Transcript Key

The following Explanation of Academic Transcript is the same information provided on the back of each official page of the OTC transcript.  OTC will include any changes to the transcript key made between printings  in RED on this website.

Accreditation

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Our current accreditation status with HLC can be viewed here . Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031.

 

For more information please contact the Higher Learning Commission:

https://www.hlcommission.org
info@hlcommission.org

230 S LaSalle St #7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
800.621.7440 / 312.263.0456

Academic Calendar and Terms

The academic calendar consists of two 16-week semesters and one 8-week semester. A special 20-week term exists outside the regular 16-week semester in fall and spring. Additional terms (18-week, 14-week, 8-week, 4-week) may exist within the full semester. In Summer, a 10-week and two 5-week summer terms will also exist in addition to the traditional 8 week summer term.  Student can enroll in the same course more than once in a semester by utilizing the shorter additional terms.  

Course Numbering System

001 – 099 Developmental: will not count toward certificate or degree. Not counted in academic honors.
100 – 199 First year courses: may count toward the requirements for a certificate or degree.
200+ Second year and above courses: may count toward the requirements for a certificate or degree.

Disability and Non-Discrimination Information

The college prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities and employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, and disabilities that include HIV and AIDS and medical conditions. OTC will allow bona fide occupational qualifications  in those instances where age, gender, or physical requirements apply to the appropriate and efficient administration of the position.

Grading System

OTC uses a four-point grading system. The college issues official grades for each student at the end of each term. OTC grades students enrolled in credit courses by the letter system below:

Grade: Points: Description:
College level courses. Grades computed in the GPA
A 4 Exemplary
B 3 Superior
C 2 Adequate
D 1 Minimal
F 0 Failing

Grades not included in the GPA

AU 0 The student enrolled in and completed the course as an “auditor”. Requirements for successful completion as an auditor are arranged with the course instructor. Does not count as credit for the course.
G 0 Academic Fresh Start. Used in conjunction with the original letter grade earned by the student.   Course no longer counts toward a certificate or degree.
I 0 An “I,” or incomplete, indicates a student has been doing acceptable work but has not completed a small amount of work. It is the student’s responsibility to have this deficiency removed within six (6) weeks after the incomplete is assigned.
IP 0 Student is current In Progress in the course
N 0 Used in conjunction with letter grades of A, B, C, or D for classes traditionally below college level (less than 100 level). These courses are not included in consideration for honors.
NP 0 Not Passing. Given for courses (less than 100 level), as well as selected courses which have been approved by the Provost to be offered on a Passing/Not-Passing system.
P 0 Passing. Awarded upon successful completion of Continuing Education course. May be used for selected courses with the approval of the Provost.
RG 0 Student has registered for the course in a future term
S 0 Credit By Exam. The student received credit for a course through proficiency examination. This symbol counts as hours earned but not as hours attempted.
T 0 Transfer. Credits transferred from another institution. OTC does not include transfer credits in the cumulative hours or grade point average.
W 0 Withdrawal. Assigned at the time of withdrawal from all or one class(es).

Honors Courses

Course designed for Honor Program students to encourage critical and creative thinking.

Articulated Credit:
Articulated Credit, or “tech Prep” credit allows students to earn college credit for select coursework completed during high school.  For more information, please visit the Articulated Credit website.

Credit for Prior Learning (Professional Credit):
Designated on the OTC Transcript as “Professional Credit”, credit for prior learning is awarded by the academic department if the student can demonstrate the required skills by means of an established assessment.  For more information on Credit for Prior Learning, contact OTC Academic Affairs.

Prior Names

1990 – 1994:  Heart of the Ozarks Community College

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat courses with earned grades to allow a student to improve his/her grade point average. Once a student repeats a class, the new grade replaces the previous grade in the grade point average. If a student elects to repeat a course, the grade earned from the final attempt of the course is the final grade, even if that grade is lower than the previous attempt. The transcript will show all previous attempts on the transcript with a “REPEATED” code. The semester or cumulative grade point average calculations will not include these courses.

Semester Hour

The unit of measure for academic purposes is the semester hour. A semester hour is equivalent to one hour of recitation or a minimum of two hours of laboratory per week for a semester or an equivalent time for a shorter term.

Following are the standards for academic classification of students at OTC:

  • Freshman – A student who has completed fewer than thirty (30) semester hours of coursework.
  • Sophomore – A student who has completed thirty (30) or more semester hours of coursework.

Transcript Validation and Authenticity

This is an official transcript only if printed on secure blue paper with Ozarks Technical Community College repeated in the background and the official seal appearing as the watermark. Transcripts issued to students will have “ISSUED TO STUDENT” stamped prominently across each page. When copied, the word “COPY” appears prominently across the face of the entire document. Bleach will turn the paper brown if the transcript is official. Institutions may obtain further documentation by contacting the college.

As of: 03/02/2023