Academic Freedom

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. It is the students’ responsibility to know the attendance and absence policies of their professors.

Professors may take attendance at all class meetings. It is the responsibility of each professor to inform their classes of the attendance and absence policies at the beginning of each term.

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class whenever they determine that they can no longer attend the class. Failure to officially drop a class may result in a failing grade and/or a financial obligation to the college.

Professors may drop students from their class rolls through the last day of the tenth week of instruction of a regular semester for excessive absence as defined by the professor or at an earlier date for intersession or short-term classes.

Students on college-authorized field trips will not be penalized for absences incurred in other classes during the field trips (AP 4300).

Auditing Courses

Students may not audit courses at Mt. San Antonio College. All students must be officially enrolled in a course in order to attend that course.

Student Unit Limits

Students may enroll in a maximum of 18 units each semester and up to seven units each summer and winter intersession. Students who have completed a minimum of 15 college units in a given semester with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 may petition for permission to enroll in units above the maximum.

Students are required to see a counselor as part of the petition process. Students can access the Over-Unit Petition form from the Counseling website, Counseling Department Forms.

100 Unit Appeal

Effective Summer 2014, new state regulations impact the registration date of students who have earned more than 100 degree applicable units at Mt. SAC. Students who have already surpassed or will have earned 100 or more Mt. SAC degree applicable units when registration begins for any term will be assigned a later registration date.

Students who have completed 100 or more Mt. SAC degree applicable units may file an appeal with the Counseling Department to keep their original registration date for the following term. The Over 100 Unit Appeal form can be accessed from the Counseling website, Counseling Department Forms. There is a deadline for submitting  the appeal for every term. The deadline date is noted on the appeal form. 

Students who wish to appeal have to schedule an appointment with a counselor to create a Mountie Educational Plan (MAP) which must be included with the appeal, and to clarify other requirements. Appointments can be scheduled online through the Counseling website, in person, or by calling (909) 274-4380.

Petition for Exceptional Action

The Petition for Exceptional Action form is online at Admissions Forms and is also available at the Admissions and Records Office in the Student Services Center. Please note: Extenuating circumstances are situations beyond the control of the student. Documentation is required. Students may complete the form and submit it to Admissions and Records. Subsequent action on a petition will be taken either by the appropriate administrator or the Board of Appeals. Be advised that any subsequent action  by the appropriate administrator or Board of Appeals is final.

Definitions

Primary Term: A primary term is either the Fall or Spring semester. In contrast, both Winter and Summer intersessions are not considered to be primary terms.

Continuing Student:

• A continuing student is one who enrolls in at least one credit course and receives a grade (including a W) in any term during the academic year.
• A continuing student retains rights to follow graduation and/or certificate requirements for the year they entered or any catalog thereafter, as long as the student maintains in continuous enrollment.

Catalog Rights

• Catalog rights are based on the academic year in which a student begins enrollment, with each catalog year starting in the fall. If a student first enrolls in the winter, spring, or summer term, their catalog rights align with the catalog for the preceding fall semester. 

• A student may use that initial catalog year or any subsequent catalog until the student petitions for graduation, if the student has remained in continuous attendance.
• Continuous attendance is enrollment and attendance in any credit course (past the census date) during the last academic year.
• In order to maintain catalog rights at Mt. SAC, based on the initial term of enrollment, a student may:
• Attend another regionally accredited post-secondary institution.
• Maintain “continuous attendance” at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution while away from Mt. SAC.
• A student who meets the requirements noted above but who has not been enrolled in any course at Mt. San Antonio College at the time of the class census date during any session of the previous two years, may not use requirements more than two academic years prior to the current requirements, except as required by law.

Dropping Courses and Withdrawing from the College

It is the students’ responsibility to drop or withdraw from courses they no longer attend. Students should check their schedule/receipt, available on the “My Mt SAC” portal Link #11 for information regarding key dates. Dates vary and are often course specific. Failure to drop may result in a failing grade and/or fees owed. 

Full 16-week courses

For 16 week courses, students who drop a class, withdraw from the college, or are dropped from a class by the professor by the Sunday at the end of the second week of classes will not receive any mark or notation on their permanent academic record.

Students who drop a class, withdraw from the college, or are dropped by the professor beginning Monday of the third week of a 16 week class will receive a mark of “W” (Withdrawal) on their permanent record.

Professors may not drop students from a class and students may not drop themselves from any class or withdraw from the college after 60% of the class has elapsed. All students who are registered for a class after 60% of the class has elapsed shall receive an academic grade (A, B, C, D, F, P, NP) or an Incomplete mark for the class.

A “W” Withdrawal mark shall not be assigned to any student enrolled after the last day to drop a class except in the case of an approved petition due to extenuating circumstances. A “W” Withdrawal remains a permanent part of a student’s academic record.

Intersessions and other short term classes

For short term classes, students who drop a class, withdraw from college or are dropped from a class by the professor prior to the conclusion of the first 20% of the class will not receive any mark or notation on their permanent record.

Students who drop a class, withdraw from the college, or are dropped by the professor after 20% of the class has elapsed will receive a mark of “W” (Withdrawal) on their permanent record.

Professors may not drop students from a class and students may not drop themselves from any class or withdraw from the college after 60% of the class has elapsed. All students who are registered for a class after 60% of the class has elapsed shall receive an academic grade (A, B, C, D, F, P, NP) or an Incomplete mark for the class.

A “W” Withdrawal mark shall not be assigned to any student enrolled after the last day to drop a class except in the case of an approved petition due to extenuating circumstances. A “W” Withdrawal remains a permanent part of a student’s academic record.

Repeatable Courses

Certain courses may be taken more than once for credit if the course is designated as repeatable. The course may be repeated for the number of times allowable. The following types of courses may be repeatable:

1. Courses for which repetition is necessary to meet the major requirements of CSU or UC for completion of a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Intercollegiate athletics courses in which student athletes are enrolled to participate in an organized competitive sport.
3. Intercollegiate academic or vocational competition courses that are designed specifically for non-athletic competitive events. Enrollment in a course or series of courses related in content is limited to four times, whether or not a passing grade is earned.

There may be financial aid implications for students who are recipients of Title IV and/or state funding. Federal and state law limits financial aid funding to two enrollments in a course, unless multiple enrollment of the same course is stipulated as required for academic program completion. Please seek guidance from the Financial Aid office for further clarification. 

Families of Courses

The college has grouped Families of Courses that are closely related active participatory courses in physical education, visual arts, or performing arts. Within any given course family, students are only permitted four experiences while attending Mt. San Antonio College. An experience is defined as enrolling in a course and receiving any letter grade (including D, F, NP or W). A Family of Courses may consist of more than four courses, but students are limited to enrolling in a maximum of four courses in any family. All grades, including W, will count toward the enrollment limitation of four courses.

Students can repeat courses that are included in Families of Courses in which a grade of NP, D, or F was earned or a W was assigned. However, all enrollments count toward the four enrollment maximum for each family of courses. Once a student has received four experiences in a given family, they will not be permitted to enroll in any other class within that family, even to alleviate a sub-standard grade. 

These Families of Courses are listed below in the disciplines in which they apply.

Dance Families

Fine Arts Families 

 Kinesiology Families

Music Families

Academic Honors

• President’s List - The President’s List is an honors list comprised of those students who have achieved a 3.50 or better grade point average in a minimum of twelve (12) letter-graded Associate Degree applicable units per semester at Mt. San Antonio College.
• Dean’s List - The Dean’s List is an honors list comprised of those students who have achieved between a 3.0 to 3.49 grade point average in a minimum of twelve (12) letter-graded Associate Degree applicable units per semester at Mt. San Antonio College.

Graduation Honors

• Academic Distinction - The “Academic Distinction Honor” designation is placed on the transcript and degree of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 4.00.
• Scholastic Honor - The “Scholastic Honor” designation is placed on the transcript of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.90 through 3.99.
• With Honors - The “With Honors” designation is placed on the transcripts and degree of the graduate who has achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 through 3.89.

Honors Program

Building 26A-1680, (909) 274-4665

Mt. San Antonio College offers an Honors Program for students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Honors courses are specially designed sections of transferable courses and, with a few exceptions, are part of the IGETC requirement list.

Completion of the Honors Program makes a student eligible for priority admission consideration from many universities and/or their honors programs. In addition to an enhanced curriculum for motivated students, Honors Program students receive library privileges at UC Irvine and UCLA and an Honors Certificate upon completion of honors certification.

Entrance Requirements

• High School Students — Eligibility for ENGL 1A; 3.2 unweighted GPA; letter of recommendation; short essay
• College Students — Nine transferable units; Eligibility for ENGL 1A; 3.2 transferable GPA, short essay, letter of recommendation (may be waived if transferable GPA is 3.5 or higher)

Requirements for “Honors Scholar” Designation

• Completion of 15 units of honors courses with a minimum 3.2 transferable GPA in those courses
• Overall 3.2 transferable GPA

Alpha Gamma Sigma

Mt. San Antonio College sponsors the Zeta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Sigma, the scholastic honorary organization for California Community Colleges. Full-time and part-time students are eligible for membership. Membership requires campus and community involvement (service hours).

There are three categories of membership eligibility. Only degree appropriate courses/units (those that grant credit for an Associate or Bachelor’s degree) may be used to establish eligibility for membership (Exception: Temporary Membership).

1. Temporary: (First college semester only) Must hold a California Scholastic Federation (CSF) Life Membership OR be a high school graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. This membership is intended as an introduction to Alpha Gamma Sigma and is not to be considered as an initial membership.
2. Initial: (First time membership) Must have completed 12 degree appropriate units in a maximum of three (3) semesters with a degree appropriate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
3. Continuing: (Previous membership) Must have achieved for the previous semester a degree appropriate grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR have maintained a degree appropriate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Permanent membership in Alpha Gamma Sigma is an honorary lifetime AGS title for students who have completed 60 degree appropriate units; a minimum of 30 of the total 60 units must have been completed at Mt. SAC. A permanent membership application must be submitted by the graduation petition deadline. To apply, students must: a) have a cumulative G.P.A of 3.25 or higher for 60 completed degree appropriate units and b) complete a minimum of two semesters as an active or inactive member. Only permanent members receive recognition at graduation. Scholarships provided by the Zeta Chapter and the State Alpha Gamma Sigma Organization are available to actively involved members. Some baccalaureate granting institutions provide scholarships limited to Alpha Gamma Sigma members. For further information and review of academic eligibility and applications, students should consult an Alpha Gamma Sigma Officer or an Alpha Gamma Sigma Adviser. Contact information can be found here: https://agszetamtsac.weebly.com/

Phi Theta Kappa

Mt. SAC sponsors the Alpha Omega Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible for membership, students must have completed a minimum of 12 transferable units with a 3.4 GPA.

Several advantages accompany this honor including recognition at graduation and access to scholarships offered to members by hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities. For further information and an application for membership, students should consult the Honors Program in Building 26A, Room 1680 as well as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

Definition of Educational Records

Educational records consist of those files maintained by the following offices: Admissions and Records, Counseling, Assessment, Financial Aid, Student Life, and those files maintained for individual students by departments.

Challenge of Educational Records

1. Any student may file a written request with the Records Officer of the District (Dean, Enrollment Management) to remove information recorded in the student’s records which is alleged to be: 1) inaccurate; 2) an unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference; 3) a conclusion or inference outside of the observer’s area of competence; or 4) not based on the personal observation of the named person with the time and place of the observation of the named person noted.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the determination made by the Dean, Enrollment Management, the student may utilize the existing college student grievance process. (AP 5045)

Academic Renewal

The Academic Renewal Policy is provided for students in specific circumstances where previously recorded substandard academic performance is not reflective of the student’s present demonstrated ability. Academic renewal applies only to substandard coursework completed at Mt. SAC. Students with substandard coursework at other colleges or universities need to contact those institutions to find out if they are eligible for academic renewal under the provisions of academic renewal of said institution.

1. A maximum of 30 units may be alleviated.
2. Since completion of the work to be disregarded, the student’s cumulative grade point average for all units completed at the time of adjustment must be at least 3.0 for 18 semester units, 2.5 for 24 semester units, or 2.0 for 30 units. The cumulative grade point average may include coursework completed at Mt. San Antonio College and other accredited colleges or universities. Courses used to qualify for Academic Renewal which were completed at another college or university must be verified by official college transcripts.
3. Renewed coursework cannot be used in awarding of a certificate, degree, or transfer certification.
4. Academic renewal will apply only to substandard grades: D, DV, F, FV, NC, NP, and NPV.
5. The permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, insuring a true and complete academic history. Grades alleviated via Academic Renewal will be annotated and excluded from the grade point average (GPA). Mt. San Antonio College does not guarantee that academic renewal will be honored by institutions outside of the District. This determination will be made by the transfer institution.
6. Mt. San Antonio College does not guarantee that academic renewal will be honored by institutions outside of the District. This determination will be made by the transfer institution.
7. Students requesting academic renewal must meet with a counselor first to file a Petition for Academic Renewal without Course Repetition. (BP 4240, AP 4240) The counselor will review the student’s academic record, determine eligibility, complete and submit the form to the Admissions and Records Office. Once the Admissions and Records Office processes the form, the transcript will be updated, and the student will be notified of such action.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of work completed at Mt. San Antonio College may be ordered online through MyPortal student portal. The first two requests for transcripts are free; subsequent standard transcript requests are $5.00 each. Unofficial/student copies of transcripts may be obtained at MyPortal (AP 5040)

Further information regarding transcript services is available at Records and Graduation

Definition of a Unit of Credit

The standard “unit” represents one hour in class recitation and two hours of outside preparation per week or its equivalent for one semester. By this definition, “unit” is synonymous with “semester lecture hour.” In laboratory work and certain activity courses such as kinesiology, choir, drafting, etc., a greater number of in class hours per week is required for each unit of credit. During summer and winter intersessions, one unit of credit represents three hours of lecture per week.

Classification of Students

Students at Mt. San Antonio College are classified as follows:

Grading System

Scholastic grades showing the academic achievement of students are issued at the end of each term. Any student enrolled as of the first day of the fourth week in a full semester course for any term shall receive one of the designated grading scale marks on their permanent records.

Grading Scale

Incomplete

A student may request an Incomplete or the professor may initiate the petition on behalf of the student who is currently passing the class under the following circumstances: verifiable illness or emergency or verifiable work conflict. Incompletes may only be issued for requirements missed commencing the fourteenth (14) week of a regular semester class or after 85% of a short-term or summer or winter intersession class. Re-enrollment in the same course for purposes of making up the Incomplete is prohibited. The petition is subject to the approval of the professor. If granted, the student must complete all outstanding course requirements stipulated by the professor within one year, or the Incomplete will become a letter grade assigned by the professor.

Final Examinations

A final examination shall be administered in all classes in compliance with the Final Exam Schedule prepared each term. If a student is unable to attend a scheduled final examination, they must contact their instructor to make other arrangements. A student who does not take a final examination and who does not qualify for an “Incomplete” (refer to Grading System-Incomplete), shall be assigned the grade “F” or “Zero” for the examination, and this grade shall be averaged in determining the final course grade.

Pass/No Pass Grades

The Pass or No Pass (P or NP) grading option was designed to encourage students to explore subject areas of interest outside of their major areas of competence or known abilities without being overly concerned with a grade or with jeopardizing their grade point average and to afford an opportunity for departments to offer courses in which there is a diminished emphasis on grades.

Courses may be offered for Pass or No Pass in either of the following categories and will be specified in the catalog and schedule of classes:

• Pass/No Pass Only Grade

       Courses wherein all students are evaluated on a Pass or No Pass basis only.

• Option of Letter Grade or Pass/ No Pass Grade

       Courses in which each student has the option to individually elect Pass or No Pass or letter grade.

In courses offering the grading option, students are automatically registered on a letter grade basis at the time of registration.  If a change is desired, the student can make the change on their student portal within the first 20% of the course or in person with a picture ID at the Admissions and Records Office located in the Student Services Center (Bldg 9B) within the first 30% of the course.  Effective Spring 2024, students can change their F grade to "NP up until the last day of instruction for classes that allow the P/NP option. Students can make the request, up until the last day of instruction. The grading option is not reversible. 

The student is held responsible for all assignments and examinations required in the course. The standards of evaluation are identical for all students in the course.  A grade of “P” is earned for coursework equal to a grade of “C” or better. A grade of “NP” is earned for coursework equal to a grade of “D” or “F”. Neither “P” nor “NP” grades are used in computation of grade point average; however, P or NP units will appear on the transcript of record. 

Students are advised that four-year institutions may limit the number of units acceptable for transfer completed with a P or NP notation.  Students should investigate the policies of the institutions to which they may wish to transfer to determine the acceptability of P (Pass) grades in courses in the student’s major.  Before selecting the pass or no pass option, students should consult with a counselor.

Historical View of Temporary Changes to Academic Marks due to COVID-19

Credit for Extra Institutional Learning

Philosophical Basis

This policy of granting credit for extra-institutional learning is provided for students under special conditions in recognition of learning that has been attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited post-secondary institutions. (AP 4285)

General Policy Statement

Credit for extra-institutional learning will be awarded to those students who have attained competency of subject matter through experiences outside of the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited post-secondary institutions.

The College will accept the recommendations of the American Council on Education in reference to the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services and the National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training; The College Board in reference to its recommendation of Advanced Placement Examinations, and credit recommendations from other similar nationally recognized academic institutions, including Mt. San Antonio College’s policy for comprehensive examinations.

Policy Regulations

• Of the 60 units required for the Associate Degree, at least twenty-four (24) units must be earned in courses that contribute to the grade point average.
• Extra-institutional learning credit will normally not be evaluated unless the credit is necessary for graduation.
• Credit for non-collegiate courses will be awarded only for work applicable toward the Associate Degree. Credit may be granted for upper division courses provided the student has earned less than 60 units at the time the upper division work is attempted.
• To petition for extra-institutional learning credit, a student must have at least a 2.0 grade point average, not be on probation, and be in good standing.
• The permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner to ensure that a true and complete history of extra-institutional learning credit has been granted.
• In cases where a student is seeking a degree/certificate from the College, all standard graduation and residency requirements apply and must be met by completing a minimum of 12 units earned from Mt. SAC courses.

Credit for Current License Holders

Mt. San Antonio College may grant units of credit toward an associate’s degree to current license holders in the following areas: Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedics), Psychiatric Technology, and Radiologic Technology. The total number of units granted will be equal to the current total unit requirement for the equivalent program certificate. License holders must meet the college’s residency requirements and complete an application to the college before the request for extra-institutional learning credit may be made. The application date will determine the catalog year.

The Department Chair from the appropriate program will validate the license and its currency. Admissions and Records will certify that the requirements have been met, grant the appropriate number of units, and apply extra-institutional learning credit toward the degree. (AP 4285)

Credit for Military Training

Mt. San Antonio College will grant four units of Baccalaureate level elective credits for military experience without regard to the field of service. Additional credit may be allowed for specific programs of training and credits earned through the United States Armed Forces Institute. (AP 4285)

Credit by Examination

The general philosophy of Mt. San Antonio College is that the interaction which takes place between the student and professor is of critical importance to the learning process. However, quality instruction places a premium on meeting individual student needs. Therefore, Mt. San Antonio College provides for Credit by Examination enabling the student to accelerate their educational program by providing opportunity to obtain credit in those fields in which they have already achieved proficiency independently or by informal means. (BP 4235, AP 4235)

The following list of courses are available for Credit by Exam. For the list of courses with current high school or adult education articulation agreements, refer to the Office of Instruction Credit by Exam page.

¹  Individuals who present relevant military education and experience equal but not limited to: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic), or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C) may be eligible for advanced placement in the nursing program. Check admission procedures (Military Personnel Placement) on the Nursing website for more information.  

Pursuant to Section 55050 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, students at Mt. San Antonio College may apply for Credit by Examination and such unit credit may be granted subject to the following rules and regulations:

Rules and Regulations

1. Credit by Examination will be granted only for those courses which have been so designated by the departments.
2. Any grade received for Credit by Examination will be entered on the student’s permanent record with a notation of “Credit by Comprehensive Exam.”
3. A student may petition for Credit by Examination provided:
   1. The student has been registered at Mt. San Antonio College.
   2. The student has not already received credit nor is currently enrolled beyond six weeks in the same course or in a more advanced course (except for Advanced Placement Course Credit).
   3. The student has at least a 2.0 grade point average. This includes transfer/new students.
4. The student may obtain the petition for Credit by Examination from the Division Office.
5. The department will establish written guidelines by which the eligibility of a student to take such an examination is determined.
6. The Department will assign a grade depending on the results of the examination and submit the form “Petition for Credit by Examination” to Admissions and Records.
7. The student may not use Credit by Examination to satisfy the residency requirement for the degree.

A list of courses for Credit by Examination is available at each Division Office, the Instruction Office, and the Counseling Department.

Advanced Placement Credit for Mt. SAC General Education Requirements for the Associate Degree

Students who have a qualifying Advanced Placement (AP) test score (3 or above) may petition to utilize the results of their AP examinations to meet Mt SAC general education requirements in the areas identified in the Credit by Examination tab above.

Advanced Placement Examinations

¹

A score of 3 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Exam will earn a student three (3) degree applicable units, and Eligibility for MATH 180. A score of 4 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam will earn a student three (3) degree applicable units, and MATH 180 equivalence.

²

A score of 3 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement Exam will earn a student three (6) degree applicable units and MATH 180 equivalence. A score of 4 on the Calculus BC Advanced Placement exam will earn a student three (6) degree applicable units, and MATH 181 equivalence.

³

A score of 4 or higher on the AP Physics 1 will allow a student to meet the PHYS 2AG prerequisite requirement for PHYS 4A. Student will not earn equivalency for PHYS 2AG or units.

⁴

A score of 3 or higher on the AP Physics C: Mechanics will allow a student to meet PHYS 2AG prerequisite requirement for PHYS 2AG. Student will not earn equivalency for PHYS 2AG or units.

International Baccalaureate Credit for Mt. SAC General Education Requirements for the Associate Degree

Students completing all or portions of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at their high school may petition to utilize the results of their IB examinations to meet Mt. SAC general education requirements in the areas identified in the table. Only IB Higher Level (HL) certificate examinations with scores of 5, 6, or 7 will be honored.

Students who have both a qualifying Advanced Placement (AP) test score (3 or above) and a qualifying IB certificate exam score (5 or above) in the same examination area, or who have completed a college level course for credit, will only have the first completion counted for credit.

¹

A minimum score of 4 is needed for General Education Humanities and degree units. A score of 5 is needed for LATN 1 credit.

²

A minimum score of 4 is needed for General Education Math and Quantitative Reasoning and degree units. A score of 5 is needed for MATH 180 credit.

³

A minimum score of 4 is needed for General Education Arts and degree units. A score of 5 is needed for THTR 9 credit.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students may receive credit for College Level Examination Program. Students are limited to 6 units of credit for an examination score of fifty or above in a General Examination of the College Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. To determine "subject" credit, the course must be evaluated by a representative from the respective academic department in which the course subject resides. Students must submit a request for variance form to the department representative who will verify the acceptance as a substitution for a general education or major degree requirement.