Academic Matters

Academic Records

The Office of Registration and Student Records/Registrar’s Office maintains an academic record for each student. Students receive specific and cumulative reports of their achievement and status at the end of each semester or session.

Students can verify the enrollment and order academic transcripts using the Bergen portal login information. Detailed information about the enrollment verification process is accessible at www.bergen.edu/enrollmentverification Instructions on how to order an official academic transcript can be found at www.bergen.edu/transcripts

Grading Policy

Students are responsible for their individual academic progress and standing, for preparing and participating in those classes in which they are enrolled, and for attaining the best possible academic record.

The instructors assign a grade based on a composite of course elements, which represents an evaluation of performance, scholarship, and competence of the student.

Mid-Semester Grades

At the mid-semester point, students may confer with their instructors regarding individual academic performance. Formal mid-semester grades are not issued.

Final Grades

Final grades are assigned by instructors at the end of each semester or session.
Final grades may be viewed through the Bergen Portal/Self Service at my.bergen.edu.
Students may also request an academic report/transcript reflecting their final grades from the Registration Office.

Incomplete Grades

The grade incomplete “N” (formerly known as “INC”) indicates that a portion of required course work has not been completed and evaluated by the end of the semester due to unforeseen, but fully justified reasons, and that there is still a possibility of earning credit.

It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the instructor and to reach agreement on the means by which the remaining course requirements will be satisfied.

With the exception of missing the final exam due to an emergency, the instructor may not issue the “N” grade unless it is requested by the student and the conditions for resolving the incomplete are agreed upon in a contract.

All grades of “N” that are not resolved by the deadline in the academic calendar will be converted to grades of “F”.

A student is not eligible to receive a degree until outstanding “N” grades are resolved either by completion with a passing grade or by acceptance of an “F” (failing) grade.
At that time a supplemental graduation check will be done by the Registrar’s Office and the degree awarded if appropriate.

Repeating of Courses

1. A student shall have the option to repeat once any course in which a grade of D, C, C+, B or B+ was earned, and only the higher earned grade shall be computed in the grade point average (GPA).The lower grade will be marked with an “R” and will be excluded from the GPA calculation.
2. A student shall have the option to repeat an “F” or “E” grade earned once. If the student fails to complete the course after two attempts, the student may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate department head, stating any extenuating circumstances which should be considered, for permission to repeat the course again. If the student successfully repeats a course, the higher grade shall be computed in the GPA. The “F” or “E” grade will be marked with an “R” and will be excluded from the GPA calculation.
   *Note: A student who does not successfully complete a course after two attempts may be unable to complete a degree program.
   Permission to repeat is not automatic. More information on “repeating a class” can be found at https://bergen.edu/center-for-student-success/repeating-a-course/
3. It is understood that a student who earns a “D” grade in a given course generally shall be able to pursue the next higher course. Exceptions should be noted for all Health Professions courses and for selected courses as noted in individual course descriptions.
4. A student may not repeat a course in which a grade of “A,” “CBE” (credit by exam), “TR” (transfer credit), or “N” (incomplete - formerly known as “INC”) was received.

Course Grade Appeal Policy

1. A student raising a complaint or concern about a course grade may discuss the matter with the individual faculty member no later than the first two weeks of the semester, immediately following receipt of the grade.
2. If the grade appeal is not resolved, the student may bring the matter to the appropriate department head within two weeks of discussion with the instructor.
3. The department head will investigate the appeal and attempt to resolve the matter as expeditiously as possible. The department head will notify the student either in writing or orally of the result.
4. If the appeal is not resolved, the student may put the appeal in writing, attaching copies of any supporting information and send it to the appropriate divisional dean within two weeks of hearing from the department head.
5. The divisional dean may consult other faculty in the discipline and the department head and may choose to meet with the student. The dean will notify the student in writing of the resolution. A grade appeal is sometimes a lengthy process and may take several weeks to resolve at this stage. Every effort will be made to notify the student within one month.
6. After receipt of the dean’s written response, a student may continue the appeal process by writing to the Academic Vice President. The student should attach copies of all previous correspondence regarding the appeal and copies of supporting documentation.
7. The Academic Vice President will consult all parties involved in the appeal process and may choose to meet with the student. Grade appeals may also take several weeks to resolve at this stage.
8. The Academic Vice President will notify the student in writing of the results of the appeal. Every effort will be made to notify the student within one month.

Auditing Classes

Students who wish to take courses with the understanding that they will not receive a grade or credit for them may do so as
auditors.

• Students seeking to register for a course as “Audit” must do so in-person. Online registration does not include Audit as an option.
• Auditors are subject to the same tuition and fee structure as credit students.
• Once enrolled as an auditor, a student may not change to credit status, nor may a student who is enrolled for credit change to audit, unless such a change is requested prior to the end of the third week of instruction.
• The “AU” grade will be recorded on college transcripts for an audited course. This is an administratively assigned grade, which indicates a student has purchased a seat for a particular class. It does not denote mastery of subject material.
• Audited courses do not satisfy prerequisites, or count towards the student’s load for financial aid or sports eligibility purposes.

Grades Assignment Process

The following grades may be assigned by instructors:

Note: An “@” preceding any of these grades indicate that Academic Forgiveness has been granted, in which case the grade will be excluded from the GPA calculation.

The following grades are administratively assigned, and are not assigned by instructors:

Notes:

1. Grades of A, N, TR, and CBE/PLA cannot be repeated.
2.  Third attempts must be approved by the appropriate department chair/coordinator/counselor
   or, in cases wherein there is no chair/coordinator/counselor, administrator.
3. The higher grade is retained and the lower grade is marked “R” and is not used in calculating
   GPA.
4. Grade of E cannot be assigned effective Fall 2023 (Ref. Grade Assignement Process: Deletion of E grade/BOT Action E/S A of May 9, 2023).

Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

Grades of A, B, C, D and F are assigned a point value (A = 4 points, B+ = 3.5 points, B = 3 points, C+ = 2.5 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, F = 0 points).

GPA is calculated by multiplying the point value of the grade received in each course by the number of credits offered for the course. The resulting number is called “quality points.”

Next, add up the total quality points and divide by the number of graded credits. Include only the grades of A, B, C, D, E, and F; other grades do not affect the GPA.

Example: A student receives the following grades over the course of two semesters at Bergen Community College:

This student earned a semester GPA of 2.36 for Semester I. This was arrived at by dividing the total quality points (33) by the total GPA credits (14). The student’s semester GPA was 2.36.

The student earned a semester GPA of 2.38 for Semester II (31 divided by 13).

A “Cumulative GPA” for this student is arrived at by adding the “Semester I Total Quality Points” (33) to the “Semester II Total Quality Points” (31). The resulting figure is called the “Cumulative Quality Points.” In the example, the Cumulative Quality Points add up to “64.” Add the Semester I Total GPA Credits (14) to the Semester II Total GPA Credits (13). The resulting figure is called “Cumulative GPA Credits.” Divide the Cumulative Quality Points by the Cumulative GPA Credits. The resulting figure is called the “Cumulative GPA” as it reflects all of the grades earned at Bergen. Therefore, for the purpose of the example, this student has a Cumulative GPA of 2.37: 64 Cumulative

Quality Points divided by 27 Cumulative Credits = 2.37 Cumulative GPA.

Students wishing further assistance in understanding their grade point average should contact the Academic Advising Center in Room A-101, on the College’s main campus in Paramus.

Academic Honors

Alpha Mu Gamma - The National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society

Alpha Mu Gamma is a nationally recognized, collegiate, world language honor society with more than 300 chapters in both state and private universities and colleges across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The purpose is to honor students for outstanding achievement during their first year of world language study in college. However, students may be admitted into Alpha Mu Gamma at any stage in their college careers.

Nu Pi is Bergen Community College’s chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma. It was chartered in the Spring Semester of 2006. Students are eligible to join Nu Pi as full members or as associate members depending on the requirements they meet. To qualify for full membership, students need to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in college level work and have earned a Final Grade of “A” in two college level courses of the same world language.

Membership dues are also required. For additional information, please contact Professor Magali Jerez at (201) 447-7167.

Chi Alpha Epsilon

Membership in Chi Alpha Epsilon is offered through local campus chapters to eligible students and alumni. Students who hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA for two consecutive full-time semesters and who were admitted to the College through the Educational Opportunity Fund Program are eligible for membership.

Alumni who graduate with a 3.0 or better cumulative average prior to the formation of a campus chapter may, once a chapter is founded, be organized into graduate chapters.

The first 14 members of Chi Alpha Epsilon were inducted at Bergen Community College in 2003.

This honor society recognizes the academic achievements of students admitted to the College through non-traditional criteria.

Its purposes are to promote continued high academic standards, to foster increased communication among its members, and to honor academic excellence achieved by students admitted to College via developmental programs.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is official recognition by the faculty of outstanding academic accomplishment.

Any degree-seeking student who has maintained a cumulative scholastic average of 3.5 or better (minimum 24 credits) qualifies for this honor.

The Dean’s List is compiled in the Fall and Spring semester several weeks after grades are processed.
(Students with unresolved “INC” grades at the time of compilation are ineligible).

Delta Psi Omega - the National Theatre Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges

The two-year college division of the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, the honor society for participants in collegiate theatre. Membership is open to students (primarily undergraduates) who are active in collegiate/ university/theatre. Members are inducted solely on merit, where theatre experience/ participation is considered in the induction process. Honorary membership is conferred by the Bergen Community College theatre faculty after permission is granted by the National Officers of Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega.

Honors List

The Honors List is an official recognition by the faculty of outstanding academic achievement during the course of one semester.

Any degree-seeking student who has attained a scholastic average of 3.5 or better (minimum 12 credits) qualifies for this honor.

The Honor’s List is compiled in the Fall and Spring semester several weeks after grades are processed.
Students with unresolved incomplete grades (“N” grades - formerly known as “INC” grades) at the time of compilation are ineligible.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

The Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was established at Bergen Community College in 1979. Members of our Chapter participate in a variety of activities inspired by the Society’s Hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Our goal is to provide our members with the resources and opportunities which will make their transition to four-year institutions easier. They also gain access to exclusive scholarships and receive preferential attention in their college transfer applications.

Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges. Founded in 1918, the Society’s mission is:

1. Recognize and encourage academic achievement of two-year college students and;

2. Provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Eligibility

To qualify for membership, students must meet the following criteria:

* Grades in all degree and non-degree courses taken while the student was actively enrolled at Bergen Community College will be considered in determining the qualifying cumulative GPA of new members and the retention of continuing members.

Additional Qualifications

• Qualified students are selected from those who are registered for the Fall or Spring semesters. Membership is not open during the Summer and Winter sessions.
• Eligible Degree Programs - Students in the following degree programs are eligible for continued and new membership: A.A. Degree, A.S. Degree, A.A.S. Degree.
• Good Moral Character - Students must be of good moral character and must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct of Bergen Community College.
• Transfer Students - Students who have transferred to Bergen Community College may apply for consideration for membership based on credits earned and academic standing. Each student must be assessed on a case-by-case basis through an appointment with a Phi Theta Kappa Advisor.

Continued Membership

Once inducted into Alpha Epsilon Phi, members must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 and continue to follow Bergen Community College’s Student Code of Conduct. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.50, the student will be placed on probation for one semester immediately following GPA drop. If the student fails to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.50 after a semester of probation, he/she will lose his/her Phi Theta Kappa status through the national headquarters.

Additional membership opportunities

• Provisional Member: A provisional member of Phi Theta Kappa shall be a student who, in according to the Chapter’s constitution, has shown an active interest in the affairs of Phi Theta Kappa. These members serve Phi Theta Kappa in some special capacity, but do not meet the full requirements for active membership as aforementioned. A provisional member must be actively enrolled at Bergen Community College and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
• Alumni Member: An alumnus member shall be a former member of the Society who terminated active membership in good standing and who was enrolled for at least one year in a two-year college. Alumni members have full privileges of active members except the right to vote or the right to hold office.

Benefits

• Access to over $246 million in scholarship opportunities

• Increased competitiveness for admission to transfer colleges and universities

• Transcript notation upon graduation

• Gold membership seal on diploma

• Opportunity to wear PTK regalia at graduation

• Resume building and personal development through the PTK Edge program

• Networking opportunities

• Special benefits and offers from Phi Theta Kappa corporate partners.

For further information, please contact:
The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Office
Phone: (201) 879 - 8997
E-mail: ptk@bergen.edu
Website: www.bergen.edu/phithetakappa

Sigma Chi Eta - National Honorary Society for Undergraduates in Two-Year Communication Programs

Sigma Chi Eta (SCH) is the official community college honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA) with more than 45 chapters across the United States. Sigma Chi Eta, which is represented by the Greek letters S, C, and H, symbolize “Students in Communication with Honors.” The purpose is to recognize the work of outstanding communication students and explore options for community college students to transfer to a four-year college or university or enter the workforce.

The six goals of Sigma Chi Eta are:

1. Recognize, foster and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in communication Studies
2. Stimulate interest in the field of communication
3. Promote and encourage professional development among communication majors
4. Provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of communication
5. Establish and maintain closer relationships between faculty and students
6. Explore options for graduate education in communication studies

Alpha Mu is Bergen Community College’s chapter of Sigma Chi Eta. Alpha means “strength and foundation in a society.” Mu means “stability and protection.” Alpha Mu was chartered December 2012.

Students are eligible to join Alpha Mu as full lifetime members. To qualify for full lifetime membership, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete 12 semester credit hours (18 quarter credit-hours) at their current institution or the equivalent number of hours at a transfer institution or the equivalent number of hours through life-long learning credit
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken
3. Complete the equivalent of 3 courses or 9 semester credit hours (12 quarter credit-hours) in communication studies
4. Have a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all communication studies courses taken
5. Currently be enrolled as a student in good standing, as determined by the institution’s Policies

One-time membership dues include lifetime membership in Sigma Chi Eta.

For additional information, please visit the Communication Department in West Hall, W-225, or contact by phone at 201-447-7143.

Degree Requirements

Bergen Community College offers degree programs leading to Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees. A student is required to complete a minimum of 60 degree credits for graduation. The College also offers a number of one-year certificate programs and short-term certificates of achievement.

Students may be required to take courses in English, Mathematics, and/or Elementary Algebra, which are not part of their curricula to remove deficiencies or to upgrade skills as indicated by the results of the Basic Skills Placement Test. Students in all A.A. and A.S. degree programs and in certain A.A.S. and Certificate programs are required to successfully complete a course in basic algebra if indicated by the placement test. Students in A.A.S. and Certificate programs should refer to the catalog curriculum guides for their specific programs to determine whether they must successfully complete a course in basic algebra.

To be eligible for an Associate Degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.) or a certificate, a student must be degree-seeking and in good standing, and have completed the number of degree credits specified for the particular curriculum with a 2.0 or better cumulative grade point average. The student also must have satisfied or waived any course requirements resulting from the Basic Skills Placement Test.

A student must be officially enrolled and degree-seeking at the College during the regular semester or summer session in which the degree will be conferred.

Catalog Under Which a Student Graduates

Students maintaining continuous enrollment at Bergen Community College may graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment or according to the requirements of any single catalog in effect during subsequent terms of continuous enrollment.

Graduation

Degrees are awarded three times during the academic year: August, December, and May.

Each term, the College identifies and informs potential graduates that they will be graduated upon successful completion of their courses, unless they opt out by a given date.

Students who have made arrangements to finish their programs outside of BCC, for example, CLEP exam, transferring credits from another institution, etc., should confirm/apply for graduation online, under Graduation Overview in the Bergen Student Portal/Self-Service, before the end of the semester of completion.

Students must resolve any holds or tickets in order for their diplomas to be released.

The annual Commencement ceremony takes place in May.

Students wishing to participate in the Commencement ceremony will be sent information regarding how to sign up on the BCC website.

Students’ names must be on the graduation list maintained by the Registration Office by April 1 in order to be included in the Commencement Program.

Allocation of Credit Hours to Courses

Bergen Community College operates on a semester credit hour basis. Generally, one credit hour is assigned for each 800 minutes of lecture-discussion or for each 1,600 to 2,400 minutes of laboratory experience during a semester or session. (Certain clinical experiences, cooperative education, or courses delivered through non-traditional means may be assigned credit by different formulas).

Course Load and Restrictions

Full-Time Students. A full-time program consists of 12 to 18 credit hours of course work per semester.

Part-Time Students. A part-time program consists of 1 to 11 credit hours of course work per semester during the fall or spring semesters.

Summer Session Students. All students are restricted to a maximum of 8 credit hours during summer sessions I and II. Credits for eleven-week summer courses count into the 8-credit limit for each summer session.

Change of Curriculum

A student desiring a curriculum change should discuss the possibilities with the academic counselor to determine degree requirements, prerequisites, and the appropriateness of the contemplated new curriculum.

A student may change curriculum by the following procedure:

1. Arrange an appointment with a counselor in the Division of Student Affairs / Center for Student Success/OneStop.
2. Obtain the approval of the counselor on the appropriate form for the curriculum change he or she wishes to make.
3. Complete and submit the approved appropriate form/paperwork

Honorary Degrees

An honorary degree is the highest accolade that a community college can award. By bestowing this honor on individuals who have achieved great accomplishments in their profession/ academic area, in the field of community/public service or in their personal lives, the College demonstrates to its students the possible heights that they can achieve in their own lives.

The President, or his/her designee, shall establish an Honorary Degree Committee that will solicit and review nominations for honorary degrees from the college community.

Individuals are not eligible for this award if they are currently employed by the College, serving on the Bergen Community College Foundation Board or serving on the Board of Trustees at any time between the date of the local College Board approval and the actual receipt of this award.

Honorary degrees may not be awarded to Board of Trustee members, Foundation Board members, administrators or faculty members until at least two years after their association with the College. The number of honorary degrees that may be awarded at one time or in one academic year should be strictly limited. Honorary degrees are generally conferred at Commencement.

The Honorary Degree Committee will send its recommendations to the Education and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Committee will review the recommendations on behalf of the full Board. The Committee shall make recommendations to the Board for consideration.

Posthumous Degrees

To recognize the achievement of its students who have died, the College will award degrees posthumously where the student has completed enough of the planned degree program.

When the College becomes aware of a student’s death and first considers the possibility of recommending the student for a posthumous degree, the dean’s office should notify the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. If the death occurs near the end of the academic year, the Vice President of academic Affairs’ office should notify the President, Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Student Life and the Dean of Enrollment Services.

Once the College has completed its approval processes and decided to recommend a student for a posthumous degree, the Vice President of Academic Affairs’ office will arrange for notification of the family to inform them of the degree conferral. In most cases, family notification will be made by a faculty member or dean who knew the student. The Office of Student Life will provide information regarding commencement to the parent(s) (or spouse/partner if applicable).

The Dean of Enrollment Services and the Dean of Student Life will ensure that all applicable arrangements are made for the presentation of the diploma and that the student’s name is included in the school’s graduation materials. They will also to ensure that all arrangements have been made regarding the diploma and commencement.

Academic Regulations

Academic Integrity/Discipline

Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity - the honest, fair, and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception.

Students are responsible for their own work. Faculty and academic support services staff will take appropriate measures to discourage academic dishonesty.

The College recognizes the following general categories of violations of academic integrity. Academic integrity is violated whenever a student does one or more of the following:

1. Uses unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
   • copies from another student’s exam
   • uses notes, books, electronic devices or other aids of any kind during an exam, when doing so is prohibited
   • steals an exam or possesses a stolen copy of any exam
2. Gives unauthorized assistance to another student
   • completes a graded academic activity or takes an exam for someone else
   • gives answers to or shares answers with another student before or during an exam or other graded academic activity
   • shares answers during an exam by using a system of signals
3. Fabricates data in support of an academic assignment
   • cites sources that do not exist
   • cites sources that were not used
   • submits any academic assignment which contains falsified or fabricated data or results
4. Inappropriately or unethically uses technological means to gain academic advantage
   • inappropriately or unethically acquires material via the Internet or by any other means
   • uses any devices (electronic or hidden) for communication or unauthorized retrieval of information during an exam

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty and may be a violation of U.S. Copyright laws. Plagiarism is defined as the act of taking someone else’s words, opinions, or ideas and claiming them as one’s own.

Examples of plagiarism include instances in which a student:

• knowingly represents the work of others as his/her own
• represents previously completed academic work as current
• submits a paper or other academic work for credit, which includes words, ideas, data or creative work of others without acknowledging the source
• uses another author’s exact words without enclosing them in quotation marks and citing them appropriately
• paraphrases or summarizes another author’s words without citing the source appropriately

*Note : An instructor may establish other guidelines regarding academic integrity consistent with the College policy.

Sanctions Against a Student for a Classroom Violation

1. The faculty member must report all incidents to the chair of the department.
2. The faculty member, in consultation with the chair, will determine the course of action to be followed. This may include:
   • assigning a failing grade on the assignment
   • assigning a lower final course grade
   • failing the student in the course
   • other penalties appropriate to the violation
3. The faculty member, after making a decision, must notify the Director of Student Life and Judicial Affairs and Vice President of Student Services of the violation and the penalty imposed.
4. The student has the right to appeal the decision of the faculty member by writing to the appropriate Department Head and then to the Academic Vice President.

*Note: An instructor may establish other guidelines regarding academic integrity consistent with the College policy.

Satisfactory Academic Standing

Satisfactory Academic Standing

Any student who maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) based upon the following scale shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing:

Notes: In cases where a satisfactory academic standing cannot be determined, the standing status will be marked “TBD - To
be determined” until certain academic conditions are met .

Academic Warning

Students on Academic Warning

1. Satisfactory Academic Standing
   
   Any student who maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) based upon the following scale shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing:
    

   Credits GPA	Cumulative GPA
   12-28 credits	1.8
   29-47 credits	1.9
   48+	2.0

   
   Cumulative credits are the quality point credits attempted which exclude “W” grades.
   The academic standing report will be run at the conclusion of the Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters.
   
   Notes: In cases where a satisfactory academic standing cannot be determined, the standing status will be marked ” TBD - To be determined” until certain academic conditions are met .
    
2. Academic Warning
   
   Any degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking student, whether full-or part-time, who fails to achieve the minimum GPA as stated above, shall be classified as a student on academic warning and will be sent a letter to that effect by the Registration Office.
   Academic warning means that a student’s cumulative GPA is unsatisfactory and that the student will be placed on academic probation unless a minimum GPA is met at the end of the next semester.
   Students on academic warning are recommended to meet with a counselor in the Counseling Center (Center for Student
   Success)/One-Stop Center.
   Students will be required to meet with an academic counselor prior to the next time they register. Students registered with
   the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Office, Office of Specialized Services (OSS) or International students should meet with the appropriate counselor.
    
3.  Removal of Academic Warning Status
   
   Any student who, after the end of the conditional semester, meets the GPA for credits attempted as specified by the College policies (refer to the GPA scale above) shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing and will be notified of such standing by the Registration Office.

Academic Probation

Students on Academic Probation

1. Satisfactory Academic Standing
   
   Any student who maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) based upon the following scale shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing:
    

   GPA Credits	Cumulative GPA
   12-28 credits	1.8
   29-47 credits	1.9
   48+	2.0

   
   Cumulative credits are the quality point credits attempted which exclude “W” grades.
   The academic standing report will be run at the conclusion of the Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters.
   
   Notes: In cases where a satisfactory academic standing cannot be determined, the standing status will be marked “TBD - To
   be determined” until certain academic conditions are met .
    
2. Academic Probation
   
   Any degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking student, whether full-or part-time, who fails to achieve the minimum GPA after receiving an academic warning as stated above, shall be classified as a student on academic probation and will be sent a letter to that effect by the Registration Office.
   
   Academic probation indicates that a student’s cumulative GPA is unsatisfactory and that the student will be academically suspended unless a minimum GPA is met during the next semester.
   
   Students on academic probation will not be permitted to register until they meet with a counselor in the Counseling Center (Center for Student Success)/One-Stop Center. Students registered with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Office, Office of Specialized Services (OSS) or International students should meet with the appropriate counselor.
    
3. Removal of Academic Probation Status
   
   Any student who, after the end of the conditional semester, meets the grade point average for credits attempted as specified by the College policies (refer to the GPA scale above) shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing and will be notified of such standing by the Registration Office.
    

Academic Suspension

Students on Academic Suspension

1. Satisfactory Academic Standing
   
   Any student who maintains a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based upon the following scale shall be
   classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing:
    

   Credits GPA	Cumulative GPA
   12-28 credits	1.8
   29-47 credits	1.9
   48+	2.0

   
   Cumulative credits are the quality point credits attempted which exclude “W” grades.
   The academic standing report will be run at the conclusion of the Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters.
   
   Notes: In cases where a satisfactory academic standing cannot be determined, the standing status will be marked “TBD - To
   be determined” until certain academic conditions are met .
    
2. Academic Suspension
   
   A student who is on academic probation has one semester to bring their cumulative GPA up to the minimum GPA required as stated above. Students who fail to meet the minimum will be placed on academic suspension
    
3. Reinstatement after Academic Suspension
   
   Once the student’s academic standing has been changed to reflect suspension, the student will be notified by the Office of Registration and be instructed to complete the reinstatement application.
   
   The student will need to hand in the completed form to the Counseling Center (Center for Student Success)/One-Stop Center, on the main campus.
   
   The application will be reviewed by members of the academic standing committee or delegated counseling faculty. Once reviewed, the student will be notified of the committee’s decision.
   
   If the student has been approved for reinstatement, they will need to come in person and speak to an academic counselor who will review the details of the reinstatement.
   
   Reinstated students must earn a minimum TERM GPA of a 2.0 or higher.
   
   As long as this is achieved, they will continue with a reinstated conditional standing (even if their overall cumulative GPA is still below the requirement as stated above), which requires an academic counselor’s permission for all registration transactions.
   
   If the student’s overall GPA is not at the minimum as stated above and did not earn a minimum TERM GPA of a 2.0 or higher, the student will be academically dismissed and returning to BCC may not be permitted for at least one semester.
   
   There is a fee for the reinstatement application.

Academic Dismissal

Students on Academic Dismissal

1. Students on Academic Dismissal
   
   Any student who maintains a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based upon the following scale shall be classified as a student with satisfactory academic standing:
    

   Credits GPA	Cumulative GPA
   12-28 credits	1.8
   29-47 credits	1.9
   48+	2.0

   
   Cumulative credits are the quality point credits attempted which exclude “W” grades.
   The academic standing report will be run at the conclusion of the Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters.
   
   Notes: In cases where a satisfactory academic standing cannot be determined, the standing status will be marked “TBD - To
   be determined” until certain academic conditions are met .
    
2. Academic Dismissal
   
   Students who fail to meet the academic requirements after being suspended will then be academically dismissed from the college.
    
3. Reinstatement after Academic Dismissal
   
   A student who is dismissed has one semester to bring their GPA up to the minimum GPA required as stated above.
   Once the student’s academic standing has been changed to reflect dismissal, the student will be notified by the Office of Registration and be instructed to complete the reinstatement application.
   The student will need to hand in the completed form to the Counseling Center (Center for Student Success)/One-Stop Center, on the main campus.
   The application will be reviewed by members of the academic standing committee or delegated counseling faculty.
   Once reviewed, the student will be notified of the committee’s decision.
   If the student has been approved for reinstatement, they will need to come in person and speak to an academic counselor who will review the details of the reinstatement.
   Reinstated students must earn a minimum TERM GPA of a 2.0 or higher. As long as this is achieved, they will continue with a reinstated conditional standing (even if their overall cumulative GPA is still below the requirement as stated above) which requires an academic counselor’s permission for all registration transactions.
   If the student’s overall GPA is not at the minimum as stated above and did not earn a minimum TERM GPA of a 2.0 or higher, the student will be academically dismissed for a second time and returning to BCC may not be permitted for at least one semester.
   
   There is a fee for the reinstatement application.

Appeals of Academic Standing Status.

A student who desires to appeal his/her status may do so by making an application for reinstatement in the Counseling Center (Center for Student Success)/One-Stop Center, on the College’s main campus in Paramus.
Students registered with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Office, Office of Specialized Services (OSS) or International students should meet with the appropriate counselor.

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Academic Forgiveness is designed to allow students who have gotten off to a bad start a chance to get poor grades removed from their GPA. The Academic Forgiveness Policy at Bergen Community College contains two options:

• Option I - Academic Forgiveness based upon past academic performance.
• Option II - Academic Forgiveness based upon change of curriculum.

A student may request Academic Forgiveness once under Option I and once under Option II.

Option I: Past Performance

After three consecutive years of non-attendance, a student may request Academic Forgiveness based upon past academic performance. The request will be reviewed after the student has completed at least one semester. The student must complete 9 credits and earn a GPA of 2.5 for the request to be approved. When the student’s request is approved, grades of “F,” “E,” “R,” and optionally “D” for the courses from the prior attendance period will be removed from the student’s GPA. However, the courses will remain on the student’s official transcript designated with a special code for Academic Forgiveness.

Option II: Change of Curriculum

A student may request Academic Forgiveness based upon a change of curriculum at any time after matriculation and after credits have been attempted. If a student’s request is approved, grades of “F,” “E,” “R,” and optionally “D” in courses that were required by the student’s former program, but are not required by the new program, will be removed from the student’s GPA. However, the courses will remain on the student’s official transcript designated with a special code for Academic Forgiveness.

Committee on Academic Standing

The Committee on Academic Standing is comprised of faculty members from each of the divisions within the College and student government representatives.
It is chaired by the Vice President of the Division of Student Services.
The committee reviews all reinstatement applications and special appeals and renders decisions.
Appeals to the committee will be considered only if initiated within a two-year period of the end of the semester, in which the appeal issue occurred.
The committee also takes responsibility for reviewing and recommending policies and procedures pertaining to the overall academic regulations of the College.

Class Attendance

All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered.
Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each section of each course.
These will be established in writing on the individual course outline.
Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.

Suspension of Classes

Students should listen to local broadcast stations or check Bergen’s Website at www.bergen.edu in the event of emergencies when classes may have to be suspended; they should not telephone College offices or broadcast stations for information.
(See Emergencies in the Student Life section ).

Absence of Instructor

Students are expected to wait twenty minutes for a faculty member to come to class.

If at the end of twenty minutes, the faculty member does not come, the students should sign an attendance sheet, which indicates the course, date, and time.

A student should deliver the attendance sheet to the divisional office if between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or to the Evening Office if before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.

Students cannot be penalized by faculty for not waiting longer than twenty minutes.

Procedure for Student Complaints About Faculty

1. A student raising a complaint or concern about an individual faculty member should discuss the matter with the involved faculty member.
2. If it is not resolved, the student should then bring the matter to the appropriate department head.
3. The department head will hear both sides orally and attempt to resolve the issue as expeditiously as is possible (usually within one week).
4. The student will be informed by the department head as to the outcome. If the student is still not satisfied, the student should put the complaint in writing, addressed to the appropriate divisional dean.
5. The matter then becomes a formal complaint or concern and will be dealt with as such.
   1. Other faculty in the discipline may be consulted by the involved faculty member and divisional dean.
   2. Counselors from the Counseling Center may be consulted by any involved party.
   3. A meeting of all concerned may be set up.
   4. Recommendations may be solicited orally or in writing from each participant. The student will be informed by the divisional dean as to the outcome.
6. If the student is still not satisfied, the student should refer the matter to the Academic Vice President in writing.

Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

Bergen Community College provides a rich information technology environment to support its educational activities and administrative functions.
These resources, including computing systems and software, as well as internal and external data, voice, and video networks, are shared resources.
To preserve them for the common good, the College expects all users, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, other employees, and members of the general public using the College’s information technology resources to comply in all respects to institutional and external standards for their appropriate use.
Although incidental personal use is permitted, these resources should be used primarily for College educational and administrative purposes, and such incidental personal use must conform to these same standards of appropriate use.
By using College information technology resources, users agree to abide by all College acceptable use and related policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The College reserves the right to bar access to its network or other information technology resources to those who violate its acceptable use and related policies and procedures.
Further, violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, and legal proceedings.

Administrative Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures

Bergen Community College reserves the right to monitor its information technology resources and telecommunications network to protect the integrity of its computing systems, workstations, and lab facilities, and to ensure compliance with all acceptable use and related policies and procedures.
To this end, the College reserves the right to inspect any and all computer systems or data that reside on its telecommunications network for violations of any acceptable use and related policies and procedures.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use

Because of the richness of the Internet and the College’s information technology resources, it is not possible to catalog exhaustively all acceptable and unacceptable uses. The lists below are meant to be illustrative. Employees and students should consult with their supervisors or classroom instructors, respectively, about the appropriateness of other uses. In free time areas, users should address questions to lab supervisors or other responsible parties.

In deciding what is and is not an acceptable use, there are two overriding principles: (1) the College’s information technology and telecommunication resources exist to support the College’s mission, and (2) the College is committed to ensuring a positive learning environment for all members of its community. Thus, all users are obliged to demonstrate civility in any and all exchanges and postings, including the content of Web pages, both official and unofficial. The College reserves the right to remove from its telecommunications networks any content judged to be racist, pornographic, cyber bullying, or designed to denigrate members of the College community.

Acceptable Use

• Gathering and providing research material and data.
• Analyzing research data.
• Preparing course materials.
• Completing class and homework assignments.
• Enhancing coursework.
• Enhancing educational approaches and teaching methods.
• Obtaining and disseminating college related knowledge.
• Developing and administering targeted demographic surveys.
• Using WebAdvisor to register online for courses or to access information about one’s own academic performance.
• Using Datatel’s Colleague or other institutional software within the scope of one’s normal duties

Unacceptable Use

• Using the network for gambling, any other illegal activity, or any activity prohibited by the College’s acceptable use and related policies and procedures, including but not limited to violations of copyrights, software agreements and other contracts.
• Using the College systems for commercial or profit-making purposes.
• Altering system software or hacking in any form.
• Gaining unauthorized access to resource entities, including use of others’ passwords.
• Invading the privacy of individuals.
• Posting anonymous messages.
• Creating and displaying threatening, obscene, racist, sexist, or harassing material, including broadcasting unsolicited messages or sending unwanted mail.
• Disobeying lab and system policies, procedures, and protocols (e.g., time limits on workstation usage).
• Using the network in support of groups outside the College when such use is not in keeping with the mission of the College.
• Creating and using individual Web pages not primarily focused on the mission of the College.
• Using WebAdvisor to access information about someone other than oneself.
• Accessing data or making use of data in Datatel’s Colleague or other administrative systems software not relevant to the scope of one’s job responsibilities.
• Attaching any network devices not specifically authorized in writing by the Office of Information Technology.

Security Breaches

Attempts to alter system software, to bypass security protocols, to introduce viruses, worms, or other malicious or destructive programs, or otherwise “to hack” are expressly forbidden.
Any member of the College community, including a student, who intentionally breaches security, will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and dismissal.

E-mail

E-mail is defined as all technologies used to transfer messages, including e-mail, instant messaging and peer-to-peer file exchange.
E-mail is a tool for business purposes.
Users have a responsibility to use this resource in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.
In general, e-mail communications should follow the same standards expected in written business communications and public meetings.

Accounts

It is the intention of the College to have on file e-mail addresses for all full-time faculty, administrators, adjuncts, and students.
E-mail accounts are also provided for staff, whose job responsibilities include regular computer access.
Generally, e-mail accounts are closed when employment ends.
Upon request, the College will keep active e-mail accounts for Professors Emeriti and retired full-time faculty.

Students’ Emails: Broadcast Guidelines, Strictly Prohibited Practices

All students enrolled in credit courses are required to have a valid e-mail address on file in Colleague. Students are required to enter a preferred e-mail address in Colleague using WebAdvisor. This e-mail address is required to allow the student to administer their WebAdvisor password.

Broadcast E-mail

Authority to send e-mail to all students using the Colleague system rests with the Vice President of Administrative Services and the Vice President of Student Services. Such e-mail is strictly limited to the official conduct of College business, and is not to be used for promotion or marketing purposes. All Colleague broadcast e-mail must include the following footer: “You have received this e-mail because you are or have been a student at Bergen Community College. If you do not wish to be contacted by e-mail, please reply to noemail@bergen.edu.”

Student Clubs and other groups wishing to use e-mail to promote events or other activities should maintain separate distribution lists, targeting only those who have indicated interest in receiving such communication.

Strictly Prohibited Practices

The following use of e-mail is strictly prohibited. Employees receiving such material should immediately report it to their immediate supervisor. Students with Bergen e-mail accounts should contact the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs.

• The creation and exchange of messages that is offensive, harassing, obscene or threatening.
• The exchange of privileged, confidential or sensitive information to inappropriate persons.
• The creation and exchange of advertisements, solicitations, chain letters, or other spam.
• Use of e-mail for commercial purposes.
• The creation, storage or exchange of information in violation of copyright laws.
• Reading or sending messages from another person’s account, except under proper delegate arrangements.
• Copying or forwarding messages belonging to another user, which have been altered in such a way as to change the intent of the author.

Guidelines

Users should follow these guidelines and conventions:

1. Ensure that messages are addressed to the appropriate recipient(s).
2. Do not subscribe to list servers or other distribution lists that are not college related. Such lists tend to overload and affect the performance of the e-mail system.
3. Users must not compromise the privacy of their passwords by giving them to others or exposing them to public view. Passwords should be changed on a regular basis.
4. Retain messages only if relevant to the work or an anticipated litigation. The College’s e-mail system is set to retain messages for no more than six months. Messages having a legitimate business purpose greater than six months should be archived to a desktop folder or printed and filed.
5. Address messages to recipients who “need to know.” Messages sent unnecessarily to a long list of recipients, lowers system performance, and may annoy recipients.
6. Avoid opening messages or attachments received from unknown senders or responding to instant messages or other peer-to-peer technologies from strangers. Messages and attachments can carry viruses, and IM and peer-to-peer technologies are often used by intruders with malicious intent.
7. Construct messages professionally (spelling and grammar) and efficiently (subject field, attachments).

Accounts Logons and Passwords

Account logons and passwords, including e-mail, are issued to individuals for their sole use and are non-transferable. Owners are responsible for all usage of their assigned accounts, logons, and passwords.

Bergen Portal

(http://my.bergen.edu)

The Bergen Portal / Self Service (formerly known as WebAdvisor) is a Web interface that allows students to access information contained in Ellucian’s Colleague, the administrative database used by Bergen Community College.The Self Service tool is accessible directly from my.bergen.edu (Student Portal)

Students may use the Student Portal / Self Service to register for classes, to pay tuition and fees, to view their class schedules, to check grades, to check on progress toward degree requirements, etc. The College expects to add additional features to Self Service in the future. Self Service accounts are available for all students enrolled in credit programs.
The Step-by-step instructions on how to use different features can be found under https://bergen.edu/self-service/

New students are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person registration or advisement session before using the Self Service account.
Eligible students without Bergen Portal user names and passwords may access their account by going to my.bergen.edu and selecting “I’m new to WebAdvisor.”Then, follow the on-screen directions.
Check the WebAdvisor FAQ for answers to common questions, such as how to reset your password. Students must have a valid e-mail address on file with the College to use WebAdvisor.

Step-by step instructions on how to use Email First Time Login, Logging into Portal for the First Time, Online Moodle Course Portal Access, … can be found under https://bergen.edu/portalhelp/

Violations of Acceptable Use and Related Policies and Procedures

Users are expected to notify the Office of Information Technology, classroom instructor, free time lab supervisor, or other responsible party, as appropriate, of intentional or unintentional breaches in access and data security of which they become aware.

In addition, employees aware of serious violations of acceptable use or related policies and procedures (including malicious tampering, virus infection, or “hacking”) are required to report such activity to their immediate supervisors.

In the case of complaints about materials believed to be offensive or otherwise inappropriate, users are encouraged to express their concerns directly to those believed to be misusing the systems and/or to lab supervisors.

If the situation persists, users should bring the matter to the attention of Public Safety or other responsible parties. Individuals who violate acceptable use and related policies and procedures will be subject to appropriate sanctions, including suspension, dismissal, and legal proceedings.

According to the U.S. Copyright Act, illegal reproduction of software or other material is an offense which will subject the violating individual to civil and monetary damages.

The use of e-mail or any college system for harassment or criminal activity may result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Bergen Website Guidelines

Bergen encourages the use of the Internet by faculty, staff, and students as both an information resource and as a method of communication. In keeping with this, members of the college community may have Web pages on the Bergen servers.

All Web page developers are expected to act responsibly and to adhere to both the Bergen Acceptable Technology Use Guidelines and to the procedures established by the College for Web pages. In particular, the College expects that all members of the college community will

1. obey all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including copy right law;
2. adhere to fair use guidelines;
3. give proper attribution of any sources;
4. not use College hardware, software, or communications for personal profit; and
5. not place any information on the Web pages, which reflects negatively on the College or any member of its community.

Further, all Web page developers are expected to make every effort to ensure that the Bergen Website, and all pages contained within it, is accessible to students with disabilities.

The College has the right to monitor all Web pages placed on its servers and remove any that violate the College’s guidelines or procedures.

Further, the College has the right to prohibit access to its computing resources to anyone who violates either the guidelines or subsequently established procedures.

1. Student Organization Home Pages
   
   Official student organizations, that is, those recognized by the Office of Student Activities, may have Web pages on a Bergen server. Student organizations that wish to have a page loaded on the servers are to have approval from the Director of Student Life; designate a member of the club as Web page manager and the Web page manager must be identified on the page; commit to updating all information in a timely fashion; abide by the College’s Acceptable Use Policy and Administrative Guidelines, obey all federal, state, and local laws, including copyright law; adhere to fair use guidelines; and give proper attribution of any sources; not post anything which reflects negatively on the College or any member of its community; and verify regularly that all links from their page are active.
   Club Web pages will be limited by available resources.

2. Individual Student Home Pages
   
   Individual students may only have Web pages on the Bergen server when required as part of a course. The faculty member for the course is responsible for establishing standards for student Web pages and for ensuring that students have adhered to these standards before the pages are uploaded to the Bergen servers. Student Web pages will be limited by available resources and will be deleted when the course is complete.

Wireless Access

Wireless access is available in many areas of the campus, including the Library, Ender Hall, the Student Center, Cafeteria, West Hall, and the TEC Building, as well as outdoors in front of the Pitkin Education Center to allow students and faculty to access Bergen’s collection of computers, software, and their Internet connections.

The Bergen OIT Website provides details on the continually expanding wireless coverage.

All wireless users are required to authenticate and are subject to the College’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Academic Year

The College offers a flexible, accessible schedule for its students.

A year-round slate of courses, including winter and summer sessions, enables students to begin (or continue) their educational advancement at their own pace - and on their own schedule:

• Fall Semester - September to December;
• Spring Semester - January to May;
• Summer sessions - May to August;
• Winter Term - January;
• 7-week Cycles - September to August (ESL and GED Courses).