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Student Performance

Grading System

A = 90-100 = Outstanding Achievement
B = 80-89 = Above Average Performance
C = 70-79 = Average Performance
D = 60-69 = Below Average Performance
F = Below 60 = Unsatisfactory
W = Withdrawal
I = Incomplete
S = Satisfied by Exam
T = Transferred Credits
WNA = Withdrawal - Not Attempted
 
An "I" grade is given for incomplete term work due to emergency circumstances. Time frames and work to be completed are determined by the instructor. If terms of the agreement are not satisfied, the "I" grade will be converted to an "F" grade.
 
Withdrawal without penalty from courses may occur through the first 12 weeks of the term with the approval of the counselor and instructor. Depending upon the circumstances, withdrawal after the twelfth week may result in a "F" grade.

Quality Points

A = 4 quality points
B = 3 quality points
C = 2 quality points
D = 1 quality point
F = 0 quality points
 
The cumulative quality point average, or CQPA, is determined by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits attempted while in that training area. A "D" or "F" grade will not be considered in the CQPA if the course is repeated and a passing grade is received.
 
Computation of the quality point average, or QPA, is determined by dividing quality points earned by the number of credits attempted in that term.

Grade Reports and Transcripts

Grades are entered on grade reports at the end of each term and copies are issued to students. Transcripts are available upon written request.
 

Satisfactory Progress

At CTI@HGAC, satisfactory progress is defined as:
  1. Maintain a minimum QPA of 2.0 each term. Students must have a minimum CQPA of 2.0 to graduate.
  2. Meet the standards of the CTI@HGAC attendance policy.
  3. Maintain good standing by being in compliance with the rules and regulations relative to the school and HGAC Student Code of Conduct.
 
In special cases, a student's program may be extended up to 50 percent of the program hours. Course withdrawals are not included in computing the QPA. In the event a course is repeated, the higher grade is used in computing the QPA. Non-credit remedial courses are not included in computing the QPA.

Probation and Reinstatement

If a student falls below the first two criteria listed under Satisfactory Progress, a conference will be scheduled with the student and the counselor and the student will be placed on one-term probation. At the end of the probationary period, the student's progress will be reevaluated and if satifactory progress has not been met, an extended probation or termination will result. If the requirements are satisfied, the student is reinstated. Reinstatement after termination occurs through the regular admissions process. Students are entitled to Title IV funds while on probation.

Advanced Standing and Transfer of Credit

A credit hour is a unit of measure, not necessarily an indicator of transferability of credit. The receiving institution determines whether to accept credits requested for transfer. No more than 20 percent of program credits can be completed through transfer of credit or credit-by-exam.
 
Specific questions relative to the transferability of credit-by-exam should be directed to the Commonwealth Technical Institute (CTI) Diretor of Education prior to admission to CTI.
 
A student may transfer credit and receive advanced standing by one of the following methods.
  1. A "B" or higher grade may be transferred from another accreditated postsecondary school if the credit for a course is equal in content to the CTI course and satisfies a CTI program requirement. An official transcript and course description must be submitted to the CTI Education Director for review prior to admission.
  2. For the purpose of reviewing the student's request, the CTI Education Director or designee will assist the student with the completion of a Transcript Evaluation and Credit Transfer Application.
  3. Credits submitted for consideration must have been completed no more than ten years prior to the request.
  4. CTI reserves the right to test proficiency of any student in course work transferred from another institution and to disallow credit in courses in which the student cannot demonstrate satisfactory proficiency.
  5. Petition for credit-by-exam for "program related" courses must be approved by the CTI Education Director. The student must earn a "B" or higher in order to receive credit.
  6. Advanced standing may be available through articulation agreements with secondary career and technical schools. CTI follows the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Career and Technical Education guidelines relative to "Programs of Study."
  7. Advanced standing and transfer of credit requests must take place prior to admission or during the first week of class. No credit requests will be considered after the first week of the class.

Portfolio Assessments for Former Diploma Graduates of CTI@HGAC

Under certain circumstances, advanced placement through portfolio assessment can be awarded to CTI@HGAC alumni who wish to apply training and/or practical work experience, subsequent to graduation, toward upgrading their diploma to associate degree status.
 
The following procedures and rules apply to this process:
  1. The student must be a graduate of CTI@HGAC who has received a diploma in a training program and wants to upgrade completed diploma credential to a specialized associate degree in the field related to the program.
  2. The student will need to send a requesting "letter of intent" to the CTI@HGAC director of education outlining the request to have a portfolio assessment conducted.
  3. The director of education will review the studentÂ’s status and determine if additional training and/or work experience are needed to receive the specialized associate degree. Requirements will be provided, in writing, to the student. The student will be required to provide documentary proof of all training and/or work experiences subsequent to graduating from CTI@HGAC. This documentation will become part of a portfolio that will be kept as a permanent student record. Decisions of the director of education will be final.
  4. The director of education will issue the specialized associate degree award.

Change of Program

A change of program must be initiated by the student and/or counselor with input from the instructor and an add/drop form must be completed and processed.

Knowledge of Requirements

Advisors will help with course and program selection; however, the responsibility for knowledge of requirements, course prerequisites and verification of records remains with the student. Students should be familiar with this catalog and monitor their progress toward graduation.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Specialized Associate Degree Programs
    1. Completion of the AST or ASB curriculum
    2. A cumulative QPA of 2.0 or better
    3. Fulfillment of financial and other obligations to HGAC or related service provider
    4. Satisfaction of attendance requirements
  2. Diploma Programs
    1. Completion of the diploma curriculum
    2. An overall "C" average or higher
    3. Fulfillment of financial and other obligations to HGAC or related service provider
    4. Satisfaction of attendance requirements

Degrees and Diplomas

CTI@HGAC offers two types of academic awards.
 
Degree
To receive an Associate in Specialized Business or Associate in Specialized Technology Degree, a student must enroll in a Specialized Degree Program, maintain a cumulative QPA of 2.0 or better, complete the minimum hours and credits and satisfy attendance requirements.
 
Diploma
To receive a diploma, the student must complete the required instructional units and attain an overall grade average of "C" or better and satisfy attendance requirements.
 
Continuing Education
Continuing Education helps students enhance their career opportunities by enrolling in courses at CTI@HGAC. Continuing Education is customized to meet students' needs, complement their abilities and increase employment opportunities.
 
Continuing Education is determined prior to a student's admission for training and is written into the student's Individual Plan for Employment, or IPE, by the OVR counselor. However, a student already enrolled in a training program can be considered for Continuing Education following a meeting, or special staffing, with the student, CTI advisor and the HGAC counselor to discuss the student's progress. A Continuing Education Plan must be completed and processed. The Continuing Education Plan will commence at the start of the next term.
 
If a minimum of 12 credits is completed during a term of Continuing Education studies with a CQPA of 2.0 or better and all attendance requirements have been met, the student will be recognized during the graduation ceremony.
 
Students enrolled in Continuing Education are not eligible for financial aid.
 

Estimated Cost of Training

Tuition and room and board are charged on a per-term basis and are applied equally to all programs. The cost of tools, texts and uniforms vary for each program and are included in the tuition. Support services are provided as needed and charged according to usage. Itemized charges are presented on a monthly basis to be paid by the 20th of the succeeding month. Charges are subject to change with a twomonth notice. All rates may be adjusted July 1 to reflect the annual cost allocation plan based on the U. S. Department of Education OMB circular A-87. In order to determine the total tuition for specific programs, multiply the cost of one term by the number of terms stated on the program page.

Cost of Training

Tuition $5,612.00 per term
Dormitory and Dietary services $5,490.00 per term (stated refund policy applies.)

Cost of Support Services

Evaluation $185.00 per day
Physical Restoration $80.00 per unit
Assistive Technology $87.00 per unit
Classroom Driver Education
Behind the Wheel Driver Education
$60.00 per unit
$75.00 per unit
Transitional Living $194.00 per day
Student Activity/Technology Fee $50.00 per term
 
The student Activity & Technology Fee funds various activities, programs and events to benefit the student population, as well as the technology used in the dormitories and classrooms. When a student enters a Commonwealth Technical Institute academic program, the student will be assessed a $50.00 non-refundable Student Activity & Technology Fee. The Student Activity & Technology Fee is assessed per term, per eligible student, regardless of living status (residential or commuter).
 
Charges for support services are provided as needed and charged according to usage.
 
A fraction of a day or a fraction of an hour will be construed to mean a complete day or a full hour when billings are calculated.
 
Rates for special support services are available upon request.

Student Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students who qualify on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Financial aid personnel are available to answer questions during regular business hours.

Enrollment Status

Full time: continuous enrollment for a minimum of 12 credit hours per term in program areas.
Part time: continuous enrollment for less than 12 credit hours per term in program areas.

Comparable Information

Comparable information related to tuition, fees and program length can be acquired from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, Va. 22201, Telephone (703) 247-4212.

Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure

Questions or concerns regarding the school's terms of the enrollment agreement should be directed to the education director at the Commonwealth Technical Institute.
 
Questions or concerns that are not satisfactorily addressed by the education director may be brought to the attention of the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, 333 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa. 17126-0333.
 
Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. Students who do not feel the school has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, may contact the commission. All complaints considered by the commission must be in writing, with permission from the complainant(s) for the commission to forward a copy to the school. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the complaint's status and the final resolution. Direct all inquiries to the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, Va. 22201, (703) 247-4212. A copy of the Commission's Complaint form is available at the school and may be obtained by contacting the Education Director.
 
A comprehensive student complaint procedure is issued to students at the new student orientation and is posted in the Education Division office.
 
Students encountering a problem while at CTI@HGAC are asked to use the following chain of command to expedite a resolution. However, please note that security is always available for reporting and dealing with inapporpriate or illegal behavior.