Undergraduate Academic Regulations

• Math Placement Test
• Registration
• Study Loads
• Class Attendance and Withdrawal
• Grades and Grade Point Averages
• Repetition of Courses
• Dean's List
• Academic Misconduct
• Academic Standing
• Learning Support Academic Standing
• Procedures for Academic Appeal
• Testing
• Graduation

Math Placement Test

Students who need to take a math course at CSU must complete the CSU Math Placement Test. Students who successfully exit CSU Learning Support math (or its equivalent) and students who transfer appropriate math credits might be exempted from this requirement. Students may register to take the placement test by doing one of the following:

• Register online to take the test during an officially designated testing period before an orientation session - see http://registration.colstate.edu/mathplacement/index.asp for a registration link.
• Call the CSU Testing Center at 706-507-8020 to schedule an appointment.

In order to get an accurate indication of the student's mathematical preparation, we strongly advise the student to review algebra (and trigonometry, if relevant) before taking the math placement test. See http://registration.colstate.edu/mathplacement/index.asp for more information.

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. Students are encouraged to make an appointment each semester to take advantage of this opportunity.

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 web by using CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab.  Please refer to the Columbus State University Class Schedules page on the university's Web for specific dates and information regarding early registration, late registration and schedule change.

Study Loads

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 fall or spring semester and more than 13 semester hours during a summer term 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, excluding withdrawn courses, as follows:

* For summer terms, enrollment status certification other than for financial aid 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. Enrollment in a course as an audit student does not count toward enrollment status for federal or state financial aid programs. Students on financial aid seeking information about how enrollment status may affect financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office.

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 from 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 course 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 prior to registering for graduate courses; the registrar will verify eligibility for enrollment. Students desiring to take College of Education courses must fulfill graduate admission requirements and be accepted for graduate studies in their desired program area prior to 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 on the Web at /exams/, students must have permission of the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course.

Student members of an official Columbus State University organization or students whose attendance is required by the faculty or staff person in charge of the group are officially excused from classes when traveling to university-sanctioned events (e.g., athletic event, band competition, etc.) and are to be given the opportunity to complete exams or other assignments missed as a result of this absence provided that no more than 15% of the class hours (INCLUDING other absences) per course per semester are missed. Any absences that exceed the 15% allotted must be approved, in advance, by the faculty member in charge of the class. Exceptions to this policy (i.e., where make-up assignments will NOT be allowed) include programs whose accreditation won't allow 15% as well as interactive classes or laboratory classes where points for attendance and participation are lost due to absences of any kind. Affected students must submit an Event Participation Form, provided by the faculty sponsor, to their instructors at the beginning of the semester, in order to obtain consideration for the make-up work. (The Event Participation Form can be found on the Web at /eventform.pdf.)

Excessive Absence Policy

Anytime during the semester when 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. 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

Military reservists who are called to active duty or active duty military personnel who receive change-of-station orders or deployment orders during an academic semester may officially withdraw from the university with a full refund of matriculation fees upon providing a copy of the official orders. Those who have completed sufficient work may be awarded a grade and credit or an I (Incomplete) grade. Military withdrawals are not granted for pY assignments.

Course Withdrawals

Students who wish to drop a course after the official schedule change period has ended, must officially withdraw from the course. Students must withdraw via the web by using CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab on the university's Web.

A student charged with academic dishonesty may not withdraw from the course in which the alleged offense occurred unless the charge has been overturned through the appeals process. The CSU Office of Judicial Affairs may be consulted for more information about filing an appeal.

Students that have been reported to the registrar as excessively absent will not be permitted to withdraw from the course.

A grade of WF will be assigned when the student withdraws online past the published deadline, or when the student submits a roll correction form after the deadline. A student may appeal the assignment of a WF grade by submitting the Grade Appeal Form to the office of the registrar once all appropriate signatures and substantiating documentation have been obtained. The appeal will then be forwarded to the Academic Standards Committee for review. The Committee will notify the student of the decision rendered.

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 http://registration.colstate.edu for specific dates and additional information regarding course withdrawal.

Administrative Withdrawal

An academic dean may withdraw a student from a course when, in consultation with the instructor, the dean determines that the student has not satisfied the prerequisites for the course.

Grades and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

• Grades Averaged in the GPA
• Grades Not Averaged in the GPA
• How to Compute a GPA
• Explanation of Grade Point Averages
• Grade Changes
• Grade Reports and Transcripts

Columbus State University uses a 4.0 grade point system.

* 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 the GPA

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 GPA credit hours for the course;
2. Add all GPA credit hours together;
3. Add all grade points together;
4. Divide the total grade points by the total number of GPA credit hours.

39 divided by 13 = 3.00 GPA

Note: Grades of I, IP, W, S, U, V, and K do not have GPA hours nor grade points, and are not used in computing a grade point average.

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, and subsequent approval by, 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 available through CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab on the Web. 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 grade point averages 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) or in progress (IP) grades.

Academic Misconduct

The university recognizes honesty and integrity as central virtues of academic life and as fully necessary to its very existence. The university also recognizes and accepts that cooperation, discussion, and group studying outside of the classroom are essential elements of the academic experience, and that students may seek assistance in their studies, such as tutoring and peer review. However, while such practices are acceptable and even encouraged, students must understand the parameters of accountability in their academic performance and need to respect the academic freedom of the faculty. Students are responsible for adhering to the regulations pertaining to academic misconduct published under Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Student Handbook available in the Student Life Office and on the Web at http://sa.colstate.edu/.

Academic Standing

• Probation
• Exclusion
• Reinstatement
• Satisfactory Progress Levels
• Procedures for Academic Appeal

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. Students receiving financial aid should also refer to satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid section of this catalog.

Academic probation occurs when a student's overall grade point average falls below the satisfactory progress levels shown below.

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.

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. 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. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University.

After the mandatory period of exclusion, as stated above, has elapsed, a student may apply 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

Learning Support Academic Standing

Determination of academic standing is based on the student's overall and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas.

Learning Support Probation

Learning Support probation occurs when a student's required learning support subject area is not satisfied after two course attempts.

Removal From Learning Support Probation

Learning Support probation removal occurs when a student assigned to learning support satisfies a required subject area.

Learning Support Dismissal

Learning Support Dismissal occurs when a required learning support subject area is not satisfied after three course attempts. The length of dismissal, which is based on the number of learning support course attempts without satisfying a required subject area, will be three years. Before being placed on dismissal, a student may appeal for two additional learning support course attempts if the student is in the exit-level learning support course and has not reached the three-attempt limit in any other learning support area. 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 Learning Support Probation

A student may apply for reinstatement on Learning Support Probation after the mandatory period of dismissal has expired, as stated above. 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 the Learning Support Academic Standing Academic Standing.

Procedures for Academic Appeal

Students may appeal a grade received as well as certain degree requirements. Students who wish to exercise this right should follow the appropriate procedure as follows:

• A student who wishes to appeal a grade received that the student feels is unfair or inaccurate should follow the academic grievance process listed under the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of the Student Handbook.
• A student who wishes to appeal a general university requirement should meet with his or her advisor to discuss the nature of the appeal. If both believe the appeal should be considered, the advisor will assist the student in completing an Exception Petition form to be submitted to the university's Academic Standards Committee for review. If the committee recommends approval, the petition is sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for a final decision.

Testing

The Testing Center, located in the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, 706-507-8020, administers all institutional testing including the COMPASS exams, the Math Placement Test, the U.S. and Georgia History and Constitutions Proficiency Test, the Communication Technology Skills test, the Information Literacy test, the Regents' Test, and Student Outcomes Assessment. The Center also a operates a Prometric Testing Center and administers GRE, TOEFL, and other academic and professional tests including NASD, MCAT, USMLE, PMI, CPA among many others.

Communication Technology Skills Test

Assesses the student's ability to use electronic tools effectively to create and communicate information. Includes word processing, presentation software, operating systems, and the Internet.

Information Literacy Test

Includes:

• Tool literacy - The ability to use print and electronic resources including software;
• Resource literacy - The ability to understand the form, format, location and access methods of information resources
• Social-structural literacy - Knowledge of how information is socially situated and produced
• Research literacy - The ability to understand and use information technology tools to carry out research including discipline-related software
• Publishing literacy - The ability to produce a text or multimedia report of the results of research
• Understanding Plagiarism - The ability to understand how to paraphrase, what to quote, and when to quote
• Documentation - The ability to use correct citation and bibliographic forms

Regents' Test

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires Columbus State University to ensure that all students seeking a baccalaureate or associates degree pass the Regents' Test.*. Effective Fall 2008, all students** are required to take the test once each semester in which they are enrolled in classes until they can pass the test. Students that miss their appointment are considered as failing the test and will not be permitted to register for the next semester's classes until the late registration period. Students that have not passed the test by the end of their second semester of enrollment will be required to successfully complete remediation by enrolling in the appropriate Regents' Skills courses (RGTE 0198, 0199) during their next semester of enrollment before taking the test again. Students must continue to successfully complete these courses until they can pass the Regents' Test.

*Students can exempt the Regents' Test with certain national SAT, ACT, AP, and IB scores.

**Students enrolled in Learning Support English or Reading will not take the Regents' Test until they exit Learning Support.

Exemptions to the Regents' Reading Test:

• SAT Verbal (Critical Reading) score of at least 510
• ACT Reading score of at least 23

Exemptions to the Regents' Essay Test:

• SAT Writing section score of at least 560
• Combination of SAT Verbal score of at least 510 AND an SAT Writing section score of at least 500
• SAT English Writing Subject Test score of at least 650
• College Board Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature or English Language score of 3
• International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level English score of 4

All scores must be from national test administrations.

Registration for the Regents' Test

The test is offered each semester and students must register online through the Add/Drop link under the Enrollment Services tab in ISIS at the time they enroll in courses. Students must register for a testing appointment during each semester in which they are enrolling in classes. A confirmation letter, with important information about the test, should then be printed. Students should select a testing date and time that does not conflict with their class schedule. Test results are posted to the student's advising record in ISIS at the end of the semester.

Appeals Process for Failing Essays

Students who fail the Regents' Essay Test may appeal their scores. The student will obtain a copy of his/her essay from the Testing Center and take the essay to the English Department for review by a panel of three faculty members. The Testing Center will assess the student a fee of $15 for the review. An essay that receives at least two "passing" ratings will be sent to the Regents' Test Coordinator who will forward it to the Regents' Testing Program for a second and final review. The Regents' Test Coordinator will inform the student whether the test was forwarded to the Regents' Testing Program and what the decision was of the Regents' Testing Program.

Students must appeal their score by the midpoint of the first semester of enrollment after the semester in which the essay was failed, but no more than one calendar year from the semester in which the failure occurred. Students whose essays are under review and who have earned 45 credit hours must enroll in the Regents' Writing Skills course. Ratings of Failing or Borderline made by the CSU review panel or the Regents' Testing Program panel are considered final. A student cannot appeal these decisions.

Regents' Test for International Students

International students that meet eligibility requirements can take an alternative version of the Regents' Test. You must consult with the Director of the Testing Center to determine if you are eligible.

Contact the Director of the Testing Center/Regents' Test Coordinator for more information about the Regents' Test.

Graduation

Applications for graduation should be submitted in CougarNet through Enrollment Services Tab one semester prior to the anticipated semester of completion; the last day of classes of the prior term is the final deadline for submission. Students participating in the graduation ceremony are required to have the appropriate graduation regalia - i.e. cap and gown, etc.

Candidacy requirements must be completed no later than the official graduation candidacy deadline of the intended term of graduation. Candidacy requirements are:

• Enrollment in all courses required for degree completion. Students enrolled in other institutions during the final term must submit proof of enrollment.
• All approved substitutions/waivers must be reflected in the Degree Evaluation Record (DER).
• Removal of all "Incomplete" grades applying towards degree requirements from their record.
• Completion of information literacy requirements.
• Completion of all legislative requirements.
• Completion of outcomes assessment.
• Completion of Regents' exam.

Students who satisfy the above requirements will be considered candidates for graduation and will be eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Students who do not satisfy degree requirements must delete their application in CougarNet and submit a new graduation application for a future term.

Honors

Students who have attained high scholastic achievement are recognized at graduation by being designated honor graduates. Academic honors announced at graduation will be based on grade point averages calculated the semester prior to the graduation term. Honors reflected on the diploma and transcript will be determined by GPA calculation including the final semester. 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

• Summa cum laude 3.80 - 4.00
• Magna cum laude 3.60 - 3.79
• Cum laude 3.40 - 3.59

Associate Degree

• High honors 3.80 - 4.00
• Honors 3.50 - 3.79

Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Students who do not plan to attend the ceremony must indicate so on the application for graduation. Fall and Spring candidates may only participate in a graduation ceremony in the term of which their degree requirements are completed. Students completing the requirements at the end of a summer term may participate only in the fall semester graduation ceremony.