Academic Information for Students
ACADEMIC INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
It is important that students adjust to the academic rigors of college early in their college careers and the following academic expectations:
(1) College is the foundation for a lifetime of continued learning and growth. One of the main goals of college is to help students to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning and the ability to learn independently.
(2) Accordingly, college students spend much less time in class than they did in high school but are correspondingly expected to do much more work outside of class.
(3) Students should expect to spend several hours studying outside of class for every hour in class. For students carrying a full-time course load, this could mean that they will be spending 40-50 hours a week (or more) on their academic work, the equivalent of a full-time job.
(4) Students are responsible for learning a great deal of the material on their own outside of the classroom.
(5) Students should expect that course material will be covered at a more rapid pace than they have experienced before. This expectation assumes that students are preparing carefully for class so that more material can be covered in class.
(6) Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to participate actively in the class session. They are expected to have read the texts and used other required material carefully and comprehensively before the class session.
(7) Students are expected to seek additional help, either from their instructors or the tutoring labs, as soon as they encounter a problem.
(8) Plagiarism, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving the appropriate credit, is prohibited.
Adapted with Permission from DePauw University
ACADEMIC ADVISING
At SUNY Adirondack, all enrolled students are assigned an academic advisor. This advisor serves as a guide to educational and career planning, and a resource in their pathway to success here at SUNY Adirondack. Students can view their advisor’s name in the Student Portal, Degree Works or in Self-Service Banner. Students can access advising services in the Student Success Center in Warren Hall, by emailing advising@sunyacc.edu, in advising zoom rooms hosted by Student Success, or by calling 518-832-7708.
Student Success Center (Advising)
Located in Warren Hall, the Student Success Center (Advising Center) provides academic advising, placement testing, and career planning services that empower all members of our diverse student body and improves students’ education, career and personal goal completion. This office provides standardized placement testing in Math and English for entering and continuing students. Student Success Advisors are available throughout the year to help students with academic, career and transfer planning including course selection, degree management and establishing career goals. This office coordinates the matriculation process, Starfish Retentions System, Midterm Outreach, advising technologies, advising communications and advisement training. This office serves as the primary student resource for Priority Registration, Change of Major, Withdrawal from a class, identifying students eligible for Graduation, and Add/Drop.
Visit the Advising section of the college website for even more tips and resources to help you make the most of your educational journey.
PLACEMENT TESTING
Placement testing is required before students register for classes. Placement test scores are used to place students in first semester courses. Non-Matriculated students must also test prior to registering for any classes requiring placement test scores as a prerequisite. Placement test scores do not impact admission to the College. SUNY Adirondack utilizes the College board’s ACCUPLACER and a Writing Sample for placement testing. The ACCUPLACER assesses skills in Math and English. The English portion consists of Reading Comprehension and a Writing Sample. Students in need of special testing accommodations should contact the Student Success Center at (518) 832-7708.
Math placement test scores are valid for four years and math tests will need to be retaken if math courses are not taken during that period. Students may request to retake the math placement test once in four years if they have not enrolled in a math course during that time. Once a student has enrolled in a math course the student must successfully complete that course before continuing to the next level of mathematics.
English placement test scores do not have a time limit. Students may request to retake the English placement once and will re-test based on their initial placement criteria.
Placement test waivers may be available to students with prior college-level math and English credit. Requests for a placement test waiver must be accompanied by a transcript of previous college coursework. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
Placement in first semester courses can greatly affect the amount of time required to graduate. Students are strongly encouraged to review English (reading and writing) and math (arithmetic and basic algebra) topics before taking the placement tests. For resources to prepare for the placement tests visit: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer/practice
UNDERSTANDING THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
ASSESSMENT
SUNY Adirondack is committed to the continuous assessment of student learning and institutional effectiveness in order to improve the education provided by the College. Assessment is an ongoing process of administering and reviewing the results of an array of assessment instruments including surveys, objective examinations, essay assignments, and performances. Students and faculty are asked to participate in the assessment process in association with various courses, programs, and student services in a way that preserves the anonymity of each student and faculty member. The participation of members of the Campus community in the assessment process helps the College to continuously improve the quality of its academic programs and student services as well as to meet the rigorous assessment standards set forth by the State University of New York and the College’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
ATTENDANCE
You are expected to assume responsibility for regular attendance at all classes and laboratory sessions unless prevented by illness or other unavoidable situation. Faculty members determine their own policy regarding class attendance, so be aware of the requirements of each of your instructors. Explain any absences to your instructors to determine whether penalties may be avoided. Numerous absences, especially without good reason, may have negative consequences. Withdrawals may affect academic standing, academic honors and financial aid. A student who stops attending a course(s) for a sustained period (or fails to demonstrate active online participation) during the reporting period will be reported as an unofficial withdrawal and assigned an X grade. Unofficial withdrawal may have financial aid consequences. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from a class. If you must miss class for an extended period, notify the Dean for Student Affairs at deanofstudents@sunyacc.edu. They will notify your instructors.
CHANGE OF PROGRAM
A Student Success Advisor can help to clarify your interests and offer you options relating to choosing the major that best suits your goals. Emailing advising@sunyacc.edu for more information.
CREDIT-BY-EXAM
If you feel that you already possess the knowledge being covered in a course (whether from practical experience, previous structured study, or personal reading), you may be able to earn credit by passing a competency exam. Email advising@sunyacc.edu for more information.
DROP/ADD
The first five days of the fall and spring semesters are set aside for schedule adjustments. Students need to be aware of their program requirements if they are going to make changes, to ensure that they will be taking appropriate classes. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with a Student Success Advisor prior to making schedule adjustments. Students receiving any financial aid, including loans, should also consult with Financial Aid prior to making any changes to their schedules.
GPA
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing your total credits attempted into your quality points earned. SUNY Adirondack students are required to have a minimum overall GPA of a 2.0 in order to graduate, as well as to avoid academic probation or dismissal.
GRADE REPORTING
All student grades (midterms and finals) are available online in Banner. Midterm grades are “unofficial” and are not part of your permanent record.
SALE OF TERM PAPERS
According to New York State law, prosecutors can seek fines of up to $1,000 against persons caught selling term papers for submission by other students. In addition, it is a violation of the SUNY Adirondack Code of Conduct.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SUNY ADIRONDACK
Officially withdrawing from the College is the responsibility of the student. To withdraw from a class, you will first need to meet with a Student Success Advisor or email advising@sunyacc.edu. They may be able to offer you alternatives such as withdrawing from one or two classes or applying for resources to help with financial issues. If you are receiving financial aid, you should check with the Financial Aid Office before final withdrawal, as it may impact both current and future semester eligibility.
WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE
Officially withdrawing from a class is the responsibility of the student. Withdrawing from a course after the first week of the semester will result in the grade of “W” on your transcript. Through the first 10 weeks of classes, withdrawals are processed by the Registrar’s Office and require a Student Success Advisor and your signature on the form; an instructor signature is not required. After the first ten weeks of the semester until the last day of classes before finals begin, the faculty member must approve and sign the withdrawal form as well. If you have questions, talk to an advisor or consult the Registrar’s Office. Remember to always talk to the Financial Aid Office (if receiving any aid) before withdrawing as even one withdrawal can affect present and future financial aid.
BILL ADJUSTMENT
To be eligible for a bill adjustment (see billing schedule in the college catalog showing percentage rates by date), you must officially drop or withdraw from a course(s). Official withdrawal requires your signature on a withdrawal form or a letter informing the College of your intentions. The College cannot assume that you have withdrawn because you have stopped attending classes. Failure to officially withdraw may have a negative impact to your GPA and financial aid eligibility.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
SUNY Adirondack graduates have successfully transferred to colleges and universities throughout the nation. The key to successful transfer is planning. SUNY Adirondack has many degrees, programs, and courses that are transferable, but much is up to you. There are many benefits of completing an associate degree at SUNY Adirondack before transferring. If you plan to transfer, you should:
1. Investigate possible transfer colleges before admission to SUNY Adirondack. Have two or three specific transfer colleges in mind. The catalog for each transfer college should be studied carefully, with particular reference to the statements regarding “Admission with Advanced Standing” and “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree.”
2. Plan your program of courses at SUNY Adirondack so that it coincides with courses normally required of freshmen and sophomores at the transfer institution.
3. Investigate costs at the transfer institution and design a sound financial plan.
4. Talk with the Student Success Center as part of your transfer plan.
5. Attend SUNY Adirondack’s FREE transfer events and college table visits offered each semester.
There are more than 1,000 four-year colleges in the United States and most accept transfer students and grant transfer credit. SUNY at Albany, SUNY at Plattsburgh, Siena College, and others guarantee full transfer admission into baccalaureate degree programs for SUNY Adirondack students completing parallel associate degree areas of study. (See an advisor about required grade point average and recommended courses). SUNY Adirondack also has formal transfer agreements with other colleges. For more information, visit the transfer website at https://www.sunyacc.edu/student-success/academic-advising/transfer-opportunities.
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
In order to provide a fair and workable academic grievance procedure, students should be free to take reasonable exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion. However, students remain responsible for learning the content of the courses in which they are enrolled. When a student thinks his or her rights and freedoms as a student have been violated, or thinks that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or inequitable application of any of the academic regulations of the College, he or she should follow these steps in a timely manner:
1. Speak to the faculty member.
If this interaction does not produce an appropriate solution,
2. Discuss the matter with the faculty member’s division chair.
If this interaction does not produce an appropriate solution,
3. Appeal to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
If this interaction does not produce an appropriate solution,
4. Appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs in writing.
In all matters concerning academic inquiries, all parties involved should show respect, restraint, and responsibility in their efforts to resolve academic grievances. Every effort should be made to expedite solutions to the situation. It is incumbent upon all parties to arrange and attend all meetings and conferences in good faith and to communicate all decisions as promptly as possible. No party will be discriminated against in any way for having filed or responded to a good faith academic inquiry.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to be immunized per New York State Public Health Law and State University of New York (SUNY). Complete immunization records or exemption requests must be submitted to the college in accordance with all posted deadlines. Detailed information related to all Immunization requirements (Measles, Mumps, Rubella [MMR] and Meningococcal Meningitis, COVID-19, and Exemption Requests) are available in the College Catalog: Immunizations. Contact the Registrar’s Office via email at immunizations@sunyacc.edu with questions.
SUNY ADIRONDACK SARATOGA BRANCH CAMPUS (SARATOGA COUNTY)
The SUNY Adirondack Saratoga Branch Campus is located at 696 Route 9 in Wilton. Offering comprehensive academic offerings, students can pursue classes for all SUNY Adirondack degree programs. The branch campus provides comprehensive student services and a wide array of student activities. Saratoga Branch Campus staff may be reached by calling 518-584-3959.