Frequently Asked Questions     WHAT IS TRCC’S GRADING SYSTEM? The grades A, B, C, D, F and Cr are employed to evaluate the quality of a student’s work. They are defined as follows: Grade Quality of Work Points per Credit A Excellent 4 B Above Average 3 C Average 2 D Below Average 1 F Failing 0 Cr Credit, No Grade 0 NP No pass 0 IP In-progress (Repeat Course) 0 WHAT IS THE DEAN’S LIST? A Dean’s List will be formulated at the end of each semester. Students who were enrolled for twelve or more semester hours and earned a 3.5 or better average will have their names listed. Students who are granted a degree with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or better will graduate with “H” (honors). Students who graduate with an overall 3.75 grade point average or better will graduate with “HH” (Highest Honors). For purposes of the commencement ceremony and graduation program, the cumulative grade point average from the preceding semester will be used to identify honor students. However, the final cumulative grade point average will be used to determine final honors status, and will be noted on the official college transcript and diploma. HOW LONG IS A SEMESTER AT TRCC? Each fall and spring semester is approximately 16 weeks in length. The summer session actually consists of three separate and distinct sessions, two of which are four weeks in length and one is eight in length. Students may earn up to 12 academic hours of credit for the entire summer and may enroll in any or all of the sessions. WHAT IS A DEGREE AUDIT? Computerized degree audits are available for students needing assistance with course selection for degree or certificate completion. The degree audit lists all courses completed by the student and identifies the courses needed to complete a specific degree or certificate. HOW MANY CREDIT HOURS ARE CONSIDERED FULL-TIME? Twelve semester hours are defined as full-time, however, fifteen to sixteen hours are considered a normal academic load in a fall or spring semester. The absolute maximum academic load during a regular semester is 21 credit hours and the student must have the approval of the Registrar. WHAT IS A CREDIT/SEMESTER HOUR? A credit hour/semester hour is earned by attending a non-laboratory class for at least 50 minutes a week in a fall or spring semester. A three (3) hour class meets for three 50 minute periods per week or two 75 minute periods per week. One semester hour of credit is granted for 2 or 3 hours of laboratory per week. WHAT ABOUT VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS? Students may receive an application for VA Educational Benefits in the Financial Aid Office located in the Bess Student Center. Each semester the student must inform Financial Aid so the office may submit the proper paperwork to the VA Regional Office.