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| Undergraduate Academic Regulations |
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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: |
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12 semester hours or more
6 - 11 semester hours
5 or less semester hours
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Full Time Half Time
Less Than Half Time |
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* 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.
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Classification - Classification is based upon the number of semester hours a student
has earned, as follows:
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Classification
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Hours Earned |
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Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
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0-29
30-59
60-89
90 or more |
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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: |
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| Grade A, Excellent
B, Good
C, Average
D, Poor, passing
F, Failure
WF, Withdrawal, failing* |
Grade points per
semester hour 4
3
2
1
0
0 |
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* 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:
- 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;
- add all GPA credit hours together;
- add all grade points together;
- divide the total grade points by the total number of GPA credit
hours.
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Example: |
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ENGL 1101
MATH 1111
HIST 1112
BIOL 2221
PEDS 2376 |
3 credit hours
3
3
3
113 GPA hours |
X
X
X
X
X |
4 (A) =
3 (B) =
2 (C) =
3 (B) =
3 (B) = |
12 grade points
9
6
9
339 grade points |
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39 divided
by 13 = 3.00 GPA |
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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 |
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Minimum overall grade
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Total GPA hours attempted
(*) average for satisfactory progress |
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00 - 29
30 - 59
60 - 89
90 or more |
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00 |
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* Includes
transfer and Columbus State University GPA hours |
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Testing
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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
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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. |
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Graduation
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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:
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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 |
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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.
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