General Information

Understanding the Community College

Community College Terms

Advisor:

A faculty member or other individual designated to assist students in the educational process through planning their program of study.

Advisory Committee:

A representative group of individuals from a given career field who assist and advise regarding programs representing their career area. Committees are required for all career and technical programs.

Assessment:

The process of collecting student information through standardized tests, academic transcripts, surveys, and interviews for the purpose of assisting students with the development of educational plans.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.):

The degree designation for programs designed to lead to employment.

Associate of Arts, (A.A.):

General degree granted by Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S):

A degree consisting of general education and electives. The student may choose from a variety of Liberal Arts and Career/Technical courses depending on particular educational needs.

Associate of Science, (A.S.):

General degree granted by Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Bachelor’s Degree:

Degree granted by four-year colleges. Usually the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or the Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.).

Career and Technical Education:

A federal designation of state approved programs designed to lead to employment.

Certificate:

A state-approved block of courses designed to lead to employment. The length may range from two courses up to one year.

Class Schedule:

The listing of courses including hours, instructor, and room assignments to be offered each term.

Clock hour:

The amount of actual time spent in the classroom, lab, or shop.

Developmental Education Courses:

Courses designed to help students to overcome a deficiency in a skill area and prepare for study at the post secondary (college) level.

Credit Course:

Courses for which credit units are granted.

Credit:

A generally accepted currency of education designed to communicate participation and completion of higher education coursework by representing education by this unit.

Electives:

Courses elected by the student that do not fulfill specific degree requirements but provide credit units toward a degree.

Full-time Student:

A student is considered full-time when he or she takes at least 12 credits per term. However, to complete an associate degree in 2 years, students should take 15 or more credits per term, excluding summers, of approved course work.

General Education:

Certain groups of courses required of all degree candidates.

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.):

The average of a student’s grades.

Independent Courses:

Courses offered in a format that provides an opportunity for the student to study intensively a specific topic under the direction of a faculty member.

Individualized Courses:

This format requires no class attendance, allows flexible entry times, and permits the student to proceed at his/her own pace. Help is available on request.

Liberal Arts Education:

Courses and degrees generally accepted as equivalent and transferable to the universities. See “Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.).”

Lower Division:

The first two years of college work, i.e., freshman- and sophomore-level courses. Only lower division work can be offered by community colleges.

Major:

A specific program of study a student plans to pursue at a college or university.

Open-entry:

Programs that can be started by students at a later point in the semester of a semester after the start.

Open Door, or Open Admissions:

A policy that permits students to enter the college and enroll in course work. Entrance into specific courses, however, is limited to those who have demonstrated the ability to handle the work.

Option:

Subset of a Career and Technical Education (A.A.S.) degree, designating the career area of study.

Placement:

The process of advising a student to enroll into a particular course based on prerequisites, valid standardized test, and other multiple measures.

Prerequisite:

A requirement which must be completed prior to enrollment in a course. Prerequisites are listed in the course description.

Program:

A formally approved or informal designation for a specific area of study.

Semester Term:

A 15 week academic term for Fall and Spring, 10 weeks for Summer.

Semester Credits:

Credit earned from a semester system. One (1) quarter credit hour equals .66 semester credit hour. Courses in this catalog are indicated in semester terms and total hours of instruction.

Remedial Courses:

See “College Prep Courses ”

State Guaranteed Transfer Courses General Education:

Courses designated by the State of Colorado through the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to transfer from one public college/university to other public colleges/universities. These courses are designated with a GT (guaranteed transfer) number in this catalog.

Transcript:

A copy of a student’s college record prepared by the Admissions & Records Office.

Upper Division:

The last two years of college work, i.e., junior- and senior-level courses. Upper division work is not offered by or generally accepted in transfer at Aims Community College.

General Information/College Policies

Approval and Accreditation

The operation of Aims Community College is approved by the State of Colorado. It is governed by the five member Aims Junior College District Board of Trustees elected by the voters of the Aims Junior College District. All degree programs are approved by the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 800.621.7440 or 312.263.0456, FAX 312.263.7462, www.ncacihe.org. Aims Community College’s accrediting agency (NCA) requires that the College share information about student complaints with NCA. Individual identities will be shielded so that a student maintains anonymity

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

Aims Community College complies with the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, which specifies that (a.) a student’s record is closed to non-college officials unless specific authorization to review those records is granted in writing by the student or is granted by provisions of the law and (b.) a student has the right to inspect and review certain specified official records, files, and data directly related to that student. Students desiring to inspect and/or review their official records should contact the Registrar, Office of Admissions & Records. See section titled Records, Transcripts, Requests for Information .

Non-Discrimination

Aims Community College does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification. Employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination, or who observe acts of discrimination or harassment, should contact the Equal Opportunity Officer, Ed Beaty Hall, room 145E, or at 970.339.6471, or one of the EO Representatives.

Children on Campus

All children on campus under the age of sixteen (16) must be under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian unless they are involved in a specific College approved and supervised activity.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings owned and operated by the College.

Drug Free Workplace

Aims Community College is a drug-free workplace.

Prohibition Against Enrollment in State-Supported Institutions of Higher Education of Persons Convicted of Rioting Offenses

Under Colorado law, no person shall be enrolled in a state-supported institution of higher education for a period of twelve months following the date of a guilty verdict, guilty plea, no contest plea, or a deferred judgement and sentence for inciting riot, arming rioters, or engaging in a riot.

Sex Offenders Information

Information concerning persons who are required by Colorado law to register as sex offenders, including registered sex offenders who are enrolled, employed, or volunteering at Aims Community College, may be obtained from the Greeley Police Department, the Weld County Sheriff ’s Department, or on the Safety web page.

An Alcohol and Drug Free Education Institution

I. Background

The National Drug Control Strategy issued in September 1989, proposed that the Congress pass legislation requiring schools, colleges and universities to implement and enforce firm drug prevention and education programs as a condition of eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (PL 101-226) which requires institutions of higher education to implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by their students and employees on school premises or as part of any school activity.

This law, in addition to the Drug Free Workplace Act (PL 100-690, 5151-5160), which requires applicants for federally funded grants and contracts to certify that they will institute affirmative steps to prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of controlled substances in the workplace, establishes the foundation on which Aims Community College has established its drug and alcohol policy.

II. Standard of Conduct

Aims Community College complies with both the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. In compliance with these Acts all students and employees are prohibited from the unlawful manufacturing, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on any of the Aims’ campuses or at any Aims sponsored activity.

III. Legal Sanctions

Students and employees are reminded that local, state, and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions and penalties for the unlawful manufacturing, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include but are not limited to incarceration and monetary fines.

The Federal Controlled Substances Act specifies penalties, for a first offense individual involved in the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute narcotics, of not fewer than 10 years or more than life imprisonment and a fine up to 4 million dollars, or both. The penalty for simple possession, knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance, is imprisonment up to one year and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Penalties for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age is imprisonment or a fine, or both, up to twice that established for distribution offenses.

The Colorado Criminal Code relating to controlled substances (Title 18, Article 18) establishes penalties for the unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of a controlled substance ranging from six months imprisonment or $500 fine, or both, to 16 years imprisonment and/or $750,000 in fines, depending on the classification of substance. Penalties under the Colorado Beer Code (Title 12, Article 47) relating to unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and possession of alcoholic beverages range up to one year imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines, or both.

Local ordinances for the City of Greeley, relating to illicit drugs and alcohol, coincide with the State of Colorado statutes.

IV. College Sanctions

Students and/or employees (full or part-time) who violate the standards set forth under the Aims Substance Abuse Policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion or termination and/ or referral to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

V. Health Risks

Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse encompass physical and psychological effects, including but not limited to: malnutrition, brain damage, paranoia, psychosis, hepatitis, convulsions, coma, depression, heart disease, death, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to the central nervous system, elevated blood pressure, respiratory failure, low birth weight babies, babies with drug/alcohol addictions, and an increased probability of intravenous drug users contracting AIDS. It is recommended that anyone having specific questions relating to their health and drugs/ alcohol should consult their physician.

VI. Counseling & Referral

The Student Success Center in the General Services Building provides academic advising for most degree programs, and is also available for counseling referrals to help with drug/ alcohol use, housing and food needs, child and parenting resources, mental health, domestic violence, suicide support services and intervention, as well as a number of other areas. For an appointment or referral, please call 970.339.6251. Information on other community services is also available for students through the Guide to Local Human Services link on the “student” tab of the aims web site (www.aims.edu). Here are some of the major community agencies listed:

United Way referral and information dial 211
North Range Behavioral Health
970.347.2120
Island Grove Regional Treatment Center
970.356.6664

COLORADO

1.303.320.8333
Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Department of Health

NATIONAL HOTLINES

1.800.COCAINE - 1.800.662-HELP
Directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment center 1.800.SAY.N0.TO
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Information on ordinances/statutes, health risks, and referral sources will be maintained the Human Resources Office, in the General Services building, and Student Success Center, also located in the General Services Building.

Consumer Information

Public Information Office 970.339.6202.

Campus Safety Act Report

In accordance with the Campus Safety Act, each institution of higher education is required to annually prepare a Uniform Campus Crime Report, consistent with the FBI’s uniform crime reporting system. The report is to reflect the crime statistics on the property of the institution for the preceding calendar year.

Following is the statistical report for crime on the campuses of Aims Community College for 2008. The Crime Rate is derived by dividing the number of incident reports by total number of FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) students and employees for the same calendar period.

Catalog Changes

Aims Community College reserves the right, whenever it judges it necessary or advisable to meet changing academic, instructional, student, or fiscal needs, to cancel or modify, without notice, any course or program described in this catalog. The College also reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this catalog, including tuition and fees.

Bookstore

The Aims College Bookstore, located in the College Center, is an institutionally owned facility operated for the convenience of the students of the College. Students may purchase textbooks, supplies, soft goods, and computer software during posted hours.

Textbooks and supplies are also available for purchase at the Fort Lupton and Loveland Campus.

Students may also purchase their textbooks through the internet by going to our web site. Our address is www.efollett.com.

Bus Service

The City of Greeley has a bus system that includes two routes that provide service to Aims Community College. Riders can also transfer to Aims campus routes from other routes which serve the city. Bus passes can be purchased at the Cashier’s Office.

Loveland provides public bus service that stops by the Loveland Campus.

Food Service

Aims Food Services provide a variety of offerings at the Greeley campus, consisting of a cash food service know as the Campus Bistro, two coffee carts known as the Campus Grind, and beverage and snack vending service located in all buildings on campus. The Fort Lupton, Loveland, and Windsor sites have vending services. These services are endorsed and supported by the Associated Students of Aims Community College, which is the representative body for Aims Students.

The Campus Bistro is located in the College Center on the main floor. This service offers breakfast and lunch menus consisting of grill items, daily specials, sandwich, pizza, salad, and beverages. Operating hours for the Campus Bistro are posted at the beginning of each semester.

The Campus Grind coffee carts are located in Ed Beaty Hall and the College Center. Services include barista style coffee, pre-packaged snacks and sandwiches, and conventional beverages. Operating hours for the Campus Grind carts are posted at the beginning of each semester.

A variety of food vending machines are available at various locations on all campuses. Each location has a contact person in the event a machine malfunctions. If there is a problem or if the contact person cannot be reached, call 970.339.6450 (Greeley Campus) for assistance.

Student Accident Insurance

The mandatory Student Accident Insurance Coverage, paid by student fees, is administered in the Student Life Office. A student must file an Accident/Incident Report within 24 hours following an on-campus or college sanctioned accident/incident. Filing of insurance claims is processed through the Student Life Office, in the College Center.

The College does not provide student health insurance coverage. Information about obtaining a private health insurance policy is available in the Student Life Office, room 130, in the College Center.

Housing

Since the College does not provide student housing, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for his or her housing. It is recommended these arrangements be made prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student intends to enroll. Note that most parties who have facilities to rent to college students will require a security deposit when the final arrangements are made.

Students who attend Aims Community College have chosen to live in a variety of facilities. Many students commute daily from their family residences in the area. Others have rented private apartments.

Student Support Services Program

The Student Support Services Program provides 160 new and continuing Aims students with additional academic support. Through this free program, students receive:

• Intensive Academic Advising
• Major and Career Exploration
• College Transfer Preparation
• Mentoring
• Tutoring
• A comprehensive orientation class for new students

Students successfully completing the program fall semester are eligible to receive a $400 grant for spring semester to assist with the cost of college. Since this program is funded through a federal grant through the Department of Education, students must meet eligibility requirements in order to participate. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1. The student must be a U.S. citizen or registered permanent resident.
2. The student must be accepted for enrollment or be currently enrolled at Aims Community College.
3. The student must meet one or more of the following criteria:
   • Be financially limited according to federal guidelines;
   • Be a first generation college student (neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree); or
   • Have a documented disability
4. The student must demonstrate a need for academic support.

Interested students can contact the Student Support Services Office, College Center, Room 220 or visit our web site at www.aims.edu/student/support.

Telelearning and Media Services

Telelearning and Media Services provides support to Aims Community College faculty, students and staff in the design, development, and production of informational and instructional materials for distribution via television, videotape, audiotape, and computer-based or multimedia formats. Telelearning and Media Services also provides academic and institutional support in electronic graphics, photography, audio, public address, distance learning, educational technology, and interactive instruction.

Television services include script writing, pre-production services, production and postproduction editing for live television, and/ or videotaped instructional or promotional programs.

Teleconferencing services include live satellite downlinks, interactive video conferencing, videotaping and duplication services in support of Aims Community College objectives. Telelearning and Media Services also coordinates PBS telecourse offerings.

The Television Distribution Center includes a twelve channel closed-circuit television distribution system which feeds nearly 100% of the Greeley Campus classrooms with a tape library. Satellite reception is provided for off-air taping and teleconferences, and cable access is available. Programs are also produced and broadcast on Aims’ Channel 22 local cable and streamed to the internet. This area also coordinates videotape purchases for the college and the Media Cast® video on-demand server.

Parking

Vehicular parking is available on campus in designated lots. Parking regulations are enforced by the Department of Safety and Environment. Temporary Aims only Disability Parking Permits are issued at the Student Life Office, in the College Center.