Tidewater Community College (TCC) upholds academic freedom, a principle vital for fostering a dynamic learning environment. This commitment, grounded in the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) policy statement, emphasizes mutual respect within the academic community. Students, faculty, administrators, and trustees are expected to honor diverse opinions, promote intellectual honesty, and defend the freedom of inquiry, instruction, and expression both within and beyond the campus.
Educational institutions are designed to disseminate knowledge, pursue truth, cultivate students’ potential, and contribute to society’s betterment. Free inquiry and expression are crucial in achieving these objectives. Students, as members of this community, are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and actively seek truth independently.
The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are intrinsically linked aspects of academic freedom. The ability to learn effectively relies on suitable opportunities and conditions within classrooms, across the campus, and in the broader community. Students are expected to exercise their academic freedom responsibly. Maintaining an environment that supports freedom of learning is a shared responsibility among all members of the academic community.
Students have the right to respectfully disagree with data or viewpoints presented in their courses and to form their own judgments on matters of opinion. However, they are accountable for mastering the required content of their enrolled courses. To ensure fair treatment, students are protected through established procedures against biased or arbitrary academic evaluations. Simultaneously, they are responsible for meeting the academic performance standards set for each course.
Should concerns arise regarding course content or procedures, students are encouraged to first discuss these issues directly with their faculty member before seeking administrative assistance. If a student believes their academic freedom has been violated, the Student Grievance Procedure offers a formal channel for resolution. This procedure aims to provide a fair and structured process for addressing student grievances at Tidewater Community College, excluding appeals related to final grades. Navigating academic policies and procedures can be a significant step in one’s educational journey, much like understanding the steps in a Career Step Cumulative Coding Challenge 9 for those pursuing technical fields.
Course Auditing
Students interested in auditing courses—attending classes without exams or credit—must secure permission from the relevant academic deans or their representatives at the campus offering the course. Following approval, students must register and pay full tuition for audited courses.
The option to change course status from audit to credit, or vice versa, is available until the add course deadline during the term’s regular session. It’s important to note that audited courses do not accrue academic credit and are not factored into academic load calculations for financial aid, Social Security Administration reporting, employer verification, health insurance, immigration services, or Department of Veterans Affairs purposes. Furthermore, advanced standing credit will not be granted for audited courses.
Academic Renewal
Students returning to TCC after an absence of five years (60 months or more) may apply for academic renewal. This process begins with submitting the Academic Renewal Petition Form to Enrollment Services.
For students meeting the eligibility criteria for academic renewal, grades of D and F earned before re-enrollment may be excluded from cumulative and curriculum GPA calculations, subject to specific policy conditions. It’s crucial to remember that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) does not recognize TCC’s Academic Renewal Policy. The DVA will not cover courses previously passed with a passing grade, even if benefits were not used initially. Students should contact the Center for Military and Veterans Education for detailed information regarding VA benefits and academic renewal.
Academic Standing
Maintaining “good academic standing” at TCC requires students to achieve semester GPAs of 2.00 or higher. Students in good standing are eligible for re-enrollment and are not under academic suspension or dismissal.
Academic Warning
Students who fail to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in any semester will be placed on academic warning. Students under academic warning are strongly encouraged to consult with counselors or academic advisors and utilize the academic support services available at the college to improve their academic performance.
Academic Probation
Students who accumulate 12 or more semester credits and fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.50 will be placed on academic probation. This status remains until their cumulative GPA reaches 1.75 or higher. “Academic Probation” will be noted on the student’s permanent academic record. Students on probation are typically restricted from holding appointive or elective offices in student organizations unless granted special permission by the Campus Dean. Mandatory consultation with counselors or academic advisors is required before registration, and students on probation are generally advised to take reduced course loads in subsequent semesters. While a cumulative GPA between 1.5 and 1.99 may not automatically lead to formal probation, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is necessary in their curriculum to earn associate degrees or certificates.
Academic Suspension
Students on academic warning who fail to achieve a minimum semester GPA of 1.50 after attempting 24 semester credits will face academic suspension. “Academic Suspension” will be recorded on their permanent record. Suspension typically lasts for one semester. Students may appeal suspension and seek reinstatement after the suspension period by submitting Applications for Readmission, available online or at campus Counseling/Advising Offices. These applications should be submitted to Advising and Counseling for review.
Academic Dismissal
Academic dismissal occurs for students who, following academic suspension and reinstatement, do not achieve at least a 2.00 GPA for the reinstatement semester. Furthermore, students reinstated after suspension must maintain a minimum 1.75 GPA in all subsequent semesters until their cumulative GPA reaches 1.75. Failure to meet this 1.75 GPA in each subsequent semester will also result in academic dismissal.
“Academic Dismissal” is noted on the student’s permanent record and is typically permanent. In extraordinary cases, students may appeal for reinstatement by submitting Applications for Readmission to campus Enrollment Services, with applications directed to Advising and Counseling for review. Further details about Academic Standing can be found in the TCC Catalog.
Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is expected at Tidewater Community College. Students are expected to be present and punctual for all scheduled class and laboratory sessions. Instructors are not obligated to admit late-arriving students. Students who add courses or register after the first day of classes are marked absent from all previously missed class meetings. Students absent for more than 15% of scheduled instructional time may be deemed to have unsatisfactory attendance. This calculation includes absences during the add/drop period.
Instructors may establish stricter attendance policies, and students are responsible for understanding the specific attendance requirements for each course. Instructors may withdraw students from courses due to unsatisfactory attendance. Withdrawals within the first 60% of a course result in a W grade. Withdrawals after 60% typically lead to an F grade (or U for developmental courses), unless mitigating circumstances are documented. Students withdrawn for unsatisfactory attendance are not eligible for tuition and fee refunds.
Communication Devices (Cell Phones)
The use of cell phones and other communication devices is restricted in classrooms, laboratories, and libraries unless specifically authorized by faculty or staff. Devices should not be used during class time, and students should not disrupt class to answer calls or messages.
Learning Assistance Services (Tutoring)
TCC provides comprehensive learning assistance services across all campuses, including tutoring, writing labs, and math labs. Free support is available in various subjects, from math and English to biology and Spanish. Students can also access study skills workshops, supplemental instruction, distance tutoring, and computer-based tutoring services at each campus.
Final Course Grade Appeal Procedure
Faculty members are responsible for assigning course grades at Tidewater Community College and for informing students about the objective grading criteria. Most grade disagreements are expected to be resolved informally between the student and the instructor.
The Final Course Grade Appeal Procedure provides a formal process for students wishing to appeal a final course grade. Students initiating an appeal bear the burden of proof and must follow the outlined steps, recognizing that instructors are presumed to assign grades fairly and without bias.
Step 1: Informal Resolution: Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve grade disputes directly with their instructors. If unresolved, students may proceed to Step Two.
Step 2: Appeal to Academic Dean: A written appeal must be submitted to the academic dean of the relevant pathway within ten working days of the first day of classes of the subsequent term. The dean will convene a meeting with the student and instructor within five working days of receiving the appeal and issue a written report of findings within five working days of the meeting. This report is filed in the pathway office. Students wishing to further appeal must submit a written appeal to the Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five working days of receiving the dean’s report.
Step 3: Grade Appeal Committee Review: The Special Assistant will appoint a Grade Appeal Committee within five working days of receiving the Step Two appeal. This committee comprises three teaching faculty members and two students uninvolved in the case. (Note: Students with disability-related appeals may discuss accommodations with the Coordinator of Educational Accessibility instead of a student-inclusive committee.) The committee will meet with the student and instructor within five working days of appointment and submit a written report to the Special Assistant within five working days of concluding deliberations. The Special Assistant will then render a written decision within five working days of receiving the committee’s report, shared with all involved parties. Further appeals must be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer within five working days of the Special Assistant’s decision.
Step 4: Vice President’s Final Review: The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer will review the appeal to ensure the Special Assistant’s decision was evidence-based and not arbitrary or capricious. A final written ruling will be issued within five working days of receiving the appeal and shared with all parties. This ruling is considered final. All time limits within the Final Course Grade Appeal Procedure are binding unless extended by mutual written agreement.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with an associate degree, certificate, or career studies certificate from TCC, students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must fulfill all course and credit hour requirements specified in the TCC Catalog at the time of their official curriculum placement. Program changes may necessitate course substitutions, requiring divisional approval. Secondly, at least 25% of the total required semester credits must be earned at Tidewater Community College. Thirdly, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in all courses applicable to their graduation curriculum. Fourthly, students must submit a complete graduation application by the posted deadlines on the TCC website. Fifthly, all financial obligations to the College must be resolved, and all library books and materials returned. Finally, certification for graduation must be obtained from appropriate college officials. Students are strongly encouraged to review their Advisement Report in SIS and consult with an academic advisor well in advance of their intended graduation date, ideally at least a semester prior, to address any course adjustments or academic concerns promptly.
