The College has established a grading scale describing the letter grade that is associated with the percentage grade. The students’ transcript will include the letter grade only, not the percentage grade. NLTCC Policy 1.154

The grading scale for all programs, except those regulated by a licensing board is:

90% - 100% A

80% - 89% B

70% - 79% C

60% - 69% D

59% - Below F

The grading scale for programs regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) is:

94% - 100% A 

88% - 93% B

80% - 87% C

70% - 79% D

69% - Below F

A: Represents exceptionally high achievement. It is valued at four grade points for each credit hour.

B: Represents high achievement. It is valued at three grade points for each credit hour.

C: Represents satisfactory achievement. It is valued at two grade points for each credit hour.

D: Represents the minimum achievement for credit. It is valued at one grade point for each credit hour.

F: Represents an unsatisfactory achievement and indicates failure in the course. It is valued at zero grade points and zero credit hours. The student who receives a grade of “F” in a course is not eligible to continue into the next sequential course(s) and shall not be eligible for graduation. Credit may only be obtained by repeating the course.

AU: Audit - Represents a course that is not taken for credit. Students who audit a course must be admitted to the college and officially enroll in the course. Any change in status from audit to credit or credit to audit must be completed prior to the last day for adding classes. An audited class may be taken for credit during another semester. An Audit carries no value in computing the grade point average.

P: Credit by Examination - Represents a course that a student successfully challenged. A student must take the Credit by Examination within the first week of the class and score at least 80% on the exam. A Credit by Examination “P” carries no value in computing the grade point average.

I: Incomplete - Represents incomplete course work. It shall be given only when there are unavoidable and extenuating circumstances resulting in the inability for a student to complete the coursework prior to the end of a semester. An Incomplete shall only be awarded when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. The instructor shall inform the student what work is necessary and the deadline to complete such work. The deadline must be no later than the first day of midterm exams of the next semester. Students do not re-enroll or pay tuition for an incomplete class. The grade of “I” has no value in computing the grade point average but is counted in hours attempted.

R: Repeat - Represents a course that is being repeated. The Symbol (R) will follow the letter grade earned. The last grade awarded will be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. The term grade point average is not affected with Repeat grades.

S:Satisfactory - Represents a satisfactory grade. It has no value in computing the grade point average.

U: Unsatisfactory - Represents an unsatisfactory grade. It has no value in computing the grade point average.

W: Withdrawal - Represents a withdrawal from a course. Students may officially withdraw from a course or courses until the official drop date and will receive a grade of “W”. The course and grade of “W” will be posted to the student’s permanent record but will not be included in the calculation of the semester/session or cumulative grade point averages. Students are cautioned that withdrawal from a course or courses may impact their financial aid and other (e.g. insurance coverage) status. NLTCC Policy 1.152

A grade point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total quality points earned by the total credit hours attempted. The GPA must be calculated to the third decimal place.

GPA (x.xxx) = Total quality points earned/total credit hours attempted.

The term GPA is based on the earned quality points and the credit hours attempted for the semester/session only. The cumulative GPA is based on the total earned quality points and the total credit hours attempted. Grades of I, W, R, S, P, AU, and U will not be calculated in the grade point average.

Cumulative GPA:

Calculate GPA formula using all LTC credits (excluding all quality points and credit hours exempted through academic amnesty).

Graduation Cumulative GPA:

Calculate GPA formula using those credits applicable to curriculum requirements only.

Higher Education GPA:

Calculate GPA formula using all credit hours attempted from higher education institutions excluding all quality points and credit hours exempted through academic amnesty and/or repeated course (up to a maximum of 15 hours).

Adjusted Cumulative GPA:

Calculate Higher Education GPA formula excluding LTC repeated credit hours and quality points up to a maximum of 15 credit hours. NLTCC Policy 1.150

After a faculty member has submitted a grade roster for a class, all changes of grades are completed through the submission of a “Grade Change” form. Grade changes may be initiated by an instructor only to:

• Correct a computational or transcription error on the part of the instructor.
• Change an “I” grade to a final grade after the student has completed the “I” contract.
• Alternatively, in cases where the student has documented that illness/accident at the very end of the semester prevented the student from completing the courses or from requesting an “I” contract.
• Instructors may not change a student’s grade based on extra work done by the student after the semester ends or based on work submitted after the published deadline (unless, as indicated above, some legitimate reason existed for the student’s failure to notify the instructor in a timely fashion). NLTCC Policy 1.149

NOTE: STUDENTS MAY NOT HAND-CARRY ANY FORM ON WHICH A GRADE IS GIVEN.

Semester grades other than “I” are considered final. Once a final grade has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar, it may be changed only if the instructor determines that an error was made in calculating the grade or the student successfully appeals the grade. A change of grade may be approved by campus authorities only if the instructor submits it within one calendar year of the date the original grade was issued to the student. Any change of grade submitted after one calendar year has elapsed must be approved by the Vice Chancellor of Academics and Student Affairs and the College Director.

Any student who feels that the final grade he/she received in a course is incorrect may appeal the grade. This appeal must proceed through the following stages:

1. The student must contact the instructor in the course to discuss the grade.
2. If still unsatisfied, the student should discuss the grade with the department dean.
3. If still dissatisfied, the student writes a formal letter of appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Academics stating the exact nature of the appeal, and the reasons for the appeal. The Vice Chancellor of Academics will arrange for a meeting of the Academic Appeals Committee. This committee is described under Academic Appeals.

LCTCS defines the period in which a student can drop, add, or reinstate a course(s).

Add

Students may add or remove courses from their schedule in their LoLA account prior to the first day of a semester. Once classes begin students should see their instructor and complete a Change in Course Load form to add or remove courses from their schedule on days five through seven of the semester. Students will be assessed additional tuition, if applicable. Students who enroll in compressed courses are encouraged to enroll in all courses at the beginning of the semester in order to maximize federal financial aid benefits and minimize tuition costs.

Drop

If a student wishes to drop all courses in which he/she is enrolled, a Withdrawal form must be completed. Faculty may drop students for excessive absences if the student misses 10% of the class. The academic calendar for each semester has the latest date to withdraw without receiving a failing grade. Contact the student services office if you have questions.

Reinstatement

In order for a student to be reinstated into a course, the instructor must agree that the student has an acceptable excuse for missing or dropping the class and that the student has a reasonable chance of passing the course. A student may be administratively reinstated if dropped by the college in error. NLTCC Policy 1.140

All students must be officially enrolled in any course that they attend. It is expected that students will attend scheduled classes regularly and on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work, if approved by the instructor. Students, who stop attending a course and do not officially drop, may receive a grade of “F” for all course work missed that may result in a punitive final grade. LTC Policy IS1930.109

• This policy shall be superseded by any more stringent attendance policy required by a regulatory or license body having jurisdiction over program requirements.
• The attendance policy for each class must be included in the course syllabi.
• Attendance will be tracked and maintained for various reporting purposes.
• An instructor may drop a student for excessive absences if the student misses 10% of the class.

LCTCS has determined that the academic status of a student is a general indication of the student’s eligibility to remain in school. It may affect a student’s eligibility for scholarships, special insurance rates, loans, work-study programs, and other student activities. Academic status includes three categories:

 

Good Academic Standing

A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all course work attempted at NLTCC.

 

Academic Probation

Academic probation is established when the NLTCC cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0. No student will be placed on probation before he/she has attempted 15 credit hours. The statement “Academic Probation” will be placed on the student’s permanent academic record. Once on probation, a student will remain on probation until the NLTCC cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is achieved.

 

Academic Suspension

Academic Suspension occurs when a student who is on academic probation has a semester grade point average below a 2.0). A student on academic probation will be suspended from the institution for one semester at the conclusion of any semester or summer session in which he/she fails to earn a semester grade point average of 2.0. The statement “Academic Suspension” will be placed on the student’s permanent academic record. No student will be suspended prior to attempting 24 semester hours of enrollment. A student who is suspended at the end of the fall semester mustGood Academic Standing A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all course work attempted at NLTCC. Academic Probation Academic probation is established when the NLTCC cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0. No student will be placed on probation before he/she has attempted 15 credit hours. The statement “Academic Probation” will be placed on the student’s permanent academic record. Once on probation, a student will remain on probation until the NLTCC cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is achieved. Academic Suspension Academic Suspension occurs when a student who is on academic probation has a semester grade point average below a 2.0). A student on academic probation will be suspended from the institution for one semester at the conclusion of any semester or summer session in which he/she fails to earn a semester grade point average of 2.0. The statement “Academic Suspension” will be placed on the student’s permanent academic record. No student will be suspended prior to attempting 24 semester hours of enrollment. A student who is suspended at the end of the fall semester must remain out of school for the spring semester. A student who is suspended at the end of the spring semester may attend the summer session. If the student raises his/her LTC cumulative average to 2.0 during the summer session, the student may attend the fall semester. If the cumulative average remains below 2.0, or if the student does not attend the summer session, the student is suspended for the fall semester.

At the discretion of the program advisor, a student may enroll, during his/her suspension semester(s), in developmental courses (courses number below 100). All students who are so allowed to register must be advised by a developmental studies instructor and are restricted to skill remediation. Registration in college credit courses is not allowed, but students may audit credit courses with approval of the program advisor. Under this program, the student may enroll in a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester.

A student may appeal to attend the College during his/her suspension semester. The appeal must be in writing to the Academic Appeals Committee on the student’s home campus. A student reenters the College on academic probation after being suspended academically. A student who is allowed to enroll during his/her suspension semester is also placed on academic probation. A student who has been placed on academic suspension and achieved a 2.0 grade point average for the semester following reinstatement must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in each subsequent semester of attendance until he/she achieves an NLTCC cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Failure to make a 2.0 grade point average in any subsequent semester before the cumulative 2.0 grade point average is achieved will result in another one semester suspension.

The academic status of each student will be determined at the end of each semester or summer session according to the specific criteria. NLTCC Policy 1.020

 

Academic Standing In Specific Majors

Faculty in a given major may, with the approval of the academic administration of the College, establish and publish higher academic standards for admission, continuation and/or reentry to the major.

 

Academic Standing of Transfer Students

A student who is on probation and who has an adjusted cumulative grade point average below 2.0 at his/her previous institution will enter NLTCC on probation. At the end of his/her first semester at NLTCC, he/she will be suspended if he/she does not achieve a 2.0 grade point average for the semester. He/she will be placed in good academic standing if his/her semester average is 2.0 or higher. His/her academic status at the end of each subsequent semester of attendance at NLTCC will be based on his/her NLTCC cumulative/semester average only.

A student who has been academically suspended/dismissed from a regionally accredited institution is not admissible to LTC until his/her suspension period has expired.

A student who has been academically suspended/dismissed from an institution may petition the Admission Standards Committee for permission to enroll at NLTCC during his/her period of suspension. Such appeals must be in writing. Credits earned by a student while on suspension may or may not be accepted toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Individual colleges and universities determine whether students will be awarded credit for courses taken while on suspension or dismissal. Therefore, all students on suspension/dismissal should confer with transfer institutions prior to enrolling at the NLTCC to determine specific college/university regulations.

A student who has been academically suspended or dismissed from any institution who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher may be admitted by the Admission Standards Committee in good academic standing with no restrictions on his/her enrollment. Credits earned by a student while on suspension may or may not be accepted toward a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Individual colleges and universities determine whether students will be awarded credit for courses taken while on suspension or dismissal. Therefore, all students on suspension/dismissal should confer with transfer institutions prior to enrolling at the NLTCC to determine specific college/university regulations.

A student who has a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 may be allowed by the Admission Standards committee to take developmental courses or to audit credit courses (maximum of 9 credit hours) under the same guidelines as students who are allowed to take credit courses, in career programs, not intended for transfer. A student will be informed that credits earned under these conditions will not be accepted for degree credit at any LCTCS institution nor will they generally be accepted at any other regionally accredited institution.

Each student is requested to notify their instructor and the Director of Student Services if he/she intends to withdraw from the college for any reason. Equipment and/or books belonging to the college must be returned and lockers must be cleaned out. The college is not responsible for any items left after withdrawal from the campus. Failure to properly withdraw may jeopardize a student's ability to re-enter a NLTCC Campus and/or to receive financial aid. The student will benefit by having school records complete. Employment information should be given to the instructor and/or Director of Student Services prior to leaving the college.

If the student secures employment later (after withdrawal), he/she should forward that information to the college so that student records can be updated. It is imperative that PELL Grant recipients meet with the Director of Student Services prior to withdrawal from the college as improper withdrawal may impact their ability to receive financial aid in the future. NLTCC Policy 1.047

This policy defines the requirements to complete an AAS, TD, CTS, and CTC. All credential options within the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College have defined course requirements. Course requirements for each credential option are listed in the official Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Curriculum. LTC Policy SA1930.221

In addition to the program requirements, the student’s account must be clear before the student can graduate

Instructors and industry representatives establish the curriculum for each occupational program offered through the technical college system. The Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System approve the program standards and curriculum. A postsecondary Curriculum Outline is developed for each program. Student activities are designed to teach the required objectives. All curriculum objectives must be achieved in order to complete a program. Assigned activities include theory instructional material, which is also termed related classroom work, and homework assignments to be completed outside of the instructional day. Other activities include laboratory assignments related to the occupational course. These may be simulated job projects or actual "live-work" projects. All work is performed under the supervision of the program instructor.

All occupational program curriculums include units of study in employability skills. Students are instructed in job-seeking and job-keeping skills. Students study career planning, job application forms, interview techniques, and resume preparation to enhance their future job search. Study of proper work habits, employee/employer relationships, and personal character traits show students how to keep a job.

All admission requirements and financial obligations to the College must be met in full before transcripts are issued. Students who owe repayment of grant funds may not receive a copy of their transcript until the debt is cleared.

An Official Transcript may be obtained by completing an electronic transcript request form via our website at https://www.nltcc.edu/admissions/request-a-transcript. The fee for an Official transcript is $10.25 per copy. Unofficial transcripts are available through the student’s LoLA account.

NLTCC Campus to Campus

All campuses within the NLTCC utilize a common curriculum for academic credit. All satisfactorily completed course work (Grade of “C” or higher) taken at a NLTCC campus will be accepted as transfer credit at another campus of the NLTCC subject to any licensing board/program accreditation restrictions.

 

To Another College or University

Transferability of any credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. NLTCC neither guarantees nor implies that course work taken at the college will transfer to any institution other than NLTCC. While there are articulation and transfer agreements in place between NLTCC and other postsecondary educational institutions, students who wish to transfer are encouraged to check with the receiving institution prior to enrolling in course work at our college

The placement of students graduating, completing or exiting from NLTCC is handled through the instructional staff in cooperation with the Student Services Office. The functions of the placement service are to provide students with employment information, to advise them where jobs are available, to complete job applications, and to provide counseling concerning work conditions, requirements, wages, and opportunities for advancement. The college does not guarantee placement to any student. The administration, Director of Student Services, and faculty members work constantly and cooperatively with local industry and business in order to be aware of current employment needs and opportunities. Company representatives are invited and always welcome to visit campuses in order to interview students. The primary goal of the placement service is to assist graduates and those students who possess marketable skills in locating employment in the occupational field for which they have been trained.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System Office mandates that Technical Colleges perform routine follow-up of all students. This data is used to indicate the success of the program and the employment success of the student. For this reason, students are asked to inform their instructors and/or the Director of Student Services of employment obtained during enrollment or following withdrawal from the campus. Periodically, the Student Services Office and/or the instructors will attempt to contact those students who have dropped from the campus to determine placement information. Employers of former students who have been employed in a field related to their training are also contacted through a survey questionnaire for the purpose of evaluating occupational programs.

Continuing Education courses are periodically offered to the public in subject areas having sufficient student interest. The purpose of continuing education courses shall be for upgrade training or retraining for an occupational field.

The Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Library was established in 2022 to support NLTCC’s mission in “…providing the educational tools needed for quality workforce training and transfer opportunities to students seeking a competitive edge in today’s global economy.”

To increase the accessibility of the library across three campuses, the decision was made that the library would be predominantly online. As a member of The Louisiana Library Network (LOUIS) the NLTCC library can offer a multitude of databases such as Science & Technology Collection, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE. In addition, the library has curated Libguides for each program. The LibGuides include helpful websites, eBooks, open-source textbooks, and other media related to that program. EBSCO Discovery is available to easily search across all the available resources in one convenient search bar. Students and instructors can access these resources via EZ Proxy using their LoLA login information.

The library works with both students and instructors to provide digital and information literacy. The librarian visits each campus weekly to offer hands on assistance to students and has a virtual office via Microsoft Teams. Students can get assistance with computers, resumes, textbooks, locating textbooks, etc. The librarian is also available to instructors upon request to provide library instruction, digital literacy, or information literacy. The NLTCC library and its staff are dedicated to providing support to both instructors and students in achieving their educational goals. The library’s website can be found at: https://www.nltcc.edu/students/nltcc-library