3-12 Credit Hour Assignment

Rationale and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a definition for the credit hour and how credit hours are applied to coursework at Greenville Technical College.

Policy Statement

The semester hour is the basis for all academic credits at Greenville Technical College (GTC).  GTC defines an instructional hour as 50 minutes. One semester credit hour of lecture will be identified as 750 minutes of lecture instruction or equivalent laboratory time.  Credit hours are awarded for coursework satisfactorily completed for one 50-minute session of classroom instruction per week for a semester of not less than fifteen weeks or 750 minutes. This basic measure may be adjusted proportionately to reflect modified academic calendars and formats of study.  The policy aligns with the SBTCE Policy Number 3-2-201 and the definition of a credit hour for Federal program purposes.

Scope

This policy applies to all credit courses approved by the college’s Curriculum Committee.

Roles/Responsibilities

• Faculty: Determine the number of semester credit hours per course awarded to students to successfully achieve the intended student learning outcomes.
• Curriculum Committee: Reviews proposals for all courses and academic programs according to the curriculum development guidelines ensuring compliance for program changes and new programs.
• Department Heads and Academic Deans: Ensure that course schedules align with the required contact hours based upon the semester credit hours and associated contact hours of all courses.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with/follow this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.