ARISTIDES DEMETRIOS, SENTINELS, 1973
PHOTOGRAPH BY KATIE LOUX
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
484 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
ACADEMIC POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES
Academic Freedom
e following academic freedom statement is an excerpt from Board
Policy 6.06. ose interested in the complete statement should refer to
http://www.ccsf.edu/BOT/Board_Policies/BP6_06.pdf.
e District is unequivocally and unalterably committed to the prin-
ciple of academic freedom in its true sense which includes freedom to
study, freedom to learn and freedom to teach and provide educational
professional services to students.
Academic freedom encompasses the right of an instructor to discuss in
the classroom pertinent subjects within his or her eld of professional
competency and consistent with course objectives, and for counsel-
ors, librarians and other academic employees to provide appropriate
student services within their elds of professional competency and
consistent with sound educational principles.
Interference with or censure of an academic employee by District
ocials or by outside individuals or groups because of the employee’s
proper treatment of pertinent subjects or provision of proper educa-
tional professional services to students is precluded by the principle of
academic freedom.
Faculty cannot, however, expect academic freedom to be unlimited,
for the right to exercise any liberty implies a duty to use it responsibly.
Academic freedom does not give faculty freedom to engage in indoc-
trination. Nor can faculty invoke the principle of academic freedom to
justify non-professional conduct.
Credits and Grades
Unit of Credit
In accordance with Title 5, Section 55002.5 and Title 5, Section
55256.5, City College of San Francisco has established a ratio of 52.5
hours of lecture, laboratory work, and/or study for each unit of credit.
For work experience courses, each unit of credit requires 60 hours of
unpaid work or 75 hours of paid work.
Semester and Quarter Units
Most universities and colleges in the United States use the semester or
quarter system and hence grant credit in semester units (s.u.) or quar-
ter units (q.u.). For example, City College uses the semester system
and grants credit in semester units; some California State University
campuses and most University of California campuses use the quarter
system and grant credit in quarter units.
Two semester units are equivalent to three quarter units. erefore, to
convert semester units to quarter units, multiply the number of semes-
ter units by 3/2 (or 1.50); to convert quarter units to semester units,
multiply the number of quarter units by 2/3 (or 0.667).
Academic Record Symbols and Standards
A system of letter grades and grade points is used to indicate the qual-
ity of work done by students. e meaning of each evaluative symbol,
with its value in grade points, is as follows:
Symbol = Denition Grade Points
A = Excellent ......................................
B = Good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C = Satisfactory ....................................
D = Passing, less than satisfactory .....................
F = Failing .........................................
FW = Failing/Withdrawal ...........................
e "FW" grade symbol is an indication that a student has both
ceased participating in a course some time aer the last day to
ocially withdraw from the course without having achieved
a nal passing grade, AND that the student has not received
District authorization to withdraw from the course under
extenuating circumstances. e "FW" symbol may not be used if
a student has qualied for and been granted military withdrawal
"MW." If an "FW" is used, its grade point value equals zero (),
and it will be calculated into the GPA in the same manner as an
"F" grade.
P = Pass (At least satisfactory, C or better. Units awarded not
counted in grade point average.)
NP = No Pass (Less than satisfactory or failing. Units not counted in
grade point average.)
Standard English is expected in all College coursework and is a consid-
eration in grading. Its use is not an exercise limited to English classes
alone.
Pass (P)/No Pass (NP) Courses
Formerly known as: Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) Courses
Certain courses oered at City College of San Francisco are desig-
nated as pass/no pass courses. Such courses are shown in the catalog
with the statement “P/NP only,” meaning that only grades of P and
NP are given for the course. Other courses are designated as optional
pass/no pass courses. Such courses are shown in the catalog with the
statement “P/NP available” meaning the course may be taken on a
pass/no pass or on a letter grade basis; i.e., the pass/no pass option is
available. Note: 1) pass/no pass courses are counted toward gradua-
tion and for transfer and 2) ) in an optional pass/no pass course the
student may select “Pass/No Pass” grading option online through
MyRAM at http://www.ccsf.edu to take the course on a pass/no pass
basis no later than the deadline date established in the Calendar of
Instruction. (See Calendar of Instruction for this date.) e “NP”
symbol shall be used only in calculating units attempted for probation
and dismissal.
Although City College does not limit the number of units a student
may take on a Pass/No Pass basis, students planning to transfer should
inquire of the transfer institution its policy on pass/no-pass course
work. Some institutions may require a letter grade in course work
used to satisfy specic requirements for admission and/or major
preparation.
Other Symbols
Symbol = Denition
“E” = Exclusion
“EW” = Excused Withdrawal
“I/” = Incomplete
“MW” = Military Withdrawal
“RD” = Report Delayed
“W” = Withdrawal
“E” Exclusion. e “E” symbol shall be used to denote grades of D,
F, or NP the student has chosen to exclude from his or her academic
history.
“EW” Excused Withdrawal. “Excused Withdrawal” shall be assigned
when students are permitted to withdraw from a course(s) due to spe-
cic, veried events beyond the control of the student that aect their
ability to complete a course(s). Petitions for Excused Withdrawal will
Academic Policies and Procedures 485
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
be accepted up to 2 years aer the completion of the semester in
which students are requesting an Excused Withdrawal. e student
must supply a personal statement providing a justication for the peti-
tion and supporting documentation along with the petition to verify
these events to Oce of Admissions & Records.
Acceptable Reasons for an Excused Withdrawal
In accordance with Title 5, section 55024( e ), the governing board of a
district shall adopt an EW procedure based upon veriable documen-
tation supporting the request. An EW is acceptable when a student
withdraws from a course(s) due to reasons beyond their control, which
include but are not limited to, the following:
• Job transfer outside the geographical region;
• Illness in the family where the student is the primary caregiver;
• An incarcerated student in a California State Prison or County
Jail is released from custody or involuntarily transferred before
the end of the term (In the case of an incarcerated student, an
excused withdrawal cannot be applied if the failure to complete
the course(s) was the result of a student's behavioral violation
or if the student requested and was granted a mid-semester
transfer);
• e student is the subject of an immigration action;
• Death of an immediate family member;
• Chronic or acute illness;
• Veriable accidents; or
• Natural disasters directly aecting the student.
• Other (e.g. institutional error, jury duty, family emergency,
extended litigation, or work conicts).
Veriable documentation can include, but is not limited to, a note
from a doctor stating the student is not currently able to complete the
work due to illness, employment verication of a new job, a book-
ing report, police report of an accident, or any other documentation
that proves the student's completion of a course is impractical. e
Chancellor's Oce denes impractical as impossible due to reasons
beyond the student's control. e determination shall be made by the
local college's admissions and records oce.
Excused withdrawals shall be allowed to students in extenuating circum-
stances at any time, upon petition of the student or their representative.
“Extenuating circumstances” means cases of accidents, illnesses, or
other circumstances beyond the control of the student. Colleges shall
proactively engage with the student or their representative to identify
available college support services that may mitigate the extenuating
circumstances and prevent withdrawal. If mitigation eorts are unsuc-
cessful, the student shall receive the excused withdrawal symbol (“EW”)
on their transcript. Students shall not be denied an excused withdrawal
due to a college’s inability to respond to the petition or to provide suf-
cient assistance to mitigate the student’s circumstances.
A student may request to use an EW for only one course or all courses
in a term, depending on the reason for the request. It is possible that
a student, based on an illness for example, is not able to participate in
an in-person course, but is able to continue with online courses. e
College should use individual case facts to determine the continuity of
some courses and not others.
Reimbursement for EW
A community college district shall not refund any enrollment fee paid
by a student for program changes made aer the rst two weeks of
instruction for a primary term-length course, or aer the 10 per-
cent point of the length of the course for a short-term course, unless
the program change is a result of action by the district to cancel or
reschedule a class or to drop a student pursuant to subdivision (1) of
section 55003 where the student fails to meet a prerequisite.
Excused Withdrawal shall not be counted in progress probation or
dismissal calculations nor shall it be counted towards the permitted
number of withdrawals or counted as an enrollment attempt. e
nancial aid of a student may be aected depending on individual
circumstances. A student should consult with the nancial aid sta
regarding any impact.
“I/” Incomplete. A student may be given a nal grade of Incomplete
only if illness or other unavoidable circumstances prevent him/her
from taking the nal examination or satisfying the other requirements
in a course.
A student must make arrangements for an Incomplete with the
instructor for the course. e instructor will le a record of Incomplete
with the Oce of Admissions & Records and give the student a copy.
is record shall note the condition(s) for removal of the Incomplete
and the grade to be assigned if the work is not completed.
e instructor determines when the student must submit work to
remove the grade of Incomplete. e instructor must submit the
Removal of Incomplete form by the following deadlines:
Incomplete Received Incomplete must be Removed by the last
Day to Submit Grades for the Following:
• Fall semester • Spring semester
• Spring semester • Fall semester
• Summer semester • Fall semester
A nal grade shall be assigned when the work stipulated has been
completed and evaluated. If the student fails to meet the condition(s)
of the removal of incomplete or when the time limit for completion
has expired, the predetermined grade shall be assigned (i.e. “F” in the
case of I/F).
A student should make arrangements for the removal of an Incomplete
with the instructor for the course. In the absence of the instructor, the
student should contact the department chair.
If a student is, due to extenuating circumstances, unable to complete
the work by the deadlines specied in the table above, the student may,
aer contacting the instructor, petition the Dean of Admissions &
Records for an Extension of an Incomplete.
An Incomplete shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor
for grade points, but shall be used in calculating units for purposes of
evaluating probation and dismissal.
“MW” Military Withdrawal. “Military Withdrawal” shall be assigned
to students who are members of a reserve or active military unit and
received orders to report to active duty, requiring a withdrawal from
all courses. is does not apply to Basic Training assignments. e stu-
dent must bring a copy of their orders to the Oce of Admissions and
Records located in MUB 188, prior to departure, if possible, to have their
military withdrawal processed. All courses will be withdrawn without
fee assessment. Military Withdrawal also does not count toward the per-
mitted number of withdrawals or count as an enrollment attempt.
486 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
“RD” Report Delayed. Only the Oce of Admissions and Records
may assign the “RD” symbol. is symbol is to be used when, for rea-
sons beyond the control of the student, there is delay in reporting the
student’s grade. “RD” is to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon
as possible. e “RD” symbol shall not be used in calculating units
attempted, nor for grade points.
“W” Withdrawal. If a student withdraws from a class or if an
instructor withdraws a student from a class between the last day to
drop and the last day for withdrawal, a “W” symbol will appear on
the student’s permanent record. (See Calendar of Instruction for spe-
cic dates.) If a student stops attending a class aer the last day for
a student-initiated or instructor-initiated withdrawal, the instructor
must report a grade symbol (consistent with the grading policies)
other than “W.”
e “W” symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor
for grade points, but shall be used in calculating units for purposes of
evaluating probation and dismissal.
If a student drops a class prior to the last day to drop, no notation will
appear on the student’s permanent record. (See Calendar of Instruction
for specic dates.)
Noncredit Grading
Grading options for noncredit courses are determined on a course-by-
course basis, and are one of the following options:
• Letter or Pass/No Pass or Satisfactory Progress
• Pass/No Pass or Satisfactory Progress
• No Grade
Since noncredit courses are oered on an open-entry/open-exit
basis, it is possible for a student to attend only part of a class during
a semester. e Satisfactory Progress notation is used to indicate
that a student was making satisfactory progress in achieving the
desired learning outcomes of a course, but had not yet completed the
course (and so should not receive a nal letter grade or Pass/No Pass
symbol).
Remedial Coursework Limitation
Remedial coursework is dened as credit, non degree-applicable
basic skills courses. Section 55035 of Title 5 of the California Code
of regulations imposes a 30-unit limit on remedial coursework.
Students are exempted from this limitation if they are enrolled in an
ESL course or are identied by the district as having a learning dis-
ability. If neither of these exemptions apply, students who reach this
30-unit limit are restricted to taking only noncredit courses, non
degree-applicable courses which do not involve remediation, and
those degree-applicable credit courses which do not have basic skills
prerequisites or advisories on recommended preparation. It is our
district’s policy that students who have completed 30 units of reme-
dial coursework shall be automatically given a 10-unit waiver of this
limitation.
Course Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Advisories
City College has established prerequisites, corequisites, and adviso-
ries to maintain academic standards and ensure student success. e
CCSF Governing Board recognizes that if these requisites are estab-
lished unnecessarily or inappropriately, they constitute unjustiable
obstacles to student access and success. erefore, the San Francisco
Community College District, in compliance with Title 5 Matriculation
Regulations, has adopted a policy to provide for the establishment,
review and enforcement of prerequisites, corequisites, advisories on
recommended preparation, and certain limitations on enrollment in a
manner consistent with law and good practice. Elements of this policy
follow:
Denition of Terms
Prerequisite: A condition to enrollment that a student is required to
meet in order to demonstrate current readiness for a course or edu-
cational program. If a prerequisite is a course, a student must pass the
prerequisite course with a grade of “C” or higher.
Corequisite: A course that a student must take concurrently with
another course.
Below are the dierent types of pre/corequisites:
1. Standard prerequisite or corequisite: A pre/corequisite to
a course, the equivalent of which is oered at three or more
California State University and/or University of California cam-
puses with an equivalent prerequisite.
2. Sequential course within and across disciplines: A course that
serves as a pre/corequisite to an articulated course in the same
discipline or in another discipline.
3. Course in communication or computation skills: A course
in communication or computation skills that serves as a pre/
corequisite to a course other than another communication or
computation skills course.
4. Placement level: A Mathematics, English, or English as a
Second Language course placement level determined by the
College placement assessment process, which consists of the use
of high school performance data and multiple measures.
5. Program prerequisites: A pre/corequisite to enrollment in
a program such as Nursing, Culinary Arts and Hospitality
Studies, or Aircra Maintenance Technology.
6. Health and safety: A pre/corequisite to enrollment in a course
or program in which health and safety of the student or others
may be endangered if the pre/corequisite is not met.
7. Recency: A pre/corequisite skill-level that a student must pos-
sess within a specic time period prior to enrollment in a course
or program.
Advisories on Recommended Preparation: A condition of enrollment
that a student is advised, but not required, to meet before or concur-
rently with enrollment in a course or educational program. Students
are strongly encouraged to follow the advisories since having the rec-
ommended preparation will greatly increase the likelihood of success
in the target course.
Limitation on Enrollment: A condition of enrollment that a student
must meet (in addition to any prerequisites and corequisites) prior to
enrolling in the following types of courses:
1. Performance courses: Courses in this area include intercol-
legiate athletics, theatre arts (drama), and music, for which an
audition or tryout may be required.
2. Honors courses: ese courses require a specic scholastic apti-
tude prior to enrollment.
3. Blocks of courses or sections: a “block” refers to at least two or
more courses or sections of courses in which enrollment is lim-
ited to a specic group of students. Examples at CCSF include
the African American Achievement Program and the Puente
Project.
Academic Policies and Procedures 487
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
Challenge of a Prerequisite or a Corequisite
A student who does not meet a stated prerequisite or corequisite to a
course may be dropped on the rst day of school. However, the student
may le a petition to Challenge a Prerequisite or Corequisite on one
or more of the grounds listed below. e student shall bear the initial
burden of showing that grounds exist for the challenge. Challenges
shall be resolved in a timely manner and, if the challenge is upheld,
the student shall be permitted to enroll in the course or program in
question.
Grounds for challenge:
A. e student has the knowledge or ability to succeed in the
course or program despite not meeting the prerequisite or
corequisite.
B. e student will be subject to undue delay in attaining the goal
of his or her educational plan because the prerequisite or coreq-
uisite course has not been made reasonably available.
C. e prerequisite or corequisite is either unlawfully discrimi-
natory or is being applied in an unlawfully discriminatory
manner.
D. e prerequisite or corequisite has not been established in
accordance with the District’s process for establishing prerequi-
sites or corequisites.
E. e prerequisite or corequisite is in violation of Title 5.
Any student may appeal the decision of the challenge to the Oce
of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Aairs or the Vice Chancellor of
Student Development.
Procedures for Filing a Petition to Challenge a Prerequisite/
Corequisite
CAUTION: e student shall demonstrate that grounds exist for the
challenge. A student who wishes to challenge a pre/corequisite should le
a petition as early as possible prior to the rst day of class.
Instructions:
1. Obtain a Petition to Challenge a Prerequisite or Corequisite
Form online at www.ccsf.edu/assessment or visit the Assessment
Center in Conlan Hall Room 203.
2. A student may appeal a decision to the Vice Chancellor of
Student Aairs or the Vice Chancellor of Academic Aairs.
Challenge of a Limitation on Enrollment
Any limitation on enrollment may be challenged by a student on
the grounds listed below. e student shall bear the initial burden of
demonstrating that grounds exist for the challenge. e District shall
resolve the challenge in a timely manner. If the challenge is upheld, the
student shall be allowed to enroll in the course. If no space is available
in the course when a challenge is led, the challenge shall be resolved
prior to the beginning of registration for the next term.
Grounds for Challenge of a Limitation on Enrollment
A student may challenge a limitation on enrollment in a course if:
A. the course is required in order for the student to receive a
degree or certicate and no other course is oered during the
semester of the challenge to meet the requirement, and
B. the student’s graduation from the degree or certicate program
will be delayed if (s)he is unable to enroll in the course during
the semester of the challenge.
Grades and the Grade Point Average
A student’s grade point average (GPA) shows numerically the relation-
ship between the number of units attempted and the grade points
received. It may be determined by dividing the number of grade points
earned by the number of units attempted. Grades of P, NP, W, I, IP, EX,
and MW do not aect a student’s grade point average.
A 4.00 quotient indicates an A average; 3.00, a B average; 2.00, a C
average; 1.00, a D average; 0.00, an F average.
Students grade point averages are used in various ways. For example,
a requirement for graduation from the College is that a student must
have completed a minimum of 60 semester units of lower-division col-
lege work in which he has maintained an average nal grade of C (2.00
grade point average) or higher in all lower-division courses he has
attempted for grade points. e College also uses grade point averages
in awarding various scholarships and in determining whether students
may be disqualied from further attendance because of scholastic de-
ciencies. In addition, universities and colleges use grade point averages
in admitting transfer students.
All credit courses oered by City College of San Francisco are graded
courses as dened by Title 5, California Administrative Code.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Probation:
ere are two types of probation: academic and progress. A student
may be on either type of probation or on both. If a student is on either
type of probation or on both,
• there will be a permanent notation placed on the student’s aca-
demic history;
• a student will not be in good academic standing at the College;
• the student will not be removed from probation until there is
improvement in the overall academic record, even if there is
improvement in the current semester academic record.
Students on probation may be contacted by a CCSF counselor so that
they may be provided individual counseling and guidance on how to
improve their academic standing. e students’ programs may be regu-
lated so as to help them move o probation.
Academic Probation: A student who has attempted at least 12 units as
shown on the ocial academic record will be placed on academic pro-
bation if the student has earned a grade point average below 2.00 in all
units in which grades were given.
Progress Probation: A student who has attempted at least 12 units as
shown on the ocial academic record will be placed on progress pro-
bation when the percentage of all units in which a student has enrolled
and for which the student has been given a “W,” an “INC.,” or a “NP” is
50% or more.
Removal from Probation: For removal from academic probation, a
student must have an overall cumulative grade point average in all City
College units of 2.00 or higher. For removal from progress probation,
a student must have been given marks of “W,” “INC.,” or “NP” in less
than 50% of all City College units in which the student has enrolled.
Dismissal:
Academic Dismissal: A student who has been on probation is sub-
ject to academic dismissal if the student has been on either academic
probation or on progress probation or on both academic and progress
probation for more than four consecutive semesters. If students are
488 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
academically dismissed, a notation of “Academic Dismissal” will be
placed on the permanent academic record. Consecutive semesters
means four semesters in a row of the student’s attendance at City
College. Summer sessions are not counted as regular semesters when
semesters are being counted for academic dismissal.
Appeal of Academic Dismissal and Request for Reinstatement:
Students may appeal academic dismissal and petition to be rein-
stated so they may continue their enrollment. Such petitions will be
considered in cases of veried unusual circumstances. Students may
request information or a Petition to Appeal Academic Dismissal and
Request Reinstatement from the Oce of Admissions & Records
(MUB 188). If students are reinstated, their reinstatement will be
conditional based upon a review of the academic record at the end of
each semester. Readmitted students will be subject to the continued
requirements of the academic probation and academic dismissal
regulations.
Financial Aid Probation: e rules for nancial aid probation, aca-
demic progress, or disqualication may be dierent. Please see the
appropriate section in the Catalog under Financial Aid.
Grade Reporting
Midterm Grades and Final Grades are made available to students
through MyRAM at http://www.ccsf.edu.
Repetition of Credit Courses
Repeatable courses are identied in the College Catalog, along with
their repetition limits. Repeatable courses may be taken for a total of
four enrollments, unless further limits exist for the specic course.
Any enrollment that results in a letter grade or W counts towards this
limitation. Students do not need to le a petition to retake a repeatable
course within the limitations.
Eective Fall 2013, Title 5 Section 55041 permits only the following to
be repeatable:
• Courses for which repetition is necessary to meet the major
requirements of CSU or UC for completion of a bachelor’s
degree
• Intercollegiate athletics courses
• Intercollegiate academic or vocational competition courses that
are part of a district sanctioned competitive activity.
Repetition of a course is allowed under the following gen-
eral circumstances.
1. When a course is designated as repeatable up to a specic
number of units.
2. When a course is included in a Family of Classes with similar
primary educational activities in which skill levels or variations
are separated into distinct courses.
3. When a professional or vocational program prerequisite
requires the course be completed within a recent timeframe.
ere must have been a signicant lapse of time (at least three
years) since receiving a passing grade in the course.
4. When a training program mandates the course be repeated
every licensing period.
5. When there has been a signicant change in the industry or
licensure standards since the student previously took the course
and the student must take the course again for employment or
licensure.
6. When a student with disabilities is repeating a DSPS class.
7. When the district nds that the student’s passing grade is, at
least in part, the result of extenuating circumstances
8. When students receive substandard grades (D, F, FW, NP, or
W). Students who have received substandard grades may
repeat a course at least two times for a total of three enroll-
ments. If they can demonstrate extenuating circumstances,
they may repeat the course a third time for a total of four
enrollments. Students must complete the Course Repeat
Petition form and provide documentation to demonstrate
extenuating circumstances.
Description of General Circumstances for Course
Repetition
1. Occupational Work Experience
Occupational work experience courses may be repeated a maxi-
mum of 8 units per semester; general work experience courses
may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units per semester. e
cumulative maximum for work experience credit is 16 units.
e repetition limit for a particular work experience course is
printed in the College Catalog. Grades received in all repetitions
of a work experience course will be counted in calculating the
grade point average.
2. Enrollment Limitations on Physical Education and Visual or
Performing Arts Courses
Eective Fall 2013, Title 5 Section 55041, students may not
enroll more than four (4) times in active participatory courses
that are related in areas of physical education or visual and
performing arts, including art, dance, music and theatre. e
limitation includes attempts with a substandard grade or a with-
drawal (W).Courses that are related in content are identied as
“families of courses” and are those courses with similar primary
educational activities in which skill levels or variations are sepa-
rated into distinct courses.
3. Recency Requirement/Signicant Lapse of Time
A student receiving a satisfactory grade may repeat a course
if a recency prerequisite has been established for a course or a
program aer a signicant lapse of time. e district determines
that no less than thirty-six (36) months is a signicant lapse of
time since that grade was obtained.
• If another institution of higher education to which the
student seeks to transfer has established a recency require-
ment which the student will not be able to satisfy without
repeating the course in question, the minimum thirty-six
(36) month lapse of time requirement may be waived. e
student must provide documentation that the repetition is
necessary for his or her transfer to the institution of higher
education.
4. Legally Mandated Training Requirement
Students may repeat a course when repetition is necessary to
meet a legally mandated training requirement as a condition
of continued paid or volunteer employment. Students must
provide documentation from the employer, identifying the
requirement for the training.
Academic Policies and Procedures 489
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
5. Signicant Change in Industry or Licensure Standards
Students may repeat a course when there have been signicant
changes in industry or licensure standards. e student must
provide documentation identifying the signicant change in
industry or licensure standards to repeat the course.
6. Student with Disabilities
e Disabled Students Program & Services Department is
allowed to oer special classes with content that addresses
the educationally related functional limitations of students
with disabilities pursuant to Title 5 of the California Code of
Regulations and state and federal nondiscrimination laws.
Any number of repetitions of these classes may be allowed as a
disability related accommodation based on an individualized
determination by the Disabled Students Programs & Services
Department that one of the following circumstances applies:
• When continuing success of the student in other general
and/or special classes is dependent on additional repeti-
tions of a specic special class.
• When additional repetitions of a specic special class are
essential to completing a student’s preparation for enroll-
ment into other regular or special classes.
• When the student has a student educational contract which
involves a goal other than completion of the special class in
question and repetition of the course will further achieve-
ment of that goal. Students enrolled in these courses may
repeat them without petition.
7. Extenuating Circumstances
Students may repeat a course if the district determines that their
previous grade, whether satisfactory or substandard, was the
result of extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances
are veried cases of accidents, illness or occurrences beyond the
control of the student. Students must provide documentation
supporting the extenuating circumstances.
8. Alleviating Substandard Coursework
Students receiving a substandard grade of D, F, FW, NP or
W may repeat a course up to two times (3 enrollments) in an
attempt to achieve a standard grade. If students can demonstrate
extenuating circumstances, they may repeat a course one more
time (a 4th enrollment) to alleviate a substandard grade. Any
repetition that results in a letter grade or a W is considered an
attempt toward the repetition limit. To demonstrate extenuat-
ing circumstances, students must complete the Course Repeat
Petition form and provide documentation.
Eect of Course Repetition on the Transcript
1. When a student repeats a course, the original grade is not
removed, and therefore, remains a part of the permanent
record.
2. When a student repeats a course in circumstances other than
alleviating a substandard grade or approved extenuating cir-
cumstances, the original grade and any subsequent grades are
used in calculating the student’s CCSF grade point average.
3. When course repetition is approved based on extenuating cir-
cumstances, the original passing grade remains a part of the
permanent record, but will not be used in calculating the stu-
dent’s CCSF grade point average.
4. When a student repeats a course to alleviate a substandard grade
of D, F, NP, W, the original grade remains a part of the perma-
nent record, but will not be used in calculating the student’s
CCSF grade point average.
5. When a student withdraws from a course, that withdrawal
counts as a repetition.
6. Courses that were excluded from the student’s grade point aver-
age through the process of Academic Renewal are counted in
the course repetition limitations.
7. Some transfer institutions may calculate all grades in the overall
grade point average, regardless of CCSF exclusion.
8. Students may repeat a course aer graduation from CCSF.
If the student does not meet the eligibility requirements for Course
Repetition, please see Auditing in the College Catalog
Academic Renewal/Exclusion
A student may petition to have previous substandard college grades
of “D,” “F,” or “FW” excluded from grade point average calculations
if that work is not reective of the student’s present level of perfor-
mance. However, to ensure a true and complete academic record, the
permanent academic record will show all of the student’s course work,
including excluded classes.
A request for academic renewal will be granted under the following
conditions:
1. At least one year must have elapsed since the last D or F or FW
grade to be excluded except when simultaneously petitioning to
graduate, as noted below.
Note: Students applying for Academic Renewal may apply to
petition for an Associate Degree and/or an Associate Degree
of Transfer in the same semester in which they will be com-
pleting the requirements to qualify for Academic Renewal,
provided that all Academic Renewal requirements are met
by the end of the semester in which they apply for both the
degree and Academic Renewal. e graduation petition will
give students the option to cancel the degree or not if, by
the end of the semester in which they apply, the Academic
Renewal requirements are not met but the degree require-
ments are. is decision must be made at the time of ling the
degree petition and will be applied automatically when nal
evaluation of degree and Academic Renewal requirements
occurs.
2. A student must have completed at an accredited college at
least 12 degree-applicable semester units with a cumulative
grade point average of at least 3.0, at least 18 degree-applicable
semester units with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5,
or at least 24 degree-applicable semester units with a cumula-
tive grade point average of at least 2.0. ese units must be
earned subsequent to the last grade of “D” or “F” or “FW” to be
excluded.
3. A maximum of 24 units can be excluded from the grade point
average. Academic renewal will be granted only once.
Students are reminded of the following:
• Exclusion by academic renewal is limited to courses taken only
at CCSF.
490 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
• Some destination transfer institutions may not accept academic
renewal and may recalculate the grade point average. Students
who plan to transfer to other institutions should contact the
receiving transfer institution and ask how they apply grade
exclusions (academic renewal).
• Once an Associate Degree has been awarded at City College,
courses taken prior to the awarding of the degree cannot be
excluded.
• Transcripts only from accredited institutions will be accepted
for purposes of the grade-point-average calculation.
• A student’s ocial transcript will include a notation of when the
request for academic renewal was granted as well as the fact that
grades from other institutions might have been used to satisfy
the requirements of academic renewal.
Students who wish to have grades excluded under the Academic
Renewal Policy must request an Academic Renewal/Exclusion petition
from the Oce of Admissions and Records, MUB 188. Since academic
renewal will be granted only once, students considering the petition
are advised to le the petition at a time close to their graduation or
transfer. Because Academic Renewal may aect educational goals
(such as graduation and transfer), students must see their counselors
for assistance with the Academic Renewal petition which requires a
counselor signature.
Changing Final Grades
An instructor may not change any nal grade, except that of
Incomplete, on the basis of additional work completed by a student
aer the close of a semester.
Academic Transcript of Records
A student may obtain an ocial academic transcript of records
though the Parchment Transcript Ordering Services option
available on the Transcripts web page (https://www.ccsf.edu/
admissions-recordsregistration/request-your-ccsf-transcripts)
See below for instructions on how to request for both types of
transcripts
For ocial transcripts:
1. Visit https://www.ccsf.edu/admissions-recordsregistration/
request-your-ccsf-transcripts.
2. Under the ‘Order Ocial Transcript (Credit)’:
a. Current Students: Select the ‘Current Student’ option and
login to myRAM Portal.
b. Former Students/Alumni: Students who have been away
for more than two (2) years, select the ‘Former Student/
Alumni’ option.
3. You will now reach the Parchment ordering service page. Please
carefully read the information and instructions. Complete each
page and submit your order.
A student may obtain an unocial academic transcript of records
through your myRAM Portal student account.
See below for instructions on how to request an unocial transcript.
For unocial transcripts:
1. Visit https://www.ccsf.edu/admissions-recordsregistration/
request-your-ccsf-transcripts
2. Under the ‘Additional Information’ section, select ‘Unocial
Transcript’ option.
3. Login to myRAM Portal.
4. Click the ‘Submit’ button.
5. To print a copy of your unocial transcript, use your browser
print option.
If you have records predating 1983. Please contact us at trnscrpt@ccsf.
edu for assistance.
It is strongly recommended that students wishing to transfer to
another college/university complete and submit a request well in
advance of the date in which the transcript is needed.
Processing Fee
e rst two requested ocial and/or unocial Academic Transcript
of Records are free of charge. A processing fee of $5.00 is assessed for
each transcript aer the rst two.
All pricing information is listed on the Parchment Transcript Ordering
Services screen under the Pricing and Payment section.
Rush Service
Parchment: Students may be able to request RUSH service through
Parchment Transcript Ordering Services. $10.00 per requested copy.
Transfer of Grade Points to City College
City College counts the grade point average of transferable units
earned at other universities or colleges toward the combined grade
point average of 2.0 required for graduation. e combined grade
point average takes into account both the cumulative grade point aver-
age at City College of San Francisco and the grade point average of
transferable units.
Transfer of Coursework to City College
Students may use coursework completed at other institutions to fulll
program, general education, and/or elective unit requirements for
the Associate Degree or certicate programs at City College of San
Francisco. Specically, students may use lower and/or upper division
transfer coursework to fulll any or all of the following:
• specic program requirements for a certicate, or major
• general education graduation requirements
• unit requirement for graduation (minimum of 60 semester
units)
e unit requirement must be met with courses from CCSF or other
regionally accredited (e.g., accredited by Western Association of
Schools and Colleges) colleges or universities. Students are subject to
the residence requirement for the Associate Degree, regardless of the
number of units transferred into the college. Note that both the units
and the actual grades received from the other college or university will
be accepted by CCSF.
e Oce of Admissions & Records (A&R) will approve the transfer of
units that will be applied toward electives for graduation aer students
submit an ocial transcript and complete the Request for Transcript
Evaluation form. Forms are available in Admissions and Records,
MUB 188.
Admissions & Records will approve equivalencies for specic program
or general education requirements when a course that is transferred
Academic Policies and Procedures 491
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
to CCSF is clearly equivalent to a CCSF course. is equivalency
is determined through the use of assist.org or C-ID articulation,
according to specic CCSF course descriptions, or according to past
Department approval and practices.
When the course equivalency is not clear, the student may be required
to request course equivalency from the chair of the department oer-
ing a comparable course. e chair will review a copy of the ocial
transcript and complete the Course Equivalency/Comparability form.
Approval is based on a review of the sending institution’s course
learning outcomes, subject matter, breadth, scope, units, rigor, and
prerequisites. If approved, chairs forward the form to A&R. Forms are
available in counseling oces.
A department chair may also elect to substitute an appropriate com-
parable course for one required for a major or certicate oered by
that department. Substitutions are signed o by the department chair
on the graduation petition form (which the student completes with a
counselor) or on CCSF letterhead.
Student inquiries with either a specic department or with A&R
should occur as soon as possible aer enrolling in courses at CCSF to
ensure timely completion of education goals and graduation. Students
are advised to submit all transcripts for evaluation no later than the
semester prior to lling out a certicate or graduation petition in order
to allow the necessary time for evaluation.
Credit for Prior Learning
(formerly Credit by Exam)
According to Section 55050 of Title 5 of the California Code of
Regulations, community college governing boards are authorized to
grant credit for prior learning experiences. e following Academic
Procedure 6.3 can also be found at https://www.ccsf.edu/sites/default/
les/2021/document/ap-6-30.pdf.
Students may demonstrate prociency in a course eligible for Credit
for Prior Learning and receive college credit through the approved
alternative methods for awarding credit listed below:
• Achievement of a satisfactory score on an Advanced Placement
(AP) examination
• Achievement of a satisfactory score on a high level International
Baccalaureate (IB) examination
• Achievement of a satisfactory score on a College Level
Examination Program (CLEP)
• Evaluation of Joint Service Transcripts (JST)
• Achievement of an examination administered by other agencies
approved by the District
• Evaluation of industry recognized credential documentation
• Evaluation of student-created portfolios
• Satisfactory completion of an institutional examination, known
as Credit by Examination, administered by the college in lieu
of completion of an active course listed in the current college
catalog
Determination of Eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning
• e student must be currently enrolled in CCSF.
• e student must be in good standing with at least a 2.0 cumula-
tive GPA and cannot be on academic or progress probation.
• All enrollment and or nonresident tuition fees must be paid in
full and any holds on registration must be cleared prior to peti-
tioning for Credit for Prior Learning.
• e student must meet the requirements for the individual
course as specied in the current CCSF catalog.
• e student must not have already completed nor currently be
enrolled in a course more advanced than that for which credit
by examination is requested.
• e student must not have previously enrolled in and received
an evaluative symbol (e.g., letter grade, W, P/NP) for the course
for which Credit for Prior Learning is requested.
• e student must not have previously attempted the course as
Credit for Prior Learning and failed.
Limitations:
• Credits awarded for Prior Learning are not applicable in meet-
ing unit load requirements for veterans or social security
benets, scholastic honors, nancial aid, or graduation resi-
dency requirements.
• Only one course in a direct series of courses may be awarded
credit for Prior Learning, e.g., MATH 90, MATH 95, or MATH
11DA or MATH 11OB, not more than one of these courses. A
student with the appropriate knowledge may take the assess-
ment for MATH 11OB and receive ve semester units for this
course; however, the student cannot take assessments for all four
courses above and be awarded 16 semester units of Credit for
Prior Learning. (e Allied Health and Nursing Programs are
exempted from this policy.)
• Students who plan to transfer to another college or university
are advised that other institutions may have restrictions on how
they accept Credit for Prior Learning.
• Credits acquired by Prior Learning are not applicable to meet-
ing such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment,
Veterans, or Social Security benets.
• Units for which credit is given shall not be counted in determin-
ing the minimum 12 semester hours of credit that must be taken
at CCSF to meet the residence requirement.
• Credit by exam may not be available in all CCSF departments.
Prior Learning Assessment Grading Policy
• Grading shall be according to the regular grading system
in accordance with Administrative Procedure 6.22
Grading and Academic Record Symbols: Credit Courses.
A.P. 6.22 can be found at https://archive.ccsf.edu/BOT/
Administrative_Procedures/6/6.22_AP_Grading_and_
Academic_Record_Symbols_Credit_Courses.pdf
• e student's academic record shall be clearly annotated to
reect that credit was earned by assessment of prior learning
Credit by AP, CLEP and IB Examinations
Students may be eligible for credit by AP, CLEP, and IB examinations
if they are enrolled and in good standing, have not earned a grade
point average below 2.00, and have not attempted the course(s) for
which they are seeking Credit for Prior Learning. Credit under AP,
CLEP, and IB programs is usually granted only to students with
492 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
no college work completed. Students who have completed college
work prior to taking the examinations should consult the individual
Departments for approval. (Students who plan to transfer to a four-
year institution should contact the transfer institution regarding the
acceptability of AP, CLEP, and IB credit, or should consult a CCSF
counselor.)
For the current, AP, CLEP, and IB charts, please visit http://www.ccsf.
edu/artic.
Advanced Placement
CCSF will grant subject credit for most College Board Advanced
Placement examinations, depending on the exam score obtained by
the student. Credit awarded by CCSF applies to the associate degree.
Transfer students must consult with senior colleges and universi-
ties to determine how AP credit will be awarded by the receiving
institution.
College Level Examination Program
CCSF will grant general education credit toward graduation for some
CLEP examinations. Generally, students must pass the examinations
with a score of 500 or above (Paper and Pencil Testing) or a score of 50
or above (Computer Based Testing).
International Baccalaureate
CCSF will grant general education credit toward graduation for some
International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) examinations. Students
must pass the examinations with a score 5, 6, or 7 to earn CCSF of San
Francisco credit.
Credit for Military Service/Training
Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using Joint Service
Transcripts shall receive credit as recommended by the American
Council on Education (ACE) Directory and approved by the
appropriate discipline faculty of the college under the following
circumstances:
• e student shall complete the Credit for Prior Learning
assessment petition available in the Counseling or Oce of
Admission and Records
• Ocial transcripts must be on le in the Records Oce.
ese may include Joint Services Transcript (JST), Sailor/
Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript
(SMART), Army and American Council on Education
Registry Transcript Service (AARTS), Community College of
the Air Force (CCAF), Coast Guard Institute (CGI), DANTES/
USAF!, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language
Transcripts (DLIFLC), Defense Manpower Data Center
(DMDC), DLPT Examinee Results, DA Form 330 Language
Prociency Questionnaire, or veried copies of 00214 or
00295 military records.
• Credit course equivalency shall be determined by the faculty of
the appropriate discipline
Industry Recognized Credentials
Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using industry rec-
ognized credential(s) shall receive credit as recommended by the
appropriate department chair or faculty designee:
• e student shall complete the Credit for Prior Learning assess-
ment petition available through the CCSF website or in the
Admissions and Records Oce
• Enrollment services shall grant credit for industry recognized
credential(s) that have already been evaluated and approved by
the appropriate department chair or faculty designee
• If an industry recognized credential(s) has not yet been evalu-
ated and approved by the appropriate faculty:
• e student meets with the department chair or faculty des-
ignee to receive further instructions for industry recognized
credential(s) Assessment
• e student submits all industry recognized credential
documents to the department chair or faculty designee for
assessment of prior learning
• If the department chair or faculty designee determines that
the industry certication adequately measures mastery of the
course content as set forth in the Course Outline of Record,
the appropriate faculty shall sign the petition with the recorded
grade, attach the industry recognized credential(s), and for-
ward the completed petition and supporting documents to the
Records Oce to be kept on le and recorded on the student
transcript
Student-Created Portfolio Assessment
• Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using a student-
created portfolio shall receive credit as recommended by the
appropriate department chair or faculty designee under the fol-
lowing circumstances:
• A department approved portfolio assessment rubric for the
course is on le
• e student shall complete the Credit for Prior Learning assess-
ment petition available through the CCSF website or in the
Admissions and Records Oce
• e student meets with the department chair or faculty desig-
nee to receive further instructions for student-created portfolio
assessment
• e student submits all portfolio documents to the department
chair or faculty designee for assessment of prior learning
• If the department chair or faculty designee determines that the
student-created portfolio adequately measures mastery of the
course content as set forth in the Course Outline of Record, the
appropriate faculty shall sign the petition with the appropriate
grade and forward it to the Oce of Admissions and Records to
be kept on le and recorded on the student transcript
Credit by Examination
• Upon completion of an education plan, students interested in
Credit for Prior Learning using Credit by Examination shall
receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department
chair or faculty designee.
• Students may be eligible for credit by examination if they
are enrolled and in good standing, have not earned a grade
point average below 2.00, and have not attempted the course.
Permission to challenge a course by examination is granted by
the appropriate department chair or designee, who also deter-
mines which courses are eligible for credit by examination. e
Academic Policies and Procedures 493
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
department oering a course which may be taken for credit by
examination will determine the type of examination to be given
and the conditions of its administration. Credit by exam may
not be available in all CCSF departments.
• To request credit by examination, students shall complete the
following steps:
• Contact department chair to inquire if credit by examination is
available for the course
• and for further instructions.
• Complete Petition for Credit by Examination form.
• ere is no cost for Credit for Prior Learning, except for the
Credit by Exam assessment method. Credit earned through the
other assessment methods listed above are free to the student.
• Take the examination given by the department chair or
designee.
• If the students pass the examination, they will be eligible for
receiving credit for the appropriate course.
Credit by Petition for Noncredit Courses
Eective July 1, 2009, Credit by Petition for Noncredit Courses is
no longer available, regardless of when the noncredit courses were
completed. Students who wish to receive credit for knowledge or
skills attained in noncredit courses may be able to use the Credit by
Examination process. Credit awarded to students who petitioned prior
to July 1, 2009 will continue to be honored.
Dean’s Honor List
In the fall and spring semesters, the College recognizes students who
have attained high scholastic achievement. Students registered for and
completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester units for the semester
(only those courses where A-F grades were assigned are counted) with
a grade point average of 3.30 or higher, and are in good academic
standing are placed on the Dean’s Honor List. Good academic standing
is dened as having a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher
and not being on academic and/or progress probation. If a student is
on the Dean’s Honor List, it will be noted on the student’s unocial/
ocial transcript.
Graduation with Honors
Students who have earned by the end of their last semester a grade
point average between 3.30 and 3.49, inclusive, will be graduated with
honors. ose who have earned by the end of their last semester a
grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74, inclusive, will be gradu-
ated with high honors. ose who have earned by the end of their last
semester a grade point average between 3.75 or higher, inclusive, will
be graduated with highest honors.
e Honors grade point average calculation will include grades from
all degree applicable coursework including coursework from outside
institutions. If a student graduates with honors, a notation will be
placed on the student’s ocial and unocial transcripts.
Student’s Responsibility for Satisfying
Academic Requirements
Although counselors and advisers assist students in planning their pro-
grams, each student must assume complete responsibility for com
pliance with the instructions and regulations set forth in this catalog
and for selecting the courses that will enable him/her to achieve his/
her educational objective, whether it be graduation from the College,
satisfaction of requirements for transfer to another college or a univer-
sity, or preparation for an occupation.
Prerequisite Courses. A student may not enroll in a course that is a
prerequisite to a course he/she has already completed. Each student is
responsible for satisfying prerequisites for the courses included on the
study list. For information concerning prerequisites, students should
refer to the course information in this catalog in the section entitled
“Announcement of Programs and Courses.”
A student may not receive credit for any course which is prerequisite to
any course already taken.
Field Trips. Field trips are required in a number of the courses oered
by the College. Instructors in these courses provide information per-
taining to such trips.
Final Examinations. Final examinations are required of all students in
all courses except physical education activity courses. Final examina-
tions must be given on the dates and at the times shown on the ocial
schedule and in the classrooms or laboratories in which the classes
normally meet. is schedule is published in the Class Schedule.
Students are required to take nal examinations with the section in
which they are enrolled. ere are two exceptions to this policy: 1) A
department, with the Vice Chancellor of Academic Aairs’s approval,
can schedule a common date, time, and place for all sections of a
course to take a common examination; 2) e Vice Chancellor of
Academic Aairs can approve an alternate examination schedule for a
course in cases of emergency or necessity.
Approval Procedure for a New Instructional
Materials Fee
1. Review the regulations and denitions to ensure the fee com-
plies with Education Code section 76365.
2. If the fee complies, determine the appropriate cost:
• List the items each student would buy.
• Add the cost of each and compare to the cost of the district
to determine the total individual student fee.
3. Identify one or more specic course objectives that cannot be
met without the instructional materials.
4. Determine if the instructional material has continuing value to
the student outside the classroom.
5. Discuss the fee and the objectives with the department chair
and get their approval.
6. Complete the Course Material Fee Application Form and
submit for approval.
7. Course Instructional Material Fees must be published in the
class schedule and catalog.
Additional Board Policies
and Administrative Procedures
Information about Board Policies and Administrative Procedures
is available on the Board of Trustees website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
about-ccsf/board-trustees/ccsf-policies-administrative-procedures.
494 Academic Policies and Procedures
City College of San Francisco 2023–2024 Catalog
CCSF Credit For Advanced Placement Test
Scores
CCSF’s Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Policy may dier from
that of other colleges and universities. Applying AP credit for trans-
fer can be complicated. Students are strongly advised to speak with a
counselor for details. For the current AP Chart, please visit ccsf.edu/
artic.
CCSF Credit For College Level Examination
Program (CLEP) Test Scores
CLEP credit and general education equivalencies are based on state-
wide guidelines for California community colleges. Students who seek
course equivalency credit should consult with the department chair for
the proposed equivalent course. For the current CLEP Chart, please
visit ccsf.edu/artic.
CCSF Credit For International Baccalaureate (IB)
Test Scores
IB credit and general education equivalencies are based on statewide
guidelines for California community colleges (test scores of 5, 6, or 7).
Students who seek course equivalency credit should consult with the
department chair for the proposed equivalent course. For the current
IB Chart, please visit ccsf.edu/artic.
