General Information

Understanding this Guide

This publication contains example course sequences for completing degrees, diplomas and certificates at Riverland Community College. Please note that these are only suggested sequences and Riverland recognizes that students may choose to develop their own schedule or program plan, at their own pace, toward completion. Students should plan traditional and alternative course sequences with an official advisor or counselor.

Accreditation

• Riverland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.        
• The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) is accredited by the National League for Nursing and is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing.
• The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing.
• The Automotive Services program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the instructors are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Accreditation is currently pending for the Collision Repair and Diesel Technology Programs.
• The Construction Electrician program is accredited by the Minnesota State Board of Electricity.
• The Cosmetology program is mandated and licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

College, State and Federal Policies

Riverland Community College has a number of policies and procedures that are designed to achieve these goals:

• Provide a safe and healthy campus environment,
• Ensure the right of all students to learn and study in a campus culture free from harassment and discrimination,
• Provide data to students to help them become informed consumers of higher education, and
• Help students understand college expectations of appropriate behavior and conduct.

Policy statements on a variety of subjects important to our students are found in Online Student Handbook. You may request a paper copy of any of these policies by contacting the Dean of Students, at 1900 8th Avenue Northwest, Austin, Minnesota or by calling (507) 433-0695.

Student Health and Safety Policies

• Campus Crime Reporting
• Campus Crime Statistics and Crime Definitions
• Communicable Disease Policy
• Hepatitis Information

Student Consumer Information

• Athletic Equity Disclosures
• Financial Aid Disbursement, Repayment and Refund Policies
• Procedures to obtain program major completion and graduation rates
• Public Information Access Policy and Procedures
• Tuition and Fees Costs
• Tuition Payment and Refund Policies

Student Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations

• Anti-harassment /Anti-discrimination Policies
• Drug-Free Campus Policy
• Harassment Reporting Policy
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Student Complaint and Conduct Policies
• Student Records Data Privacy Policy
• Immunization Policy

Admission

Seven easy steps for enrolling at Riverland!

1. Complete a College Application and Pay a $20 non-refundable application fee.
   Return both to Riverland Community College Admissions Department or apply online and call Admissions to make a VISA or Master Card payment or use the Pay Online option.
   
2.  Submit High School and College Transcripts.
   We need proof of your high school graduation or GED certificate to accept you to the college. Please contact your high school and have them send an official transcript to Riverland. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, contact Admissions for other options. 
   
3. Complete an Immunization Form.
   Print a copy, and return the completed form to Admissions. If you were born before 1957 or graduated after 1997, you will meet one of the exemptions on the form.
   
4. Apply for Financial Aid.
   www.fafsa.ed.gov is a free online application site for grants, loans and work study. Please check with any Financial Aid representative in the Student Service Center for assistance.
   
5. Schedule Assessment Testing.
   www.riverland.edu/ssc - All students entering a Minnesota community college are required to take the ACCUPLACER before registering for classes. The ACCUPLACER measures reading, math and writing skill levels. Appointments are available in Albert Lea, Austin or Owatonna. Make your appointment online, or call 1-800-247-5039 and ask to schedule an assessment test. Allow yourself at least two hours to complete the ACCUPLACER. ACCUPLACER scores are used to determine whether you will be able to register for College Algebra, Freshman English or other college-level classes. To learn more about our assessment and college policy go to www.riverland.edu/assessmentcenter/CollegePlacement.
   
6. Complete Orientation.
   All new students must complete New Student Orientation. Complete your Orientation online at www.riverland.edu/onlineo
7. Attend Counseling/Advising.
   New students must attend an ACE (Advising and Counseling for Enrollment) session. A list of ACE dates will be made available to you when you complete Online Orientation. Select a date that is convenient for you. You will meet with a Counselor or Academic Advisor to review transcripts, test scores, and register for your classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have no high school diploma or GED?
www.riverland.edu/assessmentcenter
Students without a high school diploma or its equivalent [General Education Development (GED)] can be accepted if they first receive a minimum score on an “Ability to Benefit” assessment approved by the U.S. Department of Education. ACCUPLACER is one of the approved assessments and can be scheduled online,

Am I accepted to my major?
Admittance to the college does not ensure acceptance to a specific course or program. Many programs have specific, competitive entrance qualifications, including good grades in specific college classes. Contact Admissions for more information.

Why do I have to take an assessment test?
www.riverland.edu/ssc - All students entering a Minnesota community college are required to take the ACCUPLACER before registering for classes. We want to ensure you are not placed into courses that are too easy or too difficult for you. ACCUPLACER scores are used to determine whether you will be able to register for College Algebra, Freshman English or other college-level classes. A low score could mean that you will need to take college prep reading, writing, or math classes. Students have to pay for college prep classes and the credits are considered electives but do not count towards graduation.

What if I want to appeal an admissions decision?
Students wishing to appeal the admission decision of the college should contact the Director of Admissions. To learn more about admission appeals go to www.riverland.edu/ssc

Can I take college classes while I am still in high school?
Yes! Juniors and seniors enrolled in Minnesota public or private high schools or home-schooled students may enroll in college courses for both high school and college credit. There is no cost for tuition, fees or books.

This experience is the beginning of the official record (transcript) of their college studies. We call this Post Secondary Enrollment Option or PSEO. If you are interested in applying as PSEO, you should start by contacting your high school counselor or contact the Admissions Department.

Is the application process different for international students?
Yes. The International Application and other forms can be found on the Web at www.riverland.edu/internationalstudents

Also, all international students and visiting scholars engaged in educational activities are required to purchase a student accident and illness policy approved by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities unless they can provide verification that their government or sponsoring agency accepts full responsibility for any medical claims that may occur. Proof of insurance or the purchase of a policy is required before the student registers for classes.

Riverland recommends the MEGA Health Insurance Company at www.student-resources.net 800-767-0700 or the Harbour Group at www.hginsurance.com, 800-252-8160.

English language proficiency
A student whose primary language is not English and is seeking admittance to degree and diploma granting programs will be required to take an assessment test. Scores from this test will be used to place students in appropriate classes. For courses available, see Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Tuition Reciprocity Agreement
Any student who is a legal resident of Wisconsin, North Dakota or South Dakota may attend a Minnesota public institution and pay that state’s resident tuition. Similarly, a legal resident of Minnesota may attend a Wisconsin, North Dakota or South Dakota public institution and pay Minnesota resident tuition. Application for tuition reciprocity must be made in the home state of the student. For more information contact the Registrar’s office at 507-433-0610.

Out of State Tuition
Students from non-reciprocity states and international students pay in-state tuition.

Paying for College

Financial aid programs are available to assist you in paying for college expenses. A majority of students at Riverland receive some form of funding. Students eligible for financial aid may receive funding from a variety of sources including:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
• Minnesota State Grant
• Federal Academic Competitive Grant
• State Child Care Grant
• Alliss Grant (privately funded scholarship for first-time college students)
• Federal Stafford Loan
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal PLUS Loan (a loan in which the parent of a student borrows the educational funding)
• Minnesota SELF Loan (Student Education Loan Fund)
• Foundation Scholarships
• Minnesota G.I. Bill

Applying for Financial Aid
Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can secure a FAFSA Worksheet at your area high school or from Riverland staff. The fastest way to apply is to submit your aid application through the U.S. Department of Education Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Scholarship Search Services
There are a number of scholarship opportunities available to you through private funding sources. Riverland endorses the use of www.fastweb.com. It is a free scholarship search service that can help you access over 500,000 scholarship opportunities. To learn more about scholarships go to www.riverland.edu/Scholarships/Links.

College Foundation Scholarship Program
The college’s foundation, Riverland Community College Foundation, awards scholarships each year with funds provided by donations from community organizations, businesses and individuals. For more information, request an application form from the Institutional Development Office or online at www.riverland.edu/Scholarships.

Student Services

Riverland offers a wide variety of student services at multiple campus locations to help you achieve your educational and career goals. Those services include:

• Academic Advising through faculty advisors and counselors
• Career Centers that offer career and college planning resources
• Child Care on campus in Albert Lea and Austin
• Counseling and Career Planning Services 
• Disability Services
• Financial Aid
• Housing is available on campus in Austin
• Placement and Graduation Services
• International and Multicultural Student Advising
• Registration and Records
• Service Centers
• Student Activities
• Transfer Services
• Tutoring Services
• Writing Labs to assist you with your college papers and projects
• Veteran Services

Other services at the college include two on-campus libraries, three bookstores, student e-mail and many services available online.

Student Activities and Organizations

Riverland has a variety of social and educational organizations, activities and special events designed to enrich students’ college experiences. They include:

• Athletics: intercollegiate and intramural
• Criminal Justice Society
• Human Services Club (DEEDS
• Multi-Cultural Club
• Music includes: college choir and choral ensemble
• Older, Wiser Learning Students (OWLS)
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
• Righteous Invasion of the Truth-Christian fellowship (R.I.O.T.)
• Skills/USA
• Student Senate (Albert Lea and Austin)
• Student Ambassadors
• Theatre
• Gaming Club
• Riverland Community Gay-Straight Alliance (RCGSA)

To learn more about Riverland’s student organizations and activities go to www.riverland.edu/studentlife

Academic Information

Associate in Arts Degree (AA)
The Associate in Arts degree is a 64-credit transfer degree that includes the course work students need to complete the first two years of college instruction toward a baccalaureate (BS/BA) degree. It includes a minimum of 40 general education credits designed to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) which includes ten areas of competency agreed upon by the University of Minnesota and the colleges of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The remaining 24 credits are 1000-2000 level electives. One of these elective credits must be in health/physical education.  A student may choose to complete no more than 16 technical credit electives of the 24 credits. The AA degree signifies that the lower-division general education requirement has been met in partial fulfillment of requirements for a baccalaureate degree at any state university. A 2.0 grade point average is required in both the MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) course work and in the overall course work completed. 

Associate in Fine Arts Degree (AFA) in Art, Music or Theatre
An Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree may be awarded after the successful completion of a program in a designated discipline in fine arts. The AFA degree is designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree, as specified in an articulation agreement between the partnering institutions. An AFA degree offered by a college must have at least one articulation agreement between the institution awarding the degree and an institution awarding a baccalaureate degree in a related fine arts discipline. An AFA degree shall include a minimum of 30 semester credits in general education and general education credits shall be selected from at least six of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

Associate in Science Degree (AS)
An Associate in Science (AS) degree may be awarded after the successful completion of a program in a designated field or area which transfers to a baccalaureate major in a related scientific, technical, or non-liberal arts professional field. An Associate in Science degree must have one or more articulation agreement(s) between the institution awarding the Associate in Science degree and an institution awarding a related baccalaureate degree. A minimum of 30 semester credits in general education courses is required. 24 of the 30 credits must be from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Students must also complete at least six of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.  Sixteen semester credits in the MnTC shall be distributed as follows: at least four semester credits from each of the categories of communication, humanities, social sciences and mathematics/natural sciences. A majority of the liberal arts and sciences courses shall be prerequisites to or specifically supportive of occupation courses. A grade point average of 2.0 or better must be maintained in the required program courses as well as for the credits the student applies toward the degree. Nursing students must have a 2.0 or better in each program course. A minimum of one credit in physical education and/or health is required for graduation.

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree may be awarded after the successful completion of a program primarily intended to prepare students for employment. An AAS degree may be designed to transfer to a related baccalaureate major. Students are required to complete 20 semester credits form the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Twelve semester credits in the MnTC shall be distributed as follows: at least three semester credits from each of the categories of communication, humanities, social sciences, and mathematics/natural sciences. Students must also complete at least three of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. At least 30 semester credits shall be program related. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum of one credit in physical education and/or health is required for graduation.

Diplomas
The Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a technical program. The program consists of technical credits and several general studies credits of a technical nature.

Certificates
Many programs offer Certificates requiring 30 or fewer credits. They serve students who have an immediate career goal. Certificates are typically not designed for transfer.

Transfer Information

Transferring to Riverland:
  
1. Riverland Community College will consider acceptance of transfer credits from regionally or nationally accredited institutions.  Transfer credit from nationally accredited schools recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) www.chea.org or the U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred will be reviewed for transfer credit acceptance on a case by case basis. Institution accreditation can be viewed by going to: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html

2. To receive a degree from Riverland Community College, a minimum of 20 semester credits of college-level courses must be taken at Riverland. For students transferring from other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions, this number is reduced to 12 credits.

3. A Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) course completed at another Minnesota State Colleges and Universities College will be transferred even if Riverland does not offer similar courses or disciplines.

4. Riverland shall accept Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses, goals and the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with the passing grades earned at the sending system college or university. A 2.0 MnTC GPA is required for recognition of a students’ completion of the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with or without completing an associate degree.

5. College courses that are not part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, in which a student has received a grade of A, B, C, or P will be considered for transfer. if a student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, D’s will be considered for transfer on a course by course basis.

6.  Riverland Shall accept in transfer as electives up to 16 semester credits of occupational and/or professional courses which are not comparable or not equivalent to specific courses.  College-level courses accepted in transfer by Riverland that are determined to be not comparable or not equivalent to a specific course shall be accepted as electives.

7. Transfer credit grades will not be used in computing the student’s overall grade point average at Riverland. Only earned credits (not grade point credits or grade points) will be recorded on the official Riverland transcript. However, transfer grades will be included to compute their MnTC grade point average to ensure the student has completed the MnTC with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

8. Credits achieved through military training will be evaluated for transfer as specified in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Students should bring in their DD 214 discharge paper, Certificates of Training and/or military transcripts for evaluation.

9. Comparability: Courses approved for transfer must be comparable in nature, content and level and match at least 75 percent of the content and goals of the course for which the student is seeking equivalent credit.

10. Credit Life: General education, some general studies and elective credits shall have no transfer time limit. Credits for technical programs have a five-year life span unless otherwise approved by the Academic Dean. Science courses required for Health Science programs have a five-year life span unless otherwise approved by the Academic Dean.

11. Equivalency/Conversion: The number of transfer credits granted per course shall not exceed the number granted by the originating institution.

12. Repeated Courses: When a student transfers in courses and later successfully repeats a transferred course at Riverland, only credit from Riverland will be granted.

Transfer Student Rights

Transfer Students have the right to:

• A clear, understandable statement of an institution’s transfer policy.
• A fair credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.
• A formal appeals process if unsatisfied with the transfer of credits.

The appeals process involves:

• Completion of the Transfer Evaluation Appeal form.
• Documentation to support the appeal (course syllabus, textbook, course description, etc.).
• Review of documentation by Academic Dean and Registrar. 
• The written outcome of the appeal will be sent to the Student within 21 days.
• Students that are not satisfied with the transfer appeal decision may appeal to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs at the system level. 

Transferring from Riverland:

1. Discuss your plans with any Riverland counselor to help you develop a transfer plan.
2.  Have a program or major selected by the end of your freshman year. Changing majors or delaying transfer planning may result in missing a necessary sequence of classes which could extend the time it takes to graduate.
   
3.  Be familiar with the pre-major requirements of transfer schools. Different schools may have distinct preparatory requirements for the same major. Riverland counselors can help you understand and prepare for completion of these program requirements.
   
4.  Call or visit your intended transfer college. Obtain or review the following materials and information: college catalog, transfer brochure, financial aid/scholarship and housing.
   
5.  Obtain admissions criteria information for both the college and the major (portfolio, test scores, transcripts, etc.). Grade point average or other requirements for admission to a specific major may be different than the general admissions criteria for the college.
   
6.  Complete a Riverland transcript request form in the Student Service Center or online to have official transcripts sent to your transfer school.
   
7.  Make an appointment with a counselor or advisor at the transfer college to discuss the transfer of your credits and other program requirements. If possible, arrange to visit with a professor from the major.
8.  Make certain you have completed all steps in the application process and have provided all documents. Most colleges make no decision until all required documents are in your file.
   
9. If you have heard nothing from your intended college of transfer after one month, call to check on the status of your application.
   
10.  After the college notifies you that you have been accepted for admission, your transcripts will be evaluated for credit transfer. 
    
11.  If you have questions about your transcript evaluation, call the Admissions and Records Office at the transfer school and ask to speak with a credit evaluator. Ask questions about why certain credits were evaluated as they were, and if you are not satisfied with the decisions made about your credits, you can appeal those decisions. You may be asked to provide a course description and syllabus.
    
12.  The receiving college or university determines which credits transfer and whether those credits meet requirements of a specific degree. Institutions accept credits from courses and programs, which are similar to ones they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content and level. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education, major/minor courses, and electives.

Transfer Guides and Curricula
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)

Students who complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) at Riverland have completed the lower division general education requirements at all Minnesota public colleges and universities. Transfer specialists in the Career and Counseling Centers will assist students in understanding the specific information about the MnTC. The MnTC curriculum commits all public colleges and universities in Minnesota to a broad educational foundation that integrates a body of knowledge and skills with a study of contemporary concerns. The competencies people need to participate successfully in this complex and changing world are identified. These competencies identify our common membership in the human community, personal responsibility for intellectual lifelong learning, an awareness that we live in a diverse world and the basic skills of discovery, integration, application, and communication. See Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements in the Liberal Arts & Sciences Section.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible for graduation when they have successfully fulfilled the program requirements for a certificate, diploma or degree. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required. A 2.0 MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) grade point average is required for recognition of a student’s completion of the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with or without completing an associate degree.

To be eligible for a certificate, diploma or degree, a student must earn at least 20 semester credits at Riverland. If other credits are earned from other Minnesota State College and Universities institutions, at least 12 semester credits must be completed at Riverland. Students entering Riverland will complete their work under the terms of the catalog in effect at the time of their first enrollment unless the time exceeds six years. Those graduating more than six years after the date of the first enrollment must meet the requirements stated in the catalog which is in effect the year in which graduation occurs, unless an exception is authorized. All students are required to participate in Graduation Express during their last term. Students must complete an Application for Graduation and have it approved by the Registrar’s Office within the first two weeks in the final semester of attendance. This application is required of all students even if they do not wish to participate in the commencement ceremony.

TECH PREP CREDITS:
EASING TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

Students wishing to jump start their college and workforce career should consider earning Tech Prep college credits through selected area high school classes. Tech Prep college credits, awarded to those who successfully complete these courses, may fulfill requirements for specific college courses or as elective credits at Riverland Community College.

Linking high school and college programs provides students the opportunity to make a smooth transition to Riverland without experiencing delays, duplication of courses, or loss of credits. Programs provide opportunities for advanced training, increase flexibility in scheduling, and promote more informed career decision making.

To receive free Tech Prep college credits, students complete courses in the high school that have agreements with Riverland. After high school, students enroll in their chosen program at Riverland and present the completed Tech Prep certificate at the initial registration. A Riverland counselor or faculty advisor can help you with any questions.

Tech Prep is competency-based and aligned with occupational pathways in a sequential course of study. The program allows students to receive free credits for several introductory classes. In the end, Tech Prep prepares and equips students to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workplace.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Riverland’s ESL courses are designed for all foreign speakers who want to improve their English speaking skills or learn English. All Riverland instructors are licensed with English as a Second Language master’s degrees. You can look forward to a friendly, welcoming classroom atmosphere at various skill levels with flexible scheduling for either full-time or part-time options. Students are encouraged to develop English skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, computer basics and U.S. culture. Find more information at www.riverland.edu/pos