In accordance with state and federal regulations, Mt. Hood Community College will be in compliance regarding the definition and assignment of credit hours.

1. Critical Elements of Credit Instruction
   
   • Credit courses must be applicable to a degree or certificate (unless approved as a stand-alone occupational preparatory course -- see Oregon Community Colleges and Workforce Development Handbook). Courses that are below 100-level may not always be applicable to a degree or certificate but may serve as a prerequisite for a course that is applicable to a degree or certificate.
   • Credit courses must have defined learning outcomes and have established criteria for successful completion. Assessments will be used to evaluate attainment of outcomes.
   • Consideration is given to the relevant academic preparation and prerequisites established as appropriate.
   • Instruction will be delivered by instructors who have been determined to meet qualifications established for the discipline as recommended and approved by the college.
2. Definitions
   
   • Credit Hour: Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8 [k] and [l], a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than –
     • One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
     • At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph [1] of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference:
34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 600.2
Oregon Community Colleges and Workforce Development Handbook