Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) prioritizes student success, emphasizing engagement and commitment throughout your academic journey. Understanding the college’s policies is crucial for a smooth and productive learning experience. While FTCC doesn’t enforce a universal attendance policy, active participation, especially up to the census date, is essential. This guide clarifies key policies and how resources like Blackboard Learn at Faytech can support your academic endeavors.
Pre-Census Attendance: Setting the Stage for Success
Attendance is meticulously tracked at Fayetteville Technical Community College until the census date, which marks roughly the first 10% of the term. This isn’t just about being present; it’s about demonstrating your commitment to your education from the outset. For students utilizing VA benefits, attendance reporting is particularly important, as the Office of Veteran Affairs requires notification when students stop attending classes. Furthermore, certain programs, such as Cosmetology, BLET, and health programs, might have mandatory attendance hours dictated by external regulatory bodies.
Regardless of whether your course is fully online, hybrid, or face-to-face, participation by the census date is mandatory. For physical classes, this means being present in the classroom. For online courses, active participation means completing a graded assignment within this initial period. Students who do not meet these participation requirements by the census date will be administratively dropped from the course as a “No Show.” This policy ensures that students are actively engaged from the beginning and allows for efficient management of course rosters.
Active Participation: Engaging Beyond Attendance
Beyond the census date, consistent active participation is expected in all your courses. The specific expectations for active participation will be detailed in each course syllabus, which instructors will provide at the start of each term. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these expectations and understand how absences, tardiness, or early departures could impact your final grade.
Faculty members are authorized to withdraw students who do not actively participate in their courses. Active participation encompasses a range of academically related activities, including but not limited to:
- Attending synchronous class sessions, whether in person or online, where direct interaction with instructors and peers is possible.
- Submitting academic assignments to demonstrate learning and progress.
- Completing assessments, tests, exams, or quizzes to gauge understanding.
- Engaging in interactive tutorials, webinars, or other forms of computer-assisted learning.
- Participating in study groups or group projects, either face-to-face or online, as assigned by instructors.
- Contributing to class discussions or online discussion forums on academic topics.
- Communicating with instructors via email or other means regarding course content.
In accordance with legal requirements, students are permitted two excused absences per academic year for religious observances. However, you must notify your instructors in writing in advance of any anticipated religious absences. It is also important to note that guests or children are not permitted in classes, ensuring a focused learning environment for all registered students. Exceptions are made for students with accommodations approved through Disability Support Services.
Withdrawal Policy: Navigating Course Changes
Life circumstances may sometimes necessitate withdrawing from a course. FTCC has a clear procedure for withdrawals:
- Prior to the 10% date: Students wishing to drop a course before the 10 percent mark of the term must contact the Registrar’s Office directly.
- Between 10% and 90% date: For withdrawals after the 10 percent date but before the 90 percent date, you must submit an official “Student Course Withdrawal Form.” This form is accessible under the “Registration” section of the “Students Menu” tab in Self-Service. Detailed instructions are available on the college website under the “Online Course Withdrawal” section. Withdrawals during this period will result in a “W” grade on your transcript.
- After the 90% date: Withdrawal is generally not permitted after the 90 percent point of the term. At this stage, a letter grade will be assigned based on your performance on all course requirements. Incomplete assignments or tests will be factored into your final grade as zeros. Furthermore, instructors are not obligated to accept late submissions after the 90 percent mark, especially if you have exceeded the allowable number of absences.
Student Code of Conduct: Upholding Academic Standards
FTCC expects all students to maintain high standards of scholarship and conduct. The Student Code of Conduct is designed to protect the rights of every individual within the academic community and is not intended to restrict student rights. Familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct, detailed under “Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Judicial Process” in the current FTCC Student Handbook.
Smoking Prohibitions: Maintaining a Healthy Environment
To ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone, smoking is strictly prohibited within all college buildings and at building entrances. This prohibition extends to all college-owned property, except for seventeen designated smoking areas located across campus. Violations of the college’s smoking policy will result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct, as outlined in the FTCC Student Handbook.
Dress Code: Appropriate Attire for Learning
While on campus, students are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for an educational setting. Clothing should not be distracting to others and must comply with any specific rules established for health and safety within certain programs or areas. For more detailed information, consult the FTCC Student Handbook.
Academic Integrity: Honesty in Your Studies
Academic integrity is paramount at FTCC. Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense and can lead to probation, suspension, or expulsion. Ensure you understand and adhere to the principles of academic integrity, as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct within the FTCC Student Handbook.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Ensuring Accessibility
FTCC is committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities. If you require special accommodations or services due to a disability, reach out to Disability Support Services in the Tony Rand Student Center at 910-678-8479 as soon as possible. Early contact ensures timely implementation of necessary accommodations. Further details are available in the “Services” section of the FTCC Student Handbook.
Nondiscrimination Statement: Equal Opportunity for All
Fayetteville Technical Community College prohibits discrimination against students, employees, or applicants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or political affiliation. FTCC is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of these characteristics. The complete Nondiscrimination Statement can be found in the FTCC Student Handbook.
Protection of Privacy: Your Information is Secure
FTCC prioritizes the protection of student privacy, especially for those enrolled in distance education courses. The college adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and does not share protected student information with third parties. To verify student identity in online courses, FTCC employs secure login procedures, passcodes for the learning management system (like Blackboard Learn Faytech), proctored exams, test proctoring technologies, and authentic assessments.
Safety and Security: A Secure Campus Environment
Student safety and security are top priorities at all FTCC locations. You can contribute to a safer campus by immediately reporting any threats or suspicious activities to instructors, security personnel, or any college staff member. FTCC takes all reports seriously and has measures in place to protect students who may be in danger. Remember to secure your belongings and report anything unusual to college officials. For immediate assistance, contact Public Safety & Security at the Main Campus (910-678-8433) or utilize emergency call boxes around campus. Contact information for Spring Lake and Horticulture Education Center Security is also available on the Public Safety & Security’s Web Page.
Inclement Weather: Staying Informed
In case of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that lead to class cancellations, FTCC will communicate updates through local radio stations and announcements on the FTCC website. Blackboard Learn at Faytech is also a key communication tool during closures. If classes are canceled, always check the announcements on your Blackboard course site for instructions on rescheduled sessions or assignments. Utilizing Blackboard Learn Faytech ensures you stay connected and informed, even when campus operations are disrupted.
By understanding and adhering to these policies, and by leveraging resources like Blackboard Learn Faytech for course information and updates, you can maximize your success and have a positive experience at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
