FAQs

How can I take a credit fitness class not for credit?

There are two types of fitness classes. Zero credit, when students want to use the Fitness Center, which requires a non-credit application and credit bearing fitness classes such as yoga or pilates which requires a credit application. Students will earn credit for yoga or pilates since it is a credit bearing class. Students may either audit the class for an extra fee or ask their instructor to be graded as pass/fail if they are not interested in having a graded class on their transcript. 

What are my options for a refund? 

Dates for course refunds are accessible in the Student Center. The easiest way to view the last day to drop with a full refund for each class is on the Account Inquiry Statement underneath Refund Deadline. Dates are calculated based on the duration of the class.

If you believe you are eligible for a refund and meet the criteria for an exemption listed in the refund policy you, as the student, must submit a Student Refund Exception Appeal within one year from the semester in which the class was taken. Per policy, if you never attended the class and still got a “W”, is not an allowed refund exception or an excuse of the debt incurred through registration. Approved refund appeals may have financial aid and Veterans benefits impacts.

What is a medical or compassionate withdrawal?

The Medical & Compassionate Withdrawal policy is separate, but oftentimes is followed by  the Refund Exception Appeal, which allows a student to request that a withdrawal (W on transcript) be labeled as medical or compassionate. 

The Medical Compassionate Withdrawal process, if approved, only marks the W on the transcript as such. To be approved, the class must already be a W (withdrawn status). If the student is still enrolled in the class or has a grade, they must talk to the instructor to see if a W can be granted prior to submitting the form. If the class is not graded as W, the medical or compassionate withdrawal will be returned for revision or denied until the class is graded as a W.

How can I request a grade change?

Within 15 days, students may follow the instructional grievance process to discuss a grade, testing, or assignments with their instructor. The grievance process for final grades must be initiated no later than sixty (60) calendar days from the date the grade was issued. If deadlines have passed, students may benefit from Academic Renewal policy. 

What options do I have if there are grades on my transcript that don’t reflect my academic success?

The Academic Renewal Policy may assist students who have earned a D, F, or Y grade by excluding the grade from calculation in their cumulative grade point average (GPA) at SMCC only. If approved, it would not erase previous grades and would be indicated on the transcript. Students may only request academic renewal once, 24 credits max, and cannot get revoked if approved.

How many times can I take the same class subject?

Only classes with a B, C, D, and F can be retaken up to 3 times to improve a grade. If both attempts are taken at SMCC, the higher grade will replace the lower grade in the GPA calculation. If a class is taken at another institution, a request must be made to the Admissions and Records office. If a student has been awarded financial aid, veterans benefits, or other military tuition assistance programs, scholarships, or grants they should check with those offices about repeating classes. 

What is the difference between an Arizona “limited-term” ID/DL and an Arizona ID/DL?

A drivers license or ID card marked “limited-term” means that it is issued to a person who is a foreign national with temporary lawful status in the U.S. It can be used for the ID authentication requirement, but additional documents are needed for the student to establish residency and/or ensure they are being charged the appropriate tuition rate.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Admissions and Records department at admissions@southmountaincc.edu. Forms for some of these items can be found under the Important Forms page.