Student Handbook - Academic Policies Find out everything you need to know about classes, grades, advising, tutoring, and more.

It is not necessary to contact NWTC for an absence of one or two days unless requested by instructor. If a specific instructor requires students to report absences, students should phone the instructor directly at the number provided on the course syllabus. A message can be left on the instructor’s voice mail or email. If students are attending an evening course, they should contact the instructor’s department and request that a message be given to the instructor. 

Academic Coaching and Tutoring provides an additional layer of support to ensure you achieve your academic goals. Academic Coaching is committed to serving all students as an academic resource to promote student growth and success. Students who use Academic Coaching and tutoring receive course specific help along with practical experience with study skills, organization skills, time management, and confidence. We understand that school can be challenging; let us help you reach your academic goals at www.nwtc.edu/academiccoaching

The academic credit hour is the basic unit by which earned educational credits are measured and recorded on students’ records. This unit is utilized for determining the value of academic courses and time allocated to each course as programmatic components measure a student’s academic progression and degree completion. Course credit is calculated on a semester credit hour basis. Using actual contact hours, clock hours are converted to semester credit hours using the following general formulas; however, variations may take place if warranted by virtue of student learning outcomes having been satisfied.

• 15 lecture clock hours = 1 semester credit hour
• 30 laboratory clock hours = 1 semester credit hour
• 45 clinical/shop clock hours = 1 semester credit hour
• 60 simulated/occupational experience hours = 1 semester credit hour
• 180 on-the-job experience hours = 1 semester credit hour

Outside effort: In a lecture class, for everyone hour in-class, you are expected to spend two hours of outside effort; in a lab class, for every two hours in-class, you are expected to spend one hour of outside effort.

It is expected that students will make satisfactory progress each semester they are enrolled. Satisfactory progress at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College means achieving a minimum semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (“C”). The following academic progress policy applies to all program-declared degree and diploma students carrying 1 or more academic credits.

Academic Warning

A program student whose GPA falls below 2.0 for any semester will receive a communication stating they will be on warning for the next semester. Students and their program Dean or Associate Dean will be notified of the “Academic Warning Status” by email. To ensure successful progress toward completion of their program, the student will be referred to participate in academic coaching for their upcoming course(s). When the next consecutive semester GPA of 2.0 or better is attained, the student will be reinstated to non-warning status.

Academic Probation

A program student whose GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters will receive a communication they will be on academic probation for the next semester. Students and their program Dean or Associate Dean will be notified of the “Academic Probation Status” by email. To ensure successful progress toward the completion of their program, the student will be required to participate in academic coaching for their

upcoming course(s) or connect with a success advisor for a holistic discussion of any challenges the student is facing. If a student does not attend academic coaching and/or connect with a success advisor during their probation period, a hold will be placed on their account to prevent enrollment into the upcoming semester. When a semester GPA of 2.0 or better is attained, the student will be reinstated to non-probationary status.

Academic Dismissal

A program student whose GPA falls below 2.0 for three consecutive semesters will receive a communication they will be on academic dismissal for the next semester. Students and their program Dean or Associate Dean will be notified of the “Academic Dismissal Status” by email.

If a student has participated in academic coaching, they will be able to continue to enroll and will be required to actively continue academic coaching. Their status will be reevaluated at the end of their next term.

If a student has not participated in academic coaching previously and chooses not to attend coaching at this time, a hold will be placed on their account to prevent enrollment and they will be required to connect with a success advisor to explore a holistic discussion of any challenges the student may be facing.

The length of a program dismissal is one semester exclusive of summer. A student may re-enroll to the college after one semester by scheduling an appointment with a success advisor. Upon re-enrollment, the student will remain on academic probation and must meet the academic progress standards stated above and actively participate in academic coaching. Students are allowed to enroll in non-credit courses or Program Preparation coursework designed to work on basic academic skills during the semester of academic dismissal.

Appeal Process

A student has the right to request an appeal after having a conversation with a success advisor by contacting Enrollment Services and requesting an appointment with the Registrar to learn more about the appeal process and receive an appeal form to complete. After the student submits an appeal form to the Registrar, a team of NWTC staff will review the appeal, meet with the student, and make a final determination. The decision of this team is final, and there is no further appeal. If a student had previously registered for the upcoming term their next semester classes and their appeal is denied the classes will be dropped with no penalty.

Notes

Program changes will not affect a student’s Academic Progress status. Students on warning, probation, or dismissal prior to changing programs will remain on that same status.

*This policy stands as the minimum academic requirements, NWTC programs may have higher requirements.

The Admissions and Enrollment staff can provide up-to-date information on all NWTC programs, admission/application procedures, and program wait lists. For questions regarding admission to a NWTC program, students should contact Admissions at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-NWTC.

Applications

Applications to enter an associate degree or technical diploma program will be accepted from students who have, at least, entered their senior year of high school. NWTC begins accepting applications a year in advance. To apply, go to www.nwtc.edu.

Freedom of Access to Admissions

NWTC admits those applicants who have the desire and the determination to obtain a technical diploma or associate degree and who have completed the application procedures outlined in its various publications. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the application procedure so that all admission requirements can be met. Completed applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Individuals will be accepted upon evaluation and approval of their entrance requirements. The high school record and other transcripts, as well as test results submitted, are used exclusively in counseling and placement of aptitudes and motivations. Individuals may be admitted in a pre-program status if the above-mentioned criteria indicate the need for skill development in one or more areas.

Applications will not be accepted from students who owe past due balances and have service indicators on their accounts that prevent registration. Students who owe money should contact the Student Finance Office and satisfy the balance owed before applying to a program.

Individuals can enroll at NWTC if they meet statutory and Board-approved age requirements unless restricted by licensing, certification, or other regulations, statutes, or court decrees. Individuals who wish to enroll before reaching the age of 16, will be required to have a written consent of his/her parent or guardian and a NWTC divisional representative.  Learn more »

Assessment Policies

The Assessment and Testing Center helps support the overall mission of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. We provide high-quality testing services to our students and to the larger community that reflects a dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, educational advancement, and workforce development. A valid photo identification and related fees, if applicable, are required prior to testing.

The Assessment Center complies with NWTC’s Academic Integrity Policy. Testers who violate the policy will be asked to leave the Assessment Center. The incident will be reported to the instructor who will determine appropriate consequences.

Admission Assessments

Students are required to meet program and course placement requirements before being fully admitted to program pathway and/or enrolling in general education courses. If placement testing is required to meet the pre-requisite, students may take the Accuplacer at any NWTC location.

Students test in Accuplacer Arithmetic, Qualitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics, Advanced Algebra and Functions, Reading, and Writing.

Accuplacer Testing Procedures:

1. 1. Individuals who need to take the Accuplacer can do so on a walk-in basis within the hours listed below. For additional questions regarding the Accuplacer contact us at 920-498-5427.
   • Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
   • Friday 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
2. 2. There is a $20 testing fee to take the Accuplacer Test and a valid photo ID is required prior to testing.
3. 3. If the required benchmark is not met, the tester may schedule another test session without cost within one calendar year of the first test session. No minimum timeframe between the first and second test sessions is established.
4. 4. Another $20 fee is assessed for a third and final test session. No minimum timeframe between the second and final test session is established. However, the third session must be completed within one calendar year of the first session.

Notes:

• The College accepts Accuplacer, TABE Level A, or ACT scores for program and course placement.
• Accommodations for students who have documented disabilities may be requested through the Disability Services office. All equivalent program and placement scores will apply.
• All testers will follow the procedures outlined above regardless of testing site. The scores of students who have tested in district high schools are reviewed for program and course placement. However, students will begin following the procedures outlined above upon registering for a NWTC test session and paying the $20 testing fee.

A general description of the Academic Skills Assessments and the benchmark scores specific to each program are available on NWTC’s web site.  For more information call (920) 498-5427.

Per College policy, children under the age of 14 years are not allowed in the Assessment Center.

The following items are not allowed in testing rooms: All electronic devices, including cell phones, fit bits, personal tracking devices and pagers; personal calculators or reference materials unless approved in writing by instructor, backpacks, purses, wallets, watches, food or beverages and outerwear (hats, jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts). Please note that locker space is limited.

Exams from Other Institutions

As a community service, proctoring for correspondence exams or exams from other institutions is available in the Green Bay Campus Assessment Center (Room SC365), and on the Marinette campus, Sturgeon Bay campus, and all regional locations. A $30 per exam proctoring fee is payable prior to taking the exam. Valid photo identification is required, and appointments are necessary. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (920) 498-5427.

Course/Instructor Testing

As a service to students and instructors, a limited number of course-related instructor exams are administered and proctored at all NWTC campuses and Regional Center Locations (RLC). Students must schedule their exams through Starfish during scheduled Assessment Center hours. Students should allow for sufficient time to complete the test prior to closing time.

Microsoft Office Certification Exams

As an authorized Pearson VUE Test Center, the Assessment Center administers Microsoft Office Specialist exams. Refer to the Microsoft certification testing website for accurate and current information.

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification Testing

As an authorized Pearson VUE Test Center, the Assessment Center administers NREMT certification testing exams. Refer to the NREMT certification testing website for accurate and current information.

For additional information related to certification testing, please visit the Assessment website or call (920) 498-7965.

NWTC reserves the right to impose class attendance restrictions in courses and programs based on program administrative guidelines. Attendance may affect a student’s grade or program status.

The NWTC College Board recognizes the need to reasonably accommodate a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs for class absence during exams and other academic requirements.

In addition to NWTC required course materials, the NWTC Bookstore (located in room SC145 on the Green Bay Campus) carries a variety of NWTC clothing, gifts, and school supplies. Course materials information is available online for students via their student portal at my.NWTC for courses in which they are enrolled. Digital, used, and inclusive access options are offered for select courses.

Course materials, supplies, clothing, and gift items may be purchased at the Green Bay campus Bookstore, Marinette and Sturgeon Bay campuses, regional locations, or online at www.nwtcbookstore.com . Students purchasing items online may choose to have their order shipped to their home for a fee or to any of these convenient NWTC locations free of charge: Aurora, Crivitz, Luxemburg, Marinette, Oconto Falls, Shawano, Sister Bay, or Sturgeon Bay. Students may also choose to pick up their online orders at the Green Bay campus.

The NWTC Bookstore accepts cash, check, credit card (Discover, Master Card, and Visa), and debit card – there are no convenience fees for credit or debit transaction. Students can charge books directly to their student account at NWTC through the Textbook Charge Program using financial aid and/or NWTC payment plan. For more information and eligibility, visit www.nwtc.edu/textbookcharge .

For more information regarding hours, sellback, return policy, and other services, please visit the NWTC Bookstore at www.nwtcbookstore.com . 

Instructors are not authorized to permit children or unauthorized guests in the classroom. Only registered students are allowed in classrooms. If a student brings a child or guest to class, that student will be asked to leave the class. Also, unattended children are not allowed in College buildings. 

Automated Class Waitlists are available for the majority of classes offered at NWTC. The availability of an automated class waitlist is at the discretion of the Learning Departments. Placing oneself on an automated waitlist allows a student to reserve a place in line for the next available seat in the class. When a seat opens (due to another student dropping or because the capacity of the section has been increased by the department) the first student on the waitlist will automatically progress from the waitlist into the class, provided the eligibility requirements are met and/or there are no registration conflicts.

The waitlist eliminates the need to watch the schedule of classes for an opening in a class section (the only exception is 2 days prior to the start of the class).  View more Frequently Asked Questions.

NWTC reserves the right to cancel courses. If NWTC cancels a course, students will be notified by mail, telephone, or email and refunded 100% of all fees paid. 

Skills and knowledge may be gained in ways other than formal classroom or lab learning. Many students come to NWTC with years of life, work, and military experience. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can allow students to earn credit from those experiences, helping them save time and money. Students are strongly encouraged to explore and complete Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) before enrolling in their first semester classes. In many cases, the ideal classes for CPL are those taken in the first or second semester. By completing CPL early, students avoid disruptions to their class scheduling and financial aid requirements.

To be eligible to earn CPL, a student must be officially enrolled in an NWTC degree, diploma, or certificate program. In addition, students need to take a minimum of 25 percent of their core course requirements through NWTC.

Credit for prior learning may be earned through the following ways:

Transfer of Credit

If students transfer from other institutions of higher education, they must send an official transcript to NWTC for evaluation by Enrollment Services. Course work will be transferred based upon equivalent competencies with a satisfactory grade (grade of C based on a 2.0 GPA). Learn more about the Transfer of Credit Policy »

National Exam

Credit will be awarded upon the review of the official scores for AP, IB, CLEP, DSST. Scores from national exams not listed here will be evaluated on case-by-case basis.

Credit for Military Training and Experience

Based upon the program choice, student degree completion analysis, net years of active military service based on the DD-214 (member 2 or 4), and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, a Service Member/Veteran will be awarded up to 7 credits of general education coursework as outlined below:

For one year of active military service:

• College 101 (10-890-101)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (10-801-196)

For three years of active military service:

• Intro to Ethics: Theory and Application (10-809-166)

Credit by Portfolio or Skills Demonstration

Students may be granted credit for knowledge and skills gained from previous work, life, and military experiences that are comparable in content and level with specific NWTC courses through a portfolio or demonstration assessment. Students will be charged a $90 assessment fee per course.

Credit by Exam

Students may also earn college credit through NWTC credit by exams which are developed by NWTC faculty members and cover course competencies. Students will be charged a $50 assessment fee per course. 

To get started, visit the NWTC CPL homepage for basic information.

Students can sign up for CPL by speaking to their academic advisor. For basic questions, email staff at start@nwtc.edu .

Under certain circumstances, students may be allowed an early release from classes. A formal request for early release must be made no earlier than six weeks prior to the end of any semester. An Early Release Committee will meet to determine if the request, with supporting required documents provided, meets early release criteria, and approve or deny the request. The following criteria must be met to be considered for early release:

• Student must obtain an Early Release packet of forms from their academic division.
• Student must provide the academic division with a written statement from the potential employer, on company letterhead, stating the duties of the position, that the position is full-time and permanent, and that it is not possible to hold the position until the end of the semester.
• Student must have a least a 2.00 GPA (or a projected 2.00 GPA).
• Student must submit all materials to the academic division no earlier than six weeks prior to the end of the semester in which the student will graduate.

Procedural Standards for Student Academic Redress

If a student has sufficient justification (definite data) to question a final grade received for a course, the following steps are taken:

1. Within five working days of receipt of the grade to be disputed, the student must first review the final grade with their instructor to see if a resolution can be reached. The student is entitled to an explanation as to how the grade was determined and to examine any tests, papers, or other information pertinent to the appeal.

If a resolution is not found:

1. If the discussion with the instructor does not resolve the issue, the student may fill out an online grade appeal form .
2. The appropriate Dean for the class will review the appeal and render a decision to the student via their NWTC student email account within five business days.

If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, the student has the right to appeal one final time: 

1. If the appeal is denied by the Dean, students can submit an updated grade appeal form to the Vice President of Learning, providing new information exists to support the appeal. Students must check the final appeal box on the grade appeal form , resubmit, and ask that the appeal be reviewed by the Vice President of Learning.
2. The Vice President of Learning will review the appeal and render a decision to the student via their NWTC student email account. The decision of the Vice President of Learning is considered final.

Please note: For students to appeal a grade, they should have no outstanding current or previous financial balance with the college.

Each student attending NWTC receives a grade from the instructor at the end of a term or class session. A letter grade based on a 4.0 grading scale is used, each grade carries a specified point value per credit unit. The point values for grades are:

The District recognizes that skills and knowledge may be achieved in ways other than formal classroom or laboratory training where classes with grade points are not involved. Such classes carry letter symbols with no grade point average (GPA) associated with them and the College uses the following symbols:

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U)

Some classes at NWTC are offered on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. Credits in these classes are not included as part of a term/semester credit load, cannot be used to satisfy prerequisite or graduation requirements, may not be applied toward financial aid benefits and are not considered as units/credits attempted in computing a grade point average. Students in customized post-secondary training classes could receive these letter grades if they meet the academic requirements as listed in the class syllabus.

Incomplete (I)

The designation of Incomplete (I) is assigned when a student is unable to complete the class work because of illness, injury or other extenuating circumstances. The student and instructor will make written arrangements to remove the Incomplete within the subsequent term/semester. If a grade change form has not been received in the Enrollment Services Student Records Office by the end of the subsequent term/semester, the Incomplete grade will be automatically assigned a grade of F. A student will not be allowed to graduate from NWTC with an Incomplete grade on his/her transcript.

Repeated Class (R)

Credit bearing classes may be repeated whenever a student chooses to do so. The original grade on the transcript will be replaced with the symbol R and the grade point average calculation removed. The exceptions are NS and W grades, which do not change into an R, even when a student retakes and passes. 

Withdrawal (W)

A student who officially withdraws during the first 60% of the class hours will receive a Withdrawal (W) grade. Beyond that time period, a student must obtain the instructor’s and Dean/Associate Dean’s signatures by use of the “Request to Withdraw” form.

Credit for Prior Learning

To receive Transfer Credit (TC), Life Experience Credit (LE), Advanced Standing Credit (AS) or Credit by Examination (EX), a student must be officially accepted into a program/plan through the College Admissions process. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) awarded by NWTC may be transferrable to any college within the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). To determine if applicable, it is recommended students seeking to transfer CPL credits consult with an advisor from the WTCS College they are transferring to. The letter grades denoting prior learning do not carry point values and cannot be applied toward financial benefits. They may, however, be used to satisfy graduation requirements.

No Show (NS)

A “No-Show” (NS) is a student whose name appears on the class roster and does not have his/her attendance verified within the first 20% of the class.

Attendance is defined by Mode of delivery as detailed below:

When a student meets a definition of No-Show, a “NS” is assigned in PeopleSoft as a grade.

Grade reports can be viewed online at my.NWTC.

A project for credit is possible through independent study. Requests must be submitted through the division Dean or Associate Dean. These requests must be made in advance of the semester in which a student intends to take the study project. The objective of independent study is to provide a means whereby a student may earn program credits to satisfy graduation requirements by doing specific research or other projects in areas in which there are no specific courses of instruction at NWTC.

Process for Independent Study:

• A student should seek counseling with the program’s major instructor or program advisor, to establish that independent study is a viable course of action.
• A student should meet with their program advisor to request permission to undertake projects and courses and to arrange for an instructor to supervise progress.
• A student should initiate the independent study abstract forms, in consultation with the project instructor, being certain that the forms are complete and that all necessary signatures have been obtained.

Deadlines:

• Applications to undertake independent study projects or courses must be on file in Enrollment Services at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the independent study is to be done.
• Arrangements for projects and courses must be planned so that completion is at least two weeks before the end of the school semester in which the work is undertaken.
• The application form to undertake independent study should include statements of objectives of the study, the manner or method of research, if it is a research project, and an outline of the work to be completed with a time schedule for major divisions or units of work.
• A student may undertake independent study for credit if 50% of the program’s required credits have been completed and assurance is given of the ability to complete such work by having a grade point average of 2.5 at the time of undertaking the project. The final independent study must be approved by the Vice President for Learning.

International Programs coordinates study abroad programs for students and provides advising and support services for international students attending NWTC. International Programs also plans on-campus events for students during International Education Week in the fall and Celebrate Diversity Week in the spring.

To learn about study abroad, please visit the web page:  Study Abroad

To learn about services for international students, please visit the web page: International Students

Federally funded colleges and universities may not exclude a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program. Special services provided to students who have temporary medical conditions must also be provided to a pregnant student. Therefore, NWTC must provide reasonable accommodations to a student due to pregnancy or childbirth based on documentation from the student’s medical provider.

Learn more about your rights as a pregnant student and what to expect at NWTC.

Click to learn more about the College’s Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy . 

Students may be admitted to a pre-program status if additional skill development is needed in the areas of Reading, Sentence Skills, Arithmetic, Algebra, and/or College Level Math. An applicant may also be assigned to pre-program to work on additional requirements or based on program capacity. All pre-program applicants will be advised how to complete their requirements and will be offered full program status when all requirements are met, and the program has capacity.  

Students may switch to another associate degree or technical diploma program by completing an application for the new program. All admissions requirements apply for the new program and no priority is given for previously admitted students. Program changes should be discussed with an advisor before a final decision is made. If a student has been accepted to a program and is no longer interested in the program, the student should indicate in writing his/her desire to be removed from the program and email it to Admissions@nwtc.edu. All students are limited to one active pathway.

If a student withdraws from a program or certificate, it is the student’s responsibility to also drop any enrolled classes. A student may wish to continue in classes without pursuing a program or certificate, therefore Student Services is not responsible if a student chooses to remain in classes after withdrawing from a program or certificate. Withdrawing from a program may have an impact on financial aid eligibility. 

In the Classroom

The instructor in the classroom and in conference will encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression. A student’s performance should be evaluated solely on an educational basis, not on opinion or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.

• Protection of Freedom of Expression. A student will be free to take reasonable exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study, for which they are enrolled, as required by the instructor.
• Protection against improper educational evaluation . A student will have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious educational evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of educational performances established for each course in which they are enrolled.
• Protection against improper disclosure. Information about a student’s views, beliefs, and political associations, which instructors, counselors, and advisor may acquire through their work with a student, should be considered confidential. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances; normally with student knowledge and consent.

Institutional Authority and Civil Penalties

Student activities may, upon occasion, result in violation of law. In such cases, College officials should be prepared to apprise students of sources of legal counsel and may offer other assistance. If students violate the law, they may incur penalties prescribed by civil authorities, but College authority will never be used merely to duplicate the function of general laws. Only where the College’s interests as an educational community are distinct and clearly involved, should the special authority of the College be asserted. If a student violates College regulations in the course of an off-campus activity, such as one relating to class assignment, the student will be subject to penalty no greater than would normally be imposed by law. College action should be independent of community pressure.