My Responsibility as a Dual Credit Student

Student working on desktop computer.

Bridging the Gap

Choosing the dual credit path is a smart move that saves time and money, but it demands a higher level of maturity. As a dual credit student, you have to successfully bridge the gap between high school expectations and college standards, all while maintaining your regular high school activities.

It's easy to lose sight of the big picture when you're busy, but remember that these grades follow you into college and beyond. Staying on top of your responsibilities now helps you avoid unexpected surprises, protects your permanent academic record, and proves you have what it takes to succeed at the next level.

That’s why we are here to provide you a reminder and clarity of what your responsibilities as a dual credit student are.

Key Policies, Academic Standards, and Expectations

Deadlines: These Aren't Just Suggestions

In high school, a missed deadline might mean a late penalty or a stern look. In college, deadlines are the "on/off" switch for your academic record. These deadlines are all available on the Dual Credit Website. Here are the key ones:

  • Registration Deadline: This is the deadline for signing up for college credit.
  • The Drop/Add Date: This is your escape hatch. If you realize a class isn't for you by this date, you can leave without a trace.
  • The Withdrawal Deadline: After the drop date, you can still leave, but you will receive a "W" on your transcript. A "W" doesn't hurt your GPA, but it stays on your record forever.
  • The "Point of No Return": If you stop doing work but forget to officially withdraw by the deadline, you don't get a "W." You get an "F." And that "F" is permanent.

Each of these dates will be communicated out to you. Please use that information and communicate with your teachers and VU staff should you need it.

Not a Trial Run

When you take dual credit through Vincennes University or another college partner, you are building a real college transcript.

The transcript:

  • Follows you after graduation
  • Transfers to other colleges (depending on policies)
  • Becomes part of your college GPA

This isn’t practice. You are literally getting a head start on your future—and that’s powerful—but it also means your effort matters long-term and not just for this semester.

Academic Honesty

Let’s say this in the simplest way possible:

If it’s not your thinking, it’s not your work.

That includes:

  • Cheating: Using a cheat sheet, looking at a neighbor's test, or using AI (like ChatGPT or Gemini) to write your paper when the teacher didn't say you could.
  • Plagiarism: Copying and pasting anything from the internet without putting it in quotes and saying where you got it. Even if you change a few words, if the idea isn't yours and you don't give credit, it's plagiarism. CITE YOUR SOURCES.
  • Self-Plagiarism: Turning in a paper you wrote for English class as your assignment for History class. You can't get credit twice for the same work.

Colleges treat cheating seriously and it’s important for you to know that the consequences can go further than those levied by the high school.

And sometimes students get in trouble not because they meant to cheat, but because they didn’t understand the expectations.

If you’re unsure, just ask! It’s always safer to ask than assume. Besides, your reputation matters more than one assignment. Protect your integrity!

Review the official Vincennes University Academic Honesty Policy for details.

*Note: This catalog link is subject to change when VU updates its official academic catalog.

Show Up

Showing up actually changes outcomes. Attendance in dual credit courses isn’t just about sitting in a seat.

It’s about:

  • Hearing explanations you won’t get from slides alone.
  • Hands-on projects.
  • Asking questions in real time.
  • Staying mentally connected to the pace of class.

Dual credit is not “do it when you want.” You must be present and active. Also, college professors don’t chase students who disappear. Do yourself a huge favor while you’re in high school by preparing yourself now by simply getting in the habit of showing up.

If you miss class, it becomes your responsibility to:

  • Get notes.
  • Ask questions when your teacher has time.
  • Catch up quickly.

Look, we all know that life, illness, and emergencies happen. But silence and no action after an absence—that’s where grades drop!

Communication is maturity. Action is responsibility. You need to be sure you always communicate and take action.

The Financial Aid “Domino Effect”

This is the most important secret of dual credit. Your grades now CAN affect your money later.

This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to empower you. As you approach your senior year, if you have any questions about SAP, please contact the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend.

Federal Financial Aid requires something called SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress). To keep getting financial aid, you must complete a certain percentage of the classes you attempt.

That usually means:

  • Maintaining a minimum GPA
  • Passing the credits you attempt

If you fail dual credit courses or earn very low grades, some colleges factor that into your starting GPA. That could:

  • Affect scholarship eligibility
  • Trigger academic probation
  • Delay certain financial aid

Again, this isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to empower you. What you’re doing right now matters more than you think. Don’t forget to advocate for yourself. As you approach your senior year, if you have any questions about SAP, please contact the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend.

Not Just About Earning Credit

Remember that dual credit isn’t just about earning credits early.

It’s about learning how to:

  • Manage your time
  • Advocate for yourself
  • Take ownership
  • Build integrity
  • Prepare for independence

In the end, you’re not just earning grades. You’re building habits. It’s those habits that help determine long-term success.