Academic Development
Placement Policy

Academic Development Placement Policy

Degree seeking students entering Isothermal Community College in the Arts and Sciences, Business Sciences, and Applied Sciences and Technology programs must complete one or more developmental courses in the areas of English, reading or mathematics as a result of any one of the following conditions:

1. A scaled score below the cut-off scores established by the College on any of the ASSET or COMPASS placement tests (Writing Skills, Reading Skills, Numerical Skills, Elementary, Intermediate, or College Algebra).

2. Referral by a faculty member to developmental courses when a student’s work in curriculum courses demonstrates academic skill deficiencies in one or more of the areas of English, reading or mathematics. 

Minimum cut-off scores have been established by the College. Students scoring below a minimum score in any one of the three areas must meet with the appropriate Student Affairs personnel to discuss their options.   

Students should be encouraged to enroll in required developmental courses during the first semester of their enrollment because of reading and writing requirements in college level courses. 

Transfer students who have completed college level or developmental courses in English, reading or mathematics with a grade of “C” or better will be exempted from placement testing in the area(s) they have completed.

Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in required developmental courses to advance into college curriculum courses. Developmental students failing to make academic progress may be dismissed from the program after failing the same course twice. Student appeals regarding this action may be directed to the Committee on Admissions, Academic Continuation, and Records. Appeals will be reviewed based on the determination of the student’s ability to benefit from continued study. Upon completion of the required developmental courses, students may enroll in the regular sequence of English and mathematics courses. Because credits for developmental courses are used as institutional credits only, they cannot be counted toward graduation. Developmental course credits determine course load for payment, eligibility for financial aid, and/or classification of a full-time student. Any exceptions to the overall policy must be approved by the Dean of Academic Development.

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