Understanding the Spring Semester OCC Meaning: A Comprehensive Guide
The spring semester at Ocean County College (OCC), like at many other higher education institutions, represents a specific period of academic activity within the year. However, OCC also offers unique opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their college journey through programs like Early College and Dual Enrollment. Understanding the nuances of the spring semester, especially in the context of these programs, is crucial for students and parents alike.
Early College and Dual Enrollment at OCC
Early College programs, such as the one offered through articulation agreements between OCC and local school districts, give high school students the chance to earn college credits while still in high school. These credits can often be applied towards both high school graduation requirements and a college degree, potentially saving time and money in the long run. The courses are taught by qualified high school teachers but adhere to OCC's rigorous academic standards.
If a student's high school doesn't have a partnership with OCC, they may still be able to participate in the Early College at OCC program. This allows high school students to enroll in standard OCC classes at any of the college's locations, or even online, as long as they are prepared for college-level work and receive the necessary approvals from their high school and OCC.
Dual Enrollment programs at Ocean County College offer another avenue for high school students to experience college coursework. These courses are offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate for Ocean County high school students. The cost is $126.00 per semester hour (books not included) or $146.00 per semester hour (books included) plus any applicable fees.
Key Aspects of the Spring Semester at OCC
Registration and Enrollment
To participate in Early College or Dual Enrollment during the spring semester, students must first apply to OCC. After applying, students can create an Ocean Connect account.
Read also: Navigating the Spring Semester
Once self-registration is complete on Ocean Connect, a Parental Consent Form must be filled out by the parent/guardian. Furthermore, home-schooled students who want their parents/guardians to communicate with OCC are encouraged to fill out a FERPA form.
Payment or setting up a payment plan is due upon registration for courses. Through Ocean Connect, under the Student Finance tab, you can pay your bill in full or you can set up a payment plan if one is available.
Course Formats
OCC offers a variety of course formats to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. These formats are particularly relevant during the spring semester, as students may be balancing high school and college coursework:
- Fully On-Campus: Many classes are offered on campus.
- Synchronous: Synchronous classes are scheduled similarly to in-person classes, with set meeting times that students will need to take part in.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous coursework offers students given deadlines to complete work.
- Online (ONLN or ON-LINE): Online classes are distance education classes with no scheduled meeting days.
- Hybrid: Some courses may combine on-campus and online components.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The OCC Foundation Early College Grant provides up to $250 per student per calendar year to help cover the cost of one early college course. To apply, students must submit a brief essay and respond to a few short-answer questions as part of the application process. The grant is awarded by the College Foundation and is available on a semester basis.
Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses
Yes, you can drop a course if you change your mind. As long as you do so before the official drop deadline, you will receive a 100% refund and will not owe any tuition for the course. Check your participating high school’s page for the specific date that applies to you. For instructions to drop a course, view the school’s withdrawal and refund policy here.
Read also: Navigating the Spring Term
A student may drop a course at any time prior to the first date of the term and receive a full tuition refund. A student may add a course or change a schedule only during the designated Drop/Add time period after classes have begun. Students who have access to register Online via Student Planning can drop online. Students who do not have access to register on line need to submit an official Add/Drop form to the Registration and Records Office. No Instructor signature needed.
After a semester begins, students who drop and add courses within the same day, even if done as separate transactions at different times of the day, will have tuition and fees processed on an even exchange concept. If the drop and add are on separate dates, tuition and fees for the drop will be processed according to the Refund Policy. A student may withdraw at any time up to the 60% point of the semester; a grade of “W” will be assigned. No withdrawals are allowed after that time. Students wishing to withdraw from courses are responsible for submitting their request by the published deadline. A student who wishes to withdraw during a semester must process a request online. The student remains financially responsible to the college for all tuition and fees, subject to the applicable refund percentage. (See Refunds and Changes in Schedule).
Academic Standing
Academic Standing is calculated by the Office of Registration and Records at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. Academic standing is only calculated for students who are matriculated in a degree or certificate program and have attempted at least 12 credit hours. Academic standing considers all coursework, including courses attempted as part of prior degree or certificate programs or prior to matriculation. Academic standings are defined below and include “good,” “academic probation,” “extended probation,” “academic dismissal,” “Provost’s List,” and “President’s List.”
A student is in good academic standing if they achieve the minimum cumulative GPA shown in the chart below based on their total number of attempted credits. If the student’s cumulative GPA is below the minimum, they will be placed on academic probation.
It is strongly recommended that students on academic probation meet with their Navigator or faculty advisor to develop an academic success plan and do not register for more than 13 credits in their next semester.
Read also: Navigating the Academic Year
Students who are on academic probation and still do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA the next time their academic standing is calculated may qualify for extended probation if their term GPA is 2.0 or higher. Students can remain on extended probation for multiple semesters, as long as they continue to achieve a term GPA of 2.0 or higher. Once the student’s cumulative GPA is high enough to meet the minimum cumulative GPA in the chart above, they will be placed in good academic standing. For more information on term GPA and cumulative GPA, see rule V.C. Grade Point Average.
Students who are on academic probation, do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA, and do not have a term GPA of 2.0 or higher the next time their academic standing is calculated will be academically dismissed. The first time a student is dismissed, they will not be allowed to register for any courses at the college for the next upcoming semester or corresponding intersession (Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer). If a student returns to the college at any point and is later dismissed again, they will not be allowed to register for any courses at the college for a full academic year. Students who are academically dismissed will lose matriculation in their degree or certificate program.
Matriculated students will be acknowledged for academic excellence based on their term GPA as follows: Provost’s List 3.4 - 3.69 President’s List 3.7 - 4.0 Academic standings of the Provost’s or President’s List will overrule other possible standings, such as “good” or “extended probation.”
Transferring Credits
All credits earned during your time at OCC may be transferred to any public college or university in New Jersey and could be transferred to out of state public and private schools depending on their transfer of college credit policies. New Jersey offers a comprehensive search engine, NJ Transfer, that allows you to compare courses offered at one institution and how it will transfer to another. This makes it simple to see which of your courses will transfer where depending on what school you want to go to. If you ever need to send your transcript to another college or university-for admissions, transfer credit, or scholarship purposes-you can request it directly through OCC. It’s a good idea to keep track of your OCC Student ID and login information so you can access your records later on.
Resources and Support Services
As a Dual Enrollment student at Ocean County College, you have full access to a wide range of free student support services-just like any other OCC student. OCC is dedicated to helping its students succeed by offering them the resources and tools necessary.
Important Policies and Regulations
All Ocean County College students have the responsibility for being fully aware of college policies and regulations affecting students.
A student may withdraw without academic penalty at any time up to the 60% point of the semester. Withdrawal may have a negative effect on a student’s financial aid package. In special circumstances a student may appeal in writing to the Academic Standards Committee for permission to change to audit after the census date, if he/she is passing at the time. No student may change from audit to credit. Audit students not fulfilling all course requirements may be required to withdraw from the course.
A grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be recorded by an instructor if they approve a written request received from the student no later than the last class meeting. The requirements are: the student attended at least 80% of the course, the student can pass the course after the work is completed, and the student has a valid reason for the request. Approval of the request will allow an extra 30 days for the work to be completed. However, if the student is enrolled in a course for which the “I” grade is for a prerequisite course, the work for the incomplete course must be done by the fifth day of the student's next enrolled term if they have registered for the next higher level course. Students in prerequisite courses who do not meet the deadline of five days into the next term will be administratively withdrawn from the next course. Extensions in both cases may be granted by the instructor with the consent of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Incomplete grades (I) must be resolved within 30 days after the end of the course. No more than five days into the next term is allowed for prerequisite courses or the student must be withdrawn. Meanwhile, the grade report with the recorded “I” grade will not affect the semester and grade point average. If the work is not complete within 30 days after the end of the course, the final grade of “F” will be recorded. A student wishing to appeal their final grade for a course must follow the Final Grade Appeal Process as listed in Grades and Scholastic Honors Policy #5154. Students must complete each step in the process before proceeding to the next step. Assistance for students in understanding and navigating the final grade appeal process is available through the Office of Academic Affairs.
One free elective course outside the major field of study may be taken each semester during the sophomore year on a pass/no credit basis. A part-time student who has earned a minimum of twenty-eight (28) semester hours of credit may register on a pass-no credit basis for one elective course during any succeeding semester for a maximum of three courses. Students so registered shall be expected to complete all course requirements. The grade of P will be recorded for successful completion of each course with semester hours of credit applied toward a degree. A grade of “NC” - No Credit will be used to indicate unsuccessful completion of the course and will appear on the permanent record.
International Students
During your time as a student in the United States, you are expected to follow all state and federal laws. You are also expected to follow the regulations associated with your F-1 visa status.
International students must enroll full-time each fall and spring semester. Full-time enrollment is 12 credits or more. International students can only count one (1) online class toward the full-time course load. You must maintain your full-time enrollment for the entire semester. Always consult with International Student Services before dropping or withdrawing from a class to ensure that it will not impact your F-1 status. Students in the final semester of their program are not required to enroll in 12+ credits, if fewer than 12 credits are needed to fulfill all degree requirements. Approval from International Student Services is needed.
International students are expected to make "normal" progress toward completing the degree program listed on their Form I-20. Work with your assigned academic advisor to ensure that you are registering for courses that count toward your degree requirements. You do not need special authorization to work on-campus, but NEVER work off-campus without proper authorization from International Student Services. Working without authorization is a very serious offense.
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