In order to progress from one semester to the next in the Paralegal Program, the following principles will be followed.

Satisfactory Completion of the Curriculum

1. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in each of the following courses (which are prerequisites for admission):

ENGL 121 -- Composition I
LAW 121 -- Introduction to Law
LAW 123 -- Paralegal Professional Studies
LIBR 125 -- Introduction to Library

A student who does not achieve a minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in any of the above-listed prerequisite courses may not repeat that course more than once.

2. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) must be achieved in each Paralegal course. Failure to achieve at least a "C" (2.0) will cause the student to be ineligible to continue with the program.

3. An overall GPA of no less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale ("C") in all other general education courses.

Incompletes

Students will receive a grade of “I” only if special circumstances prevent them from completing the class. Students must make arrangements with the instructor before semester grades are submitted and must sign a statement agreeing to complete the class requirements. All class requirements must be completed by the deadline indicated on the agreement. An "I" will be changed to an "F" if the student does not successfully complete the work by the deadline established by the instructor, which can be no later than the end of the next full semester following the grading period for which the "I" was given. The instructor is responsible for initiating a grade change when a student successfully completes the work outlined in the agreement. During the semester a student is completing the "I" contract, the student cannot re-enroll in the class, nor is the student considered currently enrolled on the basis of the "I" grade from the previous semester. Students may not withdraw from a course in which an "I" has been assigned.

Student Responsibilities

A Paralegal student is responsible for monitoring his/her own academic progress and for seeking assistance from the course instructor when necessary.

Changes in the Curriculum

From time to time, the Paralegal curriculum requirements may be subject to changes which would result in a modification of program requirements. Students who stay continuously enrolled will not be affected by such changes and will be required to meet only the program requirements in effect during the semester in which they initially enrolled in the Paralegal Program. Any student who does not re-enroll at JCCC for a semester or longer will be subject, upon re-enrollment, to any curriculum or program requirement changes which may have gone into effect during the interim.

Any student who is not enrolled at JCCC for a semester or longer will be automatically dropped from the Paralegal Program with the exception of the summer semester. Such a student may apply for readmission and must follow the standard application procedure.

Unsuccessful Students

A Paralegal student who does not successfully complete any semester of the program will be ineligible to continue in the program. Unsuccessful students will be supplied with a written statement of their course deficiencies. At the initiative of the student, an end-of-course conference will be scheduled to include the student, course instructor(s), and the program director. Unsuccessful students may apply for readmission and must follow the standard application procedure.

Success

Successful completion of the program will entitle students to the Associate of Arts Degree and/or the Paralegal Postsecondary Certificate.