Academic Policies and Program Requirements

Academic Renewal Policy

The Academic Renewal policy, also known as Academic Forgiveness and Fresh Start, recognizes that for various reasons, some students who completed previous coursework at Century College have not met scholastic requirements. This policy acknowledges that students can change, mature or rediscover their potential and an appreciation of the benefits of an education. Academic Renewal allows students a one-time opportunity to establish a new Grade Point Average (GPA), at Century College. Instead of needing to enroll at another college/institution to get a fresh start, Academic Renewal provides an opportunity for students to continue to pursue their educational goals at Century.

Academic Renewal parameters include the following:

• A student may only be granted Academic Renewal one time.
• A student must be currently attending Century to request Academic Renewal.
• The student cannot have earned a degree, diploma or certificate at Century following initial attendance at Century and applied any of those credits for which the Academic Renewal is sought toward the award(s). Century College awards include those earned from Lakewood Community College and/or Northeast Metro 916 Technical College.
• The student must not have been enrolled in credit-based coursework at Century for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years prior to requesting Academic Renewal.
• After being readmitted to Century, the student must complete a minimum of 12 credits at Century and achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA in those credits before requesting Academic Renewal for courses completed at Century prior to the period of three (3) consecutive years (Fall-Fall, Spring-Spring, Summer-Summer) of not having been enrolled at Century.
• A student may request to exclude the following:

1. All courses with grade of F, or
2. All courses with grades of D and, F
3. Courses with grades of NC, FN, and FW do not count in the GPA therefore do not need to request to exclude from GPA

Courses identified for Academic Renewal will no longer be calculated in any GPA (cumulative, career/occupational and MnTC). However, these courses and grades will remain on the student’s transcript.

• A possible implication for choosing to exclude courses with D grades for Academic Renewal may be the need to complete additional requirements for graduation. Courses with D grades are considered passing though some requirements accept only courses with a grade of C or better.
• The student must meet and consult with an academic advisor or counselor to determine whether Academic Renewal will be beneficial, that all above parameters have been met and to complete the procedure for requesting Academic Renewal.
• The student and academic advisor or counselor must complete and submit the Academic Renewal Application form to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Activity Participation Credit

You can register for activity credit only during the semester you complete the activity and this must be done during the first five days of the semester. Credits earned in activity courses can be applied as elective credits in any program. You cannot earn credit for the same activity course more than 4 times.

Adding Courses

Please see Change of Registration  Policies.

Articulation Agreements

1. To help you transfer more easily, Century College develops and maintains articulation agreements with all Minnesota State institutions, the University of Minnesota, and many other colleges and universities. For more details, please visit the Minnesota Transfer articulation database or contact the Advising, Counseling and Career Center for specific agreements and more information. In addition, Century College offers you the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), a collaborative effort among all two-and four-year public colleges and universities in Minnesota to help you transfer their work in general education. If you complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum at Century College and then transfer to any other Minnesota public baccalaureate-degree-granting university, you will have fulfilled all lower division general education requirements. (See Program Requirements regarding requirements for AA, AFA, AS, and AAS degrees, diplomas, certificates, and MnTC Notation).
2. You may be awarded college credit upon successfully completing Career and Technical Education (formerly Tech Prep) through the Northeast Metro Career and Technical Center. Please note that only those high school courses identified in the articulation agreements will be accepted. Your Career and Technical Education courses may fulfill elective credit(s) for some program/degree requirements at Century College.

In order to receive Career and Technical Education credit for courses taken through Northeast Metro Career and Technical Center you must:

• Complete the course goals in your high school.
• Maintain a grade of A or B in your course.
• Enroll in courses at Century College within three years of completing your high school course(s).
• Submit a high school transcript to Century College that shows graduation in good standing.
• Present your Career and Technical Education Certificate of Credit or Northeast Metro Career and Technical Center transcript to the Century College Transfer Student Services Office.

Transfer credit will be awarded when your enrollment at Century College is verified and when you have the criteria above. You will also need to remain in courses at Century College past the tenth day of Fall or Spring semester (summer session would not apply). A Century College transcript will be developed for you only if you enroll at Century College. If you would like more information about receiving college Career and Technical Education credit, please contact Century’s Director of Transfer Student Services, 651.779.3908, or the Northeast Metro Career and Technical Center Supervisor of Outreach, 651-415-5610.

If you have been awarded college credit(s) at Century for Career and Technical Education and plan to transfer from Century to another college or university, you should contact the Transfer Specialist at that college or university to learn how your Career and Technical Education credit(s) would be accepted at that institution. Each college or university decides which, if any, credit(s) transfer and whether those credits meet specific degree requirements.

Attendances and Absences

You are expected to attend all scheduled classes. If you are ill, or other factors exist to prevent you from attending classes for a period of time, contact your instructor as soon as possible. If you experience an extended illness and wish to withdraw, you may do so online or at the Records Office.

Auditing

Registration for a course without credit (AU grade) carries the same prerequisites, tuition and fees as courses taken for credit. You must consult with the course instructor concerning audit requirements and submit an audit form with the instructor’s signature to the Records Office during the first five days of the semester or the first three days of summer session. Late start course audit forms must be submitted within one business-day of course start date. Once you have registered, you cannot earn a letter grade. A course you have previously audited may be re-taken later for credit and a letter grade.

Adult Learners

Century College offers opportunities for adult learners to reach personal and professional goals through credit and non-credit courses, certificates, diplomas, and programs. These courses are offered to you through evening, online, Saturday, and Fast-Track (accelerated) options, in addition to the expansive day course schedule. Multiple options provide you with flexibility that fits into your busy life. For adults interested in designing their own degree, there is an Individualized Studies award. If you are an adult learner, help is available through the Admissions Office, Advising, Counseling, & Career Center.

Change of Address or Name

Address changes can be made online through eServices or by submitting a Student Change of Information form to the Records Office room 2220, West Campus. Name changes require legal documentation. A Student Change of Information form with valid photo identification (see form for details) and your Social Security Card, both with correct name must be submitted to the Records Office. The College reserves the right to request more than one form of documentation for verification purposes. If the college attempts to contact you using the information you have given us, we will consider the communication delivered to you.

Classification of Students

Full-Time: You are registered for 12 credits or more
Part-Time: You are registered for 11 credits or fewer
First Year: You have earned less than 30 semester credits
Second Year: You have earned 30 or more semester credits

Credit for Prior Learning

Students with a variety of work and life experiences may receive college credit. You have the opportunity to demonstrate college-level knowledge and skills gained outside a formal classroom from experience such as:

• Work
• Volunteer and community activities
• Travel
• Parenting
• Independent study
• Non-credit college courses
• Seminars/workshops/training
• Military service
• Hobbies

College credit for prior learning is awarded and recorded on your Century College transcript as equivalent to a particular college course, a Minnesota Transfer Curriculum goal area, or as elective credits. These credits can accelerate your progress toward completing your degree or program of study.

Various methods are used to evaluate and award college credit for prior learning. The final determination and award of credit is completed by Century College. Methods to assess credit for prior learning include: national standardized testing, evaluation of non-college programs, credit by exam, and individual portfolio assessments.

National Standardized Exams

A complete list of standardized exams and how they may transfer to Century is available through Transferology. You must have your official exam score report sent directly from the issuing examination program to Century’s Transfer Student Services Office.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The AP program is administered by the College Entrance Examination Board through which high school students complete designated college-level courses in high schools and earn college credit by demonstrating a specified level of performance on AP exams. An AP exam score of 3 or higher will be considered for transfer.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP is administered by the College Entrance Examination Board through which students of any age have the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college disciplines. Students must have their official CLEP score report sent directly to Century’s Transfer Student Services Office. Century College will award credit for a CLEP test score of 50 or higher with the exception of Level 2 foreign language examinations for which a minimum score of 63 for German language, 62 for French language, and 66 for Spanish language is required.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Diploma Program (DP) is a course of study for students aged 16 to 19 that leads to examinations in various subjects. Students who participate in the full Diploma Program are required to study and take examinations in 6 different academic subjects. Exams with a score of 30 or higher, and higher-level exams with a score of 4 or higher will be considered for transfer.

Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES/DSST)

DANTES and DSST program sponsors a wide range of examination programs to assist military personnel in meeting their educational goals. DANTES and DSST exam scores that meet American Council on Education (ACE) minimum score recommendations are considered for transfer.

Evaluation of Noncollege Programs

• Military: Military education and experience will be considered for college credit according to the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services by ACE. Veterans who receive financial assistance should check for rules that do not permit payment for courses that are taken more than once and refer to Century’s Veterans Benefits Information. You must have your official military transcript sent directly from ACE or SMART or AARTS to Century’s Transfer Student Services Office.
• Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)/Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): Students who successfully completed the CPS or CAP exam in the past 7 years and have earned 10 Century College credits will receive a maximum of 16 elective credits.

Individual Portfolio Assessments

Portfolios are developed through a process outlined in a series of workshops and an online course. The workshops will help you reflect on the knowledge and skills you have acquired and develop your portfolio to demonstrate the college-level learning you gained through written essays, documentation, performance, and discussion, and other pieces of evidence. A committee evaluates the portfolio and determines the equivalent courses and credits to award you for your prior learning. Students will be charged a per-credit fee for faculty assessment of the portfolio. Portfolios are evaluated by a team of college faculty.

Successful students will receive a grade of P (pass) or No Credit which will be reflected on your Century transcript and will not be included in the calculation of GPA. Century College adheres to Minnesota State policies and procedures on credit for prior learning and the Council for Adult and Experiential Education (CAEL) national standards for awarding college credit for previous learning outside the classroom.

Successful students will receive a grade of P (pass) or No Credit which will be reflected on your Century transcript and will not be included in the calculation of GPA. Century College adheres to Minnesota State policies and procedures on credit for prior learning and the Council for Adult and Experiential Education (CAEL) national standards for awarding college credit for previous learning outside the classroom.

Credit by Exam

Credit by exam is administered by Century College faculty. Students who have acquired knowledge and skills comparable to those obtained by completing a course may take an examination in some courses and, if passed, receive college credit for that Century course. Courses completed by examination have a notation on the century transcript with a grade of CR (credit) or NC (no credit). Students will be charged a per-credit fee for credit by exam.

Credit Load

You are considered a full time student if you are enrolled for 12 credits or more. You are not required to take a minimum number of credits, but 15-18 credits are typically needed each semester to complete a program in two years (not including summer school).

You should check the number of credits required to qualify for financial aid programs or medical insurance programs. If you receive financial aid benefits, you are expected to know the course load required for those benefits.

If you wish to take more than 18 credits during a semester you must receive permission from a counselor/advisor, room 2410 West Campus or the Registrar, Room 2220 West Campus.

Credit Transfer Guarantee

If you plan to transfer after completing your coursework in liberal arts and sciences, Century College will guarantee that your credits taken and listed on a dated Century College guide sheet will transfer. You must meet certain criteria and complete a credit guarantee form at the Vice President of Student Services’ office, West Campus. For more information, call 651.779.3929.

Dean’s List

A student who earns 9 or more credits for a grade during the fall or spring semester and achieves a term grade point average of 3.5 or higher will be recognized on the Dean’s List.. Students will be eligible for the Dean’s List with all  grades reported (without incomplete or in-progress grades) when the report is run 6 weeks after the end of each term. A notation will appear on the transcript to acknowledge this achievement.

Dropping Courses

See Change of Registration .

Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on campus or at any college function. Students using drugs or alcohol on campus will be subject to disciplinary action. (Please also see the Student Handbook  in this catalog.)

Faculty Office Hours

Most faculty have specific times they are scheduled to be in their offices to assist you. Please check with individual faculty for office hours, open labs, or individual appointment schedules.

Grading System

Century College uses the following grading system to report academic achievement and to compute your grade point average:

A - 4 grade points per credit

HA - 4 grade points per credit (indicates an Honors class or Honors option)

B - 3 grade points per credit

HB - 3 grade points per credit (indicates an Honors class or Honors option)

C - 2 grade points per credit

CR - denotes a Credit by Exam, credit earned represents work equivalent to or above 2.0 level. Credit by Exams are not included in GPA calculation.

D - 1 grade point per credit

F - 0 grade points (no credit earned)

FN - faculty initiated non-attendance withdrawal. This grade is awarded to a student who never attended the course, but did not drop the course prior to the end of the term drop period. FN grades do not influence GPA calculations, but count against successful completion for the purpose of measuring both academic and financial aid satisfactory progress.

FW - faculty initiated withdrawal. This grade is awarded to a student who did not officially withdraw from the course but stopped attending prior to the end of the term. FW grades do not influence GPA calculations, but count against successful completion for the purpose of measuring both academic and financial aid satisfactory progress.

I - upon student’s request, the instructor consented to an extension of time for course completion. I grades automatically become F grades at the end of the next term (not including summer sessions) if requirements have not been satisfactorily completed.

CR/NC- used for credit by exam only. A grade of CR (credit, passing with a grade of C or higher) or NC (no credit) will be entered for the specified course on the student’s transcript for the examination and is not used in the calculation of GPA nor do the credits count toward financial aid eligibility.

P - successful demonstration of competence. Credits earned under the pass/fail system will not be included in computing GPA. A grade of P represents work equivalent to or above 2.00 level. Only certain courses have the option of P/F. Students should be informed that some institutions will not accept the P grade in transfer.

IP- in progress. This grade may be awarded to a student enrolled in a course that is of clinical or field internship nature, whether in part or in full. IP grades automatically become F grades at the end of the next term (not including summer sessions) if requirements have not been satisfactorily completed. IP grades do not influence GPA calculations, but count against successfully completion for the purpose of measuring both academic and financial aid satisfactory progress.

W - student formally withdrew from the course after the first week and not later than two weeks before final exams began. These time frames differ from Summer Session classes and classes that do not follow the normal start/end dates for a semester. These dates are listed in the class schedule. W’s do not influence GPA. Normally student initiated, but the college may assign a W under special circumstances. (See Student Withdrawal and Academic Alert).

AU - student was a visitor in the course. AUs are assigned for audits and registration in restricted courses. Carries same tuition and fees as for credit. (Senior citizens receive a reduced rate if they register after the first day of class if space is available). Student must consult with instructor concerning audit requirements. Students should be informed that institutions will not accept AU grade in transfer. Audit forms must be completed and submitted by the deadline noted on the form.

Z - denotes a course in progress.

GPA - (Grade Point Average) total grade points you achieved in a given time period divided by total credits of courses for which grades of A, B, C, D and F were received.

Graduation Requirements

All awards (degrees, diplomas, and certificates) require:

• Century college-level GPA of 2.0
• Cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0• Required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0
• Required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0
• MnTC GPA of 2.0

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Century College offers four degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science. To earn any of these four degrees, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must earn at least 60 college-level credits (numbered 1000 or above)
2. Of the credits applied toward your Associate Degree, at least 20 must be earned at Century College. The requirement will be reduced to 12 college-level credits for students transferring at least 8 college-level credits from another Minnesota State institution and/or the University of Minnesota. (see also Degree Residency Requirement)
3. You must earn a grade of C or better in ENGL 1021  
4. You must have a Century college-level GPA of 2.0; cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0; required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0; MnTC GPA of 2.0
5. You must have a distribution of credits in general education/MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) courses; each of the four degrees differs in the required distribution of general education credits (refer to Program Requirements & Programs  for details)

There may also be specific course grade requirements in your program. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Diploma/Certificate Graduation Requirements

You can earn diplomas and certificates from Century College. Course and credit requirements for diploma and certificates vary depending on the program.

1. Diplomas: At least 31 earned college-level credits; a minimum of at least one third of the credits must be earned at Century College
2. Certificates: up to 30 earned college-level credits; you must earn one third of the credits at Century College
3. You must have a Century college-level GPA of 2.0; cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0; required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0 and MnTC GPA of 2.0
4. You must earn a grade of C or higher in ENGL 1021  If this is the Goal 1 course you selected (exception: 16 credits or less certificates)

There may also be specific course grade requirements in your program. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Notation

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is a total of 40 credits fulfilling ten goals. (Refer to Program Requirements & Programs  for specific requirement information). If you complete the MnTC at one of the Minnesota public higher education institutions and then transfer to any other Minnesota public baccalaureate-degree-granting college or university, you will have fulfilled all lower division general education requirements. The MnTC is the core of the Associate in Arts (AA) degree. When you have completed the MnTC or the AA with the MnTC core and have submitted an application for MnTC notation or AA degree graduation, you will receive a MnTC notation on your academic transcript.

Requirements include:

1. You must be a Century College student.
2. You must earn at least 40 college-level credits and have attended at least one semester at Century College.
3. You must have a distribution of credits from the ten Minnesota Transfer Curriculum goal areas as represented in the MnTC.
4. You must have a MnTC GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Awarding Associate Degrees and Diplomas

Degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be awarded at the end of each semester but a formal commencement ceremony will be held only at the end of the spring semester. If you receive degrees, diplomas, or certificates at the end of other semesters, you will be invited to participate in the ceremony.

Application for Graduation

The application for graduation is available once you have reviewed the Apply to Graduation information online. Submit the graduation application in to the Records Office by the deadline listed. Graduation requirements are available in the Advising, Counseling, & Career Center, room 2410 West Campus and this catalog. Apply for graduation at the beginning of your final semester or summer session. You must also apply to graduate to receive the transcript notation for completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

Time Limit for Meeting Graduation Requirements

You must apply for graduation and follow any catalog in effect during the six-year period preceding the date of your graduation. You must declare which catalog year requirements your graduation evaluation will follow on your graduation application. You must have attended Century College during the catalog year you select. (For technical programs, please see below).

If you are enrolled in a technical/occupational program with agency/licensing rules and regulations, you may be required to follow changes in the career course requirements that occur in the five/six year period prior to your date of graduation. Program requirements are subject to change for other unforeseen circumstances as well. These changes will be announced and published in college materials.

Time Limit for Meeting Technical/Occupational Graduation Requirements

If you are enrolled in a technical/occupational program you may follow any catalog in effect during the five-year period preceding your date of graduation. You must have attended during the catalog year selected. If you have a break in your attendance for one semester or longer and return, you must meet with your program advisor and discuss your education plan. You will be required to follow any changes in the technical/occupational requirements that have occurred.

To insure you graduate with up-to-date skills, technical credits are valid for five years. This includes transfer technical credits being used for specific technical program requirements.

Attendance at Graduation

Attendance at graduation is optional. You will receive an invitation to the ceremony. There is one ceremony each year in May. Detailed information is available online. No formal ceremony will be held when fewer than 100 graduates plan to participate.

Degree Residency Requirement

To receive a degree from Century College, you must earn 20 degree semester credits through enrollment in Century College courses. The requirement will be reduced to 12 college-level credits for students transferring at least 8 college-level credits from another Minnesota State institution and/or the University of Minnesota. At least one third of the credits for the diploma or certificate must be earned at Century. To receive a MnTC notation on the Century College transcript, you must have attended one semester at Century College.

Honors at Graduation

Associate degrees and diplomas will be awarded with distinction if you graduate with a Century College cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74 in college-level courses. Associate degrees and diplomas will be awarded with high distinction if you graduate with a Century College cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or greater in college-level courses.

Honors Program

Century College offers a special invitation to you, as a student of excellence, to investigate the Honors Program. The Program welcomes you if you have already established a record of academic achievement or if are interested in seeking an academic environment wherein you can experience significant personal and intellectual growth. The program offers opportunities for new and creative courses, advantages for acceptance and transfer to other institutions, opportunities to participate in the activities of a new and challenging community of fellow students, and opportunities to build an academic record of special interest to potential employees.

Honors Program Entry Requirements

Opportunity for entry to the Honors Program is extended if you are a currently enrolled student, transfer student, or a high school senior using the PSEO program. Admission to the program requires you to have an overall minimum college grade point average of 3.5, demonstrated communications skills and approval of the program director.

Early Warning Communications and Academic Alert System

A warning notice may be sent to you if you have not been attending class (including not ever showing up), have not been completing assignments, or are at risk for not successfully completing the course. At the request of the instructor, a letter can be sent to you at any time, but typically at midterm (approximately the eighth week). Upon receipt of a letter, you should immediately contact your instructor to discuss the feasibility of completing course requirements. You should consider visiting with a counselor or advisor to consider options. If you are in a technical/occupational program, you should also contact your program advisor. Also, you may withdraw from the course at the Records Office or online. Please note that some instructors may not choose to initiate an early warning letter. If you are performing inadequately in any of your courses, you are likely at risk and should meet with your instructor immediately.

Petitions for Exceptions

Students may request an exception to Century policy or procedure when extenuating circumstances have occurred. Students may also request an exception for a degree/program requirement when the student would be better served by allowing substitutions or waivers. Students complete Century’s Academic Petition form with an academic advisor or counselor and attach their Century transcript and DARS along with supporting information such as a course outline or syllabus, course description, information from Transferology, or evidence of earned certification/training (e.g., CPR). If an instructor and/or program advisor has information that support the request they shall provide such information to include with the request. Submit one petition for each request; if the request applies to more than one certificate or degree submit one petition with rationale for each. Refer to the Century College Transfer Credit Appeals and Academic Petitions Policy, 3.12.0.0 about requirements for petitions for exceptions.

In order to petition for a waiver of serving either a first or second suspension and to seek re-admittance for the next academic term, you must complete an Academic Plan and a Waiver of Academic Suspension with the help of a counselor. Please note: Final approval of all appeals rests with the Dean of Students.

Refund or Late Withdrawal Petitions

If you are seeking an exception to the refund policy, you must complete a Request for Refund or Late Withdrawal Petition form at the Business Office, 2340 West Campus and submit the form to the Director of Finance. Appeals are reviewed by the Petition Committee. All decisions are final.

Repeat Courses

If you repeat a course, you must complete a “Repeat of Course” form at the Records Office when you finish the repeated course.

1. Your original grade remains on the transcript, but is not computed into your GPA.
2. Grades of W, FN, FW and AU do not affect this policy. All courses remain on your permanent academic records.

You can repeat courses as often as you want, but only the most recent grade will be computed into the GPA (see also Grading System). You may also petition to repeat using a substitute course if the original course is not available due to changes in curriculum. Contact a counselor/advisor for assistance.

Restricted Course Waiver

A restriction is placed on courses that cannot be taken for credit based on completion of similar credits taken in high school or college. If you are taking a restricted course, you need an instructor’s signature to receive credit for the course. The “Restricted Course Waiver” form must be submitted to the Records Office during the first five days of the semester.

ROTC-Air Force

A cooperative program between Century College and the University of St. Thomas provides you with the opportunity to enroll concurrently in credit courses in Aerospace Studies at St. Thomas. Credit is transferable. Scholarships that pay up to full tuition are available to you, especially in engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science. If you would like more information, please contact the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of St. Thomas at 651-962-6320 or 1-800-328-6819, ext. 6320.

ROTC-Army

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps is a leadership development program designed to prepare you for commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. A cooperative program between Century College and the University of Minnesota provides the opportunity for you to enroll concurrently in the Army ROTC basic course. Scholarships are available to you if you have prior service, are a member of the National Guard or Army Reserve, or wish to join. Upon graduation from a four-year program, you may serve in a full-time or part-time Army career. For more information, please visit the Department of Military Service at the University of Minnesota website or call (612) 626-1584.

Service Learning

Service Learning is a type of experiential learning that engages you in service within the community as an integrated aspect of a course. Service Learning courses involve you in course-relevant activities in partnership with a community organization. It also structures opportunities for you to reflect on your service experience to gain a better understanding of course content and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

Service learning participation provides the following benefits:

• Valuable opportunities to help gain a better understanding of topics learned in the classroom
• A way to gain greater understanding of economic, political, and cultural structures in society and how they affect and impact individual lives, families, and communities
• Opportunity to examine your own values, attitudes, and beliefs by engaging you in new environments that lead to new questions about the world
• Sharpening of creative problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and leadership skills
• Expanding personal and professional networks, allowing the chance for career exploration
• Fulfilling requirements for admission into some university programs “and looked upon favorably by potential employers”
• College transcript recognition. Service learning hours are logged and listed in your official academic records.
• Graduation recognition. If you complete at least 40 hours of service learning before college graduation, you will be noted in the commencement program and during the commencement ceremony.

Students across the country say they enjoy and benefit from service learning. “We learn these theories in school, but until we really apply them or see them in action, they’re not real.”

At Century College, service learning

• Is integrated into specific courses at the discretion of faculty members or academic departments. Service learning students must meet specific requirements, such as serving a minimum number of hours and selecting a service site that meets certain criteria.
• Occurs on a semester basis.
• Is monitored by the Service Learning Department. The Service Learning Department communicates with community partners, students, and faculty members to ensure that needs are being met through their involvement.

For a list of courses and instructors that incorporate service learning, please contact the Director of Service Learning at 651.779. 3977. For more information, please visit The College Central Network.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Century College wants you and every student to have a successful learning experience. We maintain an open door admissions policy, assess students admitted, and provide developmental course work and other programs of assistance to support student success. However, it is your responsibility to perform at an acceptable academic level to continue enrollment.

Century College is publicly supported by Minnesota taxpayers, resulting in a significant reduction in the actual cost of enrollment. This reduction is even greater for students who are receiving financial aid. (See Financial Aid for Students, regarding Student Academic Progress for maintaining need based awards.) The College, therefore, is obligated to follow rules and regulations set forth by the state and federal governments to monitor accountability standards regarding student academic progress. To encourage satisfactory progress, the college intervenes in appropriate ways when students experience difficulty completing courses, suggesting practices that may foster success. The Standards of Academic Progress Policy establishes specific standards that must be met by all students enrolled in credits courses at Century College. The policy is in compliance with Minnesota State policy 2.9 and is as follows:

Academic Progress and Probation/Suspension Policy

Minimum standards of academic progress are defined and measured by Century College in the following ways:

A cumulative GPA of 2.0, and a cumulative completion rate of at least 67% of credits attempted.

1. Grade Point Average (Qualitative Measure): You are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 A to F scale.
2. Completion Rate (Quantitative Measure): You are required to maintain a completion rate of 67% of credits attempted cumulatively. Your completion rate is calculated beginning with the first attempted credit and is calculated for grades A, B, C, D, and P. Courses for which a you receive a letter grade of I, W, FN, FW, F, and Z are considered credits attempted and not successfully completed.
3. Evaluation Period: Your academic progress is monitored at the end of each academic term (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) beginning with the first attempted credit.

Academic Warning: If you do not meet the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA or 67% completion rate standard of academic progress, you will be placed on academic warning for the next term you are in attendance. If you are on warning, you may continue attending college; however, you are expected to take corrective actions.

Academic Suspension: If you are on warning and fail to meet the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA or 67% completion rate standard of academic progress during your next term of enrollment, you will be immediately placed on suspension.

Notification: You will be notified in writing upon being placed on warning, and the notice will inform you of the conditions of the warning period. You will be notified in writing when placed on suspension and the notice will include information about reinstatement.

For the First Suspension: You may not attend the college for one semester (not including summer term). After serving the suspension, you may be readmitted on probation after consulting with a counselor and submitting a signed Readmit Form to the Records Office.

For the Second and Subsequent Suspensions: You may not attend the college for two semesters (not including summer term). After serving the suspension, you may be readmitted on probation after consulting with a counselor and submitting a signed Readmit Form to the Records Office.

Appeals: In order to appeal for a waiver of serving either a first or second suspension and to seek re-admittance for the next academic term, you must complete an Academic Progress Plan and a Waiver of Academic Suspension Form with the help of a counselor. Academic Progress Plans are developed with students on suspension in Pre-scheduled group sessions. Approval of the request to waive the suspension is decided by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee.

Continued Probation: A student is placed on probation after serving suspension or receiving an approved academic suspension appeal. The student will stay on probation and may continue to attend school if they receive a 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate for the term even though they have not met the cumulative standards. Once a student has met the cumulative standards (cumulative 2.0 GPA and cumulative 67% completion rate), they will be in good standing and no longer on probation. Students who do not meet the term standard will be suspended again.

Additional Elements

Treatment of Grades: Courses for which again receive a letter grade of A, B, C, D, and P are included in the calculation of cumulative credit completion as courses successfully completed.

Courses for which you receive a letter grade of I, W, FN, FW, or F shall be treated as credits attempted but not successfully completed. Blank grades (Z) will be treated as credits attempted but not successfully completed.

Course Repeats: For a course that is repeated, the original grade will remain on the transcript but will not be used in the GPA calculation. The original course credits remain in the number of attempted credits but are removed from the credits earned calculation. While this has no punitive impact on GPA, the percentage of completion will reflect the original course as attempted but not earned.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits accepted by the institution shall be counted as credits attempted for calculation of the cumulative completion percentage, but will not be used in calculating the cumulative GPA.

Withdrawals: You may withdraw from a course or courses after the posted drop period. A grade of ‘W’ is given and will not impact GPA. But, a withdrawal will impact completion rate negatively as credits attempted and not earned are calculated in your percentage of completion.

Technical Education Guarantee

If you graduate with a State Board approved Associate in Applied Science degree or diploma, but are judged by your employer as lacking technical job skills, you will be provided up to 12 semester credits of instruction free of charge. Certain standards apply to this guarantee. Please contact the Vice President of Student Services, West Campus, for more information or call 651.779.3929.

Transcripts and Diplomas

Century College provides transcripts for a fee through National Student Clearinghouse or through your myCentury student portal. Upon earning an award at Century College, the diploma is mailed to the student. For a replacement diploma, contact the Records office for fee information. The College will withhold issuance of transcripts and/or diplomas to you until all money due the College has been paid. The only exceptions to this policy are student loans scheduled to mature at a future date.

Transfer Agreements

Please see Articulation Agreements.

Transfer of Credits from Other Institutions

Transcripts will be evaluated in time for New Student Orientation sessions for new students who have reserved an orientation session and whose transcripts were submitted by the Priority Deadlines of March 15 (for Summer) and June 15 (for Fall Semester) and October 15 (for Spring Semester). If you are enrolled in courses during the current semester, you will receive a full evaluation for registration for the next semester. Transcripts that arrive after the deadlines will be evaluated after registration during that semester. If you are not enrolled in courses during the current semester you will not receive a full evaluation until you register.

All passing credits (A, B, C, D, P) earned at a regionally accredited institution will be accepted towards a Century College program.

Transfer of Credits to Other Institutions

If you wish to earn a four-year degree, you should check the lower division requirements of your chosen transfer college. Since requirements and acceptance of Century College credits differs from one college to another, you should consult the transfer college catalog and website early in your first year, use the applicable Century College transfer guide sheets, discuss transfer plans with advisors from the transfer college, and work with a Century College counselor. Also, you can look up how credits transfer by using the Transferology website. You can also refer to Program Requirements, which contains information regarding Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and transferring to another college.

Additional information is located under Transfer  or go to the Minnesota Transfer website.

Withdrawing from Courses

See Change of Registration  Policies.

Program Requirements

Career Exploration and Planning

Counselors are available to assist you with career exploration and career planning in the Advising, Counseling, & Career Center located on West Campus, Main Entrance, Room 2410. Counselors can help you decide which programs are most appropriate for your educational goals, which may include transitioning to a new career, career advancement, transferring to a bachelor’s program, or continuing education. The GPS LifePlan can also be used to help you explore your personal career interests and goals.

If you are undecided about your career direction, you may use the counseling services and the Career Center to start your career decision-making process while taking general education courses. In the Career Center, you will find occupational information, placement data reports, interest and skill assessments, resume and interview resources, books, videos, computer career guidance programs, and Internet search information.

You are encouraged to use Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) and CAREERwise Education. These easy-to-use computerized systems will help you gather occupational information on job descriptions, aptitudes, working conditions,earnings, employment outlook, training and education required, and much more. Century also offers Career Studies courses, such as Career and Life Planning (CRRS 1010 ), to assist you.

Century College offers six types of academic programs to help you achieve a wide variety of educational and career goals. These programs are as follows:

Associate in Arts Degree
Associate in Fine Arts Degree
Associate in Science Degree
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificate

The degree programs (AA, AFA, AS, and AAS) are distinguished from one another by the distribution of credits required to earn each type of degree. The diplomas and certificates are distinguished from degrees by being specifically focused on an occupational area or academic focus, and requiring fewer credits.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is an agreement signed by all Minnesota public higher education institutions. It is a collaborative effort among all two-and four-year public colleges and universities in Minnesota to help you transfer your work in general education. When you complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum at one of the participating colleges/universities and then transfer to any other Minnesota public baccalaureate degree-granting university, you will have fulfilled all lower-division general education requirements. Within the 40 credits required, there are ten goals. One course may fulfill a maximum of two goals; however, credits will only be counted once in total. If you fulfill the ten goal areas in fewer than 40 credits, you can select courses within any of the goals to achieve the 40-credit total. In addition to the 40 credit core, the AA requires you to complete 18 additional credits, which may be MnTC goalfulfilling courses, pre-major requirements, or electives and 2 credits in Health/Physical Education. The AFA, AS and the AAS degrees and the diplomas and certificates at Century College also use MnTC courses to fulfill their general education requirements.

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is in place to help you meet the social, personal, and career challenges of the 21st Century. Therefore, the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum commits all public colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota to a broad educational foundation that integrates a body of knowledge and skills with a study of contemporary concerns. The goals and competencies emphasize our common membership in the human community; our personal responsibility for intellectual, lifelong learning; and an awareness that we live in a diverse world. They include diverse ways of knowing-that is, the factual content, the theories and methods, and the creative modes of a broad spectrum of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields-as well as emphasis on the basic skills of discovery, integration, application and communication.

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is divided into ten areas of emphasis, known as goals. You may transfer the MnTC in each of the following ways:

1. As an entire package: If you complete the transfer curriculum at one institution, it will be accepted as completion of the transfer curriculum at Century College.
2. As a goal area: completion of a goal area of the MnTC at one institution will be accepted as a goal completion at Century College.
3. As courses within goal areas: If you complete a course which is included as part of a goal area at the sending institution, it will be accepted for full credit within the same goal area at Century College. When a course you have taken meets requirements for two different goal areas at a sending institution, the course will be accepted in transfer at Century College for the same two goal areas.

MnTC Goals and Competencies

1. Communication
   This goal is designed to help students develop as writers and speakers who use the English language effectively and who read, write, speak and listen critically. As a base, all students should complete introductory communication requirements early in their collegiate studies. Writing competency is an ongoing process to be reinforced through writing-intensive courses and writing across the curriculum. Speaking and listening skills need reinforcement through multiple opportunities for interpersonal communication, public speaking, and discussion.
2. Critical Thinking
   This goal is designed to help students develop as thinkers who are able to unify factual, creative, rational, and value-sensitive modes of thought. Critical thinking will be taught and used throughout the general education curriculum in order to develop students’ awareness of their own thinking and problem-solving procedures. To integrate new skills into their customary ways of thinking, students must be actively engaged in practicing thinking skills and applying them to open-ended problems.
3. Natural Sciences
   This goal is designed to improve students’ understanding of natural science principles and of the methods of scientific inquiry (i.e., the ways in which scientists investigate natural science phenomena). As a basis for life-long learning, students need to know the vocabulary of science and to realize that, while a set of principles has been developed through the work of previous scientists, ongoing scientific inquiry and new knowledge will bring changes in some ways scientists view the world. By studying the problems that engage today’s scientists, students learn to appreciate the importance of science in their lives and to understand the value of a scientific perspective.
4. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
   This goal is designed to increase students’ knowledge about mathematical and logical modes of thinking. Mathematics and logic will enable students to appreciate the breadth of applications of mathematics, evaluate arguments, and detect fallacious reasoning. Students will learn to apply mathematics, logic, and/or statistics to help them make decisions in their lives and careers.
5. History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
   This goal is designed to increase students’ knowledge of how historians and social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals,  groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
6. Humanities and Fine Arts
   This goal is designed to expand students’ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and the fine arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamentals to the health and survival of any society.
7. Human Diversity
   This goal is designed to increase students’ understanding of individual and group differences (e.g., race, gender, class) and their knowledge of the traditions and values of various groups in the United States. Students should be able to evaluate the United States’ historical and contemporary responses to group differences.
8. Global Perspective
   This goal is designed to increase students’ understanding of the growing interdependence of nations and peoples and develop their ability to apply a comparative perspective to cross-cultural social, economic and political experiences.
9. Ethical and Civic Responsibility
   This goal is designed to develop students’ capacity to identify, discuss, and reflect upon the ethical dimensions of political, social, and personal life and to understand the ways in which they can exercise responsible and productive citizenship. While there are diverse views of social justice or the common good in a pluralistic society, students should learn that responsible citizenship requires them to develop skills to understand their own and others’ positions, be part of the free exchange of ideas, and function as publicminded citizens.
10. People and the Environment
    This goal is designed to improve students’ understanding of today’s complex environmental challenges. Students will examine the interrelatedness of human society and the natural environment. Knowledge of both biophysical principles and sociocultural systems is the foundation for integrative and critical thinking about environmental issues.

Technology and Information Resources

Students who complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are expected to use computers, libraries, and other appropriate technology and information resources which play an increasingly important role in our personal, educational, and work lives. Students will have many opportunities to use and refine technological and research skills throughout their lowerdivision general education.

Students who have not had experience with technology and information resources should contact a counselor/advisor or program advisor to obtain assistance in registering for appropriate courses.

MnTC Distribution Requirements

Goal 1 - Communication: Minimum of 10 credits including ENGL 1021 , ENGL 1022  and at least one 3-credit Communication course from COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041  or COMM 1051 .

Goal 2 - Critical Thinking: Fulfilled when all MnTC goals are complete.

Goal 3 - Sciences: Minimum of 7 credits. Two courses from two different disciplines, with at least one traditional lab course.

Goal 4 - Math/Logical Reasoning: Minimum of 3 credits. Courses must be numbered between MATH 1025  and MATH 1082  or PHIL 1041 .

Goal 5 - History/Social and Behavioral Sciences: Minimum of 9 credits. Three courses from three different disciplines.

Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: Minimum of 9 credits. Three courses, at least one of which must be a literature course, from three different disciplines.

Goal 7 - 10 - Theme Goals: 3 credits in each of four goals 7-10. NOTE: May be fulfilled by courses from Goals 1-6, since many of those courses also meet Goals 7-10, or can be fulfilled with additional courses listed separately under Goals 7-10.

Remember: If you fulfill the 10 goal areas in fewer than 40 semester credits, select courses within any of the goals to achieve a 40 credit total.

Minnesota Transfer Course List

Courses marked with an asterisk* in goals 1-6 will also fulfill requirements in goals 7-10, goal number listed in parenthesis ( ) after course title.

Refer to the MnTC Course List  online for any additions or changes to the list.

Goals 7, 8, 9, 10- Theme Goals:

Credits in each of Goals 7-10 may be fulfilled with courses listed under Goals 1-6 above (denoted with an asterisk) OR by completing additional coursework from the following lists. (One course may fulfill a maximum of two goals, but the credits are only counted once.)

* course also fulfills a theme goal
+ traditional lab science course

Preparation for a Bachelor’s Degree

An Associate in Arts degree allows you to complete both general education requirements and pre-major requirements for a wide range of majors and programs at four-year colleges and universities. You should consult with a Century counselor/advisor so that you can be sure courses taken at Century fulfill the requirements of a particular field of study, and contact the transfer institution. Listed below are examples of the bachelor’s degree or preprofessional programs you may begin at Century:

 * Preprofessional programs
** Century Certificate available  

Transferring to Another College

Minnesota’s public colleges and universities are working to make transfer easier for you. You can help if you plan ahead, ask questions, and use the established pathways created by transfer agreements. Century counselors will assist you in planning the sequence of courses necessary to fulfill transfer program requirements. You can find copies of transfer guides for many of these programs in the Advising, Counseling, & Career Center, West Campus. In addition, many colleges and universities send representatives to Century to answer your questions.

If you are thinking about transferring, please follow these steps:

1. Discuss your plans with a Century counselor.
2. Call or visit your intended transfer college and its website. Obtain the following materials and information:

• college catalog
• transfer brochure
• information on admissions criteria and on materials required for admission (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, test scores, etc.). Please remember that some majors have limited enrollments or their own special requirements such as a higher grade point average.
• information on financial aid (how to apply and the dead-line date).

3. After you have reviewed these materials, make an appointment to talk with an advisor/counselor in the college or program you want to enter. When you meet, be sure to ask about course transfer and admission criteria.
4. Refer to Transfer , the Minnesota Transfer website, and Transferology.

In addition, each fall, Century College Advising, Counseling, & Career Center hosts “Transfer Information Days” for students which can help you in your planning process.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements facilitate your credit transfer and provide you with a smooth transition from one related degree program to another. Century College has formed articulation agreements with a number of public and private institutions of higher learning in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin to help you with your transfer goals. Consult the Minnesota Transfer website to search by program or institution. Please see a counselor/advisor if you would like to see specific agreement benefits and requirements or if you need in further help or information.

Understanding How Transfer of Credits Works

1. The receiving college or university decides which credits transfer and whether those credits meet its degree requirements. The accreditation of both your sending and your receiving institution can affect whether the credits you earn will transfer.
2. Institutions accept credits from courses and programs that are similar to those they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content, and level.
3. Not everything that transfers will help you graduate. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education; major/minor courses and prerequisites; and electives. The key question is, “Will your credits fulfill the requirements of the degree or program you choose?”
4. If you change your career goal or major, you might not be able to complete all degree requirements within the usual number of graduation credits. If you change your degree/major program, complete the Student Change of Information form available on Century’s website or at the Records Office.

Applying for Transfer Admission

1. Completing an Application for Admission is always the first step in transferring. Fill out the application early to beat the deadline. Send the application fee.
2. Request that official transcripts be sent from every institution you have attended. You may be required to provide a high school transcript or GED test scores as well. Failure to send a transcript from a school you have attended can result in serious consequences such as dismissal.
3. Confirm that you have supplied the college or university with all the necessary documentation. Most colleges make no decisions until all required documents are in your file.
4. After the college notifies you that you have been accepted for admission, request that your submitted transcript’s credits be evaluated for transferable credits. Ask that a written evaluation be provided.
5. If you have questions about your evaluation, speak with a Counselor or the DARS Transfer Office. Ask why judgments were made about specific courses. Many concerns can be cleared up if you understand why the decisions were made. If you are not satisfied, you can appeal. See “Your Rights as a Transfer Student” below.

Your Rights as a Transfer Student

As a transfer student, you have the right to the following:

1. A clear, understandable statement of an institution’s transfer policy.
2. A fair credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.
3. A copy of the formal appeals process. Common appeal steps are as follows:
   1. You fill out an appeal form. Supplemental information you provide to reviewers - a syllabus, course description, or reading list - can help.
   2. Department or committee will review.
   3. You will receive, in writing, the outcome of the appeal.
   4. You can petition the decision.
4. At your request, a review of your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.

If you would like help with your transfer questions or problems, please see a Century College counselor/advisor.

Associate in Arts Degree

Overview

The Associate in Arts degree (AA) is intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college to complete a bachelor’s degree. It can be considered the first two years of a four-year degree program. The AA degree is a general liberal arts degree, and no specific major is listed in conjunction with the degree. However, you may choose to concentrate in a particular field of study as preparation for a planned major at a four-year college or university. You must take at least 40 of the 60 credits within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) outlined in the preceding section. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, you should work with one of Century’s counselors/advisors prior to, and during, enrollment at Century College to help you plan an appropriate program (both general education and major requirements). An agreement with Minnesota State colleges and universities provides that Century College’s Associate in Arts Degree or MnTC will satisfy all of the lower-division general education requirements of any of the state universities.

An agreement with the University of Minnesota provides that an Associate in Arts Degree or MnTC will satisfy the Liberal Education requirements.

Century also has agreements with private and out-of-state colleges/universities (e.g., Augsburg College, College of St. Scholastica, Concordia University-St. Paul, St. Catherine University, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University of Wisconsin-Stout, North Dakota State University and University of North Dakota) to allow easy transfer of the AA degree.

General Requirements for AA degree

1. At least 60 earned college-level credits (numbered 1000 or above). Of the credits applied toward the Associate in Arts Degree, you must earn at least 20 credits at Century College.
2. A grade of C or better in ENGL 1021 .
3. Century college-level GPA of 2.0 and MnTC GPA of 2.0.

Total credits required for an AA degree: 60

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum: 40

Electives, additional MnTC, and/or pre-major: 16

Physical Education/Health Required: 2

College Success Strategies, STSC 1021 .

MnTC Distribution Requirements for the AA Degree (or MnTC Notation):
Goal 1 - Communication: Minimum of 10 credits including ENGL 1021 , ENGL 1022 , and at least one 3-credit Communication course from COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041 , or COMM 1051  

Goal 2 - Critical Thinking: Fulfilled when all MnTC goals are complete.

Goal 3 - Sciences: Minimum of 7 credits. Two courses from two different disciplines, with at least one traditional lab course.

Goal 4 - Math/Logical Reasoning: Minimum of 3 credits. Courses must be numbered between MATH 1025   and MATH 1082  or PHIL 1041 .

Goal 5 - History/Social and Behavioral Sciences: Minimum of 9 credits. Three courses from three different disciplines.

Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: Minimum of 9 credits. Three courses, at least one of which must be a literature course, from three different disciplines.

Goal 7 - 10 - Theme Goals: 3 credits in each of four Goals 7-10. NOTE: May be fulfilled by courses from Goals 1-6, since many of those courses also meet Goals 7-10, or can be fulfilled with additional courses listed separately under Goals 7-10.

Remember: If you fulfill the 10 goal areas in fewer than 40 semester credits, select courses within any of the goals to achieve a 40 credit total. NOTE: For goal course options, see MnTC course list.

Health/Physical Education: Minimum of 2 credits in Health/Physical Education, with at least one Physical Education activity course.

College Success Strategies: STSC 1021  

Recommended

Computer Literacy: Recognizing the importance of computer literacy in the world today, Century College recommends you develop computer skills appropriate for your major field by either selecting courses that are computer based or selecting a course(s) that will fulfill this need.

Associate in Fine Arts

Overview

The Associate in Fine Arts degree (AFA) is primarily intended for those students who plan to transfer to another college to complete a bachelor’s degree. It can be considered the first two years of a four-year degree program. The AFA degree is a liberal arts degree with a concentration in a designated discipline in the fine arts.

AFA Degree Programs  

Transfer note: Please see articulation information and a Century counselor/advisor for specific transfer assistance.

General Requirements for the AFA degree:

1. At least 60 earned college-level credits (numbered 1000 or above). Of the credits applied toward the Associate in Fine Arts Degree, at least 20 must be earned at Century College.
2. A grade of C or better in ENGL 1021 .
3. Century college-level GPA of 2.0; required fine arts core courses GPA of 2.0; MnTC GPA of 2.0.
4. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

MnTC Distribution Requirements for the AFA degree:

Credit and course requirements are unique for each program. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Associate in Science Degree

Overview

The Associate in Science degree (AS) is primarily intended for you if you wish to balance liberal arts education with careeroriented classes. The primary purpose of the degree is to provide the credentials for a specific career and prepare you for admission to an upper-division college. The extent to which your credits transfer to a four-year college varies somewhat with the specific program completed and the subsequent major selected (see note below). Approximately one-half of the coursework consists of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (liberal arts and general education) credits and one-half is comprised of career or occupational courses.

AS Degree Programs  

Transfer note: While the AS degree has more limited general transferability than the AA degree, specific transfer agreements do exist with selected upper-division colleges. Please see a Century counselor/advisor for specific information.

General Requirements for the AS degree:

1. At least 60 earned college-level credits (numbered 1000 or above). Of the credits applied toward the Associate in Science Degree, you must earn at least 20 credits at Century College.
2. A grade of C or better in ENGL 1021 .
3. Century college-level GPA of 2.0; required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0; MnTC GPA of 2.0.
4. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

MnTC Distribution Requirements for the AS degree:

The minimum Minnesota Transfer Curriculum distribution requirements for the AS degree are listed below. Credit and course requirements are unique for each program. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Required MnTC Distribution:

Goal 1 - Communication: Minimum of 7 credits including ENGL 1021 - Composition I  and at least one 3-credit Communication course from COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041  or COMM 1051 .

Goal 2 - Critical Thinking: Fulfilled when all MnTC goals complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4 - Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning: Minimum of 6 credits; two courses from either Goal 3 and/or 4. Goal 4 courses must be numbered between MATH 1025   and MATH 1082  or PHIL 1041 .

Goal 5 - History/Social and Behavioral Sciences: Minimum of 6 credits. Two courses from two different disciplines.

Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: Minimum of 6 credits. Two courses from two different disciplines.

Goal 7 - 10 - Theme Goals: 3 credits in each of two Goals 7-10. NOTE: May be fulfilled by courses from Goals 1-6, since many of those courses also meet Goals 7-10, or can be fulfilled with additional courses listed separately under Goals 7-10

NOTE: For goal course options, please see MnTC Course List .

Recommended

Health/Physical Education: In recognition of the importance of health and wellness to a thriving society and personal well-being, it is recommended that you take courses that emphasize life-long health, fitness, and wellness.

Computer Literacy: Recognizing the importance of computer literacy in the world today, it is recommended that you develop computer skills appropriate for your major field by either selecting courses that are computer based or selecting a course(s) that will fulfill this need.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Overview

The Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) is primarily intended if you plan to use the competence gained through your degree for immediate employment. The AAS degree is granted in a specific major and typically at least one-half of the coursework is in the program area, approximately one-third is from Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (general education and liberal arts), and the balance of credits are either in your program area or general education depending on the specific program you chose..

AAS Degree Programs  

Transfer note: The AAS degree is not designed to transfer to an upper-division college. However, the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses typically do transfer and some of the career-oriented courses taken at Century may also transfer to specific majors at selected colleges or universities. Also, some articulation agreements exist between programs and upper division colleges. If you would like more information about transferring credits to other colleges and universities, please consult with a Century counselor/advisor for assistance.

General Requirements for the AAS degree:

1. At least 60 earned college-level credits (numbered 1000 or above). Of the credits applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree, at least 20 must be earned at Century College.
2. A grade of C or better in ENGL 1021 .
3. Century college-level GPA of 2.0; required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0; and MnTC GPA of 2.0.
4. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

MnTC Distribution Requirements for the AAS degree:

The minimum Minnesota Transfer Curriculum distribution requirements for the AAS degree are listed below. Credit and course requirements are unique for each program. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Required MnTC Distribution:

Goal 1 - Communication: Minimum of 7 credits including ENGL 1021 , Composition I, and at least one 3-credit Communication course from COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041  or COMM 1051 .

Goal 2 - Critical Thinking: Fulfilled when all MnTC goals complete.

Goal 3 and/or 4 - Sciences/Math/Logical Reasoning: Minimum of 3 credits; one course from either Goal 3 and/or 4. Goal 4 courses must be numbered between MATH 1025   and MATH 1082  or PHIL 1041 .

Goal 5 - History/Social and Behavioral Sciences: Minimum of 3 credits.

Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: Minimum of 3 credits.

Goal 7 - 10 - Theme Goals: 3 credits in one of the four Goals 7-10. NOTE: May be fulfilled by courses from Goals 1-6, since many of those courses also meet Goals 7-10, or can be fulfilled with additional courses listed separately under Goals 7-10.

NOTE: For goal course options, see MnTC Course List .

Recommended

Health/Physical Education: In recognition of the importance of health and wellness to a thriving society and personal well-being, it is recommended that students take courses that emphasize life-long health, fitness, and wellness.

Computer Literacy: Recognizing the importance of computer literacy in the world today, it is recommended that students develop computer skills appropriate for their major fields by either selecting courses that are computer based or selecting a course(s) that will fulfill this need.

Certificates and Diplomas

Overview

Occupational diplomas and certificates are intended for those students who want to focus on learning specific occupational skills and use them for immediate employment or career advancement. Century offers certificates with up to 30 credits and occupational diplomas of at least 31 credits.

Diploma and Certificate Program Areas  

General Requirements:

1. Diplomas: At least 31 earned college-level credits, Certificates: up to 30 earned college-level credits.
2. Century college-level GPA of 2.0; required career and occupational courses GPA of 2.0; MnTC GPA of 2.0.
3. A grade of C or higher in ENGL 1021  If this is the Goal 1 course selected. (Exception: 16 credit, or less, certificates)
4. Refer to Programs and Degress for details about the requirements for your program and check your DARS and AgileGrad plan in consultation with your assigned Century counselor/advisor for your particular academic pathway.

Distribution Requirements:

Certificate: Up to 30 credits
Diploma: 31 credits and above

The minimum distribution requirements are listed above. Credit and course requirements are unique to each program. Please refer to the curriculum requirements listed in the next chapter of the catalog, for specific requirements of each program. A minimum of one third of the credits must be earned at Century College.

NOTE: For goal course options, see MnTC Course List .