Student Expectations and Responsibilities

Your decision to enroll in college involves many expectations and responsibilities.  The differences between your experience with education in high school and college will be enormous.  In general, college work is much more difficult and time consuming.  As you already realize, college is a much more unstructured experience than secondary school.  Your class schedule, for example, may be misleading.  It may look very light, but will often require a great deal of out-of-class time and effort.  You will be asked to do more independent work at college and, consequently, will be asked to become responsible for your learning and for organizing your time.  Many of your old habits and behaviors may have to undergo radical changes.  This section attempts to present some of the expectations and responsibilities that you will be asked to meet while you are a student at West Virginia State Community and Technical College (WVSCTC).

I.          General Expectations

1.         A WVSCTC student is expected to read and understand the College Catalog.

You should know how to find the answers to your questions related to your major field, graduation requirements, college services, and financial aid, as well as the many other kinds of information to be found in this Catalog Supplement and the WVSC Catalog.

2.         A WVSCTC student is expected to read and use the College's  "Schedule of Classes" as he/she registers each semester.

You should know how to create a class schedule without time conflicts, to record the proper index number on your class schedule, and to note the time, place, and duration of all classes in which you have enrolled.  The final examination schedule is also included in the "Schedule of Classes."  You should note the date and time of your final exams at the beginning of each semester.  You must take your exams when they are scheduled.

3.         A WVSCTC student is expected to check with his/her major department for recent information on requirements and curriculum.

Curriculum requirements for your major may change.  You should be familiar with the requirements you need to fulfill in order to graduate and insure that you are taking the correct and prescribed courses.

4.         A WVSCTC student is expected to schedule classes so that the most effective learning can occur.

You should allow time between classes so that you can study, use the library, meet with your professors, and collaborate with other students in study groups.  Most courses require significant out-of-class time for homework, group projects, and library research activities.

5.         A WVSCTC student is expected to allow a minimum of three hours study time per week for each hour of class time.

Going to college full time (12 credit hours or more) is comparable to holding down a full-time job.  You cannot expect to learn and receive credit for courses if study time is not planned in your schedule.  Many students have part-time jobs, but your work schedule should not take away from your study time.  Your job will not serve as an excuse for not completing class work.

6.         A WVSCTC student is expected to show satisfactory academic progress.

If your cumulative grade point average drops below a "C" average, you may be placed on probation or suspended from the College.  Your financial aid eligibility may also be affected by your grades and by the number of credits in which you are enrolled.  Refer to the College Catalog for details.

7.         A WVSCTC student is expected to actively participate in the life of the college.

College is a learning community.  You should attend and participate in the many events and activities sponsored by the College each semester, including convocation, cultural events, the student newspaper, yearbook, etc.

II.         Individual Expectations

1.         A WVSCTC student is expected to assume responsibility for his/her education and formulate his/her own educational goals.

You are responsible for identifying, reaching, and evaluating your goals.  Goals-setting is an important skill which will help your chances for success.  Academic advisors can help guide your academic goal development and can assist you in formulating specific strategies.

2.         A WVSCTC student is expected to make use of the College Library.

Browse through the campus library to explore what resources it has to support your major.  Ask librarians for assistance.  Use the library for resources to support and construct your course reports, research papers, and projects.

3.         A WVSCTC student is expected to develop a plan for increasing his/her listening skills and improving study habits.

Good study skills and proper listening techniques are fundamental to achieving success in college.  Help is available in these areas from collegiate support services located in Hill Hall.  You are expected to request this information on an individual basis.

4.         A WVSCTC student is expected to take notes during classes.

You should become a skilled note taker and be able to organize your notes and utilize them as a basis for studying and self-testing.

5.         A WVSCTC student is expected to work collaboratively with other students.

Most classes require group work on specific projects and activities such as panel discussions, group writing projects, debates, etc.  You should learn to work effectively in group situations.  You are also encouraged to recruit other students and form study groups.  These groups tend to promote success in college.  The organization of the group may take many forms.  Find other students who are in your classes and are serious about doing well in school.  Plan times to meet in the library and in other study rooms which can be found throughout the campus.

6.         A WVSCTC student is expected to evaluate his/her own progress.

You are responsible for gathering and keeping papers, quizzes, and exams which indicate your success in a course.  You should be aware of "D" and "F" advisory grades.  Do not be afraid to ask for feedback and clarification from your professor.  It is quite appropriate to ask your instructor how you can improve your chances for success in a course.

III.        Classroom Expectations

1.         A WVSCTC student is expected to attend all class sessions and to be punctual.

Your chances for success in a course will increase considerably if you attend regularly.  Most instructors have specific penalties which are assessed if you fail to attend or are late to class.

2.         A WVSCTC student is responsible for all work done when he/she is absent from class.

It is not the professor’s responsibility to provide you with information on material you have missed.  Personal problems may be real and serious, but they do not excuse you for missed classes or missed assignments.  The reason for your absence does not change the expectation that you are responsible for making up the work missed.  Make acquaintances with classmates so that you can call them about assignments should you miss a class.

3.         A WVSCTC student is expected to read, understand, and follow the instructions in the course syllabus.

Every course at WVSC and WVSCTC has a course syllabus which lists the course objectives, class policies, requirements, and sequence of topics.  You should be thoroughly familiar with the syllabus and keep up with the assignments listed and class policies outlined.

4.         A WVSCTC student is expected to complete reading and writing assignments in all classes.

Reading and writing do not occur only in English classes.  All classes at WVSC and WVSCTC requiring writing assignments and assigned readings.  Do assignments conscientiously.  They are given to help develop your skills and expand your knowledge.  When assignments are carefully and thoroughly completed, your grade and also your command of the course material will be enhanced.

5.         A WVSCTC student is expected to turn in assignments on time.

Some professors will not accept or grade late assignments.  Other professors assess a penalty for late work received.

6.         A WVSCTC student is expected to complete his/her work without cheating or committing plagiarism.

Your instructor will review the definition of and penalties associated with cheating and plagiarism.  In most cases, they are very severe.

7.         A WVSCTC student is expected to actively participate in classes.

Participate in class discussions and collaborative activities; respond to questions the instructor asks.  Do your part to create a positive learning environment in class.  Asking questions will help facilitate your understanding of the subject and will reflect your interest in the material.

8.         A WVSCTC student is expected to make appointments with professors during assigned office hours.

Private discussions and questions regarding your understanding of the subject are encouraged.  All professors have office hours when they are available to help you on an individual basis.

9.         A WVSCTC student is expected to exhibit proper behavior at all times.

Disruptive behavior during class will not be tolerated.  This behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, profanity, public disturbance, fighting, destruction of property, chronic tardiness, and any other interference with classroom activity as defined by the instructor.  All students pay tuition and fees in order to have the opportunity to learn.  Students who disrupt a class will be removed from that class, if necessary.  You also have the expectation that your learning will not be jeopardized by the disruptive behavior of other students.

Attendance