Earning College Credit
Students receive credit hours based on the number of contact hours per week they’re in class for a term. Successful completion of the course earns the student credit.
Definition of Credit Hour
Credit hour means the unit used to ascertain the educational value of course work offered by the institution to students enrolling for such course work, earned by such students upon successful completion of such course work, and for which tuition is charged. A credit hour may be offered and earned in any of several instructional delivery systems, including, but not limited to, classroom hours, laboratory hours, clinical hours, practicum hours, cooperative work experience, and independent study.
Total Credit Hour Limit in a Term
Students may not register for more than 19.5 credit hours in a single term without prior approval. If a student is in a declared Program of Study they must contact the Instructional Dean who oversees their program. Visiting students must contact the Dean of Student Affairs to request prior approval to exceed the 19.5 credits.
Advanced Standing
Additionally, students may have the opportunity to receive credit through advanced standing. The three methods the College has established for students to gain advanced standing are: transfer credit, credit by waiver and credit by examination.
In order to be granted advanced standing credit:
- A student must be accepted for admission to a College degree program.
- A minimum of one-third (1/3) of the credit hours required for a degree must be completed at SCC, the degree-granting institution, except under statewide or college partnership agreements with the division deans’ approval.
- Up to two-thirds (2/3) of the credit hours required for a Program of Study may be waived through the three methods established for advanced standing; (credit by transfer, waiver and examination).
- Up to two-thirds (2/3) of the credits for advanced standing may be transfer credits, except under statewide or college partnership agreements with the division deans’ approval.
- Credit hours granted by waiver or examination or by any combination of waiver and examination may be awarded up to limits established by each department but may not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total credit hours required for a program award.
Exceptions to #2, #3, #3a or #3b must be approved by the Vice President for Instruction.
Please refer to the specifications listed in each of the following three (3) advanced standing methods.
Transfer Credit
Students who have attended college elsewhere should have their official transcripts forwarded to the Registration and Records Office before starting school to have previous coursework evaluated. Courses from nationally accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education in which grades of “A”, “B”, or “C” (or their equivalent) have been earned will be considered for transfer credit. College courses in which grades of “D” or “F” (or their equivalent) have been earned will not be considered for transfer credit. Additional information about SCC transcripts can be found in the Transcripts section.
Note: Grades and courses taken at other institutions will not replace grades in equivalent courses taken at SCC.
The Nebraska Transfer Initiative
Students have become increasingly interested in beginning their education at Southeast Community College and transferring to another institution to finish a higher degree program. SCC strives to make the transfer process as seamless as possible by maintaining special cooperative programs and transfer agreements with many colleges and universities.
Since 1995, the community colleges of Nebraska have been involved in the Nebraska Initiative regarding statewide common courses. The community colleges have increased the number of common statewide courses that are provided, what and how the courses will articulate and transfer to other colleges and universities, and an ongoing process for updating and assuring students that the coursework is up to date and accurate. Please visit http://www.ncca.ne.gov/ncca/netransferinitiative.html or talk to a campus Academic Advisor.
It is important for students to know whether the courses they are registering for meet the degree requirements of the institution to which they intend to transfer. Transfer planning starts with initial registration at SCC and continues until the student’s graduation.
TRANSFER REMINDERS: Many colleges will accept only classes with a grade of “C” or better. Most colleges will not transfer in more than 66 semester (99 quarter) credits from a 2-year college. Courses with a prefix of less than 1000 are considered to be developmental and do not transfer.
Transferring Credit at SCC
SCC maintains special cooperative programs and transfer agreements with many colleges and universities. Any student who has successfully completed the courses identified in the articulated curriculum with an equivalent of a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, and is admitted to a participating institution will be:
- Granted standing comparable to current students who have completed the same number of equivalent credit courses toward an associate/baccalaureate-level degree; and
- Able to progress toward an associate/baccalaureate degree completion at a rate comparable to that of students who entered the associate/baccalaureate institution as first-time freshmen.
Students are encouraged to visit with a college advisor as transfer credit may or may not apply to SCC programs. Determination is made by the Division Dean regarding graduation or satisfaction of program requirements with transfer credit.
SCC recognizes course work completed at military schools, through active duty, National Guard or Reserves. Credits may be applied to military courses with the approval of the appropriate campus division. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council for Education, is used as a guideline. Courses for which credit is granted by transfer will be recorded with a “TR” grade and will not be included in calculating a student’s grade-point average.
Foreign Degrees
Colleges admitting students with foreign degrees must have a process in place to accurately determine the U.S. equivalency of the foreign degree.
The Department of Education does not evaluate foreign degrees. It is up to the school to determine if the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree.
If a student presents a foreign degree, SCC requires the student have his/her transcript evaluated by an outside degree evaluation service. The cost of the evaluation will be paid by the student. The student should direct the evaluation service to provide the written equivalency report to the Financial Aid Office. Financial Aid must receive the information before the student’s eligibility for financial aid can be determined. Financial Aid will forward the documentation to Admissions or the Registration and Records office, if needed.
The student may use the degree evaluation service of his/her choice. Information about what to look for in an Evaluation service can be found at https://www.nafsa.org/findresources/Default.aspx?id=8817
A listing of organizations providing these services can be found at http://www.naces.org/members.html
Credit by Waiver
To apply for Credit by Waiver, the applicant must be accepted for admission to a College degree program and enrolled in credit classes. Students requesting advanced standing Credit by Waiver must complete an application for Credit by Waiver and supply supportive documents such as competency reports, proficiency certificates or training records.
Credit granted by Waiver and Examination or any combination of Waiver and Examination may be awarded up to limits established by each department of the College but not exceeding one-third (1/3) of the total credit hours required for a program award. The application must be submitted for evaluation to the campus department responsible for teaching the course. Upon successful completion of the evaluation, both the application and evaluation will be submitted to the campus Registration and Records Office for recording credit on the student’s transcript.
Courses in which credit is granted by waiver will be recorded on the transcript with a “CW” grade and will not be included in calculating a student’s grade-point average. Credit granted by waiver is subject to evaluation by other institutions and may not be accepted for transfer credit.
Credit by Examination
Some courses may be completed by examination. Testing devices and evaluation procedures will vary according to the course, division requirements and the amount of credit being advanced. To apply for Credit by Examination, the applicant must have been accepted for admission to a College degree program and enrolled in credit classes.
Applications for Credit by Examination are obtained from the campus Registration and Records Office and submitted to the division responsible for teaching the course. An application for Credit by Examination must be completed and submitted to the campus Registration and Records Office for all credit granted as “PX” (Passed by Examination) on the transcript. No grade points will be awarded, and the Credit by Examination will not be included in the cumulative grade-point average. Copies of the certification will be returned to the student and the department in which the student is enrolled.
Credit granted by Waiver and Examination or any combination of Waiver and Examination may be awarded up to limits established by each department of the College but not exceeding one-third (1/3) of the total credit hours required for a program award. Applicants for Credit by Examination must pay 50 percent of the current per credit hour tuition rate for each credit hour attempted by examination, prior to the examination.
Credit by Military Service
SCC recognizes course work completed at military schools, through active duty, National Guard or Reserves. Credits may be applied to military courses with the approval of the appropriate campus division. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council for Education, is used as a guideline. Courses for which credit is granted by transfer will be recorded with a “TR” grade and will not be included in calculating a student’s grade-point average.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students interested in CLEP testing should contact the Lincoln Campus Testing/ Assessment Center (402-437-2626) for information and testing arrangements. CLEP subject exams cost approximately $90 per examination plus a $25 proctor fee. Some colleges do not accept CLEP credits as transfer credits. Transfer students should carefully investigate minimum CLEP scores established by other colleges.
To have CLEP credit posted to an SCC Transcript, a student must have been accepted for admission into a college degree program and enrolled in credit classes.
SCC administers the CLEP at the Lincoln Campus, 8800 O Street in the Testing/ Assessment Center. Each program has established a list of courses for which CLEP scores will be accepted for credit by examination. Minimum CLEP scores vary from exam to exam; therefore, students should request a list of these minimum scores. Credits granted through a CLEP exam will not apply towards load requirements for extracurricular activities, veteran’s benefits or scholastic honors. Only SCC students may have CLEP scores recorded on their SCC transcripts. Acceptable CLEP credits are recorded as PX (Pass by Examination).
Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Courses
SCC has a variety of dual enrollment agreements with secondary schools. Dual enrollment programs, often referred to as “dual credit programs,” or “Career Academies” are intended to meet the needs of the academically and technically advanced high school student. These programs are designed to meet the Nebraska Dual Enrollment standards. Students who want to earn college credits while still in high school can do so by enrolling in a college course that is offered at a campus, online, or other designated locations such as a high school, or learning center where courses are being offered.
Regardless of location, a dual enrollment/dual credit college course will follow the same requirements, rigor, and standards as a course taught at the college campus. Students in high school may be granted high school credit for the college course, but the decision to award high school credit is the responsibility of the high school district. If a course is accepted by the high school, the course then becomes a “dual credit” course, earning college credit and high school credit for the same course.
Southeast Community College offers many college courses that may transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students need to check with the receiving institution to see which courses will transfer. Many career education courses will apply to an SCC Program of Study.
Many of these opportunities are provided through partnerships with local high schools. Please visit the following websites for further information.
- SENCAP (Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Program) is a partnership with high schools in our 15-county service area. www.southeast.edu/sencap.
- The Career Academy is located at the SCC Lincoln Campus, and is in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools. https://home.lps.org/tca/.
Secondary schools interested in discussing criteria for articulating dual enrollment classes may contact the Administrative Director of Career Academies & K-12 or Administrative Director of The Career Academy.
Registration Procedures
We recommend that prior to registration, students consult with advisors or instructors. Advisors help students understand degree requirements and maintain knowledge of transfer articulation agreements, program requirements and regulations. They assist students in developing meaningful educational goals that are consistent with personal interests, values and abilities. Effective academic advising helps the student identify resources for greater academic success, navigate immediate questions and concerns and helps with future planning.
How to Register for Classes
Newly Declared Students (Students who have been admitted into a program of study):
Information about registering for classes will be sent to newly declared students. The College strongly encourages new students to visit with an advisor in their program.
Returning Students in a Program of Study
Returning students may register in person at the Registration and Records Office or online using their WebAdvisor account at thehub.southeast.edu. For additional help registering, students are encouraged to contact an advisor, go to the Registration and Records Office on campus or contact the Registration and Records Office at: 402-437-2605 or via email registration@southeast.edu.
Visiting Students (students who have not applied for admission to the college):
Visiting students may register in person at the Registration and Records Office or online using their WebAdvisor account at thehub.southeast.edu. For additional help registering, students can contact the Registration and Records Office at: 402-437-2605 or at registration@southeast.edu.
Advising for Visiting Students is available through the Career Advising Center on campus. To contact an Admissions Advisor or make an appointment please call:
- Beatrice: 402-228-8242
- Lincoln: 402-437-2620
- Milford: 402-761-8202
Registration information is distributed each term by the Registration and Records Office on each campus. It is each student’s responsibility to become familiar with registration schedules, deadlines, completion of registration forms, and any required signatures. All students are allowed to register for classes when registration begins. Refer to www.southeast.edu/registrationandrecords for more information.
Non-Credit Students
Students registering for non-credit classes through the Continuing Education division may register through the Continuing Education website at https://www.southeast.edu/continuing/ and select the ‘REGISTER NOW’ link. For assistance, contact 402-437-2700.
Tuition Payment Deadlines
Payment of tuition and fees must be paid by the first day of class.
Failure to meet established payment deadlines will result in debt collection activity. The student is responsible for all unpaid balances. Outstanding balances must be paid before a student can register for any SCC course.
Students may enroll in the e-Cashier monthly payment plan. (See Tuition Payment Policy - Financial Planning or www.southeast.edu/financialaid.)
Dropping, Adding or Withdrawing from Courses
Dropping a Course (Student-Initiated)
Students may initiate a drop from a class/es prior to the deadline for dropping classes (see deadline dates and refund information on The Hub on the Registration page.)
To drop a class(es), a student must
- Drop the class online using WebAdvisor on The Hub (be sure to print a written confirmation of your drop if using WebAdvisor) or
- Submit an “Official Drop/Add Form For Credit Classes” available at www.southeast.edu/RegistrationandRecords to the Registration and Records Office located in the Student Affairs area.
Failure to attend classes does not constitute a drop.
Students must submit an official drop form prior to the drop or refund deadline to be eligible for a refund of any tuition and student affairs fee. Failure to attend classes does not absolve the student from being financially responsible for tuition and fees associated with the student’s registration. Students can obtain a drop form from any Registration and Records Office or on The Hub.
NOTE: Students who have failed a class due to academic integrity or other disciplinary reasons are not eligible to drop or withdraw.
Important Drop Deadline Dates
The date on which 10% of time has elapsed since the first day of the class will be:
- The last date a student is allowed to register for a class for that term.
- The last date a student can drop a class and receive a refund of tuition and fees for that term. Specific dates for individual classes are included in the Credit Class Schedule each term and on The Hub.
- The date that all instructors are required to report students who have never attended class (“No Show” Students).
“No Show” Students
- Under federal rules, the College cannot pay financial aid to students who never attend class. Financial aid will not be distributed to students who have been reported as never having attended class (“No Show” students).
- “No Show” students will be billed and held responsible for payment and fees for classes they do not drop within the designated refunded period found on the Registration page on The Hub. (See Drop/Add)
- “No Show” students will be removed from the class rosters and no grade will appear on the student’s transcript.
Refunds for Classes
Please refer to the Financial Planning section for complete information on refunds for tuition, and the return of Federal Financial Aid.
Adding a Course
Last Date a Student is Allowed to Start a Class
If a student is registered for a class, the instructor must allow the student to start class prior to 10% of the time elapsed. After 10.50% of the time has elapsed since the first day of class, the instructor may allow a student to start a class ONLY with special permission from the Program Director and Division Dean.
All 10% and 10.50% time elapsed calculations are based on calendar days, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and weekdays, from the first day of the class. Specific dates will be posted in the Credit Class Schedule and the student calendar on Webadvisor on The Hub.
Adding Courses after Initial Registration
Students may register online or in person on the first and second day of the start of the term, without a signature or special permission from the instructor to do so. To add a course(s) prior to 10% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class, a student must do the following:
- Complete an Official Drop/Add form (obtained from the Registration & Records office or on The Hub.)
- Have the course instructor or program designee sign the form to approve the “add,” if after the second day of the term.
- Submit the form to the campus Registration and Records Office no later than 10% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class.
- To add a course or courses after the first 10% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class, a student must follow the procedure above, but also will need to obtain both the Program Director and Division Dean signature on the add form.
The same procedures listed above apply to courses that vary in length from the regular term dates and can be added within the first 10% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class. Specific dates for refund drop dates for individual classes are included in the Credit Class Schedule each term.
Some courses are taught on an individualized basis and offer continuous enrollment if space is available. Other courses can be added after 10% of the time has elapsed only under exceptional circumstances. If any courses are added after 10.5% of the time elapsed since the first day of the start of class, the signature of the both the Program Director and Division Dean are required prior to being submitted to the campus Registration and Records Office.
Waitlisting a Course
When a course section reaches its maximum capacity, it is possible for students to add themselves to a waitlist via WebAdvisor for Students on The Hub.
Email Address
Students must have a current email address on file at Southeast Community College before adding themselves to a waitlist. To verify the email address is accurate, go to WebAdvisor for Students on The Hub and from the main menu, select: WebAdvisor for Students->User Account->Address Change. Email addresses are listed at the bottom of the page. If the address is incorrect, make the necessary changes and click->Submit. Corrections are sent directly to the Registration and Records Office, however, they are not immediately seen on WebAdvisor.
Waitlist Process
Students can add or remove themselves from a course waitlist through WebAdvisor. After selecting a class which is full, on the registration screen select Action->Waitlist->Submit. Note: Students cannot waitlist themselves for classes if any of the following conditions apply:
- Prerequisites are not complete
- The student is currently registered for another section of the class; students cannot waitlist themselves for multiple sections of the same course.
- Tuition is owed to the College
Permission to register
When there is an opening in a class, the first student on the waitlist will be notified via email. The student can register for the section online by going to WebAdvisor for Students->Student Registration->Manage My Waitlist->Action-> Register->Submit. The student must register within the timeframe specified in the email.
One (1) day to register
When given permission to register, the student will have one day to register. At the end of this time, if a student fails to register for the designated class, the student is removed from the waitlist and the next student is notified.
Removal from the Waitlist
Students can remove themselves from the waitlist by going to WebAdvisor for Students->Student Registration->Manage My Waitlist->Action-> Remove->Submit.
Tuition
Students are not charged tuition for courses in which they are waitlisted. Tuition charges will not be posted to the student account until the registration process is complete.
Additional Registration Information
Auditing a Course
Students planning to audit a course must complete a “Request to Audit a Course” form. This form must be completed prior to the first class session. The student must pay the regular tuition and fees for the course, but will not receive college credit. Tuition and fees paid for Audit courses are nonrefundable. A grade of AU is assigned and cannot be changed without re-taking the course for college credit. Students receiving financial aid or Veterans’ benefits cannot count audited courses toward the minimum credit hour requirement.
The Request to Audit a Course form is located at https://thehub.southeast.edu/studentsrvs/registration.
Prerequisites: A student may not be eligible to register for some programs/courses which have specific program prerequisites unless program/course prerequisites are met.
Arranged and Independent Study Classes
Students who register for any arranged classes or independent study classes must report to the instructor for each class on the first day of class, at the beginning of the term. Students who register for any arranged or independent study classes after the term begins (adding classes with drop/add form) must report to the instructor within five (5) business days.
Maximum Course Load per term:
Students may not register for more than 19.5 hours in a single term without prior approval. If a student is in a declared Program of Study they must contact the Instructional Dean that oversees their Program of Study. Visiting students must contact the Dean of Student Affairs to request approval.
Address Changes
Address changes can be submitted online via WebAdvisor on The Hub or by submitting a paper form obtained from the Registration and Records Office. Email addresses may be corrected following the same procedure.
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