SACS Compliance Certification Report (PDF) - South Florida State ...

Student Services | SFCC College Catalog 2010-2011Student Services | Student Handbook 2010-20113.4.6Educational Programs: All practices for awarding creditThe institution employs sound and acceptable practices for determining the amount and level of creditawarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.JudgmentCompliant Non-Compliant Not ApplicableNarrativeSouth Florida Community College (SFCC) employs sound and acceptable practices for determining theamount and level of credit awarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.The college abides by the Florida Statutes and the Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks andis a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The state ofFlorida maintains the Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) that SFCC follows. State Boardof Education (SBE) Rule 6A-10.033 provides the framework for the assignment of college credit.Section 1a reads: "College credit is the type of credit assigned to courses or course equivalent learningthat is part of an organized and specific program leading to a graduate, baccalaureate, or associatedegree. One (1) college credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of fifteen (15) fiftyminuteperiods of classroom instruction; with credits for such things as laboratory instruction,internships, and clinical experience determined by the institution based on the proportion of directinstruction to the laboratory exercise, internship hours, or clinical practice hours."This SBE rule also provides definitions for college developmental credit, career vocational credit, andnon-credit. One career vocational credit is based on the learning expected from the equivalent of 30hours of instruction. Preparatory credit is similar to college credit based on the equivalent of 15 fiftyminutesessions but calls for laboratory instruction as well.The SFCC Curriculum Support department monitors all courses and programs for compliance with staterule and college policy. All changes must be submitted to the college’s Curriculum Committee for reviewand approval per SFCC Administrative Procedure 3021. All delivery methods maintain the samelearning outcomes and award credit compatible with sound academic practice. Regardless of deliverymodality, the level and amount of credit remains constant, and minimum contact/clock hours areprescribed and maintained. All courses, with their corresponding assigned level and credit awarded, aredetailed in the College Catalog.Electronic courses serve as an alternative to face-to-face, traditional instruction. Currently, electronicalternatives include asynchronous, video conference (2-Way Interactive TV), and hybrid courses whichblend traditional instruction with delivery via the Desire to Learn (D2L) platform. The eLearningHandbook governs the development, delivery, and evaluation of these courses ensuring thateLearning courses are the equivalent of the face-to-face format.An additional alternative method of instruction to the traditional classroom is credit for Directed orSpecial Independent Study. SFCC faculty supervise and evaluate these special methods of study. Amaximum of 15 credit hours of such courses is permitted within a degree program.Credit is also awarded through Cooperative Education (Co-op) experiences. Co-op is designed tointegrate classroom curriculum with practical experience related to a major field of study. Grades andcredits are awarded based on the evaluation of SFCC faculty. A maximum of 7 credit hours may beearned towards an associate degree.South Florida Community College Page 96 / 202Accelerated/Alternative Education credit may be awarded through a number of options. SBE Rule 6A-