Academic Regulations

Grading System

The College operates on a quality-point system. Semester credits represent the number of credit hours completed with a passing grade; quality points are determined by the grade earned. Each grade is assigned a grade point equivalent in quality points for each credit hour scheduled. The grade point ratio equals the sum of quality points divided by the sum of the semester credits carried.

Letter grades indicate the following achievement:

Continuing Education Grades

Continuing education courses are awarded a grade of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory).

Grade Reports

Grade report information will be available to students as soon as possible following the end of a term. Students should use WebAdvisor to view and print their grades, or they may submit a written request to Academic Records to receive official copies. Students are encouraged to carefully review their grade information and report any errors to the Academic Records Office in the Student Services building. Any requests for corrections to grade information must be submitted within one year of the ending date of the semester in which the grade was assigned. Academic transcripts, which contain all grade information, will not be released to students owing past due funds to the College or to students who have not completed their loan exit counseling requirement (if applicable).

Auditing of Courses

A student who desires to attend class regularly but does not wish to receive a final grade or credit toward graduation for the course may register for audit status with the approval of the instructor of the class and the Division Dean or Associate Vice President by the end of the drop period for the term of enrollment. Audit students are expected to attend all classes regularly and to pay all tuition and fees. A form to declare audit status is available in the Academic Division Offices. Financial aid programs and the Veterans’ Administration do not provide funds for auditing a class.

Final Examinations

York Technical College has optional final examinations. Faculty in each department make the decision whether to give a cumulative final exam in each course in the department or whether to evaluate achievement in the course by periodic tests and daily grades without a final exam.

Repeating A Course

When a student repeats a course taken at the College, the highest grade earned in that course will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point ratio. A grade of “TR” will be treated as the highest grade in the repeat process when a student receives transfer credit for a course previously taken at the College in which he or she earned a grade of “D,” “F,” or “WF.”

Grade Point Average (GPA) Definitions

Cumulative GPA is a calculation of the average of all final course grades the student has earned at York Technical College. It is used to determine honor graduate status. It is also used, along with term GPA, to determine Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The cumulative GPA is used to determine eligibility for graduation from a program of study.

Term GPA is a calculation of the average of all final course grades a student has earned for a specific term. It is used to determine Dean’s List and President’s List eligibility each term. It is also used, along with cumulative GPA, to determine Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Program GPA is a calculation of the average of grades for all courses identified in the program of study as well as any approved alternate courses. The program GPA is used to determine eligibility for graduation from a program of study.

Dean’s List

Students who earn seven or more credit hours in a term, excluding course hours for developmental education courses and courses for which grades of “W,” “E,” “TR,” and “AU” are earned, and who achieve a 3.50-4.0 term GPA will be named to the Dean’s List for that term. Students earning grades of incomplete “I” in any course in a term will not be eligible to be named to the Dean’s List for that term. All grade changes must be submitted no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the academic semester for consideration of Dean’s List recognition.

President’s List

Students who earn nine or more credit hours in a term, excluding developmental education courses and course hours for which grades of “W,” “E,” “TR,” and “AU” are earned, and who achieve a 4.0 term GPA will be named to the President’s List for that term. Students earning grades of incomplete “I” in any course in a term will not be eligible to be named to the President’s List for that term. All grade changes must be submitted no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the academic semester for consideration of President’s List recognition.

Standards of Progress

Standards of Progress for Credit Students

In accordance with State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Procedure 3-2-105.1., a semester/term and cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 shall be used at each technical college to determine satisfactory academic standing. Students who fall below this standard will be subject to institutional intervention strategies.

Students’ academic standings are assessed and updated at the end of each term of enrollment. Any grade changes received after the academic standings have been determined are not assessed until the end of the next term of enrollment unless students petition the Academic Records Office.

Good Standing: Students whose term grade point average (GPA) and cumulative GPA are 2.0 or above are in good standing for the following semester.

Academic Warning: Students whose term GPA or cumulative GPA is below 2.0 will be placed on academic warning for the following semester. Students on academic warning are encouraged to meet with their advisor to plan strategies for improving academic performance. Students on Academic Warning with a cumulative GPA below 1.75 will be restricted from registering until they meet with a Student Engagement Counselor to identify strategies for improving academic performance.

Academic Probation: Students whose term GPA or cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after the academic warning term will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Students on academic probation are encouraged to meet with a Student Engagement Counselor to identify strategies for improving academic performance.

Continuing on Academic Probation: Students whose term GPA or cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 following the academic probation term will remain on academic probation for the next semester of attendance. Students continuing on academic probation are encouraged to meet with a Student Engagement Counselor to identify strategies for improving academic performance.

Academic Suspension: Students whose term GPA and cumulative GPA are below 2.0 at the end of the academic probation term will be suspended for one semester. Students on academic suspension will be restricted from registering for a semester and must meet with a Student Engagement Counselor to identify strategies for improving academic performance. Students wishing to appeal their suspension status due to extenuating circumstances are required to contact a Student Engagement Counselor in Student Services for further information.

Standards of Progress for Career Development Students

Non-degree seeking students wishing to enroll into classes may be accepted as Career Development Students. Career Development students must complete any required placement tests or provide official evidence of prior college work in order to be admitted to York Technical College. Students in this category are subject to the same standards of academic progress as students enrolled in academic credit courses.

Standards of Progress for Developmental Courses

Students enrolled in one or more non-developmental courses are evaluated by the standards of progress for credit students. Students enrolled only in developmental courses must maintain satisfactory progress as measured by grades of “A*,” “B*,” or “C*.” Fifty percent or more of unsatisfactory grades of “D*,” “F*,” or “WF*” will cause a student to be placed on academic probation. Any student on academic probation who fails to earn a majority of satisfactory work (grades of “A,” “B,” or “C”) by the end of their next semester of work will be subject to suspension at the end of the probationary semester. Enrollment in developmental education courses numbering 001 through 099 (Mathematics, Reading, and English) shall be limited to a maximum of 30 semester hours. Students with extenuating circumstances who wish to appeal the maximum limit should contact an Enrollment Services Counselor in Student Services for further information.

Non-degree seeking students wishing to enroll into classes may be accepted as Career Development Students. Career Development students must complete any required placement tests or provide official evidence of prior college work in order to be admitted to York Technical College. Students in this category are subject to the same standards of academic progress as students enrolled in academic credit courses.

Standards of Progress for Developmental Courses

Students enrolled in one or more non-developmental courses are evaluated by the standards of progress for credit students. Students enrolled only in developmental courses must maintain satisfactory progress as measured by grades of “A*,” “B*,” or “C*.” Fifty percent or more of unsatisfactory grades of “D*,” “F*,” or “WF*” will cause a student to be placed on academic probation. Any student on academic probation who fails to earn a majority of satisfactory work (grades of “A,” “B,” or “C”) by the end of their next semester of work will be subject to suspension at the end of the probationary semester. Enrollment in developmental education courses numbering 001 through 099 (Mathematics, Reading, and English) shall be limited to a maximum of 30 semester hours. Students with extenuating circumstances who wish to appeal the maximum limit should contact an Enrollment Services Counselor in Student Services for further information.

Privacy of Student Educational Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, prescribes the conditions under which information about students can be released. It is the policy of York Technical College to follow the guidelines in order to protect the privacy of its students. The following statements of student rights are made under the provisions of the Act and are afforded to all eligible students:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her 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.
3. 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.
4. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, the National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, Nelnet, or BankMobile); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
5. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
6. The right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is the following:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Directory information is defined to be student name, address, electronic mail address, telephone number, dates of enrollment, full time/part time status, program of study, anticipated date of graduation, awards, honors, degree, diploma, or certificate conferred. Students who wish to request non-disclosure of the above items should submit an electronic request through WebAdvisor to the Academic Records Office for each semester in which non-disclosure is requested. Contact the Academic Records Office at 803-327-8008 for more information.

Protecting Your Electronic Account

York Technical College adheres to the rules and regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect the privacy of student information; however, students also have a responsibility to protect their information. Students access college computing systems such as Desire2Learn and WebAdvisor via login information (username and password). Students should NOT share their login information. Releasing college system login information to others may be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. For additional information, please refer to the Distance Learning Privacy Procedures at www.yorktech.edu/departments/distance-learning.

Academic Fresh Start

The Academic Fresh Start process is designed to assist returning students who meet specific conditions to have a fresh start in how their previous academic records are applied toward meeting graduation requirements in credit programs leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Students who meet the conditions below and who want to apply for Academic Fresh Start should contact the Academic Records Office for an application.

Academic Fresh Start is available only to students after re-entry to York Technical College following a two-year absence. It is the responsibility of the student to apply in writing for Academic Fresh Start within the first two semesters following re-admission (consecutive or non-consecutive). In order to qualify, students applying for Academic Fresh Start must have a cumulative GPA below 2.0 for all coursework. Students must also establish a term of progress of at least a 2.0 or higher GPA before Academic Fresh Start will be applied. Terms in which a student earns only grades of W are included as terms of enrollment.

Academic Fresh Start applies only to the coursework taken prior to the term of re-enrollment. Under this process, all courses previously taken at York Technical College are removed from the grade point average calculation but still appear on the student’s transcript with the original grades earned. Courses completed with grades of “A,” “B,” or “C” may still be used to meet program requirements, if applicable; however, grades of “D” may no longer be used. Academic Fresh Start does not apply when determining eligibility for academic honors at York Technical College. Academic Fresh Start does not make a person eligible for financial aid. Students must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Enrollment Information

Academic Advising

Academic advising at York Technical College is a shared relationship between the student (advisee) and his/her advisor that will help the student have a successful experience at the College. The academic advisor will assist the student in developing and adapting an educational plan that matches his/her life goals from the time of acceptance into a program through graduation.

Students will be assigned an academic advisor from their chosen program of study. Students should meet with their advisor to select courses each term. Students may locate their assigned academic advisor information in Navigate.

Student Academic Load

Students who wish to carry more than 18 semester credit hours must receive the approval of their advisor.

Registration for Credit Courses

Students are required to register for each semester/term in which they plan to enroll. Registration and payment of tuition and fees must be made in accordance with the instructions and deadlines published by the College. After a semester/term begins, students may not register for those sessions without the appropriate permissions from the Academic Divisions. Students are officially enrolled when they complete all the steps of registration, including the payment of all fees, and attend at least one day beyond the drop period. The College offers two 16-week sessions for the Fall and Spring semesters and one 10-week summer session each academic year. Within each regular (fall and spring) semester, the College offers two 8-week sessions and two 4-week sessions. For the Summer Semester, the College offers one 10-week, one 8-week and two 4-week sessions.  In addition, the Spring Semester includes a 4-week sessions termed Wintermester. The College may offer other flexible options on a term-by-term basis.

Course Syllabus

A syllabus serves as a road map and provides direction for both students and faculty. The syllabus describes a course, provides the plan for achieving objectives, and outlines student expectations. If more than one instructor teaches the same course, individual instructor guidelines are provided to students.

Schedule Adjustment Period

The schedule adjustment period is the first two days of the 8-week, 10-week (Summer Only) and 16-week part of term and 1day for the 4-week part of term. Students should work with their advisors to make approved schedule adjustments. Advisors will consider schedule adjustment requests based on student success and attendance at all scheduled classes.

Drop Period

The drop period is the first five instructional days of the 16-week part of term, the first three instructional days of the 8-week or 10-week (Summer Only) part of term and two days for the 4-week part of term. Students who drop courses for a term within the drop period or whose last date of attendance is within the drop period qualify for 100 percent tuition refund.

Student Information System - WebAdvisor

WebAdvisor provides password-protected access to academic and financial information, online registration, program evaluation (Degree Audit), and access to student forms. A link to WebAdvisor is on the College’s website at www.yorktech.edu/current-students. Students are provided login information upon admission to the College.

Student Email

The College uses Office 365 email to communicate important messages to students. Students are assigned an Office 365 email address, which is their username@yorktech.edu. Students are responsible for checking their email accounts on a regular basis to receive important College information.

Attendance Requirements

Students are responsible for attending all scheduled meetings in the courses in which they are enrolled, and/or submitting all attendance - related assignments, until they have completed all course requirements. Students taking distance education courses (any course with an online component such as hybrid, web-enhanced, and asynchronous online), are responsible for

1. Attending all scheduled class meeting times, consistent with the course modality and delivery method; and
2. Submitting all academic related assignments used for attendance verification.

When absent, students are expected to communicate with faculty members and are responsible for all material covered and for all assignments made in all classes. An absence is defined as nonattendance for any reason. Students who are 1) absent from a class more than 10 percent of the hours assigned; 2) missing more than 10 percent of the assignments used for attendance purposes; or 3) any combination of absences in excess of 10 percent of the expectation, will be withdrawn unless:

1. Withdrawal would violate Title IX and/or other compliance requirements.
2. The student and instructor have made arrangements to deal with absences beyond the 10% limit.

If the student’s last date of attendance is on or before midterm, the student is withdrawn, and a grade of “W” is assigned. If the student’s last date of attendance is after midterm, the student is withdrawn, and a grade of “W” or “WF” is assigned at the discretion of the instructor.

Withdrawal From A Course

Students may withdraw from a course or courses by notifying their instructor(s). A grade of “W” is assigned if the student’s last date of attendance is on or before midterm of the session. If a student is withdrawing from a course and the last date of attendance is after midterm, the grade assigned may be a “W” or a “WF” based on the instructor’s discretion. Some exceptions apply in disciplinary sanctions and certain programs.

Withdrawal From The College

Students who find it necessary to withdraw from the College should first consult with their advisor and should then apply for an official withdrawal from the College in Counseling and Support Services. Students who are receiving financial aid should also contact the Financial Aid Office to determine how the withdrawal will affect their eligibility and financial obligation to the College. Students who do not complete the semester may lose a portion of their financial aid for that term. This may result in a balance owed to the college.

Course Reinstatement Procedure

Students who wish to request reinstatement to a course after being dropped or withdrawn must meet with the instructor to complete the Reinstatement Approval Form. If, in the instructor’s judgment, the student has acceptable justification and a reasonable chance to complete the course successfully, the instructor will sign the request indicating approval and submit it to the Division Dean or Division Associate Vice President. The student may continue in class only if the request is approved by the Division Associate Vice President.

Student Records

Verification of Enrollment

York Technical College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as its agent for all verifications of student enrollment. To obtain enrollment verification, please visit the Clearinghouse online at www.studentclearinghouse.org or contact them by phone at 703-742-4200.

Requests for Academic Transcripts

Students who wish to have official copies of their transcripts should complete a Transcript Request Form at Enrollment Services. The Form is also available under Student Forms on WebAdvisor. Please allow at least two full workdays for Academic Records to process a transcript request; more time may be necessary during peak periods. Students may print unofficial copies of their transcripts from WebAdvisor. Transcripts will not be issued for students who owe past-due funds to the College or who have not completed their Loan Exit Counseling requirement, if applicable. Students may also order transcripts via Parchment (www.parchment.com). Parchment charges a processing fee.

Requests for Continuing Education Transcripts

For students completing Continuing Education Courses, a transcript may be requested by completing a Transcript Request Form at Enrollment Services.

English Proficiency Student Complaint Procedure

This procedure is published under Academic Regulations and Student Services in compliance with Commission on Higher Education requirements. All applicant finalists for employment in the credit instructional areas will be carefully screened during the hiring process to determine if they are proficient in the use of the English language. Although there may be pronunciation differences or inflectional variations which differ from the norm of the local population, these should not hinder the instructional process. However, if a student feels that he/she is unable to benefit from classroom instruction because of an instructor’s lack of English language proficiency, the student should follow the procedure outlined below in order to resolve the concern.

1. The student should talk with the instructor about language concerns and be specific about what language problems are distracting from the instructional process (i.e., talks too fast, pronunciation of key words, etc.).
2. If the student does not believe the concern has been resolved, the student should make an appointment to see the Department Chair of the instructional area involved. The Department Chair may request that the problems be specified in writing. The Department Chair will review the concerns (i.e., classroom observation, test review, other student input) and respond to the student in writing.
3. If the student feels that there is further need to address the concern, the student should specify the problem in writing to the Division Associate Vice President (AVP) and make a follow-up appointment for discussion. The Division AVP may elect to discuss the situation with the Department Chair, the instructor, and the student. The Division AVP, with the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, will determine if the situation merits an English Proficiency Performance Review. The student should receive from the Division AVP a written response covering any subsequent recommendations/results.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the response from the Division AVP, the student may schedule an appointment with the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

Student Ownership and Equity

York Technical College maintains ownership, broadcast rights, property rights, and copyrights for all materials developed in conjunction with student coursework and/or student organization activities, including video, audio, print, and computer-based products.

Usage of Computer Facilities

Student access to computer facilities is primarily for use in association with a course of study and activities related to that course. All students who use the College computer facilities must do so in a manner which is ethical, legal, and which does not “disrupt the educational process of the College” (Student Code and Grievance Procedure, August 2015). Detailed guidelines for use of the College’s computer facilities and the sanctions associated with violation of these guidelines are posted in the computer facilities.

Copyright Infringement

York Technical College expects all students and employees to adhere to the U.S. Copyright Laws. Copyright infringement is the reproduction, distribution, performance, public display, or derivation of a copyrighted work without the explicit authorization of the copyright owner. Infringement is a serious offense that violates one or more of the exclusive rights granted to copyright owners. Detailed information on the definition of copyright infringement and associated penalties is available at www.copyright.gov.

Use of Recording Devices In The Classroom

York Technical College recognizes the importance and value of providing a high-quality educational experience to students with disabilities. The College also understands the benefits of helping students learn and study in the way that is most effective for them. For both reasons, students at York Technical College are allowed, in most situations, to use audio recording devices (including digital or tape recorders, audio recording apps on phones and tablets, and smart pen devices) to record classroom lectures for their own use as study aids.

Restrictions on Classroom Recordings

The recording of classroom lectures is subject to the following conditions:

• Recordings of class lectures are only for the student’s personal use in study and preparation related to the class.
• The student may not share the recordings with any other person at any time, whether or not that person is in his/her class.
• Only audio of the class may be recorded; video recording is not allowed.
• The use of recording devices is forbidden during tests and other assessments or graded activities (as determined by the instructor).
• The student acknowledges that the recordings are sources, the use of which is governed by the rules of the Academic Integrity Policy for the College.
• When they are no longer needed for academic work or by the course end, any recordings made will be destroyed by the student.
• Information contained in the audio-recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express, written consent of the instructor and without giving proper identity and credit to the instructor.

Any student who wishes to record audio in the classroom must sign an Audio Recording Agreement acknowledging these restrictions and notify the instructor of his or her intent to record the class. The form is available on the College’s website, and it must be submitted to the instructor before recording begins. The misuse of any recordings may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Recording as an Accommodation

The Special Resources Office (SRO) at York Technical College coordinates services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities. These services provide equal educational opportunities to students by minimizing the impact of functional limitations on academic pursuits. The SRO works with students to determine appropriate academic accommodations. If lecture recording is approved as a classroom accommodation, the SRO will obtain the student’s signature on the Audio Recording Agreement for any students approved for accommodations, and will notify instructors of all approved accommodations each semester upon the student’s request.

Use of Other Electronic Devices in the Classroom

Digital devices (e.g. cell phones, tablets, laptops computers, and hybrid devices) have many beneficial uses in the classroom, especially with the growing availability of digital textbooks and other learning supplements. They can also create significant disruption to the classroom environment if used improperly.

York Technical College’s policy regarding the use of digital devices is as follows:

• Devices may not be used for communication purposes, including, but not limited to, text messaging, instant messaging, emailing, making calls, and posting to social media, during class unless expressly permitted by the instructor. If situations arise where communication may be necessary during class (e.g. students who have specific medical needs, first responders, etc.), the student must make arrangements with and obtain permission ahead of time from the instructor.
• Students may not record video or take still images of lectures or classroom activities unless expressly permitted by the instructor and any other person recorded or photographed.
• Any activity that may distract students or detract from the learning experience (e.g. watching videos or movies, playing games, web surfing) is forbidden during class unless expressly permitted by the instructor as relevant to class activities.
• The use of digital textbooks during regular class activities is permitted. However, students must follow all other policies regarding the use of digital devices while using a digital textbook. Additionally, faculty may restrict the use of these devices during tests and other assessments. In situations where students are allowed to use the text during assessments, the student may be required to disable the wireless communication capabilities of the device or to use a printed version of the text.
• Any use of digital devices that violates these or other College policies or applicable laws may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Institute for Teaching Excellence

The Institute for Teaching Excellence supports the College mission of accessible, relevant, and high-quality education through instructional support, encompassing curriculum development and revision, faculty and staff development, alternative methods of delivery and assessment, and exploration of innovative strategies and tools for teaching and learning. The Institute for Teaching Excellence consists of faculty and staff specializing in instructional design, pedagogy, education technology, and distance learning / online courses.

The Institute for Teaching Excellence supports distance learning courses and instruction, and houses many areas related to instructional excellence including administration of the learning management system, Desire 2 Learn (D2L), instructional technology, eLearning development, Inclusive Access course materials, developing and conducting faculty training, providing leadership and guidance for online courses, and curriculum reviews. 

Distance Learning

York Technical College offers distance education courses and programs in alignment with the College mission. Standards of quality in distance education courses align with instructional expectations and standards for traditional courses. At York Technical College, there are multiple course types associated with distance learning including asynchronous, hybrid, web-enhanced, and attend anywhere courses.

Distance Learning & Online Course Types

Asynchronous Courses 

Asynchronous online courses are offered through the D2L learning management system in an instructor - led format. These are traditional, 100% online courses with no specific meeting times or “live” session requirements. Online instruction will be conducted through the College’s learning management system, D2L/Brightspace. Students may be asked to complete online discussions, submit assignments through the Dropbox, take quizzes/tests in the online environment, and/or complete other online activities. 

• Attendance in Asynchronous Online Courses
  • At a minimum, attendance in asynchronous online courses will be taken through the weekly submission of assignments and may include discussion participation, drobox assignments, and quizzes/tests. Assignments, discussions, or quizzes/tests utilized for attendance purposes will include that information.

Hybrid Courses 

Hybrid courses consist of a combination of online and in-person instruction with scheduled class meeting times. Online instruction will be conducted through the College’s learning management system, D2L/Brightspace. Online instruction will be conducted through the College’s learning management system, D2L/Brightspace. In addition to attending in-person during scheduled class meeting times, students may be asked to complete online discussions, submit assignments through the Dropbox, take quizzes/tests in the online environment, and/or complete other online activities. 

• Attendance in Hybrid Courses
  • Attendance in hybrid courses will be based on participation during the scheduled class meeting times. In addition, attendance may also be taken through online assignment submission. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meeting times.

Web - Enhanced Courses 

Web-Enhanced courses are 100% online courses with scheduled virtual class meeting times. Virtual class meetings are conducted through D2L and web conferencing technology (i.e., Zoom). Online coursework in web-enhanced courses will be delivered through the College’s learning management system, D2L/Brightspace. Students may be asked to complete online discussions, submit assignments through the Dropbox, take quizzes/tests in the online environment, and/or complete other online activities. 

• Attendance in Web-Enhanced Courses
  • Attendance in web-enhanced courses will be based on participation during the scheduled class meeting times. Attendance may also be taken through online assignment submission. Students are expected to attend all virtual scheduled class meeting times.

Attend Anywhere Courses

Attend Anywhere courses are those which provide students the flexibility to determine how to attend class. These courses have scheduled class meeting times, for in-person or virtual attendance, and are also designed to allow students to participate as an asynchronous online student, where they do not have to attend scheduled class meetings. Scheduled class meetings will be streamed for virtual student participation and may also be recorded for viewing in an asynchronous manner. Online coursework, attendance, and grades will be delivered through the College’s learning management system, D2L/Brightspace. Students may be required to complete online discussions, submit assignments through the Dropbox, take quizzes/tests in the online environment, and/or complete other online activities.

This course type is offered only in certain departments where courses are specifically designed for this delivery method. The flexibility of this course type demands that students who wish to enroll should understand how they learn best (in-person or online), are able to commit to attending class regularly, and those which are very comfortable with web-conferencing technology and the D2L/Brightspace online classroom environment. It is recommended that students attend the regularly scheduled class meetings as much as possible.

Students wishing to enroll in an Attend Anywhere course are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor prior to registration.

• Attendance in Attend Anywhere Courses
  • Attendance in Attend Anywhere courses will be taken through the use of an “attendance quiz,” found in the “quizzes” area of the D2L online classroom. All students will need to complete the attendance quiz, regardless of how they elected to participate on a given day (in-person, live virtual, or asynchronous). Students are encouraged to attend scheduled class meetings regularly in these courses.

Technology Requirements for Distance Learning & Online Courses

Students taking any type of distance learning course at York Technical College must meet the following technology requirements:

• Personal computer access: laptop, desktop, or Chromebook
  • Note: iPads, other tablets, and cell phones are not recommended due to limitations with the functionality of online course platforms, materials, and remote proctoring applications.
• Webcam and microphone
  • Most laptops and Chromebooks have an integrated webcam and microphone. However, if not integrated or if using a desktop, then an external webcam is needed.
• Reliable high-speed internet
• Google Chrome internet browser

Students Taking Distance Learning & Online courses should be:

• Familiar with and able to use computer programs including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and an internet browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
• Able to save files in various formats and attach them to an email or upload them into D2L.
• Able to perform internet searches, use email, chat, and discussion boards.
• Able to study independently, self-disciplined, and have good study and time-management skills.

Tips for Students in Distance Learning & Online Courses

1. Communicate frequently - In any online course, communicating with your instructor and classmates is essential. Check your York Tech email daily during your classes to ensure you receive the most updated information from the College and your instructors.
2. Be Proactive - If you don’t understand something, then ask. In an online course, it is easy to get confused and frustrated, so be proactive and reach out to your instructor if you have questions. If you are facing other challenges not related to course material, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or Counseling and Support Services.
3. Set aside time each day for classwork - In an online course, you will likely need to complete some type of class work each day such as reading material, watching videos, and completing any assignments.
4. Participate - Be sure to complete all assignments and discussions (including ungraded activities) to demonstrate your commitment to your courses. Participation is key to building relationships with others and learning from in your courses.
5. Utilize Resources - make sure you explore all resources provided by your instructor and the College.
6. Attend live sessions and virtual office hours - Do your best to attend any live sessions, lectures, or virtual office offered by your instructors. If you are unable to attend, be sure to watch any provided recordings.
7. Practice netiquette - Be polite and respectful as you share and respond to others in your online classes. Additional information on netiquette can be found in this file.
8. Connect with your classmates - Get to know each other through discussions in the classroom, messages, or by holding remote study sessions. Free remote study sessions can be conducted through programs such as Skype and Zoom.

Remote Proctoring

York Technical College utilizes remote proctoring for assessments taken in a virtual/online format that would generally be proctored by an instructor in a face-to-face classroom setting. Students taking online or hybrid courses should expect to utilize remote proctoring on tests, quizzes, exams, or other assessments, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Courses offered face-to-face or in-person may also utilize remote proctoring for some assessments to allow for more instructional time in person. Remote proctoring provides students the ability to take assessments remotely at a time convenient for their schedule.

Expectations for Remote Proctoring

Students taking a distance learning or online course should expect to utilize remote proctoring for assessments that would generally be proctored by an instructor in a face-to-face classroom setting (e.g. quizzes, tests, exams). Students are expected to take remotely proctored assessments in an appropriate environment, may be required to show a photo ID, and may be subject to video recording. The online, remotely proctored testing environment should mimic an in-person testing environment as closely as possible. Additional information for students can be found in the expectations for students taking a remote proctored assessment guidance. Students may elect to take remotely proctored tests on campus in the Learning Commons or A-208 Computer Lab.  

Student fees related to remote proctoring can be viewed in the “Expenses” area of the catalog.

Honorlock Remote Proctoring

York Technical College utilizes Honorlock for remote proctoring in most academic areas; although, some areas may use another remote proctoring service (e.g. nursing).  Honorlock utilizes an extension for the Google Chrome web browser and does not require students to set up an account or install software on a computer. Students must use a Chromebook, laptop, or desktop (Windows / macOS) computer with a microphone and webcam when taking a remotely proctored assessment with Honorlock.

More information regarding about remote proctoring, technology requirements, student privacy information, and other frequently asked questions can be found online by visiting the Remote Proctoring Student Resource Libguide or through the HELP button in D2L.  URL: https://yorktech.libguides.com/onlinestudentresources/honorlock   

Assessment Center

Students may utilize the College’s Assessment Center to take proctored assessments in person. For more information, contact the Assessment Center at assessmentcenter@yorktech.edu. Students may also take assessments at a location other than the York Technical College Assessment center. The Institute for Teaching Excellence will work with the students to secure an assessment site and provide information regarding associated fees for that site. Students should contact the Institute for Teaching Excellence at 803-981-7245 or ite@yorktech.edu to schedule proctored tests at locations other than the College’s Assessment Centers.

Student Introduction to Online Courses

York Technical College has developed a self-paced sample course to help applicants and new students become familiar with the functions in D2L, the learning management system. To request access to the D2L Test Drive course, please fill out this form and an account will be created for you. York Technical College students can self-register for this course inside D2L by logging into D2L and going to “self-registration” on the top navigation bar. 

A more in-depth exploration of online courses and their navigation is embedded into the COL 101: College Orientation course. The College Orientation course covers expectations of students, interpersonal communication, academic strategies for in-person and online courses, and utilizes the SmarterMeasure assessment, which measures student readiness for online learning. For questions related to COL 101, please contact the Academic Advising Center at academicadvising@yorktech.edu. 

Student Technology Resources and Support

The Institute for Teaching Excellence has created an Online Student Success Resources web page which contains information, videos, guides, and interactive presentations about academic integrity, how to access the WiFi, remote proctoring, using D2L Brightspace, Office 365, tutoring services and more.  URL: https://yorktech.libguides.com/onlinestudentresources

When inside D2L/Brightspace (the learning management system), students may access help directly through the HELP button located on the top navigation bar. This button is present for the home page and all course pages in D2L.

Students with questions related to password resets, login issues, or software installation should contact the York Technical College Help Desk at 803-981-7111 or email YTCwebsupport@yorktech.edu.  More information can be found on the Help Desk webpage.

Campus Visitation Information

Students enrolled in distance learning and online courses may visit York Technical College campuses at any time by following any established guidelines or procedures for all students.

Privacy 

York Technical College protects the privacy of all students, including distance learning students, by safeguarding student information in adherence to the rules of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, and SBTCE Policy 4-4-105. The official FERPA statement is available for students and public view through the York Technical College website. The College has established Guidelines for Distance Education and Online Platforms, which are specific to distance learning, the learning management system (LMS), and other instructional online platforms utilized in instruction of distance education courses, to ensure compliance with FERPA. Please contact the Institute for Teaching Excellence at ite@yorktech.edu or 803-981-7245 with questions. 

State Authorization 

York Technical College is authorized to offer distance learning courses to persons who reside in South Carolina or will be receiving their learning in South Carolina. Many states require institutional authorization for each out-of-state college that offers distance learning to students within their state. Students who reside outside of South Carolina or will be receiving their learning outside of South Carolina must contact the Institute for Teaching Excellence to ensure the necessary authorizations are obtained. If a student moves outside of South Carolina while attending York Technical College, it is the students’ responsibility to update their information with York Technical College by contacting the Academic Records Office at arecords@yorktech.edu or 803-327-8000. Students receiving their learning outside of the United States may be exempt from State Authorization requirements. Questions should be directed to the Institute for Teaching Excellence at ite@yorktech.edu or 803-981-7245.

Verification of Identity 

York Technical College uses a secure login and password for students to enter the learning management system, Desire2Learn (D2L). D2L provides a web-based classroom environment available for face-to-face and online courses. In order to keep student coursework private, students should not share their personal login information (username and password). Sharing login information to any York Technical College system (Desire2Learn, WebAdvisor, Office 365, Portal, etc.) may be a violation of the Student Code (SBTCE Procedure 3.2.106.1 for the South Carolina Technical College System).

Student identity for distance learning and remotely proctored assessments is verified by the instructor (see - Remote Proctoring). Students taking a remotely proctored assessment may need to provide a scan of a picture identification card prior to starting the assessment. For more information about remote proctoring, please view the Remote Proctoring Student Resource LibGuide.

Student Complaint Process in Distance Learning Courses

Student complaints related to distance education courses follow the same process as all other courses at York Technical College. Complaints related to college-specific concerns including academic, curricula, and professionalism should first be directed to the instructor of the course, followed by the Chair of the department. College related complaints to include student programs, technology, library services, counseling services, student accounting, and other services should be directed to the appropriate individual and/or supervisor for the area of concern. Students who have been charged with academic misconduct or other form of misconduct, may file a grievance, as outlined in the York Technical College Student Code. Information on the Student Grievance Procedure with Distance Education Resources can be found on the College website at https://yorktech.edu/Student-Grievances/.

Graduation Information

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for graduation vary according to the curriculum. Students are responsible for fulfilling the requirements set forth in their curriculum. An associate degree, diploma, or certificate will be awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the required programs of study for their chosen field and meet the following requirements:

1. Admitted to the curriculum. Students graduate under the catalog year under which they were admitted if they do not have a break in enrollment of two consecutive terms. Please note: A minimum of one course required for graduation must be completed after the effective term of the program.
2. Satisfactorily completed the required number of hours and courses specified in the curriculum in which they are enrolled. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours required for program completion must be earned through instruction from York Technical College.
3. Achieved a minimum cumulative and program (major) GPA of 2.0 as defined by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Policy Number 3-2-105. York Technical College calculates a Program GPA for each student, which includes grades for all courses identified in the program of study as well as any approved alternate courses.
4. Paid all required fees and other financial obligations due to the College and completed the Loan Exit Counseling requirement (if applicable).
5. Submitted an Application for Graduation through WebAdvisor by the published deadline within the student’s graduation year (Spring/Summer: March 1; Fall: October 1) or submitted the late graduation application form, located in the Student Services Building, prior to the close of the current semester.
6. Currently Enrolled Students - Students who change programs while continuously enrolled at the College and who are seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate must meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog which is in effect at the time of acceptance into a new program or re-acceptance into a previous program.
   • Multiple Majors - Students pursuing multiple majors must meet the graduation requirements in effect at the time they apply for graduation from the multiple major. Exceptions may be granted if recommended and approved by the Division Associate Vice President.
   • Former Students - Students who re-enroll in the College after an absence of two or more consecutive semesters or more and who are seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate must meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog which is in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Honor Graduates

Honor graduate status is based on the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of the term in which he/she graduates. Honor designations are Cum Laude for students earning a 3.5-3.74 cumulative GPA, Magna Cum Laude for students earning a 3.75-3.99 cumulative GPA, and Summa Cum Laude for students earning a 4.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their graduation term. Diploma and degree students who earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher for all their coursework at the College through the fall semester of their graduation year and apply for graduation by the published deadline will be designated as candidates for honor graduate status on the graduation program.

President’s Award for Students

The President’s Award for Students is presented to graduating candidates who have been selected by the faculty in their division for their outstanding contribution to the College and community. Scholastic achievement, service to the College and community, perseverance, and attitude are among the criteria achieved by these students. The students chosen to receive this award are recognized at the graduation ceremony.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is a nationally recognized honor society for two-year college students. To be considered for full membership (membership by invitation only), a student must be enrolled in an associate degree program, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 with at least 12 hours in degree-level courses, be of good moral character, and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. To maintain membership once established, members must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Phi Theta Kappa graduates wear golden stoles at the graduation ceremony.

Student Marshals of the College

Students named as marshals of the College at graduation must have earned at least 24 hours in their program of study and have maintained a 4.0 grade point average in all their coursework at the College or be an actively participating member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Student Marshals act as hosts and hostesses of the College at the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Ceremony

The commencement ceremony is held after the end of the spring semester. Students who have completed their coursework for degrees and diplomas in the preceding fall semester as well as those anticipating completion in the spring or summer semester of that year are eligible to participate if they apply to graduate by the published deadline of their graduation year. However, no degree, diploma, or certificate will be awarded until all requirements are completed.