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DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM

INSTRUCTIONAL & QUALITY STANDARDS MANUAL FOR COLLEGE AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL

2017-2018 Academic Year

Academic Affairs Division

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The College reserves the right to revise, modify, delete, or add to the Dual Credit

Manual. Any written changes to this Manual will be distributed to South Texas College

ISD partners.

The Dual Credit Program Manual is intended as a guide to the program and in any

instance where it is determined that the Manual is not compatible with the Board

Policy Manual, Board policy shall prevail. Nothing in this handbook creates or is

intended to create a promise or representation of continued employment for any

employee.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Overview……………………………………………………………………………….……….4

Program Overview

Memorandum of Understanding Statement

Classificaiton of Dual Credit Faculty

Qualification of Dual Credit Faculty

Teaching Load of Dual Credit Faculty

Program Evaluation

Section II Dual Credit Program Policies & Procedures……………………………………..………8

South Texas College Dual Credit Program Board Policy Highlights

Dual Credit Faculty Review and Approval Process

Monitoring Quality of Instrcution

Dual Credit Faculty Rights & Responsibilities

Section III Dual Credit Program Course Structure…………………………………………………..15

Composition of Class

Disability Services

Textbook & Contact Hours

Continuation of Courses & Expectations

Due Dates for Requesting Courses & Faculty

Tuition & Student Fees

Section IV General Agreements………………………………………………………....…………….21

Dual Credit Course Agreement

Data Sharing Agreement

Human Resources Department, Data Privacy, & Sharing Agreement

Principal Agreement

Section V Admission & Registration…………………………………………………………………...24

Admission Process

Registration Process

Section VI Granting of College Credit………………………………………………………………..26

Transcripts

State Approved Credit

Transfer of Academic Dual Credit Courses

Test Scores for Student Eligibility

Section VII Contact Information…………………………………………………….…………………..29

High School Programs & Services

Dual2Degree High Schools

Section VIII Appendix……………………………...………………………………………………………32

A: Memorandum of Understanding

B: Dual Credit Course Agreement

C: Principal Agreement

D: Dual Credit Program Recommended Pathways

E: Guidelines for Reporting Required Critical Student Performance

Information

F: State Laws & Funding

G: Door Sign – College Class in Session

H: South Texas College Dual Credit Program Board Approved Policies

I: Due Dates for Requesting Courses & Faculty

J: Dual Credit Prospective Faculty Review & Approval Process

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Program Overview

Memorandum of Understanding Statement

Classification of Dual Credit Faculty

Qualification of Dual Credit Faculty

Teaching Load of Dual Credit Faculty

Program Evaluation

SECTION I: OVERVIEW

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SECTION I: OVERVIEW

PROGRAM OVERVIEW South Texas College has one of the largest dual credit programs in the State of Texas.

The program was established in 1997 to provide dual credit opportunities to high

school students. Since 2000, the program has served a total of over 95,000 students

and has partnerships with 22 school districts at 78 high school sites. This has saved

families in South Texas over $180 million.

South Texas College has utilized the Dual Credit Program as a key strategy to

accelerate college readiness and college completion for high school students, and

has further demonstrated its commitment to the community it serves by significantly

waiving tuition and fees for all participating students in cohort dual credit classes.

South Texas College is a leader in the State and nation in creating additional dual

credit initiatives and opportunities for all students.

South Texas College also recognized early on that dual credit opportunities should

also be available to students interested in career and technology courses that lead

to careers in the applied Workforce fields, and was instrumental in the enactment of

HB 415 in 2003, which opened the door to students interested in these careers. STC

currently has one of the largest number of students completing certificates before

graduating from high school.

As a result of the College's efforts and commitment to this program, the participation

rate increased from 8 students in 1997 to over 16,000 students annually as of fall 2016.

South Texas College aggressively promotes a "college-going" culture through the

following offerings:

Dual credit courses with 22 school districts

30 Early College High Schools

6 Middle College Academies

Drop-out Recovery Program with 6 schools

The Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality Standard Manual has been

developed to provide detailed program information to partnering School District

Personnel. The procedures in this Manual have been developed by South Texas

College faculty and administrators to ensure that the Program requirements and,

most importantly, the college courses curricula offered by South Texas College with its

high school partners, meet the requirements set forth by the Texas Higher Education

Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Commission on Colleges (SACSCOS).

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) authorizes the offering of Dual Credit courses at

participating School Districts. South Texas College’s Board of Trustees as well as the School

Board of each participating School District approves the MOU, which outlines the terms and

conditions of the agreement between STC and participating School Districts (Dual Credit

Program Instructional and Quality Standards Manual). The MOU remains in effect until the

agreement is updated, recorded, and placed on file with the participating school district

and with South Texas College.

CLASSIFICATION OF DUAL CREDIT FACULTY Dual Credit Faculty (DCF) are high school instructors who have been approved to teach STC

Dual Credit college courses at their high schools during the school day. This is facilitated

through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STC and participating School

Districts (STC Faculty Handbook).

QUALIFICATION OF DUAL CREDIT FACULTY Dual Credit Faculty must meet the minimum credential requirements as stated in STC Board

Policy #4151: Academic and Professional Credentials for Faculty. The policy outlines

requirements for postsecondary instructors in the course/discipline to teach college-level

courses.

……..”The College has adopted the Commission Guidelines for Faculty Credentials,

published by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for defining faculty

qualifications.”

……”All degrees earned by faculty and which fulfill the requirements of the Southern

Association of Colleges and Schools Principles of Accreditation must be from a regionally

accredited institution and the College is committed to recruiting and selecting faculty whose

highest degree is earned from a broad representation of regionally accredited institutions”.

South Texas College is responsible for ensuring that all Dual Credit courses are taught by

qualified faculty regardless of location of the class (i.e., college campus, high school

campus, or satellite site).

TEACHING LOAD OF DUAL CREDIT FACULTY Dual Credit Faculty are full-time employees of their School District and are contractually

obligated to teach an assigned number of classes during the day by their School District. The

MOU between STC and participating school districts states that “All students must meet dual

credit admissions and eligibility requirements as outlined by the Texas Higher Education

Coordinating Board laws and regulations, the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1,

Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Rule § 4.85, and as stated in the College’s Board Policy #3200,

Student Admissions.” Therefore, the number of classes that are offered for Dual Credit is

determined by the number of qualifying students and may vary from high school to high

school.

However, the maximum size for courses should be no more than thirty (30) students per

section for Dual Credit Faculty, unless in those instances whereby course limitations set the

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maximum class size lower. These instances include Career and Technology courses, Nursing

and Allied Health courses, and Early College High School courses.

PROGRAM EVALUATION The Office of High School Programs & Services will facilitate an annual evaluation of the Dual

Credit Program following the procedures outlined in the Institutional Effectiveness Plan

submitted to the Office of Institutional Research.

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South Texas College Dual Credit Program Board Policy

Highlights

Dual Credit Faculty Review and Approval Process

Monitoring Quality of Instruction

Dual Credit Faculty Rights & Responsibilities

SECTION II: DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM POLICIES &

PROCEDURES

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SECTION II: DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES

School Districts that participate in the Dual Credit Program at South Texas College will comply

with Board approved policies. Below are highlights from policies specific to the Dual Credit

Program. Full copies of these policies can be found in the Appendix of this Manual.

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM BOARD POLICY

HIGHLIGHTS School districts which participate in the Dual Credit Program at South Texas College will

comply with South Texas College Board Policy and the procedures and guidelines published

in the Dual Credit Program Instruction and Quality Standards Manual. See the Appendix at

the end of this Manual for policies. Highlights of Board policies relating to the Dual Credit

Program are:

Policy 3230 Dual Credit Programs with Partnering School Districts

o Lists general provisions that partnering school districts must comply with; and

o States that tuition and fees for dual credit students sponsored by partnering School

Districts will be charged as approved by the Board of Trustees.

Policy 3232 Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirements

o Outlines the dual credit student eligibility requirements;

o Stipulates limitations on what courses and how many hours may be taken; and

o Mandates student compliance with Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

(SAP).

Policy 3320 Academic Progress Standards

o States expectation that students meet academic standards for coursework at STC;

o Defines levels of academic status GPA criteria; and

o Explains student academic progress standards including probation, suspension, and

readmission.

Policy 3322 Student Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

o Cites federal regulations that require the College to monitor Satisfactory Academic

Progress (SAP) for all students, including dual credit students, in order to determine

financial aid eligibility; and

o Cites regulations that require the evaluation of both quantitative (67% course

completion rate), and qualitative (maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA)

standards, as well as completion of a degree or certificate within 150% of normal time

frame.

DUAL CREDIT FACULTY REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS The process for identifying prospective Dual Credit Faculty, submission of an application,

review by the departmental chair/committee, and final review by the Office of Human

Resources can be found in Appendix J at the end of this Manual.

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MONITORING QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STC and participating

School Districts, School Districts will work with the College to monitor the quality of instruction

in order to assure compliance with the course syllabus, the Dual Credit Course Agreement

and the standards established by the State of Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges

and Schools (SACS), the College, and the School District.

The School District will forward any concerns regarding Dual Credit Faculty or College

faculty teaching the college-level course to the College Department Chair for

investigation. To resolve the concerns, a meeting shall take place between the College

Department Chair (and/or designee) and the School District Principal (and/or other

designated high school administrator) to discuss the issues and reach a decision that is

mutually agreeable.

Any non-academic complaints or concerns against Dual Credit Faculty teaching a

College course are required to be reported to the College’s Office of Human Resources

to the attention of the Director and/or Employee Relations Officers for investigation. The

College and the School District will work collaboratively and timely share any and all

information necessary in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter.

Department Chair Responsibilities:

Upon being approved for Dual Credit courses, the Department Chair should:

Meet with the DC Faculty to discuss the particular requirements for the

department as needed;

Provide DC Faculty access to the electronic version of the faculty handbook so

that all DC Faculty can adhere to the professional guidelines, policies, procedures,

rules, and expectations;

Provide DC Faculty access to student handbook detailing add/drop and

withdrawal policies, student code of conduct, grading policies, critical dates,

and other pertinent information;

Provide assistance to the DC Faculty as a mentor or assign a full-time faculty mentor

in the same discipline to ensure that appropriate academic expectations have

been set and are being followed. The Chair will provide the overall guidance and

support to the DC Faculty. The Chair will provide information about the DC Faculty

mentors to the Office of the Associate Dean for High School Programs and Services;

Inform DC Faculty that they are expected to participate in the College’s Professional

Development activities for dual credit faculty;

Provide the DC Faculty with the opportunity to attend at least one department

meeting during the semester;

Provide contact hours information to the Dual Credit faculty and explain how

many instructional hours need to be met to ensure fulfilling required contact hours;

Verify that DC Faculty have the STC-approved textbook and materials for the course;

Provide DC Faculty with instructions on how to verify Census Day rosters;

Verify that DC Faculty has due dates for CLO assessment and has instructions on using

PRIDE;

Obtain acknowledgment from DC Faculty that they are expected to respond to

emails and phone calls from the departmental office within one day of receiving

these communications;

Verify that DC Faculty have provided accurate contact information to which the STC

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department chair will have consistent access to contact them; and

Verify that DC Faculty are aware of the rights and responsibilities and other information

found in the Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality Standards Manual.

Monitoring Process:

The Department Chair will have the option to conduct multiple observations during

the first year of review that the Dual Credit Faculty is teaching the college-level

course at the high school. The time for observations should be coordinated with the

DC Faculty prior to the observation. Should the Department Chair have difficulty in

contacting the DC faculty through STC and School District email communication or

phone calls, the Department Chair may conduct an observation without prior

arrangements. These multiple observations could provide assurances to the chair

that the DC Faculty is following the college course syllabus and is teaching the

course at the required rigor.

Chair will have the option to require DC Faculty to attend monthly agreed-upon

departmental meetings at STC. The meeting schedules will be provided to the DC

Faculty before the beginning of semester so that the DC Faculty can coordinate

his/her teaching responsibilities at the high school in order to attend the required

departmental meetings.

Classroom Observation:

All DC Faculty teaching Dual Credit courses shall be observed by a full-time faculty

member or administrator using the same criteria as for full-time and/or adjunct

faculty.

New DC Faculty will be observed during their first semester of teaching.

All Dual Credit Faculty will have a minimum of one observation per year. However, the

Chair of the department has the option to conduct additional observations each

semester as part of their monitoring process.

Student Evaluation:

College and School District faculty teaching college-level courses are expected to

reach out to students who need academic assistance and direct them to appropriate

College or School District support services.

Each student will be informed by the instructor of his/her grade status prior to the Last

Day to Drop/Withdraw at STC.

If a student is not maintaining a passing grade, they will be advised by the

instructor or the high school counselor to withdraw from the college course in order

to avoid future problems related to admissions, financial aid, and scholarships at

his/her education institutions.

Withdrawal from the college course does not result in a withdrawal from the high

school course.

It is the responsibility of the high school personnel to advise the students concerning

their academic progress in the high school component of the course.

STC instructors teaching the college course are prohibited by law from sharing any

individual student grade information with anyone but the student taking the class,

and the high school designated educational designee of the dual student(s).

Additional exceptions to this are in the case of a court order or emergency situation.

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Student Evaluation of Faculty Performance:

Dual Credit Faculty will be evaluated by the students online once a semester using the

same evaluation instrument used for on campus course evaluations.

STC Mentor Faculty Member:

The STC Division Dean will assign a mentor faculty member to the high school instructor,

usually the department chair. The mentor will work with the high school instructor in the

articulation of the course, the development of the syllabus, the evaluation of the course and

instructor, and will provide any other assistance needed by the instructor.

DUAL CREDIT FACULTY RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES Even though DC Faculty members are full-time employees of the School District wherein they

teach the college course(s), Dual Credit faculty are expected to follow all STC policies as

applicable during the instructional time designated for Dual Credit courses. Because DC

Faculty are employed by both STC and the ISD they are confronted with unique challenges,

but should have the same rights, responsibilities, academic freedom, and privileges as STC

faculty teaching a Dual Credit course at a high school site. They must fulfill their

responsibilities as DC Faculty while acting in accordance with the expectations, policies and

responsibilities required by their School District and Principal.

DC Faculty Rights and Responsibilities when Teaching an STC Dual Credit Course: Curriculum,

Course Competencies, and Teaching Requirements:

Course Syllabus and Reports

Syllabus: DC Faculty will develop the course outlines or syllabi, including the following:

a description of content, teaching strategies, performance measures, grading

standards, resource materials, objectives/outcomes, and course calendar. The syllabus

must be reviewed and approved by the STC Department Chair of the discipline within

the first week of instruction.

Rigor: The syllabus for the Dual Credit course should reflect comparable academic

rigor, curriculum, academic integrity, reference to hand-held electronics use,

attendance requirements, participation, level and pace of instruction, content,

learning outcomes, and assessment as the corresponding course held on an STC

campus.

Learning Outcomes: DC Faculty will complete all STC departmental requirements

such as diagnostic tests and Student Learning Outcomes/Exemplary Educational

Objectives (for appropriate courses) according to the deadlines set by the College.

Aligning Competencies: DC Faculty will participate in aligning the high school and

college course competencies with the assigned STC Program Chair.

Potential DC Students: DC Faculty will assist in the identification of potential Dual Credit

students.

Reporting Requirements: School District faculty, as well as College faculty, teaching

dual credit courses will verify the First Week Class Roster to validate all students who

are enrolled in the dual credit class and refer students not on the roster to the

appropriate School District Counselor. Any student not listed on the Official 12th Day

Verification Census Date Roster will not be enrolled in the dual credit course.

Teaching Expectations

College-Level Course Work: More time is required outside of class for students to do

the work required in a college level course, and DC Faculty should not be pressured

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to decrease the amount of out of class work given to students or water down the

course.

Substitutes: DC Faculty will teach the course. STC policy on the use of a qualified

substitute for a class meeting needs to be adhered to. Because of the Texas Higher

Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and

Schools requirements, if a DC Faculty is unable to teach the course, arrangements

must be made by contacting the Department Chair prior to absence.

Issuing of Grades

College Grade: DC Faculty should not be pressured to inflate the college grade,

which might differ from the high school grade.

Student Academic Progress: DC Faculty will advise students concerning their

academic progress prior to the last day to drop/withdraw from STC.

Assigning Grades and Grade Changes: DC Faculty will assign the student a letter

grade for STC through JagNet. Once grades are entered into JagNet, grades can

only be changed as a result of an error in the grade issued, an error in processing the

grade, or in the instance with an “Incomplete” grade with student completion of

course requirements. A grade change form should be submitted to the Department

Chair. Should a DC faculty member continue instruction beyond the STC semester,

the grade reported to the high school might differ as the grade might include

additional work or work differing from the requirements of the college course.

Copy of Grades: DC Faculty will provide the Chair of the Department at STC, as

requested, a copy of the grade sheet for the class showing all exam scores, the term

paper score (if any), the final exam score, and the final course grade.

Grade Appeal: College procedures should be followed by Dual Credit students who

wish to appeal a grade by contacting their school counselor or Dual2Degree

Specialist for direction on the process.

Class Disruptions

Classroom Assignment: Faculty, as much as possible, should remain in their usual room

for class meetings and not be moved around from room to room at the convenience

of the school.

Class Instructional Time: Pulling DC Faculty from their class instructional time to

perform hallway monitoring or other duties during school-wide testing days or other

events, should be minimal or avoided as much as possible.

Student Code of Conduct: The expectation is that students will comply with STC’s

student code of conduct as well as the district’s code of conduct. Some issues are

part of the codes while others are at the discretion of the faculty and will be

reflected in the syllabus. The decision of which disciplinary support structure to use in

individual cases is left to the professional judgment of the faculty.

Announcements and Classroom Visits: Except for official business or cases of

emergency, Dual Credit classes should not be interrupted for announcements or

visits by school personnel.

Meetings

STC Meetings and Training: DC Faculty will attend STC planning meetings and

staff development activities, including Dual Credit training workshops, so time

needs to be provided by ISDs for DC Faculty to participate in these activities.

STC will strive to minimize the number of meetings that conflict with the high

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school teaching day, since this places an undue hardship on the hiring and

paying of substitutes. STC department chairs are encouraged to schedule

meetings after school as much as possible.

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Composition of Class

Disability Services

Textbooks & Contact Hours

Continuation of Courses & Expectations

Due Dates for Requesting Courses & Faculty

Tuition & Fees

SECTION III: DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM COURSE

STRUCTURE

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SECTION III: DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM COURSE OFFERINGS

COMPOSITION OF CLASS The maximum size for courses taught by Dual Credit Faculty should be no more than thirty

(30) students per section, unless in those instances whereby course limitations set the

maximum class size lower. These instances include Career and Technology courses, Nursing

and Allied Health courses, and Early College High School courses.

Classes taught by STC faculty teaching College level dual credit courses at the high school

site should be no more than twenty five (25) students per section.

The School District may not enroll both Dual Credit and Non-Dual Credit students in the same

section unless one or more of the applicable exceptions for a mixed class comply with the

conditions outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D,

Rule § 4.85 listed as below:

MIXED CLASS EXCEPTIONS

1) If the course involved is required for completion under the State Board of

Education High School Program graduation requirements, and the high school

involved is otherwise unable to offer such a course.

2) If the high school credit-only students are College Board Advanced Placement

students.

3) If the course is a career and technology/college workforce education course and

the high school credit-only students are earning articulated college credits.

If the School District enrolls Non-Dual Credit high school students in a Dual Credit course, the

School District must submit a Course Exception Report Memorandum to the College by

Census Day. The report will include the name of the students, students ID numbers (A#), the

applicable exception and justification. The School District will send a notification to students

that they have been enrolled in the class for high school credit only and will not receive

college credit.

DISABILITY SERVICES The College and the School District adheres to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,

the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

Classes taught at the high school by a high school Dual Credit Faculty, the School District’s

high school will provide the classroom accommodations. If the class is taught by a College

Faculty at the high school, the College Counselor will coordinate class accommodations with

the high school Special Education Counselor. All procedures and guidelines are outlined in

the College Dual Credit Enrollment and Support Services Manual. An electronic copy of this

document may be accessed in PDF format on the Dual2Degree Department at the following

link: http://studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/outreach/.

TEXTBOOKS/CONTACT HOURS TEXTBOOKS

DC Faculty are expected to use approved textbooks during the STC course.

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Textbooks must be College-level and approved by the Department Chairs.

The textbooks have to be available to the students on the first day of class.

If textbooks for the Dual Credit course are due for replacement, then DC Faculty

should have the same option to adopt a textbook of their choice as long as that

textbook has STC departmental approval, written approval is obtained from the STC

department chair, and the school district is willing to use that textbook for the minimum

number of years after purchase.

According to the established MOU, College-approved textbooks purchased by the

school district are allowed to be used for three years from the date of the purchase.

An Early College High School is allowed to use textbooks for at least four years from

the date of purchase or as mutually agreed upon by both institutions. Chairs may

request a change of textbook earlier than three years, if the textbook is for a

technology-based course. A new textbook adoption needs to be communicated by

the STC chair to the Office of High School Programs and Services by the 1st of March

of each year.

As stated in the STC Faculty Handbook and in Board Policy #3236 Guidelines for

the Adoption and Ordering of Textbooks, with the approval of the Program

Chair faculty may require supplemental texts and materials provided the

aggregate cost does not exceed $50. Instructors of online courses have the

option to select a different textbook, provided all faculty teaching the online

course agree to its use.

CONTACT HOURS PERTAINING TO DUAL CREDIT FACULTY

DC Faculty are obligated to meet the required number of contact hours per semester.

Therefore, excessive absences, dismissal of classes, and early release (except in

emergency), are in violation of the contract between the Dual Credit faculty member,

the College and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

In order to ensure meeting of required contact hours, Dual Credit Faculty are

expected to make up lost contact hours as needed.

CONTACT HOURS PERTAINING TO DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS

Also, contact hours for students are equally important. Students enrolled in Dual

Credit courses are required to maintain regular and punctual attendance in class

and laboratories. According to STC Board Policy #3335: Student Attendance, the

student is responsible to communicate with faculty members concerning any

absence. The student may be required to present evidence to support an absence,

and make–up work for class absences will be permitted only as specified by the

faculty in the course syllabus. Dropping a course is the responsibility of the student

and not taking the appropriate steps may result in an “F” for the course. In addition to

Division based guidelines related to attendance, faculty may notify the school

counselor to drop students, prior to the withdrawal deadline when, in the opinion of

the faculty, the student would have difficulty in successfully completing the course.

In line with the importance of contact hours and attendance, students may not be

added to a course after Census date, unless an error in the registration process

occurs, as determined by our Admissions department.

CONTINUATION OF COURSES & EXPECTATIONS Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), STC waives all student tuition for in-

district dual credit students sponsored by a partnering school district in college courses held

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at the high school and taught by either Dual Credit Faculty or by an STC faculty member

teaching the course at the high school. The MOU includes the fee schedule titled, “Tuition

and Fees for Dual Credit Students Sponsored by Partnering School Districts.” This schedule

shows the Differential Tuition Per Credit Hour for Courses Offered on a South Texas College

Campus or Facility; applicable Course Fees; Incidental Fees; Dual Credit Academies

Participation Fees; and Dual Credit Reimbursement of Costs. The MOU is a binding

agreement, and should either party fail to adhere to its responsibilities therein, the removal of

Dual Credit courses will be considered if the infraction is not corrected after documentation.

These responsibilities include those expected for the DC faculty, the High School and/or

School District, and STC.

EXPECTATIONS OF HIGH SCHOOL AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS

For Dual Credit Faculty:

o Submit names of all Dual Credit Faculty candidates with completed application

packets by April 15th for the Fall semester and October 15th for the Spring

semester;

o Support the DC Faculty’s attendance at STC’s two Dual Credit Professional Development Days held on the Saturday before each full semester begins; and

o Support the DC Faculty attendance at Departmental meetings;

For STC Faculty:

o Request an STC faculty member (part-time or full-time) to teach a college

course at the school by April 1st for fall semester classes, and November 1st

for the spring semester. Exceptions to these deadlines may be presented to

the Chair for consideration but the ultimate decision rests in the chair’s

decision as a result of the impact on the staffing of courses on STC’s

campuses;

o Cover the mileage and the instructor’s cost based on the number of

instructional contact hours for the course; and

o Provide STC faculty with information regarding important policies.

For High School and School District Administration:

o Adhere to STC’s Board Policies over the School District’s Board Policies during

the instructional time for the Dual Credit course;

o Adhere to STC’s disciplinary procedures for faculty and students;

o Adhere to STC’s complaint procedures for faculty and students;

o Ensure instructional integrity by allowing the faculty member to teach the

course the same as if taught on STC’s campus;

o Comply with STC Board Policy #3010: Academic Integrity, STC Board Policy

#3021: Student Recruitment and Instructional Integrity, and STC Board Policy

#3030: Academic Freedom and Responsibility;

o Submit requests for new course offerings by the deadline;

o Purchase and have available the required number of textbooks for all the

students prior to the first day of college courses;

o Ensure the classroom used to teach Dual Credit courses is an adequate

environment with little or no interruptions, located as much as possible, away

from the main student traffic of the school building, and with the technology

arrangement adequate for the delivery of classroom instruction and with ;

o Finalize student enrollment prior to the start of the class for classes taught by STC

faculty. Schedule changes to add students to a course should not be made

after two class meetings. Additional enrollments beyond two class meetings

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and above the maximum class size require the faculty member and STC

department chair approval.

o Provide information with two class days prior notice regarding changes to

instructional time including, but not limited to, school assemblies, pep-rallies,

special events, Benchmark Testing, and standardized testing (EOC, AP, or TSI).

o Accept the faculty member’s attendance requirements as supported by STC

Board Policy #3335: Student Attendance.

DUE DATES FOR REQUESTING COURSES & FACULTY

January 1 – July 31: School Districts will submit requests for the addition of new courses to be offered on

their campus for the Fall semester.

March 1: STC Chairs will communicate new textbook adoption needs to the Office of High School

Programs and Services by the 1st of March of each year. April 1: School Districts will submit their requests for a STC faculty member (part-time or full-time) to

teach a college course at the high school by April 1, for fall semester.

April 15: School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the credentialing criteria.

Completed application packets must be submitted by April 15th for fall semester and October 15th for

the Spring semester.

Friday of the week following spring final exams: STC Chair who uses division /department standing

committee to approve a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean and the

Office of High School Programs and Services by Friday of the week following spring final exams.

November 1: School Districts will submit their request for a STC faculty member (part-time or full-time) to

teach a college course at the high school, for Spring Semester.

October 15: School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the credentialing

criteria. Completed application packets must be submitted by October 15th for spring semester.

Friday of the week of fall final exams: STC Chair who uses division /department standing committee to

approve a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean and the Office of High

School Programs and Services by Friday of the week following fall final exams.

February 2, 2018 21

TUITION & STUDENT FEES When the School District provides the instructor, tuition and fees are waived and the DCF is

paid a stipend that is currently $350 per section, per semester. When the total number of

students in a dual section is less than 5 students, the DCF will be paid a stipend of $70 per

student. Schools are encouraged to combine similar sections as much as possible. Payment

is only issued upon the successful completion of the semester on the last business day of the

month following the end of the semester or term.

When STC provides the instructor, tuition and fees will be waived, provided the school district

pays for the instructor’s cost and mileage. Residency status, as determined by the Office of

Admissions, will be waived.

The School District is responsible for arranging payment to STC for the amount specified in

the Dual Credit Course Agreement billing for high school Dual Credit sections where an STC

instructor is provided.

*Current costs are: 3 hr. per week course - $2,700

4 hr. per week course - $3,200

5 hr. per week course - $3,325

6 hr. per week course - $3,725

53.5 ¢ per mile is added for mileage, as applicable.

*The cost of an STC instructor might vary from the standard cost listed above based on the

number of teaching overloads and annual salary of the instructor. In addition, the mileage

rate could vary from the rate listed to agree with the maximum state mileage

reimbursement rate set by the state.

For students taking college courses in non-S sections as “Independents”, a fee per credit

hour, plus other applicable course fees will be assessed to the student if a non-ECHS student.

In addition, all students may enroll in the same course only up to two times. Students wishing

to repeat the same course more than twice will be assessed a fee per credit hour.

A fee per class, will also be assessed for each student enrolled after the College’s enrollment

deadline when it is determined that the student or school was responsible for not meeting the

deadline. Hybrid and Internet cohort “S” sections, whether scheduled at the STC campus or

the school, will be assessed a per credit hour fee per student to the school. All fees are as

approved by the Board on the Tuition and Fee schedule - see the Appendix.

LATE ENROLLMENT

As per South Texas College Board Policy #3235, a Late Enrollment Fee per course may be

assessed for each student admitted after the College’s enrollment deadline. This may be

assessed for the following reasons:

A. Application is not cleared before the first class day

B. Failure to sign a registration form by Census Day

C. Failure to submit qualifying test scores to South Texas College before first class day

D. Failure to clear student hold by Census Day

February 2, 2018 22

The Dual Credit Program Enrollment and Support Services Manual, created by the Division of

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, is available online and provides students and

parents, faculty, administrators and high school counselors with details about the dual

credit and registration process. This manual can be accessed at the Dual2Degree

Department’s website.

Also available online is the brochure titled, “Dual 2 Degree HB 5 Career Pathway Framework

– From Dual Courses to Career Opportunities.” This booklet provides detailed information on

these initiatives and can be accessed online at the Dual2Degree Department’s website.

February 2, 2018 23

Dual Credit Course Agreement

Data Sharing Agreement

Human Resources Department, Data Privacy, & Sharing

Agreement

Principal Agreement

SECTION IV: GENERAL AGREEMENTS

February 2, 2018 24

SECTION IV: GENERAL AGREEMENTS

DUAL CREDIT COURSE AGREEMENT The Dual Credit Course Agreement (DCCA) is a legal document, which delineates

academic and fiscal arrangements for the Dual Credit course, and is used as a

contract when using an STC faculty as the instructor. (See Appendix)

Once the MOU is signed, the DCCA is initiated as an original document at STC.

This is signed by the School District and the College Examiners, and approved by

the School District Superintendent (or designee) and the College’s Chief Academic Officer (or designee).

Signed Dual Credit Course Agreements must be returned to STC prior to, or just after

the College’s official census day (twelfth day of class).

In the case of dual credit courses, the School District will ascertain that the college

course competencies meet or exceed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

of the high school course.

DATA SHARING AGREEMENT The School district and the College shall create a data sharing agreement that is

signed and executed by both parties before any data exchange can occur.

The Data Sharing Agreement will outline the privacy and security requirements for

partner School Districts.

The document will also define the process by which the School District may request,

receive, and utilize data shared by South Texas College.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, DATA PRIVACY, & SHARING AGREEMENT The School District will collaborate with the College to ensure that all School District faculty

applying to teach in the Dual Credit Program meet the credential requirements as stated in

the College’s Board Policy #4151, Academic and Professional Credentials for Faculty and

submit all required documents for the hiring process to the Human Resources Department as

well as agree to full information sharing in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter

regarding Dual Credit Faculty.

Any non-academic complaints or concerns against Dual Credit Faculty teaching a

College course are required to be reported to the College’s Office of Human

Resources to the attention of the Director and/or Employee Relations Officers for

investigation.

The School District will comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments 1972 (20

U.S.C. s1681 et seq.) regulations as stated in the College’s Board Policy #4216,

Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, and Sexual Misconduct and the School District

Title IX policy in resolving complaints. An electronic copy of the College’s policy may

be accessed on following link Board Policy #4216

A list of all Title IX Coordinators is located at the following link:

The College and the School District will work collaboratively and timely share any and all

information necessary in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter.

February 2, 2018 25

PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT Partner School Administrators should be familiar with and abide by the provisions found in

the South Texas College Dual Credit Program Memorandum of Understanding and in the

Dual Credit Programs Instructional and Quality Standards Manual. In addition, the School

District, when reporting and publicizing high school students’ completion of dual credit

courses, degrees or certificates, will recognize South Texas College as their Higher

Education partner. Failure to follow this provision will result in a non-compliance

notification as stated in Section 9 of the Dual Credit Program MOU. Refer to

Appendix for the detailed Principal Agreement.

February 2, 2018 26

Admission Process

Registration Process

SECTION V: ADMISSION & REGISTRATION

February 2, 2018 27

SECTION V: ADMISSION & REGISTRATION

ADMISSION PROCESS Students must submit an admission application to South Texas College to be eligible

for registration in dual credit courses. All students must declare a major when applying

to the College.

All applications must be submitted online via the following website:

www.applytexas.org by the College’s Dual Credit admission application deadline.

High schools shall provide an official copy of each student’s high school transcript and

qualifying test scores. It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her

counselor with test scores which may be used to determine eligibility for dual credit

courses. Necessary documentation, such as transcripts from high schools or institutions

of higher education as well as test scores, must be provided to the Dual2Degree

Department by the College’s deadline.

All prospective Dual Credit students must attend a mandatory Dual Credit Orientation

at their high school prior to enrolling in dual credit courses their first semester.

Dual Credit students may not enroll in college level courses until the Spring semester of

their 9th grade, and then limited to no more than two (2) courses for that semester from

an approved list of recommended courses. All 10th grade students will be limited to

only two (2) dual credit courses per semester, and 11th and 12th grade students should

not exceed 16 credit hours per semester; as stated in the College’s Board Policy #3232

Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirement.

REGISTRATION PROCESS Registration of high school students in dual credit “S” sections shall be determined by

the College’s Dual Credit Admission & Registration Timeline and process as stipulated

in the Dual Credit Enrollment & Student Services Manual, which can be accessed at.

February 2, 2018 28

Transcripts

State Approved Credit

Transfer of Academic Dual Credit Courses

Test Scores for Student Eligibility

SECTION VI: GRANTING OF COLLEGE CREDIT

February 2, 2018 29

SECTION VI: GRANTING OF COLLEGE CREDIT

TRANSCRIPTS STC is responsible for maintaining the college transcript.

The high school and school district are responsible for maintaining the high

school transcript.

All courses are identified on the college transcript as regular college-level course work.

Upon a student’s request, the College will provide an official STC transcript showing

credit for the completed college-level course work to the student or

college/university of transfer.

Students may view course grades upon completion of the course using their

JagNet accounts.

STATE APPROVED CREDIT For a student to receive state-approved high school credit for the college course,

the student’s high school transcript must have a designation for the high school

course as being a Dual Credit (DC) course.

Students, who enroll independently at one of the STC campuses in a non-S college

section, are encouraged to verify with their high school counselor or administrator the

dual credit status of a particular college course and the school district’s policies

concerning independent course credit.

TRANSFER OF ACADEMIC DUAL CREDIT COURSES Each college or university reserves the right to:

o Accept college credits transferred from another higher education institution,

and to;

o Apply them appropriately to a student’s transcript.

It is the responsibility of the students to seek information from institutions to which

they desire to transfer concerning the acceptance of dual credit course work and

their application to a degree in the desired major.

TEST SCORES FOR STUDENT ELIGIBILITY The tables below indicate the ACT, STARR End of Course (EOC), and TSI examination

scores that may be used to qualify for Dual Credit courses. For a more detailed list of

qualifying scores, please see course pre-requisites listed in the current college catalogue

as pre-requisites may vary.

SAT/ACT SCORES

ACT SAT PSAT/NMSQT

English 19 480 Scores as of yet, not established by THECB

Math 19 530

Composite 23 none

February 2, 2018 30

STAAR EOC SCORES

For Academic Courses requiring proficiency

in Reading and/or Writing:

English II End of Course (EOC) test

At least a 4000 combined Reading and

Writing score.

For Math courses:

Algebra II EOC test

Algebra I EOC

At least a 4000 score

A 4000 score, plus passing the Algebra

2 high school course

All CTE courses on Certificate I degrees

Exempt

TSI ASSESSMENT SCORES

As determined by the academic course:

Reading 351 +

Writing E5+ or E4/MC 363

Math 350+

Dual Credit students may not enroll in college-level courses until the Spring semester of their

9th grade, and then limited to no more than two (2) courses for that semester from an

approved list of recommended courses. All 10th grade students will be limited to only two (2)

dual credit courses per semester, and 11th and 12th grade students shall not exceed 16 credit

hours per semester; as stated in the College’s Board Policy #3232, Dual Credit Student

Eligibility Requirement. Dual credit students shall be limited to courses within their declared

major and corresponding degree plan. Students may attempt a maximum of 68 credit hours,

with the exception of students pursuing the Associate of Science in Engineering. In addition,

dual credit students must comply with the College’s Academic Progress Standards as

outlined in Board Policy #3320 and the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Policy #3322. Federal Financial Aid SAP requirements measure all students’ GPA and

progression regardless if they are receiving aid or not and are applicable to dual credit

students who are still in high school.

February 2, 2018 31

High School Programs & Services

Dual 2 Degree High Schools

SECTION VII: CONTACT INFORMATION

February 2, 2018 32

SECTION VIII: CONTACT INFORMATION ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIVISION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Nick Gonzalez

Administrator

D107B, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2133

M: (956) 225-4342

ngon@southtexascollege.edu

Lupita Reyes

Administrative Assistant

D107A, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-6443

F: (956) 872-3500

mgreyes@souhtexascollege.edu

Alejandra Cantu

Planning and Scheduling Manager

D101G, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-3568

acantu@southtexascollege.edu

Abigail Guzman

Dual Enrollment Program Specialist

O: (956) 872-6455

D101F, Pecan Campus

aguzma27@southtexascollege.edu

Vacant

Dual Enrollment Workforce Program Specialist

B-178, Technology Campus

O: (956) 872-6246

Krystal Garza

ECHS Specialist

A105, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-1927

kgarz175@southtexascollege.edu

Sofia Pena

Director, Early College High School (ECHS)

A137, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2303

sofia21@southtexascollege.edu

Juan J. Delgado

Secretary, ECHS

A131, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-6442

jdelgado_0770@souhtexascollege.edu

Maria E. De Leon

ECHS Coordinator

A135, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-4451

medeleon@southtexascollege.edu

Antonio De La Cruz

ECHS Coordinator

A139, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2148

adelacruz_4846@southtexascollege.edu

Vacant

ECHS Coordinator

A132, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-7217

Clarissa Torres

ECHS Coordinator

A134, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2302

ctorres5@southtexascollege.edu

Marco De La Garza

ECHS Coordinator

A133, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2308

mdelagarza_2633@southtexascollege.edu

Allyssa K. Villarreal

ECHS Specialist (Academies Specialist)

E2.710, Starr County Campus

O: (956) 488-5881

avilla52@southtexascollege.edu

Rebecca De Leon

Director, Academies & High School Projects

A-155, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2607

rdeleon_8106@southtexascollege.edu

Maria Susana De La Garza

Secretary, Academies & High School Projects

A-155, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2619

mdelag30@southtexascollege.edu

Maritzel Pena

Academies & High School Projects Coordinator

A-155, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-3499

mpena59@southtexascollege.edu

Monica Ramos

Academies Specialist

A-155, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-2613

mramos17@southtexascollege.edu

Leonardo Castaneda

Academies Specialist

F-125, Mid Valley Campus

O: (956) 447-1236

lacastaneda@southtexascollege.edu

Carol Woods

Dual Credit Faculty Liaison

D107A, Pecan Campus

O: (956) 872-6443

cwoods@southtexascollege.edu

February 2, 2018 2

STUDENT AFFAIRS & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT DUAL2DEGREE HIGH SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT

Tony Matamoros

Director of Dual2Degree High Schools

O: (956) 872-2026

omatamoros_6284@southtexascollege.edu Humberto Perez,

Administrative Assistant

O: (956) 872-8391

hperezzu@southtexascollege.edu Mayra Carver

Coordinator of Dual2Degree High Schools

O: (956) 872-2146

mcarver@southtexascollege.edu Zachary Suarez

Coordinator of Dual2Degree High Schools

O: (956) 872-2155

zsuarez_4418@southtexascollege.edu Jimena Olivares

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 872-6434

jolivarez_9952@southtexascollege.edu Miguel Garcia

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 872-2006

mgarcia_0951@southtexascollege.edu

Daniel Perez

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 716-4721

dperez72@southtexascollege.edu Arturo Martinez

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 447-1223

amart396@southtexascollege.edu Ana Segura

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 872-8394

asegura1@southtexascollege.edu

Becky Ramirez

Dual2Degree Specialist

O: (956) 872-2124

aramirez_0782@southtexascollge.edu Celina Ochoa

Dual2Degree Specialist

Office: (956) 872-3451

cochoa6@southtexascollege.edu Crystal Perez

Dual Credit Records and Registration Specialist

O: (956) 872-6470

cperez@southtexascollege.edu

February 2, 2018 2

A. Memorandum of Understanding

B. Dual Credit Course Agreement Form

C. Principal Agreement

D. Dual Credit Program Recommended Pathways

E. Guidelines for Reporting Required Critical Student

Performance Information

F. State Laws & Funding

G. Door Sign – College Class in Session

H. STC Dual Credit Program Board Approved Policies

I. Due Dates for Requesting Courses and Faculty

J. Dual Credit Prospective Faculty Review & Approval

Process

SECTION VIII: APPENDIX

February 2, 2018 3

APPENDIX A: Memorandum of Understanding

Memorandum of Understanding South Texas College Dual Credit Program

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE (herein called the “College”) and SCHOOL DISTRICT

(herein called the “School District”) enter into the following Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

and for the terms of which WITNESS THE FOLLOWING:

TERM This MOU shall be in effect from August 28, 2017 to August 24, 2018.

OVERVIEW The College is committed to serving the students and communities of South Texas through

collaborative work with school districts in the College’s service area. A major initiative promoting a

college-going and college graduation culture is the South Texas College Dual Credit Program, which

complies with the rules set forth by the State of Texas (TAC Title:19 Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Rule §

4.84 Section (a)) for dual credit partnerships between secondary schools and Texas public colleges to

offer dual credit to qualified students; therefore,

1) MOU PURPOSE The purpose of this MOU is to outline the roles and responsibilities of the College and the School

Districts that participate in the Dual Credit Program. This MOU is the agreement that encompasses all

dual credit programs, including Early College High Schools (ECHS) and the Academies Program as

required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). A separate MOU is required

by the Texas Education Agency for each Early College High School.

2) RECOGNITION OF HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER The School District, when reporting and publicizing high school students’ completion of dual credit

courses, degrees or certificates, will recognize South Texas College as their Higher Education partner

awarding college credit. In addition, the School District must adhere to the format and style of all

advertising, marketing, reporting, and publicity materials, which includes billboards, print ads, and

television commercials, as set forth in the College’s Branding, Marketing, and Advertising

Guidelines for South Texas College Dual Credit Programs at www.southtexascollege.edu/go/dual-

credit-marketing (see Exhibit B for Sample Recognition Template). Failure to follow this provision

will result in a non-compliance notification as stated in Section 9 of this document.

3) ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES Regular academic policies and procedures applicable to regular college courses and students will also

apply to dual credit courses.

February 2, 2018 4

a) Eligible Courses

Academic courses offered by the College for dual credit are developed based on the

guidelines published in the Academic Course Guide Manual. The Workforce courses are

developed based on the guidelines published in the Workforce Education Course Manual. The

College does not offer remedial and developmental courses for dual credit.

b) Faculty Qualification, Selection, Supervision, and Evaluation

The College has established an approval process for selecting and/or approving qualified

School District faculty (those approved will herein be called “Dual Credit Faculty”) to teach

dual credit course(s). Each approved Dual Credit Faculty will be supervised by the College’s

respective department chair or designee and be evaluated and monitored to ensure quality of

instruction and compliance with the College’s policies and procedures, in accordance with

the standards established by the State of Texas and the Southern Association of Colleges and

Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For a comprehensive view of the Faculty

Selection, Supervision, and Evaluation process, refer to the Dual Credit Program Instructional

and Quality Standards Manual - Academic Affairs Division.

i. The School District will collaborate with the College to ensure that the School

District instructor applying to teach in the Dual Credit Program meets the credential

requirements as stated in the College’s Board Policy #4151, Academic and

Professional Credentials for Faculty, which includes the criteria used by the

College to determine teaching eligibility.

ii. The College will ensure that College faculty requested to teach dual credit courses at

the School District sites have met acceptable national criminal background checks.

School District faculty approved as Dual Credit Faculty have to be cleared by the

College’s Office of Human Resources to teach any dual credit courses.

iii. Dual Credit Faculty will submit all required reporting documents such as roster

verification, learning outcome results, syllabi/section outlines, and submission of

grades by the deadline set by the College.

iv. College and Dual Credit Faculty teaching dual credit courses will verify the First

Week Class Roster to validate all students who are enrolled in the dual credit class

and refer students not on the roster to the appropriate School District counselor. Any

student not listed on the Official 12th Day Verification Census Date Roster will not

be enrolled in the dual credit course.

v. New Dual Credit Faculty approved for Academic Year 2017-2018 must satisfactorily

complete the online DELTA course offered through the College’s Office of

Professional and Organizational Development during the Fall 2017 semester. This

Academy focuses on relevant College policies and procedures, resources, faculty

responsibilities, and maintaining a college environment in the classroom.

vi. The School District will allow release time from School District duties for all Dual

Credit Faculty to attend required College departmental meetings and the two Dual

Credit professional development days organized by the College held on the Saturday

before each full semester begins.

February 2, 2018 5

vii. College faculty and Dual Credit Faculty teaching college-level courses are expected

to reach out to students who need academic assistance and direct them to the

appropriate College or School District support services.

viii. The School District will forward any concerns regarding Dual Credit Faculty or

College faculty teaching the college-level course to the College Department Chair for

investigation. To resolve the concerns, a meeting shall take place between the College

Department Chair (and/or designee) and the School District Principal (and/or other

designated high school administrator) to discuss the issues and reach a decision that is

mutually agreeable.

ix. The faculty assigned to teach a course is charged with the duties and responsibilities

of the instructor of record. In cases where the course is a Distance Learning course

taught at the partner school, as stated in Board Policy #3115 Distance Education, the

instructor of record, not an assistant, is the one responsible for delivery of instruction

and evaluation of student progress. Online students shall be informed that they are

able to access the online course at any time, not only during a designated time at the

high school.

c) Facilities, Teaching Environment, College Courses

i. Facilities

The School District will work with the College to ensure that the School District’s

facilities meet the expectations and criteria required for college classes and are

appropriate for college-level instruction that includes the following:

School District will ensure that College faculty and dual credit

students have appropriate access to all available instructional

resources and essential technology;

School District shall permit access to the College’s electronic

learning resources when the course is taught at the School District;

and

School District offering science courses shall meet the laboratory

safety standards and have material/equipment that comply with

College science program requirements.

ii. Teaching Environment

The School District will ensure that the classroom environment is conducive to

college-level learning by:

Designating a classroom for the college dual credit classes;

Displaying the signs provided by the College outside of the

classroom that indicate “College Course is in Session”; and

Assuring no interruptions take place in the college dual credit class

while in session, such as removing students for high school

activities or making announcements except for official business or

emergencies.

February 2, 2018 6

iii. College Courses

Dual credit courses must use the College’s approved Learning Management

System.

d) Course Curriculum, Instruction, and Grading

School Districts that participate in the Dual Credit Program at South Texas College will

comply with procedures and guidelines as published in the Dual Credit Program

Instructional and Quality Standards Manual, including the following:

i. Academic Instructional Calendar

Dual credit classes will follow the College Academic Calendar. Exceptions may be

arranged through collaboration between the College and the School District.

ii. Monitoring Instruction

School Districts will work with the College so that College personnel will have the

opportunity to monitor the quality of instruction in compliance with the College

course syllabus and the standards established by the State of Texas, the Southern

Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the

School District.

iii. Books and Supplemental Materials

The School District will provide all textbooks, equipment, and supplemental

materials required for the cohort (S sections) classes. College-approved textbooks

purchased by the School District are allowed to be used for three (3) years from the

date of purchase, four (4) years if an approved ECHS with the College. Chairs may

request a change of textbooks earlier than three (3) years, if the textbooks are for

technology-based courses. Textbooks and materials shall be available to students

on the first class day. Exceptions must be discussed with the High School

Programs and Services Administrator and the Department Chair.

iv. Grading Procedures

All Dual Credit Faculty will follow the College Grading System as stated in the

College’s Board Policy #3310, Grading System: Credit Programs, as well as the

grading criteria in the department approved syllabus.

v. Grade Appeal

The School District will direct students to follow the College’s Grade Appeal

process. An electronic copy of these documents may be accessed on the Academic

Affairs Department webpage .

e) Dual Credit Policies

i. Policy 3230 Dual Credit Programs with Partnering School Districts

Lists general provisions that partnering school districts must comply with; and

States that tuition and fees for dual credit students sponsored by partnering School

Districts will be charged as approved by the Board of Trustees.

ii. Policy 3232 Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirements

February 2, 2018 7

Outlines the dual credit student eligibility requirements;

Stipulates limitations on what courses and how many hours may be taken; and

Mandates student compliance with Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

(SAP).

iii. Policy 3320 Academic Progress Standards

States expectation that students meet academic standards for coursework at STC;

Defines levels of academic status GPA criteria; and

Explains student academic progress standards including probation, suspension, and

readmission.

iv. Policy 3322 Student Financial Aid - Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Cites federal regulations that require the College to monitor Satisfactory Academic

Progress (SAP) for all students, including dual credit students, in order to determine

financial aid eligibility; and

Cites regulations that require the evaluation of both quantitative (67% course completion

rate) and qualitative (maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA) standards, as well as

completion of a degree or certificate within 150% of normal time frame.

4) STUDENT ENROLLMENT & SERVICES

a) Student Eligibility

The College requires School District partners to follow all College enrollment procedures

and guidelines for dual credit students. All procedures and guidelines are outlined in the

College Dual Credit Program Enrollment and Support Services Manual. An electronic

copy of this document may be accessed on the Dual2Degree Department webpage.

All students must meet dual credit admissions and eligibility requirements as outlined by

the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board laws and regulations, the Texas

Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Rule § 4.85, and as stated in

the College’s Board Policy #3200, Student Admissions. School District partners will work

with the College to make certain that all dual credit students are enrolled by the first day of

classes to help ensure student success and will comply with the College Admission and

Registration Timeline. An electronic copy of this document may be accessed on the

Dual2Degree Department webpage.

High school students are eligible to participate in the Dual Credit Program upon meeting

the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment minimum passing scores established by the

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the South Texas College Dual Credit

Course Pre-Requisites, as published in the College Dual Credit Program Enrollment and

Support Services Manual for College and School District personnel.

Dual Credit students may not enroll in college-level courses until the spring semester

of their 9th grade, and then are limited to no more than two (2) courses for that

semester from an approved list of recommended courses. All 10th grade students will

be limited to only two (2) dual credit courses per semester, and 11th and 12th grade

students shall not exceed 16 credit hours per semester; as stated in the College’s Board

February 2, 2018 8

Policy #3232, Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirement. Dual credit students shall be

limited to courses within their declared major and corresponding degree plan. Students

may attempt a maximum of 68 credit hours, with the exception of students pursuing the

Associate of Science in Engineering. In addition, dual credit students must comply with

the College’s Academic Progress Standards as outlined in Board Policy #3320 and the

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy #3322. Federal Financial Aid

SAP requirements measure all students’ GPA and progression regardless if they are

receiving aid or not and are applicable to dual credit students who are still in high school.

b) Composition of Class

The School District may not enroll both Dual Credit and Non-Dual Credit students in the

same section unless one or more of the applicable exceptions for a mixed class comply with

the conditions outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4,

Subchapter D, Rule § 4.85 listed as below:

Mixed Class Exceptions 1) If the course involved is required for completion under the State Board of Education

High School Program graduation requirements, and the high school involved is

otherwise unable to offer such a course.

2) If the high school credit-only students are College Board Advanced Placement

students.

3) If the course is a career and technology/college workforce education course and the

high school credit-only students are earning articulated college credits.

If the School District enrolls Non-Dual Credit high school students in a Dual Credit course,

the School District must submit a Course Exception Report Memorandum to the College by

Census Day. The report will include the names of the students, students’ ID numbers (A#),

the applicable exception and justification. The School District will send a notification to

students that they have been enrolled in the class for high school credit only and will not

receive college credit.

c) Advising

The College and the School District shall offer comprehensive college advising services

for dual credit students consisting of a general advising module, group enrollment

advising using Degree Works, face-to-face advising and a College Advising Training

Program for High School District Counselors. The responsibilities of the College and

School District are delineated below.

College Dual Credit staff will provide the following services:

Provide an orientation and group enrollment advising session using Degree Works for

new dual credit students;

Meet with students for face-to-face advising; and

Serve as the designated college support services staff for advising dual credit students.

School District Counselors will provide the following services:

February 2, 2018 9

Provide a computer lab and schedule the group enrollment advising sessions using

Degree Works for all new dual credit students;

Schedule students cleared for enrollment into appropriate coursework in

compliance with the College Dual Credit Course Pre-Requisites;

Complete the South Texas College Advising Certification Training; and

Detailed information is published in the College Dual Credit Program Enrollment and

Support Services Manual.

d) Counseling & Student Accommodations

The College and the School District will adhere to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of

2008.

The School Districts will provide classroom accommodations for dual credit students. If the

class is taught by a College faculty at the high school, the College Counselor will coordinate

class accommodations with the high school Special Education Counselor. All procedures and

guidelines are outlined in the College Dual Credit Program Enrollment and Support

Services Manual. An electronic copy of this document may be accessed on the Dual2Degree

Department webpage.

e) Student Complaints

Student Grievance or Complaint procedures for handling student complaints, regarding the

college course, are applicable to all students including those enrolled in dual credit courses.

Dual credit students with complaints shall follow the procedures as stated in the College’s

Board Policy #3313, Student Grievance or Complaint as published in the College Student

Handbook.

f) Transcription of Credit

The College and the School District will transcript dual credit courses for both college

credit and high school credit immediately upon student completion of the performance

required in each course.

5) FINANCE SUPPORT SERVICES

a) Faculty Stipend

School District instructors approved by the College to be Dual Credit Faculty and

approved to teach college level courses will be paid a stipend by the College per class, per

semester, as outlined in the College Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality

Standards Manual.

b) Tuition & Fees

A School District sponsoring students under a Memorandum of Understanding will be

charged tuition and fees as outlined in Exhibit A: Board Approved Tuition & Fees for

Dual Credit Students Sponsored by Partnering School Districts for FY 2017 - 2018.

February 2, 2018 10

c) Invoicing

The College will invoice the School District that sponsors the student for the applicable

charges, in accordance with the Board Approved Tuition & Fees for Dual Credit Students

Sponsored by Partnering School Districts for FY 2017 – 2018 as approved by the College

Board of Trustees (see Exhibit A for Tuition and Fees for Dual Credit Students Sponsored by

Partnering School Districts for FY 2017-2018).

d) Faculty Charges

When the College provides the faculty, including via interactive distance learning, the

School District is responsible for the mileage and faculty cost as stipulated in the Dual Credit

Course Agreement (DCCA). This agreement is outlined in the Dual Credit Program

Instructional and Quality Standards Manual. An electronic copy of this document may be

accessed on the High School Programs and Services Department webpage.

6) DATA SHARING AGREEMENT

The School District and the College shall create a Data Sharing Agreement that is signed and

executed by both parties before any data exchange can occur. The Data Sharing Agreement will

outline the privacy and security requirements for partner School Districts. The document will also

define the process by which the School District may request, receive, and utilize data shared by

South Texas College.

7) HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT & DATA PRIVACY & SHARING

AGREEMENT

The School District will collaborate with the College to ensure that all School District faculty

applying to teach in the Dual Credit Program meet the credential requirements as stated in the

College’s Board Policy #4151, Academic and Professional Credentials for Faculty, and submit all

required documents for the hiring process to the Human Resources Department, as well as agree to full

information sharing in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter regarding Dual Credit

Faculty.

a) Any non-academic complaints or concerns against Dual Credit Faculty teaching a

College course are required to be reported to the College’s Office of Human Resources

to the attention of the Director and/or Employee Relations Officers for investigation.

b) The School District will comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments 1972 (20

U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) regulations as stated in the College’s Board Policy #4216,

Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, and Sexual Misconduct and the School

District Title IX policy in resolving complaints. An electronic copy of the

College’s policy may be accessed on Board Policy #4216,

A list of all Title IX Coordinators is located at the South Texas College webpage.

c) The College and the School District will work collaboratively and timely share any and

all information necessary in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter.

February 2, 2018 11

8) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)

This MOU may be amended by mutual written agreement of both parties.

The College and School District reserve the right to terminate this MOU upon receipt of written

notice to the other party ninety (90) days prior to the termination of this Agreement.

9) NOTIFICATION OF NON—COMPLIANCE AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

Failure to act in accordance with any provision in this Agreement will result in a Notification of

Non-Compliance (Notice), which may be initiated by any party to this Agreement. The Notice shall

be in writing and shall state in particular the alleged non-compliance. The Notice will be provided

to the College President and the School District Superintendent for review and action. Failure to

correct non-compliance may result in termination of this agreement.

EXECUTED IN TWO (2) Original counterparts on this day of ______________20 .

__________________________________ ____________________________________

Shirley A. Reed, MBA, Ed. D. Superintendent

President School District

South Texas College

February 2, 2018 12

EXHIBIT A Tuition and Fees For Dual Credit Students Sponsored By Partnering School Districts

for FY 2017-2018

(Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Summer 2018)

FY 2017-2018

DUAL CREDIT TUITION:

Per credit hour tuition for in-district dual credit students sponsored by a

partnering school district

0.00

DIFFERENTIAL TUITION PER CREDIT HOUR FOR COURSES OFFERED ON A

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE CAMPUS OR FACILITY:

Associate Degree Nursing 50.00

Emergency Medical Technology 40.00

Occupational Therapy Assistant 40.00

Patient Care Assistant 20.00

Pharmacy Tech 40.00

Physical Therapist Assistant 40.00

Radiologic Technology/Sonography 40.00

Respiratory Therapy 40.00

Vocational Nursing 50.00

COURSE FEES:

Electronic Distance Learning/VCT Course Fee per credit hour 15.00

Hybrid Course Fee per credit hour 10.00

NAH and Other Course Fees: Liability Insurance/Exams/Booklets/

Badges/ Special Program ID/Certificates/Pinning Ceremony/Other Activities

Recovery of costs and

processing fees

INCIDENTAL FEES:

Fee per credit hour for dual credit students attempting a course three or more

times

125.00

Dual Credit Late Processing Fee per course per student after Census Day 200.00

*DUAL CREDIT ACADEMIES PARTICIPATION FEES:

Dual Credit Academies Participation Fee – Fall and Spring, per student per

semester (charged to School District)

600.00

Recovery of costs and

processing fees

Dual Credit Academies Participation Fee – Summer, per student per credit hour

(charged to School District)

50.00

Recovery of costs and

processing fees

*DUAL CREDIT REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS:

School Districts Requesting South Texas College Faculty to Teach Dual Credit

Courses per course per semester

Recovery of faculty

salaries, fringe

benefits, mileage, and

other associated costs

and processing fees

*Board Approved on December 13, 2016 under the Student and Tuition and Fees Table for Academic Year 2017-2018

September 11, 2017 13

February 2, 2018 14

APPENDIX B: Dual Credit Course Agreement

DUAL CREDIT COURSE AGREEMENT

(STC Instructor)

SAMPLE

Name of High School

S TC

C O URS E

S TC

S EC TIO N

HS C O URS E

C REDIT

INS TRUC TO R

NAME

INS TRUC TO R

C O S T PER

S EC TIO N

# O F

S EC TIO NS

TO TAL

INS TRUC TO R

C O S T

MILEAGE

TO TAL

Soci

1301

S0

1

Sociolog

y

$ - $ -

$ - $ -

$ - $ -

$ - $ -

$ - $ -

$ - $ -

$ -

The cooperating School District hereby agrees to arrange payment for the Dual Credit classes

approved by STC and by the school prior to the start of classes on 0/0/0000. The mileage and

instructor cost for the students enrolled by the district for the Fall 2012 semester is in the amount

of $0.00 . The college will invoice the School District after the twentieth class day of the regular

semester and after the seventh class day during summer semesters. We hereby certify that all

students enrolled in the college course(s) have met the TAKS and/or STC prerequisites as

established by law. Approval

s:

School District Administrator Date Nicolas Gonzalez Date

High School Programs and Services

Billing Address :

Name of Principal

Name of High

School Mailing

Address

City, State and Zip

February 2, 2018 15

APPENDIX C: Principal Agreement

For Dual Credit classes taught by STC Faculty and Dual Credit Faculty

Name of ISD [Enter name]

Name of High School [Enter Name]

The School District, when reporting and publicizing high school students’ completion

of dual credit courses, degrees or certificates, will recognize South Texas College as

their Higher Education partner awarding college credit. Failure to follow this provision

will result in a non-compliance notification as stated in Section 9 of the Dual Credit

Program MOU.

Partner School Administrators should be familiar with and abide by the provisions found

in the South Texas College Dual Credit Program Memorandum of Understanding and in

the Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality Standards Manual.

Fulfillment of the following requirements will ensure that Dual Credit students who are

enrolled in college-level courses at your school have a college-level experience.

COLLEGE POLICIES & PROCEDURES Academic Instructional Calendar: Dual Credit classes will follow the College Calendar.

Exceptions may be arranged through collaboration between the College and the

School Principal.

Grading Procedures: All Dual Credit Faculty will follow the College Grading System as

stated in the College’s Board Policy #3310, Grading System: Credit Programs, as well as

the grading criteria in the department approved syllabus.

Grade Appeal: The High School Principal shall direct students who would like to appeal

their College Course grade to follow the College’s Grade Appeal process. An electronic

copy of these documents may be accessed on the Academic Affairs Department

webpage.

Classroom & Teaching Environment: The School Principal will ensure an appropriate

college-level instruction including the following:

o Designating a classroom for the college dual credit classes;

o Displaying the signs provided by College outside of the classroom that indicates

“College Course is in Session”; and

o Assuring no interruptions take place of the college dual credit class while in

session, except for official business or emergencies. Removing students for high

school activities should be avoided.

o Ensure that College faculty and dual credit students have appropriate access to

all available instructional resources and essential technology;

o Permit access to the College’s electronic learning resources when the course is

taught at the High School; and

o Meet the laboratory safety standards when offering science courses and have

material/equipment that comply with College science program requirements.

o Textbooks and materials shall be available to students on the first class day.

Exceptions must be discussed with the High School Programs and Services

Administrator and the Department Chair.

o Dual Credit courses offered must use the College’s approved Learning Management

System.

February 2, 2018 16

Oversight High School Administrator will ensure that the following requirements are met:

Enrollment Cap: Cap enrollment at 25 students for College faculty teaching at the High

School site.

Class Cancellations: Will not cancel Dual Credit Courses assigned to STC Faculty within

two weeks of the start of the semester.

First Week Rosters: Assure that all faculty teaching dual credit courses verify the First Week

Class Roster to validate all students are enrolled in the dual credit class and refer students

not on the roster to the appropriate High School counselor. Any student not listed on the

official 12th Day Verification Census Date Roster will not be enrolled in the dual credit

course.

Required Reports: Dual Credit Faculty (DCF) will submit all required reporting documents

such as: roster verification, learning outcome results, syllabi/section outlines, and

submission of grades by the deadline set by the College.

Meeting Attendance: Will allow release time so all Dual Credit Faculty can attend

required College departmental meetings and the two (2) required professional

development days organized by the College and held on the Saturday before each full

semester begins.

Concerns, Issues, with Faculty: Will forward any concerns regarding Dual Credit Faculty

(DCF) or College Faculty teaching the college-level course to the College Department

Chair for investigation.

Instructor of Record: The faculty assigned to teach a course is charged with the duties

and responsibilities of the instructor of record. In cases where the course is a Distance

Learning course taught at the partner school, as stated in Board Policy #3115 Distance

Education, the instructor of record, not an assistant, is the one responsible for delivery of

instruction and evaluation of student progress. Online students shall be informed that

they are able to access the online course at any time, not only during a designated time

at the high school.

Assist in informing students that:

Students who are not present for the entire class may be counted as absent and

absences may jeopardize their college credit.

Student behaviors that distract from the educational environment will not be

tolerated and may result in student removal from the class.

Review attached information with Dual Credit students and parents.

In support of the partnership between STC and ISD, STC Faculty will: Contact the school when planning to be absent or delayed to class;

Allow students to be absent for school-required state exams without penalty;

Not remove any student from the class without notifying a school official;

Provide critical student information when needed for high school reporting as

allowed by FERPA rules and as stated in the Guidance Letter for Reporting

Requirements as published in the Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality

Standards Manual.

______________________________________ _____________________________________

Name of Principal Date Nicolas Gonzalez, HSPS Date

February 2, 2018 17

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

STUDENT/PARENT PRINCIPLES OF PARTICIPATION

Success in Dual Credit college classes is dependent upon academic readiness, social

maturity, and motivation. Students who choose to enter Dual Credit classes are

subject to the same rules and regulations as other college students. Course content is

college level and may contain material, situations, and examples that may offend

immature students. Students choosing to take college classes do so with the

understanding that course rigor and content is intended for a mature, college-level

student.

Classes on STC campuses include mature, adult students from diverse backgrounds

and life experiences. The high school student on the college campus experiences

the same freedom and lack of direct supervision that adult students experience.

There is no process to monitor student social situations or behavior. Dual Credit

students on the South Texas College (STC) campus are expected to conduct

themselves as adults.

College course-level expectations include, but are not limited to the following:

Students are expected to be in class from the first day and should attend class

regularly. Students may be withdrawn by the instructor for excessive absences

that equate to two week’s college work.

Two to three hours of homework or study should be completed for each hour

spent in class.

Assignment deadlines are firm.

Any letter grade below a C in any NAH Dual Credit course will remove the

student for eligibility for the following full term (fall/spring).

All Dual Credit grades are calculated in a student’s GPA and will appear on

the permanent college transcript.

All Dual Credit grades, including a W for withdrawal, become a part of the

student’s permanent college transcript and may affect subsequent

postsecondary admission and financial aid.

While appropriate for college-level study, course materials/class discussions

may reflect topics not typically included in secondary courses which some

parents may object to for “minors.” Courses will not be modified to

accommodate variations in student age and/or maturity.

Student should consult a college counselor and/or advisor regarding the

selection of courses to meet college degree requirements or for transfer to a

specific course of study at another institution.

Poor performance in classes and poor selection of classes may result in excess

college hours or impact availability of future financial aid or scholarships.

Final course grade for the college will be a letter grade and for the high

school a numeric grade that might not be the same.

February 2, 2018 18

APPENDIX D: Dual Credit Program Recommended Pathways As the Higher Education Partner of 22 School Districts in Hidalgo and Starr counties, it is

our responsibility and commitment to provide timely communication regarding

changes in the College’s polices and processes that impact the Dual Credit Program.

To this end, this memorandum provides updated information regarding:

College Policy changes impacting Dual Credit Program

Recommended Pathways for Early College High Schools and Traditional High

Schools

o Academic Programs

o Workforce Programs

Core Curriculum Requirements

South Texas College Dual Credit Program Policy Changes:

Effective in the Fall 2017 semester, all First-Time Dual Credit students must comply with

South Texas College Board Policies that impact Dual Credit students:

Dual credit students shall be limited to courses within their declared major and

corresponding degree plan. Board Policy # 3232: Dual Credit Student Eligibility

Requirements.

Dual credit students must comply with the College’s Academic Progress

Standards for coursework completed at South Texas College. Policy #3320

Academic Progress Standards.

Federal Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements

measure all students’ GPA and their progression (regardless if they are receiving

aid or not). Requirements are applicable to dual credit students. Board Policy

#3322 Student Financial Aid – Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Dual credit students may attempt a maximum of 68 credit hours, with the

exception of students pursuing the Associate of Science in Engineering. Board

Policy # 3232: Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirements.

Dual credit students may not enroll in college-level courses until the spring

semester of their 9th grade and are limited to no more than two courses for that

semester from an approved list of recommended courses. All 10th grade students

will be limited to two courses per semester. Board Policy # 3232: Dual Credit

Student Eligibility Requirements.

All 11th and 12th grade students may enroll in up to four courses per semester, not

to exceed 16 credit hours per semester. Board Policy # 3232: Dual Credit Student

Eligibility Requirements.

Recommended Pathways for Early College High Schools and Traditional High Schools:

South Texas College is committed to providing pathways for the success of all students.

Dual Credit students taking Academic or Workforce Program Courses through the

program are, therefore, afforded the opportunity to complete the Core Curriculum and

advance their studies and earn a certificate or an associate degree.

February 2, 2018 19

South Texas College Recommended Pathways Early College High Schools & Traditional High Schools

Academic Year: 2017-2018

Academic Programs

From Core Curriculum, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science Programs

Grade Level 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Academic

Courses

Up to Two

College Courses in

Spring Semester

Up to Two

College Courses

Per Semester

Up to Four

College Courses Per Semester

(12-16 Credits)

Up to Four

College Courses Per Semester

(12-16 Credits)

Fall No College Level

Courses

Up to 2 courses

from degree plan

-Optional and if

applicable

Select from the following

options:

o History 1301

o English 1301

Up to 2 courses from degree

plan

Select from the following

options:

o Government 2305

o Elective - Field of Study

Up to 2 courses from degree

plan

Spring

Up to 2 courses

from degree plan

-Optional and if

applicable

Up to 2 courses

from degree plan

-Optional and if

applicable

Select from the following

options:

o English 1302

o History 1302

Up to 2 courses from degree

plan

Select from the following

options:

o Government 2306

o Elective - Field of Study

Up to 2 courses from degree

plan

Courses can be taken within any semester and any grade level if applicable:

Math Course from Degree Plan (e.g., MATH-1414; MATH-1442)

Life & Physical Science Courses from Degree Plan (e.g., BIOL-1406; CHEM-1411; PHYS-1401)

Elective(s) - Field of Study

Creative Arts Course from Degree Plan (e.g., ARTS-1301; MUSI-1306)

Language, Philosophy, and Culture Course from Degree Plan (e.g., SPAN-2313; PHIL-2306; ENGL-2321)

note: Literature courses require the prior completion of both ENGL-1301 and ENGL-1302

Component Area Option Course from Degree Plan (e.g., COSC-1301; SPCH-1311)

Social & Behavioral Science Course from Degree Plan (e.g., CRIJ-1301; PSYC-2301; SOCI-1301)

note: CRIJ-1301; SOCI-1301 (10th to 12th Grade Only) and PSYC-2301 (11th and 12th Grade Only)

Workforce Programs

From Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Workforce

Courses

Up to Two

College Courses in

Spring Semester

Up to Two

College Courses Per

Semester

Up to Four

College

Courses Per Semester

(12-16 Credits)

Up to Four

College Courses Per Semester

(12-16 Credits)

Fall No College

Level Courses

Select courses from

degree plan

Select courses from

degree plan

Select courses from

degree plan

Spring Select courses from

degree plan

Select courses from

degree plan

Select courses from

degree plan

Select courses from

degree plan

February 2, 2018 20

Core Curriculum Requirements

The State of Texas Core Curriculum is 42 credit hours and is comprised of 9 areas:

Communication; Language, Philosophy, and Culture; Creative Arts; Social and

Behavioral Sciences; American History; Mathematics; Political Science; Life and Physical

Sciences; and the Component Area Option. Once a student is core-complete at one

state institution, he or she is deemed complete at all other public higher education

institutions in Texas.

The chart below indicates South Texas College Core Curriculum required hours:

South Texas College is committed to developing and fostering strong partnerships with

our public school partners. The College depends on these strong partnerships to fulfill its

mission in serving the students and communities of South Texas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to assist you to create the most effective pathways

toward college programs and ensure that all dual credit students have the opportunity

to earn college credits that are aligned with their educational and career goals.

Core Curriculum Areas Required Hours

1 Communication 6

2 Mathematics 3-4

3 Life and Physical Sciences 8

4 Language, Philosophy & Culture 3

5 Creative Arts 3

6 American History 6

7 Government/Political Science 6

8 Social and Behavioral Sciences 3

9 Component Area Option 3-4

Core Hours 42

February 2, 2018 21

APPENDIX E: Guidelines for Reporting Required Critical

Student Performance Information

South Texas College is committed to serving the students and communities of South

Texas through collaborative work with school districts in the College’s service area. This

includes sharing critical student performance information when needed for high school

reporting. To assist with questions that have been raised concerning this responsibility,

we have prepared the chart below, which indicates reporting requirements and

responsibilities of the faculty teaching dual credit courses regarding parent inquiries,

progress reports, and discipline matters.

Sharing student information electronically with a high school official should be

minimized and done only when it would not be compromised. When sending

information through email, it is important that there is a legitimate reason for sending

the information and that the message is sent only to the intended recipient at their

official school email address. When at the high school teaching class, the information

can be provided directly and not via email.

The Reporting Requirements and faculty responsibilities for submitting Critical Student

Performance should be followed by all faculty teaching Dual Credit College level

courses. The chart on the next page, provides detailed information on the following

criteria: Parental Inquiry, Progress & Performance Report, and Discipline Matters.

February 2, 2018 22

Reporting Requirements & Faculty Responsibilities

Criteria

Dual Credit Faculty (DCF)

High School Teachers

who teach College Course(s)

South Texas College Faculty

who teach dual credit

courses

Parental

Inquiry

Meet with and/or respond to questions

and status of the individual student

regarding the high school part of the

course, and how performance on the

college course may affect the high

school credit.

Inform the parent or school

making the inquiry to contact

the high school counselor for

the academic status

information of the student(s),

which will be provided.

Progress &

Performance

Report

Provide the required progress grade

reporting for the high school dual credit

part of the course as requested.

Provide critical student performance

information when needed for high

school reporting, for the College dual

credit part of the course as requested.

Provide critical student

performance information

when needed for high school

reporting. May include

grades and/or “passing” or

“not passing” information to

school counselors or other

school officials, whether the

class is held at the high

school or on an STC campus.

Discipline

Matters

Student discipline matters that occur in

the high school campus dual classroom

must be handled as much as possible by

following the procedures and rules

established at that high school. The DCF

has a right to request that a student be

removed from the class when the

student’s behavior becomes obstructive

in conducting the proper college

environment, in which case the DCF’s

supervisor at the high school and the

College need to be informed and

involved in accordance with applicable

STC and School District policies and

procedures.

STC faculty traveling to the

high schools should

immediately contact a

school official for the removal

of the student, or for

addressing the student’s

misbehavior. They may also

inform the College as

warranted. For dual students

taking classes on an STC

campus, the rules established

for all South Texas College

students must be followed.

Information on, and

consequence thereof, should

be provided to the high

schools by the College in

cases where disciplinary

action is to be taken,

including removal from the

class.

February 2, 2018 23

APPENDIX F: State Laws & Funding

STATE LAWS The Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

(THECB), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) each provide

minimum standards that high schools and colleges must meet in order for high school

students to receive academic dual credit.

Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Rule §4.85

The rules adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Commissioner of

Education are part of a larger body of state agency rules that are collected and

published by the Office of the Secretary of State as the Texas Administrative Code

(TAC). SBOE and commissioner's rules are codified in the TAC. Title 19 is Education; Part

1 is the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; Chapter 4 rules apply to all public

institutions of higher education in Texas; Subchapter D covers dual credit partnerships

between secondary schools and Texas public colleges; and Rule Section 4.85

addresses dual credit requirements.

Education Code 21.116:

The Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Higher Education shall

jointly develop recommendations for a statewide program allowing public and non-

public high school students to enroll in courses in post-secondary institutions for both

secondary credit and post- secondary credit.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Rules:

Post-Secondary institutions which enter into programmatic partnerships with secondary

Schools, which result in the award of college credit, such as technical and Dual Credit

programs, must ensure that the credit awarded is at the collegiate level and is in

compliance with the Criteria, and with Section IV (Education Programs) in particular.

The participating institution of higher education must evaluate partnerships regularly.

The participating institution must assume full responsibility for academic quality and

integrity of partnerships as measured by the Criteria.

STATE FUNDING Texas Education Code: Section 130.008 (d) was repealed by the enactment of HB415 during the 78th Texas

Legislative Session and therefore, eliminated all time and funding limitations established

heretofore.

February 2, 2018 24

APPENDIX G: Door Sign – College Class In Session

February 2, 2018 25

APPENDIX H: South Texas College Dual Credit Program Board

Approved Policies

The following is a list of the South Texas College Dual Credit Board Approved Policies.

Board Policy 3230

Dual Credit Programs with Partnering School Districts

Board Policy 3232

Dual Credit Student Eligibility Requirements

Board Policy 3320

Academic Progress Standards

Board Policy 3322

Student Financial Aid – Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

February 2, 2018 26

APPENDIX I: Due Dates For Requesting Courses and Faculty

DUE DATES FOR REQUESTING COURSES & FACULTY

January 1 – July 31 School Districts will submit requests for the addition of new courses to be

offered on their campus for the Fall semester.

March 1 STC Chairs will communicate new textbook adoption needs to the Office

of High School Programs and Services by the 1st of March of each year.

April 1

School Districts will submit their requests for a STC faculty member (part-

time or full-time) to teach a college course at the high school by April 1,

for fall semester.

April 15

School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the

credentialing criteria. Completed application packets must be submitted

by April 15th for fall semester and October 15th for the Spring semester.

Friday of the week

following spring

final exams

STC Chair who uses division /department standing committee to approve

a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean

and the Office of High School Programs and Services by Friday of the

week following spring final exams.

November 1

School Districts will submit their request for a STC faculty member (part-

time or full-time) to teach a college course at the high school, for Spring

Semester.

October 15

School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the

credentialing criteria. Completed application packets must be submitted

by October 15th for spring semester.

Friday of the week

of fall final exams

STC Chair who uses division /department standing committee to approve

a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean

and the Office of High School Programs and Services by Friday of the

week following fall final exams.

February 2, 2018 27

APPENDIX J: Dual Credit Prospective Faculty Review and

Approval Process

DUAL CREDIT FACULTY REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS

The process for identifying prospective Dual Credit Faculty, submission of an

application, review by the departmental chair/committee, and final review by the

Office of Human Resources are outlined in the steps below:

STEP 1 - IDENTIFICATION AND INITIAL REVIEW OF PROSPECTIVE DUAL CREDIT FACULTY

High school principals will identify high school instructors with the minimum credentials

to teach college-level courses, and those instructors may submit their transcripts to the

Office of High School Programs and Services for initial review as prospective Dual Credit

Faculty.

Due Dates and Documents for Submission:

Due Dates for Fall Semester (April 2) and Spring semester (Oct 1)

Documents: A copy of transcripts and signed Review Outcome Notification

Acknowledgment Form must be submitted to High School Programs and Services

before the initial review can begin.

Initial Review – High School Programs and Services:

The Office of High School Programs and Services will conduct the initial review to

determine whether or not the credentials meet the minimum requirement. The

departmental chair will verify the results of this initial review.

If the prospective applicant does not have the minimum required credentials,

then the prospective applicant and principal will be given written notification

that the prospective applicant does not meet the minimum requirement to

teach at STC.

If the prospective applicant does have the minimum required credentials, then

the prospective applicant and principal will be notified to proceed with

submitting the application.

STEP 2 - SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION TO SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

A high school teacher who is approved to proceed with the application process

will be instructed to submit a hardcopy of STC application packet that will include

a copy of their transcripts, and all documents required by Human Resources, to the

Office of High School Programs and Services.

STEP 3 - REVIEW BY DEPARTMENTAL CHAIR AND COMMITTEE

Department Chair Review:

The respective department chairs examine the applicant’s application packet to

review and confirm that the applicant’s academic credentials meet STC Board

Policy #4151: Academic and Professional Credentials of Faculty and schedule a

day and time for conducting interviews before a committee.

The review process and standards for approving an applicant as Dual Credit

February 2, 2018 28

Faculty to teach a Dual Credit course will be the same standards used to assess

any faculty hired by STC to teach college-level courses. Merely having the

credentials to teach college courses is no assurance of approval into the program.

The department chair has the authority to interview and to make the decision

regarding the approval of faculty teaching courses for STC in the high schools

based on credentials, teaching experience, presentation, subject knowledge and

other instructional factors related to the subject matter. On average 60% of

prospective Dual Credit Faculty applicants are recommended.

Departmental Committee Review:

Department Chair has the option to use a division /department standing committee (a

standing committee will have up to three faculty members who teach in that discipline

and one faculty from outside of the department). When a standing committee is used, the

applicant will be asked to meet with the committee for an interview and to demonstrate

teaching proficiency. If this option is selected by the chair, the committee will conclude

their activities and provide the outcome of review process (Recommended or Not

Recommended) to the Division Dean and the Office of High School Programs and Services

(HSPS) within one week after the conclusion of the interviews.

For qualified Fall semester applicants, all interviews will be completed and the outcome

submitted to High School Programs and Services by April 30th.

For qualified Spring semester applicants, all interviews will be completed and the outcome

submitted to High School Programs and Services by November 2nd.

Exceptions, as allowed by the office of HSPS and STC chair, are only for the replacement of

a current DCF who has left the program after this deadline. Departmental committee will

utilize the following assessment criteria during the interview:

Interview Assessment Criteria: Based on Faculty Duties & Responsibilities

listed in the Faculty Handbook and on the procedures described in the

Dual Credit Program Instructional and Quality Standards Manual.

o Teaching Experience: Years and levels o Presentation: Communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

o Subject Knowledge: Mastery of the subject matter

o Other Instructional factors

Evaluation of student learning at college level

Commitment to a college philosophy of education Informing Applicants:

o Department chair will notify HSPS and Division Dean of the outcome of

the interviews (Recommended or Not Recommended).

o The Office of High School Programs and Services will provide written

notification to each applicant and the high school principal to inform

them of the outcome of the interview (Recommended or Not

Recommended).

If recommended to teach Dual Credit courses, then the applicant can proceed to the

next step of review by the Human Resources Department.

February 2, 2018 29

STEP 4 - REVIEW BY THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

If the applicant receives approval from the division / department, the department chair

submits the Intent to Hire form for the applicant to the South Texas College Human

Resources (HR) Department.

Prospective DC Faculty must ensure that official transcript(s) from an accredited

college or university where the degree was awarded are mailed directly to the STC

Office of Human Resources (HR). The official transcript(s) must be received at HR

before the start of the college semester.

The prospective DC Faculty can contact the STC Office of Human Resources with

questions about the application procedures. The faculty may call (956) 872-3722 or

visit the HR office located at 2501 W. Pecan, McAllen.

If Cleared by HR

o Applicant will complete the required paperwork and will be assigned an

STC ID# and email account and will be classified as Dual Credit Faculty

(DCF) by STC.

o DCF will receive authorization from HR to begin teaching college dual

courses when scheduled.

If not cleared by HR

o Applicant will be informed of the reasons by HR staff.

Continuation of High School Instructor as DC Faculty

After initial approval, a DC Faculty may continue teaching Dual Credit courses without

the need to undergo the approval process again contingent upon the following two

items:

1) Dual Credit courses being taught continuously each year in the same

discipline and/or teaching area; and

2) Dual Credit Faculty teaching the course adequately meets all faculty

evaluations requirements, departmental requirements, responsibilities, and

procedures

Non-continuation of Dual Credit Faculty

Board Policy #4115 Personnel Appointments (rev. 6/27/17) states: “Adjunct,

lecturer, and dual credit faculty are employed on an as needed, non-contractual,

at will, basis with no expectation of continued employment or property rights

beyond the assignment.”

February 2, 2018 30

Due Dates for Prospective Dual Credit Faculty Applications

April 2nd School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the

credentialing criteria. Completed application packets must be submitted

by April 2nd for fall semester.

By April 30th STC Chair who uses division /department standing committee to approve

a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean

and the Office of High School Programs and Services by April 30th.

October 1st School Districts will identify prospective DC Faculty who could meet the

credentialing criteria. Completed application packets must be submitted

by October 1st for spring semester.

By November 2nd STC Chair who uses division /department standing committee to approve

a DC Faculty will conclude their activities and inform the Division Dean

and the Office of High School Programs and Services by November 2nd.

TUITION & STUDENT FEES

When the School District provides the instructor, tuition and fees are waived and the

DCF is paid a stipend that is currently $350 per section, per semester. When the total

number of students in a dual section is less than 5 students, the DCF will be paid a

stipend of $70 per student. Schools are encouraged to combine similar sections as

much as possible. Payment is only issued upon the successful completion of the

semester on the last business day of the month following the end of the semester or

term.

When South Texas College provides the instructor, tuition and fees will be waived,

provided the school district pays for the instructor’s cost and mileage. Residency status,

as determined by the Office of Admissions, will be waived.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

South Texas College offers strong professional development programing for all faculty.

Specific programs have been developed to support STC faculty who teach at high

school sites and Dual Credit Faculty who teach college courses at their high schools.

Twice a year, faculty receive targeted professional development during designated

days in the Fall and Spring Semesters. In the Fall, the Adjunct and Dual Credit Faculty

Conference is held with sessions including effective teaching techniques, active

learning strategies, and specific training on the College’s course management systems

and student portal systems. In Fall 2015, OPOD launched a brand new academy for

Dual Credit Faculty (DCF). The Developing Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Academy (DELTA) Online helps DCF’s and Adjunct faculty to become part of the South

Texas College family. DELTA Online provides participants with support and guidance as

well as information on faculty expectations, resources, policies, procedures, and

creating a college environment.

February 2, 2018 31

In addition, each year, “Dual Credit Faculty Reference Guides” are

developed for South Texas College faculty who teach dual courses

and for high school instructors that teach dual credit courses. The

Reference Guides provide faculty with updated information that

covers College and high school specific information. Furthermore,

on a regular basis the needs of faculty who participate in the Dual

Credit Program are assessed, and specialized training is developed

to address those needs.

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

DUAL CREDIT FACULTY 4-STEP REVIEW PROCESS

There are 4 steps that school districts and prospective Dual Credit Faculty (DCF) need to follow to be

reviewed for potential approval to teach Dual Credit courses for South Texas College. APPLICATION DUE DATE: FALL SEMESTER-APRIL 2ND & SPRING SEMESTER-OCTOBER 1ST

Refer to the Office of High School Programs & Services website https://academicaffairs.southtexascollege.edu/highschool/guides.html

or the Dual Credit Program Instructional & Quality Standards Manual, Appendix J for the detailed packet.

1

IDENTIFICATION & INITIAL REVIEW OF PROSPECTIVE DCF — OFFICE OF HSPS

Before South Texas College (STC) can begin an initial review of a prospective DCF applicant,

the Review Outcome Notification Acknowledgement Form must be signed by both the

applicant and high school principal and submitted to the Office of High School Programs &

Services (HSPS). School District (SD) and/or prospective DCF applicant can forward a copy

of his/her transcripts to HSPS for initial review with the signed acknowledgment form.

If the prospective applicant does not have the minimum required credentials:

The department chair will confirm the initial review by HSPS

The prospective applicant will be given written notification by HSPS that he/she

does not meet the minimum requirement to teach at STC

If the applicant has the minimum required credentials:

The department chair will confirm the initial review by HSPS

Applicant will be given written notification by HSPS that the process can move

forward

2 SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION TO SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

Applicant is contacted by the HSPS and is informed to complete the interview packet that

will include the STC application, resume, references, copy of transcript, letter of intent, and

any certifications, awards, and documents related to their professional experience.

Thereafter, the applicant meets with HSPS staff for preliminary interview and to

review the application packet.

Afterwards, the HSPS staff will set up an interview for the applicant with the

departmental chair/committee.

3 REVIEW BY DEPARTMENTAL CHAIR & COMMITTEE

After the departmental review and interview is completed:

If the applicant is recommended

Applicant will be notified that he/she has been recommended

Intent to Hire form along with applicant’s documents will be sent to HR

When notified by HSPS staff, the applicant will go to HR to complete hiring packet

If the applicant is not recommended

Applicant will be given written notification by HSPS that he/she did not receive

recommendation.

4 REVIEW BY THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

After complete documents have been submitted to HR by the departmental chair, along

with Intent to Hire form, HR will complete its review.

If cleared by HR

New DCF will complete the required paperwork, will be assigned an STC ID# and

email account

DCF can begin teaching college dual credit courses when scheduled

If not cleared by HR:

Applicant will be informed of the reason

updated: November 20, 2017

February 2, 2018 33

Dual Credit Prospective Faculty Review & Approval Process

Review Outcome Notification Acknowledgment Form

The Prospective Dual Credit Faculty Applicant and their High School Principal need to

follow the attached “Dual Credit Faculty 4-Step Review Process” procedures in

submitting their documents for review. In addition to copies of transcripts, this

acknowledgement form must be signed and submitted to the Office of High School

Programs and Services before the review process can begin.

Acknowledgment

Review Outcome Notification: The Prospective Dual Credit Faculty Applicant and their

High School Principal acknowledge (by signing this form) that they understand that at

the end of the dual credit faculty review process, South Texas College will inform the

applicant and the applicant’s high school principal if the applicant has been

recommended or not recommended as a Dual Credit Faculty at South Texas College.

The Office of High School Programs & Services follows the South Texas College Office of

Human Resources procedures in providing the review outcome notification information.

Dual Credit Course Assignment: By signing this form both parties acknowledge that

recommended Dual Credit Faculty course assignments and final scheduling are

determined and approved by South Texas College Office of High School Programs &

Services, Department Chair and respective Dean.

__________________________________________ ___________________________

Print Name of Prospective Dual Credit Faculty Discipline/Department

__________________________________________ ___________________________

Signature Prospective Dual Credit Faculty Date

___________________________________________ ____________________________

Print Name of School Principal ISD /High School

___________________________________________ ____________________________

Signature of School Principal Date

February 2, 2018 34

Equal Education and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action

employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information,

or veteran status. Discrimination is prohibited and the College will comply with all applicable College

policies, and state and federal legislation. This policy extends to individuals seeking employment with and

admission to the College.

South Texas College Accreditation

South Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges

and Schools to award the Baccalaureate and Associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at

1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the

accreditation of South Texas College.

Alternative Format

This publication is available in an alternative format by calling (956) 872-6443. Individuals with disabilities

requiring assistance or access to receive these services should contact DISABILITY Support Services at (956)

872-2006.

Updated: February 1, 2018

OVPAA-HSPS