Academic Information Definitions

Policy Statement

NCC has adopted the following definitions for the terms listed below:

Academic YearThe academic year consists of a minimum of 36 weeks of instruction in which a full-time student is expected to complete at least 36 quarter credits.
Clock HourOne clock hour is a 60-minute period of time consisting of 50 minutes of instruction with an approximate 10-minute break.
Credit HourCredit Hours are calculated for accreditation purposes using the conversion formulas for a “quarter credit hour” listed below:
  • 10 Lecture Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
  • 20 Laboratory Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
  • 30 Externship Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
Credit Hours are calculated for Title IV federal student aid purposes using the conversion formulas for a “quarter hour” listed below:
  • 20 Lecture Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
  • 20 Laboratory Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
  • 30 Externship Clock Hours = 1 Credit Hour
Grade Point Average (GPA)A measure of student academic achievement, based on an average of the grades a student receives during their enrollment
Make-Up AttendanceAttendance completed outside of a class session under instructor direction or supervision for which the student will receive credit.
TardyAny time a student is more than 5 minutes late to a class session or leaves early from a class session.
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