Grading & Progress Policies

Students are evaluated on skill and theory in each program during the academic term. Progress reports, attendance records, and work evaluations are maintained on each student in the computerized Student Information Management System (SIMS). Students’ files are maintained in the College’s Student Services Office.

Grading and Progress for All Programs (except Allied Health)

Grade Scale (except Nursing & Allied Health)

Each student will be evaluated on a term basis. The term grade report will reflect each student’s progress in the categories of Skill Proficiency and Related Information (theory).

A student must maintain a “D” or better average per course code and an overall combined average of a “C” or better for the 72-day period of instruction, which comprises a term. Failure to maintain the required overall combined grade average of “C” or better at the mid-term or end of term will result in academic probation. Once on probation, failure to bring grades up to an overall combined average of “C” or better by the end of the next grading period (midterm or end of term as applicable) will result in suspension. Suspended students must wait one full term prior to re-enrollment.

Pace/Progress: Instructors shall have a course outline/curriculum that stipulates the customary length of time for a module of study. Instructors shall consult with their advisory committees on their course outline/curriculum. Student Services personnel shall communicate the concept of pace/progress to new enrollees during orientation. Instructors shall communicate their program’s specific pace/progress schedule to every incoming student. Instructors shall create and maintain a grading system whereby those students not maintaining the stated pace/progress for a specific module of study will receive a grade that reflects that lack of pace/progress. Instructors shall inform all students, existing and new, of the grading policy.

Since all occupational training offered in the area Colleges involves technical knowledge and occupational and employability skills, students are encouraged to apply themselves to achieve success in their chosen vocational objective.

Student Grading and Progress for Nursing & Allied Health

Nursing and Allied Health students receive a theory grade in each subject. Academically, grades of A, B, and C are considered satisfactory progress; grades of D or F are considered unsatisfactory progress. A student who receives an unsatisfactory academic grade at the end of the term or unit will be suspended from the program due to failure to progress. All grades/grade averages will be calculated to the tenth place. If the tenths place is 0.5 or greater the next higher whole numerical number will be assigned. (i.e. 79.5 = 80) If the tenths place is 0.4 or less the numerical grade will be rounded down. (i.e., 79.4 = 79). Students must maintain a satisfactory average (80) for each unit of the curriculum.

Grade Scale for Practical Nursing & Allied Health

Once grades have been awarded and posted, they may not be changed without written authorization of the instructor and the approval of the President unless altered pursuant to a grade appeal. Students enrolled in the Practical Nursing and Allied Health programs must maintain a satisfactory average of 80 for each unit of study.

Worker Characteristics Grading (Work Ethics Program)

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 80 percent of workers who lose their jobs do so not because of lack of occupational skills, but because of poor work ethics. The mission of technical education is to provide business and industry with trained workers who possess both strong occupational skills and good work habits.

Business and industry leaders have identified essential worker characteristics that should be taught and practiced to help develop a viable and effective workforce.

The ten worker characteristic traits identified are:

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology has incorporated a worker characteristics course focusing on the worker characteristics to be taught each term. These sessions are conducted throughout the term weekly, depending on the class schedule. Each student will receive a worker characteristics course grade, which will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Academic Retention and Readmission Policy