Academic Policies

Academic Standing | Grading System | Credit and Placement Information
Examinations | Attendance | Academic Honesty | Academic Holds
Instructional Grievances

Credit and Placement Information

Cascadia accepts a variety of ways students may demonstrate their knowledge, skills and the achievement of student learning outcomes. Credit may be given, after appropriate evaluation  in the following ways:

• National Standardized Tests Cascadia accepts the results of some national standardized tests for placement or credit. Examples would include specific exams among those offered by Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB).
• Credit By Examination For certain skill-based courses, credit by examination may be available.
• Documented Experience Advanced placement in professional/technical programs is possible for documented prior experience that is equivalent to coursework at Cascadia. This experience might be from the military, industry or courses completed through Community Education.
• Enrollment in College 120, Assessment of Prior Learning Students may earn credit for prior college-level learning that has occurred outside the traditional classroom setting by enrolling in College 120. This course will assist the student to develop a portfolio that demonstrates and documents the knowledge and skills the student has acquired through non-traditional means.

A maximum of 15 credits of this work may be applied to degree or certificate requirements. These credits will not be included as part of the 25-credit residence requirement that students must earn at Cascadia in order to graduate. Please see an advisor for further clarification.

Cascadia Community College Advanced Placement Table

Transfer Credits

Course work from other colleges will be evaluated upon request. Only course work from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted. A maximum of 65 credits will be accepted.

Earning Credits

The regular college year is divided into three quarters of approximately 11 weeks each, plus a condensed summer session. Credits may be earned from several modes of learning: class lectures and lab sessions, independent study and practicums, and distance learning, such as telecourses and online courses. One credit is allowed for each lecture period or two to three hours of laboratory per week. For each period of lecture or discussion, the student should allow two hours of outside preparation.

A carefully planned program of 15 or more credits per quarter will allow for graduation in two years. A carefully planned program of 10 or more credits per quarter will allow for graduation in three years. Students should develop their program of study with an advisor.

The following course credit loads require the following approvals:

1. Up to 24 credits during first quarter (academic courses) Academic or Faculty Advisor approval required.
2. For all subsequent quarters students may enroll for up to 24 credits, pending eligibility by meeting pre-requisites and in good academic standing.
3. To enroll in more than 24 credits students must have Academic Advisor or Faculty Advisor approval.