Academic Affairs
The purpose of the Academic Affairs Unit of DeKalb Technical College is to support the College’s Mission:

• Deliver high quality, relevant instruction
• Ensure appropriate student learning outcomes
• Prepare graduates to function competently in the work environment
• Assess and enhance both instructional delivery and student learning outcomes
• Use outcome data for continuous improvement

The Office of Academic Affairs relies on two primary Councils which provide input and oversight regarding academics and student-related issues:  The Academic Council (TAC) and The Learning Council (TLC).  The Academic Council (TAC) is a college-wide council, which includes four Sub-Committees, whose responsibilities include review of, and recommendation for, all instructional and instructionally related proposals such as new programs, new courses, changes in course or program requirements, graduation requirements, and related policies and procedures. The Academic Advisory Committee, one of the four Sub-Committees of the TAC, is comprised of Department faculty elected to represent the Departments and ensure effective communication between and among faculty, Departments and Academic Affairs administrative personnel.  The Academic Council is integral to the achievement of the College’s Mission, Institutional Effectiveness and documentation of accountability.

The Learning Council (TLC) is comprised of Academic Affairs, Adult Literacy and Institutional Effectiveness and Research administrative personnel whose responsibility it is to ensure the delivery of high quality, effective academic programs and services in the accomplishment of the College’s Mission and Goals and to use the results of assessment for improvement.

Credit by Examination
In an attempt to individualize the education of students, programs allowing credit-by-examination are recognized by DeKalb Technical College. Through these programs students may be granted credit for subjects they have already mastered in order to pursue more advanced courses.

CLEP and AP Exams
A student may earn up to thirty-five hours toward graduation in courses appropriate to the student's major through credit by examination on the basis of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores, scores earned under the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Board, and approved departmental examinations. To earn CLEP credits for courses numbered 101 and above on the General or Subject examination, a student must obtain scores at or above the fiftieth percentile on sophomore norms. For courses numbered 100 (only), scores at or above the twenty-fifth percentile are acceptable for credit. In addition, a student may earn five quarter hours of credit for each AP examination on which he or she achieves a score of three or higher. Inquiries concerning CLEP tests or validation of CLEP or AP scores should be directed to the Registrar's Office.

Credit for Experiencial Learning
Credit for experiential learning may be awarded for knowledge and skills obtained independent of formal classroom and/or laboratory instruction. Assessment of experiential learning is dependent upon the nature of credit desired, is determined by the faculty advisor, and is subject to approval by the Department Chair and Academic Dean. Students should consult with their faculty advisor for specific procedures regarding Credit for Experiential Learning.

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) Exam
A student may receive credit for selected courses on the basis of acceptable scores on the Certified Professional Secretaries (CPS) exam. Contact the Business Technologies Department Chairperson or the Registrar's Office for more information.

Departmental Exams
A student may earn credit in certain courses on the basis of acceptable scores on departmental examinations. Academic departments may, on an optional basis, establish and administer approved examinations for courses that are listed as prerequisites to other courses.  When a student passes such an examination, it is reported to the Registrar’s Office on the Examination Credit Form by the Department Chairperson and the Academic Dean. The Registrar will record the course on the student's record showing the course number and title and indicate that it was credited by examination. Inquiries concerning available departmental exams should be directed to the program advisor. A $10 per credit hour fee is charged for each exam administered. Students who pass the exam will have their credits recorded on their permanent record. No record is made for students who do not pass departmental exams.

Units of Credit
The unit of credit is the quarter hour representing one hour of class work per week for one quarter or its equivalent in other forms of instruction. Two or sometimes three hours of laboratory work are considered as equivalent to one hour of class work. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are awarded for completion of Continuing Education courses and are subject to the same grading system as academic credit courses. Continuing Education course grades do not average with regular credit courses in computing grade point averages. DeKalb Technical College maintains a permanent record for each participant indicating the course(s), grade(s), and CEU credit(s) earned.