NIC implemented several new policies this semester regarding admission and drops for nonpayment and nonattendance.
For the first time ever, NIC set an admissions application deadline on Aug. 12, terminating the school’s policy of rolling admissions.
“It was not easy for us,” said Sheldon Nord, vice president of student services. “As a community college, we pride ourselves on open admission and easy access.”
The application deadline was largely due to people applying last minute who weren’t prepared financially or academically.
“It’s all the ways not to start your college education,” Nord said. “One of the things we don’t want to do is set up people for failure or doubt right off the bat.”
A new drop for non-attendance policy was also created because of an increase in the return of Title IV funds in the last couple years. This year, instructors were asked to submit their attendance records by Aug. 29. Students were required to attend at least one class meeting by Aug. 30.
For online courses, the first week’s assignments had to be completed by the due date. Attendance was counted through participation. The non-attendance drop occurred on Aug. 30.
Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 concerns the administration of the US Federal Student Financial Aid Programs. When students do not attend registered classes, the Title IV money has to be returned to the Department of Education, and the college is responsible for tracking down the money from the students who did not attend. Nord said NIC paid $1 million back to the federal government last year.
“I definitely think it’s an important policy,” said Sue Shibley, computer applications and office technology instructor. “I know students on my roster have never shown up. It’s been a huge problem.”
Appeals were accepted until Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. for students that may have been mistakenly dropped. Students attempting to re-register met with an appeals committee Sep. 1, and were notified of the decision through the NIC student e-mail.
“People have reasons, and we needed to provide an opportunity for them to give their reasons that they missed the deadline,” Nord said.
About 434 students had at least one course dropped for nonattendance. There were 22 appeals, and 14 were approved by the committee.
“If one student is affected, it’s unfortunate,” Nord said. “There’s a relatively small number of people who abuse the system.”
The drop date for nonpayment policy changed as well. It went into effect Aug. 24.
“In the past, you were able to re-register three days later,” Nord said. “But this year, you weren’t able to register again. That was probably a bigger difference than the date.”
The committee for nonpayment appeals consisted of Sara Garcia, the controller of the business office and administrative services, and Sheldon Nord, the vice president for student services. Joe Bekken, the financial aid director, was also involved.
About 576 students were dropped for nonpayment. Nine of the 18 formal appeals were approved.
“If we found out it was a mistake on the college’s part, we automatically re-instated them,” Nord said.
