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INTRODUCTION
Welcome! Through the College Acceleration Program (CAP) of Niagara County Community College,
students can experience college-level work before they’ve left high school. Taking college courses while
still in high school will help students learn about college culture and expectations, showing that students
have what it takes to succeed. Additional benefits may include:
• Saving money by reducing future college costs (through earning college credit while still in high
school)
• Showing college admissions officers the seriousness of junior and senior year in high school
• Graduating from college earlier by starting now
• Lightening the first- or second-semester course load in college and relieving some pressure and
stress in the first year
• Having the time to take more electives in college, earn a double major, do a special work
internship or spend a semester traveling abroad by starting early in high school
OVERVIEW
CAP is a concurrent enrollment program established as a cooperative agreement of the State University
of New York (SUNY), colleges, and high schools allowing high school students to take college classes in
their high schools for both high school and college credits.
Niagara County Community College is an affiliate member of NACEP (National Alliance of Concurrent
Enrollment Partnerships). For more information about NACEP and the national standards, please see the
organization’s website at www.NACEP.org.
CAP courses can be delivered in two ways:
1. Courses are taught by teachers at the high school for dual high school and college credit (reduced
rate of tuition). The high school teachers have been approved by the College to become NCCC adjunct
instructors. They are required to complete all NCCC requirements in accordance with the College’s
standard practices and procedures. The high school calendar is followed.
2. Courses taught at NCCC for dual or college credit. Instructors are NCCC faculty members. The College
calendar is followed. Tuition may be discounted. These courses are generally held over the summer.
Participating Schools are:
Niagara County Schools
Barker High School
Lewiston-Porter High School
Lockport High School
Newfane High School
Niagara Falls High School
Niagara Wheatfield High School
North Tonawanda High School
Royalton-Hartland High School
Starpoint High School
Wilson High School
ON BOCES
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Erie County Schools
Akron High School
Erie One BOCES
Erie Two BOCES
Frontier High School
Kenmore East High School
Kenmore West High School
Sacred Heart
St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute
Orleans County Schools
Medina High School
ELIGIBILITY AND PRE-REQUISITES
• Since CAP students are required to meet the standards NCCC maintains for all of its students,
only those students who are recommended by their guidance counselor, principal and teachers
are accepted into the program
• Students must meet the course pre-requisites
• For Mathematics courses, see pre-requisite information here:
https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/NCCC-Math-Waivers-and-
Course-Placement.pdf
• For English courses, see pre-requisite information here: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2022/11/Writing-and-Reading-Placement-Chart-10-27-2022-003.pdf
In addition, the following courses have pre-requisite requirements. This list is subject to change and
does not include P-TECH coursework.
Course Prefix
Course #
Course Title
Pre-Requisite/Co-
Requisite
BIO
110
General Biology II
Bio 109E/L
CHE
120
General Chemistry I
MAT 111 or MAT 116:
CHE 11L
CHE
121
General Chemistry II
CE 120; CHE 113L
DRF
275
Advanced CADD
DRF 173; DRF 275L
ENG
101
Writing I
HS GPA 80% or higher;
550 SAT Verbal; 25 ACT
Verbal & Reading
ENG
102
Writing II and Intro to
Literature
ENG 101
ENG
229
Creative Writing
ENG 102
FRE
204
Intermediate French II
FRE 203
GER
204
Intermediate German II
GER 203
MAT
116
Pre-Calculus
70% or higher Algebra II
Regents exam or 75%
final grade Algebra II
MAT
120
Calculus & Analytic
Geometry I
MAT 116
MAT
12
Calculus & Analytic
Geometry II
MAT 116
MAT
164
Introduction to Statistics
70% or higher Algebra II
or Geometry Regents
Exam
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PHY
131
General Physics I
MAT 111 or equivalent;
PHY 131L
PHY
132
General Physics II
PHY 131E/L
SPA
203
Intermediate Spanish II
SPA 203
PLACEMENT TESTING
Students not meeting the above criteria for ENG 101 and/or MAT 116 and/or MAT 164 must take
the NCCC Placement Tests in Reading and Writing, administered by the Testing Center (A-167).
The tests are delivered online.
CAP vs. Advanced Placement (AP)
CAP and AP both offer rigorous course options to qualified students. Differences exist in CAP’s
connection with NCCC whereas AP has no college or university affiliation. A CAP student is actually
enrolled at NCCC with the same privileges as a general student. Issues regarding transferability of credit
can exist in both CAP and AP. The major difference is the final exam. AP courses have an “all-or-
nothing” exam at the end of the term. On the other hand, CAP courses are graded throughout the
semester by their own teachers so students always know how they are doing.
Transferring NCCC Credits and Transcript Requests
If a student has earned a “C” grade or better in the course, then NCCC credits will transfer to SUNY
colleges and most two- or four-year colleges throughout New York State and the country. Students
must complete a transcript request form to forward grades to other colleges.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER YOUR OFFICIAL NCCC TRANSCRIPT:
https://www.credentials-inc.com/tplus/?ALUMTRO002874
• Read the Ordering Overview then click “Please Choose One of the Following Options”
• Enter student and ordering information
Do not order your “official transcript” until all grades are in. That is generally at the end of June.
You do not need your student ID number to order through Transcripts Plus.
PRICING INFORMATION FOR AN OFFICIAL NCCC TRANSCRIPT
Standard Fees and Delivery Options: $10.00 each for regular First Class Mail, Electronic Transmission
(PDF) or for Pick Up.
UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS (copy without college seal) ARE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE
CAP students can email and attach a signed and dated letter of request to [email protected]
and include the following required information:
• First and last name (include all previous last names if different than current name)
• Banner ID# or date of birth
• Last 4 digits of social security #
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• Current address
• Phone #
• Fax # or address to which the unofficial transcript is to be sent (please note, unofficial
transcripts cannot be emailed)
• Signature (a written signature is required – typed signatures are not accepted)
• Date
Please Note:
Although most colleges have shown a general willingness to accept NCCC CAP transfer credits, a few
colleges will not accept credits earned while a student was still in high school. It is strongly
recommended that students check with their choice of private college/university (or schools not in the
SUNY system) for acceptance of CAP courses. Please consult with the Coordinator of the College
Acceleration Program (CAP) if you have any questions regarding the transferring of NCCC credits.
What if I don’t do well in the course?
Most students do well in CAP courses because they are familiar with their high school, probably know
their instructor and have been recommended by those at their school who monitor their academic
progress. Your instructor will monitor everyone’s progress in class and notify those students who have a
D or F at midterm. This will allow you to discuss with your instructor what is needed to bring your grade
up to passing. If you wish to drop the course, you must contact the NCCC CAP Coordinator
immediately. You will then need to complete a WITHDRAWAL FORM. This form is available online.
Complete the form and give it to your instructor who will determine whether you can withdraw from
the course, request an S/U grade (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) or whether you receive an F.
Do not disregard this policy; it can become very costly (financially and academically) if you disregard
it.
Who can apply?
Qualified juniors and seniors will be notified by the course instructor or school counselor of the
opportunity to participate in the CAP Program. Students should be academically prepared for collegiate-
level course work. This decision is made by the guidance department in conjunction with the local high
school instructor who will teach the CAP course. Students should demonstrate motivation to work hard
and be challenged, as college courses will make greater demands overall on a student. All courses with
pre-requisites must have this requirement met prior to enrollment in the course(s).
Registration and Payment
Registration information is available online. A representative from Niagara County Community College
may visit your classroom at the beginning of the semester in which the class is being offered. They will
explain the benefits of participating and facilitate completion of the registration form. Complete CAP
information is available at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academics/highschool/. Please tell your
parents that this option is available so they are aware of the program requirements, including
registration, participation, payment, credits and transfer credits.
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Niagara County Community College accepts credit cards and checks. No cash payments. If the check
you submit to NCCC for payment is returned for nonsufficient funds from the bank, you will be
contacted by the college. You must provide a new check to the college. Failure to do so may result in
your account balance being sent to collection.
The registration form will be due on a specific date. This date will be posted on the website and on the
registration form instructions. Payment is due with the registration form.
Tuition
CAP Courses are offered at a reduced tuition rate. Tuition based on the number of credits designated for
your course, two, three or four credits. The CAP cost is currently $86 a credit hour. This means that a
two-credit course will cost $172, a three-credit course will cost $258, and a four-credit coursed will cost
$344.
What if I decide not to attend Niagara County Community College?
The course credit that you receive upon successful completion of the course is transferable to other
colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities offer programs similar to CAP and will accept
credits from other schools’ programs. However, it is not guaranteed that it will accept your credits. It is
at the discretion of the other school to accept the course work for credit. You must complete a
transcript request form from your high school instructor or directly from, the college. Contact the
records office at 716.614.6250 or on line at niagaracc.suny.edu/records. Completion of this form, along
with required payment, must be sent to the Records Office at Niagara County Community College. An
official copy of your NCCC transcript will be issued and mailed to the designated school(s) you have
requested it to be sent.
What if my college will not accept my Niagara County Community College credits?
Some schools will not accept any college credits. You may have to be exempted from certain similar
courses or you may be allowed to take a higher level course as a result of your CAP participation. It is up
to your college. Some schools may require you to provide them with the course syllabus. Your
instructor can assist with that.
It is important that you have followed through with your intended college regarding your Niagara
County Community College credits. You must:
• Ensure that your NCCC transcript was received by your college.
• Talk with the appropriate official at your college and explain your participation in the program.
• Provide the syllabus and/or course description (from NCCC catalog) to your college, if necessary.
• Call the NCCC representative and request that he/she contact your college if you have difficulty
with this process.
Will my credits be wasted if they are not accepted by my college?
Absolutely not. The credits are yours, you earned them, and if for some reason you transfer to another
school, you may be able to transfer your NCCC credits. Each time you apply to a college or university,
you must remember to complete a transcript request form to have your grades sent to the new school,
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because once a college receives a transcript from a student, it becomes property of that college and it
will not be forwarded to any other schools. The educational experience of participating in a college-
level class in high school will serve you well regardless of whether your credits were accepted or not.
They are your credits for life and may be beneficial in your educational career.
CAP Advantages
• College credit. College credit is awarded for all courses successfully completed in this program.
Students wishing to transfer CAP credit to another college or university should check with that
particular institution to ensure that it will be accepted.
• Low cost. High school students currently pay $86 per credit hour for each course taken. That’s
$258 for a three-credit-hour course, and $344 for a four-credit-hour course.
• Early completion of college. Many students who participate in the CAP program will graduate
from college early by a semester or more, thereby saving more money.
Student Privileges/Obtaining a Student ID Card
In order for you to take advantage of various resources that are available, you must go to the Security
Office G-106, (614-6400) to secure your NCCC photo ID Card. You will need a current picture ID (driver’s
license or high school ID). Access is to the library, computer labs, health & fitness center, theatrical
performances, sporting events, campus activities, and art center.
Additional Important Phone Numbers and Offices:
Library (614-6705)
Access to the Library: books in print and electronic formats, DVD’s and periodicals.
Academic Center for Excellence-Tutoring (614-6453)
Health & Fitness Center (614- 6746)
Free to NCCC students with ID.
Theatrical Performances
Free to NCCC students with ID.
Sporting Events (Athletics) (614-6270)
All NCCC regular season athletic contests are free for all fans.
Campus Activities (614- 6255)
All campus events which are free such as: guest speakers, special performances and on-campus movies
sponsored by the NCCC Campus Activity Office.
Dolce Valvo Art Center
Students are admitted free of charge for all exhibitions, opening receptions and special programs.
CAP Office (614-6452)
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Presentation of valid NCCC ID card, and a form of photo ID is necessary when borrowing library
materials and buying tickets or attending NCCC sponsored events
Student Conduct
Student conduct regulations are contained in the Niagara County Community College Students Code of
Conduct. These regulations, drafted jointly by representatives of the student body, faculty, and
administration, are intended to help maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal
growth and to make the process of education positive and successful for all members of the community.
Every student is guaranteed due process in all College-related actions go beyond the exercise of
inalienable rights guaranteed by law.
Academic Integrity Policy
Honest participation in academic endeavors fosters an environment in which optimal learning can take
place and is consistent with the mission of NCCC. Academic misconduct is destructive to the spirit of an
educational environment and, therefore, cannot be condoned.
The following definitions will apply:
1. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to, use of any unauthorized assistance in taking
quizzes, tests or examinations; dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by
the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other
assignments; the acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials belonging
to a member of the college’s faculty.
2. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use by paraphrase or direct quotation,
of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment.
It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an
agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
3. The term “academic misconduct” includes any or all forms of the above.
Unless an instructor has provided students with an alternative academic integrity policy at the start of
the semester, the college policy that follows will apply:
For the first incidence of academic misconduct in a course, the student will receive a grade of F (or zero)
for the test, assignment or activity.
If there is a second incidence in the same course, the student will receive a grade of F for the course.
The instructor who believes that an incidence of academic misconduct has occurred will discuss it
immediately with the student. If, in the judgment of the instructor, the student has committed an act of
academic misconduct or if the student admits that there has been misconduct, the instructor will assess
the appropriate penalty.
Instances of admitted or proven academic misconduct should be reported in writing to the Vice
President for Academic Affairs. The purpose of this reporting will be to track individuals who have
repeated incidences. If such a pattern of behavior is found, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will
determine an appropriate sanction on a case-by-case basis.
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Students who think they have been treated unfairly may invoke the Academic Grievance procedure,
which is explained in the student handbook.
Student Code of Conduct
The College, like all communities, functions best when its members treat one another with honesty,
fairness, respect and trust.
Niagara County Community College expects academic honesty and integrity from all students and
believes it is an important aspect of each student’s education and preparation for the future. Therefore,
students should refrain from all forms of academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, etc.
Students in the CAP program are held to the same Code of Conduct as all other NCCC students. For
details, please refer to the Niagara County Community College Student Rights & Responsibilities
Handbook.
NCCC reserves the right to dismiss students whose conduct is not in accordance with the code of
student conduct for the College as published in the College Catalog.
Grading
A letter grade will be assigned to you by your high school instructor. Your final grade may be comprised
of many different factors, such as tests, quizzes, reports and/or projects. Your instructor will provide the
grading details to you on the course syllabus.
Student Rights Under FERPA
In accordance with Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, any record that
contains information that can personally identify a student must be protected. The public
posting of grades by the student’s name, institutional student identification number or
social security number without the student’s written permission is a violation of FERPA.
Even with names obscured, numeric student identifier numbers are considered personally
identifiable information. Therefore, the practice of posting grades by social security
number or student identification number violates FERPA.
Instructors and others who post grades should use a system that ensures FERPA
requirements are met. Instructors may use code words or randomly assigned numbers
that only the instructor and individual student know. The order of posting should not be
alphabetic.
The act also allows the College to release a student’s education records to a court, without
the consent of the students or parents, if the student or parents have sued the College.
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Where can I get more information about NCCC’s CAP?
(College Acceleration Program)
Monica Lopoyda
Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs
Niagara County community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, New York 14132
Telephone: 71.614.6452
E-mail: mlopoyda@niagaracc.suny.edu
