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How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college.

While many feel relieved after leaving behind their former high school classrooms, new college students must ensure they adhere to their community college's academic requirements. Although community college certainly offers greater freedoms, students must maintain acceptable academic progress to stay enrolled.

Academic Probation Overview

As Lord Fairfax Community College (LCC), located in Warrenton, Virginia, reveals, strict guidelines and expectations exist for students' academic progress and conduct. While each institution has its regulations, LCC requires that all students maintain a GPA above 2.0. According to LCC policies, students who fail to earn a 2.0 GPA for one semester will receive an immediate “Academic Warning.” Similarly, any student who fails any course will also receive such a warning. This warning is designed to alert students of potential consequences if the low academic achievements continue.

Students enrolled in LCC who have earned 12 credit hours and fail to meet an overall GPA of 1.5 are placed on “Academic Probation.” Academic probation is permanently documented on a student's record as a much more serious step. A student in this circumstance is required to meet with a faculty advisor for additional guidance. Furthermore, with the support of an advisor or counselor, students may be required to reduce their anticipated course load for their upcoming semester(s). Adding to the implications, students on academic probation are banned from being appointed to any elective office in student organizations. Typically, academic probation lasts only one semester, as a student can regain his or her standard

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The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College

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The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes.

Enrolling in honors courses in high school certainly offers its advantages, ranging from intellectual challenges to fast-paced learning. The perks of honors classes, however, are not restricted to high school! Today, many community colleges are providing students with honors credit and accolades. Through the various advantages associated with honors courses, students enrolled in community college can enhance their competitiveness as they prepare for graduation and the challenging job market.

Honors Options at the Community College Level

While each community college offers its own programs and standards, Quinsigamond Community College is one of the exemplary schools providing diverse honors academic opportunities. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) is one of the many institutions providing students with advanced honors credit. As QCC explains, their honors program is designed to “Motivate academically talented students to develop their fullest potential... The Program seeks to awaken and nurture a sense of humane citizenry and community responsibility within its members.”

Alongside general credit courses, students eligible to enroll in honors courses are permitted to engage in these alternative learning venues to fine-tune their critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. While the objectives for standard and honors courses maintain the same focus, students enrolled in QCC honors classes typically experience more classroom involvement, alongside enhanced independent analysis.

This video reports on honors programs in community colleges.

The Benefits of Honors Courses at the Community

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How Will the New GI Bill Impact Your Community College Enrollment Options?

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How Will the New GI Bill Impact Your Community College Enrollment Options?
Learn about how the revisions within the GI Bill impact the academic benefits for veterans who served America on or after the 9/11 attacks.

The GI Bill has provided many opportunities for soldiers and veterans to further their educational opportunities. In fact, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill is one of the most “significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government.”

Like any other piece of legislation, the GI Bill is impacted by the country's economic, political, and social climates, and subsequently, it has recently undergone remarkable changes and revisions. Today, veterans seeking to attend courses at their local community college may find that their benefits have significantly changed.

This video explains the GI Bill benefits.

The Evolution of the GI Bill and its Recent Revisions

Created in 1944, the GI Bill (more formally known as the GI Bill of Rights) has been a heated topic of debate and discussion since its inception. Initially, the plan for the GI Bill involved paying veterans a sum of $20 per week; however, this stimulated controversy, as opponents argued that paying veterans decreased their incentive to work and find jobs.

In addition, there were provisions for educational opportunities for veterans. However, colleges during the 1940s were still seen as institutions reserved only for the privileged and elite, which added more fuel to the opponents' fires; protesters argued that “battle-hardened veterans” would struggle to conform with high college standards.

Yet, despite these arguments, the Bill was eventually passed, while the Veterans Administration (VA) was subsequently

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International Students Enjoy Free Tuition at US Community Colleges

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International Students Enjoy Free Tuition at US Community Colleges
Learn about the opportunities available for international students to pursue tuition-free education through American community colleges.

With reduced tuition costs, shorter program requirements, and flexible course options, community colleges have provided students across the country with immeasurable benefits. To extend their global reach, some United States community colleges are now offering opportunities for international students to earn tuition-free credits.

As VOA News reveals, the US government and participating community colleges have established a program titled “The Community College Initiative.” With this program, the government and community colleges pay the tuition costs for accepted and qualified international students. In the past two years alone, six countries partook in this program, including Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. Recently, Cuba, Ghana, and the majority of Central America also joined with their participation.

The Community College Initiative Program

Established in 2007, the program started as a small and focused effort to boost international education and opportunities. As VOA News further asserts, “The program provides job training for people who otherwise could not attend college. They learn skills their countries need, like agriculture and health care.” Additionally, vocational educators from around the world are able to take advantage of US professional development training and instruction. With just 84 participants in 2007, the number of current participants is now over 500, as students have the option of attending any of the 37 participating community colleges across the country.

With 37 unique locations and programs, the destination for students most significantly depends on each learner's desired academic pathway. Once the school is

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Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students

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Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials.

Amidst an economic crisis, rising tuition costs, and a more competitive job market, community college students looking for ways to generate income. One alternative wage-earning option helping students to make ends meet involves monitored drug trials and clinical studies. In fact, as North Jersey News reveals, “Joining a study has compelling advantages... You can take pride in helping others.” Adding to the benefits gained by researchers and patients, students enrolled in safe and controlled clinical trials are able to earn extra cash to help cover the many costs of their education and living expenses.

Yet, before signing up, experts assert that students must be aware of the serious potential cons amidst the seemingly ideal pros.

Drug Trial Opportunities

While each community college campus, as well as nearby hospitals and universities, typically offer their own unique opportunities for clinical studies and trials, students often seek out more widely available venues as well. For example, companies such as GPGP, a free online directory service listing an array of of volunteer-based trial opportunities, allows interested individuals to pursue thousands of national and even international research studies. As GPGP explains, “Volunteering for strictly regulated and ethical approved studies can be an excellent way to help to pay educational costs, supplement your income while working, or fund your travels while spending time in foreign countries.”

Individuals who are healthy, eligible, and who comply with all of the required study mandates can enjoy an added income with minimal extra

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