Academic Preparation for College
East Central College recommends that students, prior to graduation from high school, complete the following body of coursework in preparation for college:
- Four years of high school English and/or composition coursework.
- Three years of high school social studies coursework.
- Four years of high school mathematics coursework (beginning with a first year algebra course).
- Three years of high school laboratory science.
- Two years of a foreign language sequence, art, music, theater, career technical field, or other sequence of coursework.
Course Credit Options
East Central College provides students various options regarding college credit. Students may receive credit in the following ways: (Board Policy 2.4)
Transfer Credit
The East Central College Board of Trustees authorizes implementation of procedures for accepting credit from other post-secondary institutions. Where applicable, the college will follow guidelines as established by the Missouri Department of Higher Education Committee on Transfer and Articulation. The college reserves the right to review acceptance of any credit not within the scope of such guidelines and to limit it as it deems appropriate.
Students must request submission of official transcripts. Transcripts will be reviewed and credit accepted if the course(s) correspond to East Central College coursework and are consistent with the transfer and articulation guidelines published by the Department of Higher Education and relevant accrediting agencies. East Central College reserves the right to determine the applicability of any transfer course(s) to specific programs of the college. The East Central College transcript will record and publish the credit and the awarding college or university.
Dual Credit
Students attending participating taxing district and service area high schools may elect to take part in the East Central College dual credit program. Following the guidelines approved by the Department of Higher Education, the college approves certain courses in selected high schools as being eligible for college credit. Participating school districts must satisfy the criteria for faculty qualifications and development, required minutes of instruction, assessment and outcome measures and any other contractual requirements as stipulated by the Department of Higher Education. Students meeting the eligibility criteria are admitted to the college, must meet any placement requirements, and can elect enrollment in available coursework. Students participating in the program will pay the established dual credit tuition rate for East Central College and are entitled to all of the privileges and services of on-campus students but are not eligible for financial aid.
Dual Technical Credit
Secondary students attending participating high schools and/or regional career centers may elect to take part in the East Central College dual technical credit program, available to institutions with current articulation agreements in place. Following these guidelines, the college approves selected courses that align with career technical programs offered by the college. College faculty in the programs will provide guidance in instruction, curriculum, assessment and outcome measures, and any other requirements as stipulated by the Department of Higher Education.
Students meeting the eligibility criteria are admitted to the college and can elect enrollment in available coursework. Students participating in the dual technical credit program will pay the established dual credit tuition rate for East Central College. Students must receive an A or B in order to receive credit in the dual technical credit courses.
Credit by Articulation
Under arrangements with agencies providing post-secondary programming, East Central College grants credit through signed and authorized articulation agreements entered into with regional career centers, union education and training programs, and state agency education and training programs. Credit may be awarded on a course by course basis, associated with coursework offered at East Central College or credit may be awarded in “block” form upon completion of a post-secondary program of study for which students will be required to produce completion documents. Credit by articulation may also be awarded in partnership with post secondary institutions providing the program content delivery. Guidelines, restrictions, procedures and any costs associated with the articulation process are available through the school district, East Central College or other participating educational entity. A fee per course will be assessed.
Military Credit
Students with coursework and course credits acquired during military service must request a Joint Service Transcript (JST) be submitted electronically for review. Credit transcription will be based on the declared program of study and other transfer in guidelines. Transcript review will occur upon receipt of all official documentation.
Credit by Nationally Recognized Examination/Review
Students may complete nationally recognized achievement performance tests (CLEP, DANTES, Advanced Placement) and have official results sent to the Registrar for processing. Credit transcription will occur upon receipt of official results that reflect achievement of a minimum score as determined by the College. A fee per course will be assessed.
Credit by Departmental Examination/Review
Students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency within a subject area may petition the academic discipline or program faculty for credit by examination or review. If this petition is approved, discipline or program faculty would prepare an appropriate measure (test or other instrument) of proficiency and establish with the student guidelines for passing. The decision of the faculty is final. A fee per course will be assessed
Credit for Prior Learning
Students who have acquired technical skills may petition for credit for prior learning. Students would contact the appropriate department and meet with college officials to review their petition. If this petition is approved, discipline or program faculty would prepare an appropriate measure (test or other instrument) of proficiency and establish with the student guidelines for passing. A fee per course will be assessed.
Academic Freedom
East Central College, as an academic community, promotes learning characterized by free inquiry, open discussion and thoughtful communication. Academic freedom is a tenet of such instruction and essential to the purpose of higher education. Faculty and students must be free to examine ideas in an environment without institutional censorship. (Board Policy 5.6)
Course Syllabus
At the beginning of each semester, students will receive from college faculty a course syllabus for each course enrolled. The course syllabus details information about the course, including but not limited to:
- Course Number, Section and Name
- Official Course Description, including prerequisite, co-requisite or concurrent course requirement
- Textbook and other official material requirements
- Grading Policy, including what will factor into the course grade and how such items are weighed
- Attendance Policy, defining the implications of being an attendance taking institution, including what constitutes excessive absence in the class and action to be taken
- Course Objectives, including any information on how the course meets a general education requirement or a Common Learning Objective
- Information on course requirements, including assignments, presentations, tests, etc.
- A course schedule
- East Central College’s non-discrimination policy
- College information, including information on use of the learning center, library, access services, academic advising, counseling, etc.
- Detailed information on how to contact the faculty member, office location and email address
- Information on the Academic Honor Code and policies related to academic dishonesty
- Other information important to the course
A course syllabus represents detailed information about a course that is important to students and transfer institutions. The college maintains an electronic database of course syllabi. Students should keep course syllabi throughout enrollment at the college.
Safety Rules and Regulations
Due to the nature of the curriculum, some degree and certificate programs include significant safety hazards. Mandated safety rules and regulations are published in the course syllabus or program application and are routinely reviewed in class to reduce the risk of personal injury or equipment damage. Some courses, e.g. science laboratories, also require prerequisite safety training. In the best interest of students and others, safety rules and regulations will not be compromised. Therefore, students who do not follow safety rules and regulations are subject to disciplinary action. More information regarding safety rules and regulations for specific courses/programs can be obtained from the program instructor or advisor.
Class Cancellation
Certain conditions or situations may warrant class cancellation.
- Individual Class
If an individual faculty member cancels class, the college will post official notice on the classroom door; some faculty may send a class email to notify students of the cancellation and give an assignment. Some faculty may post information via the college’s learning management system.
- All Classes
When conditions are such that a campus or site closes, notification will be made via the college website, ECC Alert system texts or emails, and local television, radio or other media.
Academic Honor Code
As part of the Student Conduct Policy (Board Policy 3.17), students are required to adhere to the Academic Honor Code, which outlines expected student conduct with respect to course requirements. Students should be familiar with the Academic Honor Code and its expectations and limitations. Questions regarding the Academic Honor Code and how it applies to particular courses should be directed to the faculty.
Prerequisite Age Limit/Expiration
East Central College will, in designated department and program areas, limit the use of coursework taken more than five years ago as satisfying a course or program prerequisite. Course(s) serving as a prerequisite for another course either within a department or outside of a department will remain valid for a period of five years, regardless if credit was obtained through East Central or transferred in. After five years, a student may take an appropriate college placement test or the prerequisite coursework. Individual departments reserve the right to implement a more stringent expiration policy on prerequisite courses.
The five-year rule is limited to sequential coursework within a specific program or discipline. Students in some disciplines may use placement testing as an option to the prerequisite for placement. The age limit applies to transfer in coursework as well as coursework taken at East Central College. Any program may develop prerequisite requirements that supersede the five-year rule. Individual departments may promulgate rules regarding course age, applicability and satisfaction of prerequisite requirements.
At the release of each catalog year, those areas where the five-year rule applies will designate the application of rule for the upcoming academic year.
Course Pre-Requisite, Co-Requisite, and Concurrent Registration
Prerequisite
A prerequisite course is a requirement, stated in the course description, which must be fulfilled prior to enrolling in a course. A prerequisite course requirement is usually associated with sequential courses and requires satisfactory completion (grade C or better) of the prerequisite course. Prerequisite courses taken at other institutions will be evaluated based on East Central College’s transfer in course procedures. In addition, some departments at the college may use the age of a prerequisite course (typically reviewed if the course was taken five or more years ago) as a factor in determining whether a prerequisite is satisfied.
Co-requisite
A co-requisite is a requirement that two or more courses be taken in the same semester. The co- requisite requirement is stated in the course descriptions of all courses affected. Typically, any enrollment activity in one co-requisite course will impact enrollment in the other. Activities affected may include withdrawal, audit or grade assignment.
Concurrent Registration
Courses listed as concurrent must be taken during the same semester. Completion of one course is independent of completion of the concurrent course. Enrollment activity in one course will not affect the other.
Transfer of Credit (Board Policy 2.5)
Transfer Credit Policy
East Central College is committed to assisting student transfer to and from East Central College and facilitating credit transfer to and from other post-secondary institutions. Transfer in credit will be analyzed in terms of level, course content, comparability and compatibility with degree programs and course offerings at East Central College.
Transfer In Credit Procedures
Transfer students should follow “New Student Procedures.”
- Courses completed at any Missouri public institution in compliance with the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s guidelines and agreements concerning the transfer and articulation of credit will be accepted in transfer.
- Courses completed at any institution maintaining current articulation agreements with East Central College will be accepted in transfer as outlined in the agreement.
- Courses completed at any regionally accredited institution will be reviewed for course equivalency and program relevance and accepted for transfer accordingly.
- Courses completed at non-regionally accredited institutions will be reviewed as follows:
- The transfer institution’s accreditation status will be examined.
- Information provided by the school or the student regarding the completed coursework, e.g. transcripts, catalog descriptions, course syllabi, faculty credentials, etc. will be distributed to the appropriate program/academic department official for recommendation.
- After an evaluation has been completed and the results communicated to the student, the student may appeal the decision regarding transfer to the Registrar and the Chief Academic Officer.
- Courses completed at a foreign institution will be reviewed as follows:
- Student is required to provide an official transcript, along with an English translation, and an explanation of the foreign institution’s grading procedures.
- Information regarding the completed coursework will be distributed to the appropriate program/academic department official for recommendation.
- After an evaluation has been completed and the results communicated to the student, the student may appeal the decision regarding transfer to the Registrar or the Chief Academic Officer. Such an appeal will require a review through an international credit evaluation service, as directed by the Registrar’s Office. The cost of the evaluation must be paid by the student prior to the evaluation.
- Experiential learning (credit for prior learning) will be reviewed as follows:
- Student will submit a written request to the Registrar describing the experiential learning and provide supporting documentation. Student will make a formal request for course/credit equivalency.
- Information regarding the request will be distributed to the appropriate program/academic department official for recommendation.
- Students may be required to complete a skills or other competency assessment, as recommended by the academic department, to determine the award of any credit for prior or experiential learning. The academic department will make a recommendation to the Registrar
- After an evaluation has been completed and the results communicated to the student, the student may appeal the decision regarding transfer to the Registrar and the Chief Academic Officer.
- Military credit will be reviewed as follows:
- Student will have a Joint Service Transcript (JST) submitted electronically to the Registrar’s office for review.
- Courses completed through the military will be reviewed for course equivalency and program relevance using ACE credit recommendations and accepted for transfer accordingly.
- After an evaluation has been completed and the results communicated to the student, the student may appeal the decision regarding transfer to the Registrar and the Chief Academic Officer.
- All other incoming credit transfer requests not covered by the aforementioned procedures must be made in writing to the Registrar’s office.
- Students on academic probation at another college will be admitted on academic probation and will be subject to East Central College’s academic policies.
- Students on scholastic suspension from another college will not be accepted for admission to East Central College unless permission is granted by the Chief Student Affairs Officer, subject to the applicant’s written appeal. No student will be admitted who has been suspended from another college for social or behavioral issues.
Transfer In Grades
Grades received on all credits transferred to ECC are entered on the student’s permanent record and included in the cumulative grade point average.
Course Transfer/Transfer Out Credit
East Central College develops and maintains articulation agreements with various transfer institutions to assist students in course transfer. Certain coursework at the college is intended for transfer; this includes all the general education coursework and coursework in certain academic areas. East Central College also offers coursework which is not intended to transfer, but satisfies certain prerequisite requirements, aids students in preparing for college level coursework or prepares students to enter the workforce.
Students intending to transfer to a baccalaureate institution or any other post-secondary institution should discuss academic goals with an advisor to receive the best assistance in academic planning. East Central College has a Transfer and Articulation Officer who can assist students in instances where transfer of courses does not go smoothly.
Students who plan to transfer credits from East Central College should contact their transfer institution as early as possible to become familiar with transfer requirements. Those who transfer within the State of Missouri have certain rights and privileges which are outlined on the Missouri Department of Higher Education website. General transfer guidelines may be found at http://dhe.mo.gov/cota/. In addition, most universities in Missouri have course equivalencies listed on their websites under Transfer Admissions.
East Central College offers students several transfer degree options: the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Science, the Associate of Arts in Teaching, and the Associate of Fine Arts. Each degree choice affords students a variety of options based on their academic interest, career choices and planned transfer institution. The Associate of Applied Science is designed for immediate employment in a career and technical field; however, some program-to-program transfer agreements are available. Students may also transfer 43 hours of general education required for Associate of Arts students, per the statewide agreement, or they may transfer individual courses. For more information on degree programs, visit Programs of Study. Information on transfer and articulation agreements with other colleges and universities can be found at Transfer information.
Course Credit Hour Definitions
The following list describes the types of credit hours awarded at East Central College. Each description includes information on credit hour value and its relation to meeting time, the type and expectation of the described credit hour and the necessary time outside of class meeting, if applicable, to satisfy the course requirements.
Credit Hour
East Central College measures units of coursework by the semester credit hour. The semester credit hour is a recognized unit for college credit coursework and is used to determine degree requirements and course equivalency in transfer.
Traditional Coursework
For a traditional face-to-face lecture course, the Carnegie unit and state regulation have been used to determine a semester credit hour value (i.e. a minimum of 750 minutes of instruction or “seat time” per credit hour per semester period). For non-lecture courses (i.e. science laboratories, studio coursework, career technical courses, music activities) additional instructional time per credit hour is necessary to achieve the College’s learning objectives determined for the course or instructional activity.
Distance/Web Based Learning
For the College’s distance learning courses (i.e. online and hybrid), the credit hour value is based on the learning objectives determined in the traditional model of the coursework. Students would therefore be required to spend comparable amounts of time to achieve the desired learning objectives. To earn the credit hour value assigned to the course, students must demonstrate achievement of the course based learning objectives at a satisfactory level.
Course Credit Hour Type Definitions:
- Lecture Course
A lecture course credit hour is a traditional student learning activity, based on the Carnegie Unit. Students in a lecture course will experience a minimum of 750 minutes per credit hour of “seat time” with an instructor in a classroom/lecture environment. Students should expect to spend a minimum of an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside of the lecture class engaged in reading, review, research, writing, and/or other activities in support of the classroom instruction.
- Science Laboratory
A science laboratory course credit is a student learning activity which reinforces topics covered in lecture by the faculty, with a 2:1 contact to credit hour ratio. Students in the laboratory class will use hands on activities, conduct experiments, see demonstrations, use scientific equipment and learn about laboratory materials, space, safety and other equipment. Students should expect to spend an additional four hours per week outside of the laboratory class to prepare the laboratory assignment and complete all the appropriate reports.
- Art Studio
An art studio course credit is a student learning activity, directed by the faculty in the studio, to develop students’ art skills, techniques and understanding of various media, with a 2:1 contact to credit hour ratio. Students should expect to spend an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside of the studio to continue the work of the studio class and complete all the appropriate projects.
- Practicum
A practicum course engages students in hands on applied skills. Students will participate in various activities, develop skills in the use of appropriate equipment, participate in seminars, and learn about the discipline in a hands-on format with in 3:1 contact to credit hour ratio. Practicum experiences are determined by faculty and outlined in a course specific syllabus. Students should expect to spend an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside of the practicum experience to continue the work of the class and complete all the appropriate assignments.
- Computer Laboratory Course
A computer laboratory course credit is a student learning activity in a computer laboratory environment where students engage in hands-on activities involving computer hardware or software, applications of software to specific disciplines and other learning activities that must be conducted in a laboratory setting. Course meets with a 2:1 contact to credit hour ratio. Students should expect to spend a minimum of an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside of the laboratory class to prepare the related assignments and complete all the appropriate activities.
- Independent Study
An independent study course is arranged individually between faculty and student. The topic is determined between the student and the faculty; the goals and objectives for the individual student learning experience are detailed in the course syllabus. The credit hours of independent study are based on the course assessment of the learning objectives as determined by the faculty. Students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week per credit hour to meet the objectives of the class and complete all the appropriate assignments.
- Clinical Laboratory Course
The Allied Health clinical laboratory course is established to provide students hands on experience in a clinical setting. Students meet in the assigned clinic setting and are supervised by the clinical faculty assigned to the course. Students are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional fashion while in the clinical setting, following guidelines established by the program faculty. Students should expect to spend a minimum of an additional eight hours per week outside the clinical lab to prepare for the clinical experience and to complete all the appropriate assignments.
- Nursing Clinical Lab
The Nursing Program clinical laboratory course is established to provide students hands on experience in a clinical setting. Students meet in the assigned clinical setting and are supervised by the clinical faculty assigned to the course. In order to achieve success in the Nursing Program, students can expect to spend an additional 20-30 hours per week studying and preparing by practicing in the clinical lab, preparing for clinical assignments, studying for exams, preparing for class, developing written assignments, and developing presentations (not an inclusive list). As a program of study, students can expect to spend, on average, 2.9-3.2 clock hours per credit hour for clinical lab courses. Students are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional fashion while in the clinical setting, following guidelines established by the program faculty.
- Internship
An Internship course provides students hands on experience in selected career technology programs in a setting guided by the program faculty and appropriate to the learning objectives. Students will spend time in the internship setting in a minimum of a 3:1 ratio of time to credit hour value. Student experiences are reported to the faculty by individuals in the internship site and the supervising instructor in the program. Internship sites are provided by the faculty in the program and visited regularly. Sites must receive prior approval. Students should expect to spend a minimum of an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside the internship setting to prepare for the experience and to complete all the appropriate reports.
- Arranged
An arranged course is a predefined learning experience where the faculty makes individual arrangements with a student to teach an existing course on an arranged basis. The course learning objectives as stated in the existing course syllabus are covered; homework, assignments, projects and tests are given as required in the course syllabus. Credit is evaluated upon satisfaction of course objectives, assignments and assessment. Students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week per credit hour to meet the objectives of the class and complete all the appropriate assignments.
- Hybrid
A hybrid course is a mix of face-to-face and online course instruction, where no more than 50% of face time is substituted with online instruction. Students in the hybrid course must satisfy all of the learning objectives, activities, and other assignments and assessments as determined by the faculty teaching the course. In addition to the time spent in the face-to-face setting, students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week per credit hour to meet the objectives of the class and complete all the appropriate assignments.
- Applied Music
The Applied Music course is an individual lesson in voice or instrument arranged between faculty and student. Each credit hour equates to a half hour weekly private lesson. In addition to the lesson time, students should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per credit hour per week in practice. Students can only earn credit upon satisfactory completion of the final examination or its equivalent. Specific learning objectives, lesson assignments and materials are determined by the faculty and student.
- Music Ensemble
The music ensemble course is a vocal or instrumental performance group; the learning objectives of the course, including ensemble materials, are arranged by the faculty member. A credit hour of ensemble will meet a minimum of 2 hours per week (up to three hours based on the requirements of the particular ensemble). Credit is awarded based on satisfying the learning objectives of the course, including ensemble performances as arranged. In addition to the class time, students should expect to spend a minimum of two hours per credit hour per week in practice.
- Career Technical Course Credit Hour
A career technical course credit hour is defined as a blend of lecture, demonstration and hands on learning experiences. The course blends a typical lecture with laboratory experiences in a seamless fashion. Time in class may be up to two hours per week per credit hour. In addition to the class time, students should expect to spend a minimum of two hours per credit hour per week outside of class to complete assignments, prepare projects or demonstrations and otherwise meet the objectives of the course.
- Career Technical Lab Course
A career technical lab course is a hands-on learning activity. The course meets a minimum of two contact hours per credit hour and provides students with activity to support skills in the career area. The course is supervised by a faculty member and specific learning objectives are outlined in the course syllabus. Students should expect to spend an additional two hours per week per credit hour outside of the lab class to prepare the lab assignment and complete all the appropriate reports.
- Physical Education
Physical education is a physical activity course; students will spend two hours per week per credit hour in class and/or engaged in the physical activity defined in the class. The course provides a student learning experience while engaged in the physical activity associated with the course. To assess credit, student must satisfactorily complete the assigned number of meeting times and the other learning objectives of the course.
- Self-Directed Computer Supported Learning
A self-directed computer supported learning course credit is a student learning activity conducted in a computer laboratory environment led by the faculty member where students engage in structured learning activities associated with a computer applications package selected by the discipline. Students are provided detailed information about the per course requirements; all assessments are done within the computer applications software. Course meets with a 1:1 contact to credit hour ratio. Students should expect to spend a minimum of an additional three hours per week per credit hour outside of the laboratory class to prepare the related assignments and complete all the appropriate activities and assessments. Attendance standards are enforced.
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