Undergraduate Academic Regulations

Math Placement Test

All undergraduate students, regardless of major, are required to earn credit for at least one math course. Individual readiness for specific college-level math coursework for students with regular admission status is determined by the SAT or ACT math score and the high school grade point average among CPC courses completed at the time of admission to the university. The readiness score helps to ensure that students are appropriately prepared for the math courses in which they enroll. Students who take the COMPASS Math Test as an admission requirement will be placed into the appropriate math course based on the COMPASS score.

The ACT Math Readiness Score is calculated as follows:

Score = ACTM + (9x GPA),

where GPA is the student's high school grade point average among CPC courses completed at the time of admission to the university. Sufficiently high readiness scores will enable students to place directly into the following courses:

*If MATH 1111 or higher is required by your major.
**If MATH 1111 or higher is required for a major, students scoring in this range may elect to take MATH 1111 and MATH 1111L without taking MATH 0195 as a prerequisite.
***STAT 1127 does not satisfy the Area A math requirement, but may be used in Area D.

The SAT Math Readiness Score is calculated as follows:

Score = SATM + (200 x GPA),

where GPA is the student's high school grade point average among CPC courses completed at the time of admission to the university. Sufficiently high readiness scores will enable students to place directly into the following courses:

*If MATH 1111 or higher is required by your major.
**If MATH 1111 or higher is required for a major, students scoring in this range may elect to take MATH 1111 and MATH 1111L without taking MATH 0195 as a prerequisite.
***STAT 1127 does not satisfy the Area A math requirement, but may be used in Area D.

If a student changes his/her major, he/she may have to take additional math requirements depending on the new major selected. The student should contact his/her academic advisor for more details.

A student may wish to take the Math Placement exam at the CSU Testing Center if one or more of the following conditions apply:

• The student's math readiness score indicates that he/she is not eligible to take the math course required by his/her major;
• The student does not feel that the score he/she earned on the mathematics portion of the SAT or ACT is indicative of his/her true mathematical ability; or
• The student wishes to enroll in MATH 1131: Calculus with Analytic Geometry 1.

If a student chooses to take the Math Placement test, it is highly recommended that he/she utilize the links below to prepare for the test and that he/she arranges a time to take the test prior to his/her scheduled Orientation date if possible.

• http://www.act.org/compass/sample/math.html
• http://fye.columbusstate.edu/ (click on Preparation for Compass Skills or Math Placement Testing

The Math Placement test is administered by appointment at the CSU Testing Center. Appointments are scheduled online at http://testing.columbusstate.edu or by phone at 706-507-8020. A government-issued photo ID with signature (such as a valid driver's license) is required. There is a $25 fee for the test.

Credit for Prior Learning in Mathematics

If a student has taken an Advanced Placement (AP) test and has earned credit for a mathematics course, he/she should have an official score report sent from College Board directly to the CSU Office of the Registrar. Upon receipt of the official transcript, the score(s) will be evaluated and, if appropriate, credit awarded. The AP exams that would apply to the Area A requirement are listed below.

Transfer Students

Students who have transferred a college-level math course from another institution should check with their academic advisor prior to registering for an additional math course. Transfer students who have not taken a math course previously must take the Math Placement exam at the CSU Testing Center.

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 impact financial aid eligibility 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 and Health Professions 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 https://www.columbusstate.edu/academics/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 http://academics.columbusstate.edu/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 TDY 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.

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.columbusstate.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)

Columbus State University uses a 4.0 grade point system.

Grades Averaged in the 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 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.

---

---

Note: Grades of I, IP, W, WM, 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

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://students.columbusstate.edu/.

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 institutional and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas. Students receiving financial should also refer to satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid section of this catalog.

Academic probation occurs when a student's institutional grade point average falls below 2.0.

Continued academic probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's term grade point average is 2.0 or higher and the institutional grade point average is lower than 2.0.

Removal from probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's institutional grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0.

Academic exclusion

Students on probation will be excluded if:

The subsequent term GPA is lower than 2.0 or they do not remove themselves from probation after attempting 30 additional hours.

The length of exclusion resulting from the grade point averages will be a minimum of one regular semester (i.e. Fall or Spring) after the first exclusion, and a minimum of two regular semesters after the second exclusion. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer to Columbus State University.

Process for Reinstatement:

After first exclusion:

1. Meet the mandatory period of exclusion.
2. Apply for reinstatement to the university on a probationary status prior to the published deadline for Fall or Spring semesters.
3. Satisfy the conditions of reinstatement.

After the second exclusion:

1. Meet the mandatory period of exclusion.
2. Make a petition to the Academic Appeals Committee for reinstatement to the university for Fall or Springs semester.
3. Appear before the Academic Appeals Committee. Failure to appear before this committee will result in automatic denial of the appeal.
4. If the appeal is approved, satisfy the conditions of reinstatement.

Academic Renewal

Undergraduate students who are either returning to a University System of Georgia (USG) institution or are transferring to a USG institution may be eligible for Academic Renewal. Academic renewal for the student signals the initiation of a new grade point average to be used for determining academic standing. This provision allows University System of Georgia degree-seeking students who earlier experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate or bachelor's degree (BR Minutes, June, 1995, p. 7).

PROCEDURES:

1. All previously attempted coursework continues to be recorded on the student's official transcript.
   1. A Renewal GPA is begun when the student resumes taking coursework following approval for Academic Renewal.
   2. The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation.
      1. To earn a degree from the institution granting Academic Renewal, a student must meet the institution's residency requirements after acquiring academic renewal status.
      2. At least 50% of work toward a degree must be completed after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.
   3. Academic credit for previously completed coursework -- including transfer coursework -- will be retained only for courses in which an A, B or C grade has been earned.
      1. Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit by examination, and courses with grades of "S."
      2. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at the Academic Renewal institution if they are required in the student's degree program. Further, all remaining courses for the current degree objective must be completed at the Academic Renewal institution, i.e., no transient credit will be accepted.
      3. Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements currently in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific institutional program regulations must also be met.
      4. Institutions shall accept transient credits of students with Academic Renewal status per their policies regarding acceptance of such credit.
2. A student can be granted Academic Renewal status only one time.
3. Undergraduate students who are transferring to a USG institution or returning to a USG institution after a period of absence may be eligible for Academic Renewal.
   
   1. Readmitted Students
      1. USG undergraduate students who return to their home institution may be eligible for Academic Renewal for coursework taken prior to the period of absence.
         1. Students must be absent from the USG institution for a minimum period of three years.
            

         2. Transfer credit for any coursework taken during the period of absence should be granted according to the institution's policies regarding transfer credits.

   2. Transfer Students
      
      1. Students who leave a regionally-accredited institution of higher education and transfer to a USG institution may be eligible for Academic Renewal coursework taken prior to a period of time equal to the period of absence required for Academic Renewal eligibility for readmitted students (which is no less than three years).
         1. Only coursework completed prior to the eligibility window can be considered for Academic Renewal.
         2. The period of eligibility is calculated from the date of enrollment at the USG institution.
         3. Courses taken more recently than the period of eligibility are ineligible from consideration for Academic Renewal. However, transfer credit can be granted for coursework taken during this period according to the institution's policies regarding transfer credits
4. Any scholastic suspensions which occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student's permanent record. If a suspension (either first or second) is on the record and the student encounters subsequent academic difficulty after having been granted Academic Renewal, the next suspension would subject the student to dismissal.
5. If a student does not request Academic Renewal status at the time of re-enrollment after a five year or greater period of absence, the student may do so within three semesters of re-enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever comes first.
   1. The Renewal GPA begins with the semester following re- enrollment.
6. Reentry into any program is not automatic.
7. Each System institution shall establish specific evaluative criteria and specific procedures for evaluating an application for Academic Renewal.
8. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress.
9. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs, e.g., teacher education, nursing, which require a specific minimum grade point average based upon all coursework.
10. Academic renewal status granted by one USG institution shall be honored at all other USG institutions.

Definition of Terms for the Purpose of these Procedures:

Suspension

-- a temporary separation from an institution. A suspension may (a) be for a specified period of time or (b) indefinite. Upon expiration of the period of suspension, the student is eligible to re-enroll. A student under indefinite suspension must petition for reinstatement to the president of the institution.

Dismissal

-- a permanent separation of the student from the institution. A student who is dismissed is not eligible to return to the institution.

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 one course attempt.

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 two attempts at the foundations level English or math course. The length of dismissal, which is based on the number of learning support course attempts without satisfying a required subject area, will be one years.

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.

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 CSU Testing Center, located on the 2nd floor of 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 Skills test, the nursing entrance exam, CLEP tests, and Student Outcomes Assessment among others. The Center also operates a Prometric Testing Center, which administers GRE, TOEFL, and other academic and professional tests including FINRA, MCAT, USMLE, PMI, CPA among many others.

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. A non-refundable graduation fee of $60 is required whether or not participating in the ceremony. Fee will be applied to student's account during the first month of their intended graduation term and must be paid by midterm. 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.
• $60.00 graduation fee

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.