Policies
Act 46 of 2014 requires public institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to provide veteran students, as defined in the Act, with preference in course scheduling. Non-compliance may be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by submitting the Higher Education Student Complaint form found at www.education.state.pa.us.
[Note: Act 46 applies to veteran students admitted to credit courses and programs offered at the institution.]
For purposes of this policy, a veteran student is defined as an individual who:
- Served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component and National Guard and was discharged/released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; or one who is an active-duty service member
- Resides in Pennsylvania while enrolled at Northampton Community College
Student veterans who have met all other registration requirements will be given course scheduling preference and will be permitted to register for classes prior to the regular registration periods as published in the Academic Calendar. The eligibility of veteran students for course scheduling preference will be identified through college database records. Continuing veteran students who are eligible for course scheduling preference will be assigned to the earlier registration time through the Workday student portal; no additional action must be taken by the student.
This policy will appear on the College website, and be included in the College Catalog, and be available in the Military-Affiliated Student Services Office. Questions can be directed to the veterans@northampton.edu.
Processing Note: A student who did not indicate veteran or active-duty status at the time of application may provide documentation (DD214 etc.) on Workday or to the Office of the Military-Affiliated Student Services Office to have the College database record updated.
Northampton Community College honors those who serve. To support our military students, NCC has a Call to Active Duty Policy to assist students who must leave the college due to an involuntary call to active military service.
If a student must withdraw from Northampton Community College because of an involuntary activation, the student may apply for either a tuition credit or a refund of tuition and fees paid. Requests for refunds will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Students who received financial aid or a financial aid refund during the semester may not be eligible for a tuition refund but may be eligible to receive a tuition credit.
To be considered for a tuition credit or refund, students must provide a copy of their military orders to the Records Office and the Military-Affiliated Student Services Office at the time of withdrawal.
Tuition Credit Guidelines
- Tuition credits must be used within one (1) year after release from active duty.
- Tuition credit will not be granted if academic credit was received for the course(s) in which the student was enrolled.
- If a student received financial aid during the semester for which the tuition credit is approved, the tuition credit must be used before the student can reestablish eligibility for financial aid.
Contact veterans@northampton.edu for instructions.
Please review the NCC VA Certification Policy (PDF).
All disability-related records are maintained by the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) and are kept separate from the Military-Affiliated Student Services Office to ensure student privacy and confidentiality.
Students who need academic accommodations due to a disability should submit all documentation directly to the Accessibility Resource Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Fax: 610.861.5351
For more information about accommodation services or documentation requirements, students are encouraged to contact the Accessibility Resource Center directly.
Northampton Community College recognizes the dedication, training, and experience gained through military service. Many service members complete extensive training during their time in the military, and NCC works to ensure that eligible training and coursework are evaluated for possible college credit.
Students who have served in the military should request an official Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript, and have it sent directly to Northampton Community College for evaluation.
In addition, students should request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. These transcripts can typically be sent electronically through Parchment, or the issuing institution’s official transcript service.
Submitting all transcripts allows NCC to evaluate prior learning and training and helps students make the most of their time at Northampton Community College.
As required by PA Act 11 of 2015, Veterans and Military Personnel, their spouses, and/or dependent children, may be eligible for reduced tuition rates as outlined below.
- Veterans, their spouses, and/or dependent children, who reside in the Commonwealth of PA will be granted a tuition rate equivalent to the local sponsorship rate. For purposes of this policy, a veteran student is defined as an individual who: (a) Served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component and National Guard, and was discharged/released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; or one who is an active-duty service member; and (b) Resides in Pennsylvania while enrolled at Northampton Community College.
- Active military personnel, their spouses, and/or dependent children, who are enrolled online (distance) and who reside outside of the Commonwealth, will be granted a tuition rate equivalent to the Commonwealth of PA rate.
- Any individual who receives VA education benefits under chapters 1606, 1607, 30, 31, and 33, and who resides outside of the Commonwealth, will be granted a tuition rate equivalent to the Commonwealth of PA rate.
- Civilian personnel who work at a Department of Defense facility in the Commonwealth of PA, their spouses, and/or dependent children, will be granted a tuition rate equivalent to the local sponsorship rate.
As outlined above, those who qualify for reduced rates are exempt from the 90-day residency-waiting period. Students must provide proof of service, which may include one of the following: DD214, current military ID, and/or VA Certificate of Eligibility. In addition to providing proof of service, students must provide two proofs of the following: proof of residency before the start of the semester for which reduced rates are to be granted and showing the local/PA address. PA address verification may be proven with any of the following: PA Driver's License/PA Dept. of Transportation ID card, per capita (school district) tax receipt, local EIT or Pennsylvania tax return, lease, utility bill, deed, bank statement, pay stub, credit card bill, or phone bill.
Important note: Students who qualify for residency after the beginning of a semester will be granted the appropriate tuition rates for the following semester. The college will not make retroactive changes to residency status.
Students receiving VA Education Benefits must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as required by federal regulations and Northampton Community College academic standards.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated based on two factors:
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. - Completion Rate (CR)
Students must successfully complete at least 67% of all credits attempted.
All courses attempted will be reviewed when determining completion rate and academic progress.
Students who fail to meet these standards may be placed on academic warning or suspension in accordance with college policy, which may impact their ability to continue receiving VA education benefits.
For additional information about Satisfactory Academic Progress or how it may affect your VA education benefits, please contact the Military-Affiliated Student Services Office or the Financial Aid Office.
