Navigating the Academic Landscape: Understanding the ECC Semester Schedule and Academic Policies

Erie Community College (ECC), under the sponsorship of Erie County and supervision of the State University of New York (SUNY), provides a comprehensive educational experience. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the academic policies, general education requirements, and course offerings at ECC, drawing from the college's catalog. The college reserves the right, at any time, to make changes deemed advisable in the calendar, regulations, tuition and fees, and to add, modify, or cancel any course or program as necessary. Information in this edition of the Erie Community College catalog is accurate as of March 1, 2012. The work presented herein is pursuant to the policies of the Board of Trustees of Erie Community College.

SUNY General Education Requirements

SUNY has established mandatory General Education Requirements consisting of designated knowledge and skill areas for all SUNY Institutions. Erie Community College is committed to ensuring that its graduates, with Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Sciences (AS) degrees, will have satisfied a minimum of seven categories of the General Knowledge Areas requirement and completed a total of 30 credits in SUNY General Education. Of the seven categories, Basic Communication and Mathematics are required. The remaining five categories are at the discretion of the student, but may be determined by the student’s academic program requirements. SUNY has committed itself to student transfer mobility by mandating a seamless education pipeline to degree attainment throughout the SUNY system. Graduates of two-year colleges within SUNY with an AA or AS degree when accepted in parallel programs at baccalaureate campuses of the university, shall be accorded with full junior status and be given the opportunity to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree within four additional semesters of full-time work. Community college students who have not completed the General Education Requirements in two years are eligible to transfer to a four-year SUNY college or university. However, they are required to fulfill General Education Requirements while at the four-year school. Students are advised to complete this fulfillment at the community college level to make room for academic major requirements at the four-year level.

Seamless Transfer Pathways within SUNY

SUNY emphasizes student transfer mobility, ensuring a smooth transition for students pursuing further education. Graduates with an AA or AS degree from a SUNY community college are granted full junior status when accepted into parallel programs at SUNY baccalaureate campuses. This allows them to complete their bachelor's degree within four additional semesters of full-time study.

Students who haven't completed their General Education Requirements within two years can still transfer to a four-year SUNY institution. However, they'll need to fulfill these requirements while at the four-year school. Completing these requirements at the community college level is advisable, freeing up space for major-specific coursework at the four-year institution.

General Education Competencies and Course Offerings

Erie Community College’s mission includes providing a general education to all students, in addition to a specific education aimed at an individual field of study or career. The General Education Curriculum at SUNY Erie (Erie Community College) has been developed to help students acquire the desired competencies and the breadth of knowledge in Liberal Arts to help students succeed in both future academic endeavors and employment. Graduates of SUNY Erie will complete these general education competencies by fully satisfying the applicable SUNY Erie ILOs and SUNY General Education Requirements within their degree program. Following is the listing of knowledge and skills areas and related SUNY Erie course offerings which have been approved by the State University of New York. The competencies include Critical Thinking and Information Management.

Read also: UVA Programs and Deadlines

Critical Thinking and Information Management

Critical thinking involves the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments in one's own work and the work of others, as well as the ability to develop well-reasoned arguments.

Course Examples for Critical Thinking

PY 100 - Critical Thinking Credit Hours: 3
PY 101 - Introduction to Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
PY 102 - Logic Credit Hours: 3

The Arts

Outcomes: - Understanding of at least one principal form of artistic expression and the creative process inherent therein

Course Examples for The Arts

AR 135 - History of Architecture Credit Hours: 3
AT 200 - Art Drawing I Credit Hours: 3
AT 201 - Art Drawing II Credit Hours: 3
AT 210 - Painting I Credit Hours: 3
AT 211 - Painting Workshop Credit Hours: 3
AT 213 - Introduction to Watercolor Painting Credit Hours: 3
AT 220 - Photography I Credit Hours: 3
AT 221 - Photography II Credit Hours: 3
AT 222 - Digital Photography Credit Hours: 3
AT 225 - Photography Workshop Credit Hours: 3
AT 230 - Design I Credit Hours: 3
AT 231 - 3D Design Credit Hours: 3
AT 232 - Exploratory Art Casting Credit Hours: 3
AT 235 - Typography Credit Hours: 3
AT 260 - Digital Art and Design Credit Hours: 3
AT 262 - Animation I Credit Hours: 3
AT 263 - Digital Drawing and Painting Credit Hours: 3
AT 277 - Graphic Novel and Sequential Art Credit Hours: 3
AT 280 - Art Appreciation Credit Hours: 3
AT 281 - Art History I Credit Hours: 3
AT 282 - Art History II Credit Hours: 3
DN 101 - Introduction to Dance Credit Hours: 3
DN 102 - Ballet I Credit Hours: 3
DN 103 - Modern Jazz Dance I Credit Hours: 3
DN 107 - African American Dance I Credit Hours: 3
DN 108 - African American Dance II Credit Hours: 3
DN 111 - Beginning Tap Dance Credit Hours: 3
DN 112 - Intermediate Tap Dance Credit Hours: 4
DT 100 - Fundamentals of Acting Credit Hours: 3
DT 101 - Introduction to Drama and Theatre Credit Hours: 3
DT 102 - Contemporary Theatre Workshop Credit Hours: 3
DT 103 - Introduction to Theatre Credit Hours: 3
DT 104 - Theatre Workshop Credit Hours: 3
DT 105 - Theatre Practicum Credit Hours: 1
DT 106 - Introduction to Stagecraft Credit Hours: 3
DT 107 - 19th Century Russian Theatre Credit Hours: 3
DT 108 - 20th Century Russian Theatre Credit Hours: 3
DT 109 - Acting for the Screen Credit Hours: 3
DT 110 - Theater History One Credit Hours: 3
DT 111 - Theater History Two Credit Hours: 3
EN 111 - Composition and Interpretation of Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 140 - Creative Writing I Credit Hours: 3
EN 141 - Creative Writing II Credit Hours: 3
EN 210 - American Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 211 - American Literature II Credit Hours: 3
EN 215 - African American Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 220 - British Literature I Credit Hours: 3
EN 221 - British Literature II Credit Hours: 3
EN 225 - Shakespeare Credit Hours: 3
EN 230 - World Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 236 - Images of Women in Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 240 - Studies in Short Fiction Credit Hours: 3
EN 245 - Present-Day Short Fiction Credit Hours: 3
EN 260 - Studies in Poetry Credit Hours: 3
EN 265 - Modern and Contemporary Poetry Credit Hours: 3
EN 270 - Studies in Drama Credit Hours: 3
EN 277 - Graphic Novel and Sequential Art Credit Hours: 3
EN 280 - Literature and Film Credit Hours: 3
EN 285 - Introduction to Film Credit Hours: 3
EN 286 - Contemporary Cinema Credit Hours: 3
EN 292 - Children’s Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 294 - Mythology Credit Hours: 3
EN 296 - The Bible as Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 297 - Topics in Literature: Major Authors Credit Hours: 3
EN 298 - Topics in Literature: Literary Periods and Movements Credit Hours: 3
EN 299 - Topics in Literature: Genre and Theme Credit Hours: 3
MU 115 - Pep Band Credit Hours: 1.5
MU 116 - Pep Band II Credit Hours: 1.5
MU 200 - The Fundamentals of Music Credit Hours: 3
MU 201 - Instrumentation and Arranging Credit Hours: 3
MU 202 - Jazz Ensemble I Credit Hours: 2
MU 203 - Jazz Ensemble II Credit Hours: 2
MU 204 - Jazz Ensemble III Credit Hours: 2
MU 205 - Jazz Ensemble IV Credit Hours: 2
MU 206 - Chorus I Credit Hours: 2
MU 207 - Chorus II Credit Hours: 2
MU 208 - Chorus III Credit Hours: 2
MU 209 - Chorus IV Credit Hours: 2
MU 210 - The Enjoyment of Music Credit Hours: 3
MU 213 - Twentieth Century Music Credit Hours: 3
MU 214 - Introduction to Folk Guitar Credit Hours: 3
MU 215 - Survey of Jazz Credit Hours: 3
MU 217 - Survey of Popular Music in America Credit Hours: 3
MU 240 - Beginning Piano I Credit Hours: 2

Humanities

EN 230 - World Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 236 - Images of Women in Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 240 - Studies in Short Fiction Credit Hours: 3
EN 245 - Present-Day Short Fiction Credit Hours: 3
EN 250 - American Novel 1900 to the Present Credit Hours: 3
EN 260 - Studies in Poetry Credit Hours: 3
EN 265 - Modern and Contemporary Poetry Credit Hours: 3
EN 270 - Studies in Drama Credit Hours: 3
EN 277 - Graphic Novel and Sequential Art Credit Hours: 3
EN 280 - Literature and Film Credit Hours: 3
EN 285 - Introduction to Film Credit Hours: 3
EN 286 - Contemporary Cinema Credit Hours: 3
EN 292 - Children’s Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 294 - Mythology Credit Hours: 3
EN 296 - The Bible as Literature Credit Hours: 3
EN 297 - Topics in Literature: Major Authors Credit Hours: 3
EN 298 - Topics in Literature: Literary Periods and Movements Credit Hours: 3
EN 299 - Topics in Literature: Genre and Theme Credit Hours: 3
MA 112 - Medical Law and Ethics Credit Hours: 3
MU 100 - Exploring World Music Credit Hours: 3
MU 210 - The Enjoyment of Music Credit Hours: 3
MU 215 - Survey of Jazz Credit Hours: 3
MU 217 - Survey of Popular Music in America Credit Hours: 3
MU 219 - Healing with Music Credit Hours: 3
PY 100 - Critical Thinking Credit Hours: 3
PY 101 - Introduction to Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
PY 102 - Logic Credit Hours: 3
PY 104 - Philosophy of Religion Credit Hours: 3
PY 105 - Social & Political Philosophy Credit Hours: 3
PY 110 - Ethics Credit Hours: 3
PY 111 - Biomedical Ethics Credit Hours: 3
PY 115 - Philosophy of Law Credit Hours: 3

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Advisement

Erie Community College believes that academic advisement is a major element of student success. At Erie Community College, academic advising is the catalyst for students to achieve their academic potential, objectives and, ultimately, to be life-long learners and successful citizens. The adviser has the responsibility to possess accurate information and to assist students in their efforts to make informed academic decisions.

Academic Freedom

It is the policy of the College to maintain and encourage Academic Freedom, within the law, of inquiry, teaching and research.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class regularly in every course for which they have registered. Attendance regulations for specific courses are established by the course instructor, announced and distributed in writing at the beginning of the semester, and may have a bearing on the student’s grade. Additional requirements are found in individual course syllabi. Students are obligated to contact their instructors if they are unable to attend class during the first week. Students who anticipate an absence should contact the appropriate instructor(s) in advance. In the case of an unexpected absence, students should speak to the instructor(s) as soon as they return to campus or during their absence. Of course, in either case, the student is responsible for all material covered.

Grading System

Quality Pts. Cr. * A final grade of F will be issued for cheating or plagiarism. P (Pass/Fail) - A student may take up to four courses (not in the major field of study) on a pass/fail basis through written agreement with the instructor within the first month of the semester. If passed, the course will be credited toward fulfillment of the degree requirements, if appropriate, but will not contribute to the quality point average. I (Incomplete) - Instructors may give an incomplete grade to a student who has completed at least three quarters of the required work for a course but, because of a personal emergency, finds it impossible to finish the coursework within the usual time frame. To receive an “I” grade, the student must sign a contract, prepared by the instructor, outlining the coursework to be undertaken and the time frame for completion. A copy of the contract must accompany the instructor’s grade report. Upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements, the faculty member will submit a change of grade form. Z (Audit) - A student may register to audit a course with the permission of the instructor, provided there is room in the class. The audit privilege permits the student to attend class and to do the assignments. W (Withdrawal) - Students may officially withdraw from a course without academic penalty if they do so before the Last Day to Withdraw, as noted in the Academic Calendar of this catalog. A full-time student who withdraws from all registered courses will be considered withdrawn from the college. A student who withdraws from several courses and fails to satisfactorily complete a minimum of six credit hours in a given semester will be placed on academic probation. To arrive at the quality points earned in a particular semester, the letter grades earned for each course are translated into numerical equivalents (See Grading System explanation) which are then multiplied by the number of credit hours assigned a particular course. For example, if a student takes four, three-hour courses (12 credit hours for a particular semester) and receives one “A”, two “B’s” and a “C,” this translates into 36 quality points to be divided by the 12 credit hours. The resulting GPA would be 3.0, an above average achievement. The Dean’s List recognizes all matriculated students who have completed a full-time course of study (12 degree credit hours) for the semester and part-time students upon accumulation of credits in units of 15; for example 15, 30, 45 and 60, and who have achieved a GPA of at least 3.5. Only students in good academic standing are eligible for financial aid. Students who receive financial aid should carefully review the financial aid section of this catalog for specific academic progress requirements of state and/or federal aid. NOTE: “F” and “W” grades are both indicators of questionable academic progress.

Honors Program

To graduate with recognition from the Honors Program, students must complete at least three Honors courses and a capstone experience. Students will select three Honors-designated courses, with the option to take one Honors course in the student’s major area of study. Students may apply to the Erie Community College Honors Program at the time of their application to the college. Students may also apply to the program in subsequent semesters. Although the high school record is strongly considered in admitting students to the program, it is not the only consideration. Those students with the ability and a keen interest in education are also encouraged to apply. Final screening is done through the college placement test and a personal interview with the Honors Coordinator. The Honors Program is open to both full and part-time students in any degree program. NOTE: Interdisciplinary and other unique courses may be offered as Special Topics courses through various departments. Other Honors courses will be offered as reserved sections of existing courses.

Academic Standing

Every student is required to remain in good academic standing to continue coursework as a matriculated student at Erie Community College. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative quality point average (QPA) to maintain acceptable academic standing. The standards for probationary status are illustrated in the chart below. A student who falls below the relevant threshold is placed on probation. Students on probation may have restrictions placed on their course selection and may be required to participate in academic support services. Students who fail to meet the minimum academic standards within a specified time frame may be subject to academic dismissal from the college.

Developmental Education

demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, computation, speaking and in basic study skills in order to be successful in credit-bearing course work. Developmental education is a critical component of the college’s mission. The college will provide adequate resources to maximize the potential of under-prepared students in their pursuit of academic progress. All developmental coursework must be completed by the time a matriculated student has earned 30 credit hours. Students taking developmental courses will be monitored for progress in satisfying academic standards requirements. Students will be provided academic support services, and those students making insufficient progress will be placed on probation.

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