Policies

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Code Of Conduct

Inver Hills expects all students to exemplify the behavior of responsible members of a civil and educated community. The college sets high expectations for scholarship and conduct through the Student Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity Policy, Acceptable Use of Technology and related policies. The standards of behavior are consistent with the educational mission of the college.

Rules for student conduct are consistently enforced in order to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and personal well-being. The guiding principle of college policies is student responsibility and accountability for their actions.

The full Student Code of Conduct, including conduct rules, possible sanctions, and investigation procedures, can be obtained from the dean of students and found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Sexual Violence And Harassment Policy

Sexual violence is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual, and is prohibited at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Minnesota State is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or other board policies that may require separate proceedings. To further its commitment against sexual violence, Minnesota State provides reporting options, internal mechanisms for dispute resolution and prevention training or other related services as appropriate. To view the full policy, visit inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Acceptable Use Of Technology

Provision Of Services

Inver Hills provides IT resources in support of its mission to continuously improve student understanding and capabilities that lead to purposeful lives, contribute to a vital community and pursue lifelong learning. As an institution of higher education, the college intends to provide the community with open and unrestricted avenues of communication as long as such use is in compliance with state and federal laws, other Inver Hills policies and Minnesota State policies. The college reserves the right to summarily limit or suspend access to facilities, equipment and services, as necessary, to comply with applicable laws, to protect the interests of Inver Hills and other members of the community, and to preserve the integrity and performance of IT systems.

Priority of use

While the college does not strictly limit the use of IT services, activities related to the college’s educational mission take precedence. Use of IT resources for personal or recreational activities may be limited by the college.

Rights And Obligations

All users are responsible for using Inver Hills IT resources in an appropriate manner. All applicable laws, statutes and policies related to personal behavior apply to electronic communications. Such laws and policies prohibit, among other things, lewd or indecent conduct, threat of physical harm, stalking, forgery, disruption of college services, damaging or destroying property, discrimination and sexual harassment. All users are expected to respect the integrity of all security controls and abide by all security measures that have been implemented, as well as adhere to all end-user license and contractual agreements associated with Inver Hills IT resources.

All users of IT resources are expected to abide by the full current version of this policy. The full current version of this policy statement is available on the college’s Policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Student Consumer Complaint Process

Pursuant to the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity Rule, institutions providing online education are required to provide all prospective and current students with contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against postsecondary education institutions offering distance learning within that state.

We encourage you to seek resolution to any concerns by discussing them informally with a staff member at the College. If a complaint cannot be handled informally, Inver Hills students are encouraged to use our College’s complaint process.

If a complaint cannot be resolved at the College level, you may contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education if you are a distance education student that resides out of state and in an NC-SARA state. You may also visit NC SARA’s website for more information about the student complaint process.

Inver Hills Community College will not make a determination that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification until more detailed research has been completed. 

Drug & Alcohol-Free Campus

Inver Hills’ Student Code of Conduct, as well as federal law, prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by any member of the college community on college premises or during any college-sponsored activity, either on or off campus. Failure to comply with these laws may make Inver Hills and its students ineligible to receive federal funds or financial assistance. Education programs in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse are available on campus. Referrals to counseling and health agencies will be made for anyone needing rehabilitation or treatment. Measures of rehabilitation may be required for continued association with the college. All employees and students are expected to abide by the conditions outlined in the college’s Drug & Alcohol-Free Campus policy. Inver Hills will take disciplinary action against any person associated with the college who transgresses this policy. Complete copies of the student code of conduct can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Tobacco Policy

Inver Hills is committed to creating a clean, safe and healthy learning and working environment, and recognizes its responsibility to promote the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and others on college property.

Effective Aug. 17, 2011, Inver Hills became tobacco-free. Therefore, Inver Hills adopts the following policy and procedures: tobacco use will be limited to private vehicles and designated college parking lots. The full Tobacco Policy can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Firearms Policy

No person is permitted to carry or possess a firearm on Inver Hills property except as permitted in the Firearms Policy, found at inverhills.edu/policies. This restriction does not apply to licensed peace officers when assigned by the college or university to public safety duties.

Parking Policy

Paid parking is available to all Inver Hills students, staff, administration and faculty. Parking is generally prohibited on college property between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Full parking and traffic regulations and penalties are listed at inverhills.edu/policies.

Visitors And Animals On Campus

Visitors (including children) are not allowed to accompany students to classes or work-study assignments unless their presence is part of a scheduled activity. Children may not be present on campus unless they are under direct adult supervision. If a child’s behavior becomes disruptive to the learning environment, the adult will be asked to remove the child from the premises. With the exception of service animals required to assist individuals with disabilities, animals are not allowed on campus or at college-sponsored events. Failure to comply with this request may result in administrative sanctions.

Access For Individuals With Disabilities

Inver Hills is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Minnesota State Board Policy 1B4.

Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability and requires that persons with disabilities are afforded the ability to participate fully in educational programming and related activities. The ADA ensures that college courses, educational materials and activities sponsored by the college are accessible to individuals with disabilities. It is the policy of the college to respond promptly to a request for reasonable accommodations, and if the accommodation is denied, to provide an opportunity for appeal.

The Accessibility Resources Office serves as the first contact for students who are requesting reasonable accommodations. The office is located on the second floor of the Library Building. To contact this office, call (651) 450-3884. Calls also can be routed through the Minnesota Relay Service, (800) 627-3529.

A student who has been denied accommodation may appeal to the dean of students in writing. The dean of students shall issue his/her decision, in writing, within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal, and mail copies of his/her decision to the student, and the Accessibility Resources Office. The college will make efforts to expedite the appeals process in cases where a more timely response is important.

Religious Observances And Beliefs

In accordance with federal and state laws, Inver Hills is committed to a policy of free expression and respect for the diversity of beliefs, including religious observances, among our academic community. It is the policy of the college to provide reasonable accommodations for students when religious beliefs and/or observances conflict with classroom activities or course requirements.

It is the responsibility of students to notify instructors of the need for accommodation at the beginning of the course or as soon as a situation arises. If a mutually agreed accommodation is not made, a student may initiate a complaint. The procedure for filing a complaint is described in the catalog and on the Inver Hills website. The complaint must be filed within 15 days of a denied accommodation request.

Nondiscrimination In Employment And Education Opportunity

Inver Hills 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 membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law or familial status is prohibited.

Harassment of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or familial status is prohibited. Sexual violence has no place in a learning or work environment. Further, Inver Hills Community College shall work to eliminate violence in all its forms.

Complaints Of Acts Of Discrimination Or Harassment By Students:
Kari Rusch-Curl, Title IX Gender Equity Coordinator
College Center Room 231
651-450-3887
krusch-curl@inverhills.edu

Compaints Of Acts Of Discrimination Or Harassment By Employees:
Laina Carlson
Liberal Arts Room 232
651-450-3305
lcarlson@inverhills.edu

Accommodations For Disability:
Library 207
651-450-3884
accessibilityresources@inverhills.edu

Appeals

Appeal Process

Appeals are requests for an exception to a college policy or procedure when extenuating circumstances have occurred. Documentation is required. It is highly recommended that students meet with a counselor or academic advisor before completing any appeal. After one year, appeals for refunds are not considered. A list of types of appeals and who reviews them is below. The forms can be found at inverhills.edu/help-center/forms. All completed appeals and documentation should be turned in to the Enrollment Center in the College Center building or faxed to 651-450-3677.

Final Appeals

Students may final appeal the decision to deny a previous appeal if they believe the decision was unfair or based on incomplete information. The final appeal must be filed within 10 business days of denial of the original petition. The final appeal will then be forwarded to the appeals committee, which consists of three members. The appeals committee will render its decision within three weeks. The committee’s decision is final. Obtain the Final Appeal form from the Counseling and Advising Center and attach a copy of the original appeal and additional documentation or evidence in support of the appeal. Once the form is completed and documentation is attached, return it to the Enrollment Center.

Student Complaint and Grievance

In accordance with Minnesota State Board Policy 3.8, a student has the right to seek remedy for a dispute or disagreement through the Inver Hills complaint and grievance procedures. These procedures shall not:

• Substitute for other complaint/grievance procedures specified in Minnesota State Board or Inver Hills policies or procedures, regulations or negotiated agreements.
• Apply to academic grade disputes. Grade appeals must be handled under college policy 3.85 (Grade Appeal Policy).
• Apply to Student Code of Conduct violations. Code of Conduct violations will be handled under college policy 3.6 (Student Code of Conduct).

The full complaint and grievance policy and procedures can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/policies.

Student Data Practices

Minnesota State complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR 99; the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, (MGDPA) Minn. Stat. Ch 13, Minn. Rules Ch 1205; and other applicable laws and regulations concerning the handling of educational data. Accordingly, Inver Hills has adopted Student Data Practices policy and procedures consistent with federal, state and Minnesota State policy. The full Student Data Practices policy and procedures can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Electronic Signature Policy

Inver Hills recognizes an electronic signature as a valid signature from faculty, staff and students. Students use electronic signatures to register, check financial aid awards, pay student bills, obtain unofficial transcripts, update contact information, log into campus computers, complete forms, etc. Faculty and staff use electronic signatures for submitting grades, completing administrative forms, logging on to campus computers, accessing protected data through custom web applications provided by the college, etc.

The full Electronic Signature Policy can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Use Of E-Mail For Official Communication

Inver Hills has designated e-mail as the official means of communication with students, faculty and staff regarding topics of an academic or administrative nature. The student provided e-mail address on file with Inver Hills will be the only address used when sending official communication via e-mail. Students are responsible for all information sent to their email account on file with Inver Hills Community College.

Students are also responsible for maintaining an accurate and active e-mail address on file through their student eServices account.

Course And Assignment Grades

Course and assignment grades and transcripts are an essential element of student records, and the following supplemental policies shall govern these records at Inver Hills:

• Instructors will take care not to reveal individual student grades. If grades are posted at a location accessible to all students, no personal identification - including name, Student ID, social security number or any part of those identifiers - may be used in conjunction with posted grades.
• Student grades will not be revealed over the phone or by e-mail.

Academic Policies

Grading Symbols and Descriptors

A. 4.00 Denotes superior achievement

B. 3.00 Denotes above-average achievement

C. 2.00 Denotes average achievement

D. 1.00 Denotes below-average achievement

F. 0.00 Denotes failure to achieve

FN. Denotes a faculty-initiated withdrawal (student never attended)

FW. Denotes a faculty-initiated withdrawal (student partially attended) after the last day to drop the course, but before 80% of the course has elapsed

U. 0.00 Denotes a college-initiated withdrawal

I. Denotes incomplete work

W. Denotes withdrawal from class after the fifth class day of the semester through the published withdrawal deadline. Withdrawal dates for courses with beginning and ending dates that differ from the regular semester calendar will be specified in the class schedule.

P. Denotes achievement in a course at the level of “C” or higher. Credits with a grade of P will count toward graduation but will not be used in computing grade-point average.

NC. Denotes no credit granted.

AU. Denotes audit or registration for a class without the intention
of earning credit.

Z. Denotes in-progress course

CC. In Progress; denotes in-progress concurrent enrollment.

Grades of NC, I, W, P, AU, and CC are not considered in determining grade-point average. All developmental courses-courses numbered below 1000-are graded on a scale of A-B-C-D-NC.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade point average (GPA) is the quotient of the student’s grade-point total divided by the number of grade-point credits attempted. Four grade points are awarded for each credit of A, three points for each credit of B, two points for each credit of C and one point for each credit of D. No points are awarded for F, FN or U. To compute grade-point average, add up the total number of grade points earned and divide by the number of credits attempted. For example:

• 3-credit course, A grade = 12 grade points (3 cr X 4 grade points for each credit of A)
• 3-credit course, B grade = 9 grade points (3 cr X 3 grade points for each credit of B)
• 3-credit course, C grade = 6 grade points (3 cr X 2 grade points for each credit of C)
• Total of 27 grade points; divided by 9 credits attempted; GPA is 3.00

Grading Options And Grade Changes

Pass/Fail Grade

A student may elect to take a course with this approved option on a pass/fail (P/F) grading basis by contacting the instructor before the fifth business day after the start of the course. If the instructor approves, he or she will submit approval to the Enrollment Center. Not all courses are approved for pass/fail. To earn a grade of P, the student must achieve at the level of a C grade or higher. Because of the nature and intent of some programs and the restrictions of some transfer colleges, students should consult with a counselor or academic advisor prior to choosing this grading option. Some special topics courses, workshops and seminars are offered only on a P/F basis. These will be indicated in the class schedule and/or course syllabus.

Auditing Classes

Students interested in auditing a class should contact the instructor before the fifth business day of the semester. If the instructor approves, s/he will submit approval to the Enrollment Center. Due to the nature of some classes, instructors may choose not to allow auditors in their classes. Students auditing a class are not required to take tests and/ or examinations or to prepare other written assignments. However, students are expected to conform to regular classroom rules including attendance and discussion. Auditors pay full tuition, but no credits are earned for the audited class. Students may not change to credit registration after completing the course.

Pass-No Credit Grade

Pass-No-Credit (P/NC) is designated for Prior Learning Assessments through Adult Success through Accelerated Programs (ASAP) and for locally administered Credit by Examination. The college determines which courses may be graded P/NC.

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade may be given only at the student’s request and with the instructor’s approval. A student may request a grade of incomplete (I) when coursework has been satisfactory, but the student is unable to complete all course requirements before the end of the course. If the instructor approves of an incomplete, he or she will submit approval to the Enrollment Center. Coursework must be completed and a grade submitted to the Enrollment Center by a mutually agreed-upon date, not to exceed the end of the following semester. A grade of F will be recorded if this deadline is not met.

Grade Changes

The original grade (other than an incomplete) will remain on the student’s record unless a Change of Grade Form is submitted to the Enrollment Center by the instructor. Grade changes-other than those precipitated by technical recording errors-will not be considered more than six weeks after the scheduled completion date of the course.

Early Alert Notifications

Instructors are encouraged to issue early alert notifications midway through the semester. These reports are intended to notify students who are doing less than C work and/or are not attending class regularly. Students who receive an early alert are encouraged to seek out appropriate campus resources for assistance.

Grade Appeal Policy

Students have the right to ask instructors for an explanation of any grade received. Students may submit a formal grade appeal when they believe that a final grade is unfair, arbitrary or capricious. However, the student bears the burden of proving that there are sufficient grounds for changing a grade. The grade appeal process will meet the usual criteria of due process for both students and faculty. These procedures shall not substitute for other grievance procedures specific in board, college or university policies or procedures; regulations; or negotiated agreements, including the faculty member’s right to grieve the outcome. A student may appeal a final course grade on the grounds that:

• The methods or criteria for evaluating academic performance as stated in the course syllabus or assignment sheet or communicated by the instructor at the beginning of the course were not actually applied in determining the final grade
  and/or
• The instructor applied grading criteria unfairly, i.e. the evaluation of academic performance so exceeded the reasonable limits of the instructor’s discretion as not to be acceptable to the instructor’s peers. No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participation in or refusal to participate in a complaint or grievance. These procedures are subject to the laws protecting data privacy rights.

The full Grade Appeal Policy is available on the college’s policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Repeating Courses Policy

If a student decides to repeat a course, both the original and repeated grade and credits will appear on the student record and transcript. The Enrollment Center will automatically process repeat grades within one month of the end of a semester. Those courses identified as repeated result in a recalculated GPA. Students enrolled in a course for the third time (or more) may remain in the course only with the consent of the instructor.

College-Initiated Withdrawal Policy

A student may be required to withdraw from one or more courses at any time when it is in the best interest of the student or the college. A grade of U will be awarded for college-initiated withdrawals.

Academic Renewal Policy

The academic renewal policy acknowledges that some students’ previous coursework at Inver Hills was adversely affected by difficult circumstances. The policy recognizes that, for various reasons, some students have not met the scholastic requirements of their previous educational programs. Instead of needing to enroll at another college to get a fresh start, academic renewal provides the opportunity for students to pursue their educational goals at Inver Hills. The full academic renewal policy can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Academic Standards

Dean’s List

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must complete 12 or more collegelevel credits (courses numbered 1000 or higher) in one semester with a GPA of 3.50 or above. Part-time students may qualify for the dean’s list by completing a total of 12 or more college-level credits (courses numbered 1000 or higher) with a 3.50 GPA in consecutive fall and spring semesters. At least 12 of the earned credits must have a letter grade.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is one of the most important values in higher education. This principle requires that each student’s work represents his or her own personal efforts and that the student acknowledges the intellectual contributions of others. The foundation for this principle is student academic honesty. Inver Hills students are expected to honor the requirements of the academic integrity policy. The full Academic Integrity Policy can be found on the college policy web page at inverhills.edu/about/policies.

Class Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class in which they are enrolled. If an illness or emergency results in an absence, students should meet with their instructors to determine if missed work can be completed. A student may receive a course grade of FN, FW or NC after two consecutive weeks (or equivalent in accelerated courses/terms) of unexcused absence at any time during the semester. Students who receive an FN or FW grade may request to have their grade changed to a W (withdraw) if done so by the course’s withdrawal deadline. Class attendance is defined as being physically present in the classroom. Online attendance is defined as having submitted an assignment, taken a quiz, or posted/made a course content-related comment on the discussion/chat board for the course in which the student is registered.

Student Status

Full time: Students enrolled for at least 12 credits
Half time: Students enrolled for at least six credits, but fewer than 12
Part time: Students enrolled in at least one course

Prerequisites

Students may register in any course if they meet the minimum standard of course and skill prerequisites as stated in the catalog and semester schedule. Academic success requires that some courses be taken in a prescribed sequence or that students demonstrate certain knowledge or competencies prior to enrolling in more advanced courses. Current courses and skill prerequisites are listed at the end of the course descriptions in the catalog and in the class schedule. Registration in English and mathematics courses is determined by results of the college’s pre-entry assessment. The course instructor must authorize exceptions to course prerequisites.

Skill Prerequisite

The skill prerequisite indicates the writing, reading and/or mathematics skill-level expectations of the department and/or instructors. Basic skills proficiency results are obtained through the assessment process when students are admitted to the college. Minnesota State policy requires that students demonstrate measured appropriate skills before registering for composition, mathematics and reading-intensive courses. Placement in English, reading and mathematics courses is determined by the assessment inventories. The Inver Hills assessment policy is described elsewhere in this catalog. Each semester schedule will describe the process by which students may appeal their course placement.

Graduation Policy

Part 1. Policy Statement:

A student will earn a certificate or an associate degree upon satisfactorily completing all requirements for graduation and complying with all applicable college policies, including that all Inver Hills financial obligations are met.

Part 2. Policy Procedures:

Subpart A. Graduation Requirements.

Students have four years to complete the graduation requirements published in the catalog under which they initially enrolled or in any subsequent catalog published during their enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete graduation requirements at Inver Hills must follow the curriculum in a catalog under which they were enrolled during the four-year period preceding their date of graduation. Students must file an Application for Graduation form with a counselor or academic advisor prior to registering for the semester in which they expect to complete their graduation requirements.

Students seeking a technical certificate are not required to meet with a counselor or academic advisor. Certificate students can obtain the Application for Certificate Completion form either online or from the Enrollment Center.

Subpart B. Associate Of Arts, Associate Of Science, Associate Of Applied Science, And Associate Of Fine Art Degree Requirements.

Course and credit requirements for degree programs vary depending on the program. For specific requirements for all programs, please see program pages. General graduation requirements for degree programs include:

1. Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits numbered 1000 or above with a minimum GPA of 2.00. (Some degree programs require more than 60 credits)
2. Complete the career program and liberal arts distribution requirements of the degree program.
3. Complete a minimum of 15 college-level credits at Inver Hills. This requirement will be reduced to 12 college-level credits at Inver Hills for students transferring at least 8 college-level credits from another Minnesota State institution and/or the University of Minnesota..
4. Earn a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 2.00 for Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses if seeking an Associate of Arts degree.

Subpart C. Diploma/Certificate Completion Requirements.

Course and credit requirements for diploma and certificates vary depending on the program. For specific requirements for all programs, please see program pages.

1. Diplomas: Earn 30 to 48 earned college-level credits; students must earn at least one-third of the credits at Inver Hills.
2. Certificates: Earn nine to 30 college-level credits; students must earn at least one-third of the credits at Inver Hills.
3. Earn an Inver Hills GPA of 2.00 and a MnTC GPA of 2.00 (if applicable).
4. Meet specific course grade requirements in the specific certificate/diploma program.

Subpart D. Use Of Credits For Multiple Degrees And Certificates.

In order to be awarded both the certificate and the degree, the student must apply to complete the certificate at least one semester prior to completing the corresponding associate degree. Students who apply for the certificate after earning the associate degree will not be awarded the certificate. Students interested in completing a certificate and its corresponding associate degree should consult with a counselor or academic advisor to create an appropriate educational plan.

Students who want to declare a double major or a dual objective must be approved by the institution.

Subpart E. Commencement.

A formal commencement ceremony is planned for the end of each spring semester. Invitations will be sent to all graduation applicants. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.

Subpart F. Graduation With Honors.

Honors medallions are presented annually to graduating students who have attained a minimum of a 3.75 cumulative GPA for 20 or more grade-point credits earned while attending Inver Hills. Students who graduate with honors will have “Honors” designated on their final transcript.

Subpart G. Diplomas.

Diplomas are ordered following a final, successful graduation requirement check conducted by the Enrollment Center. Diplomas are ordered at the end of the fall, spring, and summer terms. Graduates should receive their diplomas 10 to 12 weeks from the end of the term.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for each term of attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to achieve this, and students should seek assistance from the college’s many academic support services in a consistent and timely manner. Students are encouraged to keep a file of their grades and transcripts.

The full SAP policy and procedure can be found on the college website at inverhills.edu/about/policies.