Spring 2025 Semester Schedule

Our fall and spring semesters are 14 weeks long, while the summer semester spans 10 weeks. Below are the important dates and module breakdown for the Spring 2025 semester.

Spring 2025 Dates

Modules

Key Academic Dates

• Mar 3 - Mar 7: Midterms
• Apr 25: Last day to withdraw from courses (W).
• Apr 28 - May 2: Finals
• May 2: Last day to submit coursework for Spring 2025. Instructors are not obligated to accept work submitted after this date.
• May 28: Grades are posted (College deadline).
• June 30: Transcripts will be sent to education coordinators.

New Student and Continuing Student Information

Program Highlights

One unique aspect of our program is that many course supplies are provided to students at no cost, which significantly contributes to student success.

For Canvas Courses:

• Physical Materials: If the course requires physical books, calculators, or other materials, these items will be sent to each site for distribution to enrolled students.
• Digital Resources: Lecture materials, activities, assignments, grading, and communication with instructors occur within the Canvas platform. Many Canvas courses also include textbooks in PDF format.

For Traditional Correspondence Courses:

• Course Envelopes: Each student receives 9x12 yellow envelopes marked with their student information and the course they are enrolled in. Students will receive a set of seven envelopes per course each semester.
  • First Envelope Contents:
    • ISP Office Correspondence forms: A way for students to send questions to the ISP Office.
    • Assignment sheets: Accompany each module and are returned to the instructor for grading.
    • Lined paper: Includes a few sheets for coursework. Additional paper can be requested from coordinators on a case-by-case basis.
• Course Packet: Included in the first envelope, the course packet contains:
  • Course syllabus: A comprehensive guide that students frequently refer to for assignment clarification and course scheduling.
  • Lecture and supplemental reading materials.
  • Homework assignments.

By offering these resources, our program ensures students are well-equipped for academic success.

Textbook Policy and Distribution for ISP Students

Providing Course Materials

Feather River College (FRC) ensures that Incarcerated Student Program (ISP) students receive all necessary course textbooks. Some instructors use free, open-access materials accessible through their Canvas course areas. Hard copy textbooks are loaned to students each semester and must be returned upon completion of their final exams.

Prior to the start of each semester, textbooks are shipped directly to the prisons where enrolled students are located. These materials are then distributed to students by the designated site coordinator. Due to the high cost of textbooks, extra copies are not available.

Tracking and Managing Textbooks

To maintain accountability and ensure the availability of materials for future students, it is crucial to keep accurate records of all textbook loans. Below are some recommended practices for coordinators:

1. Recordkeeping:

• When distributing course materials and books, create a detailed list or spreadsheet.
• Include each student’s name, FRC 900#, the FRC book number, course information, and the dates of checkout and return.

2. Final Exam Procedures:

• Some sites use final exam ducats to remind students to return their textbooks at the time of their exams.

3. End-of-Semester Returns:

• After finals week, ensure that all books are collected and mailed back to Feather River College promptly.

4. Handling Transfers and Paroles:

• If a student transfers or paroles, ensure they do not take FRC textbooks with them. This helps maintain the availability of resources for other students.

Key Reminder: Textbooks are provided on a loan basis. Our office relies on the timely return of these materials to facilitate the enrollment and success of other students. By diligently tracking and managing textbook distribution, we can continue to support educational opportunities within the ISP.

Canvas Correspondence Classes

For students enrolled in Canvas correspondence classes:

• Course Materials: All course materials, including lectures, readings, activities, assignments, grades, and often textbook chapters, are available in the Canvas course area.
• Structure: Courses are divided into seven learning modules:
  • Fall and spring semesters span 14 weeks.
  • Summer sessions last 10 weeks.
• Assignments & Feedback: Students complete assignments directly on Canvas and should check for instructor feedback on each module. They can also ask questions via the "Course Questions" or 'Questions for your Instructor" assignment and typically receive responses within one week.
• Engagement: Regular participation is essential. Students should log in and engage with the Canvas course area several times a week to stay on track.

Traditional Correspondence Classes

For students enrolled in traditional correspondence classes:

• Course Materials: Materials are mailed to the prison sites at least one month before the semester begins. Each shipment is tracked to confirm delivery and receipt dates. The site coordinator distributes the materials to enrolled students.
• Assignments: Students are required to submit one module (assignment) from each course every two weeks. Assignments should be mailed back to the FRC ISP Office at a minimum by every other Friday.
• Tracking & Feedback:
  • The ISP staff tracks the receipt of each submission and forwards it to the appropriate instructor.
  • Instructors review the work, provide feedback, assign grades, and sign and date the materials. The graded work is then sent back to the FRC ISP Office.
  • Students should carefully review feedback to make improvements as they progress through the course.

By following these guidelines and timelines, students in both traditional and Canvas correspondence courses can effectively manage their studies and make steady progress toward their academic goals.

Exam Expectations for Traditional and Canvas Correspondence Courses

Midterm Exam

• Traditional Correspondence Courses: Midterms are typically proctored by an approved education official at the student’s location.
• Canvas Correspondence Courses: While midterms may not be proctored, students should expect a midterm assessment available within their Canvas course area.

Final Exam

All students, regardless of course type, will take a proctored, on-paper, in-person final exam.

Exam Preparation

Course packets and Canvas course areas provide detailed information about:

• What to study
• How the exams will be conducted
• How the work will be graded

Math Final Exam Notes

• For Statistics and Finite Math final exams, students are permitted to bring one 8x11-inch page of notes, which can be written on both sides.
• These notes must be turned in with the exam.
• Additional exam-specific instructions are outlined in the Math course syllabus.

Proctor Agreement

Students taking proctored exams must complete a Proctor Agreement Form, signed by both the student and the proctor. This ensures the integrity and proper administration of the exam process.

By following these guidelines, students are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to succeed while maintaining academic integrity throughout the examination process.

Module Submission Guidelines

During the spring and fall semesters, student work for each module should be submitted every other Friday, following the semester module schedule. Below are some best practices and important steps to ensure smooth handling of student assignments:

Handling Student Envelopes

• Coordinators are encouraged to gather mail once a week and send it to Feather River College (FRC).
• Ensure that student envelopes are not sealed.
• The ISP Office provides labels on each envelope, which include:
  • Student's name
  • Prison site
  • FRC ID #
  • CDC #
  • Module #
  • Course details

Tracking Assignments

Tracking assignments is essential. A recommended practice is to date the back of the envelope upon receiving an assignment from a student.

Distributing Returned Mail

Once mail is returned from FRC, distribute it promptly to ensure students receive timely feedback from their instructors.

Submitting Midterms and Finals

• Midterms and finals are sent to the sites three weeks before the scheduled proctoring dates. Please fill out the proctor form for each student.
• During midterm and finals weeks, send completed exams by mail at the end of each day.
• If a student has dropped a class, write DROPPED across their proctor sheet and include it in the mail. This helps the ISP Office confirm the drop has been processed.

Finals Week Instructions

• When distributing the ducat for finals, inform students to bring their books and all course materials with them.
• At the end of finals week, ensure all books and course materials are mailed back to Feather River College.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth process for module submissions and examinations!

Course Drop and Re-Add Information

Course Drop Policy

Students may drop courses for various reasons. To facilitate this process, each site should have access to Drop Forms from the FRC. These forms can be completed and mailed to the ISP Office. Alternatively, coordinators may email drop requests directly to the ISP Office.

Important Notes About Dropping Courses:

• If a student drops a course halfway through the semester, they may receive a grade of W (Withdrawal) for the course.
• It is crucial to drop courses early to avoid negative academic consequences.
• Failure to withdraw officially and not completing the course may result in an F grade.

Specific deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from courses are outlined in each semester’s Module Schedule. If you have not received the schedule, please contact the ISP Office immediately.

Course Re-Add Policy

In some cases, students may need to be re-added to a course. The process for re-adding a course is straightforward and uses the same form as the drop requests. Coordinators may also email re-add requests to the ISP Office, which will confirm the request with the course instructor.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, please contact the ISP Office. Ensure all forms and communications are submitted promptly to meet the specified deadlines.

Transcript Request Information

We understand the challenges associated with requesting transcripts. This is an ongoing discussion at the state level, and we are hopeful that effective solutions will emerge. At FRC, we are dedicated to supporting students on their educational journeys, which often involves assisting with the acquisition of academic records.

Official Transcript Policy

As part of our commitment to student success, official transcripts are automatically sent to the appropriate education departments at the end of each semester. These transcripts may be used for milestone credit purposes.

If you need additional transcripts for purposes other than milestone credits, there is a fee of $5 per request. Additional transcript requests must be made through the ISP Office. If you are unable to pay the fee, please inform the ISP Office for assistance.

Important Note for Transferring Students

If you have completed one or two courses at FRC and finished your degree at another institution, please request official transcripts directly from the institution where you graduated.

Access the Transcript Request Form

Click here to access the official transcript request form.

Personalized Education Plans for Every Student

At FRC, we believe every student deserves a clear path to success. That's why every FRC student has a tailored education plan designed to help them achieve their academic goals. Our Independent Study Program (ISP) students are no exception!

Here’s what you need to know about your SEP:

• Updated Regularly: Each semester, the ISP Office provides students with their most current SEP.
• Stay Organized: Use your SEP to monitor your academic progress and plan your future coursework.
• Guided Enrollment: The SEP helps explain the rationale behind your course selections, giving you insight into your academic journey.

We encourage all students to review their SEP regularly and reach out to their academic advisor with any questions or concerns. Together, we can ensure you’re on the path to success!