Student Policies

Atlantic Cape Community College is committed to the philosophy of equal opportunity and affirmative action in education and employment. Atlantic Cape does not discriminate in admission or access to its programs and activities that offer academic and vocational opportunities or treatment in employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy and related conditions, gender, sex, sexual orientation, union membership or veterans’ status.

Atlantic Cape complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.

Inquiries regarding Section 504 services that support student accessibility to the College, its academic programs and its support services, may be directed to The Center for Accessibility, J Building, (609) 343-5680 or cfa@atlanticcape.edu.

The College complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.

Inquiries regarding Title IX compliance may be directed to Nancy Porfido, Title IX Coordinator, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, (609)343-5095.

More About Title IX                

Atlantic Cape Community College prohibits sexual harassment by any member of the faculty, staff, student body, independent contractors or vendors, on any of the College's three campuses.  The policy of the College reflects a desire to create and maintain an environment for work and study that permits all employees and students the opportunity to pursue an education or career in which they can progress on their merit and ability.

The sex discrimination provisions of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment in the classroom or in student-related activities is prohibited by the sex discrimination provisions of Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment.

Non-Discrimination Notice

The College's Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance with all aspects of the sexual/gender harassment, discrimination and misconduct policy.

Students who have questions and complaints regarding Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Co-coordinator. For more information please visit: www.atlanticcape.edu/student-life/security/title-ix.php.

Title IX Coordinator

Nancy Porfido, Judicial Officer and Student Advocacy Coordinator, Mays Landing campus, 5100 E. Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, G-Bldg, room 118, (609) 343-5095, Email: porfido@atlanticcape.edu.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has defined harassment on the basis of sex as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct… when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual’s employment, evaluation, or grade; (2) basis for employment, evaluation or grade decisions affecting such individuals; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or school performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive working or learning environment.

Affirmative Action

The College’s Office of Affirmative Action is located at the Mays Landing Campus, Room 254, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330-2699. The office coordinates efforts to eliminate discrimination, including the investigation of any complaint filed by a student or employee.  Students, faculty, or staff who feel they have been the subject of possible discriminatory treatment may file a complaint with the Affirmative Action Office. 

Atlantic Cape requires a College community that is free from threats, intimidation, stalking, harassment and other harassing behaviors. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to, the following: repeated, unwanted/unsolicited contact that includes face-to-face contact, telephone calls, voice messages, text messages, electronic video and/or photography, electronic mail, instant messages, written letters, unwanted gifts; verbal or written abuse, threats, harassment, coercion, or any other conduct that places another individual in reasonable fear of his or her safety through words or actions directed at that person, or substantially interferes with the working, educational or personal environment of the individual; persistent offensive, threatening communication through the internet, via e-mail, chat rooms or other electronic devices. Students who are found responsible for Cyber Harassment will be in direct violation of the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

• Alcoholic beverages – Possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages on the College premises is prohibited regardless of age. Students who violate these restrictions shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and criminal prosecution.
• Drugs – Possession or use of illegal drugs or narcotics on campus or at any College-sponsored function is prohibited. Persons found with illegal drugs will be suspended immediately and appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified. Persons found to be engaged in the sale or distribution of illegal substances anywhere on College premises or at any College-sponsored function will be immediately dismissed from the College and appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified.
• To learn more about Drugs and Intoxicants, visit:

The possession of firearms by employees and students on College property or at any College activity is prohibited. This policy excludes armed security contracted by the College, law enforcement personnel and bank couriers on official business with the College and students who are active duty law enforcement personnel.

Atlantic Cape Community College supports the rights of its employees, students and visitors to have the benefit of a smoke-free environment while on any of the College campuses.  Therefore smoking, which includes e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside all buildings, including hallways, stairwells, restrooms and other common areas.

Violators will be subject to disciplinary action:

1. Normal administrative disciplinary procedures or the appropriate negotiated agreement grievance procedures will prevail for employee violators.
2. Student violators will be called before the dean of student affairs and enrollment management.
3. All violators are subject to the public law governing smoking in public places.

Complaints may be addressed as follows:

1. Employee complaints or inquiries should be directed to the immediate supervisor.
2. Students should direct complaints or inquiries to the dean of student affairs and enrollment management.
3. In addition, anyone may register a complaint with a security officer.

All employees share the responsibility of monitoring the smoking prohibition.

This section outlines the expected and accepted standards of adult behavior. All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the College’s code of conduct.

It is expected that all students will show courtesy and respect for each other and for administrative officers, faculty and employees. Students must understand and accept the necessity for various College regulations and they must comply with directives of those authorized to enforce regulations.

Students are expected to respect the property of the College and that of others. Damage or destruction of such property will be considered a matter for disciplinary action.

All students are expected to present an appearance that is neat, clean and in good taste. Students also are expected to recognize the importance of their personal appearance. Proper dress on campus, therefore, is expected. Some College programs reserve the right to require specific dress/uniform standards.

Indiscriminate, obscene language shows lack of respect for self and others. Students should show courtesy and respect for themselves and others by refraining from this practice.

Any threat or hindrance of the instructional process or the daily life of the campus should be rejected and resisted by all members of the College community.

Possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages on the College campus premises is prohibited regardless of age. This includes all College sponsored off-campus activities.

Students who violate these restrictions shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and criminal prosecution.

Possession or use of illegal drugs or narcotics on campus or at any College sponsored function is prohibited.

Atlantic Cape is a place where students, staff and guests expect a safe and secure environment while pursuing academic excellence and College activities. Accordingly, any Atlantic Cape student who verbally or physically threatens the safety of other students, staff, faculty or campus guests will be immediately suspended from the College pending a disciplinary hearing.

The outcome of that hearing may result in penalties, including, but not limited to, additional suspensions or dismissal from the College depending on the circumstances of the offense.

Students who are suspended or dismissed from the College are banned from all Atlantic Cape campuses, learning sites, and College-sponsored events during the period of their suspension or dismissal.

Students who violate this ban will be charged with trespassing under New Jersey criminal codes.

Violation of the following policy may result in disciplinary action. 

Bullying and/or harassment is defined as:

Any overt or covert gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on the property of Atlantic Cape Community College or at any function sponsored by the College and that affects an individual of one or more of the aforementioned groups in the following manner:

1. Has the effect of insulting or intimidating in such a way as to cause a disruption in the educational process.
2. Creates a hostile environment.
3. Infringes on the rights of said individuals.
4. Causes great distress, loss of confidence or self-worth.

Students that are found to be in violation of the Bullying & Harassment Policy will be in direct violation of Violent Behavior Policy. The disciplinary process for these policies will be enforced.

The Testing Office provides alternate testing opportunities for students unable to take a scheduled classroom test for one of the following reasons:

• A documented disability identified by the Center for Accessibility
• A religious holiday
• An emergency situation

The student should make arrangements with their instructor to initiate the make-up test. Once the instructor and student agree upon arrangements and the test is received by the Testing Office, the student should call or go to the Testing Office to make an appointment. Acts of cheating will not be tolerated. The instructor will be notified and the student will be banned from using the services, as stated in the Student Handbook. Students using these services as an accommodation must contact the Center for Accessibility for alternate testing arrangements.

The Mays Landing office is located in J building or call (609) 625-1111, 343-5633. For the Cape May County Campus call 463-3775. For the Worthington Atlantic City Campus call 343-4831 for assistance.

Placement Into ENGL070-Reading/Writing I

**(Based on Accuplacer score)

Students may take courses from the following:

Placement Into ENGL080-Reading/Writing II

Students testing into ENGL080-Reading/Writing II have the option to participate in the Accelerated Learning Program (See Testing section for details) or enroll in ENGL080. Students who have passed ENGL070, with a grade of C or higher, must take ENGL080. 

Students taking ENGL080 may select courses from the ENGL070 list or the following:

Academic English Language Program

Advanced Academic English Language Program (formerly ESL) students may take any ofthe following college courses in conjunction with full semester (16-week) AELP092 or AELP100:

College Skills Courses

If a student is required to enroll in ENGL080 (Reading/Writing II), it is expected that they take DEVS111-College Skills with a linked social science course. DEVS111 should be completed before enrolling in other courses except as those listed below.  AELP students who complete AELP099 with a grade of B- or better are exempt from DEVS111.

DEVS111 is linked with:

Students enrolled in a linked College Skills/Social Science course combination (e.g., DEVS111 and PSYC101) may not withdraw from the DEVS111 course without also having to withdraw from the linked social science course. However, students who choose to remain in the DEVS111 course by itself can do so and may withdraw from the linked social science course only.

(DEVS111, with its linked social science course, and ENGL080 may be taken concurrently.)

Academic Honesty: Atlantic Cape expects unwavering integrity in work submitted from students. Acts of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students are expected to cite all individuals and/or artificial intelligence (AI) tools that contributed to the completion of a project or paper; to cite the specific source of all information, ideas and quotations not original to the author; to honestly follow procedures established by instructors for examinations, laboratory experiments, reports and projects; to honestly abide by instructor policies on the scope of use (no use, limited use, or full use) for AI tools or content for any and all course work. All computer software is the property of Atlantic Cape and is bought under license from the manufacturer. Students may not make copies of software for personal use without the authorization of the ITS helpdesk manager.

It should be noted that persons facilitating plagiarism or cheating by another student are equally culpable and such persons may also be subject to penalties similar to those stipulated below. Examples of such facilitation include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. A student gives a copy of a past assignment, such as a term paper, to a second student with the understanding that the second student may use the assignment as his/her own work.
2. A student observes or has other first-hand knowledge of cheating or plagiarism and fails to report same to the instructor.

All students are reminded that they have an ethical responsibility to guard the academic process against corruption by such acts of dishonesty. In addition to the above, students must follow all course-specific or instructor-specific procedures established for examinations, laboratory experiments, studio work, reports and projects.

The following penalties apply in cases of cheating or plagiarism:

1)     The instructor may assign a grade of “F” or a zero for an assignment.  OR     

The instructor may assign a grade of “F” for the course in cases of repeated dishonesty or in such cases where the assignment in question is so central to the evaluation process that failure in the assignment would preclude any reasonable possibility of the student passing the course.

2)      All confirmed breaches of academic honesty will become part of the student’s permanent academic record. Two such offenses will constitute grounds for Academic Dismissal. Said dismissal will be for a duration of no less than two years. After two years, the student may apply for readmission, but this may be attempted only once. Upon readmission, any further act of dishonesty will result in permanent dismissal.

If the student is not in agreement with the action taken by the faculty member, the student is encouraged to meet and discuss the issue with the faculty as the first step. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome, the student requests a meeting with the department chair or academic dean, or testing director.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - APPEALS PROCESS

If the matter is not resolved between the student and faculty member or at the department chair, director, or academic dean level, the student will contact the senior director of the Center for Student Success to file an appeal. The appeal process will be explained to the student and a student advocate will be assigned, if requested.

The Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee will be the appeal board for students who wish to appeal the action of a faculty member, department chair or academic dean, or testing director. The committee must have a quorum in order to hear the charge.

The following procedure will be followed in order to provide the student with due process:

• The faculty member, department dhair, director, or academic dean, or testing director will be notified of the appeal and will prepare a written statement of charges to be submitted to the director of the Center of Student Success, who will prepare and present the case to the Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee.
• A hearing date will be selected that is mutually agreeable to all parties. The student will receive written notification of the violation and hearing date by registered mail or delivered in person and by email at least ten days before the date of the hearing.  The hearing will take place on the scheduled date as long as the Committee has a quorum to hear the case.
• The charges, all affidavits, and all exhibits which the College intends to submit will be made available to the person making the allegation and the charged student for inspection.
• The student may bring counsel to the hearing in a consultative role only. Also, the student can be assigned a student advocate from the counseling center to accompany them. The advocate can help the student prepare for the hearing and accompany the student to the hearing in a consultative role.
• The student will have the opportunity to present his/her own version of the facts, by personal statement as well as by affidavits and witnesses.
• The student will have the right to hear evidence against him/her and to question adverse witnesses personally.
• The Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee will make a determination of the facts of each case solely on the basis of the evidence presented at the hearing. The chairperson of the Committee will prepare a written statement of the committee's findings of fact and a recommendation to the senior vice president of Academic Affairs for action.

The senior vice president of Academic Affairs receives recommendation and makes the appropriate decision regarding disciplinary action or dismissal of charges and the decision is final.

Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, the right to privacy, and the right to determine the timing, form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution.

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and professional expression of others is especially critical in computer environments.

Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the college community.

Users of technology at Atlantic Cape will:

• Respect individuals’ rights to privacy.
• Communicate in language and images that are not offensive, profane or obscene.
• Protect the confidentiality of personal communication.
• Adhere to the intellectual property laws regarding copyright protected materials.
• Treat technology hardware and software in a manner that does not damage or interfere with its use.
• Limit use, when necessary, to allow other users’ access.
• Engage only in technology-based activities that are related to the College’s Mission.

Staff and resources are available to help students be academically successful. At the end of each academic year (at the end of the spring semester), the College will review students’ academic progress and identify individuals who need additional support and resources. If a student is placed on one of the academic classifications they will need to meet with a College representative to identify appropriate support and resources to develop a plan for academic success.

To be in “good academic standing,” students must maintain a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average (GPA). Students receiving financial aid must also meet “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) requirements (pass a certain percentage of courses in which you enroll). If a student earns an overall GPA below the minimum 2.0, they will be placed on one of the Academic Classifications.

Academic Probation

A student placed on Academic Probation has earned a GPA below a 2.00 (the minimum to be in “good academic standing”).  Students on Academic Probation must connect with a counselor or advisor to develop an action plan for academic success. 

Academic Suspension from Full-time Enrollment

A student placed on Academic Suspension from full-time enrollment is restricted to a maximum of 11 credits during each semester.  Students on academic suspension must connect with a counselor to develop a plan for academic success.

A student may file an appeal through the Academic Appeal process if they would like to enroll full-time during the academic year. 

Academic Dismissal

A student is placed on Academic Dismissal if they have attempted between 17-30 credits and have a GPA below a .60, or have attempted between 31 – 48 credits and have earned a GPA less than 1.01 or have attempted 49 or more credits and earned a GPA less than 1.59.  This classification prohibits College enrollment for a period of two semesters (one academic year).  A student may appeal this classification through the Academic Appeal process in order to enroll during the academic year.  If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension from full-time enrollment for the first semester and must meet with a counselor to determine the maximum credit enrollment for the next semester.

Academic Classification Chart

A student may petition the Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee for the Credit Amnesty Program whereby a student’s previous academic record may be expunged. This program is for students who have a four-year break in enrollment at Atlantic Cape, have re-entered and completed 12 credits of college-level course work at Atlantic Cape with a grade of “C” or better. Graduates are not eligible for the program and Credit Amnesty can only be granted once. For information call (609)343-5098 or email abrown@atlanticcape.edu. 

Credit Amnesty Form

Course descriptions are listed alphabetically by subject area. The four letters of the acronym identify the subject area, followed by three numbers identifying the course. The first number to the right of this information indicates lecture hours, the middle number laboratory, clinical or field study hours and the third is the total credits for the course.

All College-level courses require a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. Courses that do not list a prerequisite require placement into ENGL101 or successful completion of ENGL080.  Students who test into ENGL070 or ENGL080 may only take courses listed in the Basic Skills Course Selections chart (see the Testing section) unless they are enrolled in the Accelerated Learning Program. Some courses list prerequisites or corequisites under the title. Prerequisites are courses or requirements which must be satisfied before enrolling in a course. A corequisite may have been taken prior to enrolling for the course or may be taken concurrently.

The College strongly recommends students meet with an advisor before registering for courses.

General Education Elective - Any College-level approved general education course (See Atlantic Cape-General Education Courses list)

Liberal Arts Elective - Any College-level course carrying the following course prefix: ANTH, ARTS, BIOL, CHEM, COMM, DANC, ECON, ENGL, ESCI, FREN, GEOG, GOVT, HIST, HUMT, ITAL, MATH, MUSC, PHIL, PHYS, PSYC, RELG, SGNL, SOCL, SPAN, THEA. (Exceptions:  ENGL070, ENGL080, ENGL099, MATH073 and MATH074, MATH099)

Free Elective - Any College-level course in the curriculum. (Exceptions: AELP060, AELP062, AELP070, AELP071, AELP072, AELP074, AELP075, AELP080, AELP090, AELP091, AELP092, AELP093, AELP094, AELP095, AELP096, AELP099, AELP100, DEVA110, DEVS111, DEVA155, ENGL070, ENGL080, ENGL099, MATH073, MATH074, MATH099, or any course designated remedial or developmental)

Program Elective - A group of courses recommended by a department to meet the degree requirements. See specific program page.

The following grading scale applies to all disciplines except Nursing (NURS), Culinary (CUBP, CULN, CULA), and specified Aviation Flight courses (AVIT). Grading scales for these areas have also been included.

Each student is evaluated by instructors at the end of the semester. The following grades are used to indicate the caliber of the student’s academic achievement:

Nursing Grading Scale

Applies to courses with the NURS alpha.

Academy of Culinary Arts Grading Scale

Applies to courses with the following alphas: CUBP, CULA, and CULN.

Aviation Program Flight Courses

The following AVIT courses are graded as Pass/Fail:

Procedure for Issuing a W as a Grade after a Final Grade is Issued (F to W)

A change of grade request from “F” to “W” because of failure to withdraw in a timely manner from the course or non-attendance will only be received and processed by the Registrar.

• The student must present complete documentation to the Registrar that explains the extenuating circumstances for the change.
• The Registrar notifies the faculty member involved of the student’s request. Documentation will be available for inspection in the Enrollment Services Office.
• If the faculty member does not approve the change, the student may petition the Academic Standards Policies & Procedures Committee for an appeal.

I-Incomplete - This grade is defined as a failure to complete the requirements of a course, due to illness or other circumstances acceptable to the instructor as beyond the control of the student. An incomplete grade may be changed to a letter grade by the instructor, if the student completes the requirements of the course before the end of the eighth week of the next regular fall or spring semester.  Due to the special circumstances of Aviation flight training courses, students will have 12 calendar months to complete the requirements of flight courses.

A grade of incomplete, which has not been changed by the end of the grace period, becomes an F. The responsibility for the elimination of an incomplete grade entry on the permanent record lies entirely with the student. Requests for change of an incomplete grade to a letter grade must be submitted by the instructor by email to register@atlanticcape.edu. An incomplete grade does not satisfy the prerequisite requirement for the next level course.

NA - Student never attended or never participated in an online course.

Auditing a Course

AU - Audited. No credit or regular grade given for the course. In order to receive an AU for a course, the student must register as an audit student by notifying the Enrollment Services Office at the time of registration or through the first week of the semester (drop/add period). Regular attendance and other requirements stipulated by the instructor are required. Final grades of AU will be assigned and will appear on the student’s transcript. AU grades are not computed in the student’s GPA. Audited courses are ineligible for financial aid.

A student may repeat a course for credit with this restriction: No course may be taken a third time without the written permission of the appropriate department chair, director, or academic dean. All attempts will appear on the transcript, but only the highest grade will be calculated in the semester or cumulative grade point average (for all course attempts after 1997).

• If a student repeats a course for credit in which the final grade of the original attempt was A, B, or C, the higher of the grades will be used.
• A course in which a student received a grade of W, NA, or AU and elected to take again, is not considered a repeated course.
• Courses transferred in from other institutions will not repeat Atlantic Cape courses.

A student wanting to withdraw from a class may do so in writing until the 10th week of the Fall or Spring Semester. Summer, Winter and any other sessions that do not meet for the entire semester, have varying withdrawal dates. A grade of “W” will be assigned for the course. “W” grades are not computed in the student’s GPA. Contact Enrollment Services or check the Academic Calendar online at www.atlanticcape.edu/academics/calendar.php for dates.  It is each student’s responsibility to withdraw from courses, by the deadline, at any Atlantic Cape campus or online. Non-attendance of a class does not constitute an official withdrawal and the student will receive a grade of “F” in the course. A withdrawal in a course may impact Financial Aid awards and/or status.

Procedure for Withdrawals after the “W” Period Ends and Prior to Final Grades

If a student makes a request to a professor for a withdrawal after the “W” deadline, but prior to the final grade deadline, the professor may approve the request in writing by signing a Registration/Course Change form or declaring the permission in an email. If a student can document extenuating circumstances beyond his/her control (sickness, death in family, out-of-town, injury, job change, etc.), the vice-president of student affairs and enrollment management or designee (registrar) has the authority to allow the student to withdraw.

Withdrawal from the College requires written notification, in person or online, of withdrawal to the Enrollment Services Office.

Research has indicated that there is a correlation between academic success, and classroom attendance and punctuality. Faculty members announce attendance expectations, and it is the student’s responsibility to know and follow the said expectation for each course. Faculty may be required to report students’ last academic activity for individual courses.

Cancellation of a class may be necessary because of the sudden illness or unexpected absence of an instructor too late for a substitute to be assigned. Students will be notified of the cancellation by a notice posted on the classroom door or through a faculty announcement in Blackboard. Further study assignments may be distributed by the same means. Students should check their Blackboard for instructions on cancellation of classes delivered through remote instruction.  

In the event of inclement weather or other emergency, Atlantic Cape campus closings are announced on the website homepage, Facebook page, Instagram account, via text alerts and carried over local radio and television stations. Students are encouraged to sign up for Atlantic Cape text alerts to receive up-to-date notifications in case of emergency situations or school closings. Participants can sign up for text alerts at atlanticcape.edu/student-life/security/text-alerts.php. Atlantic Cape text alerts is an opt-in, permission-based program. Participant contact information and message preferences are kept private.  Students may visit the College website, www.atlanticcape.edu, for information on closings.  Please note that the closing may be different for each of the three campuses.

Students may decide if extreme weather and road conditions prevent their attendance at classes when the College is open. In such cases, students should notify the instructor in advance.  Students who miss a class must still complete assignments.

If an instructor is late for a class, students should wait at least 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time of the class. After such time, students may leave without prejudice, but one student should inform the Academic Resources Center of the instructor’s absence: Mays Landing – room A123, Cape May – room 335, Atlantic City – room 255.

Full-time students achieving a GPA of 3.0-3.99 in a given semester are placed on the Dean’s List. Full-time students achieving a GPA of 4.0 in a given semester are placed on the President’s List. Part-time students are eligible after each increment of 16 credits earned while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0-3.99 or 4.0.

To earn an associate degree, students must successfully complete the minimum credits attributable to that specific program as noted in the college catalog.  Students must complete the required courses for the catalog in effect the date they were enrolled, or any catalog after that date.

Students must achieve at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Every student is required to demonstrate technological competency, by graduation, by passing CISM125-Introduction to Computers or CISM132-Problem Solving Using Technology with a “C” or better, testing out or presenting a portfolio. Each degree program will have the option of determining when these competencies should be demonstrated.

Students who transfer from another institution must complete 30 credits at Atlantic Cape. Graduates with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74 are awarded a degree with honors; 3.75 to 3.99 with high honors and 4.0 with the highest honors.

Although degrees are given at the end of each semester to qualifying students, a formal commencement ceremony is held at the end of the spring semester. Students who have more than two courses to complete for their degree requirements, or who have a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0, will not be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Graduation Procedures

Students enrolled in any active program of study are automatically audited for completion progress once they have earned half of the required credits in their designated program. Audit results will be sent to the student's College-issued email account. Approximately eight weeks into the student’s final semester, the student will be contacted to verify their diploma information.

Students with extenuating circumstances (personal, medical or employment related) may appeal to the Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee. Upon written notification of academic classifications, students will be given notice of their right to an appeal, appropriate contact information, instructions for requesting appeal and appropriate scheduling information. Upon being granted this opportunity, students may submit their appeal in writing or in person. The committee will judge each case and state its finding to each student regarding its disposition of either upholding or reversing the assigned academic status.

For more information about academic appeals, please email cssappeals@atlanticcape.edu or call the Center for Student Success at (609) 343-5667.

Students with extenuating circumstances (personal, medical or employment related) may appeal to the Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures Committee. Upon written notification of academic classifications, students will be given notice of their right to an appeal, appropriate contact information, instructions for requesting appeal and appropriate scheduling information. Upon being granted this opportunity, students may submit their appeal in writing or in person. The committee will judge each case and state its finding to each student regarding its disposition of either upholding or reversing the assigned academic status.

These grievance procedures are applicable to grievances arising from disagreements regarding requested accommodations, accessibility barriers to any electronic and information technology used on campus, and/or other complaints alleging that Atlantic Cape Community College has violated applicable disability anti-discrimination law. It should be noted that nothing in these procedures shall be deemed to require the College to fundamentally alter its programs by modifying or waiving academic requirements that are essential to a course of study, or materially altering applicable codes of conduct important to health or safety. Please note that all complaints and grievances must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged act, in writing or via audio recording. Additionally, The Center for Accessibility will self-report to the College’s ADA/504 Coordinator in the event that a complaint cannot be resolved within the CFA.

Informal Complaint Process

The complainant can file an informal grievance by first contacting the CFA Office, who shall attempt to resolve the matter through informal consultations with the complainant, the director of the center for student success, and/or other appropriate administrators over a period not to exceed ten business days. The resolution of any such complaint shall be documented by a statement signed by the student and Atlantic Cape that the complaint was resolved and describing the manner in which it was resolved.

If the complaint is not resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction in a timely manner, the student may initiate a formal grievance process as described in the student handbook. Please note that the complainant has the right to file a formal grievance at any time.

Furthermore, the CFA office will self-report any instance when a complaint cannot be resolved to the ADA/504 coordinator within two business days; no written complaint by the affected student shall be required in such instance.

Formal Complaint Process

An individual who believes that discrimination or harassment has occurred may file a formal grievance. If accommodations are required to submit a complaint, The Center for Accessibility will provide accommodations. The formal complaint must include the following information:

• A full description of the problem and any relevant facts.
• A summary of the steps the complainant has already taken to attempt to resolve the problem, including the names of persons involved.
• A statement of the requested resolution and the complainant’s rationale for the requested accommodations.
• Any supporting documentation, and the name, contact information and signature of the person initiating the complaint.

The ADA/504 Coordinator may interview or consult with the complainant and any other individual he/she believes to have relevant information, including faculty, staff and students. Additionally, all interested parties have the opportunity to provide any relevant evidence including witnesses and documentation.

The ADA/504 Coordinator will provide the results of their investigation to the student and the CFA, and a proposed resolution, if any within ten business days. Possible resolutions may include but are not limited to, corrective steps and measures to provide reasonable accommodations or a determination that the complainant is not entitled to the accommodations requested. If discrimination is found to have occurred, appropriate corrective and remedial action will be taken.

The ADA/504 coordinator will promptly communicate the resolution to the complainant and the relevant department or other individuals in writing within two business days of the ruling. The decision of the ADA/504 coordinator will be final and any actions taken in response will complete the grievance process. Regardless of the final result of the formal grievance process all parties involved retain the right to file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division or any appropriate state or federal agency or in court.

To file an ADA complaint, visit https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/.

Find out about the formal process for appeals with Judiciary Affairs by visiting this page:

Judicial Affairs

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Atlantic Cape Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

         Submit claims to:

            Family Policy Compliance Office
            U.S. Department of Education
            600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
            Washington, D.C., 20202-4605

Atlantic Cape Community College hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or “Directory Information.” (The College may disclose such information without the student’s prior consent under the conditions set forth in FERPA.)

Name, hometown, classification (freshman or sophomore), degrees awarded, honors, awards, weight/height of athlete, sports participation.

Requests for release of Directory Information must be submitted in writing to the Registrar, Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330-2699.

Students who elect to withhold disclosure of this category of information must conduct all College business in person with a photo ID card. Such students’ names will be published in the commencement program unless the students’ request exclusion in writing. Students in this category are eligible to use the Web for transactions including registration, which are protected by a personal identification number (PIN).

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information under FERPA. To withhold disclosure, students must present a student ID in person at the Registrar’s Office (J building), Mays Landing Campus, and complete the Restrict Directory Information form. The form may be submitted at any time throughout the year and will immediately affect prospective disclosures. Atlantic Cape Community College assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of a category of directory information indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Former students may not place a new request for nondisclosure of directory information on their educational records; however, they may request its removal.

In the event that mitigating circumstances prevent a student from meeting the minimum requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, as required by Federal and State regulations, a student can petition for reinstatement of financial aid.

Mitigating circumstances may include but are not limited to death of a family member, prolonged illness or accident.

Documentation can include, but is not limited to:

• Medical Documentation
• Death Certificate
• Unemployment documentation

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee in the Counseling and Support Services Office will review the petition and supporting documentation, once reviewed the committee will make a determination of eligibility. If an appeal is granted, the student will be placed on a financial aid probationary status, a counseling hold will be placed on their account and the student will need to consult with a counselor before making any changes to their schedule. If the student is interested in taking out a student loan they must complete a Loan appeal worksheet and submit it with the Loan Request form, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview.

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will process the petition and supporting documentation within 7 to 10 business days. Please Note: All Petitions will be listed as incomplete until supporting documentation is received.

The supporting documentation can be brought to the Counseling and Support Services Office on the Mays Landing Campus, J-Building, first floor or the Student Development Office on the Worthington Atlantic City Campus or the Student Services Office on the Cape May County Campus. Documentation can also be faxed to (609) 343-4926. Please indicate your Name and College ID Number on each page of your documentation. If you have any questions, contact us at (609) 343-5667.

Please call the Student Support Services Office for more information at (609) 343-5667.

Petition for Reinstatement of Financial Aid

Atlantic Cape is dedicated to the goals of fairness in all of its procedures and practices. If, for any reason, a student believes he or she is the victim of unjust practices, a comprehensive process for grievance resolution is available to that student and is outlined as follows.  All student-initiated grade appeals must be submitted within one year of the original date of issuance of the grade to the instructor that submitted the grade.

Credit–Academic Issues (grades, etc.)

• Level 1 — The student meets with the faculty member. If the issue is not resolved, the student proceeds to the next level.
• Level 2 — The student meets with the appropriate department chair, director, or academic dean (in the case where a department has a coordinator). If the issue is still unresolved, the student proceeds to the next level.
• Level 3 — The student meets with the senior director of The Center for Student Success who will forward the case on to the Academic Standards, Policies & Procedures Committee. This committee will make its recommendation to the senior vice president of academic affairs, who then renders a binding decision.

A student may request a College counselor to assist them at any level of the grievance process. The counselor’s role is one of support and advisement. The counselor helps clarify the appeals process, assists the student with the preparation of his or her case, and helps the student explore options so the student is able to make a more informed decision. Any choice made during the grievance process is that of the student. Counselors are not at liberty to make decisions for students or present evidence or testimony on the student’s behalf.

Students who need assistance with this process should contact the Dean of Students, Stacey Zacharoff, at (609)343-5091 or email szacharo@atlanticcape.edu.

If you're taking online classes and live outside New Jersey, you’re protected under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). This means if you’ve already tried to resolve an issue through Atlantic Cape’s complaint process and still need help, you can file a formal complaint through New Jersey’s SARA portal agency. SARA ensures your concerns are heard and addressed fairly, no matter where you live.

Learn More and How to File A SARA Complaint

Under Title IX, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2014 (VAWA) imposes new obligations on colleges and universities through the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) provision, Section 304.

Students who feel they have been the subject of possible discriminatory treatment under any Title IX provision, including the VAWA/SaVE Act, may file a complaint with the College’s Title IX Coordinator:

Use this form if you aren't sure where your complaint should be sent to. Make sure you make a copy of it.

General Complaint Form