Grading Policy
The institution's grading policies are published in the Catalog. These policies include an explanation of the College’s grading system and procedures for course forgiveness, and academic bankruptcy. The Catalog also publishes grading policies specific to the Registered Nursing Program.
Each instructor distributes the grading policy in the course syllabus to every student at the beginning of each semester which includes methods of evaluation and grading policies specific to the course and instructor. These policies adhere to those published in the Catalog. The refund policies are published in the Catalog.
Electronic Device Use
Students are not to disrupt the class or other students with electronic devices. Students may have electronic devices in the classroom or instructional laboratory as permitted by the instructor. Class disruptions from the use of electronic devices in classes or labs may result in students being removed from class or lab.
Campus Safety
Safety Procedures
- The practice of safety is an integral part of the institution's educational program. Students are required to purchase and use safety protective coverings as required by their program/department.
- The College has published procedures for fires, bomb threats, and extreme weather lockdown. Each of these procedures requires certain behavior on the part of each student. All students should be familiar with the procedures for these emergency situations.
- All accidents, injuries, and serious illnesses occurring on campus should be immediately reported through written documentation to the instructor and Drake State's Police Department. Forms may be obtained from Drake State's Police Department.
- Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom, office, and other specified areas.
- Intercom instructions will advise students and employees of what to do in emergency situations.
First Aid
Students requiring first aid should notify their instructor or the first available College official. In the event that a person needs emergency medical treatment, emergency services should be contacted and College officials notified. A person suspected of being seriously ill or injured (broken bones, unconscious, etc.) should not be moved until medical personnel arrive. Any costs, such as transporting student to the hospital, hospitalization, or treatments are the responsibility of the student. The College does not provide emergency medical service. All areas are equipped with first aid kits to treat minor injuries.
Inclement Weather
All class cancellations or College closings due to inclement weather will be announced through the media. Notices will be sent to local media platforms.
For students on campus during inclement weather, intercom announcements will provide instructions for what to do in an emergency situation. Mass notifications by the College on the Main Campus will be made primarily by using the Public Address System and/or “Drake Alert”.
Note: Day classes include all classes held during the 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. period. Evening classes are defined as all classes meeting any time after 5:00 p.m. until the College closes at the end of the evening session.
Unattended Minors
Children are not allowed to attend classes. Children visiting the campus are expected to comply with all College policies. The accompanying adult is responsible for ensuring compliance.
Violence Against Women Act - VAWA
Drake State has a commitment to safety and security and complies with the Violence Against Women Act and the Federal Clery Act, both helping to bolster response to and prevention of violence.
VAWA requires colleges and universities, both public and private, participating in federal student aid programs to increase transparency about the scope of sexual violence on campus; guarantee victims enhanced rights; provide for Standards in institutional conduct proceedings; and provide campus community-wide prevention educational programming.
In compliance with VAWA and Clery, Drake State has processes in place to actively collect and share data on violent incidents, and we regularly offer sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking prevention workshops. For more information contact the Dean of Students, Drake State's Police Department, or the Counseling Office for details.
Annual Safety Report
Drake State is required to publish and distribute an Annual Safety Report (ASR) by October 1st of each year. The ASR must include crime statistics for three calendar years as well as all of the required campus safety and security policies and procedures.
Rules of the Road Campus Parking and Driving Safety
This information has been developed to provide details regarding rules and requirements for operating vehicles on the campus of Drake State. The information provided is designed to assist faculty, staff, students, and visitors in providing a safe, secure, and orderly method of parking and operating vehicles on the campus.
- Vehicle (Campus) Registration- All vehicles owned or regularly used on campus by faculty, staff, and students are required to be registered with the I.T. Department. Each person seeking to register his or her vehicle(s) is required to provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration (tag and tax receipt), and proof of insurance. All vehicles in the State of Alabama are required to have liability insurance.
- Vehicle Decal- Upon completion of the vehicle registration, a Drake State parking decal (hangtag) will be issued. The parking decal must be displayed in the vehicle while it is in use (operating or parking) on the campus. Visitors are not required to have a parking decal.
- Parking Enforcement- All vehicles are required to be parked in the assigned parking zones. Parking areas for faculty, staff, and visitors are indicated by designated markers. All other areas are available throughout the campus for student parking. Vehicles in violation of parking in designated zones will be towed at owner's expense.
- Speed Limit- The posted speed limit on campus of Drake State is 10 MPH.
- Loud Music- Music played from your vehicle should not be heard from over 25 feet away from the vehicle.
- Security- All regulations regarding loud music, parking, speeding, and other moving violations will be enforced by campus police. Violators (individuals who excessively violate the rules or who operate vehicles in a manner which compromises the safety of others) will forfeit their driving privileges on campus.
For information regarding vehicle (campus) registration and parking decals, contact the I.T. Department at 256-551-3126. Information regarding Enforcement-related issues should be directed to campus police at 256-551-5223. Questions or concerns pertaining to enforcement issues can also be directed to the campus police.
Alabama Gun Law
I. Firearms are prohibited on campus or on any other facility operated by the institution. Exceptions to this policy are:
(1) Law Enforcement officers legally authorized to carry such weapons who are officially enrolled in classes or are acting in the performance of their duties or an instructional program in which firearms are required equipment.
(2) Individuals not otherwise prohibited from possession of a firearm by state or federal law may possess a firearm and ammunition for that firearm in the individual's privately owned motor vehicle while parked or operated on the grounds of the institution; provided, that the individual satisfies all of the following conditions:
(a) If the firearm is a pistol, the individual is not generally prohibited from possession of a pistol by state or federal law.
(b) If the firearm is any firearm legal for use for hunting in Alabama other than a pistol:
(1) The individual possesses a valid Alabama hunting license.
(2) The firearm is unloaded at all times while on the grounds of the institution.
(3) It is during a season in which hunting is permitted by Alabama law or regulation.
(4) The individual has never been convicted of any crime of violence.
(5) The individual has no documented prior incidents on the grounds of the institution involving the threat of physical injury or which resulted in physical injury to another.
(c) The motor vehicle is operated or parked in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be.
(d) The firearm is either of the following:
(1) In a motor vehicle attended by the individual and kept from ordinary observation within the individual's motor vehicle. (2) In a motor vehicle unattended by the individual, kept from ordinary observation and locked within a compartment, container, or in the interior of the individual's privately owned motor vehicle or in a compartment or container securely affixed to the motor vehicle.
II. If the institution believes that an individual presents a risk of harm to himself, herself, or to others, the institution may inquire as to whether the individual possesses a firearm in his or her private motor vehicle. If the individual does possess a firearm in his or her private motor vehicle on the property of the institution, the institution may make any inquiry necessary to establish that the individual is in compliance with section (2) above.
(1) If the individual is not in compliance with section (2), the institution may take adverse action against the individual, in the discretion of the institution.
Campus Postings and Announcements
Digital displays and the campus marquee are used throughout Drake State to share approved notices and announcements. Posting signs, posters, or literature is strictly prohibited in restrooms, on glass panels, windows, walls, doors, ceilings, or any other surfaces that may be damaged by adhesives, tape, or tacks.
Students are encouraged to regularly check their Drake State email, Canvas accounts, and campus digital signage for important updates and announcements.
All postings or any other forms of notices must be approved by the Dean of Students before being displayed or distributed on campus, including digital displays and/or the marquee.
Drug Free Schools and Campuses
In compliance with Section 22, of Public Law 101-226, entitled “Drug Free Schools and Campuses", Drake State hereby gives notice of the institution’s policy to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The basic elements of the policy are listed below:
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A statement prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or abuse of alcohol by employees or students on Drake State property or at any activity conducted, sponsored, or authorized by or on behalf of Drake State;
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A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol;
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A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
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A description of the drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or reentry programs that are available to employees and students;
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A clear statement of the sanctions which the institution will impose against employees and students who violate the policy;
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A biennial review by the institution of its program in an effort to: (a) determine its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed, and (b) ensure that the sanctions required by item No. 5 above are consistently enforced; and
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A copy of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy/Program referred to in this statement is available from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Academic Calendar
Drake State publishes and makes available the Academic Calendar, grading policies, and refund policies to students and the general public. The College publishes the Catalog and Student Handbook on the College website and in print. The Academic Calendar is published within the Catalog and Student Handbook and is also published online.
Note: If you have difficulty reading this page, please contact us at 256-539-8161 for assistance.
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Drake State Community and Technical College
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2026 Fall Semester
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| Professional Development Day (College Closed) |
August 11 |
| Fall Term Registration |
August 12 - 14 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Fall Semester |
August 12 - 13 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
August 14 |
| Classes Begin - Day, Evening, and Mini Term 1 |
August 17 |
| Late Registration - Drop/Add |
August 17 - 18 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
August 18 |
| Labor Day Holiday (College Closed) |
September 7 |
| Mini Term 1 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
September 20 |
| Last Day to Receive a "W" Mini Term 1 |
September 23 |
| Mini Term 1 Final Exams |
October 5 - 7 |
| Last Day Mini Term 1 |
October 12 |
| Mini Term 1 Grades Due in Banner by 11 A.M. |
October 13 |
| Mini Term 2 Begins |
October 13 |
| Mini Term 2 Late Registration (Drop/Add) |
October 14 |
| Midterm Exams |
October 5 - 11 |
Spring 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 45+ Credit Hours
(Full, Mini 1, and Mini 2 Terms) |
October 5 |
Spring 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 30+ Credit Hours
(Full, Mini 1, and Mini 2 Terms) |
October 8 |
Spring 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 15+ Credit Hours
(Full, Mini 1, and Mini 2 Terms) |
October 12 |
| State Professional Development |
October 12 |
| Midterm Grades Due in Banner by 4 P.M. |
October 14 |
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Spring 2027 Registration Begins
All Students
(Full, Mini 1, and Mini 2 Terms)
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October 14 |
| Full Term - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
October 24 |
| Veteran's Day Holiday (College Closed) |
November 11 |
| Mini Term 2 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
November 16 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Spring Semester |
November 17 & 19 |
| Last Day to Receive a "W" Full Term and Mini Term 2 |
November 18 |
| State Professional Development (No Classes) |
November 23 |
| Faculty/Staff Duty Days (No Classes) |
November 24 - 25 |
| Thanksgiving Holiday (College Closed) |
November 26 - 27 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Spring Semester |
December 7 & 9 |
| Final Exams |
December 9 - 15 |
| Last Day of Full Term/Mini Term 2 |
December 15 |
| Grades Due in Banner by 4 P.M. |
December 16 |
| Faculty/Staff Duty Days (No Classes) |
December 16 - 17 |
| Faculty Last Day |
December 17 |
| Staff Last Day |
December 18 |
| Christmas Holiday (College Closed) |
December 19 - 31 |
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2027 Spring Semester
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| New Year Holiday (College Closed) |
January 1 |
| Spring Term Registration |
January 4 - 5 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
January 5 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions |
January 5 |
| Classes Begin - Day, Evening, and Mini Term 1 |
January 6 - 7 |
| Late Registration - Drop/Add |
January 6 - 7 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
January 7 |
| Dr. M. L. King, Jr. Birthday - Holiday (College Closed) |
January 18 |
| Mini Term 1 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
February 8 |
| Last Day to Receive "W" Mini Term 1 |
February 23 |
| Mini Term 1 Final Exams |
February 25 - March 1 |
| Last Day of Mini Term 1 |
March 2 |
| Mini Term 1 Grade Due in Banner by 11 A.M. |
March 3 |
| Mini Term 2 Begins |
March 3 |
| Mini Term 2 Late Registration (Drop/Add) |
March 4 |
| Midterm Exams |
March 1 - 7 |
| Midterm Grades Due in Banner by 4 P.M. |
March 8 |
| Full Term - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
March 15 |
Summer and Fall 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 45+ Credit Hours
(Full Term, Mini Term 1, and Mini Term 2) |
March 15 |
Summer and Fall 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 30+ Credit Hours
(Full Term, Mini Term 1, and Mini Term 2) |
March 17 |
Summer and Fall 2027 Priority Registration Begins
Students who have completed 15+ Credit Hours
(Full Term, Mini Term 1, and Mini Term 2) |
March 19 |
| Spring Break (Faculty and Students) |
March 22 - 26 |
| Local Holiday (College Closed) |
March 25 - 26 |
Summer and Fall 2027 Priority Registration Begins
All Students
(Full Term, Mini Term 1 and Mini Term 2) |
March 29 |
| Mini Term 2 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
April 12 |
| Last day to apply for graduation/order cap and grown |
April 15 |
| Last Day to Receive a "W" Full Term and Mini Term 2 |
April 19 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Summer Semester |
April 27 & 29 |
| Final Exams |
April 26 - May 3 |
| Last Day of Full Term/Mini Term 2 |
May 4 |
| Grades Due in Banner by 4 P.M. |
May 5 |
| Faculty Duty Days (No Classes) |
May 5 - 10 |
| Graduation |
May 6 |
| Faculty Off/Non-Instructional Duty Days (No Classes) |
May 11 - 14 |
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2027 Summer Semester
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| Summer Term Registration |
May 17 - 21 |
| Discover New Student Orientation Sessions for Summer Semester |
May 19 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
May 21 |
| Classes Begin - Day, Evening, and Mini Term 1 |
May 24 |
| Late Registration - Drop/Add |
May 24 - 25 |
| Tuition and Fees Due |
May 25 |
| Memorial Day Holiday (College Closed) |
May 31 |
| Mini Term 1 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
June 15 |
| Last Day to Receive a "W" Mini Term 1 |
June 16 |
| Juneteenth Holiday (College Closed) |
June 18 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Fall Semester |
June 22 & 24 |
| Mini Term 1 Final Exams |
June 21 - 24 |
| Last Day of Mini Term 1 |
June 29 |
| Mini Term 1 Grade Due in Banner by 11 A.M. |
June 30 |
| Mini Term 2 Begins |
June 30 |
| Mini Term 2 Late Registration (Drop/Add) |
July 1 |
| Independence Day Holiday (College Closed) |
July 5 |
| Full Term - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
July 7 |
| Mini Term 2 - 60% Completion Date for Title IV |
July 21 |
| Last Day to Receive a "W" Full Term and Mini Term 2 |
July 22 |
| Discover Drake New Student Orientation Sessions for Fall Semester |
July 26 & 28 |
| Final Exams |
July 29- August 4 |
| Last Day of Full Term/Mini Term 2 |
August 4 |
| Grades Due in Banner by 4 P.M. |
August 6 |
| Faculty/Staff Duty Days (No Classes) |
August 5 - 6 |
| Faculty Off/Non-Instructional Duty Days (No Classes) |
August 9 - 13 |
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| Instructional Days = 209 Duty Days = 20 |
Total Days = 229 |
Removal for Non-Payment
- All tuition and fees are due upon registration for classes. Students must pay, confirm financial aid, or be enrolled in a payment plan prior to the first day of class.
- If payment is not made to the Business Office, confirmation of financial aid is not completed, or the payment plan is not confirmed, the student’s schedule will be deleted.
- Any classes added after initial payments are processed, tuition, and fees must be paid in full to the Business Office or financial aid confirmed with the Financial Aid Office. If not, the student’s schedule will be deleted.
- Students should log in to their Banner Self-Service finance tab to view their account balance.
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Online and Hybrid Course Policy
The College offers courses that are online or hybrid in format. Students taking online classes can access the Catalog online via the College website. Students can also access information concerning the Academic Calendar, grading policies, and refund policies on the College’s website.
Tobacco Free Policy
Drake State is a 100% tobacco-free campus. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on campus grounds.
Any student or employee found in violation of this policy will be subject to a monetary fine. Campus security will issue tickets for violations of the tobacco-free policy.