Student Records and Registration

• Privacy Rights of Students (FERPA)
• Custodian of Records
• Change of Student File Data, including Name or Address
• Students with Disabilities
• Residency Status of Students
• Classification of Students
• Academic Transcript
• Grades
• Health Sciences Grading System
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Academic Good Standing
• Scholastic Probation or Suspension
• Tuition Charged for Excess Credit Hours
• Limitation on the Number of Transfer Hours
• Registration/Adding Courses
• Class Modalities
• Parts of Term
• Dropping Courses and Drop Deadlines
• Good Cause Exceptions for Withdraw/Drop
• The Impact of a Drop on Student Grades
• Withdrawals for Excessive Absences and the Six Drop Rule
• Withdrawal from College
• Refunds
• Graduation/Achievement Awards

Privacy Rights of Students (FERPA)

Notification of Rights

Every Fall and Spring semester, the Blinn College District informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This act was designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. It establishes the right of students to inspect and review their educational records. It also provides guidelines, through informal and formal hearings, for the correction of the educational records that a student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of his/her privacy rights.

Students also have a right to file complaints concerning FERPA with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the requirements of the Act and 34 CFR part 99. Complaints should be filed with the vice chancellor, student services. Questions concerning FERPA may be referred to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Disclosure of Student Records

The term “educational records” means those records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the Blinn College District. In general, no personally identifiable information from a student’s educational records will be disclosed without written consent from the student, except to the extent that the Act and 34 CFR 99.31 authorize disclosure without consent. Two exceptions include: (1) directory information will be released unless the student requests that it be withheld; (2) records may be disclosed to parents of students who depend upon them as defined by Internal Revenue Code 1954, Section 152. Parents must submit a notarized Certification of Dependency annually, for the student’s record to be disclosed.

If a student would like to grant another party access to their educational records, they must submit an electronic FERPA Release form for each proxy through the student’s myBlinn account. FERPA Release forms are valid until the student revokes the proxy’s access by submitting the Request to Revoke FERPA Release form through the student’s myBlinn account.

In order for students to withhold their directory information, they must electronically submit the Request to Withhold Directory Information form through the student’s myBlinn account. Once the Request to Withhold Directory Information has been processed it will remain active until revoked by the student by submitting the Request to Revoke Withheld Directory Information through the student’s myBlinn account.

A student may not use the right of refusal to opt out of directory information disclosures to prevent a College District from disclosing or requiring a student to disclose the student’s name, identifier, or institutional e-mail address in a class in which the student is enrolled. Blinn College District will continue to honor any valid request made in the last semester attended of a former student to opt out of the disclosure of directory information unless the student rescinds the opt-out request. The College will not disclose or confirm directory information without meeting the written consent requirements in 34 CFR 99.30 if a student’s Social Security Number or other non-directory information is used alone or combined with other data elements to identify or help identify the student or the student’s records.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Legal)

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

The College District designates the following categories of student information as public or directory information. Such information may be disclosed by the institution:

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of either or both categories of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. In order for students to withhold their directory information, they must electronically submit the Request to Withhold Directory Information form through the student’s myBlinn account. The College District shall assume that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of directory information indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Local)

Custodian of Records

The Registrar is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students, for all official academic records, and all other records. The address for the custodian of records shall be included in the Annual Notice of Student Rights under 20 U.S.C. 1232g.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Local)

Change of Student File Data, including Name or Address

A student who changes his or her name, permanent/local address, phone, email, emergency contact, social security number, or ethnicity/racial category shall submit the Student Data Change Form in the student’s myBlinn account. Any communication from the College District, which is mailed to the name and permanent address on record, shall be considered to have been delivered and the student shall be responsible.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Local)

Request Procedures for Educational Records

The College District shall make a student’s records available to the student. The records custodian or designee shall use reasonable procedures to verify the requestor’s identity before disclosing student records containing personally identifiable information.

Records may be reviewed in person during regular business hours without charge upon written request to the records custodian. For in-person viewing, the records custodian or designee shall be available to explain the record and to answer questions. The confidential nature of the student’s records shall be maintained at all times. Records to be viewed shall be restricted to use only in the District Chancellor’s office or other restricted area designated by the records custodian. The original copy of the record or any document contained in the comprehensive record shall not be removed from the school.

Copies of records must be requested in writing or electronically through the student’s myBlinn account and shall be available at a per copy cost, payable in advance. Financial hardship cases shall be dealt with on an individual basis. A student may be denied copies of records if he or she fails to follow proper procedures or pay the copying charge.

Board Policy FJ (Local)

Procedures to Amend Educational Records

Within 15 College District business days of the record custodian’s receipt of a request to amend records, the College District shall notify the student in writing of its decision on the request and, if the request is denied, of his or her right to a hearing. If a hearing is requested, it shall be held within 10 College District business days after the request is received.

Students shall be notified in advance of the date, time, and place of the hearing. An administrator who is not responsible for the contested records and who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing shall conduct the hearing. The student shall be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence, and at his or her own expense, may be assisted or represented at the hearing. The student shall be notified of the decision in writing within ten College District business days of the hearing. The decision shall be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and shall include a summary of the evidence and reasons for the decision. If the decision is to deny the request, the student shall be informed that he or she has 30 College District business days within which to exercise his or her right to place in the record a statement commenting on the contested information and/or stating any reason for disagreeing with the College District’s decision.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Local)

Access by School Officials

A school official shall be allowed access to student records if he or she has a legitimate educational interest in the records. For the purposes of this policy, “school officials” shall include: An employee, Trustee, or agent of the College District, including an attorney, a consultant, a contractor, a volunteer, and any outside service provider used by the College District to perform institutional services.

1. A person serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
2. All contractors provided with student records shall follow the same rules as employees concerning privacy of the records and shall return the records upon completion of the assignment.

A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” in a student’s records when he or she is:

1. Working with the student;
2. Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, or services for a student with disabilities;
3. Compiling statistical data;
4. Reviewing an education record to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility; or
5. Investigating or evaluating programs.

Blinn Board Policy FJ (Local)

Students with Disabilities

Students receiving services through the Office of Disability Services will be notified of their rights under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 when they register for services.

Residency Status of Students

The Board designates the Registrar as the residence determination official for the College District.

In determining residence status, the Registrar shall be governed by the “Guidelines for Determining Residence Status” approved by the Coordinating Board and the College District.

Blinn Board Policy FDA (LOCAL)

Requirements for In-State Residency

Residents

Subject to the other applicable provisions of Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter B governing the determination of resident status, the following persons are considered residents of this state for purposes of Education Code Title 3:

1. A person who:

a. Established a domicile in this state not later than one year (12 months) before the census date of the academic term in which the person is enrolled in an institution, including a college district; and

b. Maintained that domicile continuously in the state for the year (12 months) immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution. Education Code 54.052(a); 19 TAC 21.24(a)(2)

If a person applies for resident status under this provision, the person shall submit the following information to an institution of higher education to establish resident status under Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter B:

c. A statement of the dates and length of time the person has resided in this state, as relevant to establish resident status; and

d. A statement by the person that the person’s presence in this state for that period was for a purpose of establishing and maintaining a domicile. Education Code 54.053(1)

2. A dependent whose parent:

a. Established a domicile in this state not later than one year (12 months) before the census date of the academic term in which the dependent is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and

b. Maintained that domicile continuously for the year (12 months) immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution.
Education Code 54.052(a)(2); 19 TAC 21.24(a)(3)

If a person applies for resident status under this provision, the person shall submit the following information to an institution of higher education to establish resident status under Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter B:

c. A statement of the dates and length of time any parent of the person has resided in this state, as relevant to establish resident status; and

d. A statement by the parent or, if the parent is unable or unwilling to provide the statement, a statement by the person that the parent’s presence in this state for that period was for a purpose of establishing and maintaining a domicile. Education Code 54.053(2)

3. A person who:

a. Graduated from a public or accredited private high school in this state or, as an alternative to high school graduation, received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this state, including the successful completion of a nontraditional secondary education; and

b. Maintained a residence continuously in this state for:

1. The three years (36 months) immediately preceding the date of graduation or receipt of the diploma equivalent, as applicable; and

2. The year (12 months) preceding the census date of the academic term in which the person is enrolled in an institution. Education Code 54.052(a)(3); 19 TAC 21.24(a)(1)

If a person applies for resident status under this provision, the person shall submit the following information to an institution of higher education to establish resident status under Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter B:

1. A statement of the dates and length of time the person has resided in this state, as relevant to establish resident status; and

2. If the person is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, an affidavit stating that the person will apply to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as the person becomes eligible to apply. An affidavit signed by a person enrolled and classified during any part of the 2011-12 academic year or later must be retained in a paper or electronic format permanently by the institution or until the student (current and former) provides proof that the student has applied for permanent resident status. Education Code 54.053(3); 19 TAC 21.25(a)(1)(B),

For purposes of this section, the domicile of a dependent’s parent is presumed to be the domicile of the dependent unless the person establishes eligibility for resident status under the third option. Education Code 54.052(b); 19 TAC 21.24(d)

Non-Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to establish and maintain domicile in this state for the numbered provisions above in accordance with 19 Administrative Code 21.24(d). 19 TAC 21.24(d)

The following non-U. S. citizens are eligible to establish and maintain domicile in this state

1. a Permanent Resident;
2. a person who is eligible for permanent resident status,
3. a nonimmigrant who holds one of the types of visas identified as eligible to domicile;
4. a person classified by the USCIS as a Refugee, Asylee, Parolee, Conditional Permanent Resident, or Temporary Resident;
5. a person holding Temporary Protected Status, and Spouses and Children with approved petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), an applicant with an approved USCIS I-360, and a person granted deferred action status by USCIS;
6. a person who has filed an application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status under Immigration Nationality Act 240A(b) or a Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA), or the Cuban Adjustment Act, and who has been issued a fee/filing receipt or Notice of Action by USCIS; and
7. a person who has filed for adjustment of status to that of a person admitted as a Permanent Resident under 8 United States Code 1255, or under the “registry” program (8 United States Code 1259), or the Special Immigrant Juvenile Program (8 USC 1101(a)(27)(J)) and has been issued a fee/filing receipt or Notice of Action by USCIS.

A public or independent institution of higher education that enrolls and classifies a person who is not a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States as a resident under provision 3 during any part of the 2011-12 academic year or later shall instruct such students upon admission, annually while the students are enrolled, and upon graduation of their obligation to apply for Permanent Resident status as soon as eligible to do so and refer students to the appropriate federal agency for instructions on how to achieve such status. 19 TAC 21.30(b)-(c)

Presumption of Resident Status

A member of the U.S. Armed Services whose home of record with the military is Texas is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. A member whose home of record is not Texas but who provides the institution leave and earnings statements that show the member has claimed Texas as his or her place of residence for the 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment is presumed to be a Texas resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. 19 TAC 21.24 (i)

Information Required to Initially Establish Resident Status

Evidence of Resident Status

To initially establish resident status under 19 Administrative Code 21.24, a person who qualifies for residency shall provide the institution with a completed set of Core Residency Questions. A person who qualifies for residency under 19 Administrative Code 21.24(a)(1) and who is not a Citizen of the United States or a Permanent Resident of the United States shall, in addition to the other requirements of this section, provide the institution, including a college district, with a signed affidavit in the form provided in 19 Administrative Code 21.25 stating that the person will apply to become a Permanent Resident of the U.S. as soon as the person becomes eligible to apply.

An institution may request that a person provide documentation to support or clarify the answers to the Core Residency Questions. Appropriate documents are not limited to those listed in 19 Administrative Code 21.25. In addition, the institution may request documents that support the information the student may provide in the Core Residency Questions, Section H.

An institution shall not impose any requirements in addition to the requirements established in this section for a person to establish resident status. Education Code 54.075(b); 19 TAC 21.25.

Intent to Establish and Maintain Domicile in Texas

Although not conclusive or exhaustive, the following factors occurring throughout at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the semester in which a person seeks to enroll may lend support to a claim regarding the person’s intent to establish and maintain domicile in Texas:

1. Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas by the person seeking to enroll or the dependent’s parent, having established and maintained domicile at that residence;
2. Ownership and customary management of a business, by the person seeking to enroll or the dependent’s parent, in Texas that is regularly operated without the intention of liquidation for the foreseeable future;
3. Gainful employment in Texas by the person seeking to enroll or the dependent’s parent; and
4. Marriage, by the person seeking to enroll or the dependent’s parent, to a person who has established and maintained domicile in Texas.

An individual whose initial purpose for moving to Texas is to attend an institution of higher education as a full-time student will be presumed not to have the required intent to make Texas his or her domicile; however, the presumption may be overruled by clear and convincing evidence.

An individual shall not ordinarily be able to establish domicile by performing acts that are directly related to fulfilling educational objectives or that are required or routinely performed by temporary residents of the state. 19 TAC 21.24 (h)

Burden of Proof

The student has the burden of proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that residence or domicile, as appropriate, has been established and maintained. 19 TAC 21.24(c)

Blinn Board Policy FDA (LEGAL)

Written Documentation

At minimum, each institution must file and maintain a copy of one or more appropriately dated documents which will certify that the student classified as a resident has legal right to such classification as of the official census date of the semester or term for which enrolling. Documents acceptable but not limited to for this purpose include:

• Texas high school transcript
• Texas college or university transcript
• Employer statement of date of employment
• Permanent driver’s license (at least one-year-old); generally, the license expiration date minus date of enrollment should not exceed three years.
• Property tax payments
• Bank statement
• Utility bill
• Students may be asked to present proof of residency at the time of initial admission or at any time following registration. A student who believes he/she qualifies for a change of residency status for tuition purposes must submit a Residency Reclassification Request through the student’s myBlinn account. The request must be filed by the Official Day of Record in order to receive any refund of tuition paid.

State Residence Classification

Under state statutes and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) rules and regulations interpreting these statutes, a prospective student will be classified as an in-state (in-district or out- of-district), out-of-state, or foreign student. A person who has lived in the state of Texas under circumstances specified in the THECB rules above will be eligible for classification as an in-state resident.

A person who has not been classified as an in-state resident but who is a United States citizen, a permanent resident of the United States, or an eligible nonimmigrant will be classified as an out-of-state resident.

A person who is not a United State citizen, permanent resident of the United States, does not hold a visa which allows domicile in the United States, or does not meet specific circumstances outlined by THECB above will be considered a Foreign Student.

In-District Residence Classification

An individual must first qualify for in-state residency before he or she may be classified as an in-district or out-of-district student. An individual who qualifies as an in-state resident may also qualify as an in-district resident if he or she has established residency in Washington County.

To establish residency in Washington County, a student, or the parent of whom the student is a dependent, must establish a domicile* or own ad valorem tax property in Washington County not less than six months before the census date of the academic semester in which the student enrolls at the College District.

“Established domicile in Texas means physically residing in Texas with the intent to maintain domicile in Texas for at least the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date of the term of enrollment, allowing for documented temporary absences. 19 TAC 21.22(10)

Blinn Board Policy FDA (LEGAL)

All other in-state residents will be classified as out-of-district residents.

Residency rules are pursuant to change as per the Texas Legislature and the THECB. For the latest rules and regulations, contact the Admissions Office or view them on the THECB web site.

Classification of Students

A full-time student is one who is registered for 12 or more semester hours in a regular term or 4 or more hours in a summer 5-week term. In order to be classified with sophomore standing, a student must have completed a total of 30 or more semester hours.

Blinn Board Policy EGB (LOCAL)

Academic Transcript

An official transcript of college credits is a record of the student’s academic record bearing the college seal and the signature of the Registrar. Students may order a transcript anytime during a semester and/or request that it be held and then sent out after all current semester grades or degrees are posted. Official transcripts can be requested from the Blinn College District in one of two ways - online or in person (online requests are preferred and processed within 24 hours of receipt).

Official transcripts can be obtained in person at Enrollment Services on any of the Blinn College District’s campuses. The request must include full legal name or name attended under, dates of attendance, student ID/Social Security number, and a legible signature. All admission information must be on file, all holds cleared, before an official transcript will be released. Official transcripts can be requested by logging into myBlinn and completing the online request.  For those who do not have a myBlinn account, transcripts can also be requested through the online portal.

Grades

At the end of each semester, students shall receive a final grade report that shall become a part of their permanent record. The College District’s grading system shall apply to all courses:

I - Incomplete: indicates that the coursework was incomplete because of serious illness or other justified emergency. The instructor shall change the grade of “I” to a grade based on the work completed for the course in addition to the work specified in the course completion contract. All incomplete work shall be completed within 90 days of the start of the next long semester. If the requirements of a course completion contract are not completed on time, the grade (I) will be converted to an (F) by the Blinn College Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a Course Completion Contract is fulfilled on time.

IP - In Progress: indicates that a grade is still in progress or that the course has not been concluded. An IP does not impact the student’s GPA; it is a placeholder until the student concludes the course and a final grade is awarded. The IP grade is also used for developmental courses indicating partial completion of course requirements.

Q - Dropped: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College District calendar when a student is officially dropped from a course.

W - Dropped Due to Good Cause: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College District calendar when a student has officially withdrawn from the College District or is officially dropped from a course for any of the following “good cause” reasons:

1. A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete a course;
2. The care of a sick, injured, or needy person if providing that care affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete a course; relationship to the student;
3. The death of a member of the student’s family;
4. The death of a person who has a sufficiently close relationship to the student;
5. The student’s active military duty service;
6. The active military service of a member of the student’s family or a person who has a sufficiently close relationship to the student; or
7. A change in the student’s work schedule that is beyond the student’s control and affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course.

For definitions of a student’s “family” and “a person who has a sufficiently close relationship to the student,” see DEFINITIONS FOR GOOD CAUSE EXEMPTION in ECC (LEGAL).

A “W” may also be assigned to a student not impacted by SB 1231 when he or she drops a course or withdraws from the College District.

FS – Academic Fresh Start: State law (Education Code, Sec. 51.931) allows students who have academic credits earned 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which they seek admission to any public institution of higher education to have those credits or grades not considered in the admission decision. If admitted under this “academic fresh start” provision, the student may not receive any course credit for courses undertaken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. To request Academic Fresh Start, the student must submit the Academic Fresh Start Application through the student’s myBlinn account.

Health Sciences Grading System

The grading system for Health Science programs may differ from the approved Blinn College District Grading Scale as noted in their program handbook and course syllabi. Students not meeting these standards in competitive entry programs may continue to enroll in courses outside the discipline as long as they maintain minimum college requirements.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

College District progress is normally determined by a grade point average or ratio. Grade points shall be calculated by assigning values to each grade. Grade values are listed in the Table above. The highest grade of a repeated course shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point average. A grade of “W” or “Q” shall not replace a grade of “F” or higher in a repeated course, but a grade of “F” shall replace a grade of “W” or “Q”.

All grades earned while enrolled in the College District shall be used in computing a student’s College District grade point average (GPA), except grades of I, IP, Q, W, CR, NC, M, P, NP, FS, AU and PIA.

The computation of a student’s College District Graduation GPA shall include transfer coursework but shall not include developmental coursework.

Academic Good Standing

In order to remain in academic good standing with the College District, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C). A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is the minimum average required for graduation.

Scholastic Probation or Suspension

A student who falls below a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the close of any Fall or Spring semester will be placed on scholastic probation. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA at the end of subsequent long (Fall and/or Spring) semesters will be placed on scholastic suspension. A student with a semester GPA of greater than 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will remain on scholastic probation. Students being placed on scholastic probation at the end of the long semester will receive an email to their Blinn College District Buc account. Students being placed on scholastic suspension at the end of the long semester will receive an email to their Blinn College District Buc account and will receive a text notification, if the student has chosen to receive text messages from Blinn College.

A student placed on scholastic probation becomes ineligible to be a candidate for an elective or appointive office of a college-sponsored activity or social organization. This restriction does not apply if participation in the activity or organization is part of the requirements of a college course. The student may be required to forfeit college scholarships, be ineligible to represent the Blinn College District, and may be subject to a loss of veteran’s benefits and other financial aid.

A student placed on scholastic probation is highly recommended to seek academic advisement prior to registration.

A student placed on scholastic suspension will not be allowed to attend the Blinn College District for one long (fall, spring) semester. At the conclusion of this suspended semester, the student can reenter the Blinn College District and will be given a probation continued override and allowed to register for classes. For those students who have been scholastically suspended but have extenuating circumstances preventing them from achieving the minimum 2.0 GPA, an appeal for reinstatement may be made. This appeal must be submitted to the scholastic appeals committee. Information on the appeal procedure and submission deadline is included in the email sent to suspended students. The decision of the scholastic appeals committee is final. No appeal for reinstatement may be made after the appeal deadline. A student must make a separate appeal, if placed on suspension for financial aid funds.

Blinn Administrative Procedure Scholastic Probation or Suspension

Tuition Charged for Excess Credit Hours

Students who accumulate 45 or more undergraduate semester hours beyond the minimum hours required for their first bachelor’s degree at a four-year university may be charged a higher tuition rate by the university. These hours will include hours earned at a community college and/or university. For example: Texas A&M University charges their non-resident tuition for hours earned over the excess amount.

The semester credit hours counted toward the limitation include all hours attempted by the student except: courses taken prior to fall 1999, developmental education courses, technical courses, and workforce education courses.

Limitation on the Number of Transfer Hours

Students transferring to a college or university in Texas need to be aware that there are limits on the number of lower- division (freshman and sophomore) courses that Texas public universities accept in transfer. In many cases, the maximum number of lower-division semester credit hours accepted in transfer is sixty-six (66), although some universities may accept slightly more in special cases. If a student accumulates more than 66 semester credit hours in lower-division courses, it is unlikely that the additional hours will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Blinn College District’s advising staff can assist with making appropriate decisions if the student’s goal is to transfer to a university and obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Registration/Adding Courses

Once a student completes their Admissions File and clears all registration holds, they become eligible to register. Students should review the Blinn College District Academic Calendar for registration dates and payment deadlines. Courses can be added in the student’s myBlinn account under the “Add/Drop” icon. For registration instructions, view the Registration Information webpage .

Class Modalities

Blinn Online

Online courses are those in which the majority (50% or more) of the instruction takes place when the instructor and student(s) are not in the same place. There are three types of online courses at Blinn College: Flex Online, Blended (Hybrid), and Interactive Video courses. The objectives and content of online courses are the same as those offered in a traditional classroom setting. Although these courses allow students flexibility, they require a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation. Students must have effective time management skills and be able to allocate sufficient time to complete the required coursework. Students are encouraged to test their suitability for Blinn Online courses by taking the free SmarterMeasure assessment .

Some online courses may require specific software and/or hardware. To access Online and Blended courses from off-campus sites, a student must have access to a computer with a broadband Internet connection. Please visit the Blinn Online website for additional information.

Flex Online Courses

Students taking Flex Online courses work within a virtual classroom environment using the learning management system called eCampus. This system allows students to interact with their instructor and fellow classmates using a variety of tools. In the course schedule, Flex Online course section numbers begin with an “N.”

It should be noted that Flex Online courses may have mandatory face-to-face sessions, such as proctored tests, orientation, review, and laboratory, which total no more than 15% of the instructional time. For additional information, students should review the respective course syllabus.

Blended (Hybrid) Courses

A Blended (Hybrid) course is one in which the majority (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent) of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same place. Students are required to attend the scheduled face-to-face class sessions in addition to the required online course sessions facilitated through the learning management system, eCampus. For additional information, students should review the respective course syllabus. In the course schedule, Blended (Hybrid) course section numbers begin with a “B.”

Interactive Video Courses

An Interactive Video course is one in which the instructor originates the course on one campus and the students are located at another site or campus (remote sites). The course schedule specifies the times and meeting location(s) of these courses. In the course schedule, Interactive Video course section numbers begin with a “V.”

Parts of Term

The Blinn College District offers students the ability to enroll in various parts of terms that fall within the regular 16-Week semesters (Fall or Spring). A Part of Term course is offered for part of a full term and has different add/drop dates. Students should refer to the Blinn College District Academic Calendar for dates related to parts of terms offered within the semester.

Notes:

• Please note that shorter-term courses cover the same material as a 16-Week course; therefore, these courses require considerable time and focus.
• Other parts of term may be used by specific programs or academies offered at the Blinn College District to fit specific program needs.

Dropping Courses and Drop Deadlines

The Texas Education Code stipulates that for first time enrolled students, beginning with the Fall 2007 semester, an institution of higher education may not permit an undergraduate student a total of more than six (6) dropped courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution of higher education. Moreover, each institution must establish standards for “Good Cause” drops (SB 1231) Rule §4.10. (Note that a student may drop a course, without the ramifications of SB 1231, if the student was able to drop the course without receiving a grade or incurring an academic penalty.)

In compliance with SB 1231, the Blinn College District Board of Trustees adopted local policies that affirm the state defined limit on the number of dropped courses and a specific set of exceptions (Good Cause Exemptions), which is detailed in Board Policy ECC (LOCAL) and published for students within the Admissions information section of the Blinn College Online Catalog.

Dropping Courses: It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to drop/withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “Q” or “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before the withdrawal deadline.

Adding Courses : No courses may be added later than the date specified in the college district calendar for that particular semester. A student adding a course must make up the work missed within two weeks after a course is added.

Good Cause Exceptions for Withdraw/Drop

Good cause shall be determined in the Admissions and Records Office and will be based on the student choosing one of the aligned responses on the drop form that include: (1) Severe illness; (2) Care for a sick, injured, or needy person; (3) Death of a close relative; (4) Military Duty (to include a family member); (5) Change in work schedule; or (6) Other reason. This information may also be found in more detail within Board Policy ECC (LOCAL) and in the Blinn Catalog Online.

Board Policy ECC (LOCAL) specifically outlines the timeline for the designation of grades for student-initiated withdrawals based on the length of the course. Prior to the Day of Record, no grade is awarded. After the Day of Record, students will receive a W only for the withdrawal from all classes or in the case that a “Good Cause” drop circumstance applies as defined by the state and Board Policy.

Important Definitions:

A grade of “Q”  is recorded for a student initiated drop that will be counted towards the six (6) drop rule.
A grade of “W” is recorded for a student initiated drop that indicates a “good cause” drop/withdrawal and/or withdrawal from college and does not count towards the 6-drop rule.

The Impact of a Drop on Student Grades

The following is the list of grade designations based on student initiated drop dates by session.

DROPPING COURSES: A student shall receive a grade of “W” or “Q” if they drop a class after the:

• twelfth class day of a 16-week semester;
• fourth class day of a 5-week summer session;
• twelfth class day of a 10-week summer session;
• second class day of a 3-week minimester;
• sixth class day of an 8-week session;
• ninth class day of a 12-week session; or
• third class day of a 4-week session

A student may drop a course with a grade of “W” or “Q” until the:

• Last class day of the 14th class week of a 16-week semester;
• Last class day of the 3rd class week of a 5-week summer session;
• Last class day of the 8th class week of a 10-week summer session;
• Last class day of the 2nd class week of a 3-week minimester;
• Last class day of the 6th week of an 8-week session;
• Last class day of the 10th week of a 12-week session; or
• Last class day of the 3^rd week of a 4-week session.

Students will be unable to drop or withdraw from a course(s) after the stated deadlines. If a student drops after the stated deadline, an earned grade of “F” shall be awarded. Blinn Board Policy ECC (Local)

A student disputing a final grade is required to initiate the final grade appeal with their instructor. The student must initiate this contact no later than the end of the next long semester. The appeals process is described in Board Policy FLDB (LOCAL).

The Drop/Withdrawal Chart that follows provides a quick reference to information contained within this document. However, for actual dates based on a specific semester, always consult the official online Blinn Academic Calendar .

Withdrawals for Excessive Absences and the Six Drop Rule

Students who are administratively withdrawn from a course due to excessive absences will have that course counted toward the six-drop rule.

Withdrawal from College

A student who desires to withdraw from the College District on or after the first day of class for a semester can do so by dropping all their classes through the student’s myBlinn account. The effective date of withdrawal shall be the date when all classes have been dropped.

Blinn Board Policy ECC (Local)

Refunds

In accordance with state statute, if a student withdraws prior to the first day of the semester, all tuition, room, board, and fees (except registration fee and identification card fee) will be refunded.

For more information regarding refunds, please visit the Refund Procedures webpage .

Graduation/Achievement Awards

Students who plan to graduate from Blinn College at the end of the current semester should do the following:

1. Prior to graduation, submit an application.
   • Students currently enrolled at Blinn College must apply for graduation by logging into their myBLINN account.
   • Reverse transfer students or students not currently enrolled at Blinn College must apply for graduation using the graduation application found on the Reverse Transfer webpage .
2. Comply with all requirements (pertaining to the student’s degree, certificate, or occupational skills award) as detailed in the Blinn College Catalog.
3. All holds must be cleared.

Diplomas do not reflect majors for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees.

Graduating Seniors at a Senior University

Many students choose to attend Blinn College the same semester they are to graduate from a senior university. Transcripts will not be released prior to the posted grade due date as listed on the official Academic Calendar. Graduating Seniors must request their transcripts to be sent during the graduating semester and the graded transcripts will be released after final grade processing is complete.

Commencement Exercises

Formal commencement exercises are held at the close of the regular spring and fall semesters. Degrees, Certificates, and Occupational Skill Awards are awarded at the close of each semester at the request of the student. All graduates, including those who participate in a ceremony will receive their diploma, certificate, and/or occupational skill award by mail.

Posthumous Degree

A posthumous degree is a degree conferred by the Blinn College District to a deceased student. The Blinn College District may award a degree posthumously if the student was enrolled in the district at the time of death, was in good academic standing, and was making adequate progress towards the completion of the degree or certificate.