Spring Semester 2008

Georgia Perimeter College

CRN 33564 BIOL 1611 450 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Tu-Th 09:30am. - 12:30pm. Georgia Gwinnett College - A1220

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - Quick Reference--Tape to Notebook

Attendance Policy

Writing Assignments Instructions

ADAM Interactive Physiology Disk

Office Hours

Targets do not work in webct. Scroll down the pages.
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Dr. John V. Aliff
Dept. of Science, 1 GUC 1294
Georgia Perimeter College
1000 University Center Lane
Lawrenceville, GA  30043
Ph 678-407-5044; jaliff@gpc.edu
FAX 678-407-5251

All point totals and test dates are tentative
 
WEEK (beginning date is the first day of the academic week, assignment due dates are located in the right column) Lecture Subject 
Text Assignment, Chapters

Subject - find the relevant sections of the Study Guides and Notes in webct.

Begin with the webct homepage for Biology 1611.

Numbered chapters refer to the text.  Also consult the course calendar.

Study Guide Chapters in italics  - see the homepage.

All point totals are tentative

1  (1-7-08)  Scientific Method (see lab manual Introduction, xi-xv); Chemistry for Physiology, Review (Text chapters 1,2) 
2 (1-14-08)

NEW COLLEGE POLICY: All students must have attended class by 1-13-08 or they will be dropped as a "no show."

Chemistry  (2). Take the Chem Practice Test linked s after finishing Chapter 2. Submit by Saturday of this week.

20 pt Group case Study on Scientific Method and Chemistry Due webct e-mailed by Sunday 1-20-08.  See the webct homepage.  Pick from scientific method or chemistry.

Monday Jan. 21 is MLK Holiday!
3  (1-21-08) Cells (3) , Tissues, Integument (4, 5)
Thursday 1-24-08: Quiz 1 during the last hour of class. Text chapters 1 and 2. Turn in relevant coloring book chapters (1, 2 and 3).
4 (1-28-08) 

Bone Tissue  (6)

Bone Tissue, Axial and Appendicular Skeleton, (6-7)

Start individual case study - pick from cases on the vista homepage from skin, bone and muscles.

Quiz 2 Thursday 1-31-08  Ch. 4-7

Feb. 1, 2008 is last day to drop with a W.  
5 (2-4-08) Articulations, Muscle Physiology (8, 9) 

Do the required muscle cd assignment. It is linked in the course contents homepage.

Human Muscles (10), Nervous Tissues (11) 

20 pt.  Individual Case Study Assignment Due by Friday .

Quiz 3, Thursday: Text Ch. 7-10.

5 (2-11-08) Turn in the Nervous System I  Interactive Physiology cd assignment  by Sunday.

Spinal Cord  (12,  p. 469-480, 13), Spinal nerves and cranial nerves.

6 (2-19-08)

Brain, Integration (13)

Autonomic Nervous System (14) 

Start neuro case 3.

Turn in the Nervous System II  Interactive Physiology cd assignment  by Sunday.

Thursday 2-22-08 Quiz 4. Text Ch. 11-12 . Turn in color book chapters.

7 (2-26-08) Senses (15)

20 pt.  Individual Case Study Assignment Due by Tuesday 2-27-08,
See the syllabus and  pick from muscle and  neuro cases.

Comprehensive final exam Feb. 29 at class time. Turn in final color book chapters. 

Books and Supplies - Important!!!! 
These books can be purchased at the Lawrenceville bookstore
These will be used both semesters, lecture and lab - a total of 4 courses including labs.
 

The bookstore may have a specially priced bundle that includes all the lecture text, lab text and Interactive Physiology disc modules. You must also purchase the Marieb Coloring book listed separately below (items #1 and #2). 

1.  Required for lecture*: Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book*. Mareib, AWL, 6th-8th ed., 2003-2005. Look on ebay??
2.  Required for lecture*: Marieb Human Anatomy and Physiology text* (6th or 7th ed., AWL) Text, Mareib Cat Lab Manual (8th ed, AWL) and Interactive Physiology cd  (inside rear cover) . If you purchase a used copy make sure that the Interactive Physiology disc is there.
3.  For All GPC Labs: Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory  Cat Version 9th ed., 2007. 
4.  Optional if you do not purchase a text with an Interactive Physiology cd (inside rear cover)  Elaine Mareib, Human Anatomy and Physiology, 6th Ed., Benjamin -Cummings. If you select this option, the relevant Interactive Physiology cd must be used by students in the Lawrenceville Learning and Tutoring center or open computer lab in Lawrenceville A bldg.-- contact me if you elect this option - see the hours of operation of the ISS lab (9AM-2 PM, M-F and Sat. morning, generally).
5.  For all GPC Labs: Book Store Lab Supplies Kit (including dissection kit, surgical gloves, and safety glasses). 
6. Optional for extra credit: Lafferty and Panella, A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy Student Lab Guide - Student Package Windows, 2nd-4th eds.. AWL, 2001+. Book bundled with A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy cd.The relevant cd can also be used by students in the Lawrenceville Instructional Support Services Lab (I.S.S.) -  see the hours of operation of the LTC lab. Extra points awarded at time of color book submission.
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND POLICIES

BIOLOGY 1611 Lecture. This is a first quarter course in Human Anatomy and
Physiology designed to meet requirements for nursing students, physical education
majors and students preparing for careers in certain health sciences. Topics covered
include animal cell structure and function, cell chemistry, cell division, metabolism,
tissues. skeletal system and nervous system.

1611 Lab. This is a three hour per week laboratory exercise involving microscopy of
tissues, macroscopic examination of preserved skeletal systems, cat muscle
dissections, examinations of models of muscles and nervous systems, and preserved
nervous systems.

Prerequisite: C grade in Chemistry 1911, lecture and lab or an equivalent college
chemistry course such as Chem 1421, and relevant developmental course
requirements. A C grade or better in High School Chemistry taken during the
previous two years may substitute for Chem 1911. Knowledge of Chem 1911
material may be challenged by test only previous to the Biology 1611 course by
formal application to the academic department head. Students must document
fulfillment of prerequisites by the second class. Failure to comply with prerequisites
will result in removal from the course by the departmental Chair.

Corequisite: Biology 1611 Lab. Biology 1611 Lecture is a corequisite for Biology 1611
Lab.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Any student observed cheating by formally complaining students and confirming instructor, will be notified and prosecuted according to college policy. Plagiarism, that is, claiming as one's own work, the work of another will be treated as cheating.

Cheating  includes any attempt to defraud, deceive, or mislead the instructor in arriving at an honest grade
assessment. Plagiarism is a form of cheating that involves presenting as one’s own ideas the ideas or work of
another. Formal appeal and prosecution procedures are outlined in the Georgia Perimeter College
Student Handbook.

Cheating of any kind may result in a penalty ranging from a grade of zero for the work in question to a grade of F
in the course and will be referred to the College Court for an assignment of a penalty that may include suspension
from the college. Referral to the College Court is required whether the student admits or denies the violation.

The following are selected examples of cheating or plagiarism.

A.  On a test or quiz:
1. Looking at or copying from another student’s work.
2. Allowing another student to look at or copy your work.
3. Exchanging information with another student
4. Speaking or whispering. You may however speak to the instructor any time.
5. Opening a textbook or notebook.
6. Looking at notes.
B. On homework or other out-of-class assignments:
1. Copying work or answers from another student.
2. Copying work or answers from a book.
3. Having another person do the work for you.
4. Allowing another student to use your work as his/her own.

C. For late work or tests:
1. Providing false information or documents in order to be allowed to make up a missed test,  quiz, or homework.

Behavior, Attendance and Withdrawal

GPC Preamble: "Students academic success is the major priority of the college. Because regular participation enhances the learning process, students are expected to adhere to the attendance policy set forth by the college and individual faculty members. Differences in content and teaching styles exist among courses, which can impact students learning. Therefore, students are strongly expected to attend all classes (login-online) to better prepare them for (regularly scheduled) assignments, tests and other course-related activities. Students are accountable for assignments and material covered during an absence."

Participation includes taking tests and submitting assignments on time. Failure to attend in the first week of class will result in removal from the class as a "no show" according to college rules. Withdrawal from the class after this date is totally the
responsibility of the student.

Disruptive behavior, such as the posting of harassing e-mails, will be noted to the student on the first occurrence. The
second occurrence will be notified by writing to the student with a copy to the departmental chair. See the rights
and responsibilities of students in the Georgia Perimeter College Student Handbook and the College Catalog.

The last day to withdraw from the class without a grade and with a W notation in your record is Feb. 1, 2008.
It is entirely the student's responsibility to withdraw.. Hardship withdrawal from all courses must be petitioned to
Lawrenceville campus science department chair and academic Dean with notice of intent given to the Instructor.  Students must have at least a C average
up to the time of a hardship withdrawal. After midterm, failure to take tests or submit assignments will result in zero
grades computed with your class average of all tests and assignments and an F grade may be entered for the course as the overall average dictates.

Formal petition  (obtained from Admissions) to the Instructor, copied to the Science Department Chair, must be made for an
Incomplete grade. Incomplete grades must be made up by the end of the following term unless extended by appeal
to the department chair. No more than two tests, including the final, may be made up in lecture or lab, respectively.

Withdrawal from Lecture results is withdrawal from Lab and vice-versa.  Students are responsible for all
announcements made in webct. Withdrawal from class is the responsibility of the student other than as noted
above.

TESTS

Tests will normally be returned within 1 week  following the test date. The
Final Exam will not be returned to the student. Students may not leave after the lab
period tests. If this occurs, the Quiz will not be graded and recorded. All point totals
are tentative. All midterm evaluations will be based on at least two tests in lecture.
Students will be encouraged to confer with the instructor before midterm or after a poor
test performance.. The final exam is comprehensive, approximately 50% material since midterm
the last written test.

Make-up Tests: for major Tests, Make Up tests will be entirely essay unless made
up before the regular test is returned. Students may not make up more than two
major tests in any one week.
 
Questions: Matching, True-False, fill-in-the-blank, identify indicated structure 
from slides, and short discussion questions will occur. 
 
Spelling: fractions of points will be subtracted for poor spelling.
Whole points will be deducted if the spelling is incomprehensible.
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ASSIGNMENTS

Extra Credit Assignments

Self-paced learning programs on computer disks, hard drives or CD-Rom may be
given for extra credit or as regular assignments. In order to receive the full allotment
of points, all questions of the accompanying handout must be answered correctly.

First Writing Assignment Instructions

Case Studies

Setting: Take the roll of a nurse practioner, dental health practitioner or intern physician.

The First Case Study: A case study for 20 points will be chosen by a group of two or three students. See the explanation at

See the the vista homepage for cases. Subsequent case studies will be individually submitted after approval of the subject by your instructor.

Procedure:

1. Form your group of  2-3 students.

2. Pick a topic and clear it with Dr. A. We don't want duplication of efforts.

3. Divide your work topic evenly after you have decided on how to make the diagnosis (tests to run) and what the diagnosis is.
        a. When you "order tests," tell me which ones you want by email to jaliff@gpc.edu (face to face classes only) or in   webct (online classes) and I will give you results.

4. Write the paper in these titled sections:

        a. State the case.
        b. Write a SOAP note on the patients. See Ch. 1 in the Aliff and Aliff text linked on the vista course homepage.
        c. Diagnosis: Explain your diagnosis and alternative diagnoses if appropriate. Get patients vital signs. Explain why certain
lab or electronic imaging  procedures were     ordered. Order tests from Dr. Aliff ; e.g., Calcium ion level in blood.
        d. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the case in detail.
        d. Outline and explain a treatment regimen.
        e. Include a list of references.

The Subsequent Case Studies (#2 and #3) Are Done Individually:

Do #4, above.

Late articles will have points deducted. Papers not conforming to specifications by
having missing sections will be returned to students for corrections. When returned
the paper will be evaluated as a late paper with 10-30% of the possible point total
deducted, depending on the number of weeks transpired. Papers poorly done but
with all the required sections will be graded immediately without the privilege to
resubmit. The first version of the paper will be resubmitted with the corrected
version. Mistakes made on the first version will influence the final assignment
grade.

Total Points in LECTURE Course -Tentative (denominators for quizzes and tests are set according to the student grade distribution)
 
Lecture Tests (4)
           240
Final Exam

          120

Writing Assignments (3) Practice test (1)
      80
Coloring book (5 @12 each)

           60

TOTAL
   500
 

GRADES

Grades may be determined any time in the course by placing your total earned
points (numerator) over (as a fraction) the total points possible (denominator),
excluding Extra Bonus Question Credit. For example, you scored 36/50 on a Lecture
test: divide 36/50 = 72%. Standard grade scale will be used; i.e., 90%=A, 80-89=B,
70-79=C, 60-69=D, and below 60%=F. The grade appeal procedure is found  in the
Georgia Perimeter College College catalog.

OFFICE HOURS

T and Th 12:30-4 PM.  Office Room A-1294 , Georgia
Perimeter College, Gwinnett University Center, 1000 Gwinnett University Center Lane,
Office Phone Number (678) 407-5044 (you can leave a message). FAX 678-407-5273.
.

Audio-Visual Aids

Slides, films and video tapes will be used on occasion. Note taking is required.
Audio-visual aids are placed 'on reserve' in the Gwinnett Center Library and are
available on the lab computer.
 

HEALTH WARNINGS

Certain laboratories include use of strong acids, solvents and preservatives. Any
pregnant women or hypersensitive individuals would report their condition to the
instructor and to their physician, preferably before contact with the materials (see
lab exercises). Additional instructions for lab will be presented during the first lab.
Students are required to follow all instructions. Students failing to conform to lab
rules and safety precautions will be first warned by removal from the lab. On second
offense students will be removed from both lecture and lab.

COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE POLICIES

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF GEORGIA PERIMETER
COLLEGE ADDRESSED
1. OUTCOME: "The student should be able to communicate effectively through listening,
reading, writing and speaking."

Skill:             Method

A. Listening:    note-taking in lectures

B. Reading:     textbook assignments, instructions for tasks

C. Writing:      participation in the "writing across the curriculum" program; writing
assignments in lecture and lab, and the use of discussion test questions

D. Speaking:  oral questioning
 

2. OUTCOME: “ The student should be able to demonstrate effective problem-solving
and critical thinking skills.” See description for Outcome #3.

3. OUTCOME: "The student should be able to recognize and apply scientific
inquiry in a variety of settings."

Through lecture experiences including writing assignments and testing, the student
will be able to recognize and apply the scientific method, making observations,
forming tentative, testable hypotheses to explain natural phenomena, interpreting
controlled experiments, and making conclusions from data. The student should
also be able to distinguish between well-supported scientific conclusions and
poorly-supported assumptions and beliefs.

4. OUTCOME: “The student should be able to identify and apply the basic
concepts of wellness.”

Together with courses in Health and Physical Education, Human Biology
will train students to interpret the significance of the scientific method and
the facts discovered to understand the homeostasis, aging, and common
disease processes of each of the organ systems.

COMMON COURSE POLICIES OF THE CURRICULUM
COMMITTEE FOR ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

As a consequence of completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe and apply the principles of the scientific method.

2. Describe endocrine glands and tissues and compare and contrast their functions.

3. Describe structures of the cardiovascular system and compare and contrast their functions..

4. Describe the structures of the respiratory system and compare and contrast their functions.

5. Describe the structures of the digestive system and compare and contrast their functions.

6. Describe urinary structures and interpret, compare and contrast the functions of female
and male excretory systems.

7. Describe reproductive structures and compare and contrast their functions in females and males.

8.  Define the principles of human genetics, solve problems involving certain patterns of
inheritance, and identify selected normal and disease-related traits.

ASSESSMENT OF EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL RESULTS

a. Course Grade

 1.  Student grades will be determined by each instructor according to the guidelines
presented in the instructor's course syllabus. Methods will include quizzes, tests, projects,
library assignments or homework as developed by each instructor. Each student will be
expected to demonstrate knowledge and application of the scientific method. Evaluation
may require the student to demonstrate skills in writing.

2. The final exam will include a comprehensive section amounting to 25% of the total
for the exam. 75% will be questions from new material. The exam as a whole will
count at least 20% of the grade for the lecture course.

3. It is strongly recommended that writing assignments and discussion questions
should be included in the course in order to conform to Georgia Perimeter College's
commitment to "writing across the curriculum."
 

  1. Divisional Assessment
Conducted at five year intervals beginning in the Fall quarter of 1995, Biology 1611
lecture assessment will be done in conjunction with Biology 111 laboratory assessment
and Biology 112, lecture and lab assessment. Multiple-choice questions using Scantron
sheets will be given to each student of Biology 1611 and lectures and labs. The
assessment questions will be graded and a part of the final exam.

Scantron sheets will be accumulated by the Curriculum Committee for Anatomy and
Physiology and then sent to the Georgia Perimeter College Office for Academic Assessment. The
Academic Assessment Office and the Curriculum Committee will report the statistical
results in three categories, "successful" means that 70% or more of the multiple-choice
questions were answered correctly, "moderately successful" means that 50%-69% of
students answered the questions correctly, "unsuccessful" means that less than 50% of
students answered the multiple-choice questions correctly.

  1. Use of Assessment Findings
The Curriculum Committee for Anatomy and Physiology will then report a summary of
findings on the achievement of educational goals and learning levels and recommended
changes in curriculum to the Coordinator of the Division of Science. The Coordinator of the
Division of Science will form a Review Committee constructed of full-time Biology faculty
not teaching anatomy and physiology, and one representative of the Curriculum Committee for
Anatomy and Physiology to review the Curriculum Committee's summary. The Review
Committee is also empowered to recommend changes in curriculum. The Curriculum
Committee for Anatomy and Physiology will formulate a response to the Review
Committee's report. The Coordinator of Science will then report to the Vice-Preseident for
Instruction, who, with the Curriculum Committee, will oversee yearly progress in implementing the
recommended changes in curriculum. The Coordinator of the Division of Science will prepare an
annual assessment report to the Biology faculty.

OBJECTIVES - for Dr. Aliff's Classes

  1. Provide for retention of general Biology principles; so that, one may read, listen to

  2. and discuss popular media coverage from an informed point of view. Methods;
    lecture, recitation on tests, discussion, and writing assignments.
  3. Acquire understanding of the process of scientific inquiry, so that, scientific information

  4. can be properly related to other bodies of academic knowledge and thus to moral/ethical
    decision making. Methods: lecture and discussion, lab experimentation involving controls,
    and writing assignments.
  5. Provide for practice in the techniques of laboratory experimentation. Methods:

  6. measurement by scientific equipment, discussion, and writing assignments.
  7. To prepare for further studies and practice in Health Professions such as

  8. Nursing and Physical Therapy.
  9. To become professionals in practice and behavior.

ANTIDISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS STATEMENTS

Georgia Perimeter College - Lawrenceville Campus - Department of Science

Nondiscrimination statement

Georgia Perimeter College supports the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order
# 11246, Title IX of the Educational Ammendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. No person shall, on the basis of age,
race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, be excluded from,
participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimnination under any
program or activity of the college.

Any individual with a grievance related to the enforcement of any of the above provisions
should contact the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Ombudsperson.

Revision Approved by College Advisory Board 10/17/02 - Moved from Section 400 to Section
200 of the CPC Policy Manual

Statement of Academic Freedom
Georgia Perimeter College endorses the Statement of Academic Freedom adopted by the
American Association of University Professors in 1940, as it has been amended from time
to time. Specifically,

 a. Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results,
subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for
pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.

 b. Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject and related material.

 c. College and university teachers are citizens and members of a learned profession.
When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or
discipline. They should at all times be accurate, should show respect for the opinions of
others, and should indicate that they are not speaking for the institution when appropriate.

In adopting the AAUP statement, the College does not necessarily adopt interpretations
of the statement that are inconsistent with Georgia Perimeter College’s primary mission
as a two-year teaching college within the University System of Georgia; however, the
College acknowledges its respect for the experience of other academics and institutions
in the interpretation of the statement.

In addition, Georgia Perimeter College recognizes that students are free to take reasonable
exception to the data or views offered in any course of study, while meeting the responsibility
to learn the content of the course and maintaining the standards of academic performance
established for the course. Specifically, the College recognizes the right of the student to
free thought and orderly free expression in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning
and free of ceercion and unreasonable interference.

Reference: www.aaup.org - Approved by Faculty Senate, Academic Affairs Policy Council,
College Advisory Board 4/2000

Academic Honesty

Academic Misconduct is defined as cheating and/or plagiarism.  Cheating includes any attempt to defraud, deceive or mislead the instructor in arriving at an honest grade assessment.  Plagiarism is a form of cheating that involves presenting as one's own, the ideas or work of another.  Any student found by the instructor to have engaged in academic misconduct on a graded test, assignment, or examination may be assigned a zero for that assignment, assigned an F in the course, and/or be charged with cheating in the Georgia Perimeter College student judiciary process.  Students found guilty of cheating may be dismissed from the class or from the college.  The GPC student handbook describes the regulations governing these procedures.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require assistance or support services, please seek assistance through the Center for Disability Services (CDS).  A CDS counselor will coordinate these services.

Equal Opportunity Statement

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age or disability be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits or, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by GPC.

Affirmative Action Statement

Georgia Perimeter College adheres to affirmative action policies to promote diversity and equal opportunity for all faculty and students.

Academic Respect

The college exists to foster educational excellence.  To this end, a classroom atmosphere that supports learning must be maintained.  Students are expected to be active, attentive participants in the class.  Students are also expected to abide by class policies and procedures and to treat faculty and other students in a professional, respectful manner.  Students are expected to be familiar with the student conduct code published in the Student Handbook.

Regent's Test Statement

Students are required to take the Regent's test.  Each student has two attempts to pass this test before he or she accumulates 45 hours of collegiate credit.  After two attempts, or after reaching 45 hours, a student will be required to take classes to prepare for the test.  These classes are three credit hours each.  (The test is free; the courses require tuition payment.)  After accumulating 54 or more credit hours, a student may not take any collegiate level courses until he or she completes the preparation classes and passes the Regent's test.  Students should sign up for the test when enrolled in or immediately following the completion of ENGL 1102 and prior to accumulating 45 credit hours.

Instructional Support Services

The math and Writing Center (ISS) offers free individual tutoring on a drop-in basis.  Tutoring is available in a wide variety of collegiate courses as well as in learning Support courses. Professional, degreed personnel conduct tutoring.  Hours are posted on the web at www.gpc.edu/~lawiss/index.htm.

Lab Waiver Policy

Students with special medical conditions (pregnancy, nursing, immune deficiencies, etc.) who have documentation from their (licensed) physician may request a waiver of lab until a later date.  Students must present this documentation to the department chair at the time of the request.

Georgia Perimeter College recognizes that students are free to take reasonable exception to the data or views offered in any course of study, while meeting the responsibility to learn the content of the course and maintaining the standards of academic performance established for the course. Specifically, the College recognizes the right of the student to free thought and orderly free expression in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and free of coercion and unreasonable interference.

Multiple Campuses Statement

<>Students taking lecture and lab at different campuses should be aware that, while the content is the same, the order of topics may be different. Students are responsible for covering the material as required by each instructor. 

Drop for Non-Attendance

Students who never attend a class and never “log-in” for a distance learning class by the end of the first two weeks of the term will be reported for non-attendance. Students who do not drop a class during the schedule adjustment period and are reported for non-attendance will be automatically dropped from that course. Neither the course(s) nor any grade(s) will appear on the student's permanent record. Students reported for non-attendance in a required Learning Support, English as a Second Language, or Regents' Test Preparation course will be withdrawn from all collegiate level (1000 or 2000-level) courses in which that student is concurrently enrolled. 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Georgia Perimeter College supports the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive  Order #11246, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  No person shall, on the basis of age, race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the college.

Any individual with a grievance related to the enforcement of any of theabove provisions should contact the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Ombudsperson.

SECTION 300 – ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

WITHDRAWALS

POLICY

It is the policy of Georgia Perimeter College to encourage students to complete all courses for which they enroll, in order to achieve their educational goals. Faculty, counselors, and academic administrators should strive to assist students in identifying alternative solutions to withdrawal. However, if all other options have been exhausted, withdrawal may be necessary. Three types of standard withdrawals exist: Automatic withdrawals, Course withdrawals and withdrawal from the College. The procedure for each is described in detail below. A fourth type of withdrawal exists for extraordinary circumstances, which allows a student to withdraw from one or more classes after the midpoint of the semester without academic penalty. This type of withdrawal, which requires the approval of the relevant campus Dean of Academic Services, is known as a Hardship withdrawal.

PROCEDURES

Automatic Withdrawals

Learning Support Courses

Regents’ Test Preparation Courses

English as a Second Language Courses

Students enrolled in both Learning Support (numbered below 1000), English as a Second Language (beginning with ENSL prefix), or Regents’ Test Preparation courses (beginning with RGTR or RGTE prefix) AND collegiate level (1000 or 2000-level) courses must adhere to published attendance policies for Learning Support, English as a Second Language, and Regents’ Test Preparation courses in order to remain enrolled in their collegiate level courses. Any student who violates the published attendance policy of a Learning Support, English as a Second Language course or Regents' Test Preparation course before midterm will be automatically withdrawn from that course by the instructor on a withdrawal form with a grade of “W”. The withdrawal will be submitted to Enrollment and Registration Services for processing; the process includes withdrawal from with all collegiate level (1000 or 2000-level) courses in which that student is concurrently enrolled.   

Drop for Non-Attendance

Students who never attend a class and never “log-in” for a distance learning class by the end of the first two weeks of the term will be reported for non-attendance. Students who do not drop a class during the schedule adjustment period and are reported for non-attendance will be automatically dropped from that course. Students reported for non-attendance in a Learning Support, English as a Second Language, or Regents' Test Preparation course will be dropped from all collegiate level (1000 or 2000-level) courses in which that student is concurrently enrolled. Neither the course(s) nor any grade(s) will appear on the student's permanent record.

Course Withdrawals

1.   The responsibility for withdrawal from courses rests with the student. Instructors will not withdraw students except as outlined under the automatic withdrawal section of the policy. Students who stop attending an on-campus course (or participating as directed in a distance-learning course) without formally withdrawing are subject to their instructors’ published attendance/participation policies, which may result in a failing grade. All instructors are responsible for making a course syllabus available to students at the beginning of the semester. Students are responsible for reading the syllabus and adhering to course policies.

2.   Specific procedures for completing and submitting an official Withdrawal Form are published in the College catalog and Student Handbook.

3.  Policies are designed to strongly encourage students to consult with a faculty member or counselor prior to withdrawing. However, within the constraints described below, and prior to the midpoint of the course, students have the right to withdraw without anyone’s permission, with no academic penalty.

4.  Prior to the midpoint of the course, (a) Students who officially withdraw from collegiate level (1000 or 2000-level) courses receive a grade of "W;” (b) Students taking only Learning Support, English as a Second Language, and Regents’ Test Preparation courses who officially withdraw receive a grade of "W;" or (c) Students taking a mixture of both Learning Support, ESL, Regents’ Test Preparation courses and collegiate-level courses will not be allowed to withdraw from any Learning Support course unless they also withdraw from all collegiate level courses.

5. Students who withdraw after the mid-point of the total grading period (including final exams) will receive a grade of "WF" unless a hardship withdrawal is approved, as described below.

Withdrawal from the College

Students withdrawing from all courses for which they are registered are considered to be withdrawn from the College.

Specific procedures for completing and submitting an official Withdrawal Form are published in the College catalog and Student Handbook.

Policies are designed to strongly encourage students to consult with a faculty member or counselor prior to withdrawing. However, within the constraints described above, students have the right to withdraw without anyone’s permission, with no academic penalty.

All course withdrawal policies (described above) are also applicable to College withdrawals.

Students who officially withdraw from the College are entitled to partial refunds if the Withdrawal Form is filed within the refund period.

Hardship Withdrawals

Hardship Withdrawals are rare and granted only in extraordinary circumstances.

A hardship withdrawal may be requested for all courses in which the student is enrolled (i.e., withdrawal from the College) or only for a specific course (i.e. Course withdrawal). For example, a serious medical emergency might require a student to withdraw from all classes for the semester, but a minor medical condition might necessitate withdrawal only from a physical education course or science laboratory section.

A request for hardship consideration must be made to the campus Dean of Academic Services as soon as practicable after the hardship occurs, but no later than the seventh week of the following semester. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances.

All requests for hardship consideration must be in writing, and include appropriate documentation of the hardship circumstance from a verifiable source (e.g. hospital or court records).

All hardship withdrawals must be approved by the Dean of Academic Services in consultation with the department chair(s) and/or faculty member(s) teaching the course(s) for which the hardship withdrawal is being requested. Hardship withdrawals also require review by Financial Aid to determine if any repayment of funds may be required.

If the hardship withdrawal is approved, the student will receive a grade of "W" in the relevant course(s) for the term requested.

The decision on a hardship withdrawal by the campus Dean of Academic Services will be communicated to the student, faculty member(s), department chair, and the Office of Enrollment and Registration Services.

The official date of withdrawal will be the last date the student attended class. 

<>If the campus Dean of Academic Services does not approve the hardship withdrawal, the student may appeal to the campus Provost, whose decision is final.
 _______________________________________________________________________

Approved by AAPC – October 23, 2003

Sent to CAB

Returned to AAPC for review

Reviewed April 15, 2004

Revised June 22, 2004

Sent to CAB – July 28, 2004

Approved  8-05-04

Flashing email symboljaliff @ gpc.edu