Managing The Classroom
- Class Lists
- Textbooks
- Syllabi and Course Outlines
- Examinations
- Changes of Class Meetings and Field Trips
- Class Attendance by Instructors
- Class Attendance by Students
- Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct
- Student Behavior
- Students of Concern
- Tobacco Use on College Grounds
- Eating and Drinking in Classrooms
- Disability Support Services
- Grading
- Registration for and Withdrawal from Classes
- Use of E-mail
- Equivalent Semester Hours (ESH)
- Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF,
) - Student Code of Conduct (PDF, )
- Syllabus Template
Managing a classroom can be a difficult challenge for faculty of all experience levels. To assist faculty, this section illustrates the basics behind quality classroom management and explains several College policiesnew window most applicable to faculty members.
Many of the following are sections taken from the official College Policies and Proceduresnew window website concerning classroom procedure (PDF, ) and the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) .
Class Lists
Class lists are provided to faculty members by their department and may also be viewed and printed by faculty via the Banner database. Professors can request these lists from departmental administrative aides or they can access the lists themselves. To do the latter requires training in using Banner, and the Office of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (ELITE) offers these training sessions throughout the year. For more information on ELITE workshops, please see the Professional Development webpage.
Faculty can also access their class lists through the collegewide web portal MyMCnew window. Once logged in, faculty should select the appropriate term, CRN, and course. To find a general class list, which can be used to create a grade book or attendance roster, select Summary Faculty Class list. A list of the currently enrolled students should appear shortly. Faculty can find class lists for all the classes that they are scheduled to teach.
Student attendance should be taken at the first class meeting and periodically thereafter to verify the names on the class list. A student in attendance whose name does not appear on a current class list, or who does not have an officially signed admittance form, should be sent to the Office of Enrollment Servicesnew window immediately.
Textbooks
Review and selection of textbooks and other teaching materials is a primary responsibility of all instructors. Faculty should check with their department chair regarding the policy on selecting course textbooks. In the case of multiple-section courses, department/unit coordinators organize selection of course teaching materials for all of the course sections. The main goal is to achieve consensus on the most effective materials for attaining course goals and objectives. The same criterion should be kept in mind when selecting teaching materials for single-section courses.
Syllabi and Course Outlines
Course syllabi and course outlines, which provide students with information about goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, are prepared by instructors in accordance with department/unit procedures and should be distributed to students at the first class meeting. Syllabi, along with all course materials, must also be submitted to the instructional dean and department chairperson each semester along with the final course examination. If assistance or clarification is needed, the instructor should contact his or her department chairperson or immediate academic supervisor.
All full- and part-time faculty are strongly encouraged to include in their syllabi
the standards of college behavior found in Section VII of the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) .
A detailed written syllabus distributed and discussed at the first class meeting can alleviate problems, especially if it notifies students of how to contact an instructor concerning emergency absences, assignments, and course grade concerns.
Students find it helpful when faculty include an e-mail address, or an office or home phone number, or coordinate a method by which messages can be left by students and retrieved by the faculty in a timely manner.
Click here to view the Montgomery College Syllabus Template.
Examinations
Regular examinations, quizzes, or tests during a course may be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor or in accordance with department/unit guidelines. If midsemester examinations are used, they must be given during the time period designated for their course. For detailed schedules of the upcoming semesters please see the Final Exam Schedules webpage.
Final examinations will be given during the last week of the semester. Whether or not a final exam is given, the class is required to meet during the last week of the semester. Final exams should be given in accordance with the College’s final exam schedule.
Appropriate campus administrators must approve any exceptions to the above-mentioned rule. All incomplete work should be completed by students within four weeks after the beginning of the next semester (excluding summer sessions), unless the instructor agrees upon a later date and so indicates in writing to the Office of Enrollment Servicesnew window.
Changes of Class Meetings and Field Trips
Any change of classroom space must be cleared through the campus Office of Enrollment Servicesnew window. When planning a field trip, make sure to consult College Procedure 51005 Field Trips (PDF, ) and the supervising dean.
Class Attendance by Instructors
If an instructor does not arrive at the appointed class within fifteen minutes after
the time the class is scheduled to begin, the students may assume the class will not
meet that day. Instructors should contact their immediate supervisors as soon as possible
to report their absence. Click here to view the complete Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) document.
Class Attendance by Students
Students are expected to attend all class sessions. In cases involving excessive absences
from class, the instructor may drop the student from the class, resulting in a grade
determined in accordance with Academic Regulation 9.645. “Excessive absence” (PDF, ) is defined as one more absence than the number of classes per week during a fall
or spring semester (with the number of absences to be prorated for accelerated sessions).
If the student who is registered for audit is dropped by the instructor, the grade
of W shall be recorded.
Within the framework of this College policy, the individual faculty member defines his or her own student absence policy, in particular how to adjudicate the issue of excused absences, since Montgomery College policy is that students are expected to attend all class sessions, with no formal regulatory provision for “excused absences.” At the beginning of the semester, the instructor’s policy on student attendance should be made unequivocally clear, preferably in writing in the course syllabus, to the students in each class.
All faculty are urged not to schedule tests or examinations on major religious holidays. If coursework requires such scheduling, students observing that particular holiday must not be penalized for their absence and should be given an opportunity to make up the missed test or examination.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct
All students are expected to achieve their goals with academic honor. Cheating, plagiarism,
and/or other forms of academic dishonesty or misconduct, examples of which can be
found in the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) , are not to be tolerated.
A student who engages in any act that his or her classroom instructor considers academic dishonesty or misconduct is subject to any and all sanctions deemed appropriate by the classroom instructor.
The classroom instructor determines student acts of academic dishonesty and misconduct,
such as cheating, plagiarism, and any other form of academic dishonesty, common examples
of which are cited in the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) , Section VIII.
Grade sanctions may range from an “F” on the assignment in which the dishonesty occurred, to an “F” on a portion of the coursework, to a maximum sanction of an “F” in the course. The instructor may choose to impose a consequence other than grade sanctions and also has the prerogative of referring a case to the campus dean of student development, with a specific request that the dean consider imposing additional sanctions.
The rights and responsibilities of both the course instructor and the student, as
well as the procedures to be followed, are detailed in the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) .
Any questions concerning the handling of academic dishonesty or misconduct offenses should be directed to the department chairperson, immediate academic supervisor, instructional dean, or dean of student development.
STUDENT RIGHTS
Students are entitled to prompt notification of an alleged violation, the sanction to be imposed, and the reasons for it. They must also be informed of the appeals process and receive a copy of any written communication detailing the alleged violation, its circumstances, and the nature of the evidence sent to their respective campus dean of student development.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
APPEALS PROCESS
A student may appeal a sanction for academic misconduct to the vice president and provost (VP/P) for the campus or Workforce Development & Continuing Education, or designee, whichever is applicable. The appeal must be submitted, in writing, to the VP/P or designee within 10 business days of the date the student is informed of the imposition of the sanction. A grade sanction can only be changed through the appeal process and not through withdrawal from the course.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Student Behavior
Montgomery College is dedicated to providing a quality comprehensive educational program, designed to meet the diverse and changing educational, social, economic, and cultural needs of the community. The College is committed not only to learning and the advancement of knowledge, but also to the development of ethically sensitive and responsible persons. It seeks to achieve these goals through a sound educational program and through regulations and policies governing student life that encourage responsibility and respect for the rights and viewpoints of others.
The College believes in the premise that students are adults who are responsible for their own actions and who should be free to pursue their educational objectives in an environment that promotes learning, protects the integrity of the academic process, and protects the College community.
Instructors are referred to the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) for guidance in matters concerning student behavior in the classroom. The Student
Code of Conduct contains the College policy and operating procedures governing situations
involving either academic or nonacademic misconduct.
Faculty members should follow these general guidelines on appropriate student classroom behavior:
- Faculty should include a statement in their syllabi about any expectations for students’ behavior in the classrooms and should discuss that statement on the first day of class.
- Faculty have a “duty to warn” any student not complying with stated guidelines. Inform disruptive students that their behavior is not acceptable (be specific in identifying the unacceptable behavior), specify what behaviors are required, and inform students of the consequences of not complying with those guidelines.
- Faculty must give students an opportunity to comply with any requirements.
- If students continue with inappropriate behavior, faculty may ask them to leave. Faculty may seek assistance from Safety and Security.
- If a faculty member is uncertain about how to proceed, he or she should check with the dean of student development on his or her campus.
Click here for more information: Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) .
Students of Concern
Sometimes a faculty member finds that he or she is especially concerned about the current or potential future behavior of a student. For just this situation, Montgomery College has a Behavior Intervention Team (BIT)new window on each campus. Reporting students of concernnew window does not take the place of calling the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Managementnew window if there is an emergency or health/safety situation, but reporting a student to the BIT will help to identify students that might need to be assessed and supported in a variety of ways before an emergency occurs. The BIT report form is found on the desktop of all college computers.
Tobacco Use on College Grounds
Montgomery College is a tobacco-free institution. Tobacco use is prohibited in all College-owned property and within leased College office and classroom space. The use of all tobacco products is prohibited on College-owned facilities and facilities leased and controlled by the College. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all indoor and outdoor facilities, including athletic fields, amphitheatres, entrance steps and ramps, restrooms, pedestrian walkways, entryways, portable buildings, terraces, and in privately owned vehicles and campus bus stops.
It is the responsibility of all members of the College community, as well as visitors
to the College, to inform others and observe the policy. Students who fail to comply
with the tobacco-free policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary actions as
follows: first reported offense—reminder and oral warning; second offense—a written
warning; and third offense—formal charges under the Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) that can result in various sanctions including community service, suspension, and
ultimately, dismissal. Reports of student violations will be forwarded to the dean
of student development and/or a designated instructional dean of Workforce Development
& Continuing Education. Safety and Security will provide support when an individual
does not comply with the policy and when the situation may warrant their added involvement.
Click here for more information: Restrictions on Smoking, Tobacco, and Sale of Tobacco Products (PDF, ) .
Eating and Drinking in Classrooms
Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms, even if a class is not in session. If an individual faculty or staff member has a particular problem enforcing said policy, that individual may request the help of the campus Public Safety Officenew window. Please call 240-567- 7777 at Germantown, 240-567-5111 at Rockville, and 240-567-1600 at Takoma Park/Silver Spring. Students who fail to obey the policy shall be subject to disciplinary action by the dean of student development.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS)new window is committed to serving as a resource on disability issues not only for students with disabilities, but also for faculty members and for the campus community. If faculty have questions regarding services for students with disabilities or wish to discuss the referral of a student, they can call 240-567-7770 (Germantown); 240-567-5058 (Rockville); or 240-567-1480 (Takoma Park/Silver Spring). DSS services for faculty are outlined in the DSS Faculty/Staff Guidenew window.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations make it possible for a student with a disability to learn the material presented and for an instructor to fairly evaluate the student’s understanding of the material without interference because of the disability. Providing accommodations ensures equal opportunities for success in mastery of course material; it does not mean compromising the content, quality, or level of instruction. All students are required to meet a standard of competency in coursework; students with disabilities are no exception. The student is responsible for providing the DSS office with current documentation from qualified professionals regarding the disability. After talking with the student and, if necessary, the instructor, the DSS counselor determines appropriate accommodations based on the impact and extent of the disability described in the documentation. The DSS counselor then constructs an accommodations letter specifying authorized accommodations. The student is responsible for delivering his or her accommodations letter to instructors and talking with them about arrangements for academic accommodations based on the contents of the letter. The process of requesting and receiving accommodations is interactive; all people involved—the student, the instructor, and the DSS counselor—have a responsibility to make sure the process works.
A student needs official authorization from the DSS office each semester before receiving accommodations. If the student requests accommodations without an authorization letter, services should not be provided and the instructor should refer the student to the DSS counselor. The instructor should contact the DSS counselor to discuss any accommodations that are not listed in the accommodations letter from DSS.
The following are examples of accommodations that may be appropriate depending on the sudent’s disability and the course.
- Use of interpreters, scribes, readers, and/or note-takers
- An option to record classes
- Alternate formats of notes, required readings, handouts, and exam questions
- Extended time on exams
- Quiet environment with minimal distractions for taking exams
- Use of aids, such as calculators during exams
- Use of computers in class or access to computers for writing assignments and exams
- Preferential seating in the classroom
If testing accommodations are necessary, students are responsible for discussing the arrangements with their instructors. Faculty at all three campuses should then make arrangements with their respective Assessment Center.
The need for note takers will be documented in the accommodations letter. Students who cannot take notes, or who have difficulty taking adequate notes, can be accommodated in a number of ways, including taping lectures, using an in-class volunteer note-taker, and/or being provided an outline of lecture materials. The student may ask the instructor for assistance in finding a classmate who would volunteer to provide a copy of lecture notes. Instructors can also be of great assistance in quality assurance by occasionally reviewing copies of the notes, especially early in the term, and giving feedback to the note-taker. The note-taker may photocopy notes at DSS or use carbonless paper. Both are available to the student with a disability at no cost from DSS.
OPTIMIZING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
General Strategies
Good teaching strategies benefit all students. Instruction provided in an array of approaches will reach more students than instruction using one method. DSS offers the following suggestions to assist instructors in meeting the growing diversity of student needs in the classroom, particularly students with disabilities.
During registration:
- Make the class syllabus and list of required texts available to students on request; this allows time for students to obtain materials in alternative formats and to begin reading assignments.
- Be available to discuss class content and teaching style.
- If available and appropriate, select a textbook with an accompanying study guide for optional student use.
Early in the semester:
- Place a statement in the course syllabus and make an announcement at the first meeting of the class such as: “Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me during my office hours. A letter from Disability Support Services (Germantown—SA 175; Rockville—CB 122; Takoma Park/Silver Spring—ST 133) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the DSS office.” This approach preserves students’ privacy and also indicates a faculty member’s willingness to provide accommodations as needed. Guidelines for emergency evacuations for individuals with disabilities are found at www.montgomerycollege.edu/ departments/dispsvc/evacprocedures.htm.
- Because many students with disabilities need additional time to process and complete assignments, convey expectations at the beginning of the course (e.g., grading, material to be covered, due dates) in written and oral format.
- Announce reading assignments well in advance for students using taped materials or other alternative formats. To record an entire book takes an average of six weeks; DSS can produce the materials in installments when informed of the sequence in which the materials will be used.
Points to remember:
When in doubt about how to assist, ask the student directly and check the accommodations letter provided by DSS. If questions remain, call a DSS counselor at 240-567-7770 (Germantown), 240-567-5058 (Rockville), or 240-567-1480 (Takoma Park/Silver Spring).
Do not provide accommodations based on disability to a student without an accommodations letter. The accommodations stated in the letter are based on disability documentation provided to DSS. Providing an accommodation without a letter and/or providing an accommodation that is not stated in the letter, unless offered to the entire class, places both the faculty and the College at legal risk.
Please provide only the accommodations that are stated in the letter. Any questions, insights, and/or suggestions from faculty are gratefully received and should be directed to the counselor who has initialed the accommodations letter.
Alternative format, additional time, a reader and/or scribe (authorized by DSS), and an alternative on-campus testing site are reasonable accommodations for test-taking when specified in the student’s letter. A take-home test is not a reasonable alternative to an in-class test.
Accurate notes are essential to student success. When the use of a note-taker is listed in the accommodations letter, please ask the student if he or she needs assistance identifying one. Please make arrangements as soon as the student presents the accommodations letter. If no volunteer can be found, remind the student to contact DSS for assistance.
All students, including the student with the disability, are expected to perform the required tasks of the course or an appropriate and equal alternative, determined in collaboration with DSS.
Occasionally, flexibility may be necessary when applying attendance and promptness rules to students with health-related or mobility difficulties. Please discuss any concerns that arise with the student and, if necessary, with a DSS counselor.
Confidentiality of all student information is essential. At no time should the class be informed that a student has a disability, unless the student makes a specific request to do so.
The only persons allowed in a classroom, other than those enrolled in the course, are appropriate support persons, such as interpreters, readers, and/or scribes, who have been authorized by DSS. Persons enrolled in a course may take notes for a student with a disability; all other functions must be authorized by DSS.
The Student Code of Conduct (PDF, ) regarding disruptive behavior applies to all students. Clearly state behavioral expectations
for all students; discuss them openly in the classroom, on a syllabus, and with individual
students as needed.
If you require assistance or guidance concerning a student with a disability, please contact a counselor from DSS.
Click here for more information: Faculty Guide for Accommodating and Teaching Students with Disabilitiesnew window.
Grading
Complete information about the College grading system may be found in the current
edition of the College catalognew window as well as in Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Grades earned by students are recorded as letter grades (“A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F”). Only the grades of “A,” “B”, “C,” and “D” carry quality points (“A” = 4, “B” = 3, “C” = 2, “D” = 1), which are used in computing the student quality point average.
For certain specified noncredit courses, students may earn “S” (satisfactory) or “U” (unsatisfactory). In addition, three other grades may appear on student academic records: “I” (incomplete), “W” (withdrawn), and “AU” (audit). Students who register for audit courses are required to participate in all course activities unless otherwise agreed upon by student and instructor at the time registration for audit occurs. Failure to participate may result in the award of a “W” instead of “AU” on the final grade sheet.
FINAL GRADES
The semester grade, as reported to the Office of Enrollment Servicesnew window at the end of the semester, is final, and will not be changed except on the written acknowledgment by the instructor that there was an error in computation or recording. Such a change must be completed within the four weeks following the beginning of the next full semester. In extraordinary circumstances, the campus registrar may waive the four-week deadline for grade changes. See FAQ: Reporting Grades web page for more information. For questions, please email registrars@montgomerycollege.edu or visit the Office of Enrollment Services web page.
Click here to view the full text: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
MID-SEMESTER (MIDTERM) GRADES
Mid-semester grades of all students enrolled in regularly scheduled full-semester courses shall be posted by the end of the designated mid-semester week. Mid-semester grades shall be made available to all students immediately after they have been posted.
Click here to view the full text: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
“INCOMPLETE” GRADE
Normally, the use of an “I” grade is limited to bona fide emergency situations that occur at the end of a semester and that prevent students from completing all course requirements in a timely fashion in order to meet the final grade submission requirements of the Office of Admissions and Records.
Given the emergency nature of the situation, either the instructor or the student in consultation with the instructor may initiate the request for an “I” grade. It is the responsibility of the instructor to specify the exact work to be completed to meet course requirements.
When the grade of “I” is recorded, the coursework must be completed within the four weeks following the beginning of the next full semester, unless the instructor notifies the Office of Admissions and Records that an extension has been granted.
The instructor may extend the completion date of any course by filing the appropriate form with the Office of Admissions and Records, specifying the new date of completion. This date cannot be extended beyond the end of the next full semester following the award of the “I” grade.
The Office of Admissions and Records will record the grade as assigned by the instructor. If no grade is received by the specified date, a grade of “F” will be recorded.
In accordance with AR 9.463, the grade of “I” will not be included in the cumulative quality point average. Quality point averages will be computed for all students without regard to (an) “I” grade(s).
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
CHANGES IN COURSE GRADES
Changes in final course grades can be made only in accordance with AR 9.42, which states: “The semester grade as reported to the Office of Admissions and Records at the end of the semester is final, and will not be changed except on the written acknowledgment by the instructor that there was an error in computation or recording. Such a change must be completed within the four weeks following the beginning of the next full semester.”
A grade change may be submitted by memorandum or on a copy of the class list and must be signed by the instructor. Students who wish to dispute final grades must follow procedures in AR 9.44 Disputed Final Course Grades. (Note: Instructors should provide students at the beginning of the semester with a detailed syllabus that explains the course grading policies and procedures.)
Registration for and Withdrawal from Classes
REGISTRATION
Change of Schedule
To enroll in a course section once the course has met, but prior to the official 20 percent date of the course, a student must obtain written or electronic permission to enter the course section from the instructor of record, or the instructor’s designee. The instructor may require students to provide proof of eligibility for the course.
At any point during the semester, an instructor may recommend a course change in order to place a student in a course commensurate with the student’s ability. In this case, the approval of both initiating and receiving instructors is required.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Register for Audit
Students wishing to register for audit at the beginning of the semester or who wish to change from credit must do so prior to the completion of 20 percent of the duration of the course.
The grade of “AU” carries no credit.
Students who register for audit (AU) before the semester begins are not required to
get the instructor’s signed approval. After the course begins, but before the completion
of 20 percent of the course, the change from audit to credit may only be made with
signed approval of the instructor. Registration for audit does not count as an attempt.
(See AR 9.614 (PDF, ) for students wishing to change from audit to credit.)
All students registered for audit are required to consult with the instructor before or during the first class
session in which they are in audit status, and are required to participate in all course activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the student and instructor at the time of consultation. Failure to consult with the instructor or to so participate may result in the grade of “W” being awarded. This action may be taken by the instructor by changing the “AU” to “W” on the final grade sheet.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Change from Audit to Credit
A student registered for audit (AU) may change to credit without the instructor’s signed approval before the course begins. After the course begins, but before the completion of 20 percent of the course, the change from audit to credit may only be made with the signed approval of the instructor.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Academic Load
Students may not enroll for more than 18 hours in one semester, except by permission of their academic adviser and the dean of student development or designee.
Students may not enroll for more than seven credit hours or equivalent in one summer session or ten credit hours or equivalent in overlapping sessions. Exceptions to this regulation may be made with the permission of the academic adviser or the dean of student development or designee.
Students may not enroll for more than four credit hours or equivalent in one winter session. Exceptions to this regulation may be made with the permission of the academic advisor or the dean of student development or designee.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Prerequisites
Students may not register for a course with a prerequisite(s) unless they have satisfied the prerequisite(s), as specified in the catalog. (A grade of “I” does not satisfy a prerequisite). This regulation can be waived only by consent of the appropriate discipline representative.
Students may preregister for a course while enrolled in its prerequisite(s) with such registration contingent upon successful completion of the prerequisite course(s). In the event that students are unsuccessful in completing the prerequisite course(s), the College may issue an administrative “drop” prior to the first day of class.
In the event that students succeed in enrolling in a course for which they lack the prerequisite(s) as designated in the College Catalog, the instructor, after consultation with the student, may drop the student from the course, immediately notifying the Office of Admissions and Records of the decision in writing; this action to be taken on or before the published date, which is based on the principle of completion of 12 percent of the duration of the course (two weeks in a 15-week semester or its equivalent).
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Time Limitations
No course may be officially dropped with a grade of “W” after the completion of 73 percent of its duration, EXCEPT that withdrawal from all or some courses may be made upon evidence certifying to one of the following conditions: (1) called to active military duty via enlistment, activation, or deployment; (2) withdrawal requested on grounds of ill health of the student or in the immediate family of the student (immediate family includes a child, parent, spouse, or other regular member of the individual’s household) and supported by medical certification; (3) involuntary transfer by the student’s employer, which precludes the possibility of continued attendance at the College; (4) death of the student or a member of his/her immediate family. Based on special circumstances one through four, a student may appeal in writing to the campus registrar for permission to retroactively withdraw from a course. Appeals for a retroactive withdrawal for other reasons should be made to the campus Committee on Academic Appeals.
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards. (PDF, )
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES
Grades Assigned
A class dropped on or before 20 percent of its duration will not be recorded on the
student’s transcript. If a class is dropped after the completion of 20 percent of
its duration and before the completion of 73 percent of its duration, the grade of
“W” will be recorded. If a class is dropped after the completion of 73 percent of
its duration, a grade of “F” will be recorded (for exceptions, see Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) ).
It is the responsibility of the student to officially withdraw from a class or classes. If a student neglects to follow the official withdrawal procedure and merely ceases to attend classes, the grade of “F” will be recorded at the end of the semester (see also AR 9.823).
Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Withdrawal Date
The official date of withdrawalnew window is the date on which the student officially drops the class online or files a Credit Registration/Change of Schedule Formnew window at the Office of Admissions and Records. Click here for more information: Academic Regulations and Standards (PDF, ) .
Withdrawal Prior to the First Class Meeting
Students are eligible to receive a refund of 100 percent of the total tuition and fees they have paid for the course(s) from which they are withdrawing if their withdrawal is effective prior to the day of the first class meeting of the course(s). The date of the first class meeting of each course is shown on the student’s schedule and invoice form provided at the time of registration and at any subsequent time the student effects voluntary change to their course selections.
Withdrawal Prior to the Published Deadline Date of a Course
Students are eligible to receive a full refund of the total tuition and fees which they have paid for the load hours from which they are withdrawing, if the withdrawal is effective on or after the day of the first class meeting of the course or courses, but before the date specified as the deadline for receiving refunds in each course from which a withdrawal is made. The last date for receiving a refund will be shown for each course section on the student’s schedule and invoice form provided at the time of registration and at any subsequent time the student effects voluntary changes to their course selection.
Withdrawal After the Published Deadline Date for Refund Purposes
Students withdrawing from a course after the published withdrawal deadline date for
refund purposes are not eligible to receive a refund for that course. Click here to
view the full text: Tuition, Fees, and Refunds (PDF, ) .
Use of E-mail
Montgomery College provides e-mail addresses for all enrolled students. This e-mail is the required vehicle for all College-related communication. Faculty determine the use of e-mail in their classes, which may include use of e-mail for course content delivery, class discussion, and instructor conferencing. Faculty should clearly state course-related e-mail usage expectations in their course syllabi.
All full-time faculty members have Montgomery College e-mail addresses. Part-time faculty should check with their academic department to learn the procedure for obtaining a Montgomery College e-mail address. Faculty can check their Montgomery College e-mail online at any time at Montgomery College e-Mailnew window.
Equivalent Semester Hours (ESH)
Equivalent semester hours, more commonly referred to as ESH at Montgomery College, is a concept used to measure faculty workload for both full- and part-time faculty. A faculty member is assigned a certain number of courses to teach in a semester. Classes vary in the number of ESH, depending on the number of contact hours and the course delivery mode:
ESH lecture = # lecture hours
ESH lab = .75 lab hours
To put it another way, if a faculty member teaches a science course with an accompanying lab that has three lecture hours and three lab hours, this faculty member would receive three ESH for the lecture and 2.25 ESH for the lab (.75 * 3), for a total of 5.25 ESH for the entire course.
A full-time faculty member is required to complete 30 — but no more than 36 — ESH each academic year, which is generally divided into 15 ESH per semester. Part-time faculty members are limited to no more than 11.5 ESH per semester and 23 ESH per academic year and are paid based on the ESH that they teach. A full-time faculty member can teach courses that equal all 30 ESH, or can complement a selection of classes with alternate time activities. Part-time faculty are limited to 10 ESH during the summer.
In certain circumstances, full-time faculty members may be assigned ESH in excess of 30 in accordance with Article 5 and Appendix I of the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees, Montgomery College, and the Montgomery College Chapter, American Association of University Professors.