Records and Registration

Full-time students are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per fall or spring semester or the combined summer sessions. Students receiving financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office regarding the number of credit hours needed to maintain full-time status during the summer.

In most programs of study, you have a few credit hours that are not designated as required courses. You may fulfill these credit hours by taking courses that are of special interest to you. These courses are called electives.

Students have the ability to view the requirements remaining to complete their degree or diploma. Degree audit is available in the Student Information System.

Hybrid courses reduce the time required to attend class on campus by providing approximately one-half of the course content through structured on-line learning experiences. Hybrid courses teach all course objectives, are taught with the same level of rigor, and require the same amount of time to complete course requirements.

A credit hour is a unit of measurement used to determine approximately how many hours you are required to spend in each class each week and how many hours are required for graduation. For example, during the spring and fall semesters, a three-credit hour lecture class usually means that you attend class three hours a week, each week of the semester. The average full-time course load is 12-16 credit hours per semester. A minimum 60 credit hours are required for graduation with an associate's degree. Specific program requirements are outlined in the college catalog.

A syllabus is a document prepared by your instructor that should be furnished to you at the beginning of your course work. It will outline course requirements, standards, objectives, attendance policy, and evaluation procedures. The syllabus lists instructor contact information and may be an important resource document to support transfer of credits to other colleges or universities.

A student who enrolls for a minimum of six credits and identifies an occupational/academic goal leading to a degree, diploma, and/or certificate, and/seeks federal financial assistance, must demonstrate the ability to benefit. To demonstrate ability to benefit, a student must have completed one of the following: a high school diploma, GED, homeschooling at the secondary level, pass a Department of Education approved ability-to-benefit test, or satisfactory completion of six credit hours or the equivalent coursework that is applicable toward a degree or certificate offered by NECC.

Students shall be classified as resident or nonresident for admission and tuition purposes by the Student Services Office. Classification as a resident requires that the student be a resident of the State of Nebraska six months prior to the first day of class. Refer to the college catalog for a listing of other category standards that support residency status.

If there is any question of right to legal residence in Nebraska under the state laws and rules, it is the student's responsibility to supply necessary documentation to answer such questions. The student may appeal his or her classification to the Student Services Office.

A special topics course is a "tailor-made" class, suited specifically to special interests and needs that is not offered as part of the regular curriculum. If you have special interest in a particular area, visit with your advisor about special topics.

A transcript is a record of all courses, grades and credits earned and is kept on file in the Registrar's Office. Requests must be in writing and signed by the student with a 24 hour notice to acquire an official transcript of your scholastic record. Contact the Registrar's Office, your advisor, or an Extended Campus Director for additional information.