Academic Information & Support

Academic Integrity

Students are required to perform all of the work specified by the faculty and are responsible for the content and integrity of all academic work submitted, such as papers, reports, and examinations.

Examples of violations of the “Rule of Academic Integrity” include a student who:

• Knowingly represent the work of others as their own.
• Uses or obtains unauthorized assistance in any academic work. (See Cheating and Plagiarism.)
• Receives or gives assistance to another student during an academic test
• Possesses, buys, sells, or uses material in a matter not authorized by the instructor
• Acts as a substitute for another person during an academic test
• Attempts to influence or change one’s academic record inappropriately

Academic Progress Policy

1. The purpose of this policy is to establish standards of satisfactory academic progress; to establish procedures for identifying students who are not making satisfactory academic progress; and to encourage and work with such students to assist them in taking appropriate action to improve their academic performance and plan for completion.
2. For purposes of this policy, a student is not making satisfactory academic progress if they are placed on:

• Academic Warning
• Academic Probation
• Academic Probation 2
• Academic Suspension

These Academic Status levels will be imposed on a student who fails to maintain a semester Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 in accordance with the chart.

*Consecutive, as used above, is defined as a student’s consecutive semesters of enrollment
** Students who reach any level of “academic consequence,” as defined above, shall be subject to the credit limits and procedures to improve academic performance.

Student Appeals & Reinstatement

Student Appeals

1. A student placed on any level of Academic Progress may appeal that action to the Academic Review Committee.

Return/Reinstatement

1. After one semester on suspension, a student may request reinstatement to the college. A student must file a request for reinstatement in person with a designated Advisor/Counselor. The request for reinstatement will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee. The student will return on a probationary status and, if dismissed the second time, will not be eligible to register for courses for one year.
2. A student who returns after a break of 4 semesters (fall/spring) or greater will have their prior status of academic probation dismissed. A student who returns after a break of less than four semesters (fall/spring) will remain on the same level of academic probation.

Directed Self-Choice and Impact on Academic Status

Sussex has embraced a practice of directed self-choice whereby students are encouraged, through guided conversations with an advisor, to best determine their readiness for college-level course work. Students should be aware that developmental courses exist and are available to help strengthen skills and encourage academic success. Students who find themselves struggling in core-level college courses may wish to consider these as an option to build the requisite mathematical and critical reading, thinking, and writing skills that are necessary for success in all college-level courses.

Policy updated December 2020. This policy differs from the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (FASAP) policy.

Academic Standing

To be classified as a student in satisfactory academic standing, any student, whether full or part-time, matriculated, or non-matriculated, must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or more. Any student who fails to achieve the minimum grade point average stated above shall be placed on some level of academic warning / probation as per the Academic Progress Policy. An independent calculation regarding probation is made for Financial Aid purposes. Students who receive Financial Aid must achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as communicated by the Financial Aid Office. Please see the section on Satisfactory Academic Standing.

Academic Support Services and Learning Resources

The College’s Learning Resources are designed to enhance the pursuit of academic excellence for the entire College community. This is accomplished through a variety of special programs and services.

Tutoring

Tutoring will be offered by ThinkingStorm online tutoring, which is available in the CANVAS portal. ThinkingStorm is a free learning resource offered to all students and may be accessed whenever a student needs additional help in a subject area.

Additional tutoring services can be accessed in the Library or at Degree Up. Schedules are posted online. If necessary, SCCC’s tutoring services can be accessed remotely.

Appointments may also be booked at the The Writing Center, which offers peer tutoring services in the Student Center (D Building).

Testing Center

Administration Bldg., B317/318, administers the following tests:

• The College Placement Test (Accuplacer)
• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
• Placement/Challenge Exams for precalculus and computers
• Proctoring for make-up exams in Sussex courses (for students not participating in DAP)
• Proctoring for online exams and distance learning from other 2- and 4-year colleges
• Various medical certification testing
• High School Equivalency (HSE)
• Pearson Vue Certification Exams (see website for offerings)
• Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis Exam
• DSST by Prometrics ASE certification testing (Automotive Service Excellence)
• Testing is also offered through Honorlock, which is available through Canvas. Honorlock is a secure proctor service which can be accessed from home or in the testing center.

CLEP & College Challenge Exams

All Sussex students are eligible for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) as well as College Challenge Examinations. Sussex will accept a maximum of 50% of the credits required for a degree (AA, AS, or AFA) or certificate or up to 39 credits for an AAS degree for credits earned at other institutions, by experiences and/or by examination (CLEP, AP, or Challenge) in order to complete requirements for a degree from Sussex. The College is a national CLEP Testing Center. Students wishing more information about CLEP should contact the Testing Coordinator at 973-300-2155. For information about the College Challenge Examination process contact the Student Success Center at 973-300-2207/2245.

Special Programs

ABE/HSE Study Programs: Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency Programs: Individual and small-group instruction is provided for adults needing to refresh their basic skills in reading, writing and math, as well as additional components in science and social studies for students preparing for the NJ State High School Equivalency (HSE) exams. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available. Please contact Sara Gorst at sgorst@sussex.edu or at 973-300-2158 for more information or to register for the ABE / HSE Program.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): ESOL courses are provided to meet the needs of non-native speakers of English who need to improve their English for career or personal goals. Courses in reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary development are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The program also includes free life skills "American Language & Civics" classes. For more information about this program, please contact Sara Gorst at sgorst@sussex.edu or call 973-300-2158.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Students who require academic or facilities accommodations to fulfill their higher education goals must make an appointment for intake with the Student Accessibilities Advisor by calling 973-300-2153. It is the student’s responsibility to provide current and comprehensive documentation to support such accommodations.

Students interested in seeking accommodations must be aware that it is their responsibility to contact the Accessibilities Support Advisor, who will review all requests. Information pertaining to an individual’s disabilities is considered strictly confidential. All requests for academic or facilities accommodations, along with all supporting documentation, including but not limited to medical information will only be shared with college personnel on an as needed basis. Students will be provided with a Letter of Accommodations which will detail the specified accommodations and share a copy of the letter with their faculty. The Student Accessibilities Advisor's role is to mediate when necessary, between the faculty or staff member and the student only after disclosure of a disability has been made by the student to that faculty or staff member.

To address issues or concerns over not receiving requested accommodations, a student should refer to and follow the Sussex ADA Grievance Procedure below. The purpose of this procedure is to provide an internal mechanism for the prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination issues and complaints. Complaints that cannot be mutually resolved over the telephone by calling the Accessibilities Coordinator/Student Accessibilities Advisor at 973-300-2153 must be made in writing and submitted to the Accessibilities Coordinator/Advisor, One College Hill, Newton NJ 07860. Contact pcavanagh@sussex.edu for more information.

1. In the event of a dispute regarding compliance with applicable laws, College policy, or academic adjustments, the student or faculty member initiating the process shall provide a written statement to the Accessibilities Coordinator/Advisor, the department chair, and any faculty member or student involved within ten (10) working days of the incident or circumstance.
2. The Student Accessibilities Advisor will follow up by investigating the facts and discussing the problem with all parties involved. Information collected will include: date and time complaint was received, complainant's name and address, reason for the complaint, parties involved, facilities involved and what the grievant believes to be an acceptable remedy. If a mutually agreeable solution cannot be attained following this investigation within five (5) working days, the grievant will be given a copy of the organization’s ADA Plan and the Accessibilities Coordinator/Advisor will call a special meeting of the ADA Committee.
3. The ADA Committee will meet to review, evaluate, and resolve the complaint and will respond in writing within ten (10) working days. The ADA Committee has the authority to mediate an appropriate course of action in a way that is mutually acceptable to the organization and grievant within limits established by Sussex County Community College. They may issue a resolution to the grieving party that may include a formal apology, a change in the language of a brochure or similar action that does not create an unreasonable hardship.
4. If the grievant does not accept the Committee's resolution, for any complaint related to classroom-based or non-classroom-based matters, the grievant may appeal to the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (SVPASA) in writing within ten (10) working days of receipt of the written decision of the ADA Committee. The SVPASA will review the documentation and respond to the grievant within ten (10) working days. The decision of the SVPASA is final.

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes and to adhere to the written requirements and consequences of nonattendance of each instructor’s syllabus. Faculty members are required to keep attendance records. At Sussex, class attendance and academic achievement are recognized as being interrelated. Attendance in class is not used solely as a basis for grade determination; however, lectures, assignments, test, and class participation missed or inadequately made up as a result of class absences will jeopardize the student’s grade.

Attendance in an online course is constituted by the student participating in the class, and/or engaging in an academically-related activity.

Academically-related activities in an online course include, but are not limited to:

• submitting an academic assignment;
• participating in an examination;
• participating in an online discussion
  about academic matters; and/or
• initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.

Academically-related activities do not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as logging into an online class without active participation.

Attendance procedures are as follows:

1. Faculty are required to state their attendance requirements on their course syllabus.
2. While it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor after the student’s first absence, the instructor may personally contact the student to discuss the effect of the absence and of possible subsequent absences, on the successful completion of the course absences, on the successful completion of the course.
3. If subsequent absences do occur, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor for guidance in completing missed work. The student’s responsibility to contact the instructor for guidance in completing missed work.
4. The instructor determines if an absence and if a student may complete the missed assignments. If the absence is not valid, or if work is made up without prior discussion with the instructor, said work may not be accepted.

Class Waiting Time Policy

In circumstances where an instructor fails to show up for a scheduled class, students must wait in the classroom for the following time period before leaving:

       
At the end of the waiting period, students should sign an attendance roll and one of the students should take the attendance sheet to the faculty secretary in room C100 or to the Welcome Center in the Administration Building (B). Students who find it necessary to miss class due to a medical condition may be eligible for a Medical Withdrawal. Please see the section Refund Policy: Medical Withdrawal.

Classroom Break Schedule

Day Classes

All regular day classes meet for the equivalent of 15 weeks. The final exam is scheduled during the final class. Time missed due to inclement weather, or other such cause, must be made up in a manner determined by the instructor. Some classes may be assigned online activities to satisfy this requirement. All class sessions, including those where unit tests are given, must go the full-time.

• One hour and fifteen minute classes have no break.
• Two hour and forty minute classes are permitted a ten-minute break.
• Four hour classes (e.g. DFH) are permitted a twenty-minute break.

Evening Classes

All evening classes meet for the equivalent of 15 weeks. Time missed due to inclement weather, or other such cause, must be made up. All class sessions, including those where unit tests are given, must run the full-time. One hour and fifteen minute evening classes have no break.

• 6:30-9:10 pm classes are permitted a ten-minute break.
• 7:00-9:40 pm classes are permitted a ten-minute break
• 6:00-9:40 pm classes are permitted a twenty-minute break.

Saturday Classes

All Saturday classes meet for the equivalent of 14-weeks. Time missed due to inclement weather or other such cause must be made up. All class sessions, including those where unit tests are given, must go the full time.

• 8:30-11:30 am classes are permitted a fifteen-minute break.
• 8:30 am-12:25 pm classes are permitted a twenty-minute break.

Schedule Adjustments

Some classes each semester may meet for an extended period of time depending on the calendar or the need to make up class time lost due to inclement weather.

CLEP and Challenge Examinations

See Academic Support Services and Learning Resources

College Novel

This year the College Novel is Gail Honeyman’ novel, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the College community will read and participate in lectures, discussions and activities related to the College Novel.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating on examinations, through use of unauthorized aids or inappropriate resources, is forbidden. In addition, plagiarism, or the unattributed use of another’s words or ideas, through either direct appropriation or paraphrase, is a serious breach of academic standards. Students have an obligation to exhibit honesty in carrying out their academic assignments.

Consequences for cheating and plagiarism include: written warnings and/or assignment of an “F” grade for the assignment/test, or for the course. If the student is found guilty in more than one case, they may be subject to disciplinary actions. (See also: Academic Integrity)

Cheating and plagiarism are violations of student conduct. If the Dean of Student Affairs, in consultation with the Senior Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, determines that the matter is primarily related to academic integrity, including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarism, the matter will be referred to the appropriate Academic Division Dean. The Dean, working with faculty, will determine the scope and process of the investigation and will determine outcomes. In unique cases, the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and the Dean of Student Affairs can decide together if the matter, while primarily academic in nature, should nonetheless follow the formal Student Conduct process, overseen by the Dean of Student Affairs for Judicial Affairs.

Dean's List

Sussex County Community College acknowledges the outstanding academic achievement of full-time students on a semester basis and the cumulative achievement of part-time students through the Dean’s List designation (fall and spring semesters only).

Eligibility

1. Full-time students earning 12 or more College credits during the fall or spring semesters.
2. Part-time students having cumulatively earned clusters of 12 or more credits.

Academic Requirements

1. A semester grade point average of 3.5 for full-time students (based upon earned credit hours).
2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for part-time students (based upon earned clusters of 12 or more credits).

Degrees and Professional Certificates

See our Degrees and Certificates.

Grade Appeals

Final Grade Appeals

Educational institutions are responsible for evaluating students by a grading system that is publicized to professors and students. While each student is responsible for demonstrating his/her learning that resulted in his/her final grade, the course professor is responsible for issuing each student’s final course grade. A student who feels that the final grade he/she received in the course is unfair is entitled to appeal his/her final grade.  Students are responsible for acting within the procedural time line. Any student pursuing a grade appeal must follow the procedure outlined below. Grade appeals not following this procedure will not be eligible for review.

How to File a Final Grade Appeal

A student must use the Final Grade Appeal Form or obtain one available by contacting the Student Success Center at advising@sussex.edu. Detailed instructions are attached to the Final Grade Appeal Form. Any questions about the form or the grade appeal process should be directed to the Student Success Center.

Student Responsibility

The student must complete the Final Grade Appeal Form with a statement explaining the exact nature of the appeal within two weeks (10 business days) of the end of the semester. See the Academic Calendar. The student must submit all supporting materials to the professor electronically, which includes a copy of the course syllabus and any documents needed to support the appeal. Additional documents can be requested anytime during this process.

Grade Appeal Quick Chart

Designed as a quick reference and NOT to take the place of the detailed information below. Please read everything carefully.

* If the AVPAA, acting as Dean in Appeal Step Two, has already denied the appeal, the request moves instead directly to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose decision is final.

Appeal Step One:

The student must submit this form and supporting documentation to the professor. The professor must read the appeal, review the appeal with the student, and should respond electronically to the student within five business days of receipt as to whether the appeal has been granted or denied.

• If the appeal is granted, the professor should send forward the Grade Change Form electronically to the appropriate Dean for a signature. 
• Whether the appeal is granted or denied, the professor must fill out the Appeal Form and return it to the student. The course professor must include on the Appeal Form, returned to the student, the name and email contact information of the next person in the appeal process and copy this identified person into the email with all supporting documents attached.
• The student will decide if they would like to pursue Appeal Step Two by emailing the appropriate person identified on the returned Appeal Form requesting a review.
• Criteria below for Appeal Step Two - adjunct professor (a) or full-time professor (b).  
• Students, who are unsure if their professor is an adjunct or full-time faculty member, please contact the Student Success Center at advising@sussex.edu.

Appeal Step Two (a) Adjunct Professor:

If the appeal is denied by an adjunct professor, and the student decides to pursue the appeal beyond this level, the student must contact the full-time Department Chairperson, Program Supervisor, Program Coordinator or Lead Faculty, identified by the course professor and named on the form, to hear the appeal and attempt to resolve the issue. If the appeal is granted by the Department Chair, Program Supervisor, Program Coordinator or Lead Faculty then the Grade Change Form should be electronically sent to the appropriate Dean for a signature. 

• If no solution is reached and the appeal is denied, the Department Chair, Program Supervisor, Program Coordinator or Lead Faculty should fill out the appeal form and include the name and contact information of the appropriate Dean. Sent this to the student electronically and copy the appropriate Dean with all support documents attached. 
• If the student decides to pursue the appeal, he/she will send email notification to the Dean, identified on the returned appeal form, requesting a review.

OR

Appeal Step Two (b) Full-time Professor:

If a full-time professor denies the appeal, the Appeal Form should be forwarded electronically to the student and the appropriate Dean by the full-time professor. The faculty member will enter the name and contact OR information of the appropriate Dean on the form and sent back to the student.

• If the student decides to pursue the appeal, the Dean will hear the appeal and will attempt to resolve the problem.
• The Dean will then inform the student as to whether the appeal was granted or denied. 
• If granted, the Dean will forward a Grade Change Form to the Registrar’s Office. 
• If the appeal is denied, the Dean will include the name and email contact information for the next level of appeal on the returned appeal form to the student and copy the next contact on the email with all documents attached.
• The student will decide if they would like to pursue their appeal to Step Three by emailing the appropriate person identified on the returned Appeal Form.
• Criteria below for Appeal Step Three - adjunct professor (a) or full-time professor (b).

Appeal Step Three (a) Adjunct Professor:

If the appeal is denied by a Program Coordinator, Department Chairperson, Lead Faculty or Supervisor, and the student decides to pursue the appeal, the denied appeal will be reviewed by the appropriate Division Dean. The Division Dean will inform the student of a decision. The Dean’s decision is final. If the appeal is granted, the Dean will forward a Grade Change Form to the Registrar’s Office.

OR

Appeal Step Three (b) Full-time Professor:

If the decision at Appeal Step Two, rendered by a Division Dean was denied, the appeal moves to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (AVPAA), whose decision is final. The exception to this is if the AVPAA, acting as Dean in the Appeal Step Two, denies the appeal and the student decides to pursue the appeal, the denied appeal will be reviewed by the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (SVPASA). The SVPASA decision is final. If the appeal is granted, the SVPASA will forward a Grade Change Form to the Registrar’s Office.

Grading System

Letter grades are given to students and posted to each student’s transcript at the end of each semester. A grade represents an instructor’s evaluation of a student’s academic performance in a course and is determined by examinations and other criteria established by the College and the individual instructor. All grades are recorded on the individual transcript and remain as such unless revised and/or removed by action following from the College’s Student Appeal of Grades Policy. (See Grade Appeals.)

Grades are posted on the my.sussex.edu portal at the completion of each semester. Report cards are not mailed home.

The College Grading System:

Grades Counted in the Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grades Not Counted in the Grade Point Average (GPA)

Letter grades AI through FNI represent institutional credit. Institutional credits do not count in the grade point average, nor do they fulfill graduation requirements.

Students who earn a grade of AI–CI in a developmental studies course are eligible to move to the next course in the sequence or to the next level.

Incomplete**

An Incomplete “I” may be given, at the initiation of a student and at the discretion of the faculty, only to students who have completed at least 80% of the required coursework with a grade of “C” or better. No “I” grade may be given without the submission of the signed form. The completion date is determined by the instructor, but in no case may the date exceed February 15th for grades issued in fall and winter semesters or terms or September 30th for grades issued in spring and summer semesters. After the deadline, if the “I” has not been changed by the instructor, the original “I” will be recorded as an "F."

Satisfactory Academic Standing

To be classified as a student in satisfactory academic standing, any student, whether full-time or part-time, matriculated, or non-matriculated, must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above.

How to Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

The calculation of a grade point average is a simple mathematical process. Quality points, also known as "points," are divided by the student’s attempted credits. The specific credits used for the calculation are known as "quality." The GPA does not round but is truncated at the hundredths decimal point.

Grade Point Average = Quality Points Earned (34) divided by Quality Credits
Attempted (13) = 2.61

*  “F” points are counted as credits attempted but produce “0” quality points

** “IC” courses (Institutional Credits) are counted neither in quality credits attempted nor as quality points.

Grievances

Students with a grievance that does NOT involve the appeal of a final grade or a complaint of sexual harassment are to use the steps indicated below to resolve their grievances (Students interested in appealing a final grade should see Grade Appeals.) If the grievance pertains to a faculty or staff member, students are strongly encouraged to talk to a counselor in the Student Success Center.

Step I: At this level, a student is strongly encouraged to talk to their instructor and present the concern(s). It is important that the student clearly communicate their concerns directly so that the problem can be addressed at this step. Dissatisfied students may proceed with the grievance in Step II.

Step II: If resolution of the grievance cannot be reached in Step I based on the direction from a counselor, the grievance is presented to the appropriate College administrator, who will hear the student’s grievance as well as talk to other parties who may be involved. Dissatisfied students may proceed with the grievance in Step III.

Step III: If resolution of the grievance cannot be reached in Step II, then the grievance is presented in writing to the Chief Academic Officer. The Chief Academic Officer will hear the student’s grievance as well as talk to other parties who may be involved. The Chief Academic Officer’s decision will be presented to the student and is considered final.

Honors Programs and Honor Societies at Sussex

Honors Program at Sussex

The Sussex County Community College Honors Program provides enriched educational experiences for self-motivated and exceptionally prepared students. The Honors Program offers participating students the freedom to meet General Education requirements while being instructed in a smaller, seminar-style environment by select faculty. Students in the Honors Program have the opportunity for a deeper examination of course materials and specialized research projects that allow for the utilization of in-depth critical thinking skills and reasoning.

Students who complete the Honors Program at Sussex with an academic average of 3.5 or above, have a higher rate of transfer to the college or university of their choice. 

Honor Societies at Sussex

Our students can earn invitations to our prestigious national honor societies. Through a society membership, you will discover a support group of students who want to achieve academic excellence just like you. Membership provides the opportunity to bolster your resume and increase scholarship options when you transfer to a four-year college.

Mu Alpha Theta

Mu Alpha Theta is the national high school and two-year college mathematics honor society. The purpose of the society, as described in its national constitution, is "The promotion of scholarship in, and enjoyment and understanding of, mathematics." Sussex County Community College’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta focuses on having fun with math and encourages participation in contests and games. All SCCC students are welcome to attend chapter meetings and activities, regardless of membership. Society membership is based primarily on academic performance in mathematics. Students who were members in their high school chapter may have their membership transferred to the college chapter.

Mu Alpha Theta Advisor: Diane Harris, at dharris1@sussex.edu.

National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities. Invitations to join are sent twice a year, in January and August, with induction ceremonies being held in December and May. Members participate in leadership building, success networking, and attend Speakers Broadcasts that focus on developing personal and professional growth.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Sussex is home to the Alpha Upsilon Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year and technical colleges. Members are dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. To be eligible for induction, a student must have completed twelve or more college credits toward a declared major at Sussex with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 or higher. Candidates must also be currently enrolled and attending classes full- or part-time at Sussex.

Faculty Advisor: Daniel Warhol, dwarhol@sussex.edu

Psi Beta National Honor Society for Psychology

Psi Beta is the national honor society for students who have a passion for the study of psychology, and is limited to membership from two-year and community colleges. However, Psi Beta does not limit membership to psychology majors. To earn entrance into Psi Beta, a student must have completed 12 (twelve) college credits (can be full-time or part-time), have maintained a GPA of 3.25 or better, and must completed Introduction to Psychology with a grade of B or better. Psychology majors and majors from other disciplines are encouraged to join, as long as there is a strong interest in the study of human thought and behavior. Membership is open each spring semester and a memorable induction ceremony for new members and their families is held.

Psi Beta Advisor: Dr. Cory Homer, Vice President of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness, chomer@sussex.edu

SALUTE

Salute is the national honor society for student veterans.

Salute Advisor: Jason Boehm, jboehm@sussex.edu

International Students

Sussex County Community College is an SEVP approved school and welcomes international students.

International students hold an F-1 student visa and are required to remain in good standing with the College. To remain in good standing, International students must be enrolled full-time, for at least 12 credit hours, during the fall and spring semesters, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better at all times, and pay their bill in accordance to Bursar Office policies and procedures.

International students are not eligible for financial aid but may qualify for scholarships through the College’s Foundation. International students are urged to utilize all of our academic services including the Student Success Center, tutoring and library services. We encourage them to communicate with all staff, asking questions to better their college experience; and to participate in all student activities and clubs to be an integral part of campus life as well.

For further information or questions please contact our International Student Coordinator/PDSO, jboehm@sussex.edu

Library

Located: Library & Science Building             
Phone: 973-300-2162

The Library is the primary resource for research, supporting the educational programs and College curriculum offered at Sussex. The Library acquires, organizes, and maintains a variety of print and non-print materials for individual and classroom use. Librarians are professionally trained, teaching-oriented individuals committed to helping students achieve independence and mastery in using library resources and information technology. The Library strives to provide a peaceful, supportive space for teaching, learning, and research.

In the Library, we have a borrowing collection (physical and electronic), computer workstations that provide access to subscription electronic databases (most of which are also available remotely), and wireless service. The library catalog can be accessed through the webpage while in the Library, from home or on a smart device. If the College Library does not have or provide access to what you need, the resources of other local and state libraries are available through inter-library loan. A valid Student ID card is necessary for most library services.

Inter-library Loan

Requests for books or articles not available at Sussex can be made online via the College Library’s website. Students are encouraged to start their research early, as it may take up to two weeks to receive some materials.

Textbooks

The Library does not purchase current copies of texts. Faculty may place materials on academic reserve to assure availability for students. If the title is not on reserve, please contact your professor or the department chair. Reserves may be limited to use within the library or may be allowed to circulate for a short period of time (eg. 2 hours, overnight, one week). There is also a collection of used, donated textbooks that are available for semester loan.

Library Fine Policy

Students will be charged for materials that are overdue, lost, or damaged. Overdue books accrue fines at a rate of 15 cents per day. Other materials (including reserves and inter-library loans) accrue fines at a rate of $1 per day. Having overdue materials or outstanding bills at the end of the semester will result in a hold on grades and/or transcripts.

Scholarly Journals and Periodicals

Journals and newspapers are available in the Library and online. A coin operated copy machine is available for student convenience. Subscription resources can be accessed on campus and remotely from the Library’s webpage. The 14-digit barcode number on your Student ID card is required for access to the services or information available.

Printing

Printing costs 10 cents per black and white page and 25 cents per color page.

Quiet Study Rooms

Quiet study rooms are available for group use by students with valid IDs. Advanced reservations are encouraged. See library staff for assistance.

Repeat Courses

Students may repeat courses in order to improve grade point averages. In a repeated course, the highest grade is calculated in the grade point average and appears on the transcript as “repeated course.”

A course may be repeated twice, i.e., an initial registration plus two repeats for a total of three. Should a student attempt to repeat a course a third time (fourth registration), they will be barred from registration except as noted: Special Topics, Chorus, English for Speakers of Other Languages. Students may appeal this policy in writing to the appropriate Division Dean. In the event a course is retired and a replacement course designated, the repeat logic will apply to the designated replacement course. In the event a course is retired and a replacement course not designated, the student will lose the repeat option. Students on financial aid must check with the Financial Aid Office before repeating a class.

TECEP

The Thomas Edison Credit-by-Examination Program (TECEP) enables students to earn college credit for knowledge gained through work experience. TECEP brochures can be obtained from Thomas Edison State University, 101 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.