NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CATALOG

2018 - 2019

Normandale Community College 9700 France Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55431-4399

952-358-8200

www.normandale.edu

Normandale is a member of the Minnesota State system. This system is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor.

Requirements of this catalog are subject to change as a result of state and federal legislation, policies of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, and other reasons deemed necessary by the faculty and administration of Normandale Community College.

This catalog is available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities by calling the Office for Students with Disabilities at 952-358-8625 or emailing osd@normandale.edu.

Table of Contents

Academic Calendar	3

Introduction	4

Admissions	6

Student Expenses	14

Financial Aid and Scholarships	19

Student Affairs	22

Center for Experiential Education	25

Academic Policies and Procedures	27

Special Courses and Programs	42

Programs of Study	45

How to Read a Course Description	91

Course Descriptions.	92

Campus Policies	174

Directories	183

Index	194

The provisions of this catalog are effective from the beginning of Fall Semester 2018 through the

Summer Session 2019, but are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the College.

The College reserves the right to change any provision or requirement at any time within the student’s term of enrollment.

Academic Year
and

Summer Session Calendars

Summer Session 2018

Classes are taught in formats from one to twelve weeks in length, beginning at various dates throughout the term.

Consult the summer course schedule and summer registration guide for individual class meeting dates and session lengths.

Classes Begin	May 29

Independence Day, No Classes	July 4

Classes End/Term Ends	August 3

Fall Semester 2018

Classes Begin	August 27

Labor Day, No Classes	September 3

Weekend Classes Begin	September 7

Education Minnesota, No Classes	October 18-20

Veteran’s Day (observed), No Classes	November 10

Thanksgiving, No Classes	November 22-24

Weekend Classes End	December 15

Final Examinations	December 17-21

Term Ends	December 21

Spring Semester 2019

Classes Begin	January 14

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No Classes	January 21

President’s Day, No Classes	February 18

Weekend Classes Begin	January 25

Community Success Day, No Classes	March 26

Spring Break	March 11-16

Weekend Classes End	April 27

Final Examinations	May 13-17

Term Ends	May 17

Commencement	May 14

Summer Semester 2019

Classes are taught in formats from one to twelve weeks in length, beginning at various dates throughout the term.

Consult the summer course schedule and summer registration guide for individual class meeting dates and session lengths.

Term Begins	June 3

Independence Day, No Classes	July 4

Classes End/Term Ends	August 8

The academic calendar is subject to modification or interruption due to occurrences such as fire, flood, labor disputes and interruption of utility services. In the event of any such occurrences, the College will attempt to accommodate students. We will not, however, guarantee that courses of instruction, student activities or other College programs or events will be completed or rescheduled. Refunds will be made to eligible students only according to the policies adopted by the College.

Refer to the Student Planning Calendar, available from Student Affairs, for the most up-to-date information.

Greetings,

Welcome to Normandale Community College! We are proud to be a part of your educational journey. As a college that specializes in the scholarship of teaching and learning, Normandale provides academic, career-focused, and interest-based programs to help you work toward achieving your goals. Through the over 60 degrees and certificates, over 600 academic courses, and hundreds of continuing education programs, we are certain you will find something that fits your needs.

You can complete a two-year degree at Normandale or a four-year degree on our campus through one of the three Minnesota State university partners. If you are looking to transfer to a university or college locally or out of state, Normandale is recognized by transfer colleges, universities and employers throughout the Midwest for providing excellent preparation upper division academic studies and the workplace.

In addition to academic excellence, we offer a variety of student life activities that include clubs, student government, recreational sports, and other organizations. Our award-winning Center for Experiential Education provides numerous unique opportunities for you to get involved in the community through outreach and internship activities.

Our accessible campus, features eight contemporary buildings that are conveniently connected around a central courtyard. Additionally, our campus has a recently renovated student center and a new Partnership Center. The outdoor beauty of the campus is highlighted by a beautiful two-acre Japanese Garden, along with a campus green area and a hiking trail.

Normandale is the largest community college in Minnesota with an enrollment of over 17,000 students attending classes each year, yet because of the great work of our faculty and staff it still maintains a small college feel. Our campus has individuals from a variety of backgrounds, identities, experiences and beliefs, and it is the acceptance and appreciation of these differences that enhances our community.

We are truly dedicated to our mission of ensuring you the highest quality education possible. The most important aspect of your time here at Normandale is your success. We want you to know that service to students is our primary focus, and we strive to create futures and change lives.

We invite you to take an active role in your college experience, and please remember that "Normandale is your college and your community."

Joyce C. Ester, Ph.D.
President, Normandale Community College

Normandale’s Mission, Outcomes, Vision, Values,
and Core Learning Outcomes

Mission

Normandale Community College advances individuals’ intellectual, career and personal development by providing outstanding teaching and support.

Institutional Outcomes

To accomplish our mission we will:

Ensure individuals complete certificates and/or degrees.

Prepare individuals to transfer successfully to four-year institutions.

Prepare individuals to perform successfully in the workforce through credit and noncredit career and technical programs.

Ensure students meet their educational goals.

Ensure students develop in the College’s Core Learning Outcomes.

Prepare students taking development coursework to succeed at the college level.

Prepare individuals to participate in diverse local and global communities.

Identify and meet workforce training needs.

Vision

Normandale Community College will be a recognized leader in academic excellence, student support, and community and workforce development.

Values

We are committed to accomplishing our mission and outcomes in ways consistent with the following values:

Learning. We promote the learning and development of all members of the Normandale community.

Service. We focus on meeting the needs of our students and community.

Integrity. We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve and seek to model personal and intellectual integrity in all we do.

Excellence. We set and model high standards for students and our faculty, staff, administrators and community partners.

Stewardship. We use our natural, financial and human resources effectively and respectfully.

Collaboration. We bring together the skills and knowledge from our students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners.

Inclusiveness. We create a safe, inclusive and diverse college community which values each individual.

Innovation. We regularly exceed people’s expectations through creative programs and services.

Data-enhanced decision making. We use data and our collective expertise to inform our decisions.

Mission, Vision and Values approved by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, March 2010.

Core Learning Outcomes

Our students will:

Think critically and creatively.

Communicate effectively.

Demonstrate personal responsibility and social/life skills.

Demonstrate local and global civic responsibility.

Approved by Normandale Community College faculty,
April 2017.

Accreditation

Normandale Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Avenue, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; 800-621-7440. The College participates in the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), one of the Commission’s pathways for maintaining accreditation while focusing on continuous quality improvement.

Individual program accreditations include:

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Committee on Allied Health Education

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

National Association of Schools of Music

National Association of Schools of Theatre

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Equal Opportunity Statement

Normandale Community College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity.

No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In addition, discrimination in employment based on familial status or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.

Academics

Normandale is a premiere comprehensive community college offering a curriculum that spans more than 60 liberal arts and sciences areas. Our degrees and programs lead to bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges and universities and prepare students for professional and technical careers. Normandale is recognized by transfer colleges, universities and employers throughout the Midwest for providing excellent preparation for upper division academic study and the workplace.

The academic information on the following pages of this catalog provides guidance on degree programs, individual courses and academic policies and procedures. It is important for students to review this information carefully. We also encourage students to contact Normandale academic advisors and counselors, department chairs, college administration and student affairs professional staff whenever they have questions or concerns.

Admissions

Admission to Normandale Community College is open to all students meeting the College’s admission requirements.

The process of enrolling at Normandale Community College generally involves four steps:

Submitting a completed application, transcripts and application fee;

Receiving a letter of acceptance from the Normandale Office of Admissions;

Completing or receiving waivers for all required placement tests; and

Completing an online orientation program and attending the required Advising and Registration program.

These steps may vary somewhat depending on the applicant’s background, academic record or status. However, most students admitted to Normandale will be required to complete each of these steps in order to enroll in classes.

Some application materials are available online (by web application or downloadable pdf). All application materials are available by request from the Office of Admissions at 952-358-8201 and should be submitted by mail or in person to Normandale Community College, Office of Admissions, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431-4399.

Admission Requirements

Any individual who has graduated from high school or passed the General Education Development (GED) examination is eligible for admission to Normandale Community College. Admission to the College does not automatically qualify a student for all courses and programs. Please refer to the Assessment and Course Readiness section of this catalog for further information.

A student who was suspended from another college or university for academic reasons within the year prior to their application to Normandale will be denied admission. Notification of the denial of admission will be sent to the student with information about the appeal process. The student will receive written notification of the results of the appeal.

A student who was suspended or expelled from another college or university for disciplinary reasons shall be denied admission.

Immunization

Minnesota law (M.S. 135A.14) requires that students provide a statement that they have received appropriate immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria and tetanus (DT). MMR vaccinations must have been administered after 12 months of age. DT vaccinations must have been administered within ten years of the student’s first term of enrollment and must remain current thereafter. A DT immunization is considered current if it is no more than ten years old. Students who were born before 1956 or who graduated from a Minnesota high school after 1997 are not required to submit this information. This law provides for medical and conscientious exemptions.

New students must submit their immunization information on the Normandale Community College application for admission. Students who need to update or resubmit their records can download and print the PDF Immunization form in Records or obtain one in person from the Records Office. Students who fail to submit their immunization information may be denied registration.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines have been established to assure student success. Applying early for admission to the college and making financial arrangements early assures best course selection and priority consideration for all available financial aid programs for which a student may be eligible.

Note: Placement testing, Advising and Registration sessions and orientation programs are offered on a first-to-apply, first-served basis.

Deadlines

Term	Deadline

Fall 2018	Aug 13, 2018

Spring 2019	Dec 30, 2018

Degree or Non-Degree Seeking Status

Students entering Normandale Community College must declare themselves either degree seeking or non-degree seeking at the time they apply for admission. Degree seeking students are individuals with the goal of pursuing coursework leading to a certificate, two-year degree or eventual transfer of their credits to another degree-granting college or university.

Non-degree seeking students are individuals whose goal is to take a limited number of courses for the purposes of personal or professional enrichment and who have no intent of accumulating credits toward a certificate or degree. Students with a non-degree seeking status are not eligible for financial aid at Normandale.

Students who are uncertain about their interest in eventually using their accumulated credits toward a possible certificate, degree or transfer are strongly advised to declare themselves as a degree seeking student at the time they apply for admission.

Visiting Students

Individuals who are currently admitted at another college or university may choose to enroll at Normandale Community College as a visiting student.

Visiting students are not required to submit an application for admission and are not a candidate for a degree, diploma or certificate at Normandale Community College.

Visiting student status is not available to individuals currently on suspension or having a financial hold at another post-secondary institution

Visiting students may use financial aid from their home institution (financial aid is not available through Normandale)

The maximum number of enrolled credits at all Minnesota State system colleges and universities cannot exceed 22 in any semester

Visiting students must meet any required course prerequisites or placement levels

Visiting students can enroll in public courses; private courses are not available.

Individuals interested in enrolling as a visiting student should visit the Visiting Student web page in Admissions.

Admission Procedures
for Undergraduates

Individuals applying for admission to Normandale Community College must:

Apply online or download a printable application available on the Normandale website by visiting the Apply page.

Pay a non-refundable application fee of $20.

Students with no previous college experience submit high school transcripts or GED scores (not required for students with previous college experience). Students who anticipate receiving their high school diploma before starting at Normandale Community College may submit an unofficial high school transcript confirming that they are on track to meet their anticipated graduation date. Upon graduation, an official transcript that reflects the student’s final grades and date of graduation must be submitted to Normandale. Students who have already graduated from high school must request that an official high school transcript be sent to the college at the address above. Students who have earned a high school equivalency must have their official GED scores submitted to the same address.

Submit official ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or other score reports that may qualify the student for waivers from placement testing (see the Placement Test Waivers section of this catalog for further information).

Students with prior college experience should submit an official transcript from each college and university attended. Exception: Due to a System-wide initiative to facilitate the transfer of students between Minnesota State institutions, students who have completed coursework at another Minnesota State institution are not required to submit Minnesota transcripts at the time of admission. Students with coursework in progress at the time of admission or who complete courses at another institution after admission must contact the Normandale Admissions Office to have those courses transferred to Normandale upon completion of those courses.

When the application, application fee and required transcripts have been received, the Normandale Office of Admissions will send a letter verifying that the student’s application is complete. At that time, students should arrange to take any required placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics as directed in their acceptance letter.

When course placement has been determined, applicants will be notified of upcoming Advising and Registration dates. Applicants should immediately reserve space at the earliest available Advising and Registration date by making reservations as directed in their acceptance letter or at their placement testing session.

During the Advising and Registration program, new entering students will receive important information about their life as a student at Normandale Community College, advice on how to achieve academic success at the College and guidance in registering for their courses.

Counselors and advisors are available during the Advising and Registration program to help students select an appropriate course schedule based on the student’s interests, abilities and goals.

Admission Procedures
for International Students

International students are individuals who are not citizens of the United States and who reside outside the United States, or individuals in the United States on a non-immigrant F-1 student visa. Applicants must meet specific requirements before being considered for admission to the College. No admission decision will be made until the application is complete.

A completed application includes:

A completed and signed International Student Application, available as a PDF downloadable form on the International Student page in Admissions. International students should not apply online.

A non-refundable application fee of $20 (U.S.), payable to Normandale Community College. The application fee must be sent in the form of a bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank or an international postal money order.

Students requesting an F-1 student visa must show means of adequate financial support by submitting an original notarized bank statement which reflects, in US currency, the amount necessary to fund one academic year of tuition, fees, textbooks, housing, food, transportation, medical insurance and other expenses. Students should contact the Office of Admissions for the current required dollar amount.

Submit official transcripts from the secondary school and any colleges or universities attended. All school records must be sent in the student’s native language and in English translation. (If records are not original, certified or attested true copies signed by authorized school or government officials, U.S. embassy staff or a notary public must be sent.)

Students who intend to transfer credits from institutions outside the United States must request a credit assessment (course by course) through a professional credential evaluation service that is recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). However, Normandale recommends the credential evaluation services available from either World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). Information about those credit assessment services is available www.wes.org or www.ece.org.

In order to be accepted for admission at Normandale Community College, all international students from non-English speaking countries also must either:

Submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 on the paper test or 173 on the computerized test or 61 on the internet test; OR

Submit results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6 on the academic test only.

For information about taking the TOEFL, contact the Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. Normandale’s TOEFL code is 6501.

Accepted applicants will be issued the I-20 form for processing a student (F-1) visa.

International students accepted for admission to Normandale Community College, upon their arrival in the United States, are required to meet with the Normandale admissions representative responsible for international student enrollment. After that meeting, all international students must:

Arrange to take the required placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics.

When course placement has been determined through the required testing, attend an Advising and Registration session.

International students already attending college in the United States and transferring to Normandale Community College must apply in writing and may not use Normandale’s online application. With that exception, these students should follow information provided in the Admission Procedures for Transfer Students section of this catalog.

International students with further questions regarding admissions or enrollment procedures should contact the Normandale Office of Admissions in writing at, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431, or by telephone at 952-358-8201, or via email at admissions@normandale.edu.

Admission Procedures
for the PSEO Program

The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program is designed to offer Minnesota high school seniors, juniors and sophomores in public, nonpublic or home schools, with demonstrated academic achievement the opportunity to take college level courses while attending high school.

The program provides students with a greater variety of course offerings and the opportunity to pursue more challenging coursework that may not be available at the high school. Students make take courses on campus or online, either full-time or part-time.

The PSEO program allows high school students to earn college credits tuition free, saving both time and money on completing a college degree. With the high school’s permission, the students can also use those credits toward the completion of high school graduation requirements.

There are two types of Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Programs, each has different admission and course eligibility:

PSEO General Education for juniors and seniors completing general education courses.

PSEO Career & Technical Education (CTE) program for sophomores, juniors and seniors completing eligible career and technical education courses identified by the college.

The application deadlines for both programs are July 1 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester. Normandale Community College follows the PSEO admissions guidelines set forth by the Minnesota State system.

Individuals applying to the PSEO General Education program will be admitted based on the following eligibility requirements:

High school juniors: Must be in the upper one-third of their class or score at or above the 70th percentile on any nationally standardized, norm-referenced test.

High school seniors: Must be in the upper one-half of their class, or score at or above the 50th percentile on any nationally standardized, norm-referenced test.

Students applying from high schools that do not provide rank must have a 3.5 GPA (to be eligible as a junior) and a 3.0 GPA (to be eligible as a senior) or meet the percentiles on the nationally standardized, norm-referenced tests mentioned above.

Home schooled or students who attend an alternative learning center (ALC) or school which does not provide GPA or rank are eligible for PSEO admission based upon meeting the percentiles of the nationally standardized, norm-referenced tests indicated above. Students who have less than one year experience at an ALC or home school are required to submit previous high school transcripts. Home schooled students can access the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) standardized tests through the Minnesota Statewide Testing Program.

NOTE: Eligible applicants must satisfy all three sections (reading, writing and mathematics) of Normandale’s placement testing and indicate a college level placement in reading to be eligible to register for courses under the PSEO program.

Individuals applying to the PSEO Career and Technical Education program will be admitted based on the following eligibility requirements:

Students must be enrolled in a district in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade. (Alternative/home schooled students are not eligible for the CTE program.)

Students in the 10th grade must have attained a passing score on the 8th Grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) in reading. Or, an Accuplacer reading score of 78 or higher, if the student did not take the MCA reading test.

Students must meet other course prerequisites or course enrollment standards established by the college. These standards include but are not limited to assessment test scores, program admission or other requirements.

NOTE: Students are eligible for only one course the first semester. If a student earns a grade of “C” or better in the one course taken the first semester, the student can enroll in more than one CTE course in subsequent semesters.

NOTE: A student who first enrolls under this provision while in grade 10 and wishes to enroll in general education courses in grade 11 or 12 must contact the Office of Admissions. The student must complete all three sections of the Accuplacer, attain a reading score of 78 or higher, and attend an Advising and Registration session in order to participate in the PSEO General Education program.

Normandale PSEO Students:

Are not eligible for courses numbered below 1000.

Are not eligible for courses with supplemental fees of $85 or more.

Are not eligible for study abroad.

Receive college-level courses and required textbooks free of charge during the fall and spring semesters (this benefit is not available for summer terms).
However, textbooks paid for through PSEO become the property of Normandale Community College upon completion of the course due to policies established in law by the State of Minnesota.

Are not eligible for financial aid.

The PSEO admissions process involves three steps:

Submitting the application materials and meeting the eligibility requirements.

Satisfying placement testing (if needed).

Attending an advising and registration session.

The Admissions Office will send letters to applicants with information about how to complete each step.

Individuals applying for admission to Normandale Community College under the PSEO program must:

Complete the Normandale PSEO application form. PSEO application materials are available on the Normandale Admissions website on the PSEO Program page or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 952-358-8208.

Submit an official high school transcript. The high school transcript must be sealed in an envelope bearing the high school letterhead and enclosed with the application. Tenth grade CTE program applicants must submit evidence of a passing score on the MCA 8th grade assessment, if not on the high school transcript.

Complete and sign parts 1 and 2 of the Minnesota Department of Education Notice of Registration form and attach to the application.

Alternative/home schooled students must also submit immunization records and records of academic achievement; ACT, SAT, PSAT, or PLAN scores.

Students who have previous college coursework must submit an official transcript from all colleges and universities that they have previously attended.

Submit official ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or other scores that may qualify the student for waivers from placement testing (see the Placement Test Waivers section for further information).

When the application, Minnesota Department of Education form and required transcripts and documents have been received, the Normandale Office of Admissions will send a letter verifying that the student’s application is complete. If the student needs to complete placement testing, additional information on how to complete this requirement will be provided.

When course placement has been determined, applicants will be notified of a PSEO Advising and Registration program date. (If an applicant does not place at the college level in reading, the applicant is not eligible to register for courses through the PSEO program.) During the PSEO Advising and Registration program, new entering students will receive important information about their life as a student at Normandale Community College, advice on how to achieve academic success at the College and guidance in registering for their courses.

Counselors and advisors are available during the Advising and Registration program to help students select an appropriate course schedule based on the student’s interests, abilities and goals.

Developmental courses may not be taken under the PSEO program due to policies established in law by the State of Minnesota. In accordance with Minnesota State law, PSEO benefits are not available for enrollment during summer terms.

Qualified students are accepted to the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program only and are not admitted general enrollment students at Normandale Community College. PSEO students who wish to continue their college education at Normandale after their high school graduation must complete a separate General Admission application form, pay the $20 application fee and meet all the specific admission requirements for general enrollment.

Admission Procedures for the Summer High School Enrollment Program

The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program is not available during summer sessions. However, Summer High School Enrollment is available for those high school students in the 11th and 12th grade levels who may wish to take classes during the summer months. This includes PSEO students who may wish to take summer courses.* The Minnesota Department of Education does not fund the courses taken through the Summer High School Enrollment Program (SHEP); therefore, tuition, fees and books are the student’s responsibility.

*PSEO students who are enrolled during the spring semester and who will continue as a PSEO student in the fall semester do not need to re-apply for SHEP.

Applicants must meet course prerequisites or course enrollment standards established by the college. These standards include but are not limited to placement test scores, program admission or other requirements.

The application deadline for the Summer High School Enrollment Program is May 15.

Applicants are accepted to the summer program only and are not considered students in the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program nor admitted general enrollment students at Normandale Community College.

Summer High School Enrollment students may also be eligible to earn college credits through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program during the fall and spring terms. However, students wishing to participate must apply to this program and meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, refer to the Admission Procedures for PSEO Students.

Students who wish to continue their college education at Normandale after their high school graduation do not need to reapply for general undergraduate admission but must notify the Office of Admissions to update their student status.

Individuals interested in applying for the Summer High School Enrollment Program should:

Complete the Normandale a SHEP application form, available on the Normandale Admissions website on the SHEP Program page or by contacting the Normandale Office of Admissions at 952-358-8208.

Pay a non-refundable application fee of $20.

Submit an official high school transcript. The high school transcript must be sealed in an envelope bearing the high school letterhead and enclosed with the application.

Submit official ACT, SAT or other scores (if available) that may qualify the student for waivers from placement testing (see the Placement Test Waivers section for further information).

Submit the SHEP Acknowledgement form (available on the SHEP Program web page) signed by the parent and student.

Transcripts for Admission

All applicants are required to have official transcripts of any previous college work sent to Normandale at the time of application for admission. To protect against fraud, colleges and universities distinguish between official and unofficial transcripts. Under Normandale Community College policy, official transcripts must be prepared and sealed by the issuing institution (or a firm acting on its behalf) in an envelope bearing the issuing institution’s letterhead. Unofficial transcripts may be copied and handled by the student applicant or their designated representative and may be delivered to Normandale Community College by mail, fax, e-mail or in person.

Selective Health Sciences Programs

The Nursing, Dental Hygiene and Dietetic Technology programs have established selective admission criteria that reflect the probability of academic and employment success. Fact sheets outlining selective program criteria are available from the Office of Admissions at 952-358-8201 and on the Normandale website at www.normandale.edu. The schedule of Health Science information sessions and application deadlines is available at www.normandale.edu/visit.

Senior Adults

Minnesota residents aged 62 or older may register for courses at a reduced tuition rate. Seniors may register beginning the first day of the term on a space-available basis. Seniors do not pay tuition for audited courses. To be eligible for the reduced tuition rate, seniors must be aged 62 or older before the first day of the term. Seniors must self-identify and provide proof of age at the Records Office.

Placement Testing and the Minnesota State Assessment Policy

Normandale Community College follows the guidelines of assessment for course placement set forth by the Minnesota State System. Placement testing is intended to help new entering students understand their current level of academic readiness so that they can be placed into the courses in which they can be successful. Placement test results also allow the College to identify changes in the academic readiness of each cohort of new entering students.

If placement test results indicate that a student is not ready for college-level coursework in reading, writing or mathematics, developmental coursework must be completed before the student will be allowed to register for courses in related academic subjects.

Students who are dissatisfied with any of their placement test scores may retest in each section once in every 12 month period, regardless of where the test was administered (including other Minnesota State colleges or universities). There is a fee for retaking each section of the test.

Placement Test Waivers

Normandale’s placement tests measure a student’s reading, writing and mathematical skills. Normandale’s courses in reading, English and mathematics require completion of the placement tests or approval of a waiver before students can register for courses in those disciplines. Certain other courses at Normandale may also require placement testing or approval of a waiver before a student can register for the course. Details on course requirements and prerequisites are available in the individual course descriptions.

All new degree-seeking students at Normandale should complete placement test requirements.

ACT, SAT and Other Test Scores

Although not required for admission, students may submit ACT or SAT test results for possible waivers from placement testing. Reading and writing subject area scores are valid if taken within three calendar years, inclusive of the current year, and mathematics scores are valid for two calendar years, inclusive of the current calendar year. An ACT subscore of 18 or above in English, 21 or higher in reading, and 22 or higher in mathematics exempts a student from taking the placement test in that academic skill area and places the student in the introductory college-level course in that academic subject. An SAT score of 550 or higher in reading, English or mathematics exempts the student from taking the placement test in that academic skill area and places the student in the introductory college-level course in that academic subject.

Students may also submit MN Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results, Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP or ACCUPLACER (CPT) results for consideration of a placement test waiver.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from accredited colleges and universities are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges they have attended. Normandale will review the transcripts and grant a placement test waiver in the associated academic skill area if the student has completed the coursework at a regionally accredited college or university and has:

Earned a grade of C or higher in a college-level English composition course (if not, the English and reading tests are required).

Earned at least 20 transferable semester credits with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or higher (if not, the reading test is required).

Earned a grade of C or higher in a college mathematics course during the last two years (if not, the mathematics test is required if the student is planning to register for math class; is registering for a course with a math prerequisite; or is applying to a program with a math requirement).

Note: All students are responsible for the prerequisites and placement test scores required for classes. If a student registers for a course for which prerequisites have not been met, the College may drop the student from that class without a refund.

Students Whose First Language Is Not English

Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to college admission or participation. We take appropriate measures to assess each student’s academic readiness. Placement testing assigns students to the appropriate course levels at Normandale or helps determine whether the student must first strengthen his or her English language skills in order to maximize the potential for academic success. Students are provided with campus services or are referred to community services that will better prepare them for college participation.

Normandale offers an excellent program through the Department of English called English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to help students prepare for the many English language demands of their future academic career. Placement testing will place students in the correct level of the program - the level that will best support their learning needs and where they will be most successful.

Students with Disabilities

Placement testing accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available with advance notice by contacting the Office for Students with Disabilities staff (L 2751) at 952-358-8625 or at osd@normandale.edu.

Advising & Registration for
New Students

Normandale Community College’s Advising and Registration program provides an opportunity for new entering students to become better acquainted with the Normandale campus, its policies, activities, student life, academic programs and counseling services. In addition, students meet with advisors and counselors during the Advising and Registration program to plan their educational program and register for classes. These sessions are held prior to the beginning of fall and spring semesters. Online orientation and on-campus Advising and Registration are required of all incoming students, as they prepare students for a successful start to their Normandale education. Students must complete all three placement test sections or present transfer coursework that satisfies placement requirements prior to attending the Advising and Registration session.

Student Financial Obligations

and Expenses

Fees are established by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees and may be changed without notice.

More information can be found on the Payments and Billing Office section and the Paying for College sections of the Normandale website.

Payments & Billing Office

Website: www.normandale.edu/payments-and-billing-office
Telephone: 952-358-8242
Fax: 952-358-8235

Financial Obligation

Students who engage in the activities listed below are accepting full financial responsibility, including collection and legal costs, for the following transactions and charges:

Registering for a class or workshop (including new student orientation)

Writing a check that is returned by the financial institution

Violating the college’s parking policy

Accruing Late fees and interest

Not returning material owed to the college (rental books, library books, locker keys, etc.)

Failure to repay the college for ineligible financial aid

Students also authorize the college or university, and their respective agents and contractors to contact them regarding their debt request, including repayment of their debt, at the current or any future number that is provided for their cellular phone or other wireless device using automated telephone dialing equipment or artificial or pre-recorded voice or text messages.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees are charged on a per-credit basis. Standard fees include the technology fee, parking fee, Student Life/Activity fee, LeadMN/MSCSA (statewide student association) fee, and Student Union Facility fee. For more information, consult the semester Registration Guide or visit the Payments & Billing Office website.

Application Fee

In compliance with Minnesota State College and University policy, Normandale charges a $20 non-refundable fee to students applying for admission. This fee must be submitted with the college application.

Application Fee Waiver

Normandale recognizes that an application fee may prohibit some students from applying for admission. With documentation that demonstrates financial difficulty, some students may be eligible for waiver of the application fee. Veterans and active members of the United States military are also eligible for a waiver of the application fee. Additional information is available from the Office of Admissions.

Additional Fees

Additional fees, if any, are noted in the online course schedule by course or program.

Course Fees

Special fees, in addition to standard fees, are assessed for applied music, art, exercise science, health science, theatre, and other courses as indicated in the class schedule.

Digital Access Courses and Fees

Some Normandale Community College courses use digital access materials (electronic books and materials) in lieu of textbooks. The fees for digital access materials are billed, along with tuition and other fees, directly to the student’s Normandale account, reflected as an “e-Textbook Fee. Courses using digital access materials are clearly marked in eServices, and the fees are posted in the course notes. Digital access charges are considerably lower than traditional textbook costs.

Payment

Tuition and fees are payable in full according to the deadlines that are published in the registration guide and/or course schedule each term and on the Payments & Billing Office website at www.normandale.edu/payments-and-billing-office. Online payment in full and the Nelnet payment plan can be completed by logging into the Minnesota State web portal (eServices) under the “Bills and Payment” section. Payment by MasterCard, Visa or Discover is available.

Credit card information can be faxed to the Payments & Billing Office at 952-358-8235. Payment must include the Student/Customer ID or Social Security number, name, telephone number, amount owed, credit card number and expiration date and signature.

Some students may qualify for a payment deferment. Please visit www.normandale.edu/payments-and-billing-office/tuition-and-fees/tuition-deferrals for more information. If tuition, fees and/or the cost of books are being paid through approved government or private agencies, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Payments & Billing Office prior to the payment deadline. If a student’s third party sponsoring agency does not make payment for any reason after being billed by the college, the student will be responsible for paying any unpaid balances.

Viewing or Paying Your Account Balance Online

Tuition payment deadlines are published in the semester course schedule and on the Payments & Billing Office website at www.normandale.edu/payments-and-billing-office.

Invoices are not mailed to students. Students are required to obtain their account balance from the Minnesota State web portal (eServices) link, located on the Payments & Billing Office website. Login requires the student’s Star ID and password. Account information is found under the “Payments & Refunds” link on the left side of the screen. Account balances for other colleges and universities within the Minnesota State system will appear if the student’s Social Security number is on file at both Normandale and the other Minnesota State institution(s) in which the student has enrolled.

Drop for Non-Payment

Students are responsible for adhering to the payment deadlines established for each term or they risk having their courses dropped for non-payment. The deadlines are published in the registration guide and are also available on the Payments and Billing website. If you want to determine your payment status, click on "Bills and Payment" in eServices. If you have met the requirements for payment you will see a GREEN CHECKMARK. This tells Normandale that you plan to attend classes and pay the costs associated with those classes. If you have a RED X, you must still make the commitment to pay for your classes.

Classes may be dropped if payment is not received or payment arrangements have not been made by the deadline. However, because several factors (such as a financial aid deferment) may prevent a student’s courses from being dropped (even when tuition and fees remain unpaid), students must not rely on the College to drop their classes if they decide not to attend. Students must drop their classes by the published deadline to avoid tuition charges and payment obligation.

Unpaid Accounts

The College may withhold a student’s grades, transcripts and registration for failure to fulfill financial obligations. Past due accounts will be assessed a late fee and are subject to referral to the Minnesota Department of Revenue or other collection agencies. The Payments & Billing Office’s website provides information about collection efforts that may be imposed on individuals with past due balances.

Payments to Students

Students are encouraged to take advantage of receiving their tuition refunds, financial aid overages, and student payroll as Direct Deposit versus a paper warrant.

The benefits of direct deposit are:

It’s faster — funds are available in the student’s bank before any checks are issued.

It’s easier — students don’t have to make a trip to the bank to cash the check.

It’s safer — direct deposits never get lost in processing.

It’s free — no fees are charged to participate.

More information is available on the Payments & Billing Office website at www.normandale.edu/payments-and-billing-office under “Direct Deposit for Refunds.” Signup for direct deposit by logging into the Minnesota State web portal (eServices) and going to “Direct Deposit Setup” under the Financial Aid section.

Tax Credit Information

Toward the end of January, Minnesota State’s System Office will mail or make available on eServices a 1098-T form to students whose Social Security number is on file with Normandale Community College and who have paid eligible tuition and fees during the previous year.

Students are encouraged to opt in to receive their tax statements electronically through eServices. When tax statements are available, students will receive an email at their my.normandale.edu address and will also see a notification message in the Action Item area on their eServices dashboard that states: “Important Tax Return Document Available: 1098-T Tuition Statement.” Students can view and download a PDF of their 1098-T tax form by clicking on the links in these communications or in eServices under the Bills and Payment section. Students can reprint their forms at any time.

The System Office will create one consolidated 1098-T form to students who have made payments or received financial aid or third party financial assistance at more than one Minnesota State institution. The System Office may elect to print 1098-T forms for students without a Social Security number on file or if all of the student’s tuition was paid by a third party.

Normandale cannot and will not provide any tax advice.

Refund Policy

Except for the provisions for financial aid recipients as outlined in this section, tuition and fees will be refunded according to the policy described herein. Refunds will be processed after the free drop period and after the student’s account balance has been paid in full.

Refunds will be allowed according to the refund policy. If a schedule change increases the total credits for which a student is enrolled, as in canceling a 3-credit course and adding a 4-credit course, the student must pay for the additional credit(s) when the course is added. If the changed program results in fewer credits, as in canceling a 4-credit course and adding a 3-credit course, a refund will be issued if the class is dropped during the drop period.

Refunds will not be issued unless the student’s entire account has a credit balance. This includes unpaid fines or fees, charges for previous semesters, and tuition and fees for an upcoming term that may be due at a future date.

Refunds will be issued to the account holder (the student) either by check (mailed to the address on file with the College) or by direct deposit. Direct deposit sign up is available by logging into the Minnesota State web portal (eServices) and going to “Direct Deposit Setup” under the Financial Aid section.

Fall and Spring Semesters

Through the first 5 days of the semester (or one day after the class begin date for late-starting or weekend classes), students may drop classes and receive a refund for the cost of the class(es) dropped. After that point, a withdrawal (W) grade is recorded and students are financially responsible for those credits.

A student who withdraws from all classes after the 5th day of the term will be refunded according to the following schedule (no refund is allowed if the student remains in one or more classes).

Withdrawal from all classes only	Refund Allowed

6th - 10th day of the term (letter grade of W)	75%

11th - 15th day of the term (letter grade of W)	50%

16th - 20th day of the term (letter grade of W)	25%

Summer Semester

The summer semester begins in late May or early June and ends during or after the first week of August. Various sessions are offered within the summer semester, with varying start dates and lengths. The summer refund policy is as follows:

Through the first 5 days of the summer semester (which begins in late May) or one day after the first class meeting for all other classes, students may drop classes and receive a refund for the cost of the class(es) dropped. After that point, a withdrawal (W) grade is recorded and students are financially responsible for those credits. A student who withdraws from all classes between the 6th and 10th day of the summer semester will be refunded 50% of their tuition and fees. No refund is allowed if the student remains in one or more classes. There is no refund for withdrawal after the tenth day of the term.

Refund Policy for Students with Denied Financial Aid Suspension Appeals

A student who submits a properly completed suspension appeal form (including appropriate documentation) on or before that semester’s published suspension appeal deadline may be granted permission to drop a class or classes with refund after the drop/refund deadline if the financial aid suspension appeal is denied after the semester begins. The student will be notified via college email or other means of this decision. The student will then be given five (5) business days after the notification date (e-mail timestamp) of such denial to elect to drop all or a portion of his/her enrolled academic credits without penalty or obligation. The dropped credits will be treated as a cancelled registration the same as if the drop were recorded prior to the term’s registration and financial obligation date, and the tuition/fee charges related to the course or courses will be removed from the student’s financial liability to the college or university.

A student who elects to drop all or a portion of his/her enrolled academic credits within the five (5) business days after the notification of denial for financial aid reinstatement must withdraw from the class(es) no longer desired and must notify the college of this decision by submitting a drop/refund appeal form, with documentation of the denied appeal, to the Records Office within this timeline. All or a portion of a student’s enrolled academic credits dropped/withdrawn later than five (5) business days after the notification of denial will be subject to normal college academic and financial policies.

This provision is available only to students who are subject to the tight timelines that occur between certain academic terms.

Therefore, students who:

Receive suspension notices after fall semester and submit appeals for financial aid eligibility for the subsequent spring semester,

Receive suspension notices after spring semester and submit appeals for financial aid eligibility for the subsequent summer semester, or

Receive suspension notices after summer semester and submit appeals for financial aid eligibility for the subsequent fall semester are granted this provision.

Students who meet the following criteria are not granted this provision:

Receive suspension notices after spring semester and submit appeals for financial aid eligibility for the subsequent fall semester, or

Submit appeals for financial aid eligibility following a suspension that occurred earlier than the most recent prior term.

Refund Appeals

Exceptions to the refund policy may be considered, at the discretion of the College, when extended illness of the student or immediate family member keeps the student out of all classes for two or more weeks, upon the death of an immediate family member, or due to college error. Appeals for a drop and/or refund of courses must be submitted by the last business day of July of the academic year in which the courses were taken. Documentation supporting the appeal is required. The College may not consider appeals for any reason when the student has attended more than six weeks of the term. The College will not consider appeals based on the student’s inability to pay; lack of knowledge of the College’s drop, refund or withdrawal policies; dissatisfaction with the instructor, class or grade; change in marital status; child care issues; transportation issues; or disregard or lack of understanding of course prerequisites or placement requirements.

Students must complete a drop/refund/withdrawal appeal form and follow the procedures outlined therein. The appeal form is available from the Records Office in person or on the Registration & Records website.

Students who have received financial aid for a term may not be eligible for refunds during that term, regardless of their reasons for dropping or withdrawing from courses. It is the student’s responsibility to determine how their financial aid eligibility or award would be affected by approval of a course drop. For more information, consult the section entitled Refunds and the Return of Title IV Funds or visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Refunds & the Return of Funds Policy

Financial aid recipients who completely withdraw from or stop attending a term prior to the 60% point of that term are subject to the federal return of Title IV fund rules for any federal aid not earned and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education refund calculation for Minnesota State grant, scholarship or loan aid. Examples of both calculations are available from the Payments and Billing Office at the student’s request in person. Students may also be eligible for a refund of a portion of the tuition and fees paid to Normandale for the semester, according to the Normandale refund policy. If the student received financial aid, then a portion of the refund will be returned to the grant or loan program from which it was received and the student may owe Normandale for a portion of the tuition and fees.

Students who wish to completely withdraw from a term must do so according to Normandale’s withdrawal policies. Financial aid recipients are responsible for understanding the impact of such action on their student account and MUST contact the Payments and Billing Office at 952-358-8227 after withdrawing.

Normandale’s refund policy exists for calculating the refund of institutional charges. The federal Return of Title IV Funds formula dictates the amount of federal Title IV aid that must be returned to the federal government by the school and the student.

The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial aid and withdrew or stopped attending all classes on or before completing 60% of the semester. The percentage of Title IV aid to be returned (that which is unearned) is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of more than four consecutive days are excluded.

If the student has received less Title IV aid than the amount earned, the student is due a post-withdrawal disbursement. Title IV grant funds will be applied to any unpaid tuition and fees balance for the term. If Title IV loan funds are part of a post-withdrawal disbursement, the student (or parent, in the case of a Direct PLUS loan) will be contacted in writing to approve or decline any post-withdrawal disbursement amount. If the post-withdrawal disbursement creates excess financial aid on the student’s account, the funds will be disbursed to the student in the manner selected within 4 days of the funds being applied to the account.

The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the institution and the student in proportion to the aid each is assumed to possess. The institution’s share is allocated among the Title IV programs, before the student’s share, in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, and Federal SEOG. Any remaining unearned aid is the responsibility of the student, must be collected from the student, and then must be allocated among the Title IV programs in the order indicated above.

Normandale will calculate its share of unearned Title IV funds and notify the student no later than 30 days after it determines that the student withdrew and will return the funds within 45 days. Students return their share of unearned aid attributable to a loan under the terms and conditions of the promissory note. Normandale may allow the student to repay unearned aid attributable to a grant under a payment arrangement satisfactory to Normandale. However, the student is not responsible for returning funds to any grant program to which they owe $50 or less.

Determination of Resident Status

A student’s status as a resident or non-resident of Minnesota for tuition purposes is determined in accordance with Minnesota State Board Policy 2.2.

Students who meet one or more of the following conditions on the date they apply for admission to a state college or university shall be classified as residents of Minnesota.

Students who resided in the state for at least one calendar year immediately prior to applying for admission, or dependent students who have a parent or legal guardian residing in Minnesota on the date the students apply. Residency in the state during this period must not have been solely or primarily for the purpose of attending a college or university.

Minnesota residents who can demonstrate that they were temporarily absent from the state without establishing residency elsewhere.

Persons who moved to the state for employment purposes and, before moving and before applying for admission to a public postsecondary institution, accepted a full-time job in the state, or students who are spouses or dependents of such persons.

Non-Residents of Minnesota who meet one or more of the following conditions shall be charged the resident tuition rate unless otherwise prohibited by applicable state or federal law or regulations.

Current of former service members. Current or former members of the U.S. military, their spouses, and dependent children, or any persons eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.

Migrant Farmworkers. Students who have been in Minnesota as migrant farmworkers, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 633.104, over a period of at least two years immediately before admission or readmission to a Minnesota public postsecondary college or university, or students who are dependents of such migrant farmworkers.

Minnesota High School Graduates. A student who graduated from a Minnesota high school, if the student was a resident of Minnesota during the student’s period of attendance at the Minnesota high school and the student physically attends a Minnesota State College or University.

Employment-Related Relocation. Persons who were employed and were relocated to the state by the person’s current employer.

Refugees and Asylees. Students who are recognized as refugees or asylees by the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Prosperity Act. Students, other than nonimmigrant aliens within the meaning of United States Code, title 8, section 1101, subsection (a), paragraph (15), who meet the following requirements established in Minnesota Statutes 135.043.

High school attendance within the state for three or more years,

graduation from a state high school or attainment within the state of the equivalent of high school, and

in the case of a student without lawful immigration status:

documentation that the student has complied with selective service registration requirements, and

if a federal process exists for the student to obtain lawful immigration status the student must present the higher education institution with documentation from federal immigration authorities that the student has filed an application to obtain lawful immigration status.

Students who are initially classified as not being Minnesota state residents may have their status changed to that of resident by successfully appealing their initial residency classification. Petitions for in-state tuition are available from the Records Office or at www.normandale.edu/records.

Reciprocity Agreements

Any student who is a legal resident of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota or Manitoba may attend a Minnesota public institution and pay a reduced non-resident tuition rate.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) provides information about reciprocity and applications at www.ohe.state.mn.us. Alternatively, students may contact their home state’s higher education board for reciprocity information.

Midwest Student Exchange Program

The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) is an interstate agreement that allows participating students to pay reduced tuition.

This tuition discount program includes the 9 participating states of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Students who wish to take advantage of this program must indicate “MSEP” on their Normandale College application. (Students from North Dakota and Wisconsin should pursue reciprocity rather than MSEP.) Additional information is on the Normandale Payments and Billing website and the MSEP website at http://msep.mhec.org.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Website: www.normandale.edu/financialaid

Email: finaid@normandale.edu

Telephone: 952-358-8250

Overview and Philosophy

The decision to invest in your future through education is an important one. At Normandale Community College, we pride ourselves on working with students to keep their educational goals within reach.

The purpose of Normandale Community College’s Financial Aid and Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance, which, in combination with the resources expected from a student and/or a student’s family, will enable the student to attend Normandale Community College. Normandale Community College expects a student or a student’s family to make a realistic effort to contribute toward a student’s educational expenses as an investment in a student’s future. Financial aid is not intended to replace the role of the family in financing a student’s education.

The majority of services provided by the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office staff are governed by federal and state rules and regulations, often leaving little, if any, flexibility in funding, eligibility or amounts that can be offered based on a variety of criteria. The goal of the staff, however, is to provide students with information in as timely a manner as possible to supplement students’ decision-making process in investing in their education.

Financial Aid Application Process

Financial Aid Application Process

Students who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for federal, state and institutional grants as well as federal student loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Create an FSA ID at www.fafsa.gov. The student’s FSA ID is a username and password that serves as their electronic signature for the FAFSA.

Complete the application at www.fafsa.gov. Students must be sure to complete it for the 2018-2019 academic year.

If eligible, use the IRS Data Retrieval to import their 2016 tax information into the FAFSA.

By listing Normandale’s school code 007954 on the web application, the student is applying for all federal and state aid programs at Normandale.

Minnesota Residents who are undocumented may be eligible for financial aid by completing the Minnesota Dream Act Application at http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ and including Normandale on the school listing.

In order to be assured full consideration for aid from all programs a student may be eligible for, we encourage you to complete your financial aid application shortly after the October 1st start date. Some funds are awarded on a first-come, first eligible basis. The deadline to apply for the Minnesota State Grant program is 30 days after the start of the term.

After completing the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act application, the student should be certain to respond to all communication from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office immediately. Until all requested documentation is received, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office cannot determine eligibility for aid. A complete financial aid file will generally include academic transcripts from all previously attended colleges.

A student may be required to provide:

Verification Worksheets (verifying household size, number in college, income, child support paid or other requested items).

A 2016 IRS tax transcript, spouse’s tax transcript (if applicable) and parents’ (if applicable) 2016 IRS tax transcripts. For non-tax filers, W-2s from all jobs worked and verification of non0tax filing status may be required.

Verification of veteran’s benefits for the current year.

A copy of an Alien Registration Card or I-94, if requested.

Proof of Selective Service registration, if requested.

Proof of U.S. citizenship status, if requested.

A copy of a Social Security card, if requested.

Any other forms which may be requested by the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

Financial Aid Programs Available

Grant and Scholarship Programs

Federal Pell Grant (Pell)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Minnesota GI Bill

Minnesota State Grant (early deadlines apply)

Minnesota State Dream Act Grant

Minnesota Post-Secondary Child Care Grant

Institutional Scholarships

Private Scholarships

ALLISS Grant

Student Employment

Federal/State Student Employment

College Student Employment

Off-Campus Employment

Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Federal PLUS Loan for Parents

Financial Aid and Transfer Students

If a student completes a 2018-2019 financial aid file at another institution and then decides to attend Normandale, the student must complete a financial aid file at Normandale. Financial aid does not transfer from one institution to another.

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office must receive financial information from the Central Processing System. To get started, go to http://www.fafsa.gov, click on “Start Here” and login to your 2018-2019 completed FAFSA. Add Normandale Community College, code 007954, on the “School Information” tab and submit the updates. Normandale will receive the information in approximately seven days. Once we receive the information, a student will receive a letter from Normandale’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office indicating the other documentation that is required to complete the financial aid file.

Tuition/Deferment Policy

Students are responsible for paying their full tuition and fees by the established payment deadline unless they are eligible to receive a deferment through the Payments and Billing Office or have signed up for the Nelnet payment plan with the Payments and Billing Office.

The Payments amd BillingOffice will defer a student’s tuition and fees if Normandale has received the results of the FAFSA from the Central Processing System or the Minnesota Dream Act Application by the published deadline. NOTE: It is not enough to submit the FAFSA or Dream Act application by the tuition payment deadline. Please allow up to one week for the results to be sent to Normandale.

Important: Students whose FAFSA results are not received by the College by the published payment deadline must make other arrangements for payment of tuition, fees and books. Options include cash, credit card or the Nelnet payment plan. Students’ expenses may be reimbursed with the receipt of financial aid later in the term.

Tuition and fees for students who have a consortium agreement and are receiving aid at another college will NOT be deferred; these students will need to make payment by the established deadline.

Students not meeting this deferment policy must pay their full tuition and fees by the established payment deadline or their courses may be dropped. However, students who decide not to attend must not rely on the College to drop their classes for them. Students must drop their courses to avoid payment obligations.

Other Financial Aid Facts

Application for financial aid should be made well in advance of the time the funds are needed. It is recommended that students allow at least 5 weeks for the processing of financial aid.

Students may be able to charge books in the Bookstore prior to the start of each term if aid exceeds charges. Check the Book Charging website for more information.

If special or unusual circumstances need to be considered, contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

All financial aid balance checks are disbursed from the Business Office and are either direct-deposited into the student’s designated bank account or are mailed to student’s permanent address.

Students may receive aid from only one school for the same period of enrollment.

Students must reapply for financial aid every year.

Summer aid is based on the prior year’s financial aid application (i.e., Summer 2019 is based on the 2018-2019 financial aid application). Students must have applied for aid by May preceding the summer term.

Once a student has attempted and received aid for 30 credits of remedial (not college-level) coursework, excluding EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses, the student cannot receive aid for further remedial courses, except EAP courses.

Scholarships

Normandale Foundation Scholarships

Normandale Community College makes scholarship funds available to students through endowment earnings, gifts to the College and grants from outside foundations. The scholarship program recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic, leadership, service and extracurricular achievements. Scholarships also recognize financial need, programs of study and other accomplishments.

Student Rights and Responsibilities as a
Financial Aid Recipient

Students have the responsibility to ensure that their address is correct in the Records Office at all times, as aid notifications will be mailed to this address.

Email is the primary means of communication between Normandale and you. Activate your official Normandale email account today by visiting the student email page. It is your responsibility to open and read all email from Normandale. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office will be communicating critical information to you via your my.normandale.edu email account.

Students have the responsibility to apply for and maintain their FSA ID.

Students have the right to know that their financial aid award is based on calculated financial need. Generally, need is determined from the results of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Minnesota Dream Act Application. Need is defined as the difference between the costs of attending school (at a modest level) and the resources available to the student from his or her own income and assets, parents’ income and assets and outside sources.

Students have the right to be informed of the terms of any aid program awards they are offered and to continue receiving that aid as long as they are eligible and resources permit.

Students have the right to accept, reject or seek adjustments to their financial aid awards without prejudice.

Privacy of information provided by the student and family will be maintained. Information from the student’s file will not be released outside the College without a written release except as permitted or required by law.

Students must provide accurate and factual information. In addition, students must notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office of any change in information submitted such as withdrawal from school; reduction in number of credits below full time status; change in address, name, marital status; financial information on application forms and change in educational plans.

To receive financial assistance from all federally and state funded programs, a student must be enrolled as a regular student for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate at Normandale.

Financial aid recipients funded as full time students are expected to register and enroll for a minimum of 12 credits per term; as three quarter time, for a minimum of 9 credits per term; as half time, for a minimum of 6 credits per term.

Financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Students must repay all loans in accordance with rules and regulations governing the programs and the terms outlined in their truth in lending and promissory note forms. Students who default on any loan may be denied additional aid, and the loan will be turned over to the appropriate institution or agency or the State of Minnesota for collection.

Students have the responsibility to submit forms on time, keep financial aid appointments, check the Financial Aid and Scholarship website and consult the Financial Aid and Scholarship Bulletin Board for updates and new information and use the aid for the purpose of attending college and related expenses.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

See the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Student Services

Advising & Counseling

Location: Nath Advising Center (C1032)

Telephone: 952-358-8261

Email: counseling@normandale.edu

Website: http://www.normandale.edu/admissions/advising-and-services

Professional, qualified, experienced advisors and counselors are available to assist students with academic concerns and planning, either on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Counselors are also available to meet with students regarding personal concerns.

Academic Advising

Advisors and counselors are available to help students achieve their educational goals.

Services include:

One-on-one academic advising

Transfer information and credit evaluation

Assistance with decision-making and exploring and selecting academic majors

Placement test interpretation

Educational planning for two-year career programs

Academic planning resources

Personal Counseling

Sometimes it is important to discuss personal issues privately with a counselor. The Advising and Counseling Department provides a confidential setting where a student may discuss concerns and achieve a better understanding of themselves - their feelings, attitudes and capabilities.

Personal counseling services include:

Confidential individual appointments

Crisis intervention

Mental health screening and fair

Workshops on mental health topics

Referrals to outside agencies

Visit www.normandale.edu/personal-counseling to find links to:

24 hour information and referrals

24 hour crisis lines

Information on various mental health issues

Virtual pamphlet collection on academic concerns and mental health and relationship issues

Career Development

A variety of assistance is available to help students explore career options. Counselors can help students develop career goals and explore alternatives. Programs are available for students to explore possible career goals.

Career development services include:

Individual career counseling

Computer resources

Strong Interest Inventory

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Career workshops

Visit www.normandale.edu/career-planning and find links to:

Information on going from majors to careers

“What can I do with a major in	”

How to create an informational interview

Job search information

Decision-making information

Educational planning based on career choice

Consumer Information Requirements

Federal law requires all colleges and universities participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, current and prospective loan borrowers, and current employees.

Normandale Community College is committed to the principle of promoting access to information that will allow consumers such as students, parents, counselors, researchers, and legislators to make informed decisions about postsecondary education.

This information is available on the College website and in the Office of Student Affairs.

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides access and inclusion to Normandale courses and activities by offering students accommodations, individualized educational support, and academic and referral information. Students who may qualify for services include those with learning disabilities, a vision or hearing loss, physical and mental health disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum and attention deficit disorders, and others. In order to receive accommodations, students must make an appointment for an intake/interview and provide documentation of a disability. Appointments can be made by calling 952-358-8625, emailing osd@normandale.edu, or speaking with the staff in L 2751. Early application is essential for timely implementation of accommodations. Services are also available for students with temporary injuries. Additional information is available at www.normandale.edu/osd.

Library

Library website: www.normandale.edu/library.

The mission of the Normandale Library is to provide students with a wide range of information resources and quality professional services in support of the College curriculum. The Library also serves as a resource for faculty, staff and the community. The Library is an integral part of the educational process at Normandale. To meet students’ needs, the Library has a wide variety of media, including books, magazines, journals, DVDs, streaming videos, CDs, slides, online databases, and maps. In addition, faculty frequently place course materials on reserve for check-out at the circulation desk. Print materials not owned by Normandale may be requested at no charge from other libraries through interlibrary loan.

Students may check out books from the general collection for 21 days and back issues of periodicals for two days. Some materials (e.g. audiovisual items, current magazine issues, books from the reference collection) are available for use only in the Library. In order to gain off-campus access to Library databases, students need to log in using their StarID and password.

At Normandale, all materials are cataloged utilizing the Library of Congress Classification System.

All items can be searched via MnPALS, an automated online catalog. Collections from other libraries can also be searched with this catalog. The Library’s combined search function allows a single, simultaneous search of all Normandale Library materials and online resources.

Academy of Math and Science

The Normandale Academy of Math and Science (AMS) is a two-year holistic student development and scholarship program for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines (and students in a teacher education STEM major).

This scholarship and student support program provides student participants with the following keys to success:

A tuition scholarship for each cohort member, based on financial need, and other aid received, to offset the cost of attending Normandale full time;

An advisor to provide academic and personal support, mentoring, tutoring, and academic and student service coordination;

A cohort, or group of students, for peer support and participation in a learning community;

A student and professional success skills development series (curriculum).

The AMS is looking for students who have an interest in STEM fields, particularly students who may need academic, social, developmental, or financial support to succeed.

Eligibility Requirements

Admittance into the Academy will be based on the cumulative results of the following criteria:

Commitment to pursuing a degree in a STEM field or (in a teacher education STEM major);

High school diploma or GED (verified by transcripts or other official documentation);

Two letters of recommendation;

Indicated potential and commitment to pursue a career in STEM.

Participation Requirements

Students who are accepted into the Normandale Academy of Math and Science agree to:

Pursue a degree in a (STEM) field or a teacher education STEM major;

Maintain a GPA of 3.00 during their time in the program;

Be enrolled in at least 12 credits at Normandale Community College each semester;

Attend all required Academy cohort and individual meetings.

For more information on the program, or for application materials, please contact:

Academy of Math and Science
www.normandale.edu/ams
as@normandale.edu

Diversity Center

The Diversity Center is open to all currently enrolled Normandale Community College students and is a great place to meet people and make friends. The Center also a great place to study or use an on-campus computer. The Center strives to support students from under-represented populations and first generation college students and encourage overall student success.

We celebrate the contributions of students from a variety of diverse backgrounds by focusing on student engagement, and peer support. The Diversity Center recognizes that diversity goes beyond race and nationality and accepts that everyone has something valid and unique to contribute. The Diversity Center also sponsors cultural programming that enriches the student experience and encourages cross-cultural dialogue and education throughout the Normandale community.

The Center is located on the first floor of the College Services building in Room K 1439 and can be reached at 952-358-8436.

Textbooks

The Textbook Depot, located in the lower level of the Kopp Student Center, offers all materials required for class, including new and used textbooks and textbook rentals. All other school supplies (notebooks, pens, binders, etc.) can be purchased in the Campus Store, located on the upper level of the Kopp Student Center.

All textbooks (including optional titles) are returnable only until the end of the 2nd week of classes. Textbooks may only be returned if they have not been removed from their original shrink-wrap and are accompanied by the original sales receipt.

Books purchased for classes that meet for 2 weeks or less are only returnable within 2 days of purchase.

Students who are buying their textbooks in person must bring a book list, which can be printed from the bookstore website, and a photo ID. Payment options include financial aid, payment plan, agency accounts, check, cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Students can purchase their textbooks online at the college bookstore website and can pick them up in the Textbook Depot area or have them shipped via UPS for a delivery fee. Students will receive a confirmation email when their order is received, and then a second email (usually within two business days of their order) when their web order is ready to be picked up or to be shipped. Students must present a photo ID to obtain their books.

Digital Access Courses and Fees

Some Normandale Community College courses use digital access materials (electronic books and materials) in lieu of textbooks. The fees for digital access materials are billed, along with tuition and other fees, directly to the student’s Normandale account, reflected as an “e-Textbook Fee”. Courses using digital access materials are clearly marked in eServices, and the fees are posted in the course notes. Digital access charges are considerably lower than traditional textbook costs.

Tutoring/Writing Center

The Tutoring Center, located in C 2120, has tutoring services available in a centralized location for all Normandale students.

Available resources include walk-in tutoring assistance, Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) group sessions for specific classes, and study information.

For more information, call 952-358-9187/8624, or visit www.normandale.edu/advising-and-services/tutoring.

Tutoring

The Tutoring Center offers all Normandale students free, walk-in tutoring provided by faculty, staff, volunteers and peers in core academic courses including mathematics, writing, science, logic, reading and ESL. Tutoring schedules are posted on the Tutoring website and in the center.

Writing Center:

The Writing Center offers students peer tutoring on college writing assignments. Tutors emphasize clarity and organization of main ideas, effective style and recognition of standard punctuation and grammar practices. Proofreading is not offered.

Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

PASS review sessions are offered in select Normandale courses by trained tutors who attend the course. The review sessions are regularly scheduled, out of class, voluntary, and are open to all students enrolled in the course. Specific session information is available in the center.

ID Card Services

Website: www.normandale.edu/idcard

Phone: 952-358-8120

The Normandale Campus Card is the official student identification card for Normandale Community College. It reflects a student’s name, photograph, Student ID number, and library bar code. The Card provides access to services at a variety of locations across campus, including the Library, the Math Center, the Music Lab, the Activities Building and Fitness Center, and the Biology Learning Center. Students also use their card for on-campus printing.

Bank Card

You may visit the U.S. Bank campus branch to open an account and activate your Campus Card as a debit card. Use it at any ATM or make PIN debit purchases, and the amount will be automatically deducted from your checking account.

Cards may be obtained during posted hours at the Kopp Central/Information Desk. Students must present a valid ID and their Student ID number. The student’s first card is free. Replacement cards are available for a $10 fee, payable at the Kopp Central.

Student Involvement in Decision Making

Students have the right to present their views on all matters involving or affecting student interests. This right is affirmed by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State) Board of Trustees, which views students as important partners in the College’s decision-making process. Within its governing policies, Minnesota State mandates the recognition and funding of a student government at all state colleges and universities. Minnesota State further outlines the basic role of a student government and Student Life program. Student government provides student representation and input on College matters and issues that impact them as students. Specific areas of responsibility include the recognition of student clubs and organizations, appointment of student representatives to institutional and search committees as appropriate, monitoring the allocation of student activity fees and recommending institutional and statewide policy changes as necessary. For more information about student involvement in campus decision-making or a copy of the Minnesota State policies that govern such involvement, please contact the Student Life Coordinator/Student Senate Advisor.

Center for Experiential Education

Experiential education builds knowledge, develops skills and clarifies values by engaging learners in direct experience, community engagement and focused reflection. The Center for Experiential Education includes Service-Learning, Internships, Volunteering, Leadership through Service, and America Reads and Counts.

Develops future leaders

Connects experiential education to the curriculum through reflection

Links students to their community

Meets community needs while earning credit

Builds a strong resume

Provides career networking opportunities

Experiential Education

Service-Learning

Service-Learning integrates classroom theory with meaningful community service projects in an effort to enhance curriculum and promote civic responsibility. Normandale faculty and students agree that involvement in service strengthens the learning process.

Students can participate in Service-Learning by:

Enrolling in a class that offers a Service-Learning option;

Enrolling in Sociology 1103, Social Change in Action and Service Learning;

Getting involved in a variety of on/off-campus projects.

For more information, contact servicelearning@normandale.edu.

Internships

Internships provide the opportunity to explore career options in a supervised work setting. Students spend approximately 5 to 10 hours per week at their internship, earning 2-4 credits per semester. Students meet with faculty to fulfill course requirements. Information can be found in the course schedule, at the Center for Experiential Education or by emailing internship@normandale.edu

Volunteering

Students not enrolled in a service-learning course can still benefit from experiential education by getting involved in their community through volunteering. Resources and assistance in how to get started can be obtained at the Center for Experiential Education.

Leadership Through Service

Leadership Through Service (LTS) is a program that aims to foster civic engagement among college students and encourage positive relationships between campuses and communities. Students accepted into the program complete 200 hours of direct service. LTS provides a financial award of $1,000. Students involved in LTS benefit by developing their workforce skills and connections with the community. New student cohorts begin at the start of June or January.

For More Information

For more information about any of our experiential education opportunities, visit the Center for Experiential Education in C 1066, call 952-358-8119, or email servicelearning@normandale.edu.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services provides intensive, individualized coaching to students to achieve persistence, performance, and completion. TRIO utilizes sound academic guidance, co-curricular educational experiences, and connection to key resources in order to advance opportunities for students who are low-income, students who are first-generation college students, and/or students with disabilities.

Academic Policies & Procedures

Effective Catalog Requirements

Students are responsible for the information the catalog contains and are therefore encouraged to reference it often. Procedures, course titles and regulations may change, but decisions regarding individual programs, permanent records and transcripts are based on the year of the student’s initial enrollment. The catalog will be invaluable in the years to come, particularly if a student transfers to another college.

Students may follow the requirements of one catalog only. Students completing program requirements in four or fewer years may follow either the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their initial enrollment or the requirements of any succeeding catalog in effect during their period of enrollment.

Declaring a Major or Program

It is important that students keep their program of study current at all times to ensure the student is completing the correct courses, financial aid is properly awarded, VA benefits are granted, and the degree is still available when the student is ready to graduate. Students can declare or change their program of study by submitting the Educational Plans form, available at www.normandale.edu/records.

Students who take longer than four years to complete program requirements at Normandale may follow any catalog in effect during the 4-year period immediately preceding their date of graduation, provided the desired program is still being offered or was declared during the time it was still being offered. Requirements for this catalog take effect fall 2018.

Course Numbering System

1000-2999	College-level courses designed to meet associate degree requirements and lower division (freshman and sophomore) requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

0001-0999	Courses designed to develop academic skills required for successful performance in college-level courses. These courses are not intended to meet associate or baccalaureate degree requirements. In order to continue to the next level in a course sequence, the student must have earned a grade of P or C or higher.

Enrollment Level

15 credits	The average number of credits needed each semester to graduate in two years or four semesters. Note that some programs have a higher credit requirement and therefore require additional credits per semester or will take longer to complete.

12 credits	The minimum credit level to be considered enrolled full-time for purposes of financial aid, health and automobile insurance, Social Security, veterans’ benefits and other purposes.

9 credits	The minimum credit level to be considered enrolled three-quarter time.

6 credits	The minimum credit level to be considered enrolled half-time.

Registration and Adding Courses

New students register during their Advising and Registration session (consult the Advising and Registration section of this catalog for complete information). For currently enrolled students and students who have previously attended Normandale, summer and fall registration begins mid-spring semester, and spring registration begins mid-fall semester. Students are assigned a registration time (or window) based on the number of credits they have earned. Students can determine their registration window from eServices or the Registration Guide, which is available on the Records Office website.

With the exception of those students who are enrolled in programs that require an advisor or counselor’s written approval prior to registration, students register using eServices. Registration instructions are available on the Register Online page at www.normandale.edu/records or from the Records Office in person.

For classes offered during the fall and spring semesters, students can register and add classes through the fifth day of the term (for full-semester classes) or the first business day following the first class period (for weekend classes and classes that do not meet the full semester). For classes offered during the summer, students can register and add classes through the third day of the late May/early June session (the first session of the summer semester) or the first business day following the first class period (whichever is later).

Registration Credit Limit

Normandale limits the number of credits for which a student can register each semester to ensure academic success. During fall and spring semesters, students may register for up to 18 credits. Registration for 19 or more credits requires written approval from an academic advisor or counselor. The maximum enrollment during the summer semester is 14 credits, with a recommendation that a student enrolls in no more than 8 credits in a session.

Minnesota State restricts students to a maximum term enrollment of 22 credits System-wide.

Drop or Withdrawal from a Course

Whether a student drops or withdraws from a class is determined by the date of the registration activity.

During the first five days of the fall and spring semesters and the first 5 days of the first summer session, a student may drop a class (remove it from his or her academic record). For late-starting classes, weekend classes and other classes that do not meet the full length of the term (including classes that begin after the 5th day of the first summer session), students can drop through the end of the business day following the official course begin date. A student who drops from a course is no longer allowed to attend or participate in that course.

After the drop period, a student may withdraw from any course prior to the withdrawal deadline (approximately 80% of the length of the course). Withdrawal deadlines are published in the registration guide each term for full-term classes; students should consult eServices for withdrawal deadlines for classes that do not meet for the full term.

When a student withdraws from a class, a grade of W is recorded on the student’s academic record. A grade of W does not impact a student’s GPA, but it is considered attempted/not completed credits for the purpose of satisfactory academic progress for enrollment and financial aid. A student who withdraws from a course is no longer allowed to attend or participate in that course.

Students are encouraged to confer with their instructors and an advisor or counselor as part of the official withdrawal process.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact a drop or withdrawal has on their student account and academic and financial aid status. See the Refund Policy and Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for complete information. Financial aid recipients are strongly encouraged to consult the Refunds and Return of Title IV Policy and a financial aid officer before withdrawing.

College-Initiated Drop or Withdrawal from a Course

At times, college administration may initiate a course drop or withdrawal according to policies established by the college and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. A drop or withdrawal may be initiated as a result of the student’s failure to pay tuition, failure to attend classes, failure to meet course prerequisites, failure to meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress, violations of the code of conduct and other situations.

Course Prerequisites

A prerequisite is a requirement that a student must complete in order to enroll in a course. Prerequisites include courses, placement test results and other criteria established by faculty to ensure a student has adequate preparation to be academically successful in a course. The college catalog, the semester course schedule and eServices indicate course prerequisites. EServices does not enforce prerequisites for some classes, but students are responsible for understanding and adhering to prerequisite requirements for all classes. For mathematics courses, prerequisites must have been completed within 24 months before the date the course begins.

Students who register for a course for which they have not met the prerequisite requirements may be removed from that class and receive no refund.

Students may apply for a Waiver of Course Prerequisite, available from the Advising and Counseling Department. The appropriate division administrator approves or denies the request based on individual discipline or program criteria.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for all instruction and coursework. Failure to fulfill course obligations because of illness, accident or other unavoidable circumstances must be discussed with instructors. Whenever possible, arrangements to make up work should be made in advance. Students should understand that many faculty consider attendance and participation when determining final grades.

Last Date of Attendance

Students are responsible for dropping or withdrawing from classes in a timely manner to avoid financial and/or academic consequences.

Federal regulations require faculty to report attendance information for students who are not attending classes but did not drop or withdraw. A student who is reported to have stopped attending will be assigned a grade of FW or NC for that class, and a student who is reported to have never attended will be assigned a grade of FN or NC. Financial aid may be reduced or cancelled based on student attendance information.

Accommodation of Religious Observances

Normandale Community College strongly supports the diversity of the beliefs and religions represented by our student body. The College will provide reasonable flexibility when religious observances occasionally conflict with academic obligations such as class attendance, activities, assignments, examinations and other course requirements. Students must inform instructors of such conflicts in advance and in a timely manner. Students remain responsible for all class work and other academic obligations missed as a result of their absence.

Cancelled Classes

The College may cancel a class before the start of a term due to low enrollment or for other reasons. Students will not be obligated for tuition and fees of courses that have been cancelled. The College will notify students when a decision has been made to cancel a class; however, students are encouraged to confirm their class schedules utilizing eServices prior to the term start and to replace lost credits in the event their schedule has been reduced. This may be important especially to students who are required to maintain a certain credit level to maintain financial aid, loan deferment or other eligibility.

Grading Policies

A	Superior achievement of course requirements; 4 grade points per credit.

B	Above average achievement of course requirements; 3 grade points per credit.

C	Average achievement of course requirements; 2 grade points per credit.

D	Below average achievement of course requirements; 1 grade point per credit.

F	Failure. Student did not meet minimum course requirements; 0 grade points per credit (included in GPA).

FN	Failure. Student never attended the course; 0 grade points per credit (included in GPA).

FW	Failure. Student attended one or more class sessions but did not complete course. In the opinion of the instructor, student did not complete enough assignments and/or course activities to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible; 0 grade points per credit (included in GPA).

I	Incomplete. A temporary grade issued when the instructor has reasonable expectation that the student can complete unfinished course requirements; 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA but considered during the evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress completion rate requirements. If work is not made up, the Incomplete will automatically change to an F at the end of the subsequent semester.

P	Pass. Indicates successful achievement of requirements with a minimum grade of C; 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA but considered during the evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress completion rate requirements. May be used in courses numbered below 1000. With the exception of MUSC 1152 and MUSC 1159, courses numbered 1000 and above cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit.

NC	No Credit. Indicates inadequate achievement of requirements; 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA but considered during the evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress completion rate requirements. May be used in courses numbered below 1000. With the exception of MUSC 1152 and MUSC 1159, courses numbered 1000 and above cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit.

AU	Audit. 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA. Audited courses are not given college credit, are not eligible for financial aid or VA benefits and cannot be used to satisfy graduation requirements.

W	Withdrawal after the first five days of the semester up to the 80th percent point of the semester (this time period is adjusted for the summer session and for classes that do not meet the full length of the term); 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA but considered during the evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress completion rate requirements.

Z	Class in progress or no grade reported; 0 grade points per credit; excluded from GPA but considered during the evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress completion rate requirements.

Normandale does not use +/- grading symbols.

D Grades

A grade of D counts as 1 point per credit toward a student’s grade point average (GPA). A student who earns a grade of D in a course numbered below 1000 does not meet the prerequisite for the next course in the sequence. This student must either retake the course for a higher grade or retake the placement test and score a higher placement.

In courses numbered below 1000, students can choose a Pass/No Credit (P/NC) grade instead of a letter grade. P/NC grades do not count toward a student’s GPA. However, they are considered in the quantitative measure (part 3) of Satisfactory Academic Progress. A student who earns a D in a course numbered below 1000 and who chooses the Pass/No Credit option will be assigned a grade of NC.

Pass/No Credit

A grade of Pass (P) indicates the student has completed a class with a minimum grade of C. A grade of No Credit (NC) means the student did not successfully complete the class and therefore earns no credit. Neither grade is included in the grade point average, but both are considered when determining percent completion when assessing Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students may select the Pass/No Credit grade method any time from the beginning of registration through the end of the withdrawal period by utilizing eServices or seeking assistance from the Records Office.

Students enrolled in any course numbered below 1000 may elect to choose a Pass/No Credit grading method instead of the traditional A-F option. The course description will indicate whether a course’s default grading method is pass/no credit. Proficiency classes are graded Pass/No Credit only. All other courses must be graded A-F.

Incomplete Grades

An instructor may assign a grade of I (Incomplete) to a student who fails to complete a course due to circumstances beyond his or her control when the work can be made up without retaking the course. In such cases, it is assumed that the student has fulfilled the majority of class obligations and has missed only an examination or major assignment.

The instructor and student will agree upon the work to be completed and the deadline by which it must be done. If the assigned work has not been completed by the end of the following semester, the Incomplete will automatically change to an F. If the instructor who assigned the Incomplete is no longer employed at Normandale, the student should contact the appropriate academic dean, who may then arrange for resolving the grade. The incomplete grading option is utilized at the discretion of the instructor.

Students are cautioned to utilize the Incomplete option only when absolutely necessary, as a grade of I will count as credits attempted but not completed when calculating a student’s percent of completion for satisfactory academic progress.

Repeated Courses

Students may choose to repeat a class to meet academic requirements, to improve their GPA or to refresh their knowledge of the subject material. While both the original and the repeated grades will remain on the transcript, only the highest grade will be used to determine the GPA, unless the catalog description allows the class to be repeated for additional credit.

All instances of a repeated course will count as attempted credits when determining completion rate for satisfactory academic progress, but only one instance of the course can be considered successfully completed. Students may repeat a course twice; a third repeat attempt requires the approval of the academic dean of the division that offers the course. Students should consult the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to determine whether repeated coursework will be eligible for financial aid.

PSEO students cannot repeat courses in which they have already earned a passing grade.

Audit

A student who wishes to audit a class must select the audit grading option at the time of registration or prior to the end of the withdrawal period by selecting the Audit grade method in eServices. The symbol “AU” will appear in the grade column of the student’s transcript. The fee for such a course is the same as for credit.

Audited courses:

Earn no credit

Do not transfer to other colleges

Do not meet requirements for a degree, certificate or program

Are not eligible for financial aid or VA benefits.

Grade Point Average

Each letter grade (A through F/FN/FW) carries a certain number of grade points per credit. A grade of B, for example, is worth 3 grade points per credit, so that a student receiving a B in a 3-credit course would earn 9 grade points. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of GPA credits attempted. Only grades of A, B, C, D and F, FN and FW are included in the GPA calculation.

See the table below for a scale of grades and grade points.

Grade Grade Points Assigned
1 cr	2 cr	3 cr	4 cr	5 cr
A	4	8	12	16	20
B	3	6	9	12	15
C	2	4	6	8	10
D	1	2	3	4	5
F/FN/FW	0	0	0	0	0

How to calculate a GPA

Example: A student earns the following grades:

A	in a class for 3 credits = 12 grade points

C	in a class for 4 credits = 8 grade points

F	in a class for 3 credits = 0 grade points

B	in a class for 5 credits = 15 grade points

Grade points earned (35) divided by GPA credits attempted (15) = 2.33 GPA

GPA Calculator

Normandale provides a tool that allows students to predict their GPA or to determine the grades they will need in order to earn a specific GPA. The GPA Calculator is available at https://services.normandale.edu/apps/gpa/.

Dean’s List

Each semester, Normandale Community College recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Students who enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits and who completed the semester with a grade point average of at least 3.50 are included in the Dean’s List, receiving special recognition from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Part 1. Introduction

Normandale Community College, the Minnesota State system and Federal and State law require that a student make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree or certificate to attend the College and remain eligible for financial aid. The standards defined below are cumulative and include all periods of enrollment, whether or not a student received financial aid. Students bear primary responsibility for their own academic progress and for seeking assistance when experiencing academic difficulty. Counseling, tutoring, mentoring, special programs and outside referrals are all available.

Part 2. Qualitative Measure of Progress (Grade Point Average)

All students are required to meet or exceed a cumulative earned grade point average (GPA) of 2.00.

Part 3. Quantitative Measure of Progress (Completion Percentage and Maximum Time Frame)

Completion Percentage

All students are required to earn a minimum of 67% of their cumulative registered/attempted credits. Grades of F, FN, FW, I, N, NC, W, Z and IP (or blank/missing) are treated as registered credits but NOT earned credits and thus negatively impact the percent of completion. Formula:

Percent of completion = cumulative earned credits / cumulative registered credits.

Maximum Time Frame

All financial aid recipients are expected to complete their degree/certificate at Normandale within an acceptable period of time. The maximum time frame for financial aid recipients is 150% of the published credit length of the program. Financial aid recipients may continue to receive aid through their cumulative registered credits that equal 150% of the required number of credits needed to complete their degree/certificate at Normandale.

Part 4. Evaluation Period

Normandale Community College will evaluate satisfactory academic progress after each term which includes fall, spring and summer. All students with registered credits during a term will be evaluated at the end of that term.

Part 5. Failure to Meet Standards

Warning

If at the end of the evaluation period a student has not met either an institution’s GPA or completion percentage standard, the student will be placed on warning for one evaluation period. Students on warning are eligible to register and receive financial aid.

If at the end of the warning period a student who has been on warning has met both the cumulative GPA and cumulative completion percentage standards, the warning status is ended and the student is returned to good standing.

Suspension of Students on Warning Status

If at the end of the warning period a student who has been on warning status has not met both the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards, the student shall be suspended. Students on suspension are not eligible to register or receive financial aid.

Suspension of Students Not on Warning Status

Suspension for Exceeding the Maximum Time-Frame. If at the end of the evaluation period a student has failed to meet the institution’s standard for measurement of maximum time-frame, the student shall be suspended from financial aid eligibility.

Suspension for Inability to Meet Program Requirements within the Maximum Time Frame. If at the end of the evaluation period the institution determines it is not possible for a student to raise her or his GPA or course completion percentage to meet the institution’s standards before the student completes their program of study at Normandale, the student shall be suspended from financial aid.

Suspension for Extraordinary Circumstances. Institutions may immediately suspend students in the event of extraordinary circumstances, including but not limited to previously suspended (and reinstated) students whose academic performance falls below acceptable standards during a subsequent term of enrollment; students who register for courses, receive financial aid, and do not attend any classes; and students whose attendance patterns appear to abuse the receipt of financial aid.

Suspension at another Minnesota State Institution. Students who have been suspended from another Minnesota State institution within the past academic year shall be denied admission at Normandale but may contact the Admissions Office for the appropriate appeal form.

Part 6. Appeals and Probation

Appeals

A student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and is suspended has the right to appeal based on special, unusual or extenuating circumstances causing undue hardship such as death in the family, student’s injury or illness or other special circumstances as determined by the institution.

Appeals are due by the Wednesday prior to the begin date of the semester the student wishes to be reinstated for financial aid and/or enrollment.

Appeals must be submitted in writing with a form(s) available from the College.

The appeal must include an explanation of the special, unusual or extenuating circumstances causing undue hardship that prevented the student from making satisfactory academic progress.

The appeal must also include what has changed in the student’s situation that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the end of the next evaluation period.

Supporting documentation beyond the written explanation is strongly encouraged.

Initial consideration of appeals will be undertaken by the Director of Financial Aid, Registrar or designee. If the appeal is denied, the student may submit an Appeal of a Previously Denied Suspension Appeal to the Dean of Students.

Appeals that are approved must contain an academic plan that, if followed, ensures the student would be able to meet satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time.

All academic plans put in place for GPA deficiency will require a minimum term GPA of 2.50 during any probationary term. All academic plans put in place for % completion deficiency, will require a term completion percentage of 100% during any probationary term.

Probationary Status

A student who has successfully appealed shall be placed on probation for one evaluation period. If, at the end of the next evaluation period, a student on probation status:

Has met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards, the student shall be returned to good standing.

Has not met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards but has met the conditions specified in his/her academic plan (2.50 term GPA and/or 100% term completion rate, depending upon the deficiency), the student shall retain his/her financial aid and registration eligibility under the status of probation with an academic plan for the subsequent evaluation period.

Has not met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards and has also not met the conditions specified in his/her academic plan, the student shall be re-suspended immediately upon completion of the evaluation.

Part 7. Notification of Status and Appeal Results

Status Notification

Students are notified in writing (letter or email) when the evaluation of satisfactory academic progress results in warning, suspension, or probation. The notice includes the conditions of the current status and the conditions necessary to regain eligibility for registration and financial aid. Notice of suspension also includes the right and process necessary to appeal suspension.

Appeal Result Notification

Students are notified in writing (letter or email) of the results of all appeals. Approved appeals include the conditions under which the appeal is approved and any conditions necessary to retain eligibility for registration and financial aid. Denied appeals include the reason for denial and the process to appeal the denial.

Part 8. Reinstatement

A student who has been suspended from financial aid eligibility may be reinstated after an appeal has been approved or the minimum cumulative GPA and completion percentage standards have been achieved. A student suspended from the College may be reinstated to enroll for classes after not attending Normandale for one year. Neither paying for their own classes nor sitting out a period of time is sufficient in and of itself to re-establish a student’s financial aid eligibility.

Part 9. Treatment of Grades and Credits

Credits: The unit by which academic work is measured.

Registered (Attempted) Credits: The total number of credits for which a student is officially enrolled at the end of the registration drop period each term.

Cumulative Registered Credits: Cumulative registered credits are the total number of credits registered for all terms of enrollment at the college, including summer terms and terms for which the student did not receive financial aid.

Earned Credits: Earned credits include grades of A, B, C, D and P. They are successfully completed credits that count towards the required percentage of completion (67%) as defined by the quantitative measure.

Attempted, NOT earned: Grades of F, FN, FW, I, N, NC, W, Z and IP (or a blank/missing) will be treated as credits attempted but NOT successfully completed (earned).

Academic Renewal: Credits for which a student has been granted academic renewal WILL be included in all financial aid satisfactory academic progress measurements.

Audited Courses: Audited courses are not aid eligible courses and are not included in any satisfactory academic progress measurements.

Consortium Credits: Consortium credits are those credits for which a student is registered at another college, which are accepted in transfer by this college and are included for purposes of processing financial aid at this college. These credits are included in all satisfactory academic progress measurements.

Developmental Credits: Developmental credits are those awarded for remedial course work (below 1000 level). Students may receive financial aid for developmental credits up to a maximum of 30 credits hours (excluding ESL). These credits are included in all satisfactory academic progress measurements. However, up to 30 developmental credits are excluded from the maximum timeframe calculation.

Repeat Credits: Repeat credits are credits awarded when a student repeats a course in order to improve a grade. A student may repeat a class as allowed by the institution. The institution will determine, based on its Repeated Courses policy, which grade will become the grade calculated in the GPA. All repeated credits are included in the percent of completion and maximum time frame calculations.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits are credits earned at another college which are accepted by this college. Transfer credits which are accepted by Normandale and are applicable to the student’s program of study shall be counted as credits attempted and completed for calculation of completion percentage and maximum time frame. Grades associated with these credits are not included in calculating GPA.

Withdraw: The mark of “W” (withdrawal) is assigned when a student withdraws from a class after the drop period. It is not included when calculating grade point average or earned credits. Thus, it does not impact GPA but does negatively impact earned credits and, therefore, negatively impacts the student’s percent of completion.

Incompletes: The mark of “I” (incomplete) is a temporary grade which is assigned only in exceptional circumstances. It will be given only to students who cannot complete the work of a course on schedule because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control. An “I” grade will automatically become an “F” grade at the end of the next term (not including summer sessions) if requirements to complete course work have not been satisfactorily met. Instructors have the option of setting an earlier completion date for the student. A grade of “I” is not included when calculating grade point average or earned credits. Thus, it does not impact GPA but does negatively impact earned credits and, therefore, negatively impacts the student’s percent of completion.

Part 10. Definitions

Academic Plan. A student who successfully appeals for reinstatement will be required by Normandale to complete, during their probationary period, specific requirements contained in an academic plan developed for that student by Normandale. At a minimum the academic plan will require a student to achieve a 2.50 GPA during their probationary term and/or a 100% completion rate during their probationary term, depending upon the deficiency.

Probationary Status. A student who has successfully appealed shall be placed on probation for one evaluation period. If, at the end of the next evaluation period, a student on probation status:

Has met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards, the student shall be returned to good standing.

Has not met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards but has met the conditions specified in his/her academic plan, the student shall retain his/her financial aid and registration eligibility under the status of probation with an academic plan for the subsequent evaluation period.

Has not met the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards and has also not met the conditions specified in his/her academic plan, the student shall be re-suspended immediately upon completion of the evaluation.

Suspension Status. A student on suspension status is not eligible to register or receive financial aid. Students who have been suspended may regain their eligibility only through the institution’s appeal process or when they are again meeting the institution’s satisfactory academic progress cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards.

Warning Status. Students on warning are eligible to register and receive financial aid for one evaluation period despite a determination that the student has not met either an institution’s grade point average standard, or completion percentage standard, or both.

If at the end of the warning period a student who has been on warning status has met both the institution’s cumulative grade point average and completion percentage standards, the warning status is ended and the student is returned to good standing.

If at the end of the warning period a student who has been on warning status has not met either the institution’s cumulative grade point average or completion percentage standards, the institution shall suspend the student.

Student Complaint & Grievance Process

Normandale Community College is part of the Minnesota State System of public two and four year institutions of higher education designated by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 136F and governed by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State College and Universities. Normandale Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). If you wish to file a complaint about Normandale Community College with the HLC, you may do so by contacting: Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Normandale Community College takes student complaints and grievances seriously. If you have a complaint about Normandale, we encourage you to utilize the Institution’s Student Complaint and Grievance Process provided in Minnesota State Board Policy 3.8 and System Procedure 3.8.1 by completing and submitting the “Student Complaint/Grievance Form”. If your grievance involves a Board Policy, the actions of the Normandale Community College President, an issue of institutional or program quality such as an institution’s compliance with the standards of an accrediting or licensing agency, or a claim of consumer fraud or deceptive trade practices, you may appeal to the Minnesota State System Office pursuant to the above policy and procedure. The contact information for the Minnesota State System Office is: Academic and Student Affairs, Minnesota State System Office, Wells Fargo Place, 30 7th Street E, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101-7804.

The above processes do not apply to other complaints or grievances subject to different procedures specified in board, college, or university policies, procedures, or other regulations, including:

Academic grade disputes. Grade appeals must be handled by completing the “Request for Course Grade Review” form.

Student complaints regarding discrimination or harassment are subject to Board Policy 1B.1 and System Procedure 1B.1.1, and filed with Normandale’s Human Resources Office.

Academic Renewal

The academic renewal policy allows students to select any consecutive terms and have all the courses from those terms removed from their GPA calculation. All courses in the selected term(s) will not count for degree requirements or for graduation.

This policy recognizes that, for various reasons, some students have had some previous college work at Normandale that has been unsatisfactory. This policy also recognizes that students can change, mature or rediscover their potential and an appreciation of the benefits of an education.

Even though academic renewal excludes credits and corresponding grades from degree requirements and grade point calculations, these courses are not removed from the student’s academic record.

To qualify for academic renewal, the student must meet the following conditions:

The coursework must have been completed at least three years prior to the semester the student submits the petition for academic renewal.

Following the term(s) for which academic renewal is sought and before applying for academic renewal, the student must complete at least 12 credits at Normandale with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The GPA will be determined by the student’s cumulative Normandale record (all courses with grades of A, B, C, D, F, FN and FW), following the renewal term(s).

Excluding the coursework for which academic renewal is sought, the student must have completed (earned a grade of A, B, C, D or P) at least 67% of the cumulative courses in which s/he has enrolled at Normandale.

The semesters for which academic renewal is sought must be consecutive on the student’s academic record with no attempted or completed coursework separating the renewal terms. For example, a student can petition for academic renewal for Fall 2002 and Fall 2003, provided no coursework was completed in Spring or Summer 2003 (unless renewal is also sought for those terms).

All courses within those terms will be included in this policy.

A student may only be granted academic renewal one time.

Coursework attempted within a degree program cannot be considered for academic renewal after a student has earned a degree, even if that coursework was not used to satisfy degree requirements.

The student is encouraged to meet with an advisor or counselor to discuss if this is an appropriate choice.

Approval for academic renewal is determined by meeting the above conditions.

Benefits

Improved likelihood of meeting the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for enrollment.

Students can meet the 2.00 GPA graduation requirement.

Students may qualify for competitive health programs at Normandale.

Disclaimers

Students lose the credits of a course with a passing grade taken in a term for which academic renewal has been granted.

The transcript will continue to reflect the actual courses and grades, but they will no longer be calculated in the GPA, nor will they count toward graduation requirements. A transcript notation will indicate that Academic Renewal has been granted.

Courses subject to Academic Renewal will still be considered when determining Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid.

Normandale’s renewal policy does not mean that receiving institutions will honor this adjustment. Competitive admissions programs will likely consider the entire transcript. It is the student’s responsibility to consult their receiving institution.

Interactive Degree Audit (DARS)

The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) produces a report designed to help students identify and understand current academic requirements for degree or program completion. This program will monitor students’ progress by:

Identifying all requirements needed to complete a specific program

Indicating how the courses the student has already completed apply toward to the requirements

Specifying what is still needed to complete the degree or program and the courses from which students may select to satisfy each requirement.

The interactive degree audit report (DARS) can be viewed in eServices by clicking on the “Grades and Transcripts” link on the left side of the screen, followed by the “Interactive Degree Audit Report” link.

To ensure that the correct academic requirements are being followed and that they remain eligible for both financial aid their intended program, students must keep their educational plans current at Records.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete all requirements for the selected program, whether or not these requirements have been identified on the DARS report. Therefore, students are encouraged to review the DARS report with an advisor or counselor as early in his or her college career as possible, especially when the student has transferred credits to Normandale.

Holds

The College may withhold a student’s grades and transcripts for financial obligations or for failure to return equipment or material to the College. Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in the assessment of late fees, collection efforts by the Minnesota Department of Revenue or other agency, and holds that prevent future enrollment at Normandale and other Minnesota State institutions.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer coursework will be evaluated according to the following standards in accordance with policies established by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State system:

All college courses in which a student has received a grade of A, B, C, D or P (Pass) at regionally accredited, liberal arts, post-secondary institutions shall be considered for transfer.

If the student’s cumulative GPA at the originating institution is less than 2.00, only grades of P, C and higher will be considered, unless the course was completed at a Minnesota State college and that college has used it to satisfy a Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal requirement. Students retain the right to appeal the acceptance of credits.

Duplicate credits cannot be awarded for equivalent courses.

Up to 16 credits of public or private regionally accredited technical college coursework shall be considered for credit if the coursework was completed with a grade of P, C or higher.

Grades earned for transfer coursework shall not be computed in the student’s GPA on the Normandale transcript, but they will be included in the calculation of the GPA required for the MnTC and graduation.

Credits earned by examination at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution will be considered for transfer.

Credit achieved through experiential learning processes shall be evaluated, following a student’s petition, according to published national standard guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and other similar national organizations.

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes §197.775, Subdivision 2, Recognition of Courses, credit may be granted for military training or service if courses meet the standards of the American Council on Education or the equivalent. Information about military credit transfer options can be at www.minnstate.edu/military. Up to 16 technical and/or vocational credits and an unlimited number of associate and baccalaureate credits will be accepted for unduplicated course content.

Credits earned in competency-based education programs will transfer as general electives unless approved for other distribution requirements.

Transfer decisions are not made solely on the source of accreditation. Non-collegiate work and coursework from non-regionally accredited institutions recognized by Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education will be considered on a course-by-course basis through the academic petition process.

Coursework completed at an international college or university will be considered for transfer if recommended by a professional credential evaluation service that is recognized by the Association of International Educators (AIE) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Transfer Credit Appeals

Appeals of the transcript evaluation are done by completing the Academic Petition form; available from the Nath Advising Center. The academic petition will be reviewed by an academic dean and, if appropriate, the academic department. Notification of the outcome will be emailed to the student’s my.normandale.edu account within three weeks of the date the petition was received.

If a student is not satisfied with the college’s transfer appeal decision, the student may submit a request to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs for a System level appeal of the college’s transfer appeal decision.

A student shall appeal a transfer decision at the college or university level prior to appeal at the system level.

The system level appeal request shall include a copy of the college or university transfer appeal decision with supporting rationale, transcript and other documentation.

To be considered, the student appeal for a decision that involves credits from system colleges and universities must have the support of the chief academic officer or designee of the sending system college or university. When a transfer decision involves credit earned at an institution outside the system colleges and universities, the support of a chief academic officer or designee is not required.

Upon receipt of the system level appeal, there shall be a review by Minnesota State System Office transfer staff. The review shall be based on course descriptions, outlines, objectives, learning outcomes, and/or other relevant information. The transfer staff shall submit a recommendation to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.

The Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs shall make a final determination regarding disposition of the appeal. The decision of the Senior Vice Chancellor shall be binding on all system college and university parties. Additional information can be found at www.mntransfer.org/students/plan/s_tap.php under “Always Keep in Mind.”

Credit for Prior Learning

In accordance with Minnesota State policy, students at Normandale are afforded the opportunity to demonstrate college-level learning gained in non-credit or experiential settings. Credits earned through alternative methods are not resident credits and may not be used to satisfy resident credit requirements for graduation. Credits earned through alternative methods are noted on the student’s transcript as transfer credit, with no letter grade.

Credit by Examination

Advanced Placement Program

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board allows high school students to complete college-level courses and later earn college credit by demonstrating proficiency on culminating examinations. Students who feel prepared by independent study or other means can also take AP examinations.

Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on the examinations are awarded credit upon submission of an official AP score report to the Office of Admissions.

Students interested in possible waivers from placement testing must submit their AP score report to the Office of Admissions at the time of application to the College.

Score reports are available for a fee by calling 888-308-0013 or 609-771-7366, or by writing to AP Services at PO Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541-6671.

Visit the AP website at www.collegeboard.com/ap.

Normandale Community College does not release copies of AP score reports to students.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized program through which secondary students complete a comprehensive curriculum of rigorous study and demonstrate performance on culminating examinations.

The examination for the IB diploma covers 6 subjects, 3 or 4 of which must be at the higher level, with others at the standard level. Students may present a full IB diploma or a certificate recognizing specific subject examinations and be considered for credit based on the examination level and result.

Students shall be granted 6 semester credits for scores of 4 or higher on each higher level examination, plus 2 credits for each standard level examination with a score of 4 or higher.

Where test material is substantially similar to the content of an existing Normandale course, credit for that course will be awarded. Where test material is considered to be college level but not substantially similar to the content of a Normandale course, elective credit will be awarded.

College Level Examination Program

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board allows students of all ages to earn college credit for the knowledge and skills they have obtained both inside and outside of the classroom.

CLEP offers examinations for subjects normally covered during the first two years of college. Upon completion of testing, students must submit an official score report to the Office of Admissions for consideration of credit.

For examinations completed July 2001 or later, the minimum CLEP score for acceptance of credit is 50, with higher scores required in level 2 foreign language examinations.

There is no limit to the number of credits a student may earn for CLEP examinations; however, students who are seeking a degree or certificate must meet the college residency requirement.

Students interested in possible waivers from placement testing must submit an official CLEP score report to the Office of Admissions at the time of application to the College.

For information about CLEP, visit www.collegeboard.com/clep or, for information specific to Normandale, visit the Course Equivalencies page’s links at the bottom.

Other Evaluations

Admitted students may also demonstrate college level learning through other nationally recognized examinations such as

Thomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP)

The New York University Foreign Language Proficiency examination (NYUFLP)

National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)

Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Project Lead the Way™ (PLTW) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Examinations (must submit within 3 years of high school graduation)

Veterans’ Policies

Information for Veterans, Service-
members and Eligible Dependents

VA Education Benefits

Normandale Community College is an approved Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) for federal education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). All associate degrees and certificates are certified as approved educational programs by the Minnesota State Approving Agency and VA. Students attending Normandale may apply for and use these benefits:

Post-9/11 GI Bill ®

Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty or Selected Reserve

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Fry Scholarship

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

A full description these benefits is available at www.gibill.va.gov

Enrollment Certification to VA

Each semester, students must notify the School Certifying Official of their intention to use VA education benefits. At the time of registration, students should request certification to VA and a tuition deferment by completing a Deferment Request and Payment Agreement form which is available online at www.normandale.edu/veterans/ or at the Veterans Resource Center. Additional documents may be required from the student to verify eligibility for benefits.

The College will certify enrollment according to the guidelines set forth by VA. Whenever possible, certifications will be sent to VA prior to the start of the semester to help ensure timely processing of benefit payments. In general, benefits are not applicable to unnecessary elective courses, online and hybrid courses numbered below 1000, and audited courses. Students should meet with the School Certifying Official when they have questions about if and how benefits can be used for their registered courses.

According to VA policy, the student is responsible for submitting official transcripts for all previous coursework by the end of the first term of enrollment. Transfer credit will be granted in accordance with College policy. Additionally, the student is responsible for notifying the certifying official of changes in enrollment (course adds, drops, and withdrawals) and changes in declared degree/program.

For additional information about VA education benefits, contact the School Certifying Official at veteransbenefits@normandale.edu.

Course Interruption Due to Military Service, Medical Conditions and Medical Treatment

Adapted from Minnesota State Procedure 5.12.1

Students called to active duty for military service which will interrupt their course of study are expected to communicate upcoming absences to their instructors as soon as possible. Faculty may request written documentation to verify the absences. Instructors and students should discuss the anticipated duration of the absence to help determine the most suitable of the following options:

Completion of the course. Class sessions missed by the student due to performance of active military service must be counted as excused absences and cannot be used to adversely impact the student’s grade or standing in the class. However, the student is not automatically excused from completing assignments due during the time period when the student is performing active military service. Instructors may arrange for adjustments to or accommodations for course content, assignments, due dates, etc. as they see fit given the student’s situation. Students must note that course completion may not be feasible in all situations.

Delayed completion of the course. Instructor may issue the temporary grade of I (Incomplete) and the student is allowed to complete the course upon fulfillment of their military service or release from active duty. Students must note that delayed course completion may not be feasible in all situations.

Course drop/withdrawal and refund. Student may file Refund/Drop/Withdrawal Appeal, available from Records & Registration, and provide a copy of their active duty orders with the appeal form. Refunds are subject to College, state, and federal financial aid policies.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities whose medical conditions and/or medical appointments interrupt their course of study are allowed the same options as described above. Students are expected communicate their upcoming absences to their instructors as soon as possible, may be asked to provide documentation of their absences to their instructors, and are encouraged to consult with their instructors on options for course completion or withdrawal.

Students and faculty with questions about this policy should contact the Veterans Advisor at veteransbenefits@normandale.edu.

Graduation

Normandale establishes a graduation date for each semester. A student’s date of graduation shall be the graduation date established for the term in which all degree requirements have been met. Requirements must be met within one month of the end of that term. These requirements include:

Completing all course and credit requirements for the student’s intended degree or certificate, as outlined in the Programs of Study section of this catalog.

Meeting the Normandale residency requirement: Completing at least 20 credits at Normandale if earning an associate degree; completing at least 1/3 of the required credits at Normandale if earning a certificate.

Earning a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all college-level coursework.

Completing any certifications and passing background checks, if required for the student’s intended degree.

Submitting final transcripts from other institutions, when other institutions’ coursework will be used to fulfill Normandale degree requirements.

Resolving incompletes and/or obtaining grade changes for any courses that satisfy Normandale degree requirements.

Obtaining final approval of academic petitions that impact the student’s degree program (such as a waiver of a graduation requirement or acceptance of outside credit). Academic petition forms are available from Counseling and Advising or online at www.normandale.edu/gradforms.

Submitting an Application for Graduation and the filing fee. Applications are available in the Nath Advising Center and the Records Office or on online at www.normandale.edu/gradforms.

Commencement Honors

Honors will be awarded to associate degree graduates with a cumulative Normandale grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 - 3.49 in college-level courses (numbered 1000 and above) and high honors to graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. For purposes of the commencement ceremony, honors for spring graduates will be determined by the student’s cumulative GPA through fall semester. The final designation, as it appears on the transcript and diploma, will be based on grades earned in all Normandale college-level coursework. Commencement honors are not awarded for certificates.

Student Rights & Data/Notification of Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the date the College receives a request for access.
Students must submit a written request to the Registrar that identifies 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 will be.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes to be inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They must write to the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision in writing 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.

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 that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Minnesota State Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee (such as the Normandale Community College Student Rights and Responsibilities Board) or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Normandale Community College forwards educational records without the student’s consent to other agencies or institutions in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled, so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Normandale Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Students may contact:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Phone: 202-260-3887
Fax: 202-260-9001
Family Policy Compliance Office Website
Email: fpco@ed.gov

Student Directory Information

The following information has been designated as “directory information” and, as such, must be disclosed to a third party on request.

Name

Address

Telephone number

Photograph*

Dates of attendance

Full-time or Part-time status

Class standing (freshman, sophomore, etc.)

Major field of study

Degrees, certificates and awards and the dates they were received

Date of birth

*Photographs of Normandale students are public data, regardless of the media format (stills or motion).

To prevent release of the above information outside of the College, the student must submit a Request to Withhold Directory Information to the Records Office. The form is available from Records or the Records website.

The Normandale Community College directory information public notice is also available in the semester registration guide and on the college website.

Limited Directory Data

Student email addresses and Star ID numbers are defined as Limited Directory Data for enterprise technology related purposes internal to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system that are approved by the State Office IT, including but not limited to inclusion of email addresses and STAR ID numbers in a directory accessible to Minnesota State students and employees.

Effective August 21, 2017

Student Data Practices

In accumulating student information, the College provides the following assurances:

Student records are official records of Normandale Community College and will be used for educational purposes according to Minnesota and federal student data laws.

Upon request, the College will explain the purpose and intended use of the data as well as the possible consequences of refusing to supply private or confidential information.