Coursework Struggles

This section continues the information from the 21 Days to Holistic Student Support designed by the I-HOPE Welty Gran Team (see the first page in this section for more details). 

 

Case Study: A student asks to drop all of their (credit) classes because they say they have too much going on. What guidance can I offer them?

We spoke with the Director of Admissions and Registration for guidance on how to best support this student:

  • Refer them to Counseling Links to an external site. in case they need to discuss this with someone.
  • Encourage them to talk to the Financial Aid Office before proceeding to ensure they are aware of the refund timeline and any other financial aid implications (see below).
  • Check the current quarter's list of "Important Dates" (sent out quarterly by Admissions and Registration) to ensure they are within the correct time frame to drop.
  • Advise them to drop via ctcLink or come to Building 15.
  • Have them fill out a Student Information Update form if they know they will be returning for a future quarter.

 

FAQ: "What are the possible financial aid impacts when a student drops or withdraws from a class?"

Financial aid is disbursed on the first day of the quarter based on students’ enrollment level at that time. If a student drops a class on or before the financial aid census date (10th day of the quarter for Fall, Winter, Spring; 8th day of the quarter for Summer), their Pell grant funding will be recalculated based on their actual enrollment level as of the census date. If they are in a lower enrollment level than they were when their Pell grant disbursed, they will owe a portion of the aid back. Any grants awarded may also be recalculated if a student is administratively dropped by faculty due to never attending class.

Withdrawing from a class after the census date will most likely result in either a warning or suspension status. Fully withdrawing from all classes will result in an automatic suspension of financial aid, and students may also owe a repayment of some or all of their financial aid, depending on the last date of academic activity (see the question below about Z, 0.0, or W grades for more information).

More information can be found at the Financial Aid Links to an external site. forms. 

 

FAQ: "How do I, Z, W, or 0.0 grades affect a student’s financial aid?"

There are several possible outcomes, including being placed on a warning or suspension status and possible repayment of financial aid funds.

  • The Financial Aid office monitors students’ cumulative GPA (minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA), pace of progression (minimum 67% total credit completion rate), and quarterly credit completion according to our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Students who receive I, Z, W, or 0.0 grades will almost always be placed either on a warning or suspension status for financial aid due to the quarterly credit completion requirement (see chart below).  
  • Grades of I, Z, and W affect a student’s overall pace of progression because they count as attempted but not completed credits. These grades are not calculated into a student’s GPA. A grade of 0.0 counts against a student’s pace of progression requirement and also lowers their cumulative GPA. Therefore, I, W, and Z grades will always be more beneficial for the student than a 0.0 grade.
  • Students who receive I, Z, W, and/or 0.0 grades in ALL of their classes during a quarter may also owe a repayment of financial aid funds, depending on how far into the quarter they attended and completed academic-related activities.

 

FAQ: "Why does the Financial Aid Office need to know whether a student attended my class? Why do faculty have to report a student’s last date of attendance if they do not pass a class?"

A student’s financial aid eligibility is linked to attendance: If a student does not attend a course, the student is not eligible for financial aid funding for the course. Therefore, the course cannot be counted toward the student’s enrollment, and financial aid eligibility is required to be recalculated at the lower enrollment level. If the student did not attend any courses, or if attendance cannot be verified by the student’s instructors, the student is not eligible for any aid and must repay all aid received for the term. Verification of attendance is the school’s responsibility, not the student’s.

Additional resources: 

 

FAQ: "I'm working with a student who has decided that their chosen program is not a good fit for them. Whom can they talk to on campus?"

The Counseling team also offers career counseling and planning services. If students are unsure what they want to study/do, the SCC Counseling Department can help them explore different career options, and then build a plan to achieve the career goal they identify. Students can connect to the counseling office Links to an external site. by scheduling an appointment.

 

FAQ: "Are new students required to participate in academic advising or to meet with a counselor?" 

Students can opt to meet with a counselor as part of their onboarding process, but are not required to do so. SCC does not require new students to meet with a counselor to clarify program/degree choice or select their first quarter classes.

In NSO, students receive information on suggested first quarter classes. They then are encouraged to meet with a counselor to go over questions and create a plan for their first quarter that is tailored to them. Registration and other student services staff will often refer new students to counseling for assistance with academic counseling as well.

 

** Please remember that if you're ever unsure of where to turn for support for a struggling student, the Early Alert team on campus is also available to help. The Early Alert team is made up of staff from student services departments across the campus. Faculty can submit online Early Alert Referrals Links to an external site. for student concerns ranging from class participation/attendance, assignment completion, mental health services, food and/or housing insecurity, and more. Once you submit a referral, a member of the team will reach out to the student within about 24 hours to check in on them and provide options for interventions or services. The team encourages you to "refer early and support often!"