliance with the standards of conduct the following sanctions are consistent with Tribal, state, and federal laws; and may be imposed for violation of the standards of conduct cited in this policy.

These sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal and or written warning
• Loss of privileges
• Restitution
• Academic suspension
• Academic probation
• Academic dismissal
• Mandatory participation in an approved drug & alcohol abuse treatment, rehabilitation, and/or re-entry program

Where appropriate, referral for prosecution may be made. One or more sanctions may be imposed for violation of college regulations in relation to the offense.

Student Grievance Process

The student grievance process offers due process to students who feel they have been subject to a negative decision. The process is designed to allow for consideration of any new fact or clarification of each particular case. A student may obtain relief after any step. So, for example, if the Academic Director reverses the decision, the student would not have to go to the next step.

Step 1.

Informal resolution: A student having a problem with a faculty member or disagreeing with a faculty member´s decision should first try to solve the dispute with the faculty member. Often these disputes are simple misunderstandings that can be cleared up with an informal meeting. If a student is not satisfied with the resolution reached at this meeting or feels too uncomfortable to meet with the instructor, she should then arrange to meet with the Academic Director. If a student is not satisfied with the informal resolution, she can proceed to step 2.

Step 2.

Academic Director Review: The student must file a written appeal with the Academic Director within ten (10) calendar days after meeting with the instructor or Academic Director in the informal resolution step.

The appeal must include the following items:

1. Name, address, email, and phone number of the person filing the grievance.
2. Explanation of the efforts the student has made to resolve the grievance informally.
3. Nature of the grievance in full detail.
4. Place, date, and time of alleged incident.
5. Name of the person(s) accused of the violation.
6. Requested remedy.
7. Any background information or documentation the student filing the grievances believes to be relevant.

The Academic Director will provide written findings to the applicant within ten (10) working days of the date of submission. If the student disagrees with the AD´s findings, she can proceed to Step 3.

Step 3.

Appeal Committee Review: Within three (3) working days of an appeal denial by the Academic Director, the student may request a review by the Appeal Committee which consists of The Academic Director, the Registrar, and two faculty members. The Committee will meet and review the appeal and all documentation and issue a written finding within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal. If the student disagrees with the Committee´s findings, she can proceed to the final step.

Step 4.

President Review: Within three (3) working days of an appeal denial by the Appeal Committee, the student may request a review by the President. After reviewing the appeal and all documentation, the President will issue a final decision within ten (10) working days of receipt of the request for appeal. The President´s decision is the final step in the process.

Campus Crime Report

The purpose of the report is to inform the campus of campus crime prevention programs, crime reporting procedures, emergency response and a three-year statistical history of criminal activity on campus. A copy of the WETCC Campus Security Report is distributed annually and a copy is available at the Registrar´s Office. If campus crime occurs, please report to Academic Director or Registrar immediately or the Local Police department if it is an emergency. Local Police Department phone number is 218 935 2255.

• Family Policy Compliance Officer
• U.S. Dept of Education
• 400 Maryland Ave SW
• Washington D.C. 20202-4605

Law Enforcement Official Visitation

Law enforcement officials needing to conduct business on campus shall check in with the Registrar´s Office upon arrival. The college official will determine the student´s location and arrange for the officer to meet with the student in a private area. Unless it is necessary for the safety of the students and employees, the officer will not enter the classroom in which the student is located.

In cases of emergency, such as fire alarms or serious injury/accident, officers have the authority to conduct business and perform their duties without contacting designated Administration.

Safety Glasses/Equipment

Minnesota State Law provides that every person shall wear industrial quality eye protection devices when participating in hazardous training activities while in college programs.

WETCC will comply with the law by requiring that all students in hazardous training activities purchase and wear safety glasses with side shields. Individual programs may have additional requirements for student use of person protective equipment.