• Advanced Placement and Credit
• Dual Enrollment (College Credit Courses)
• Additional Instructional Hours
• The Lowcountry Coalition for Engineering Education Development
• Courses: Substituting, Repeating, Auditing, Changing
• Add/Drop
• Withdrawal Policy
• Grading
• Attendance
• Academic Probation and Suspension
• Time Commitment
• Academic Honors
• Graduation

Advanced Placement and Credit
Students who score a “3” or better on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations may receive advanced placement credit.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College complies with South Carolina state law and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education policy that “students shall receive advanced placement credit for each corresponding course” offered by Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Advanced credit is awarded for AP examinations; however, credit may or may not be applied to all degree requirements of the College. Specific information on advanced placement examination credit may be obtained in the College Registrar’s Office. Information regarding specific credit towards degree requirements may be obtained from the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the student’s curriculum Program Coordinator.
 

Credit for Non-Academic Work of Non-Traditional Students
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College classifies non-traditional students as those who are age 20 and over or those who enroll within two or more years after high school graduation. Non-traditional students may receive course credit upon application to the College based on qualifications in any or all of the following four categories:

1. Military Training Credit
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College awards exemption credit to an applicant who has completed specialized military occupational training as a member of the Service Members Opportunities College.

The coursework must be applicable to the student's academic curriculum and the training must closely parallel coursework offered by OCtech. Exemption credit is awarded based on the guidelines established by the American Council of Education Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

The college Registrar reviews appropriate military documentation and, upon conferral with the appropriate academic Program Coordinator, awards applicable credit to the student. Credit for military experience is listed as awarded credit on the student’s transcript.
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2. Credit by Exemption Exam
Exemption Exam Policy - Course exemption exams are given each semester during the add/drop period only. The application for an exemption exam may be obtained from the Student Services Office.

The cost of the exam will be the actual credit-hour cost of the course.

Students must adhere to the following guidelines:
(1) The student must apply in writing for the examination no later than the end of the regular registration period. This does not include the late registration
period at the College.
a. The application is to be addressed to the Academic Dean of the Division in which the course is offered.
b. The application must present, either by content or reference, sufficient
evidence to clearly indicate that the applicant has previously received
training or taken work which is closely equivalent to that given at OCtech in the particular course for which an exemption is requested, and upon which an examination could be warranted.
(2) The request for an examination must be approved by the Program Coordinator in which the course is taught, and the Academic Dean in which the course is offered.
(3) A grade of "C" or better on the examination will entitle the examinee to receive full credit for "hours taken," "hours earned" and grade points, as well as a grade for the course equaling the examination grade.
(4) If the examination is passed successfully, the faculty member administering the examination will submit a signed report to Student Records indicating the following:
a. Student's name
b. Course title and number
c. The letter grade for the course
d. Credit hours
(5) An exemption examination may not be requested for a course previously taken at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Students must adhere to the following procedures when requesting an exemption exam:
(1) The student must register and pay for the course.
(2) The student must apply in writing to the Academic Dean of the course for which the exemption exam is requested.
(3) The appropriate Academic Dean must receive the application by the end of the registration period. The application must present, either by content or
reference, sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the applicant has
previously received training or taken work which is closely equivalent to that given at OCtech in the particular course for which the exemption exam is requested.
(4) The request for an exemption exam must be approved by the Program Coordinator and Academic Dean for which the course is offered.
(5) A grade of "C" or higher on the examination will entitle the examinee to receive full credit for the course. The grade will be tabulated into the student's grade point average.
(6) If the examination is passed successfully, the faculty member administering the exam will assign a grade to the preliminary class roll issued by the Student Records Office.
(7) If the student fails to pass the exam with a grade of "C" or better, he/she will remain in the course for the duration of the semester and the faculty member will assign an appropriate grade on the grade roster at the end of the semester based on the student's performance in the course for the entire period.

Credit for courses by exemption exam will be listed on the student’s transcript with the appropriate letter grade earned on the exam, provided the student earned a grade of "C" or better. Exam results of grade "C" or better are forwarded to the College Registrar for inclusion on the student’s transcript.

3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Non-traditional students may receive exemption credit for successful completion of subject area CLEP examinations. CLEP credit is awarded for courses that parallel those taught at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Credit is award based on recommended minimum subject exam scores as outlined in the College Level Examination Program Technical Manual.

CLEP scores are reviewed by the college Registrar who, upon conferral with the appropriate Academic Dean, awards credit for applicable coursework. Awarded credits are listed on the student's transcript for coursework earned by CLEP exam.

4. Experiential Learning Credit
For selected courses, OCtech may award credit for properly documented experiential learning that demonstrates mastery of OCtech course objectives. No more than 25% of program completion requirements may be comprised of experiential learning credit. Students should direct inquiries regarding credit for experiential learning to the appropriate Program Coordinator or Academic Dean.

PURPOSE: To provide students of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College the opportunity to receive credit based on experiential learning.

1. ELIGIBILITY
Students who seek advanced standing from the College must be at least 20 years old with a minimum of two years’ applicable experience, and currently enrolled in a program of study at the College leading to an associate degree, diploma, or
certificate.

2. ADVANCED STANDING INITIATED
Upon request by a student for the awarding of advanced standing credits through documentation of experiential learning, the Program Coordinator will:
A. Determine that the student meets the "Eligibility" criteria.
B. Assist the student in selecting a specific course within the student's
curriculum that best matches the student's experience.
C. Provide the student with the Experiential Learning application form
and explain the specific documentation which must be satisfactorily
completed by the student in order to receive credit.

3. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
The student must provide the following documentation in support of the experiential credit application:
A. A copy of the curriculum description sheet with the applicable course
designated.
B. A copy of the catalog page wherein the course description is contained.
C. A four to five page double-spaced written description of the student's experience. Each aspect of the course description must be specifically
addressed within the written description.
D. Written documentation of the experience either through employment records, including a letter from the student's supervisor; certificates of
completion, including employment training seminars, etc.; military records; or any legitimate source of documentation as may be verified and
accepted by the Program Coordinator.
E. Completed Experiential Learning application form.

4. SUBMISSION
The required documentation must be submitted to the Program Coordinator in a bound format for ease of review and to ensure that no pages will be lost. It is suggested that each page be placed in a transparent sheet protector and then all pages may be placed in a three-ring binder.

5. APPROVAL PROCESS
The Program Coordinator will review the application and documentation with the student. After submission the following process will be followed:
A. The Program Coordinator will sign off on the student's application agreeing to the applicability of the student's experience.
B. The Academic Dean will then review the complete documentation and
application and, if appropriate, will sign the application form.
C. The complete bound packet will then be sent to the Vice President of Academics for final approval of the student's application.
D. The complete application form will then be sent to the Vice President of Student Services for credit to be awarded.
E. The bound packet will be returned to the student via the Program Coordinator.

6. CREDIT
No more than 25% of the student's curriculum requirements may be satisfied through experiential learning. Any credit earned may not be transferable to another institution.

Since Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College operates as an open-door admissions college, the approval or rejection of advanced standing has no effect on the decision to admit an applicant. Applicants and students may not earn through examinations more than 60 percent of the required coursework in their curriculum of study. Students enrolled in an associate degree program are required to complete the last two semesters of coursework at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Students enrolled in a one-year diploma or certificate program are required to complete the final semester of coursework at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
 

The Lowcountry Coalition for Engineering Education Development
In order for South Carolina to develop economically, more engineers are needed. To meet this need, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College participates with The Citadel in Charleston, SC and other technical colleges in the Lowcountry Coalition for Engineering Education Development (LCEED). The Coalition allows the student to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either Civil Engineering or Electrical Engineering at The Citadel after completing the first two years of collegiate study at OCtech. The student may receive further specific information on the Coalition from the Student Services Office at OCtech.
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Dual Enrollment (College Credit Courses)
The Dual Enrollment program allows high school juniors and seniors who qualify to get a head start on their college careers by enrolling in college-level courses at OCtech during the fall, spring and summer terms. Dual Enrollment students may enroll in university transfer courses offered through the Arts and Sciences program at the College. Students may enroll in only two college-transfer courses per term unless additional coursework is approved by the Dean of Administration.

Under the admissions policies of the South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, OCtech shall offer post-secondary education opportunities to secondary school students in its service area under the following provisions:

(1) The student must be a high school junior or be classified as a senior by the secondary school he/she attends;
(2) The student must be granted permission by his/her principal and guidance counselor to attend classes at OCtech;
(3) The student must meet all admission criteria for the course(s) he/she desires to take;
(4) The student will be considered a student of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College while enrolled in the course(s);
(5) The College will work closely with the student, his/her secondary school, and counselor to obtain the maximum benefit from this experience. The establishment of this opportunity is to minimize geographic, financial and scholastic barriers to post-secondary programs and services offered by OCtech.
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Additional Instructional Hours
A student may not register for more than 18 credit hours per semester unless permission is obtained from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Course requirements which exceed 18 semester credit hours and which are published in the college catalog shall constitute approval.
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Substituting Courses
To meet the academic requirements for a degree, diploma or certificate from OCtech, a course similar in content to a required course may be substituted with the approval of the appropriate Academic Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. There must be extenuating circumstances that would prevent the student from taking and successfully completing the required course before approval can be requested.

Repeating a Course
A student may repeat any course. The complete academic record, including all grades, is reflected on the transcript, but only the highest grade earned in a course taken more than once is calculated in the GPA.

The Veterans’ Administration will not pay educational benefits for repeating a course for which the student previously received credit.

Auditing Courses
Students may enroll in courses for non-credit on an audit basis. During the first five consecutive class days of the term, a student may change to credit status if he/she desires. Students who register for credit may change to audit during the first five class days of the term as well. Changes should be reported to the individual instructor teaching the course, as well as the College Registrar. The tuition fee for auditing a course is the same as the fee for a credit course.

Course Changes
OCtech reserves the right to add, change or drop courses as the demand changes, both from student interest and the needs of industry. Conflicts arising from such changes will be resolved individually in the best interest of the student. The sequence of courses within a curriculum is also subject to change when deemed necessary.
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Add/Drop
There is a period of five class days, beginning with the first day of class each term, during which courses may be added to a student’s schedule, provided the course is not closed and the student meets course pre-requisite requirements. During the same period, courses may be dropped without a penalty. All schedule changes require a completed Add/Drop form with appropriate signatures and compliance with college Add/Drop procedures.

If a student drops a class after the first five class days, and before the end of the first thirty days of a term, a grade of “W” will be shown on the transcript. The grade of “W” will not be tabulated in the student’s GPA. Courses dropped after the end of the first thirty calendar days of the semester will receive a grade of “WP” if the student is currently passing the course at the time of withdrawal and a “WF” if the student is failing the course at the time of withdrawal. The “WF” is the only grade that will be calculated into the student’s grade point average. The “WF” carries the same punitive grade as that of “F.” The instructor may issue a grade of “W” in lieu of the “WP” or “WF” at the time of withdrawal. The withdrawal period will be pro-rated for terms of varying length (i.e. summer session and mini-term).

Withdrawal Policy
Students may withdraw from the College and all classes during the first five class days of the term without penalty. Withdrawn courses will not appear on the student’s transcript. Withdrawal of courses after the first five class days, but before the end of the first 30 calendar days of the term, will be reflected on the student’s transcript. Withdrawn courses will receive a grade of “W.” Although this grade appears on the transcript, it is not calculated into the student’s grade point average. Withdrawals from courses after the end of the first 30 calendar days of the term will receive a grade of “WP” (Withdrawn Passing) if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal and a grade of “WF” (Withdrawn Failing) if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.

The instructor may issue a grade of “W” in lieu of the “WP” or “WF” at the time of withdrawal. The “WF” is a punitive grade which carries the same calculation in the grade point average as that of an “F.”

Prompt and regular class attendance is expected of all students. A decision to stop attending classes at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College does not constitute an official course withdrawal. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the proper paperwork to withdraw from classes. Failure to complete and submit the proper paperwork to withdraw from classes after the published add/drop period will result in a failing grade for the course(s).

Students receiving Title IV Federal Aid and Veteran's Benefits should consult with a member of the Financial Aid staff prior to course withdrawal to determine financial implications.
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Add/Drop and Withdrawal Procedure:
Step 1: Obtain an Add/Drop form from the Student Records Office located in the Student and Community Life Center.
Step 2: Complete the top portion of the Add/Drop form (name, curriculum, social security number, student status, and date).
Step 3: Complete each section that applies to you.
Step 4: Obtain signatures from the instructors who teach each class that you are dropping or adding.
Step: 5: Obtain the signature of your advisor or member of the student services counseling staff.
Step 6: Return the completed Add/Drop form to the Student Records Office. You have not completed the Add/Drop procedures until you return your Add/Drop form to the Student Records Office.

The Add/Drop form will then be processed, with the exception of those students on financial aid whose forms will go to the Financial Aid Office where it will be determined if additional tuition is required. (See REFUND POLICY).
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Exemption Exam Policy and Procedure
Course exemption exams are given each semester during the add/drop period only. The application for an exemption exam may be obtained from the Student Services Staff.

The cost of the exam will be the actual credit-hour cost of the course. (Example: CET 210 Strength of Materials - 3.0 credit hours - cost for an in-county student to take the exemption exam would be three semester credit hours X $100.00 = $300.00)

Students must adhere to the following procedures when requesting an exemption exam:

(1) The student must register and pay for the course.
(2) The student must apply in writing to the Academic Dean of the course for which the exemption exam is requested.
(3) The appropriate Academic Dean must receive the application by the end of the open registration period. (This period does not include the late registration period at the College.)
(4) The application must present, either by content or reference, sufficient
evidence to clearly indicate that the applicant has previously received training or taken work which is closely equivalent to that given at OCtech in the
particular course for which the exemption exam is requested.
(5) The request for an exemption exam must be approved by the program
coordinator for which the course is offered.
(6) A grade of “C” or higher on the examination will entitle the examinee to receive full credit for the course. The grade will be tabulated into the student’s grade point average.
(7) If the examination is passed successfully, the faculty member administering the exam will assign a grade to the preliminary class roll issued by the Student Records Office.
(8) If the student fails to pass the exam with a grade of “C” or better, he/she will remain in the course for the duration of the semester and the faculty member will assign an appropriate grade on the grade roster at the end of the semester based on the student’s performance in the course for the entire period.
(9) An exemption examination may not be requested for a course previously taken at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
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Academic Forgiveness Policy
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College recognizes that some students may not be able to overcome previously poor academic records in order to meet new career and educational goals. Therefore, a student who has not been in attendance at OCtech for a period of three years may petition the Committee on Student Appeals for academic forgiveness. If the petition is granted, all college level work at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College attempted and completed prior to re-admission will be eliminated from computation in the grade point average and may not be used to complete course requirements for graduation. This includes courses that were completed with satisfactory grades. The courses, however, will not be removed from the student’s transcript. A student may petition for academic forgiveness only once.

Procedures for Petitioning Academic Forgiveness:
(1) Submit an application for re-admission.
(2) Complete an Academic Forgiveness Petition form and submit a letter explaining the reason(s) why academic forgiveness should be granted. The letter should be addressed to the Committee for Student Appeals. All petition materials should be submitted to a Student Services counselor 30 days prior to the desired semester of enrollment.
(3) Students who are granted Academic Forgiveness must meet program admissions requirements at the time of re-application to OCtech. Admissions requirements for certain curricula may preclude a student from re-applying to specific programs of study.
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Grade Point Average
The grading system reflects a 4-point scale: A = 4; B = 3; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0. In computing grade point averages, the total number of grade points is divided by the total number of credit hours earned. Grade reports show a semester GPA and a cumulative GPA. The example below reflects a GPA of 2.60.
Example:
 

Grade Point Average = Total grade points (39) divided by semester credit hours attempted (15.0) = 2.60

Grading System
Reports showing the scholarship marks obtained by the student are issued at the end of each semester. The following marks are used:
 

Credits earned in courses in the Catalog of Approved Courses numbered less than 100 will not be creditable toward a certificate, diploma or degree and will not generate grade points for use in GPA calculation.

Grade Changes
Any discrepancies or questions concerning grades, credits, grade points, etc. must be brought to the attention of the Registrar and corrected within 30 days of the end of the semester or session. After that time period, the student’s record is considered official and correct. It is the student’s responsibility to review his/her academic records for accuracy.
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Academic Probation
Academic standards of progress for curriculum programs are based on the following criteria:  

Students who fail to achieve the grade point average (GPA) listed above will be considered on academic probation.

Probation I Status (First Time Probation)
1. A student who has been placed on Probation I will be assigned to a student services counselor. This counselor will serve as the student's academic advisor until he/she meets the required standards for academic progress.
2. The student may not register for more than 12-14 semester credit hours for the Probation I semester.
3. A student on Academic Probation I, who has pre-registered, must meet with his/her assigned counselor prior to the registration date for the upcoming semester. If the student fails to meet with the assigned counselor, his/her pre- registered courses will be administratively deleted.

Probation II Status (Second Time Probation)
1. A student who is placed on Probation II may not register for more than 12-14 semester credit hours for the next semester.
2. A student who is placed on Probation II may not pre-register for the upcoming semester, but will be allowed to register during the open registration. A
student on Probation II must meet with the academic program coordinator for agreement on a standard of progress for the current semester. The student and the Academic Program Coordinator will then complete an Academic Probation Contract. The contract will next be reviewed by the academic
probation counselor and the student. The student will be blocked from
registering for the next semester until the Student Records Office receives a copy of the contract.
3. If the student meets the terms of the Academic Probation Contract, registration for the following semester will be approved. If the student fails to meet the terms of the Academic Probation Contract, he/she will be suspended.
 

Probation III Status (Third Time Probation)
1. A student who is placed on Probation III may not register for more than 12-14 semester credit hours for the next semester.
2. A student who is placed on Probation III may not pre-register for the next semester, but will be allowed to after grades are received for the current term.

Probation IV Status (Fourth Time Probation)
1. A student who is placed on Probation IV may not register for more than 12-14 semester credit hours for the next semester.
2. A student who is placed on Probation IV may not pre-register for the next semester, but will be allowed to after grades are received for the current term.
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Academic Suspension
Academic suspension will occur when students on academic probation do not meet the standards of academic progress after two semesters on probation (after probation II). Students who are placed on academic suspension will not be allowed to register for classes the semester following suspension.

An academic suspension list will be prepared by the Registrar and forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services. A letter of notification of suspension will be sent to the student by the Vice President of Student Services.

Suspension Students
a. Students must re-apply for admission to the College through the Admissions Office.
b. After re-admission, students may not register for more than 12 semester credit hours upon return to classes.
c. Students will attend counseling activities such as group counseling, individual counseling, peer counseling, or mini-workshops. Students will be blocked from registering for the next semester until the Admissions Office receives
notification from a Student Services Counselor that the student has
participated in appropriate counseling activities.
d. These requirements will remain in effect each semester until the student attains satisfactory academic standing and is removed from probation status.

After readmission, the returning student will remain on academic probation until his/her GPA meets the standards of progress. If the standards of progress are not met within two semesters (academic probation IV status) after the student's return, he/she will be placed on academic suspension for the second time.

For re-admission after the second suspension, the student must petition the Committee on Student Appeals. If the petition is denied, the suspension may be appealed to the President of the College whose decision becomes final. If the appeal to the President is denied, the suspension status will become part of the student's permanent record.
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Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Record keeping for attendance purposes will begin with the first day the class meets. If a student must be absent, it is that student’s responsibility to notify the instructor as quickly as possible of the absence. Students are responsible for making up all work missed as a result of the absence, including examinations. Some programs certified by outside agencies may have more strict attendance requirements. Individual departments shall have attendance requirements consistent through the department. The attendance requirements for each course will be described in the course syllabus.

Students must not accumulate more absences than double the number of times a class meets per week. For example, if the class meets three times a week, the student must not be absent more than six times during the semester. If excessive absences are taken, the student will be administratively withdrawn. Extenuating circumstances may be taken into consideration by the instructor.

Three tardies shall be considered an absence. If a student is more than ten minutes tardy, he/she shall be considered absent. If a student leaves more than ten minutes prior to class dismissal, he/she shall be considered absent.
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Online Course Attendance Policy
An electronic email to the instructor is required from each student by the end of the drop/add period. At this time, the instructor will drop the student from the course if it is not received. Attendance in an online course is defined by correspondence as required by the instructor. After the drop/add period, each student will be expected to communicate with the instructor via email, phone, or appointment at least once per week and/or access the web class at least once per week. After one week of no communication or no access, the student will be dropped from the class. The instructor will award a grade of “W” or “WF” based upon the student’s academic standing at the last date of attendance, which is the date of the last login.

Students who feel that they have been treated improperly regarding this policy may exercise the right to appeal through The Student Code and Grievance Procedure for South Carolina Technical Colleges.

Enrollment in a course at OCtech obligates the student for prompt completion of all work assigned, for punctual attendance and for participation in whatever class discussion may occur. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed of all assignments made and stand tests and examinations which are assigned by the instructor.

(1) By the act of enrollment:
a. The student is responsible for all course work.
b. The student is obligated to punctually attend all classes and laboratory sessions.
(2) Any student who abuses attendance or is remiss in academic performance may be required to withdraw from the course under the following procedures:
a. In such a case, the instructor will send a class warning to the student and to the Student Services Office requesting an interview with the student. If the student fails to respond, or if the interview is unsatisfactory, the
instructor will notify the Registrar that the student is no longer in
attendance.
b. If the student fails to show satisfactory improvement, the instructor shall send the Registrar a required class withdrawal form for the student. The Registrar will inform the student of the required withdrawal and the
student will be assigned a grade of “W,” “WP,” “WF,” or “F” as determined by the instructor.
(3) Absences from class do not excuse a student from meeting all academic course requirements. In such cases, the instructor will determine whether make-up work will be permitted or required. However, a student who is absent from a final examination may receive permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs to take such an examination at a later date. Permission will be granted only in extreme circumstances.
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Time Commitment
The student schedule requires 15 to 30 hours per week of classroom and laboratory work. On the average, 18 to 20 hours a week must be devoted to outside study. Thus, students should anticipate a time commitment of approximately 45 hours per week for their studies.
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Academic Honors
Dean’s List - Each semester, full-time students who meet specified criteria are placed on the Dean’s List. Criteria for the Dean’s List include:
(1) minimum of 12 credit hours attempted and earned;
(2) earn 100% of regular curriculum credit hours attempted;
(3) meet or exceed a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

PART-TIME DEAN’S LIST - Criteria for the Part-time Dean’s List include:
(1) the student must possess a minimum of 12 cumulative credit hours;
(2) the student must complete 6-11.5 credit hours for the term;
(3) the student must complete 100% of credit hours attempted;
(4) the student must meet or exceed a term grade point average of 3.5.
*Part-time students must meet all four of the prescribed criteria to qualify for recognition on the Part-time Honors List.

PRESIDENT’S LIST - Same as Dean’s List except:
The student must obtain a grade point average of 4.0.

PART-TIME PRESIDENT’S LIST - Same as Part-time Dean’s List except:
The student must meet a term grade point average of 4.0.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM Awards at Graduation - Students with the highest cumulative GPA in each academic group will be recognized and awarded a plaque at the May and August graduation ceremonies. December, May and August graduates will be recognized. To be eligible for this award, the student must possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, which is the same requirement for honor graduate status. The minimum cumulative GPA requirement may preclude some academic programs from recognizing the student with the highest GPA at graduation; however, the student must possess honor graduate criteria to qualify for the academic group awards.

GRADUATION Marshals - Students who have a cumulative scholastic average of at least 3.5 and have completed at least 18 credit hours are honored by being asked to serve as commencement marshals or ushers. The student who has the best academic record is designated as the chief marshal.

Phi Theta Kappa - The Phi Theta Kappa Society, with over 1200 chapters in the United States and abroad, is the only internationally-acclaimed honor society serving two-year colleges offering associate degree programs. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. Membership is by invitation only and is extended to students who have completed 12 semester credit hours in associate degree or university transfer courses; have maintained a cumulative grade point average equivalent to, but not less than 3.5; have established academic excellence as judged by the faculty; and possess recognized qualities of citizenship.

WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN JUNIOR COLLEGES - This national Who’s Who program recognizes those second-year students whose academic standing, participation in extracurricular activities and college service are decidedly above average.
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Graduation
Graduation exercises are held twice a year, in May and August. Students expecting to graduate must file their graduation applications with the Student Services Office according to dates specified on the student calendar. Failure to meet the stated deadline will result in a $10.00 late filing fee and could create a delay in the time of graduation. All fees and financial obligations owed to the College must be paid before a student can graduate.

A minimum program grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation from a degree, diploma or certificate program. Additional curriculum or divisional requirements, if any, are noted in the individual curriculums elsewhere in the catalog.

Students who complete necessary requirements must be present at graduation. Only the Vice President of Student Services can excuse a candidate from being present. If the candidate is excused, a charge of $15.00 will be made to the candidate to cover the cost of the award. Certificate recipients not participating in the graduation ceremony will be charged $5.00 to cover the cost of their award.
It is the responsibility of each student to meet all graduation requirements of the College in his/her particular program of study and to maintain the minimum required grade average. Student Services counselors and faculty will guide the student, but the final responsibility belongs to the individual student.

All students must complete the last semester of coursework at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College prior to graduation. Students may appeal the completion of remaining course requirements to the Vice President for Academic Affairs if required courses are not offered at the College within the last term(s) of enrollment.

The College assumes no obligation in the case of special adjustment if the student fails to file for graduation by the appointed date. If a student fails to receive his/her degree at the time indicated, a new application must be filed. Failure to graduate during the designated commencement requires that an application for graduation be resubmitted and an additional graduation fee be paid. Arrangements for caps, gowns and invitations will be made through the College’s bookstore.
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