Graduation Requirements, Certificates and Degrees

institutional requirements for certificates of achievement and certificates of completion | institutional requirements for associate degrees | lcc general education core requirements | how students can satisfy lcc general education core requirements | process for granting exceptions to the institutional core requirements for associate degrees | how to apply for the associate degree, certificate of achievement, or certificate of completion | transfer | regulation for the granting of additional associate degrees | regulation for granting an associate degree when the student has an earned bachelor's degree | assurance of quality

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT AND CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION

Certificates of achievement and certificates of completion are groups of designated courses or a designated course in occupational areas. To receive a certificate of achievement or certificate of completion from Lansing Community College, a student must meet the following institutional graduation requirements:

1. Complete a course of study approved by the College and consisting of a minimum of 30 semester credits for a certificate of achievement and fewer than 30 semester credits for a certificate of completion with no more than 10 percent of these credits acquired on the pass/fail (P-Z) grading system. (See the Degree and Certificate Programs section of the catalog.)

2. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above in all courses taken at the college.

3. Earn toward the curriculum at least one-third of the semester credits for the certificate in attendance at Lansing Community College. Credits earned through comprehensive exams will not be counted toward this requirement.

4. File an application for graduation with the Enrollment Services/Registrar’s Office one semester preceding the semester of graduation.

5. Satisfy all general and specific requirements of Lansing Community College.

Note: Students seeking a certificate of achievement or certificate of completion may not follow curricular guides which predate their first semester of enrollment.

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREES

To receive an associate degree from Lansing Community College, a student must meet the following institutional graduation requirements:

1. Complete a course of study approved by the College and consisting of a minimum of 60 semester credits with no more than 10 percent of these credits acquired on the pass/fail (P-Z) grading system. (See the Degree and Certificate Programs section of this catalog.)

2. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.

3. Earn toward the curriculum at least 20 semester credits for the Associate degree in attendance at Lansing Community College. Credits earned through comprehensive exams will not be counted toward this requirement.

4. Satisfy the College’s General Education Core Area Requirements.

5. Satisfy all general and specific requirements of Lansing Community College.

6. File an application for graduation with the Enrollment Services Office one semester preceding the semester of graduation and pay the $25.00 non-refundable Graduation Application Fee.

Note: Students seeking an associate degree may not follow curricular guides which predate their first semester of enrollment.

Those students who maintain a 3.75 or higher grade point average will be graduated Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors); those who maintain a 3.50–3.74 grade point average will be graduated Magna Cum Laude (with high honors); those with a 3.25–3.49 will be graduated Cum Laude (with honors). Students must complete 40 semester credit hours of work at Lansing Community College to qualify for honors.

General requirements for associate degrees offered by Lansing Community College are presented below. (For specific degree requirements, see the Degree and Certificate Programs section of this catalog.)

Associate in Arts: This is primarily a transfer degree. It is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree in such fields as liberal arts, education, humanities, or the social sciences. Requirements: 60–63 credits, including a minimum of 17 LCC General Education Core credits, additional general education MACRAO requirements, subject matter concentrations (humanities, for example), and institutional associate degree requirements.

Associate in Science: This is primarily a transfer degree. It is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree in such fields as mathematics, engineering, or the sciences. Requirements: 60–63 credits, including a minimum of 17 LCC General Education Core credits, additional general education MACRAO requirements, subject matter concentrations (mathematics, for example), and institutional associate degree requirements.

Associate in Applied Arts: This degree is designed for students who seek education and the acquisition of skills needed to enter the job market or to advance their current careers. This degree includes a concentration of courses in fields such as the visual arts or the performing arts. Requirements: 60–72 credits, including a minimum of 17 LCC General Education Core credits, specific career program requirements, and institutional associate degree requirements.

Associate in Applied Science: This degree is designed for students who seek education and the acquisition of skills needed to enter the job market or to advance in their current careers. This degree includes a concentration of courses in fields such as health care, manufacturing, and construction. Requirements: 60–72 credits, including a minimum of 17 LCC General Education Core credits, specific career program requirements, and institutional associate degree requirements.

Associate in Business: This degree is designed for students who seek business education and the acquisition of business-related skills needed to enter the job market or to advance in their current careers. This degree includes a concentration of courses in areas such as marketing, management, and office administration. Requirements: 60–72 credits, including a minimum of 17 LCC General Education Core credits, specific career program requirements in business-related areas (marketing, for example), and institutional associate degree requirements.

General Associate Degree: This degree is a customized program of study that should be approved by an academic advisor or counselor. A minimum of 60 credits is required and includes the LCC General Education Core requirements. Students must also complete EITHER a minimum of 12 related credits in an area of study of their own choosing OR they must complete the credits listed on a transfer guide. (See Transfer Information in the catalog for a list of institutions for which transfer guides are available.) Students planning to transfer should see an academic advisor or counselor before enrolling in any course.

LCC GENERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS

In order to meet the needs of life-long learners in a constantly changing world, Lansing Community College believes that a common core of skills, knowledge, understanding, and reasoning is indispensable for all students granted an associate degree. This background is essential to every person as a productive worker and citizen and is a foundation upon which an individual can build a life-long pursuit of knowledge and education. In keeping with these beliefs, the College has established General Education Core requirements at the college level in the areas of communication, global perspectives and diversity, mathematics, science, and writing for students seeking an LCC associate degree. The student outcomes expected for each of the Core areas are presented below.

1. Communication

• Define and explain the nature of the communication process.

• Use language and nonverbal behavior to express ideas and feelings clearly and responsibly.

• Participate constructively in group/team discussions/activities.

• Research, prepare, and present oral and/or visual information effectively.

• Listen/interpret, with both literal and critical comprehension, in a variety of communication situations.

2. Global Perspectives and Diversity

• Describe and analyze the ways in which societies and/or world civilizations establish socio-cultural order and the effects of these on individuals and the societies and/or world civilizations.

• Describe and analyze how different societies and/or world civilizations have searched for truth, justice, and an understanding of what it means to be human.

• Describe and analyze how major ideologies within societies and/or world civilizations have resulted in peaceful and/or violent solutions to conflicts.

• Describe and analyze how major ideas, issues, values, and institutions in societies and/or world civilizations have shaped cultures and the effects these have on individuals.

• Describe, analyze, and examine the impact of the inclusion and/or exclusion of diverse perspectives of gender and ethnicity by societies and/or world civilizations.

3. Mathematics

• Use the strategies of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra to solve problems and effectively communicate the solutions in a variety of disciplines.

• Use, interpret and produce one or more representations of a function, including graphs in one or more variables.

4. Science

• Discuss and summarize basic knowledge of the nature, scope, purposes, and limitations of science and technology.

• Explain and apply the fundamental concepts of one of the sciences.

• Gather, analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from empirical data.

• Use scientific knowledge and methods as tools to make decisions about contemporary issues involving science and technology.

5. Writing

• Use reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate abstract concepts and concrete information.

• Use the stages of the writing process effectively.

• Properly locate, incorporate, and attribute sources of information.

• Produce effective writings that are targeted to various academic, community, and/or professional audiences.

• Conform to conventions of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

HOW STUDENTS CAN SATISFY LCC GENERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS

See General Education Core Curriculum Requirements for more information.

All students must fulfill LCC General Education Core requirements in order to be awarded an associate degree. The ways in which students can satisfy these requirements are presented below. Because these may be revised each academic year, students should consult an academic advisor or the most recent catalog information to stay informed of current options for satisfying Core requirements. Students should also be aware that not all courses that satisfy the LCC Core transfer to all colleges. Students planning to transfer should see an academic advisor or counselor before enrolling in any course.

Effective Fall 2005, students can satisfy the General Education Core requirements for the areas of communication, global perspectives and diversity, mathematics, science, and writing in any of the following ways (a minimum of three credits is required for each of the areas):

1. Achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher in an approved Core course (credits in parentheses):

Communication

ARTS 102	Design and Communication	(3)
FREN 121	Elementary French I	(4)
GRMN 121	Elementary German I	(4)
JAPN 121	Elementary Japanese I	(4)
SIGN 160	Intro to the Deaf Community	(3)
SPCH 110	Oral Comm in the Workplace	(3)
SPCH 120	Dynamics of Communication	(3)
SPCH 130	Fund of Public Speaking	(3)
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre	(3)

Global Perspectives and Diversity

ADMN 275	Cultural Differences in Business	(3)
ECON 120	Power, Authority and Exchange	(4)
ECON 260	Comparative Economic Systems	(3)
ENGL 211	World Literature I	(4)
ENGL 212	World Literature II	(4)
GEOG 200	World Regional Geography	(4)
HUMS 160	Mythology	(4)
HUMS 211	Art History to the Renaissance	(4)
HUMS 212	Art History from the Renaissance	(4)
HUMS 213	World Civilizations to 1600	(4)
HUMS 214	World Civilizations from 1600	(4)
MGMT 234	Diversity in the Workplace	(3)
MUSC 240	World Music History I	(4)
MUSC 241	World Music History II	(4)
PHIL 211	Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval	(4)
PHIL 212	Philosophy: Modern and Contempry	(4)
POLS 260	Comparative Political Systems	(3)
POLS 270	International Relations	(3)
SOCL120	Introduction to Sociology	(4)
SOCL 260	Race and Ethnicity	(3)
SPCH 280	Intercultural Communication	(3)

Mathematics

MATH 112	Intermediate Algebra	(4)
MATH 115	Technical Math II	(4)
MATH 117	Math for Business	(4)
MATH 118	The Art of Geometry	(3)
MATH 119	Investigations with Math	(3)
NOTE:  Non-Core mathematics courses at MATH 120 or above (121, 122, 126, 130, 141, 151, 152, 161, 162, 201, 202, 253, 254, and 260) and STAT 170 and 215, implicitly demonstrate proficiency and therefore, satisfy the Core area requirement

Science

ASTR 201	Introductory Astronomy	(4)
BIOL 120	Environmental Science	(4)
BIOL 127	Cell Biology	(4)
BIOL 145	Intro Anatomy and Physiology	(4)
BIOL 202	Human Physiology	(4)
CHEM 135	Chemistry in Society	(4)
CHEM 145	Intro to Forensic Chemistry	(4)
CHEM 151 and 161	General Chemistry Lecture I & Laboratory I	(4/1)
GEOL 230	Environmental Geology	(4)
ISCI 121	Integrated Science for Education I	(4)
ISCI 131	Integrated Science – Physical	(4)
METM 190	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	(4)
PHYS 120	The Art of Physics	(4)
PHYS 200	Intro Physics with Application	(4)
PHYS 221	Introductory Physics I	(4)
PHYS 251	Physics I: Mechanics	(5)

Writing

ENGL 122	Write about Literature & Ideas	(4)
ENGL 132	Honors Write - Literature & Ideas	(4)
WRIT 121	Composition I	(4)
WRIT 122	Composition II	(4)
WRIT 124	Technical Writing	(3)
WRIT 127	Business Writing	(3)
WRIT 131	Honors Composition I	(4)
WRIT 132	Honors Composition II	(4)

Descriptions for each of the above courses can be found at http://www.lcc.edu/courses/

2. Achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher on a Comprehensive Examination (where appropriate and available) for an approved course in a Core area. Upon successfully completing the exam, the student receives LCC credit for the course. (A comprehensive exam is an exam for which the student completes an application, pays the tuition for the course, and receives the grade earned on the exam on his or her transcript. See “Credit by Examination”.)

3. Achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher on a Core Area Proficiency Examination, where appropriate and available. The Core proficiency examination must be passed at a 2.0 (71%) level or higher. Each exam is specific to a single core area and is administered for a $50 fee in the Assessment Center, Room 200, Gannon Building. Core Area Proficiency Examinations may only be taken once to satisfy the core area. See "General Education Core Requirements" for more information.

4. In mathematics, achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher in any non-Core mathematics course at STAT 170, STAT 215, MATH 120 or above.

5. Present evidence of an earned associate degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university.

6. If no degree has been earned, transfer in comparable course credit for an approved course from an accredited institution. General credit does not apply unless documentation for the Core area learning outcomes is provided and approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

7. Establish appropriate course credit through the Advanced Placement Examination (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and/or others as recognized by LCC.

8. Establish credit for an approved course through the Experiential Learning Process. See “Credit for Previously Acquired Knowledge and Learning Experience”

The following do NOT satisfy General Education Core requirements:

• LCC placement test scores

• A waiver of any course that is also a Core course

• Completion of higher-level courses that are not approved Core courses (see mathematics information in #4 above for mathematics exception)

PROCESS FOR GRANTING EXCEPTIONS TO THE INSTITUTIONAL CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Core exceptions will be granted only as a result of verifiable college error, e.g. inappropriate advising, inaccurate printed materials. A student who wishes to formally appeal a determination that the Core requirement for an Associate degree has not been met, should appeal initially to the Department Chair of the Department offering the curriculum. The Chair should apply the following parameters in making a determination that an exception to current policy is warranted:

1. Even if a college error has been documented, if the student has the time and ability to take the course(s) necessary to satisfy the requirement, the course(s) should be completed.

2. The College does not waive a core requirement. In cases described in #1 above, substitutions are allowed only after consultation with the Chair of the department offering the core course for which a substitution will be made.

If the Chair determines that an exception is warranted, a recommendation should be sent to the Dean of the Division. The recommendation should include the student’s name and student number, a brief summary of the situation and the reason(s) for the recommendation, and any other relevant documentation. If the Dean concurs with the Chair’s recommendation, a recommendation should be sent to the Academic Affairs Office. The recommendation will be reviewed, and if any concerns arise, the matter will be further discussed with the Dean. If the recommendation is accepted, the Academic Affairs Office will inform the Registrar of the exception in writing with a copy to the Dean, and will also send written notification to the student with a copy to the Registrar.

The Chair notifies the student if the Chair believes an exception is not warranted. The student may appeal the Chair’s decision to the Dean. If the Dean agrees with the Chair’s decision, the Dean notifies the student. If the Dean does not agree with the Chair’s decision, the Dean will forward a recommendation to the Academic Affairs Office.

The final decision for granting exceptions to the institutional core requirements rests with the Academic Affairs Office.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT, OR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Prior to submitting an application for a degree or certificate, students should consult with an advisor to review progress toward completing requirements. Substitutions or waivers for program requirements must be approved on an authorized form signed by the department offering the program. (Substitutions and waivers are not allowed for institutional degree or certificate requirements. See Institutional Requirements for Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Completion and Institutional Requirements for Associate Degrees in this section.) The process of applying for a degree or certificate takes approximately one semester, so students should apply one semester in advance of the semester they plan to graduate.

Procedures are as follows:

1. Complete an application for Associate Degree, Certificate of Achievement or Certificate of Completion. These applications are available in the Enrollment Services Office.
   
   
2. Attach a copy of the curricular guide (program of study) for the degree or certificate being sought. Note: Students may not follow a curricular guide that predates their first semester of enrollment. The requirements must be met by the semester the curricular guide expires.
   
   
3. An application for a certificate and the curricular guide are to be returned to the Enrollment Services Office. If a department has authorized program substitutions or waivers, the completed and signed form(s) must accompany the application.
   
   
4.  An application for an associate degree, the curricular guide and a $25.00 non-refundable Graduation Application Fee are to be returned to the Cash Operations Office.  If a department has authorized program substitutions or waivers, the completed and signed form(s) must accompany the application.
   
   
5. If the Enrollment Services Office determines that there are requirements NOT met, the student will receive a report specifying the unmet requirements which must be completed.
   
   
6. If all the requirements are met, the student will receive a letter indicating that the degree or certificate will be awarded.
   
   
7. The LCC transcript will show the degree or certificate awarded.
   
   
8. Diplomas and certificates are mailed to students during the semester after degrees or certificates have been awarded.
   

TRANSFER

Students planning to transfer to another institution should be aware that universities and colleges differ widely in the courses they accept for transfer. A student intending to transfer should follow the transfer guide of the institution to which he or she intends to enroll. Transfer guides are not LCC degree guides. In order to achieve maximum transferability of courses, students should consult with an academic advisor or counselor. (See the Transfer Information section of this catalog for more information about transfer programs.)

REGULATION FOR THE GRANTING OF ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Any student who received an associate degree from Lansing Community College or any other accredited community college may be awarded a second associate degree subject to the following stipulations:

1. For each additional associate degree, a minimum of 10 semester credit hours must be completed at LCC in the division in which the degree is sought, or on the curriculum guide, non-repetitive of previously earned credits. (Note: The institutional associate degree requirement of 20 credits earned at LCC must be met by those students not receiving their first degree at LCC.)

2. All requirements for an associate degree in either arts, applied arts, business, science, or applied science must be met.

3. The College’s General Education Core requirements are satisfied by virtue of the student earning the first associate degree.

4. The associate degree must be in a specific program or curriculum; it cannot be a general associate degree. No additional degree will be granted in the same curriculum in which the first degree was earned.

5. Exceptions to the above should be appealed to the office of the dean of the division in which the associate degree is sought.

REGULATION FOR GRANTING AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE WHEN THE STUDENT HAS AN EARNED BACHELOR’S DEGREE

A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university which has a general education requirement may be awarded an associate degree at Lansing Community College subject to the following requirements:

1. For each associate degree, a minimum of 10 semester credit hours must be completed at Lansing Community College in the division in which the associate degree is sought. The Lansing Community College cumulative grade point average must be at or above a 2.0 level.

2. All requirements for an associate degree in arts, applied arts, business, science, or applied science must be met.

3. The College’s General Education Core requirements are satisfied by virtue of the student earning the bachelor’s degree.

4. The associate degree must be within a specific program or curriculum; it cannot be a general associate degree.

5. Exceptions to the above should be appealed to the office of the dean of the division in which the associate degree is sought.

ASSURANCE OF QUALITY

Lansing Community College offers assurance—a guarantee—to its students; prospective employers; and receiving transfer colleges, universities, and technical training institutions, those individuals who have earned LCC degrees or certificates are competent to perform in their areas of major study.

Transferring students who have earned an official Lansing Community College certificate or degree should be able to perform competently in the area in which they majored or specialized at Lansing Community College.

Non-transferring students who have earned an official Lansing Community College certificate or degree should be able to perform competently in the area in which they majored or specialized at Lansing Community College.

A Lansing Community College graduate may be permitted to retake a specified course or courses, when next offered, with no tuition or fee charge by submitting his or her request to the Enrollment Services Office along with supporting documentation from the institution to which he or she has transferred or from his or her employer, whichever is appropriate.

Because unused skills and knowledge can decay rapidly, the assurances offered herein will be in effect for one year from the date the course or courses in question were taken at Lansing Community College.