Undergraduate Academic Regulations

Registration

Early registration - A special advisement and early registration period is held each semester. Before early registration begins, all advisors set aside ample time to be available for academic advisement for the upcoming semester. Degree progress evaluations are updated and sent to academic departments to assist students in course selections. Students are encouraged to make an appointment each semester to take advantage of this opportunity.

Late registration and schedule change - Late registration and schedule change - Students who do not register early may register during late registration prior to the first day of classes. Additionally, students who wish to change their schedules may do so during the late registration and schedule change periods.

Students may register via the Integrated Student Information System (ISIS) on the Web . Please refer to the Columbus State University Schedule of Courses book for specific dates and information regarding early registration, late registration and schedule change.

Study Loads and Classification

Normal study load - Normal study load - Students enrolled in 12 semester hours or more are considered full-time. However, most courses count as three semester hours of credit, and the normal course load for full-time students is five courses or 15 semester hours.

Academic overload - Enrollment in more than 19 semester hours during a semester is considered an overload. Academically superior students may take an overload only with the approval of the dean of the college in which they are enrolled.

Enrollment status (*) - Enrollment status for undergraduate students is based on the number of hours enrolled during a semester, as follows:

* For summer terms, enrollment status certification other than for federal loans is determined as follows: 6 semester hours or more, full time; 3-5 semester hours, half time; and 1-2 semester hours, less than half time.

Classification - Classification is based upon the number of semester hours a student has earned, as follows:

Undergraduate Students and Graduate Work

Undergraduate students with a minimum institutional grade point average of 2.75 who are within six semester hours of completing the baccalaureate degree at Columbus State University may register for graduate courses upon recommendation of their advisor. The total course load may not exceed 12 semester hours. A grade of B or better in the graduate courses is required for use toward a master's degree. No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be earned before completion of the baccalaureate degree. Under no circumstances may a course be used for both graduate and undergraduate credit. Students must submit an application for graduation and an application for graduate admission prior to registering for graduate courses; the associate registrar will verify eligibility for enrollment.

Class Attendance and Withdrawal
Attendance policy - Attendance policy is ordinarily established by individual faculty. If an instructor does not provide a written attendance policy statement during the first week of classes, a student is permitted to accumulate a total of nine hours of absences in a three credit-hour course, or the equivalent in courses carrying other credit hours. Regular attendance at class or laboratory is a student obligation. Students are expected to account to individual instructors for absences and, at the discretion of the instructors, to make up all work missed because of absence. Students absent from a previously announced quiz or test may be given a zero on the quiz or test. To be permitted to take a final examination at a time other than the date and time published in the Schedule of Courses, students must have permission of the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course.

Excessive absence policy - Anytime during the semester a student exceeds the total number of hours of absences allowed, an instructor may drop the student for excessive absences with a grade of WF. Students may regain admittance to a course only by permission of the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course. A student auditing a course who fails to meet class participation and assignment requirements or who exceeds the total number of allowed absences may be dropped from the course by the instructor and assigned a grade of W.

Absence for military duty - Absence for military duty - Military reservists who are called to active duty or active duty military personnel who receive change-of-station orders during an academic semester may officially withdraw with a full refund of matriculation fees upon showing official orders. Those who have completed sufficient work may be awarded a grade and credit or an I (Incomplete) grade.

Course withdrawals - Students who wish to drop a course after the last official day of schedule change must officially withdraw from the course. A completed withdrawal form with the signature of the instructor must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Prior to the W grade deadline as published in the Schedule of Courses, a grade of W will be assigned by the registrar unless a grade of WF has already been assigned by the Registrar for excessive absences. A grade of WF will be assigned when a withdrawal form is received in the Office of the Registrar after the deadline. A student may appeal the assignment of a WF grade by submitting to the registrar documentation of non-academic hardship. Students may not withdraw from a required learning support course with a grade of W while remaining in degree level courses. To remain in degree level courses, the grade in the learning support course must be a WF and would be considered a learning support attempt. A grade of W will not affect a student’s GPA. However, withdrawing from classes could affect a student’s future enrollment status, especially for those receiving financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the impact withdrawing from classes would have on academic standing and degree progress. Refer to the Schedule of Courses book for specific dates and additional information regarding course withdrawal. Students who wish to drop a course after the last official day of schedule change must officially withdraw from the course. A completed withdrawal form with the signature of the instructor must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Prior to the W grade deadline as published in the Schedule of Courses, a grade of W will be assigned by the registrar unless a grade of WF has already been assigned by the instructor for excessive absences. A grade of WF will be assigned when a withdrawal form is received in the Office of the Registrar after the deadline. A student may appeal the assignment of a WF grade by submitting to the registrar documentation of non-academic hardship. Students may not withdraw from a required learning support course with a grade of W while remaining in degree level courses. To remain in degree level courses, the grade in the learning support course must be a WF and would be considered a learning support attempt. A grade of W will not affect a student’s GPA. However, withdrawing from classes could affect a student’s future enrollment status, especially for those receiving financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the impact withdrawing from classes would have on academic standing and degree progress. Refer to the Schedule of Courses book for specific dates and additional information regarding course withdrawal.

Grades and Grade Point Averages

Columbus State University uses a 4.0 grade point system.

Grades averaged in GPA:

* WF is assigned when a student withdraws from a course after the W grade deadline or when an instructor drops a student for excessive absences.

Grades not averaged in GPA:

I - Indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. The requirements for removal of an I are left to the instructor; however, if an I is not satisfactorily removed within the next two academic terms, the grade I will be changed to the grade F by the registrar. Effective Summer Term 2001: If an "I" is not satisfactorily removed within the next 12 months, the grade "I" will be changed to the grade "F" by the registrar. A course with an unresolved I grade may not be repeated.

IP - Indicates that credit has not been given in a course that requires a continuation of work beyond the semester for which the student registered for the course. The use of this grade is approved for learning support courses, directed studies, internships, practica, project courses, and exit examinations. This grade cannot be substituted for an I grade.

W - Indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the W grade deadline except in cases of hardship as determined by the registrar. A W grade may also be awarded in the case of credit by examination courses and for excessive absence when auditing a course.

S - Indicates that credit has been given for completion of degree requirements other than academic course work. These are limited to student teaching, clinical practica, junior seminars, internships, college success courses, Regents' Test remediation courses, exit examinations, and senior projects as specified in the course descriptions section of the catalog.

U - Indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work. These are limited to student teaching, clinical practica, junior seminars, internships, college success courses, Regents' Test remediation courses, exit examinations, and senior projects as specified in the course descriptions section of the catalog.

V - Indicates that a student audited a course. Students may not change from audit to credit status or vice versa after the first week of the semester.

K - Indicates that a student was given credit for a course through examination.

NR - Indicates grade not reported by instructor.

How to compute a GPA:

(1) multiply the number of grade points earned (A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0; WF=0) by the number of credit hours for the course; (2) add all credit hours attempted together; (3) add all grade points together; (4) divide the total grade points by the total number of credit hours attempted.

Example:

ENGL 1101 - 3 (hrs) x 4 (A) = 12
MATH 1111 - 3 (hrs) x 3 (B) = 9
HIST 1112 - 3 (hrs) x 2 (C) = 6
BIOL 2221 - 3 (hrs) x 3 (B) = 9
PEDS 2376 - 1 (hrs) x 4 (B) = 3

13 hours, 39 grade points

39 divided by 13 = 3.00 GPA

Explanation of Grade Point Averages

The following grade point averages are computed and are used to determine the fulfillment of academic requirements. The semester, Regents’ (cumulative), institutional, and overall grade point averages appear on the official academic transcript. The formula above is used to compute all grade point averages. GPA hours are determined using grades of A, B, C, D, F, and WF, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999.

Semester grade point average - is computed using GPA hours attempted and grade points earned for the semester, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999.

Regents’ (cumulative) grade point average - is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999. Courses repeated for a better grade will be averaged into the Regents’ grade point average every time taken.

Institutional grade point average - is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University (excluding courses numbered 0001-0999) after omitting grades in previous courses which have been taken and repeated at Columbus State University.

Overall grade point average - is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended (excluding courses numbered 0001-0999) after omitting grades in previous courses which have been taken and repeated at Columbus State University.

Degree progress grade point average - is computed using the total number of credit hours applied to the degree and the total number of grade points applied to the degree.

Major grade point average - is computed using the total number of grade points earned in major courses (as designated by the department offering the major) and the total number of credit hours for those courses.

Grade Changes

Final grades will not be changed after one calendar year from the date assigned except by appeal to the university’s Academic Standards Committee. A grade that appears to be incorrect should be reported to the instructor promptly.

Grade Reports and Transcripts

Reports of final grades are mailed to students' mailing addresses. The academic transcript includes all undergraduate and graduate credit courses taken at Columbus State University. Transcripts should be requested at least one week prior to the date needed. University policies regarding release of academic records and compliance with regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (the "Buckley Amendment") are published in the Columbus State University Student Handbook.

Repetition of Courses for Credit

Repeat credit - Certain courses may be repeated for credit. To determine if a course may be repeated for credit, refer to the course description in this catalog.

Forfeiture of credit - Students repeating a course for which credit has already been earned either at Columbus State University or by transfer of credits from another institution forfeit the previous credit in that course (except in the case of courses that may be repeated for credit). The student's final grade in the course will be the one made on repetition (even if the previous grade is higher). After earning a baccalaureate degree at Columbus State University, a student will forfeit credit earned for courses taken as repeats after graduation (except in the case of courses that may be repeated for credit).

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Students may repeat courses to improve their academic record at Columbus State University. The policies regarding academic forgiveness are as follows:

• The courses must be taken and repeated at Columbus State University. Transferred courses are not calculated in the institutional grade point average.
• The institutional (forgiveness) grade point average is maintained on the academic record. The institutional grade point average omits grades in courses taken previously. Only the grade received on the final repetition of a course will be included in the institutional grade point average. Courses repeated for a better grade will be averaged into the Regents’ (cumulative) grade point average every time taken.
• The institutional grade point average is used to determine graduation with honors and admission to certain academic programs. Students should consult individual program admission requirements to determine whether the Regents’ (cumulative) or institutional grade point average is required for admission.

Dean's List

The Dean’s List is compiled at the end of each semester. It consists of those students who are enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of course work affecting the grade point average, with semester grade point averages of 3.6 or higher, who are enrolled in no remedial courses, and who have no courses with incomplete (I) grades.

Academic Standing

The progress of all students is evaluated at the end of each semester. Determination of academic standing is based on a student's overall and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas. GPA hours and grade points earned at other institutions are used in computing grade point averages as they affect academic standing.

Academic probation - occurs when a student's overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below, or a required learning support subject area is not satisfied after two course attempts.

Continued academic probation - occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's semester grade point average is 2.0 or higher and the overall grade point average is lower than the satisfactory progress levels shown below.

Removal from probation - occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's overall grade point average equals or exceeds the satisfactory progress levels shown below, or a student satisfies a required learning support subject area.

Academic exclusion - occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's semester grade point average is lower than 2.0 and the overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below, or a required learning support subject area is not satisfied after three course attempts. The length of exclusion resulting from grade point averages will be a minimum of one semester after the first and second exclusion, and a minimum of one calendar year after the third exclusion. The length of exclusion based on the number of learning support course attempts without satisfying a required subject area will be three years. Before being placed on exclusion, a student may appeal for one additional learning support course attempt if the student is in the exit-level learning support course. If approved, the student may enroll in learning support courses only. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University.

Reinstatement on academic probation - After the mandatory period of exclusion, as stated above, has elapsed, a student may apply to the director of admissions for reinstatement on probation. The application must reach the Admissions Office by the published application deadline for the semester. Students must satisfy the conditions of the reinstatement before they will be eligible to register for classes for the following term.

Satisfactory Progress Levels

* Includes transfer and Columbus State University GPA hours 

Testing

The Testing Center, located in the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center (706) 568-2226, administers all institutional testing including the COMPASS exams, the Institutional SAT, the Math Proficiency Test, the U.S. and Georgia History and Constitutions Proficiency Test, the Computer Competency Test, the PRAXIS Series, the Regents' Test, and Student Outcomes Assessment. The Center is also a computer based testing site for Educational Testing Services (ETS) tests. These tests include the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and PRAXIS I.

Computer Competency Test - Students are required to be proficient in the fundamental elements of word processing and information retrieval including the use of GIL and other electronic retrieval systems available through the internet. Training in these areas is an integral part of the Columbus State University curriculum. Transfer students who have not had this training in prior course work may take this test to demonstrate their competency.

Math Proficiency Test - Entering freshmen and transfer students who have not satisfied mathematics course requirements are encouraged to take the math proficiency test to assist in the selection of mathematics courses. Enrollment in mathematics courses should be delayed until after the test has been taken. If learning support mathematics courses are recommended, students may enroll in these courses on an audit basis only. Students should contact the Testing Center to arrange a time to take this test.

PRAXIS Series - The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides tests and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. For Georgia teachers, the PRAXIS II series replaces the Teacher's Certification Test (TCT). The PRAXIS I series (reading, math, and writing) is a requirement for students entering the teacher education program who did not exempt this requirement based on SAT, ACT, or GRE scores.

Student Outcomes Assessment - As part of its continuing effort to improve and maintain the quality of academic programs, Columbus State University has implemented student outcomes assessment. The assessment instruments are offered near the completion of a student's undergraduate program and are designed to determine student academic achievement in general education and changes in student attitudes and values. Besides general education, the university also assesses achievement in the student's academic major. Student participation in the assessment process is mandatory and the scores become part of the student's official record. Other uses of student outcomes assessment data will be in aggregate form only.

Regents' Testing Program - In compliance with the policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, all students must take the Regents' Test by the end of the semester in which 30 semester hours will be completed. Transient students and those holding a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution are exempt from this requirement. Students who have not passed both parts of the test by the time they have earned 45 semester credit hours must take remediation each semester of enrollment until they have passed both parts. Remedial courses for these students are RGTE 0198 for those who failed writing and RGTE 0199 for those who failed reading.

Transfer students who have earned 45 or more semester hours will be required to take the test their first semester of enrollment. Transfer students who have earned 45 or more semester hours who fail either part of the test in the first semester of enrollment must take remediation each semester thereafter until they have passed both parts.

Procedure for Appeal of Regents' Test Essays

Eligibility - Students who have failed the essay component of the Regents' Test and who have cause to believe the grade erroneous or biased may seek to have the essay regraded if at least one of the three original scores was passing and if satisfactory grades have been achieved in ENGL 1101-1102.

Procedure - Eligible papers of students seeking re-scoring will be reviewed by a panel of three graders appointed by the Regents' Test coordinator. If a majority of the panel concur with the assigned grade, the appeal process will be terminated. If a majority agree that the grade seems erroneous or biased, the panel will recommend that the Regents' Test coordinator forward the essay to the Regents' Testing Office for regrading. All the applicable regulations of the Regents' Test policy remain in effect for those students whose essays are under appeal, including those regulations relating to remediation and to retaking the test. A decision by the on-campus review panel to terminate the appeal process is final; this decision cannot be appealed through any other office.

Graduation  

Deadlines - Applications for graduation and graduation fees must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar one semester prior to the anticipated semester of completion. The following documentation must be on file in the Office of the Registrar no later than one week prior to the first day of final examinations:

• a completed application for graduation
• official transcripts showing all transfer work
• approved grade change forms for incomplete grades
• verification of approved substitutions
• verification that all financial obligations to the university have been met
• verification of participation in student outcomes assessment

Students who satisfy the above requirements will be considered candidates for graduation, and will be eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies upon successful completion of all degree requirements.

Honors - Students who have attained high scholastic achievement are recognized at graduation by being designated honor graduates. Also, the appropriate designation appears on the diploma and permanent academic record from which transcripts are prepared. Students attending Columbus State University only must attain an honors grade point average on course work attempted at the university. Transfer students must attain an honors grade point average on course work attempted at Columbus State University and an honors grade point average on the combined total of courses attempted at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended. Students seeking an additional baccalaureate degree must earn at least 60 additional semester hours in residence at Columbus State University with an honors grade point average.

Honor designations and corresponding grade point averages required are:

Baccalaureate Degree

Associate Degree

Graduation ceremony - A graduation ceremony is held at the end of each semester. Students who do not plan to attend the ceremony must indicate so on the application for graduation.

Graduation rates - In 1998-99 the graduation rate for students who entered Columbus State University in 1993 on a full-time basis was 25 percent.