Student Services
Student Aid & Services, Statements, Processes, and Policies
The Director of Financial Aid & Student Services handles the cost of attendance including tuition, fees, book purchase and refunds, student records, withdrawals, consumer questions, tuition payments, attendance policy, satisfactory progress policy, grievance procedure, descriptions of financial programs and responsibilities of financial aid recipients, means and frequency of payments of financial aid awards, terms and schedules of student loan repayment, and general information about financial aid.
Student Records, Grades, and Transcripts
Under no circumstances will a grade be given over the telephone or email. All grades are posted to the student’s unofficial transcript which can be accessed by the student using his/her individual username and password. Upon written request and submission of a $10 transcript fee, former and currently enrolled students may obtain official transcripts of their academic record to date, provided they are current in their financial obligations to the College. Requests must include the signature of the former or currently enrolled student. Partial transcripts are not issued. Normally, three to five business days of processing are required after the transcript request and fee have been received. Transcript requests should be sent to the attention of the Director of Admissions. Telephone requests for transcripts or grades cannot be honored.
Under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), all students and parents (with the written consent of the student) have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records, to request an amendment to the education records, and to request a hearing (if the request for an amendment is denied) to challenge the contents of the records on the grounds that the records are inaccurate, misleading, or violate the rights of the student.
The College has the right to disclose certain personally identifiable information from a student’s record which is of particular interest to the Financial Aid Office. The College will document each time such information is disclosed to persons other than the student.
Disclosure of Education Records:
The College will disclose information from a student’s education records only with the written consent of the student, except:
- To authorized representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Inspector General, or state and local education authorities.
- To authorized representatives if it is in connection with financial aid that the student has applied for or received.
- To organizations that are conducting studies concerning the administration of student aid programs on behalf of educational agencies or institutions.
- To College officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. (A College official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position. A College official may also be a person employed by or under contract with the College to perform a special task, such as the attorney or auditor).
- To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
- To authorized representatives in order to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
- To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
Calculation of Final Grade at the End of Each Course
The student’s final grade is calculated based on the successful completion of the following TWO components:
- Final Grade (workbook, homework, attendance, class participation, attitude, special projects, tests, etc.)
- Attendance (Program)
Academic Courses Grading Scale/Final Grade Computation Examples:
- 90 – 100 = A 15% Homework/Workbook
- 89 - 80 = B 35% Mid-Term Test Score
- 79 - 70 = C 40% Final Exam
- 69 - 60 = D 10% Attitude and Attendance
- 59 - 00 = F
Grades are posted on BRC’s website and are accessible by a private student code. Students should not give out their private student code.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
The Satisfactory Progress Policy applies to all students whether they are enrolled on a full-time, half-time, or self-paced basis and applies to all programs of study. Students are considered making Satisfactory Progress in the program of study as long as they are eligible to continue in accordance with the attendance requirements. Each student’s progress is measured at the end of each semester. Satisfactory academic progress, including cumulative GPA and SCH earned, is tracked via the semester Registration form that is required to be completed by each student at the beginning of each semester. The student’s transcript is also available on the College’s website and accessible for review by staff and students at all times, if all financial obligations to the school have been met. (Progress in the program includes policy for withdrawal from a course, withdrawal from school, non completion of a course, repeating a course, and failing a course.)
Minimum Requirement for Satisfactory Progress for Each Course in Order to Complete a Program
The minimum requirement for satisfactory completion of a course is a “D” average AND no more than one absence per each semester credit hour taken. *See Attendance Requirements. A student will be placed on probation or suspension for the next semester or dismissed if satisfactory progress is not maintained. Suspension will delay graduation dates.
- Two unsatisfactory grades of “F” will result in probation for the next course.
- Three unsatisfactory grades of “F” will result in suspension from school for the next course.
- Suspension will result in ineligibility for Title IV financial assistance.
- More days absent than the amount of semester credit hours the student is taking each semester will result in dismissal.
- Four unsatisfactory grades of “F” will result in dismissal from school. Unless special permission is granted by the president of the College due to serious illness, immediate family member death, etc.
Probation for a course is considered to be a period of warning for the student during which progress must improve. During any probationary period, a student will still be considered to be making satisfactory progress toward the curriculum objectives and, therefore, continue to be eligible for Title IV financial assistance. For the probationary status to be discontinued, the student must meet the guidelines for re-establishment of status.
All grades are recorded on the Master Attendance and Grade Sheet and on the cumulative grade sheet in the student’s permanent file at the end of each course. Grades are posted on the BRC website and may be viewed by students via their private code as long as they have met their financial obligations.
Completion Determination
A student must maintain a cumulative completion rate for semester credit hours attempted compared to semester credit hours completed of 66.66%. At any point it is determined the student mathematically cannot complete the program he or she is enrolled within a 150% timeframe, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students are evaluated for satisfactory progress at the end of each semester. Cumulative GPA and SCH earned are tracked on the required semester Registration form each semester.
Students must successfully complete all phases of the curriculum with a minimum overall or cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) to graduate.
Maximum time frame for completion of the programs
The program must be completed within the maximum time frame of 150% of the stated typical length of the program (depending upon enrollment status) as follows: Maximum Time Allowed: For example, a student enrolled in the Paralegal AAS Degree Program can receive federal aid up to 96 hours (64 hours required to complete the program X 150% = 96). The time limitation will be cumulative and must include all periods of enrollment. Withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, transfer credit, credit by assessment, credit by examination, credits by evaluation and credit by online courses will count toward the 150% time limitation.
Cumulative Quality
A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be considered making satisfactory progress. Credit transferred will not be considered in calculation of satisfactory progress.
Withdrawal from School
Any student requesting withdrawal from the College prior to completion of graduation requirements should: (1) Contact the administration in writing of plans to withdraw via the withdrawal form located in the Admissions Office.; (2) Schedule an exit interview with administration to discuss reasons for withdrawal; and (3) Schedule an exit interview with the Financial Aid and Student Services Office and to ensure that the student’s financial obligation has been satisfied up to and including the student’s last day of class attendance.
Withdrawal from a Course
Students may withdraw from a course at any time during the course for a nominal fee listed in the Add/Drop Policy. Should a student withdraw from a course before the midterm, the student will receive a “W” for that course. The implications of receiving a “W” are the following: (1) the “W” will show up on the transcript but will not be counted toward the gpa; and (2) attendance will not be counted toward total attendance.
Should a student withdraw from a course after the midterm, the student will receive a “WF” for that course. The implications of receiving a “WF” are the following: (1) the “WF” will show up on the transcript and will be counted toward the gpa (averaged as an F); and (2) attendance will be counted toward the total attendance.
Incompletion of a Course
A student will receive an “I” in a course with the approval of the President, after consultation with the instructor. The work required to complete the course must be completed during the next three weeks or the student will receive an “F” for the course.
Repeating a Course
A student may elect to repeat a course at his own expense to improve a grade that will be averaged into the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The first grade will not be averaged into the GPA; however, no grades will be deleted from the student’s transcript. The second grade will be shown as a repeat on the student’s transcript. All courses must be repeated prior to graduation dates.
Failing a Course
A student who receives a grade of “F” in any course must repeat the course or complete another course in the rotation of courses offered to be eligible for graduation in the chosen curriculum. The repeat course or new course will be averaged in the student’s cumulative GPA; however, the “F” will not be deleted from the transcript.
A minimum grade of “D” or better is required to pass all courses in all programs; however, a student may repeat a course until it is satisfactorily completed. A student may substitute a course upon approval, in writing, by the administration. A graduation date will be extended under these circumstances. Non-credit remedial courses are not offered.
Re-Enrollment
All credits completed at BRC will roll forward to both the diploma and/or degree offered at BRC. Any student requesting re-enrollment to another program should: (1) Contact the administration by means of the registration form available in the Admissions Office; (2) Schedule a review by the Admissions Committee; and (3) Schedule a transfer interview with the Financial Aid and Student Services Office and/or Admissions Office to ensure that financial obligations have been updated. *See also Entrance Requirements.
Registration
To register for classes, students must fill out the Registration Form and pay the $150 registration fee to the College. Avoid the Late Registration Fee! If students miss the deadlines set they will be charged $25 to register late for classes.
Adding, Dropping, and Switching classes
Students may adjust their schedules throughout the Add/Drop/Switch Periods. Students can only drop classes through the first week of the term. If a student wishes to adjust his/her schedule, he/she must turn in the completed Add/Drop/Switch Form with the $45 Fee. BRC will recalculate Pell awards only for enrollment changes up to the “add/drop” date of a term.
In the event of switching classes, students are only allowed to switch classes within the first week of the term. If a student wishes to switch, he/she must fill out the Add/Drop/Switch Form and obtain permission of the instructor into whose class he/she will be entering in the form of a signature. A $45 fee will be enforced for switching classes. If class enrollment is full, a switch will not be approved.
All applicable fees must be paid at the same time the paperwork is filed. All requests will not be processed without record of payment.
*Late Registration Fees will not be charged for those students enrolling for the first time during the late registration period.
The Add/Drop/Switch Form can be obtained at the Receptionist Desk and/or Admissions Office.
Add/Drop Fees and Dates
Fees for adjusting class schedules are shown below:
| Typical Time Period* | Dates and Deadlines |
| Four weeks before start date | Registration Period
$150 Registration Fee Deadline: 6:00 PM final day |
| Two weeks before start date | Late Registration Period
Avoid the Late Fee! $25 Late Registration Fee Deadline: 12:00 PM final day |
| First Day of Class through Day 7 of the term | Add/Drop/Switch Period $45 Add/Drop Fee $ 45 Switch Fee |
* Estimations based on actual dates. For more detailed dates, see www.brc.edu.
Academic Year
An academic year may be defined as the period of time in which a full-time student is scheduled to complete 24 semester credit hours.
Full-time/Three-fourths time/Half-time/Less than half-time Status
Students in all programs are considered full time, enrolled in 12 semester credit hours (USDE) per semester; three-fourths time, enrolled in 9 semester credit hours (USDE) per semester; or half-time, enrolled in 6 semester credit hours (USDE) per semester. The self-paced student who is enrolled in one course or evening per week is considered to be enrolled less than half-time.
Semester Credit Hours
| 15 Lecture Hours =
1 Semester Credit Hour (SCH) |
30 Lab Hours =
1 Semester Credit Hour (SCH) |
45 Internship Hours =
1 Semester Credit Hour (SCH) |
Re-establishment of Status
A student deemed not to be making Satisfactory Progress may re-establish Satisfactory Academic Progress status by completing the following requirements:
- Maintaining a “C” average
- Making up missed tests and homework
- Completing special projects assigned
- Attending class daily and not have six or more consecutive absences for any class.
Due Process and the Rights and Responsibilities of Appeal
The rights of students as they relate to due process in matters of alleged violations of policies, procedures, and guidelines of the College which might result in suspension or dismissal are recognized.
Any student may be suspended or dismissed by the president because of willful and/or flagrant disregard of College policies, procedures, and guidelines. Such disciplinary action will be documented and placed in the student’s academic file. Should the student desire to appeal the suspension or dismissal, the student must submit a written request for a hearing before a disciplinary review panel within seven days of notification of the suspension or dismissal. The decision of this review panel will be final.
In all disciplinary matters determined, due process will be afforded the student, and all rights and responsibilities explained. All disciplinary actions and decisions will be documented in the student’s academic file.
Complaint Resolution Procedure
It is the goal of the staff and faculty to provide educational training programs of quality. Established methods and procedures have been developed which do not change rapidly. Changes are carefully studied and reviewed by the staff and experts in the field before changes are made. It is realistic that certain problems will be more difficult to resolve than others.
Step 1. Students should resolve complaints and concerns with the Attorney/Instructor by discussion followed up with a written memo to the instructor. Most complaints are resolved by early discussion. The College recognizes academic freedom and does not interfere with teachers’ assignments, practices, testing methods or achievement expectations. In no way will the College support a complaint that is designed to make a teacher reduce the academic challenges of a course. The College also supports strict enforcement of attendance requirements and does not accept complaints against teachers for enforcing such. The complaint statement must identify the collegiate policy in which the instructor is violating. Complaints must be submitted to the Attention of the Student Services Office, Baton Rouge College, 1900 N. Lobdell Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
Step 2. Students not satisfied with this informal resolution process should formally notify the Director of Financial Aid & Student Services in writing, on the BRC Complaint Resolution Form available on campus, with appropriate documentation, including the memo sent to the instructor/staff member required in Step 1. The Student Services Office will appoint a Grievance Panel to review the complaint and research the problem. The Grievance Panel will be headed by a member of the College’s administrative staff. It will also consist of one attorney teacher and one student selected at the beginning of each semester for this task. The Grievance Panel will reach its decision by a simple majority vote. The Director of Financial Aid & Student Services will respond to the student in writing within 40 days. All efforts will be made to provide timely responses to time-sensitive complaints. Only complaints on the BRC Complaint Resolution Form will be accepted. You have the right to make your case to the appointed Grievance Panel. All evidence of unfair or arbitrary treatment must be presented, as well as whether you have suffered any damage or injury as a result of such treatment.
Step 3. The student may file an appeal with the office of the President. The decision will be reviewed under the appeal process of the College. A written report will be returned from the office of the President.
Step 4. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution of the problem through these administrative channels, the student may feel that an outside neutral mediator or arbitrator would serve the interests of both parties in a more reasonable and equitable manner.
Step 5. If, after exhausting all administrative remedies within the College, the student may request in writing that the problem be resolved through the American Arbitration Association. As agreed in each student Enrollment Agreement, the College will cooperate. A student wishing to use the American Arbitration Association should contact Mr. Paul Dykes, Chief Executive Officer, at 225‑292‑5464.
Step 6. The College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). In the event that a student has exercised the channels available within the College to resolve the problem(s) by way of the College’s formal student complaint procedure, and the problem(s) has not been resolved, the student has the right, and is encouraged, to contact ACCET office by mail at the following address: ACCET, 1722 N. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Complaints received at ACCET by phone will be logged, along with a request for a written follow-up; an initial letter speeds the process. The letter of complaint must contain the following: 1) The nature of the problem(s); 2) the approximate date(s) the problem(s) occurred; 3) the name(s) of the individual(s) involved in the problem(s); 4) copies of important information regarding the problem(s) ‑ facts, not rumors; 5) evidence demonstrating the complaint procedure was followed prior to contacting any other agency; and 6) all complaints should be signed.
Step 7. The student may also file a written complaint with the appropriate state licensing agency. Please refer to the section of the Catalog and Bulletin entitled “Affiliations, Licensing, Accreditation, Control and Advisory for mailing addresses of the agencies that license the College.
Tuition, Fees and Charges per Semester
BRC quotes standard tuition prices per semester. The total balance a student is billed for varies based on the number of semester credit hours a student is taking, book costs, etc. Tuition and fee charges are subject to change. Please make an appointment with an Admissions representative to learn more information about our tuition, fees, and overall program costs.
Payment Options Available
Option 1 – Payment in full with signed enrollment agreement
Option 2 – Payment in two installments (interest free)
Option 3 – Federal Financial Aid
Option 4 – Visa or MasterCard
Option 5 – Alternative Loan (Ex. TFC Credit Corporation, PNC Solution Loans, SLM Financial Corporation, Baton Rouge College Loans)
All students on an approved payment plan or financing their education through financial aid must fulfill the financial obligation by the end of each semester. Should difficulties arise collecting an outstanding balance that can be resolved by the student, the College reserves the right to deny employment assistance and the release of student academic information (diploma/degree, transcripts or resumes) until the account is settled.
Those who would prefer financial aid should make arrangements with the Financial Aid Office. The Director of Financial Aid and Student Services is available for additional consumer information.
Eligible students may apply for and be awarded assistance through the following:
Private Source Loans
Examples:
- TFC Credit Corporation
- PNC Solution Loans
- Campus Federal Private Loan
Students who are not eligible for federal financial aid may apply to borrow up to 100% of the educational costs, except application fee, books, and classroom supplies. Repayment will start while the student is in school. Principal and interest payments can extend up to ten years after the student graduates.
Government Guaranteed Loans
As an eligible Paralegal Program student, you may apply for and be awarded assistance through the following sources:
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduates (PLUS)
- PELL Grants
- Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
At this institution we verify the minimum required data elements as required by federal regulations for the following types of students:
- All students who are assisted by the school in completing the aid application must provide requested income and/or other required documentation before we will assist the students in completing the aid applications. The school ensures that the minimum required data elements agree with what is reported on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) before it is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) processor. NOTE: The school assists 5% of its students in completing the application and electronically submits those applications to the processor for the student! Approximately 95% of the College’s students submit their FAFSA applications online.
- Students who complete the financial aid applications, without our help, will generally not be required to submit any income or other documentation in order to receive financial aid while in school. Additionally, in all instances, without exception, if the U.S. Secretary of Education selects a student for verification, then that student must provide any and all income and/or other documentation requested by the institution to facilitate verification of the student’s application – regardless of who did not assist the student in filling out the financial aid application.
- In addition to the above, the following policies are adhered to by this institution in the verification of FAFSA’s which have been selected by the U.S. Secretary of Education:
- The time period within which an applicant shall provide the documentation: The required documentation must be submitted to the institution no later than the student’s last date of recorded attendance or June 30 of the Award Year applicable to the aid in question, whichever is earlier. Where the documentation does not agree with the data on the Student Aid Report (SAR), the differences are verbally explained to the student by the Director of Financial Aid and Student Services, and the student is instructed to make corrections to the SAR. The corrections are electronically sent to the processor.
- The procedures the institution requires an applicant to follow to correct application information: Refer to item No. 1above.
- The procedure for making referrals under Sec. 668.14(g).
If the student is suspected of engaging in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the aid application, the student will be referred by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education for investigation. Such referrals will be made in writing by the institution.
In all instances, students selected for verification are individually counseled by the Director of Financial Aid and Student Services and a clear verbal explanation of the documentation needed to satisfy the verification requirements is given to them. Additionally, the applicant’s responsibilities with respect to the verification of application information including the deadlines for completing any actions required under this sub-part and the consequences of failing to complete any required action are all verbally explained and discussed with the student by the financial aid counselor.
The data elements verified by this institution for students as identified in A or B above are:
- Adjusted gross income (AGI) for the base year
- U.S. income tax paid for the base year
- Number of family members in the household
- Number of family members attending post-secondary educational institutions as at least half-time Students
- Certain untaxed income and benefits for the base year
- Social Security benefits (if no SAR was received and the institution has information showing, or has reason to believe, that those benefits were received)
- Child support (if the institution has information showing and/or reason to believe it was received)
- Untaxed payments to IRA and/or Keogh plans
- Foreign income exclusion
- Earned income credit
Exit Interviews/Loan Counseling
Students must complete an exit counseling session prior to withdrawal or graduation for loan counseling in order to receive information on the total loans received while in attendance, refunds that may have been made, and to provide the student with an estimated payment schedule. This counseling session may be done online at www.studentloans.gov, with a staff member or by mail.
An exit interview is required with a staff member prior to receiving a diploma or AAS Degree for verification of graduation requirements and program evaluation. Completing the “Exiting” booklet is required prior to receiving a diploma or AAS Degree for verification of graduation requirements and program evaluation. In order for the staff and faculty to follow-up on graduates, the student must furnish a permanent address.
Method of Delinquent Account Collections
The College aggressively collects money owed from a student who has withdrawn, been dismissed, or graduated. Allowing some students not to pay would be unfair to all students. The College turns over all unpaid balances to a nationally linked credit bureau that will aggressively pursue collections in all fifty states. Failure to pay will be noted on your credit record.
If you are a current student under private financing and fail to pay, the credit bureau will notify the College and a letter of warning will be mailed. If your account is not brought current, following a warning letter, you will be automatically dismissed from school.
Veterans Affairs
Baton Rouge College is approved by the Louisiana State Approval Agency for the payment of veterans’ education assistance benefits.
Drop Policy
For tuition purposes, students are charged in-full for all classes enrolled if not dropped during the regular drop/add period. If a student drops a class, this could change the financial aid status of the student.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Upon official withdrawal from the college, a calculation of both the Return of Title IV Funds and the separate College refund policy will take place. In the case of an unofficial withdrawal, the College will perform the calculations when the College makes the determination that the student has withdrawn. Buyer’s Right to Cancel: A student may cancel the enrollment agreement at no penalty by notifying the College in writing within three (3) business days after midnight of the day on which the enrollment agreement was signed. In this event, all money paid will be refunded. Before entering into instruction, a student may cancel this agreement after the three (3) business day period. In this event, the College shall refund all money paid, except the registration fee.
Return of Title IV Funds
Students earn Title IV assistance in proportion to their attendance in school until they have reached the 60% point in the semester. If a student withdraws from the College prior to the 60% point, he/she will have earned financial aid in direct proportion to the percentage of days enrolled in the semester. At 60.01% the student has earned 100% of his/her financial aid awards for that payment period. This regulation prescribes the amount of Title IV funds a student has earned at the time of withdrawal. Any funds returned to the government may leave the student owing the College a tuition balance according to the College’s refund policy.
WITHDRAWAL: If a student withdraws from the College, that student will be obligated for tuition as follows:
Prior to the beginning of classes:
- A student may cancel the enrollment agreement at no penalty by notifying the College in writing within three (3) business days after midnight of the day on which the enrollment agreement was signed. In this event, all money paid will be refunded.
- Before entering into instruction, a student may cancel this agreement after the three (3) day period. In this event, the College shall refund all money paid, except the registration fee.
- All money paid will be refunded in the case of application rejection, program cancellation by the institution, and no show (students that never start training).
After classes start:
- During the first week of classes, tuition charges withheld will not exceed 10 percent (10%) of the stated tuition up to a maximum of $500.
- After the first week and through fifty percent (50%) of the period of financial obligation, tuition charges retained will not exceed a pro rata portion of tuition for the training period completed, plus ten percent (10%) of the unearned tuition for the period of training that was not completed.
- After fifty percent (50%) of the period of financial obligation is completed, the institution may retain the full tuition.
The College will make any refunds owed within 45 days of official withdrawal (student notification) or within 45 days of the date of determination of withdrawal.
Allocating Returned Title IV (Federal) Aid
Funds that are returned to the federal government are used to reduce the outstanding balances in individual federal programs. Financial aid returned (by the College and/or the student) must be allocated in the following order:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
Federal PLUS (Parent) Loan
Pell Grant
SEOG
Other Aid
This policy is for official and unofficial withdrawals based on the last physical day of attendance.
Student Appeals and Reinstatement of Financial Aid
Failure to maintain Satisfactory Progress may be caused by special extenuating circumstances such as the death of a relative, injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. After a student has been dismissed for failure to maintain Satisfactory Progress, an appeal for reentry may be requested within 30 days in writing to the Administration. The request will be reviewed by the Administrator or the Admissions Office. A decision will be made within 30 days of the receipt of the written request. The decision of the administrator or the committee will also be in writing. These written documents along with the student’s written appeal will be retained as a permanent part of the student’s file at the school.
Students readmitted to school for any reason will, at that time, be considered to be making Satisfactory Progress, and as such they will be eligible for Title IV assistance.
Students should not give their PIN number to anyone. To request a duplicate pin please visit, www.pin.ed.gov.
Textbooks
Materials and books used in seminars and courses vary in cost. Some materials and books may be obtained via the Internet at no cost, while other materials and books may be purchased at a set price. Students must pay for books as stated in the enrollment agreement or they can choose to purchase them on their own. Students who purchase their books from BRC must complete a Textbook Purchase Form.
A current price list of books and supplies is available from the administrative office. The College does not furnish state-specific code books. If these books are used by attorney-teachers as supplemental materials, they may be purchased from a local law book store, borrowed from a law firm, or checked out or used at the public library. In most cases, only a few pages of these books are used. Some are also available from state and local governments at no charge. Others are available on Westlaw.
Students may purchase their textbooks from the following sources: Claitor’s Bookstore 3165 S Acadian, Baton Rouge, LA (225) 344-0476; Online Textbook suppliers such as Barnes and Noble www.bn.com or Amazon www.amazon.com.
Teacher Student Ratio
The maximum teacher student ratio for each program is 1:45. Most classes average less than 17 students. Some classes will have less than 10 students. Inquiry Project classes are designed as one-on-one sessions with a faculty or staff adviser.
Placement Assistance
Placement services are limited to informing students of jobs that are brought to the attention of the placement office. Graduating students are counseled, at no additional cost, regarding opportunities for obtaining prospective employment. However, the student is notified that such assistance is not given as an incentive to enroll, and no guarantee or misrepresentation of placement is made or implied. Guarantees of positions are not and cannot be provided. Job openings received from area employers will be provided to graduates by means of the website. Getting a job is the responsibility of the student. The website makes job opportunities available to all enrolled students and graduates for a period of 90 days after graduation.
Placement means an alumnus who has obtained a job in a legal setting, such as a legal secretary, insurance claim office, police department, processor associate in a city, state, or district court house for a judge, paralegal, paralegal assistant, legal receptionist, legal assistant, contract compliance, legal clerk, or any other position that relates to the training received at the College.
Grading Scale
90 – 100 A 4.0 GPA
80 - 89 B 3.0 GPA
70 – 79 C 2.0 GPA
60 - 69 D 1.0 GPA
59 - F 0.0 GPA
Incompletion of a Course = Withdrawal from a Course before Midterm = W
Withdrawal from a Course after Midterm = WF
A ”D” (1.0 GPA) is required to pass all courses.
Probation, suspension, or repeating a course will delay a graduation date.
Calculating GPA
The Courses at BRC are based on semester credit hours (See Semester Credit Hours). Because of the credit hour differences in the courses, students’ GPAs are calculated as follows: Quality points are assigned to each letter grade.
Letter Grade: Quality Points:
A 4.0
B 3.0
C 2.0
D 1.0
F/ WF 0
After the quality points for each course are assigned, the quality points are then multiplied by each course’s semester credit hours. All quality point calculations are then added together and divided by the total number of semester credit hours the student has attempted less the amount of SCH of any courses in which the student receives a “W” OR “P”.
Calculation of GPA – Example:
Business Law A (4 QP) x 1.5 SCH = 6
Family Law B (3 QP) x 3.0 SCH = 9
Children’s Rights D (1 QP) x 3.0 SCH = 3
Divorce Seminar A (4 QP) x 0.5 SCH= 2
Total Quality Points 20 Total QP / 8 SCH = 2.5 GPA
Makeup Work
The policy regarding make-up of required course work is as follows:
- A student may petition a teacher to make up work when the student has permissible grounds for requesting the makeup.
- A student will be required to present documentation which attests the absence is a permissible reason. (It should be noted there are no excused absences at BRC).
- A student should confer with the teacher prior to an absence, if possible, and arrangements for any makeup of missed assignments should be discussed and agreed upon at this time.
- A student must petition for makeup of the assignment on the first day that he or she returns to class.
- If permission is approved, the teacher and the student should agree on an acceptable date for completion that will not allow more than five days.
- Failure to act in accordance with #4 may result in the denial to make up required assignments.
- If the teacher and student cannot agree on a date for completion of makeup assignment, the student may appeal the date to the Director of Admissions who will determine a date the makeup work must be completed, or whether permission should be granted by the teacher.
- A ten percent (10%) penalty may be deducted from grades on makeup examinations.
Counseling
A staff member is available to provide counseling to students as needed. Appointments may be scheduled at the school or conducted by telephone.