Academic Programs
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The Academic Programs Division is responsible for the overall academic activity of the students in residence at NCSSM, including development of curriculum, implementation of instructional policies and procedures, and the evaluation and professional growth of faculty.
Academic Curriculum
NCSSM offers a comprehensive, challenging, and innovative academic curriculum with the goal of empowering students with the knowledge, enthusiasm for learning, and decision-making skills necessary for leadership in a global society. Based on a Trimester system, course offerings are intended to provide our students the opportunity to gain both depth and breadth in their academic study over their two years in residence.
Course Catalog
The course offerings described in the Course Catalog have been designed to provide both depth and breadth in the instructional program. An effort is made to accommodate the students’ expressed interests, with the final decisions on any year’s course offerings based on staff availability and satisfaction of minimum enrollment requirements.
Trimester Schedule
The academic year is divided into three Trimesters of eleven weeks (approximately 55 teaching and/or examination days). Course sequences range from one to four Trimesters depending on the instructional format and expected student outcomes.
Daily Timetable
The daily academic schedule includes seven (50 minute) class blocks (A – G) that rotate throughout the week and have one (90 minute) lab opportunity. Evening class blocks (H & I) allow for multiple sessions (up to 100 minutes) through the week--Monday through Thursday--or double sessions (up to 190 minutes) on the same day for once a week courses.
Testing Calendar & Exam Schedule
In order to effectively distribute the academic workload and to allow our students to do their best work, major assignments and tests are scheduled throughout the trimester according to a weekly calendar developed by Academic Programs. Trimester examinations at the conclusion of each grading period are two hours in length and scheduled according to an established rotation through the academic year.
Grading
There are three Trimester grade-reporting periods each academic year, with student accomplishment recorded in letter grades (A to D or S / U). Each Trimester, Midterm Progress Reports also are provided. Not intended to be a formal grade, student progress is indicated by a numerical code (1 to 3).
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements are adopted by the Board of Trustees and published in the NCSSM Course Catalog and the NCSSM Student Handbook.