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 enrolled course. Students receive a set of seven envelopes per course each semester.
  • First Envelope Contents:
    • Rising Scholars correspondence forms for sending questions to the office.
    • Assignment sheets returned to instructors for grading.
    • Lined paper for coursework (additional paper available through coordinators as needed).
• Course Packet: Included in the first envelope, the packet contains:
  • Course syllabus for assignment guidance and scheduling.
  • Lecture and supplemental readings.
  • Homework assignments.

By offering these resources, Rising Scholars ensures students are well-equipped for academic success.

Providing Course Materials

Feather River College (FRC) ensures that Rising Scholars students receive all necessary course textbooks. Some instructors use free, open-access materials available through Canvas. Hard copy textbooks are loaned each semester and must be returned after final exams.

Prior to each semester, textbooks are shipped directly to correctional sites where students are enrolled. Site coordinators distribute materials. Due to cost, extra copies are not available.

Tracking and Managing Textbooks

To maintain accountability and ensure availability for future students, accurate tracking of textbook loans is essential. Recommended practices include:

1. Recordkeeping

• Create a detailed list or spreadsheet when distributing materials.
• Include student name, FRC 900#, book number, course, and checkout/return dates.

2. Final Exam Procedures

• Some sites use final exam ducats to remind students to return textbooks during exams.

3. End-of-Semester Returns

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

4. Handling Transfers and Paroles

• If a student transfers or paroles, ensure textbooks remain at the site for reuse by other students.

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 in Canvas and should check for instructor feedback on each module. They can also ask questions through 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 correctional 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 Feather River College Rising Scholars Office at a minimum by every other Friday.
• Tracking & Feedback:
  • Rising Scholars staff track the receipt of each submission and forward 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 Feather River College Rising Scholars Office.
  • Students should carefully review feedback to improve 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.

Final Exam

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

Exam Preparation

Course packets and Canvas course areas provide detailed information about:

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

Math Final Exam Notes

• For Statistics and Finite Math finals, students may bring one 8.5 x 11-inch page of notes (front and back).
• Notes must be turned in with the exam.
• Additional instructions are outlined in the course syllabus.

Proctor Agreement

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

Following these guidelines helps students stay prepared and supports a fair and consistent testing environment across Rising Scholars courses.

During the fall and spring semesters, student work for each module should be submitted every other Friday, following the semester module schedule. The guidelines below support consistent and efficient handling of student assignments.

Handling Student Envelopes

• Coordinators should collect outgoing mail at least once per week and send it to Feather River College.
• Ensure that student envelopes are not sealed.
• Each envelope includes a Rising Scholars label with:
  • Student name
  • Prison site
  • FRC ID number
  • CDC number
  • Module number
  • Course information

Tracking Assignments

Accurate tracking is essential. A recommended practice is to write the date on the back of each envelope when it is received from a student.

Distributing Returned Mail

When mail is returned from Feather River College, the Rising Scholars Office distributes it promptly so students receive timely feedback from instructors.

Submitting Midterms and Finals

• Midterms and finals are sent to sites approximately three weeks before proctoring. Complete a proctor form for each student.
• During exam weeks, mail completed exams at the end of each day.
• If a student has dropped a class, write DROPPED on the proctor sheet and include it in the mailing.

Finals Week Instructions

• When distributing finals ducats, remind students to bring textbooks and all course materials.
• At the end of finals week, ensure all books and materials are returned to Feather River College.

Thank you for helping maintain a smooth and reliable process for module submissions and examinations.

Course Drop Policy

Students may need to drop courses for a variety of reasons. Each site should have access to Drop Forms provided by Feather River College. These forms can be completed and mailed to the Rising Scholars Office. Coordinators may also submit drop requests by email.

Important Notes About Dropping Courses

• Dropping a course partway through the semester may result in a W (Withdrawal) on the transcript.
• Students are encouraged to drop courses early to avoid negative academic consequences.
• Failing to officially withdraw and not completing the course may result in an F grade.

Deadlines for dropping or withdrawing are listed in each semester’s Module Schedule. If the schedule is not available, contact the Rising Scholars Office as soon as possible.

Course Re-Add Policy

Students may be re-added to a course when appropriate. The same form used for drops can be used for re-add requests. Coordinators may also email requests to the Rising Scholars Office, which will confirm with the instructor.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance, please contact the Rising Scholars Office. Submit all forms and requests promptly to ensure deadlines are met.

At Feather River College, every student is supported with a clear path to success. Each Rising Scholars student receives a personalized education plan designed to guide their academic progress and help them reach their goals.

Here is what to know about your SEP:

• Updated Regularly: Each semester, Rising Scholars provides students with their most current SEP.
• Stay Organized: Use your SEP to monitor academic progress and plan future coursework.
• Guided Enrollment: The SEP explains the purpose behind course selections and supports your academic journey.

Students are encouraged to review their SEP regularly and contact their academic advisor with any questions. Staying engaged with your plan helps ensure steady progress toward your goals.