Special Credit Programs

Credit by Exam Program

Students who have acquired an unusual amount of information through independent study, reading and experience can receive advanced standing toward a degree with course credit by examination or evaluation of credentials. Following is information on the nationally-recognized examinations that can be used for credit or placement plus policies and procedures which are applicable at Del Mar College.

Policies

1. Only students who are currently enrolled or are former Del Mar College students are eligible to apply for credit. Informal evaluation will be done free of charge.
2. Credit by exam - College Board Advance Placement (AP), College Board Achievement Exam (SAT II), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) will be accepted as "credit only" (CR) and will not affect a student's_Grade Point Average (GPA).
3. Only an "A" or "B" grade receives credit for departmental exams. Grade points are given for a departmental exam and a footnote indicating that credit was obtained by examination will be indicated on the transcript.
4. Credit earned by evaluation of credentials will be determined by the pass/fail method. No grade other than "CR," the number of credit hours, course number and title are recorded on the transcript.
5. Examinations offered at Del Mar College can be retaken only after 6 months have elapsed. Some departmental examinations cannot be retaken.
6. Credit by examination satisfies degree requirements in the same way as credit earned by passing courses, except that it cannot be used to satisfy the last 25 percent of semester credit hours earned at Del Mar College, which is the residency requirement for graduation.
7. Credit may not be earned by examination for most performance-oriented courses, such as applied music, music ensembles, radio-television, speech, physical activities, etc.

The CLEP subject examinations, the ACT exam and departmental exams are offered at Del Mar College. A variety of exams for the purpose of certification, registry, or licensing are also given. Information about testing procedures can be obtained from both the East and West Campus Counseling and Advising Centers or the Testing Office at the Multiservice Center.

Procedures

1. Obtain a petition to record credit in the Counseling and Advising Center, Registrar's Office, or the appropriate academic department.
2. If necessary, have the petition signed by the department chairperson.
3. Pay the required fee at the Business Office.
4. Take the test or present documentation for evaluation. If credit is granted, the results will be forwarded by the department chairperson to the dean and to the Registrar's Office.

Fees

A statement of fees and evaluation charges is available at the Business Office and the East and West Campus Counseling and Advising Centers.

National Standardized Test - The College Board Achievement Exams (SAT II)

The College Board Advance Placement Exams

PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY NOTE: Course and number of hours credited depend on exams successfully completed. May require chairperson's evaluation of scores and student's credentials, including high school transcript and record of laboratory work.

Credit by DANTES

Credit by CLEP Subject Examination Program

No credit is awarded for the General Examinations.

CHEMISTRY NOTE: Course and number of hours credited depend on exams successfully completed. May require chairperson's evaluation of scores and student's credentials, including high school transcript and record of laboratory work.

Credit Based on ACT/SAT

The Department of English will award credit for ENGL 1301 when any of the following conditions are met:

1. Have an ACT English score of 31/SAT verbal score of 680 or
2. Have an ACT English score of 28-30/SAT verbal score of 670 and predominantly "A" grades in four years of high school English or
3. Have an ACT English score of 26-27/SAT verbal score of 660 and all "A" grades in four years of high school English.

Scores cannot be more than five years old.

Departmental Examinations

Each department chairperson sets the requirements for students to meet in order to take a departmental examination for credit. Generally, students are eligible to apply for this exam if they earned predominantly "A" grades in the subject in high school and scored exceptionally high on a nationally-recognized test and/or if they can demonstrate to the department chairperson significant and relevant experience in the subject area.

Departmental exams will not be given for developmental courses nor for any course in which a student is presently enrolled. Arrangements for testing are made through the department chairpersons.

Evaluation of Credentials

Students may earn credit by departmental evaluation of various credentials where such learning can be documented as substantially equivalent to a Del Mar course. Credit will be accepted and applied from the following:

• Nontraditional transcripts (armed forces schools, real estate boards, American Institute of Banking, hospital schools, cosmetology schools)
• State or national board exams (Vocational Nurse Education, Registered Nurse Education, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology)
• Experience in business, military administration and industry
• High school programs or military training included in written articulation agreements with the College.

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To improve accessibility of college courses, the Department of Distance Learning provides technical support for credit and noncredit distance learning courses. Distance Learning course content is the same as that offered on campus and has the same semester hour credit, accreditation and transferability as the traditional on-campus course. Admission requirements, registration procedures and tuition costs are the same as for an on-campus course. While distance learning courses allow more flexibility to schedule courses, they may require more discipline and commitment. Successful distance learning students dedicate specific time each week to their studies, stay committed to completing class assignments and take the initiative to stay in contact with their instructors.

Fewer than 50% of a student's credit hours toward a degree or certificate may be taken as Distance Learning courses (online courses, videoconferencing courses, etc.).

Web-based Courses

A Web-based class is one in which the course work and assignments are completed through the Internet. Students may be required to participate in orientation activities, either on campus or online, for distance learning courses. Students taking distance learning courses are encouraged to go to www.delmar.edu/distancelearning/courses.php and click the appropriate term to determine what orientation activities will be required prior to the start of each term. Students may also contact their course instructor. Students failing to attend required orientation activities may be dropped from class.

Some Web-based courses may require some on-campus testing and assignments. However, most of the work will be done over the Internet. Communication with the instructor will be done in a number of ways, including discussion boards and email. Web-based courses require greater self-discipline on the part of the student since he or she is able to set his/her own study schedule. Students will need access to a computer that will handle the appropriate versions of Web browsers and a reliable connection to the Internet.

Interactive Video Courses (Videoconferencing)

Interactive video, or videoconferencing, courses are taught to two or more sites through the use of videoconferencing equipment. The instructor is at one site and the video and audio images are carried electronically to students at other sites. Interactive video courses require that students be at one of the sites at the scheduled time for each class meeting. The only difference from a traditional on-campus course is that the instructor may be in another city and is seen over the television. Images and voices of students at distance sites are transmitted back to the instructor via television in real time.

Off-Campus Courses

The College offers credit courses off-campus throughout the Coastal Bend area. This program is offered as a community service to make college offerings more accessible throughout its service area. Off-campus courses are the same as on-campus courses and are taught by instructors with the same qualifications. All admission, assessment, tuition and fee requirements are the same as for on-campus courses.

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The Dual Credit Program allows area high school students to simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit while still in high school. The academic challenge of this program offers a more rigorous curriculum taught either at the high school home campus, at the Del Mar College campus, or through distance learning by credentialed College instructors. Eligible students who meet the admissions requirements for Del Mar College may enroll in dual credit courses approved on the Dual Credit application by their high school counselor and principal and by a Del Mar College official. The courses are designed to apply to Del Mar College graduation or to transfer to other public higher education institutions.

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Policies and Procedures for Receiving Credit for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program:

Incoming freshmen who have earned the International Baccalaureate Diploma will be awarded at least 24 semester hours of college credit for all IB exam scores of 4 or above. Fewer credits may be granted if the student has scored less than 4 on any IB exam administered as part of the diploma program. The maximum credit that a student can receive for the IB exams is 42 semester credit hours.

The student must apply for this credit as an entering freshman to the Office of Admissions and Registrar. The following documents are required in order for the evaluation to be completed:

1. Application for admission
2. Official International Baccalaureate Transcript
3. Compliance with the Texas Success Initiative

Once all documents are received, the IB transcript will be evaluated for the award of credit and the student will be notified regarding the amount of credit awarded by the college.

Students who have not received the IB Diploma but have scored a 4 or above on an IB exam may also apply for credit.

International Baccalaureate Credit by Exam Policy:

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Short semester courses are offered as an alternative to the traditional semester course offerings throughout the school year. All shortened courses consist of the same number of class contact hours as similar courses offered in a regular session or summer session. These courses have the same objectives, requirements and quality of instruction as regular length courses. Examples of short semester courses are Rapid Track Classes and Maymesters.

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This program was developed to meet the needs of the State of Texas for highly motivated and highly trained individuals with Bachelor's degrees interested in nontraditional routes to the teaching profession.

The Alternative Certification for Teachers program is ideal for those who desire to teach in grades 4-8, hold a Bachelor's degree and are looking to change careers, return to the workforce, begin a new career after retirement, or separate or retire from the military. Training offered by the program will provide individuals the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach the content in Texas public schools.

The program is intensive, fast-tracked and modular based. Classes are held on evenings and weekends to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Uncertified individuals planning to enter the teaching field: For individuals seeking initial certification and who are not employed as a teacher by an independent school district, the program will provide background in educational philosophy, theory, pedagogy, instructional technology and effective teaching practices to succeed in the classroom.

Additional certification areas may have been added since this Catalog's printing. Contact the Alternative Certification for Teachers program for current information.

Program Requirements

Minimum Requirements prior to Admission:

• Have an earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, based on a four-point (4.0) scale
• Complete application process (see below)

Application Process

1. Submit or mail a completed application for admission packet with non-refundable $45/$75 application fee. Fee must accompany application.
2. Identify certification area.
3. Take and pass the THEA test within the last five years.
4. Request official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
5. Send out forms for recommendations.
6. Application screening and personal interview with Alternative Certification for Teachers staff.

For the application deadline, call the Alternative Certification for Teachers office. Complete application and mail to the Del Mar College ACT office. Applications are available online at www.delmar.edu/acteachers

Program Requirements prior to First Year of Teaching:

• 150-250 contact hours in content, classroom management, methods for teaching and strategies for learning. Exact number of required contact hours depends on area of certification.
• 30 hours of early field-based experiences and journal reflections
• Take and pass the content area TExES exam

During First Year of Teaching:

• Full-time employment at an independent school district
• Fully certified to teach on a probationary certificate
• Full pay as a first year teacher of record
• Participate in mentoring programs from campus and college.
• 100 hours of professional development during supported internship
• Receive full teacher benefits from school system
• Take and pass Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES exam

Throughout the first year of teaching, a mentoring program will provide support and the opportunity to apply and refine newly acquired teaching skills under the supervision of an on-campus mentor. Our advisors will work closely with interns, offering advice and suggestions for success.

Program participants successfully completing the TExES exit exams, the mentoring program and fulfilling all requirements from the Alternative Certification for Teachers program will be recommended to the Texas Education Agency for full teacher certification.

Program and Testing Fees

In addition to the DMC-ACT program fees, each individual will be financially responsible for costs associated with testing and certification.

Fees due upon application (non-refundable)

• In District: $45 (within Corpus Christi city limits)
• Out of District: $75 (outside Corpus Christi city limits)

The total cost of the program including textbooks is $5,000 if paid in three installments, or $4,900 if paid in a single payment.

Requirements for Certification

Successful completion of the following:

1. Content anad Pedagogy Courses
2. Early Field-Based Experiences
3. Passing TExES exams
4. Positive Internship performance (2 semesters)

Training Schedule

During preservice training, participants will study content in specific courses, pedagogy and professional responsibilities and effective teaching practices. Most preservice classes will be held during evening hours. Support classes will meet two Saturdays each month during the first year of teaching.

Additional student fees for Texas State Certification:

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES Exam: $82
Content Area TExES Exam: $82
Fingerprinting: $10-$20
National Criminal History Fee: $47
Probationary Certificate Fee: $52
Standard Certificate Fee: $77

All Alternative Certification for Teachers costs and fees are subject to change. For more detailed information please visit the DMC-ACT Web site: www.delmar.edu/acteachers

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Del Mar College is an active member of the College Tech-Prep of the Coastal Bend Consortium and has numerous Tech-Prep Associate Degrees. These programs, developed cooperatively with local business/industry along with the consortium's high schools, focus on the demand careers of the region. Tech-Prep programs have two unique features: Bridge Curricula and Enhanced Skills Options.

The Bridge Curricula consists of the articulated technical courses offered at the high schools. Students in grades 9-12 following an approved six year Tech-Prep plan may earn up to 16 semester hours of college credit within a degree program. The courses are college technical courses taught at the high school as part of an agreement between a school district and Del Mar College. Once a student enrolls in Del Mar College and completes at least one college credit course, the student can request to have the credits earned while in high school (credit in escrow) transcripted. The student must request this credit within 24 months of high school graduation. Students successfully completing these credits in high school receive advanced placement or articulated credit based on an evaluation of their application file and required documents. Students who did not have an opportunity to take the Bridge courses in high school will be required to take these courses as a part of their degree plan.

Enhanced Skills Options have been developed for each Tech-Prep program. The Enhanced Skills courses have been developed with business/industry to provide further specialization to enhance employment and promotion opportunities. Students in Tech-Prep programs are encouraged to complete an appropriate Enhanced Skills Option. These options are offered either concurrently or following the Associate Degree program. Successful completion of an option results in the awarding of an Enhanced Skills certificate for the specialization.

Tech-Prep programs have also been linked with baccalaureate degree programs. Students planning to continue their educational program at a senior college should consult an advisor concerning specific degree requirements of the college to which a transfer is intended.

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Honors Program

The Honors Program offers several discipline-related honors plans, which provide intellectual stimulus and professional development, while awarding special recognition. Some plans provide a broad experience of interrelated study. Others emphasize intensive study of a single subject. For specifics of discipline-related plans, please contact your degree program advisor, department chairperson, or the Honors Program Coordinator in Room 127 of the Harvin Student Center at Del Mar College-East, or call (361) 698-1929.

For acceptance and continuance in any honors plan, a student must apply to the Honors Program, be admitted to both the College and the program and maintain the requirements of the program. In general, for admittance to the Honors Program, the student may qualify with any of the following:

• Minimum 3.2 grade point average (GPA) on all college work
• All of the following: a personal interview with the Honors Program Coordinator, written recommendation from an instructor and evidence of ability to succeed in challenging studies.

Reasonable progression toward completion of a plan, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, is required in the program. Probation or readmittance are possibilities.

College graduates, who complete requirements of their selected honors plan and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, will receive special designation on their official transcripts and a special seal on their diplomas.

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Honors courses are open to qualified students who have been admitted to the Honors Program and who have met prerequisites for the standard course and the honors component. Most employers and university faculty equate honors credits with challenged, enriched study. Therefore, the honors component of any course must have amplified substance and elevated prerequisites beyond those of the standard course. Assessment levels of R3, E3, M3 are recommended for all honors courses.

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