Regulations

IR 6105 Student Course Load

Section: 6000 Instruction
Sub Section: 6100 Academic Standards
Title: IR 6105 Student Course Load
Primary Policy: IP 6105 Student Course Load
Associated Policies: SP 2140 Student Appeals
Associated Regulations: SR 2140 Student Appeals
References: Addendum: "Student Course Load Override Form"
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Academic Officer
Initial Approval: 04-19-2017	Last Revision:

Three Rivers College has established minimum and maximum course loads for full-time students during the fall or spring semester, summer session, and intersession periods. These course loads are based on the type of semester (fall or spring semester, summer session, or intersession) and each student’s academic standing at the college.

Generally, full-time students are not permitted to be enrolled in courses beyond the number of credits that constitutes a maximum student course load for a semester, a summer session, or an intersession without prior approval by the chairperson of the department housing the student’s program (or his/her designee). Student course load for each semester as well as procedures for overriding the student course load maximum are specifically outlined herein.

Full-time Students in Good Academic Standing

The normal academic load in a fall or spring semester is 15 to 16 semester credit hours, exclusive of physical education and musical groups. The minimum course load for a full-time student during a fall semester or spring semester is twelve (12) credits. Minimum full-time status during a summer session is six (6) credits; however, external agencies may require additional hours to be regarded as “full-time.” A student who is in good academic standing, as defined by satisfactory academic progress, must adhere to the following maximum course load requirements. In all cases, the specific circumstances of the student, as well as the nature, difficulty level and overall load should be carefully considered when granting overload permission.

Fall or Spring Semester

21 credits is maximum course load; requires no special permission.
A fall/spring semester course load over 21 credits is permitted only in exceptional cases and is normally only allowed to students who have demonstrated an appropriate academic background which shows likelihood for success. In all cases, the specific circumstances of the student, as well as the nature, difficulty level and overall load should be carefully considered when granting overload permission.
More than 21 credits * require the following permissions:

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher require the permission of the chairperson of the department housing the student’s program (or his/her designee).
Students with a GPA less than 3.0 require the additional permission of the Chief Academic Officer.

*Programmatic exceptions may be applicable.

Summer Semester

12 credits maximum course load; requires no special permission.
More than 12 credits * require the following permissions:

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher require the permission of the chairperson of the department housing the student’s program (or his/her designee).
Students with a GPA less than 3.0 require the additional permission of the Chief Academic Officer.

*Programmatic exceptions may be applicable.

Winter Semester

6 credits maximum course load; requires no special permission.
More than 6 credits * require the following permissions:

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher require the permission of the chairperson of the department housing the student’s program (or his/her designee).
Students with a GPA less than 3.0 require the additional permission of the Chief Academic Officer.

*Programmatic exceptions may be applicable.

Full-time Students on Academic Warning or Probation

A student who is on academic warning or probation may not enroll in course loads that exceed the maximum indicated below without the approval of the Chief Academic Officer upon recommendation and written justification by the chairperson of the department housing the student’s program as follows. A student who registers early and is then placed on academic warning may be required to adjust his/her schedule. The maximum course load for students on academic warning or probation is as follow:

Fall or Spring Semester 12 credits
Summer Session 7 credits
Winter Session 3 credits

Procedure for Overriding Student Course Load Maximum

A request to enroll in more than the maximum number of credits must be approved in writing by means of a Student Course Load Override Form (Attachment A), signed by the appropriate college officials as outlined herein. Once fully executed the form must then be taken to Student Services to be processed.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

04-19-2017:

Initial approval of IR 6105 Student Course Load.

IR 6111 Alternative College Credit

Section: 6000 Instruction
Sub Section: 6100 Academic Standards
Title: IR 6111 Alternative College Credit
Primary Policy: IP 6111 Alternative College Credit
Associated Policies: NA
Associated Regulations: NA
References: Missouri Credit for Prior Learning Model 2013
Addendums: “Guide to Alternative College Credit”; “Alternative College Credit Student Assessment and Credit Request Forms”
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator:
Initial Approval: 11-18-2015	Last Revision: 08-23-2023

Three Rivers College supports the concept of life-long learning and advocates the Alternative College Credit method for students who qualify. This regulation is designed to inform Three Rivers College students, faculty, and staff of methods that could be used to obtain Alternative College Credits at the college. Methods of Alternative College Credit recognized by the college are CLEP, AP, and Credit for Prior Learning.

Methods for Awarding Alternative College Credit

Three Rivers College uses several methods designed to grant alternative college credit to students with a wide variety of educational experiences. Students are encouraged to consult with a program advisor regarding the use of alternative college credit in their educational planning. Any student enrolled at Three Rivers College who has or would like to participate in the following may be eligible:

Standardized Tests (CLEP, AP Credit, ACT, etc.)
Credit for Prior Learning: Business, Industry Credentials, and Military Training
Articulation Agreements between Three Rivers College, area High Schools and Career and Technical Centers.

Standardized Tests

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is designed to evaluate the student’s college-level learning, no matter how or where the learning took place. The nationally recognized DSST program enables a student to receive college credits for learning acquired outside of the traditional classroom through more than 30 exams in college subject areas. There is a test fee to take a DSST exam. Three Rivers College charges a $20 proctor fee to administer the exam. The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE Credit) has evaluated and recommended college credit for the DSST exams. Sponsoring high schools that offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes provide for AP examinations at the end of the course. Students forward the results of the AP exams through the College Entrance Examination Board to Three Rivers College. American College Testing Proficiency Program credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, contact the Office of Career Services. The results of most standardized tests will need to be forwarded to Three Rivers College by the student. Those results are received by the Office of the Registrar and processed according to College policy.

Sponsoring High Schools that offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes provide for AP examinations at the end of the course. Students will forward the results of the AP exams & CLEP exams through the College Board to Three Rivers College. ACT (American College Testing Proficiency Program) credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis. DSST (DANTES) exams will need to submitted to Three Rivers College and evaluated according to recommendations provided by The American Council on Education (ACE Credit). For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Credit for Prior Learning

Three Rivers College supports the concept of life-long learning and awards Alternative College Credit to students for Credit for Prior Learning in congruence with the Missouri Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Model. Credits are awarded on a case by case basis depending on the student’s potential for Credit for Prior Learning and the alignment with their intended major. A student must meet with their advisor and complete an application to initiate the Credit for Prior Learning process. The student must consult with his or her advisor and collaborate with the Coordinator of Career Services at the college. Please be aware that program specific terms that may apply, and other factors related to the Credit for Prior Learning process. Please refer to the Guide to Alternative Credit addendum and form attached to this document.

Students should be advised that colleges and universities differ on their acceptance of Credit for Prior Learning. Three Rivers College cannot guarantee the transferability of credit for prior learning that has been awarded. If planning to transfer to another college or university, students should contact the receiving institution to determine the potential of acceptability for transfer of Credit for Prior Learning.

Three Rivers College has adopted standard practices within the process to award Credits for Prior Learning to students. The college uses several methods designed to grant college credit to students with a wide variety of learning experiences. Any student enrolled at the college who has or would like to participate may be eligible. Reference the college catalogue, attached addendum and the college policy, IP 6111: Alternative College Credit.

Due to the impact Credit for Prior Learning may have on a student’s program of study, students must consult with their program advisor regarding educational planning. The college uses several methods designed to grant college credit for a wide variety of learning experiences. To be considered for Credit for Prior Learning a student must be enrolled at the college and have successfully completed a minimum of (1 credit hour) that is transcribed to the student’s record from a course taken at Three Rivers College. Credit for Prior Learning may be considered on a case by case basis depending on a student’s program of study.

The maximum Alternative College Credit that may be applicable toward graduation requirements for a Three Rivers College program is 30 credit hours, from a combination of all Alternative Credit methods including (CLEP, CPL, AP Credit, etc.). The 30 credit rule also includes any form of Alternative Credit a student may transfer into the college from another institution. In rare cases, certain career programs with completion agreements the 30 credits rule may be reviewed on a case by case basis and must be approved by the Chief Academic Officer.

Three Rivers College has developed standard practices that are designed to help students take advantage of the opportunities the college offers to award Credit for Prior Learning. Students should review the degree requirements for a specific degree or certificate program, and determine the courses they believe they may have relevant, equivalent, college-level learning. To qualify, credits must apply to the student’s specific degree program or certificate requirements.

Interested students should meet with their academic advisor and the Coordinator of Career Services to discuss the different methods and steps for requesting Credit for Prior Learning, and for information regarding the potential transferability of such credits. It should not be assumed that credits transcribed through the Three Rivers College, Alternative College Credit process will automatically be accepted by other institutions.

Process for Student to Request Credit for Prior Learning

Review the current college catalog to view options for credit for prior learning and the required courses for your degree or certificate program.
Meet with your program advisor to discuss options, relevant TRC degree requirements, and transferability. Your program advisor will then help you with the steps for Credit for Prior Learning approval which may require Department Chair approval.
Go to the Office of Career Services (573-840-9655) in the Westover Building to begin the Credit for Prior Learning approval process for industry training (credentials) and training recognized in published guides. You will be required to bring all valid and current documentation.
Complete the Alternative College Credit Assessment and Request Forms (Appendix) and seek all applicable signatures.
Once approval has been obtained and Alternative Credit Form is complete, the form will need to be returned to the Office of Career Services.

Students seeking Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) must provide substantial documentation regarding training, certification or experience that would relate to the specific college-level course in their program of study. The documentation must be recent enough to demonstrate currency in the field of study in which CPL is pursued. Military credit does not have a time limit on acceptance for college-level learning. A student should speak with the Coordinator of Career Services and their program advisor for more specific information regarding documentation, timeline and the process for the evaluation of prior learning.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

11-18-2015:		Initial approval of regulation IR 6111 Credit for Prior Learning.
06-22-2016:		Revised, added Addendum Guide to Alternative Credit & Form.
09-21-2016:		The College Board of Trustees approved the name change of the college from Three Rivers Community College to Three Rivers College.
10-11-2016:		Minor revision to Addendum Alternative College Credit Student Assessment Form. Addition of check boxes in Types of Alternative Credit section on form.
06-13-2017:		Minor revision to Addendum Alternative College Credit Student Assessment and Credit Request Forms.
02-19-2020:		Removal of application fee and minor language revisions for clarification and process alignment.
08-23-2023:		Minor clerical edits, updated addendum and revision of office names.

IR 6120 Faculty Credentialing

Section: 6000 Instruction
Sub Section: 6700 Faculty
Title: IR 6120 Faculty Credentialing
Primary Policy: IP 6120 Faculty Credentialing
Associated Policies: IP 6710 Faculty Rights and Responsibilities; GAP 1200 Equal Opportunity; BP 0120 Accreditation Status; GAP 1160 Institutional Review Board
Associated Regulations: PR 4170 College Hiring Procedure; GAR 1140 Institutional Effectiveness
References: Higher Learning Commission Criterion Three, Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support Section C.2; Higher Learning Commission, Determining Qualified Faculty through HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and Assumed Practices
Supersedes: NA
Responsible Administrator: Chief Academic Officer
Initial Approval: 06-21-2017	Last Revision:

Three Rivers College and the Board of Trustees employ competent faculty qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the College with appropriate credentials from a regionally accredited institution for their position. The college ensures full compliance with the Higher Learning Commission Criterion Three, Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support Section C.2. “All instructors are appropriately qualified, including those in dual credit, contractual, and consortia programs.”

In hiring full-time and adjunct faculty members, the academic leadership of the College gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the teaching discipline. To be considered for employment as a faculty member of the college, the minimum credential requirements must be met. The college also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student-learning outcomes.

For all cases, the college is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty. Three Rivers College gives primary consideration to the earned degree in a teaching discipline, but recognizes occasional exceptions that require further justification. Based on the Higher Learning Commission Criteria 3, Teaching and Learning, the college has developed two pathways by which a faculty member may be credentialed. These two pathways are:

Academic Credentialing based on graduate hours and earned academic degrees in discipline,
Evidentiary Credentialing based on “tested experience.”

Evidence-Based Credentialing

Three Rivers College gives primary consideration to the earned degree in a teaching discipline and then the number of graduate hours in a teaching discipline. For career and technical education, there may be instances whereby credentialing a faculty member through other means is necessary. In these instances, appropriate certificates and certification in the field in which they are teaching and verification of five thousand (5000) hours of related occupational experience obtained within the most recent ten (10) years in the subject matter to be taught or a state teaching certification in the area to be taught.

Evidence must be provided that documents the following:

Appropriate degrees and work experience must be documented in the following ways:

Degree(s) and/or graduate hours in the Teaching Discipline(s): Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree in an appropriate teaching or related discipline.
Licenses and Certifications: Current appropriate licensure(s) or certifications in the discipline where applicable.
Tested Experience: Five (5000) thousand hours of related occupational experience in the past ten (10) years. Documentation should verify responsibilities and/or technical knowledge demonstrating knowledge base.

Additional scholarly activity may include:

Honors and Awards: One state, national or international non-teaching honor and/or award related to the appropriate discipline within the last five years.
Publications, Presented Papers, and Visual and Performing Arts Activities: A record within the last five years of peer‐reviewed, refereed or invited publications; presented papers, exhibitions, performances or other juried creative activities at the state, national or international level; this record will display equivalence to the five year record of a tenure track faculty member relevant to the discipline to be taught.
Other Demonstrated Competencies and Achievements that Contribute to Effective Teaching and Student Learning Outcomes: Honorary degree(s) based upon substantial accomplishments within the appropriate discipline; or co-author of textbook and/or other pedagogical materials; or continued professional education (CPE) in the discipline; or work funded external grants; or supervision of graduate student research; or industry engagement related to the discipline (consulting, training, audit or external reviews); or a record of continuous significant student achievement in the discipline.

In rare cases, when none of the aforementioned scenarios is adequate for establishing alternative credentialing, faculty may establish standard alternate credentials based on a written narrative identifying the highest degree earned and other credentials that align with the course objectives for an assigned course. This method requires judicious consideration of documentation that qualifies a faculty member to teach a given course.

Responsibilities for Certification of Faculty Credentials

Faculty credentials are verified fall, spring, and summer semesters prior to the first day of the semester. In cases of emergency hires, the initial credentialing of the faculty member may be completed using unofficial transcripts at the discretion of the Chief Academic Officer. In such emergency cases, the credentialing process herein described must be completed within 60 days of the faculty member being scheduled for courses.

Responsibilities for the Certification of Credentials:

Role of the Faculty Member or Applicant for a Faculty Position

Each faculty member or applicant for a faculty position is responsible for requesting the official transcript(s) for all colleges attended and providing copies of necessary licensure. After initial certification has been approved, the faculty member is responsible for maintaining the currency of their official transcripts if new course work is accomplished and for providing current licensure documentation when the license and/or certificate is renewed. Updated transcripts should be provided at the end of each semester in which additional education is obtained and updated licenses and/or certificates shall be submitted within 30 days of renewal. The transcript(s) should be submitted to the Office of the Chief Academic Officer, may not be marked “issued to student” and must be sent directly from the institution to the Office of the Chief Academic Officer.

If documentation is required in addition to the official transcript(s), the applicant or faculty member is required to submit said additional documentation upon request. A curriculum vitae or resume is not sufficient documentation.
Faculty members teaching in disciplines that require licensure and/or certifications must acquire and maintain documentation of those credentials to be placed in the Office of Human Resources and in the electronic credentialing system. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to both maintain proper and current licensure and/or certification, and to provide documentation of such licensure and/or certification upon completion and prior to expiration in a timely manner.

Failure to maintain current licensure and/or transcript currency may result in disciplinary action including the loss of teaching privileges.

Role of the Department Chair

The Department Chair is responsible for completing and submitting the Faculty Qualification Form along with supporting documentation, updating it as normal in a particular teaching discipline as it evolves, and if additional credit hours or another degree is obtained. Additionally, the Department Chair ensures that the electronic Faculty Credential file is maintained and current.

As part of the hiring process, the Department Chair is responsible for validating the credentials of the faculty member and verifying that the credentials are consistent with policy IP 6120 Faculty Credentialing.

Role of the Chief Academic Officer

The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for reviewing and approving the credentials of the faculty member to teach each course assigned. Approval shall be based upon the criteria specified in the college's policy IP 6120 Faculty Credentialing Policy. If questions and/or concerns arise regarding credentials, the certification record may be rejected and returned with notes regarding the rejection to the Department Chair for further review and re-certification. The entire process shall be completed prior to the 1st day of the semester for new faculty and faculty with new course assignments.

The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for the ensuring the Department Chairs adhere to the policy set forth in policy IP 6120 Faculty Credentialing and the processes set forth herein. In the rare instance that an issue of non-compliance is determined, it is the responsibility of the Chief Academic Officer and/or the Department Chair to find an appropriately credentialed instructor or cancel the course.

Once credentials are verified and approved, the Faculty Qualification Form is signed and dated and submitted to the Office of the President, along with complete supporting documents, for final review. Once approved for hire, the official faculty records and hiring information are housed in the Office of Human Resources.

Role of the President

Once the certification record is completed, approved, and signed by the Department Chair and Chief Academic Officer, the President shall review the Faculty Qualification Form and either initial or return to the Chief Academic Officer for re-evaluation; if approved, the application is complete.

Faculty Credentialing Process Completion

All electronic faculty credentialing documents and the printed credentialing certificate from the credentialing module in Strategic Planning Online (SPOL) are sent to the Office of Human Resources to be included in the official faculty file. The electronic copies of faculty curriculum vitas, licenses, certificates, as well as related experiential documentation, the faculty credentialing certification, and semester teaching roster are contained and maintained in the electronic SPOL Credentialing Module.

DOCUMENT HISTORY:

06-21-2017:

Initial approval of regulation IR 6120 Faculty Credentialing.