OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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Final Grades in Academic Foundations English (AFE) and ESL

Instructors assign final grades in AFE classes according to student performance on a series of reading and writing assignments administered throughout the semester.

Final grades in ESL Writing and Grammar classes are determined by combining the results of three different assessments: an instructor-assigned writing score (based on work students do in class during the semester), an in-class essay test administered at the end of the semester, and a final grammar exam.

Final grades in ESL Reading and Academic Discussion classes are determined by a program-issued final reading test and an instructor-created final assessment in Academic Discussion. 

Workshops, tutoring, accelerated courses of instruction, and other services are available to all HCCC AFE and ESL students.

Students in AFE and ESL classes must complete required homework assignments and attend class regularly in order to take final tests and move up to the next level or to exit the program.

Grades for Academic Foundations and ESL Courses

Students enrolled in Academic Foundations (AF) and ESL courses will be evaluated according to the following grading system:

     Grade           Interpretation        Grade Points/Credit Hour

     E                  Exit                             4.0

     P                  Pass                            2.5

     R                  Repeat                      0.0

     F                  Fail                               0.0

E - Exit 

Student demonstrates college-level preparedness based on performance on the College Placement Tests.

P - Pass

Student moves to higher level of ESL or Academic Foundations. Credits taken count as attempted and earned.

R - Repeat

Student repeats same level of ESL, Academic Foundations, or College Composition I. Student has satisfied the assignment and attendance policies as described in the course syllabus, but has not achieved the level of academic performance required to succeed at the next level of instruction as determined by performance on the College Placement Tests, ESL Level Test, or Writing Proficiency Test. Credits taken count as attempted but not earned.

Students who need to take the same course a third time will be placed on probation with a reduced load. Students who unsuccessfully attempt the same course three (3) times will be suspended. After four (4) unsuccessful attempts, they will be subject to dismissal. Students may be permitted to take the course again only in the framework of the Academic Fresh Start Policy.

F- Fail

Student repeats same or lower level of ESL or Academic Foundations courses in the specified subject area. This grade is assigned to students who have not completed course work or have excessive absences. Credits taken count as attempted but not earned.

Academic Progress

Proficiency in reading, writing, computation, and algebra are required for graduation from HCCC. ESL and Academic Foundations courses are not applicable toward degree or certificate programs. However, registration records for these courses appear on student transcripts.

Students who are required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses must maintain the prescribed grade point average (GPA) and percentage of credits attempted.