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What is Academic Renewal?
The Academic Renewal Program is designed for students who attended RVCC, compiled an unsuccessful academic record, and subsequently left the College for five or more years. As a result of their work experience, maturity, or new interests, these students may now wish to return to college and start a new grade point average. While past grades will no longer count in the GPA, those courses do remain on the academic transcript. Interested students should print the Academic Renewal Application Form (.pdf) and review the eligibility requirements for this program. For further information, please consult with an Academic Advisor.
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Academic Standing
What is RVCC’s Standard of Academic Progress?
The Academic Standards Committee evaluates each student’s academic record (part-time and non-degree seeking students included) at the conclusion of each semester. The College's standard of academic progress requires that students maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better, which is defined as "Good Standing." Accordingly, a minimum of 2.0 is required for graduation.
Why am I on probation or suspension?
In order to successfully progress through your degree program so that you can graduate with at least a 2.0 grade point average, the college has established guidelines for Academic Alert), Academic Probation Alert, and Academic Suspension. Details on all three can be found in the current catalog, available via the Publications page. The Academic Standards committee will send a letter to students who have been suspended, informing them of the reason for suspension. Students on Academic Probation Alert will have a message sent to their Lions Den email account.
I was suspended from RVCC several years ago. How do I come back?
Complete the Return from Suspension form and bring it with you to Advising & Counseling Services. Poor academic performance in the past is not necessarily an indicator of your present capabilities.
How do I appeal my suspension?
Your letter from the Academic Standards Committee will explain the appeal process. Students are typically required to write a letter to the committee expressing reasons for the appeal. The committee will meet, make a decision, and inform the student in writing and also via email to the student’s Lions Den account.
What types of restrictions apply to me while I’m on suspension or probation?
Students who have been suspended are typically unable to enroll at the college for a semester. Students who have been put on academic probation alert are required to meet with an advisor in order to register or drop classes.
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Advanced Approval for Transfer Credit
Any student who wishes to take a course at another college and transfer the credit back to RVCC must complete an Advanced Approval Form. This form requires Advisor/Counselor approval.
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Advanced Standing
 How can I use my previous college credits from another college or university?
Students enrolled in a degree program (AA, AS, AAT, AFA, AAS or Certificate) may be eligible to receive transfer credit for previously studied coursework. They should have OFFICIAL transcripts from all previously attended institutions sent to the Office of Enrollment Services, PO Box 3300, Somerville, NJ 08876. Unofficial or student copies will not be accepted for formal transfer credit evaluation.
After receiving a letter from the Office of Enrollment Services stating that your evaluation has been completed, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor in order to determine which courses apply to your curriculum.
Which exams are accepted under the Advanced Standing policy?
- Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
- College Level Examination Placement (CLEP)
- DANTES
- RVCC Department Exams
- NYU Foreign Language Proficiency Exam
It is strongly recommended that you check with an advisor or counselor prior to registering for any test. Further information on the various forms of alternate assessment can be found in Advising & Counseling Services and by visiting the following Testing Center Link: http://www.raritanval.edu/registration/Testing/ClepDantesInfo.html.
How do I get credit for college-level knowledge gained through life experience?
Credit for college-level knowledge gained from life experience is granted after evaluation by examination or other forms of assessment. A variety of examinations are acceptable including: College Level Examination Program (CLEP), RVCC Departmental exams, NYU Foreign Language Proficiency exams, and DANTES.
Credit is also granted for certain military training and non-collegiate sponsored instruction, such as AT&T training courses. Courses that have been evaluated by ACE (The American Council on Education) may be applied to your degree. Students should request that transcripts be sent to the Office of Enrollment Services.
Students may also consult with Barbara Luby in Advising and Counseling Services about these options.
What is a Departmental Exam?
Departmental exams are administered for students wishing to obtain credit for prior learning in a specific course for which no national standardized exam is approved by the RVCC faculty (CLEP, DANTES, etc.).
General Policies:
- No credit can be earned for Physical Education or Speech courses.
- Students pay $40 per credit to RVCC for the exam.
- Students may not apply for a departmental exam for courses they have audited or in which they received a received a D/F.
- If granted credit, the student will receive "credit by examination" on the transcript. The grade point average will not be affected.
Students should pick up a departmental exam form from Advising and Counseling Services. The form will be forwarded to the appropriate department and the student will be contacted by the department to arrange the exam.
How many credits can I earn from Advanced Standing?
Students may earn up to 45 credits through the various forms of advanced standing available.
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Auditing a Course
Students who are interested in taking a course for personal enrichment but are not interested in earning credit have the option of registering for the course as an audit. When auditing a course, the student is expected to attend class and participate but will not receive college credit and an AU grade will appear on his or her college transcript.
How do I go about registering for an audit?
A student interested in auditing a course must have permission of the faculty member teaching the course. The student will need to fill out a Registration form and gets the instructor’s signature and date on it. The cost for the course is the same as a student taking the course for credit. Once courses begin, a student enrolled in a course can switch their status from credit to audit until the time designated in the academic calendar as the last day to receive a “W” grade (please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates). The student needs to complete the Add/Drop form and get the instructor’s signature and date.
What are the benefits of auditing a course, as opposed to earning credit for it?
A student who wishes to gain knowledge about a specific topic, but does not wish to have assignments and exams evaluated by the instructor, is the perfect candidate for an audit. Also, students who are interested in a topic for personal enrichment may select this option. Please note that when auditing a course, a student must comply with the course’s attendance requirements.
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Career Planning
There are various resources at your disposal. Knowing yourself is the first place to begin when making a career choice.
 Is there a way I can get experience while earning my degree?
RVCC's Internship Coordinator, Ms. Linda Levitt, can assist students with finding internship opportunities. Linda can be reached at 908-526-1200 x8437 or llevitt@raritanval.edu. For more information about the internship program, please visit the Internships main page.
RVCC’s Cooperative Education program allows students to earn academic credit while working. Call 526-1200, extension 8804 for more information.
RVCC's Service Learning Program: Students enrolled in Service Learning courses perform community service (volunteer work) as part of their coursework and receive academic credit. For more information, please contact 908-526-1200 extension 8284.
How can I determine the job market and career outlook for my particular major?
Go to the Career Services web page under "Occupational Research". There are web links there that enable the user to type in a keyword/job title and then provide the user with both state and national information on the level of demand for that career (http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/wnjpin_index.html). For additional assistance, contact the Career Counselor at 908-526-1200 x8334.
I just want to get a job to make some money while I’m in school. Can you help?
Students seeking employment should contact the RVCC Job Search Assistant at 908-526-1200 x8338 or wschnall@raritanval.edu. Area employers also regularly come on campus to recruit students and graduates. Visit the the Career Services web page and click on 'Job Search for Students' for more information.
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Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education offers students an on-the-job training program directly related to their academic major and career interests. Students earn credit for working, and sometimes, a salary.
Who is eligible for cooperative education?
- Students enrolled in a degree program at RVCC.
- Students with 12 completed credits or the permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs/Director of Cooperative Education.
- Students in good academic standing.
- Students able to be employed at least 10 hours per week in this program.
Please note: Students in certain degree programs are required to do a Co-Op. Refer to your curriculum requirements.
How do I arrange to do a Co-Op?
Contact Maxwell McDew Stevens, Dean of Instruction, at 526-1200 x8804 or mstevens@raritanval.edu.
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Credit Overload
What is the most number of credits I can take as a full-time/part-time student in the Fall and Spring semesters?
- Full time students can register for a maximum of 19 credits (including developmental courses).
- Part-time students can register for up to 11 credits and maintain part-time status.
How many credits can I take as a full time/part time student in the summer session?
Students may take up to 12 credits during the entire summer session, with no more than six credits during any one summer session.
What if I want to take more credits than the maximum?
You should go to Advising and Counseling Services and meet with an academic advisor. The guidelines for an overload request are as follows:
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA in the last semester and a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA in the last semester with less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- No failing mid-term grades in the present semester.
- Successful completion of all required developmental courses.
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Dean's List
After completing 12 college-level credits, students will be eligible for the Dean’s List, which is compiled every semester. Students completing 6 or more credits in college-level courses with a semester GPA of 3.5 and no grades below a C will be placed on the Dean’s List.
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Developmental Courses
Why do I have to take developmental courses?
Students whose Accuplacer test results indicate a placement in Mathematics and/or English below college level are required to take developmental courses as preparation for college-level coursework.
How does RVCC determine which developmental courses I need to be in?
Based on the recommendations of the faculty, the "cut-off" scores for the Accuplacer test are used to determine placement into developmental courses. Students can re-test twice, if they feel their scores are close enough to the cut-offs. (There is a $10 charge per section for retests.)
I took developmental courses at my previous institution. Do they count at RVCC?
It depends. Students who have taken developmental courses at another institution (but who have not taken credit-bearing English or Math courses yet) should bring grade reports to Advising and Counseling Services for a counselor or advisor to review. Depending on the substance of the class, a counselor or advisor may exempt you from taking further developmental courses at RVCC.
How do developmental courses affect my full-time student/part-time status in terms of financial aid and health insurance?
Developmental courses do not count towards your degree requirements, but DO count towards your status as a full time student.
Example: Student is taking 9 credits of credited courses and 4 credits of a non-credited course. Only 9 of the credits count toward degree requirements, however all 13 credits count toward financial aid and insurance, thereby making the student full-time.
When do I have to start taking my developmental course work?
You must register for developmental courses during your first semester at RVCC. Developmental courses cannot be postponed to a later date.
I am in three developmental courses, but I can only attend part-time. What do I do?
Part time students MUST register for developmental Reading and Mathematics as part-time students. Writing can be taken in a subsequent semester.
What if I want to drop a developmental course?
Students cannot drop a developmental course without a signature from a Counselor or Advisor. Students should meet with a Counselor/Advisor to discuss the course they are trying to drop. The Add/Drop form must be signed by the Counselor/Advisor and then handed in to Enrollment Services for processing.
Speak with your instructor, then a counselor or advisor, if you have questions or concerns regarding your courses.
What happens if I fail a developmental course?
If you fail a course, you are required to register for it the next semester (Summer Sessions are optional). If you fail the course again, you will be placed on Academic Restriction, and will be allowed to register for that developmental course ONLY.
If you fail the course a third time, you will be suspended from the college for one semester.
I think I’m going to fail my developmental course. Should I register for it again during priority registration for the following semester?
No. Do your best to complete the course, and register for the next course in the sequence. If you fail it, you will be notified to drop the registered course and re-take the developmental course you didn’t pass.
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Drop/Add
I want to add or drop a course this semester. What do I do?
First, check the academic calendar for important dates regarding last days to add or drop courses. Next, you will need to fill out an Add/Drop form (.pdf), available online or in the Student Enrollment Center Office.
Other things to keep in mind:
- If you are receiving financial aid, you should check with the Financial Aid Office to see if dropping a course will affect your award.
- Also, if dropping a course affects your status as a full-time student, you will want to make sure that you are in compliance with possible health insurance stipulations.
How much money will I get back from dropping a course?
Students should refer to the Refund & Withdrawal Schedule to determine the amount of refund they will receive based on the drop date.
Will the dropped course be on my academic transcript?
It depends on how far into the semester you drop the course. The Refund & Withdrawal Schedule will tell you the last day you can withdraw from a course without a "W" grade showing on your record.
Please note: We can not stress enough the importance of withdrawing from your courses by the deadline if you are unable to finish the semester. If you simply stop attending classes and don’t take the appropriate action, the end result will be “Fs” on your permanent academic record.
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Dual Admission
Dual Admission is a special transfer agreement that provides graduates of RVCC with guaranteed acceptance as juniors into specified four-year colleges. Dual Admission is not automatic; students must complete a Dual Admission contract which addresses the specific requirements. Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/transfer-careers/DualAdmission.html for further information.
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English as a Second Language (ESL)
Who has to take the ESL English as a Second Language placement test?
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States, for whom English is not his/her first language, will take the Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT) to determine their eligibility, even if he/she has studied English at another college.
- International Students, for whom English is not their first language, must also take the test.
Note: Students will be given their ESL placement results immediately after testing.
 Why is the ESL test important?
Programs at RVCC require a demonstrated level of proficiency in English. The results of the ESL Placement Test will be used to determine whether a student needs to improve their English skills prior to beginning college-level coursework. Once the need for ESL is determined, students will begin taking courses in Grammar, Reading/Writing or Speaking and Listening based on their placement test level.
Where do I take the ESL test and how much does it cost?
Please refer to the Testing Center for detailed information about the ESL Placement Test.
I took ESL at another college. How does that affect my placement in courses at RVCC?
You should discuss your previous ESL courses with Kevin Hinkle, (908)526-1200 ext. 8568, who coordinates ESL placement.
How do ESL courses fit into my major?
ESL courses (except for ESL201) do not carry college credit towards your degree program.
I need more in-depth information about the ESL courses. With whom do I speak?
Contact an ESL Advisor, or visit http://www.raritanval.edu/departments/CommLanguage/ESL for further information.
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Foreign Language Placement Testing
What is a foreign language placement test and who needs to take it?
Any student who has taken 2+ years of a foreign language (within the last 5 years) and wishes to continue with the same language must follow the information below:
- SPANISH: Students MUST take the placement test. If they do poorly and place into Intro to Spanish I (SPAN 103), they must register for Intro to Spanish II w/ Review (SPAN 105). No credit will be given for SPAN 103 if that is what the student chooses to take.
- FRENCH & GERMAN: Students MUST take the placement test. If after testing, they place into Intro to French I (FREN 103) or Intro to German I (GRMN 103), they WILL receive credit for it.
- ITALIAN: There is NO placement test for Italian. Students wishing to continue with Italian should register for Intro to Italian II (ITAL 102). They will then be tested on the first day of class and moved accordingly, if necessary.
What are the procedures for taking the foreign language placement test?
- Students go to the Testing Center and request the appropriate test. (908) 526-1200 ext. 8424
- Students should allow at least 90 minutes for the test. The test is done by paper and pen, so there is no computer involved.
- When the test is completed, the Testing Center forwards the test to the Foreign Language department, where a faculty member will grade the test.
- The Foreign Language Department (or faculty member) will contact the student by phone regarding the placement. Turnaround time can be from as little as 24 hours up to a few days, depending on faculty availability.
- The Testing Center enters the placement results of the test into the college computer.
How can I waive the foreign language requirement?
Students may have the foreign language requirement waived if they can prove competency beyond the Intermediate II level of a foreign language. Students should then select two humanities electives in place of the language requirement. Competency can be proven by:
- An appropriate score on the placement test which the College administers for the languages taught for credit (Spanish, French, German)
- Documentation showing a high school diploma in the language (i.e., a high school diploma from a Japanese high school would be proof of proficiency in Japanese).
- An appropriate score on a placement test for a language not taught by the College for which the student would have to bear the expense of the administration and correction of the exam.
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Franklin Center
The Franklin Center is a satellite campus for Raritan Valley Community College which is located off of the corridor of Easton Avenue at the intersection of Franklin Blvd. and Hamilton Street in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/franklin/info.html for directions and contact information.
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Full-Time / Part-Time Status
What constitutes a full-time student?
A student is considered full-time if he or she registers for at least 12 credits for the semester. A student is considered part-time if he or she registers for 11 credits or fewer for the semester. Please note that while developmental courses do not count towards graduation, they do count towards your full-time/part-time status.
How can changing my full-time to part-time status affect me?
It is important to be aware that when changing from full-time to part-time status, there may be an impact on your financial aid as well as your health insurance coverage. It is encouraged that you meet with and academic advisor and/or a financial aid counselor before you make such changes.
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General Education Requirements
I keep hearing about General Education courses. What are they?
General Education courses are designed to give students a broad distribution of courses that emphasize critical thinking, comprehension of ideas and communication skills. They are the foundation to all students’ curriculums. While the courses in your major focus in on your particular interests, Gen. Ed. courses give you the breadth of coursework that is the basis for a liberal arts education. RVCC General Education courses are broken down into eight categories including:
- English Composition
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technological Competency
- Social Science
- Global and Cultural Awareness
- Humanities
You can find more information about General Educationin the College Catalog
How many Gen Ed courses are in my degree program?
- A.A. degree programs contain 45 credits of general education
- A.A.T. degree program contains 45 credits of general education
- A.S. degree programs contain 30 credits of general education
- A.A.S. degree programs contain 20 credits of general education
- A.F.A. degree program contains 20 credits of general education
How do I know what courses satisfy general education requirements?
Students can refer to the listing of the General Education courses provided in the printed College Catalog or by accessing the General Education Electives List (.pdf) online. Electives are clearly listed for each subject category.
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GPA Calculation
How do I compute my Grade Point Average?
Please refer to the chart below or visit the following websites:
Course |
Grade & Credits |
Credits Honor Pts. |
Value Earned |
Points
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History |
3 |
W(-) |
- |
- |
English |
3 |
A(4) |
3 |
12 |
Psychology |
3 |
C(2) |
3 |
6 |
French |
4 |
D(1) |
4 |
4 |
Algebra Mod 2 |
2NC* |
C(-) |
- |
- |
Totals |
15 |
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10 |
22 |
*A developmental course for no college credit |
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Grade Point Average (GPA) = 22 (value points) / 10 (credits) = 2.2 |
Please note: Grades from courses transferred from another institution or credits earned by examination will not be included in your RVCC grade point average.
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Grade Appeal Process
I am not happy with my grade in a course. What can I do?
You should always speak to your instructor first. Most issues can typically be resolved there. If a resolution cannot be made at this level, please refer to the College Catalog for details on the Grade Appeal Procedure.
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 Graduation
All RVCC students who have completed the academic requirements for a certificate or degree program must apply for graduation in order to receive a diploma, even if they do not plan to participate in commencement exercises. Please be aware of the strict graduation application deadlines! Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/records/grad_reqs.htm for details about the application process, dates of commencement and eligibility requirements.
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High School Early Credits |
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Honors Program
The general requirement for current RVCC students is a 3.5 grade-point average. For new students, the requirement is a 3.5 grade-point average from high school. For incoming transfer students, the requirement is a 3.5 grade-point average from their previous institution. Please note, some honors courses carry additional requirements which are listed in the Honors Course Descriptions in the college catalog. Students with a g.p.a. of less than 3.5 can still take an Honors course or choose an Honors Option by contacting the instructor and receiving written permission. More information about the Honors Program and current course offerings.
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Incomplete Grades
A student may receive an incomplete grade "I" at the discretion of a faculty member. An Incomplete Grade may be assigned if the student has failed to complete all requirements of a course due to extenuating circumstances, such as a serious illness. All work must be made up within four weeks of the conclusion of the semester. Failure to do so in the prescribed period of the succeeding semester will result in “I” being changed to “F” on the permanent record. An incomplete grade is filed by the instructor with the Dean of Academic and Student Services indicating the reasons for the incomplete grade. The instructor will inform the student that an incomplete has been granted and will indicate conditions for its removal.
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Independent Study
How do I arrange for an independent study?
Since an independent study is an arrangement between you and a specific faculty member, you should speak with that faculty member about arranging an independent study course. If agreed upon, you will take the Independent Study Form, available with the Department Secretaries, to the Office of the Dean of Academic Services where a course number will be assigned to the independent Study course. Bring the Independent Study Form with the course number and signatures to the Student Enrollment Center for registration.
Will I receive credits towards my degree program?
Yes, if the subject of independent study correlates with a specific curriculum requirement for your program.
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Instant Decision
Advising and Counseling Services sponsors "Instant Decision Days" during which four-year colleges and universities in New Jersey come to our campus to meet with RVCC students. Students find out that day if they are accepted to the four-year institution of their choice.
Notice of Instant Decision Days will appear in the Lion’s Den and on the Events page. If you are interested in applying to a school that is offering Instant Decisions at RVCC, see a Transfer Counselor in Advising & Counseling Services to schedule an appointment.
What are the basic steps in the Instant Decision process?
You will need to make an appointment with the Transfer Counselor to establish eligibility, schedule an appointment with the Admissions Representative and receive instructions of what to bring to the appointment.
What will I typically need for the Instant Decision appointment?
- a completed application: if school requires on-line application, submit it and make a copy to bring
- an official RVCC transcript
- go to Transcripts http://www.raritanval.edu/records/transcripts.html on the RVCC home page
- if you attended other colleges, bring transcripts from them
Remember – a transcript is only official if it has not been opened!
Please Note - Different schools have different requirements for eligibility and submission of materials. You will be advised of that when you meet with the Transfer Counselor.
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Lifelong Educational Opportunity (LEO)
The Lifelong Educational Opportunities (LEO) Program offers academic support and assistance to adult students who are continuing their college education or who are attending college for the first time. There are two LEO Orientations per academic year which are held at the college and are open to all adult students. One is offered just prior to the fall semester and one just prior to the spring semester; additionally every spring the college sponsors Adult Transfer Night, inviting approximately 20 representatives from colleges with adult-friendly Bachelor degrees. Visit our LEO page for further information about adult services.
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How do I change my major?
- If you entered college as a non-degree student and you seek to enter a degree or certificate program, you need to go to the Student Enrollment Center office on the first floor of the College Center and fill out a new Application for Admission.
- If you enrolled in a degree or certificate program and wish to change to another degree or certificate program, you will need to fill out a change of major form with one of our Academic Advisor. Academic Advisors are located in the Student Enrollment Center and are available during their daily drop-in hours. Please note that if you are changing your major to Nursing, you will need to follow Step 1.
What happens to the courses I have taken in my previous major?
Any or all courses taken for the previous major that apply to the new major will be applicable.
How much does it cost to change my major?
Nothing. It’s free!
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Major Selection
How do I know what majors RVCC offers?
There are several ways to find out:
- Look at the list of Academic Programs online.
- Visit the web pages of Academic Departments to see the listings of the degree and certificate programs by department.
- Go to the Student Enrollment Center during drop-in hours and speak to an Academic Advisor.
How do I go about choosing a major?
You can select a major on your own based on your own needs and interests or you can meet with an Academic Advisor during drop-in times to discuss your options. You can also visit Career Services online and view the Choosing a Major/Career (PowerPoint presentation) for Undecided students and utilize other Career Services resources such as one on one counseling, workshops and events.
I have heard that you can double major, is that true?
Yes. We recommend that you discuss this option with an Academic Advisor before making any decisions. Also, you should be aware that if you officially declare two majors, you must fulfill the degree requirements for both programs before you can apply for graduation.
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NJ Stars Program
 The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) is a scholarship program exclusively for New Jersey residents that covers the cost of tuition and approved fees at New Jersey's 19 community colleges. Students who graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class are eligible. NJ STARS covers up to five semesters of tuition and approved fees at the student's local community college.
What is NJ Stars II?
New Jersey community college NJ STARS students who earn their associate's degrees (excluding the Associate of Applied Science Degree) with a 3.0 grade point average or better are eligible for NJ STARS II at any New Jersey public four-year college or university.
Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/FinancialAid/NJSTARS.html for more information.
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Non-Degree Options
I want to take courses at RVCC, but don’t want to enroll in a degree program. What are my options?
If you wish to take a few courses, but do not plan to enroll into a degree program you can register for courses as a non-matriculated student. You must fill out an application form and registration form and bring both forms to the Office of Enrollment Services. As a non-degree student, you are restricted to take 9 credits or fewer in any given semester.
Do I have to take the placement test as a non-degree student?
As a non-degree student, you need to take the placement test only if the course (s) you want to register for have pre-requisites requiring English and/or Math.
Although not required, non-degree students are encouraged to take the placement test for both English and Mathematics. It is always a good idea to know what your placements are!
How do I change from non-degree to degree seeking?
If you entered RVCC as non-degree, you can change your status to degree seeking by filling out a new application form and bringing it to the Student Enrollment Center. You will only need to pay an application fee if you have not attended RVCC in three or more years.
If you had previously been in a degree program, became a non-degree student, and desire to return to a degree program, we recommend that you speak with an Academic Advisor in the Student Enrollment Center.
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Off-Campus Directions
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Online / Hybrid Courses
An online course is offered over the internet, with student access via a web browser. All instruction traditionally provided in class is replaced with online instruction. Attendance at the College is not usually required; however, students are encouraged to attend an orientation session at the beginning of the semester. A hybrid course, a blended mode of instructional delivery which combines features of traditional and distance education, is a course in which in-class instructional time is reduced 25% to 50% and replaced by online instruction and activities. Please note that online and hybrid courses have no reduction in workload! Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/distlearn for further information.
How can I determine if I would be a good candidate for distance learning?
Distance Learning is a flexible option for the self-motivated student who enjoys learning independently. Strong computer skills and the appropriate software are a necessity. Take the assessment: Are you Ready to Take an Online Course?
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Placement Testing
Who has to take the placement test?
Degree-seeking students are required to take Accuplacer placement tests for English and Mathematics prior to enrolling. All other students registering for an English or Math course or a course that has an English or Math pre-requisite will need to take the appropriate placement test.
How much does it cost?
The first test is free! Accuplacer tests may be taken up to 3 times although there is a retest fee for each section.
Can I transfer placement test scores from another college?
Yes, as long as you took Accuplacer placement tests. If you took the Accuplacer placement tests at another college within the last couple of years, you can request that those scores be sent to our Testing Center. However, you should realize that their placement "cut-offs" may be different than ours.
It is in your best interest, therefore, to take our Accuplacer test here, which will provide you with the most accurate assessment of your Math and English skills
Can SAT scores exempt me from the placement test?
Yes. Please visit the Testing Center website for details on what scores are required to be exempt from the placement test and able to directly register for college level courses.
I took the placement test at RVCC years ago. Are my scores still valid?
Yes and No. Yes, you can use your placement scores from the past to register for courses now. However, it is not advisable to do so, particularly in the area of Mathematics, where your skills from several years ago are not necessarily good indicators of your skills now.
Please visit the Testing Center for more information.
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Probation / Suspension (please see Academic Standing) |
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Remedial Restriction (also known as Academic Restriction)
A student who does not complete a developmental course with a C* grade or above because they either fail or withdraw from it, may re-take the course once before academic sanctions or other restrictions apply. A student who does not complete the course by the second attempt will be placed on Remedial Restriction.
When a student is placed on Remedial Restriction, he or she will only be allowed to register for the required developmental course in the upcoming semester. If the student successfully completes the course within the restricted semester, the academic restriction will be lifted for the following semester; however, failure to complete it will be cause for developmental suspension from the College for one semester. Students subject to Remedial Restriction should see an advisor or counselor.
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Repeating Courses
Students who have earned a D or F grade in a credit course may repeat that course. While both grades will appear on the transcript, only the second grade will be used to compute the GPA.
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Service Learning |
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Transfer In
You will need to submit your official college transcript in order for your credits to be evaluated. The evaluation will be completed during your first semester at RVCC. In the meantime, we recommend you schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor who can assist with course selection and registration. Please bring an unofficial transcript with you to verify prerequisites and to avoid course duplication. Visit our incoming transfers page for further information.
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Transfer Out
From the very first day you start at Raritan Valley Community College, you should be thinking about what you plan to do next. We recommend you make an appointment with a transfer counselor to review your educational goals and transfer options. Take advantage of the many resources on campus and online for current information. You should make contact with the colleges and universities you think you might like to attend after you graduate from RVCC. Get their catalogs and view their websites. Both will be very helpful to you in planning your course selection at RVCC. Please refer to our transfer page for further information.
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Tutoring Services
RVCC students have access to free drop-in tutoring services at the Academic Support Center. Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/ResourcesStudent/TutoringServices.htm for the current tutoring schedule.
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Underage Admission Policy & Procedure |
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University Center
The University Center at RVCC is a convenient way for prospective students residing or working in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties to complete advanced education without having to travel outside the region. Through partnerships with an expanding number of accredited colleges and universities, the University Center offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as graduate-level certificates to choose from. Visit http://www.raritanval.edu/univcen for further information.
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