Academic Information and Regulations

Academic Calendar

The college operates on a term system (also called a quarter system). Fall term begins in late September and ends in early December; Winter term begins in early January and runs until mid-March; Spring term begins in late March and ends in mid-June; and Summer term runs from late June until late August. See linnbenton.edu/academiccalendar.

Credit Hours and Credit Loads

Generally speaking, a class that meets one hour a week for one term with an expected homework load of two hours outside of class will be a one-credit class (whether remote or in class work). Classes that meet three hours per week with six hours of outside homework will yield three credits. Lab classes yield one credit for each two or three hours of lab time. Most classes require two hours of homework in addition to each class hour. See BP 4055 Credit Hour Policy for college policy.

To earn a transfer degree in two years, students should schedule an average of 15 credits per term to accumulate 90 credits in six terms. Fifteen credits translates to an average of a 45- hour work week. Students may take no more than 20 credits in any single term without advisor approval. The time required to complete a program may vary according to program preparation and class availability.

Grading System

Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing total quality points by total hours. (Grades not included in GPA are IN, W, P, NP, AU and repeated grades preceded by R.) Transcripts show current GPA (one term) and cumulative GPA (all classes taken at LBCC). You can obtain your grades via your WebRunner student account.

Honor Roll

Students who complete 12 credit hours or more of graded LBCC coursework in a term (P/NP grades not be included), and obtain a term grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or better (with no incomplete grades) will be placed on the Honor Roll. Students with a disability accommodation, which treats fewer than 12 credits as full-time, may inquire about their eligibility for Honor Roll if their grade point average is 3.50 or higher.

Immunizations

Academic Probation and Suspension

Linn-Benton Community College applies academic standing regulations to ensure student academic performance is consistent with progression toward the completion of declared degree and/or certificate requirements.

Degree-seeking students registered for credit classes after the add/drop deadline has passed each term are subject to academic standing regulations for that term. Students are considered to be in good academic standing if they earn a 2.00 GPA or higher each term and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. Students on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Suspension will be notified of their status via their LBCC email account.

Good Standing -- Students with both a term and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher are considered to be in Good Standing.

Academic Warning -- Students will be on Academic Warning when:

1. their term GPA drops below a 2.00, or
2. their cumulative GPA is below a 2.00 and they have attempted 36 credits or less.

Students who do not achieve a subsequent term and/or cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher during their Academic Warning term may be placed on Academic Probation.

Academic Probation -- Students will be on Academic Probation when:

1. they are on Academic Warning or Academic Probation and their term GPA is below a 2.00 and they have attempted 18 or more credits, or
2. their cumulative GPA is below a 2.00 and they have attempted 37 or more credits.

Students who do not maintain a subsequent term and cumulative GPA of 2.00 may be placed on Academic Suspension.

Academic Suspension -- Students will be placed on Academic Suspension when they are on Academic Probation, and both their term and cumulative GPA are below a 2.00, and they have attempted 37 or more credits. Students on Academic Suspension will not be allowed to register for classes until they have an Academic Suspension Appeal to Return approved.

Appeal to Return

Students who are academically suspended must submit an Appeal to Return prior to re-enrolling in credit courses. Deadlines to submit appeals for each term will be listed on the LBCC website. Appeals to Return that are submitted by the appeals deadline each term will be reviewed and decided by the Academic Appeals Committee prior to the drop/add deadline for the following term. Appeals not received by the deadline will be reviewed during the next appeal review period in the following term. Students who are approved to return may need to complete particular requirements in order to re-enroll, including but not limited to meeting with LBCC academic support staff, taking a limited number of credits, or being limited in the types of classes they may take until they have demonstrated academic improvement.

Minimum Academic Standard for Continuation in a Program

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA in all major-specific course requirements to continue in a program. Students who do not meet this requirement may petition their program department for reinstatement. Some programs may have more restrictive requirements, which are indicated in the college catalog.

Repeating a Class

In general, a course in which a student has earned a passing grade may not be repeated to satisfy certificate of degree requirements. Courses that may be repeated to satisfy certificate of degree requirements have a note in the course description.

Courses not designated as repeatable in catalog may only be taken twice. Enrollment in a course after a second attempt requires approval from the student's academic advisor or CFAR staff.

When a higher grade is earned in a repeated course the lowest grade will be excluded from the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). An “E” is placed on the transcript next to the grade excluded from the CGPA and an “I” next to the grade included in the CGPA calculation.

If the grades for the course are the same, the most recent course is included and the previous class excluded from the CGPA calculation.

Repeated courses are considered attempted credits and count in a student's completion rate for calculating Satisfactory Academic Progress for federal and state financial aid eligibility. The use of federal or state financial aid programs to pay for repeated courses is governed by current regulations. Students are advised to consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to repeating a course.

Pass/No-Pass Option

Some classes have multiple grade modes associated with them, which may include a designated P/NP option. It is the responsibility of the student to check the class schedule to determine whether a class has a P/NP option. Classes with multiple grade mode options may be updated by the student to their grade mode of choice in their online student account. This can be done through the 7th week of the term. It is not advisable to choose the “P” grade for major coursework within a chosen field of study. If students are planning to transfer to a four-year institution, they should check that institution’s requirements regarding “P” grades. The maximum number of “P” credits allowed toward a degree is 16; excluding those with an obligatory “P” grade.

Incomplete Rule

The incomplete grade (IN) may be issued for non-completion of course work at the discretion of the instructor, according to current guidance. Students have the right to ask for or decline an incomplete grade and instructors have the right to offer/grant incomplete grades. Instructors issuing this grade must submit the Incomplete Grade Contract by the time the incomplete grade is entered.

Incompletes can be requested by the student or offered by the instructor. Whether or not an incomplete grade is granted is at the instructor's discretion. Incompletes are appropriate in situations that meet all of the following criteria:

• Student experiences a serious and unexpected disruptive life event (examples include but are not limited to things like a death in the family, accident, loss of housing, military deployment, etc.) near the end of the term when they can no longer withdraw from the class.
• Student was passing the class at the time of the serious and unexpected disruptive life event.
• Student has only the class's culminating work to complete (example: final paper and/or exam, project presentation, final certification testing, etc.).

Incompletes are generally not appropriate in the following situations:

• Student is not passing the class at the time of the serious and unexpected disruptive life event.
• Student has not turned in a significant portion of the coursework.
• Student's situation was foreseeable and avoidable (examples include but are not limited to things like a busy schedule, work, conflict with vacation/travel plans, etc.).
• Student could still withdraw from the class.

Graduation: Standards of Progress

 See the Graduation Requirements section of catalog.

Withdrawing from School

If a student can no longer attend classes, they should officially withdraw from their classes. Students who drop classes within the refund period may expect a tuition refund. A grade of “W” will not be recorded if the drop is processed before the drop deadline (through the second Monday of the term). A grade of “W’ will be recorded for classes withdrawn from after the refund period and before the withdrawal deadline (by the end of the 7th week). (Note: “W” grades are considered non-completion grades for academic standing and financial aid. Also see Refunds and Withdrawal Deadlines in the Schedule of Classes.)

Transferring LBCC Credits

Lower-division credits can be transferred from LBCC to most colleges throughout the United States. If a student is planning to transfer credits to another college or university, they are encouraged to work with an LBCC advisor in planning an appropriate transfer program. It is also recommended that students coordinate their plan with that institution. Information about how to obtain a transcript can be found on the Transcripts page on the linnbenton.edu website.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

LBCC offers a number of options for students to earn credit based on prior learning or experience. Credit is awarded based on recognized standards and with the approval of faculty. Awarded credit is transcripted in accordance with standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).

Credit By Exam

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

LBCC awards credit for courses articulated to CLEP exams. Students who meet the score requirements must submit official scores to the LBCC Admission/Registration office to receive credit. Accepted CLEP scores and the related credit awards are published on the LBCC website. Credit is awarded in alignment with Oregon State University. Contact the Student Assessment Center in Red Cedar Hall, Room 111 or call 541-917-4781 for more information.

Credit by Challenge Exam:

Students may earn course credit by successfully completing an exam or through skill demonstration. If you believe you have mastered material presented in a course listed on LBCC’s Course Challenge List, you can register for Credit by Examination with the Student Assessment Center. To register, you must be currently enrolled in a credit class or you must have completed 12 credits at LBCC. You must register by Monday of week 2 of a term, and you must complete the examination by the end of the seventh week of that same term.

Before a Course Challenge can be taken, a nonrefundable processing fee consisting of 30 percent of the tuition per challenged course per credit hour. An additional testing fee may be required. For details about Credit by Examination, contact the Student Testing Center in Red Cedar Hall, Room 111 or call 541-917-4781.

Advanced Placement (AP):

LBCC awards credit for courses articulated to AP exams. Students who complete college-level work in high school under the Advanced Placement Program sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board and who receive satisfactory grades (3, 4 or 5) in examinations administered by the board may, on admission to LBCC, be granted comparable credit towards a degree. Students who meet requirements must submit official scores to receive credit. LBCC follows the score and credits to be awarded as established by a statewide agreement among community colleges and public universities. Accepted AP scores and related course credit awards are published in the Advanced Placement Equivalency Table. For details about Advanced Placement, contact Admissions and Registration.

International Baccalaureate (IB):

LBCC awards credit for courses articulated to IB exams. LBCC recognizes IB achievement by awarding credit to students who score 5 or above on higher level IB exams. Students who meet requirements must submit official scores to receive credit. LBCC follows the score and credits to be awarded as established by a statewide agreement among community colleges and public universities. Accepted IB scores and related course credit awards are published in the International Baccalaureate Equivalency Table. For details about International Baccalaureate, contact Admissions and Registration.

Credit for Training and Experience

Credit for Military Training:

LBCC follows American Council of Education guidelines in awarding credit for military training. Official transcripts from respective branches of the military are required. LBCC grants up to a maximum of 25% of the credits needed for a degree or certificate programs of 45 credits or more. Students may request evaluation of military credit by furnishing the Office of Admissions with a Joint Service Transcript (JST). Service members who present a DD-214 are eligible to be awarded three physical education activity credits. Students may need to provide an official ACE transcript. Separate transcripts from the US Coast Guard can also be provided and evaluated for credit.

Credit for Professional Licensure:

Where appropriate, a professional license may replace up to 25% of the program credits toward an AAS degree or certification program of 45 credits or more. The student must meet with the program faculty to determine the appropriate courses for which the student will receive credit. 

Credit for LBCC Training:

Students in the LBCC non-credit childcare training program are eligible to earn education course credits upon successful completion of designated training. Faculty certify successful completion of the required training sequence and inform students of the option to have course credit awarded. Contact the Child and Family Studies department for information.

Student Educational Records

Transcripts and Records

Unofficial transcripts can be obtained from your WebRunner student account for free.

3 options to order official LBCC transcripts:

Ready within 15 minutes
Go directly to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC), MyStudentCenter page, or
Log in to WebRunner, click on “Student” menu, click on “Student Records,” select "Order Official Transcript/Verify Enrollment", and click on the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) link.

Ready within 5-7 business days
Complete the Transcript Request form, sign it, and deliver it one of the following ways:
Email to transcripts@linnbenton.edu
In Person deliver the completed form to Takena Hall on the Albany Campus, or to one of our centers.
By Mail to:
Linn-Benton Community College
Attn: Transcripts
6500 Pacific Blvd. SW
Albany, Oregon 97321

Official transcripts are priced (according to selected delivery method and the number of transcript copies requested) as follows:

• e-Transcripts: Emailed PDF official transcripts, 15 minute processing (fastest delivery method- available only through the National Student Clearinghouse NSC).
  • $5.25/copy
• Paper Transcripts: Sent via USPS (take 5-7 days for order processing)
  • $5.00/first copy, $1.00/additional copy
  • Paper Rush orders (guaranteed processing in less than 5 days) are $10.00 for the first copy, $1.00 for each additional copy (ordered at the same time).

Rush orders (guaranteed processing in less than 5 days) are $10 for the first copy, $1 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Transcript Release and Financial Holds Access to transcripts and records is outlined in LBCC's Administrative Rule 7040-01 Student Records and Disclosure of Student Records Policy. Official records (such as transcripts) may not be released for students who have not made an installment tuition payment, repaid an emergency loan, or paid any other debt or obligation to the college, either to the student or to another institution, as long as the obligation is outstanding.

Records Information

Linn-Benton Community College follows the Federal Health Education and Welfare Guidelines for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (Pell-Buckley amendment) and the Oregon Administrative Rules regarding Privacy Rights and Information Reporting in Community Colleges in regard to educational records.

Federal legislation gives students the right to inspect and review their educational records as defined in LBCC Board Policy # 7040. If you believe your records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of your rights, you may ask the college to amend the record. If the college denies this request, you will be informed of this decision and of your right to a hearing. Further, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education by contacting the Family Policy and Regulations Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202.

Directory Information

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, LBCC considers the following to be directory, therefore public, information: student’s name; address; telephone listing; email; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of sports team members; dates of enrollment; enrollment status; school or division of enrollment; and degrees and awards received. If you do not want the above information released, file a Directory Deletion Form at the Registration Office. Information will not be released without consent except as per Oregon Administrative Rules (for example, in case of federal audit).

Use and Disclosure of Social Security Number (SSN)

OAR 559-004-0400 authorizes Linn Benton Community College to request your Social Security number. The number will be used by the college for reporting, research, and record keeping. Your SSN will be provided to the Oregon Community College data reporting system (OCCURS), for state and federal reporting purposes. If taking credit courses, you are required to provide the college with your SSN in order to receive a 1098-T statement for federal educational tax benefits. OCCURS or the college may provide your Social Security number to the following agencies or match it with records from the following systems:

• The National Student Clearinghouse, to track community college students go on with their education at different institutions.
• The Oregon Employment Department helps state and local agencies plan education and training services to help Oregon citizens get the best jobs available.
• The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), to provide reports to local, state, and federal governments. The information is used to learn about education, training and job market trends for planning, research, and program improvement.
• The Oregon Department of Revenue and the collection agencies only for purposes of processing debts and only if credit is extended to you by the college.
• The Internal Revenue Service for 1098-T reporting.
• The Worker’s Compensation division to track injured worker retraining.

State and federal law protects the privacy of your records. Your SSN will be used only for the purposes above, may not be re-released by these agencies, and must be secured in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

The college’s Board of Education has established policy relating to student rights, freedoms, responsibilities and due process. This policy outlines the rules for student conduct and describes the procedures for due process and for filing a complaint. See policy on the LBCC Students' Rights Responsibilities and Conduct web page. All students should read and know this policy. It sets out expectations for the LBCC Community. The form to report a concern or complaint is available at Linn-Benton Community College Incident Report Form.

Students in an LBCC Degree Partnership Program are held accountable to conduct standards at both institutions. Each institution may intervene in cases of misconduct, particularly in issues involving health and safety. Students are given opportunity for due process; those found in violation of conduct codes may receive sanctions from each institution. Institutions reserve the option to decide that only one institution will process a case of misconduct.

Student Consumerism Information

In accordance with 34 CFR Part 668, you have the right to know certain information about LBCC, including a variety of academic information, financial assistance information, institutional information, information on completion or graduation rates, institutional security policies and crime statistics, and financial support data. For details, see linnbenton.edu/about-lbcc/administration/student-right-to-know.php.