Academic Policies and Procedures

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The University of South Alabama’s academic policies and procedures provide the framework for the orderly conduct of its degree programs. They are intended to ensure a thorough and complete education for each of the University’s graduates. They are administered through the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

SEMESTER SYSTEM

Terms normally consist of fifteen weeks of class followed by a final examination week. Usually, one semester credit hour is awarded for each 50-minute lecture class per week or 2-3 hour laboratory or studio period. Quarter credit hours divided by 1.5 yield the equivalent number of semester credit hours.

Each hour of lecture usually requires two hours of outside preparation. Thus, a student carrying sixteen semester hours should be prepared to spend at least 48 hours in class and study per week.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

A student’s classification is determined by the number of credits earned toward the degree. A student is classified as follows:

Freshman	0 - 31 semester hours
Sophomore	32 - 63 semester hours
Junior	64 - 95 semester hours
Senior	96 semester hours or more

NORMAL ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Normal progress for full-time students enrolled at the University of South Alabama shall mean the satisfactory completion of 32 semester hours of work in each calendar year from the date of first enrollment and the satisfactory completion of all degree requirements within 41/2 calendar years from the date of first enrollment.

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME ENROLLMENT STATUS

Degree students carrying twelve or more credit hours of work each term are considered full-time. However, students must carry at least sixteen hours each term (twelve semesters) to meet requirements for graduation in four academic years. Co-op students who alternate full-time enrollment with employment are considered full-time students for enrollment purposes. Students carrying six to eleven credit hours are considered half-time and students one to five credit hours are considered less than half-time.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT

Recognizing the increasing expectation of technical/computer literacy for productive citizenship and optimum professional and career opportunities, the University of South Alabama provides formal classroom instruction and informal training in computer software and hardware applications. General skills, as well as those necessary for specialized applications are included, as appropriate, in many University classes. To insure successful acquisition of these skills and guarantee that all students are able to adequately complete classroom assignments all students entering the University of South Alabama are required to have personal access to a personal computer. This may be achieved in a number of ways including personal ownership of a computer with the required capabilities, access within the home or family, sharing with a roommate or in other ways that allow the student ready access when required to complete assignments. This access must include, as a minimum, a current version of the Microsoft Office software package to include word processing and spread-sheet capability, provision for e-mail with attachments (both send and receive) and Internet access for research. Individual academic programs may have additional requirements specific to their curriculum and training needs. Students should realize that instructors will make assignments expecting the required computer and software access and lack of access will not excuse the student from class expectations and requirements.

To assist students who are not comfortable using a computer, the University recommends (and in some programs requires) completion of Computer Science 150 for academic credit. In addition, the University provides free student use of a library of online computer training courses (NETg) that a student may take at any time, at their own level of proficiency and pace, and in any place that they have Internet access. Students may take as many NETg courses or parts of courses that they desire while enrolled at USA. All students in USA residence halls may contract for Internet access in their own rooms.

ACADEMIC ADVISORS

Before entering the university, students should study the curricula outlined to determine the program best suited to their interests and needs. Before registering, each student will select, tentatively at least, a curriculum. This decision will determine the academic unit in which the student will be advised. The designated academic advisor will counsel with the student regarding the proposed curriculum and choice of courses. This relationship continues as needed throughout the student’s stay in the University, unless another advisor is assigned or the student selects a new program.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

While the University of South Alabama will endeavor to provide timely and accurate advisement, it is the responsibility of the student to know and satisfy the degree requirements of the academic program.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR DEGREES

Minimum requirements for a bachelor’s degree are listed below. The colleges and department may have requirements which exceed these requirements. Students should consult the individual college program description for details.

MINIMUM HOURS

A student must complete a minimum of 128 approved semester hours, including both general education requirements and major requirements. In some colleges/degree programs a minor is required also.

MINIMUM GRADE-POINT AVERAGE

A student must earn a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 2.00 ( an average grade of “C”) based on all course work taken at the University of South Alabama. Students enrolled in the College of Education must have a minimum grade-point average of 2.20 (2.50 grade-point average for teacher certification). Grades in pass-fail (S/U) courses do not carry quality points and are not used in determining the grade-point average.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must fulfill the following general education requirements consisting of a minimum of 41 semester hours plus two designated writing courses. Specific degree program and college requirements may exceed any or all of the minimum general education requirements. Also, since specific course requirements in general education will vary from major to major, students must refer to the program section of the Bulletin for their major before enrolling in courses intended to satisfy general education requirements, as well as other program requirements. In addition, students should plan their degree program with an academic advisor. The general education requirements are:

I. WRITTEN COMPOSITION

EH 101 and 102 are required of all students, unless exempted. In addition, two designated writing (W) courses are required; with at least one course chosen from offerings in the student’s major or minor. Courses carrying this required credit are identified in this University Bulletin and University Schedule of Classes by a (W) after the course title. EH 101 and EH 102 are prerequisities to writing courses.
Students must demonstrate general competence in writing by earning a “C” or better in EH 101 and “C” or better in EH 102. Students may exempt the EH 101 requirement with an enhanced ACT English score of 27 or above; a recentered SAT score of 550 or above on the verbal portion; or a score of 3 or higher in the Advanced Placement Program. Students scoring a minimum of 500 on the CLEP English Examination may satisfy the EH 101 and EH 102 requirement.

NOTE: Credits earned in the Department of English as a Second Language in Development Studies will not be acceptable toward meeting writing competency requirements.

II. HUMANITIES AND FINE ARTS

Requirements include at least 12 semester hours in humanities with a minimum of three semester hours in literature, and three semester hours in the arts, and the remaining semester hours from the humanities and fine arts. In addition to literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech*, foreign languages, art, music, theater, and dance.
Students must complete a six semester hour sequence either in literature or in history. Note that some majors specify the sequence, and the requirements of the major should be referred to before deciding upon either a literature or history sequence.**

Courses should be broad in scope and content rather than specific and should emphasize a global perspective. Courses in the arts should emphasize history and appreciation rather than performance. Examples in the humanities and fine arts include, but are not limited to, world literature, art history, music appreciation, comparative religions, and history or origins of dance.

*Students must complete one course that demonstrates competency in oral communication. Within the Colleges of Allied Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and the School of Computer and Information Sciences, and the Adult Interdisciplinary Studies Program, students must complete CA 110 to satisfy the competency in oral communications requirement. Students majoring in the Colleges of Engineering and Nursing must meet the specific oral communication requirements of their major (see appropriate sections of this Bulletin for details.)

**Students preparing to complete the B.S. degree in engineering are required to complete nine rather than 12 semester hours in the humanities and fine arts. Rather than the six hour sequence in history or literature they must demonstrate in-depth study in a particular discipline of the humanities and fine arts or history, social and behavioral sciences through completion of six semester hours in a particular discipline.

III. NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

Requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at least three semester hours in mathematics at the precalculus algebra level or higher, and at least eight semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences. Disciplines in the natural sciences include, but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

Courses in the natural sciences should be broad in scope and content rather than specific to an aspect of a discipline, and may include interdisciplinary science courses. Courses in the natural sciences must include laboratory experiences which emphasize the scientific method.

IV. HISTORY, SOCIAL, AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Requirements include twelve semester hours in history, social sciences and behavioral sciences with at least three semester hours in history and at least six semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral science. Other disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Courses should be broad in scope and content, include global or international perspectives, and must emphasize the methods of inquiry in the social sciences.

Students must complete a six semester hour sequence in literature or history.* Note that some majors specify the sequence and the requirements of the major should be referred to before deciding upon either a literature or history sequence. If the sequence selected is in literature, an additional three hours must be taken in any of the history, social science or behavioral science disciplines above.

*Students preparing to complete the BS degree in engineering are required to complete nine rather than 12 semester hours in the humanities and fine arts. Rather than the six hour sequence in history or literature they must demonstrate in-depth study in a particular discipline of the humanities and fine arts or history, social and behavioral sciences through completion of six semester hours in a particular discipline.

COMPUTER COMPETENCY

All students must be able to demonstrate competency in basic computer skills prior to graduation from the University. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of Computer Sciences (CIS) 150, or another CIS course specified by the major, with a passing grade; placement in (CIS) 250 on the computer sciences placement exam; or by passing a course approved by the major department as meeting the standard for computer proficiency in the college. As requirements vary between colleges, students should consult the respective portion of the Bulletin and their academic advisor for guidance in meeting this requirement.

GENERAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT TEST

All students upon achieving junior status (64 semester hours) must take a general education assessment test. This a standardized test that assesses the extent to which students have acquired the skills they are expected to acquire through the general education portion of their undergraduate college experience. These skills typically include college-level reading, writing, critical thinking, and mathematics. Students will be scheduled to take this test in the semester immediately after they have achieved junior status. Students will be notified of the date and time of their test session. Completion of the test is a requirement for graduation and the test results will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.

UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER

The University Writing Center, located in Alpha Hall East, provides assistance in writing to any student enrolled in classes on any of the University’s campuses. Students work with writing consultants one-on-one in a relaxed, informal setting to improve their writing skills. The consulting schedule varies slightly from semester to semester, but information may be obtained by calling (251)460-6480.

DS AND ESL COURSES

Credits earned in the Developmental Studies and the Department of English as a Second Language cannot be used to satisfy University degree requirements.

HOURS IN RESIDENCE/RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

A candidate for graduation must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of University of South Alabama upper-division course work (300 and 400 levels). Upon the recommendation of the dean of the appropriate college and approval of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, credit may be substituted to meet the residency requirement. Credits earned in approved Study Abroad programs, up to a maximum of 16 semester hours, may be used to satisfy this requirement provided the student is enrolled in IS 391, Study Abroad, and has transient course approval from the dean of the college. Study Abroad courses must be certified as equivalent to upper division (300 or 400 level) course work in order to fulfill the USA Residency Requirement. Any deviation from this policy must be approved by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students should consult the University Bulletin for additional regulations in each academic unit.

DOUBLE MAJOR

Undergraduate students may elect to fulfill the requirements for two majors concurrently. To do so, the student must declare a primary major and a second major on the Declaration of Major form that is filed with the Registrar’s Office. The student’s principal academic file will be maintained in the department of the primary major. A second file should also be maintained in the department of the second major. Any requirement to have a minor is waived for students who complete the requirements for two majors. Students who declare a double major must fulfill all other requirements that apply to each major and participate in academic advising in each major. Students who declare two majors from different colleges should be careful to fulfill all requirements (other than a minor) for each major, including general education, major, and any ancillary required courses. Both departments must prepare graduation completion check sheets. Students who complete requirements for two majors from different colleges will be awarded the degree granted by the college of the primary major, and transcripts will designate that both the primary and secondary majors were completed.

SECOND MAJOR

Students who have been awarded a bachelors degree at the University of South Alabama may return to study for a second major as an unclassified student (see page 8). Such students must fulfill the following requirements to have a second major recorded on their academic record:

1.	They must complete the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office prior to undertaking any course work toward the second major.
2.	They must be enrolled in the college in which the major is administered.
3.	They must meet all the requirements of the second major.
4.	At least half the total number of hours required for the second major must be satisfactorily completed in residence at the University of South Alabama.
5.	At least nine hours of the work in the second major satisfactorily completed in residence at the University of South Alabama must be in addition to work completed as part of the bachelor’s degree.
6.	The appropriate dean’s office is responsible for notifying the Registrar’s office of satisfactory completion of the second major.

When these requirements have been met, a notation will be entered on the student’s record to indicate that the student has “completed work equivalent to a major in _____”. Students completing a major equivalency in this fashion may not apply the additional course work toward a second bachelor’s degree.

SECOND BACHELOR’S/DUAL DEGREE

Students currently enrolled in a degree program, may pursue a dual degree. A dual degree differs from a double major in that the dual degree has additional requirements specified below. Students who have been awarded a bachelors degree from any institution may seek a second bachelor’s degree. To earn either a dual degree or a second bachelor’s degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. They must complete the appropriate form(s) in the Registrar’s Office prior to undertaking any work toward the second/dual degree.

2. They must be enrolled in the college(s) in which the second/dual degree is administered.

3. They must complete at least 160 total semester hours.

4. They must complete a course of study, approved in advance by the appropriate dean, consisting of at least 32 credit hours in upper division course work in residence over and above the requirements for the first bachelor’s degree including a recognized major program.

5. They must satisfy all degree requirements of the college(s) awarding the second/dual degree.

6. They must comply with all other University regulations.

Students returning for a second degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must meet the requirements for a second major and meet the University requirements for a second degree. Students seeking a second degree in the area of the minor used for their first degree must have an additional minor.

GRADUATE STUDY FOR ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATES

With permission of the department chair and appropriate director of graduate studies, a student who has completed 96 semester hours with a “B” (3.0) average may register for graduate courses provided the total load does not exceed 12 hours. This policy is extended to provide an opportunity for well-prepared undergraduates who meet two Regular admission criteria: minimum GPA and sufficient undergraduate course work in the major subject to qualify for graduate study in the involved discipline.

The same course may not be counted both as undergraduate and graduate credit, and the graduate course may count toward a degree in graduate school if and when the student is admitted to the graduate school provided such course was not used to satisfy requirements for the undergraduate degree.

PREREQUISITES

Students may not register for courses for which they do not have the prerequisites specified in the course descriptions. Any student who does so is subject to administrative withdrawal by either the student’s dean or the dean of the college in which the course is taught.

REGISTRATION

Registration (making course selections and enrolling in classes) occurs prior to the beginning of each term. All students obtain registration appointment times and register either utilizing USA’s VIPS (Voice Interactive Phone System) or the Student Web Access system. (See the University Schedule of Classes for additional information.)

Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid and all admissions documents and examinations furnished. Failure to satisfy any of the admission or registration requirements is sufficient cause for dropping a student from all classes.

COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM

Course Number

001-099	Development courses which do not carry credit toward graduation
100-199	Freshman
200-299	Sophomore
300-399	Junior
400-499	Senior
500-699	Graduate
700-799	Doctoral

FULL LOAD OF COURSE WORK IN A SEMESTER

A full load is twelve to nineteen semester hours. Permission of the student’s academic dean is required to take more than nineteen hours.

ADDING OR DROPPING COURSES

All changes in schedules, including changes to audit, must be made by the third day of the term, properly approved and processed by the Registrar and the Bursar. Students may drop courses without penalty provided the withdrawal occurs within the time limits listed in the official calendar. The grade of “F” or “U” is recorded for a course abandoned without an official withdrawal. Students who drop courses after the last day for refunds may continue to attend class.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

An individual student is responsible for attending the classes in which the student is officially enrolled. The quality of work will ordinarily suffer from excessive absences. At the beginning of classes, instructors must define their policy on absences, and all cases of illness and emergency shall be promptly reported and verified to the instructor. For excessive absences (two or three consecutive class meetings) due to illness, death in family, or family emergency, the Dean of Students’ office should be advised. Absence notices will be sent to each instructor notifying him of the reason for and the approximate length of the absence. This notification does not constitute an excused absence.

Students receiving veterans’ benefits are required to attend classes according to the regulations of the Veterans Administration.

All international students on F-1 visas must comply with attendance regulations as dictated by the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Services. They must remain students in good standing with at least twelve (12) hours per term.

Students attending authorized off-campus functions or required activities shall be excused by the responsible University official through the Office of Academic Affairs. In case of doubt, instructors may consult these lists in that office. Work missed as a result of these excused absences may be made up.

WITHDRAWALS

Official withdrawal from the University is initiated in the student’s academic dean’s office. Clearance must be secured from the University Library, the Office of Financial Aid, the Bursar, the University Registrar and the Veterans Affairs Office, if applicable. The symbol WD is recorded for all courses when the student completes the withdrawal form within the time limits listed in the official calendar. A grade of “F” or “U” is recorded when a currently enrolled student leaves the University without initiating and completing the withdrawal form.

COURSES REPEATED FOR CREDIT

A student may repeat a course which has been failed. Total grade-points are computed on the basis of all attempts. A student who has a passing grade may repeat the course with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. A repeated course may be counted only once toward graduation, but all grades are recorded on the student’s transcript and are counted in determining quality points.

EXAMINATIONS, GRADES AND GRADE-POINTS (UNDERGRADUATE)

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester. Students are graded on the basis of the following guidelines:

A	Excellent, 4 grade-points per semester hour
B	Good, 3 grade-points per semester hour
C	Satisfactory, 2 grade-points per sem hour
D	Minimum Passing, 1 grade-point per sem hr
F	Failure, no grade-points (weighted)
E	Excellent, no grade-points (unweighted)
S	Satisfactory, no grade-points (unweighted)
U	Unsatisfactory, no grade-points (unweighted)
The following symbols are substitutes for grades. They are not grades:
I	Incomplete (see below)
X	Absence from Final Exam (see below)
WD	Withdrawal in good standing
P	Course in progress (see below)
AU	Audit
UA	Unsatisfactory Audit (did not meet attendance requirements)
N	No grade or invalid grade (assigned only by the Registrar)

The symbol “I” (Incomplete) is assigned when, for reasons beyond the student’s control, the student is unable to fulfill all the normal course requirements. The situation warranting an “I” must be a medical condition, an equipment problem, or other mitigating circumstance that is patently demonstrable to be beyond the student’s control. This symbol is not used to provide time for completion of extra work beyond the normal course requirements for improving the student’s grade, nor is it assigned to permit the student to avoid probation, suspension, or dismissal. The symbol “X” (Absence from Final Examination) is assigned only in cases where illness or an unforeseen emergency precludes the student’s appearance at the scheduled examination. All records of the symbols “I” or “X” must be cleared by the specified deadline of the next term; if they are not, grades of “F” will be recorded by the Registrar.

The symbol “P” (In Progress) is assigned only in a limited number of approved courses which require more than one term for completion. Unless the “P” is removed by the end of the second succeeding term, a grade of “F” will be recorded.

A student whose work is unsatisfactory for any reason shall receive a final grade of “F” for the course.

PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING

Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are academic matters; accordingly, no credit will be given for work in which they are involved. In addition, incidents of this nature may be reported to other appropriate authorities for further disciplinary action. (See Student Academic Conduct Policy)

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

USA students may receive credit by special examination upon approval of the appropriate academic personnel (statement of application procedures may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar). A fee of $30.00 will be charged for each examination. In addition, the student will be charged the current course fee per hour of credit. Hours attempted will be included in determining the student’s grade-point average.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

The University of South Alabama is a participant in the College Level Examination Program. Transfer credits earned through the College Level Examination Program will be evaluated according to standards established by this University. Prospective or enrolled students may seek information from the Office of Admissions or Office of the Registrar.

32-HOUR CREDIT LIMITATION

No more than a combined total of 32 semester hours of credit will be allowed for credit received through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Program (AP), credit by examination, correspondence courses, military service school courses, and other approved non-collegiate-sponsored programs as recommended by the American Council on Education.

REPORTING OF GRADES

Final grades are mailed to all students at the completion of each term and are available through the VIPs telephone registration system and the internet.

CHANGE OF GRADE

Grades reported by instructors to the Registrar may not be changed except in case of error in recording or in evaluation. Grade changes require the approval of the instructor and the signature of the department chair and the dean of the college in which the course is taught. Grades on record for one calendar year may not be changed for any reason.

FINAL GRADE GRIEVANCE POLICY

A student may initiate an inquiry under procedures set forth by the Undergraduate Final Course Grade Grievance Policy. A copy of this policy is available in the dean’s office of each college and is published in The Lowdown (Student Handbook) and in the Faculty Handbook.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

Candidates for all honor lists must be undergraduate degree-seeking students with a clear academic status. Graduates, unclassified, auditors, transients, non-degree, or other special categories are excluded.

The President’s Scholars include all full-time students earning a 4.0 semester grade-point average.

The Dean’s List includes all full-time students earning a 3.50 semester grade-point average.

The Dean’s Honor List includes all full-time students who have completed a minimum of 32.0 hours at the University of South Alabama, earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.40 or greater, and met all requirements of the regular Dean’s List as shown above.

The Dean’s List for part-time students (students taking fewer then twelve hours) includes all students who are enrolled in at least six semester hours and have earned a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or greater.

All of the above lists are compiled upon completion of the processing of a particular semester’s grades. Removal of I’s, X’s or other such symbols at a later date will not qualify the student for recognition. Grades recorded in error will be considered if properly removed and the Dean’s office is notified before publication of the lists.

ACADEMIC STATUS

Required Grade-Point Balance

All undergraduate students must meet the established standards designating appropriate academic progress. To stay in good academic standing with a Clear status, a student must maintain a grade-point balance of zero or greater than zero on University of South Alabama course work. Should the GPB be less than zero, i.e., a negative number, the status will be Probation, and the student will potentially be subject to Suspension or Dismissal. The method of calculating the GPB and the details of its application are presented next.

Calculating Grade-Point Balance

The GPB is a relationship between the cumulative number of grade-points earned and the total number of credit hours attempted. The GPB is calculated as follows:

	GPB (+ or -) = Cumulative Grade-Points
	Earned Minus 2xTotal
	Hours* Attempted *Excludes “S” and “U” grades

For example, a student has taken a total of 48 hours of course work and has earned 120 grade-points for a GPA of 2.5. The GPB calculation looks like this:

	GPB=120-(2x48)	GPB=120-96
	GPB=+24

For another example, a student has taken the same total of 48 hours of course work but has earned only 72 grade-points for a GPA of 1.5. The GPB calculation looks like this:

	GPB=72-(2x48)	GPB=72-96
	GPB=-24

Suppose further that this second student takes an additional 16 hours and earns an additional 24 grade-points. While the GPA remains constant at 1.5 the new GPB looks like this:

	GPB=96-(2x64)	GPB=96-128
	GPB=-32

Obviously, the student’s academic situation is worsening, and the change in GPB reflects this fact.

While the relationship between GPA and GPB will almost invariably change as students take additional course work, it will remain constant at one particular GPA and one only: A GPA of 2.0 will always equate with a GPB of zero. Since students must have at least a 2.0 GPA for graduation, it is this identity that makes the GPB calculation a meaningful and valuable indicator of academic success or lack of it.

Academic Probation

Students with a cumulative grade-point average below 2.0 and thus a GPB below zero are having academic difficulties and are alerted to this fact by being placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation are restricted to taking not more than 13 credit hours per term, unless exempted from this regulation by the dean of their college.

Undetermined Status

Students on probation will not be permitted to remain in the University for two consecutive terms with an undetermined status to avoid suspension or dismissal. At the end of the second term in an undetermined category, the status will be determined (Clear, Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal).

Academic Suspension and Dismissal

Determination for academic suspension or dismissal, as well as probation, is based on students incurring a deficit in their overall grade-point balance.

Academic suspension for one regular semester results if at any time a student accrues a negative GPB in excess of -24. Academic dismissal results when the deficit exceeds a -24 a second time.

REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

Students reinstated following one regular semester (excludes summer term) of academic suspension are readmitted on academic probation and will be subject to academic dismissal from the University if, after attempting 18 semester hours for average following reinstatement, the GPB deficit is not reduced to at least -24.

However, in cases where, after 18 hours of additional course work, the GPB deficit falls between -33 and -25, and a semester GPA of 2.5 or better is earned, a student may continue to enroll, provided a GPA of 2.5 or better is earned each subsequent semester until the GPB deficit is reduced to at least -24. If a student fails to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better in any semester before reaching a GPB deficit of at least -24, the student will be dismissed.

If the GPB deficit is restored to the minimal acceptable level but becomes in excess of -24 a second time, the student will be dismissed.

Students intending to seek readmission after suspension must first file a Readmission Form by the official deadline with the Registrar’s Office.

REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

Students academically dismissed from USA may be considered for readmission on academic probation after a period of one calendar year has passed. Readmission requires dean’s office approval. Students readmitted after dismissal are subject to a second dismissal if, after attempting 18 semester hours for average following reinstatement, the GPB deficit is not reduced to at least -24.

Students intending to seek readmission after dismissal must first file a Readmission Form with the Registrar’s Office by the official deadline and consult with their academic dean.

ACADEMIC BANKRUPTCY

Undergraduate students readmitted after an absence of at least one or more calendar years may choose to count all or none of their University of South Alabama credits toward completion of degree requirements and the computation of their GPB. Should the student elect to count none of the prior work, i.e., declare academic bankruptcy, the student is, in effect, allowed to start academic work at the University of South Alabama over with a GPB of zero; however, all course work will remain on the student’s academic record. This determination must be made by the student during the term of re-entry, but preferably at the time of application for readmission. It requires dean’s office approval. This election may be made only once during a student’s USA career and is irrevocable. Such election also carries with it the stipulation that the student’s choice of catalog is limited to those in effect from the time in which the student declares academic bankruptcy onward.

In determining academic honors at the University of South Alabama, only the course work taken after academic bankruptcy has been declared counts in the calculation of GPA.

The option of academic bankruptcy is not available to a student who has received a bachelor’s degree.

READMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

Students who have been previously enrolled in the University of South Alabama, and who have failed to attend for one term should comply with the following:

How to Apply for Readmission

An applicant should request the appropriate forms from the Office of the Registrar. The readmission form, including all required credentials, should be filed with the Registrar’s Office by one of the following deadlines: Fall Semester - July 15; Spring Semester - December 1 or 2001 Summer Semester - May 1.

Requirements for Readmission

An applicant must be eligible to return to the University of South Alabama on the basis of a previous academic record at this institution. If the student has attended any college or university subsequent to last enrollment at the University of South Alabama, the student must also have the required transfer average or higher (as computed by the University of South Alabama) on work attempted, and must be in good standing and eligible to return to the last institution attended.

CREDITS EARNED IN OTHER COLLEGES AS A TRANSIENT STUDENT

A student in the University of South Alabama is not permitted to take credit work as a transient student at another institution to be applied toward a degree without prior permission from the dean of the college. The permission must be in writing, specifying which courses are acceptable and their equivalents at the University of South Alabama. A copy of this permission must be filed with the University Registrar. Students do not need transient approval if they have not been enrolled at the University for two or more consecutive terms.

STUDENT RECORDS

The University of South Alabama maintains records and data relative to the individual student to facilitate the educational process of the student and to assist in the administration of student needs by the University. The University of South Alabama complies with the rights of privacy and access to the educational records of the student as set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

The University of South Alabama has formulated the following policy in accordance with the Act:

No information from records, files, or data directly related to a student other than that defined as “directory information” shall be disclosed or released to any individual or agency outside the University without the prior written consent of the student, except according to lawful subpoena or court orders, or except in the case of need by other educational agencies or governmental agencies. Such information will be available to personnel and faculty for legitimate educational purposes. The student shall have the right of access to and to review of all such information with those exceptions that are defined within this policy statement.

To request non-disclosure of directory information, students must complete a “Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information” form in the Registrar’s Office. This request is valid for one academic year only and must be filed each fall semester.

TRANSCRIPTS

Upon the written request of the student, transcripts are normally issued by the Registrar within one to three days. The fee is $6.00 per transcript. All outstanding obligations to the University must be cleared prior to the release of transcripts. The University does not release copies of transcripts from other institutions.

ENROLLMENT CERTIFICATION AND DEGREE VERIFICATION

The Registrar's Office provides official enrollment/degree verification upon the written request of the student. The University of South Alabama is a participant in the National Student Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is a repository for enrollment/degree status information and was established to simplify, standardize and automate the status veritfication and deferment process. The Clearinghouse, The University's agent, will provide student enrollment/degree information directly to the guaranty agencies, lenders, and other services.

GRADUATION

Application For Graduation

Students planning to graduate must make application according to the dates specified in the University Calendar. Failure to make application will result in a delay in scheduled graduation dates.

A student must file an application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office two terms before expected degree completion (see University Calendar for deadlines). The degree audit/official check sheet must be approved by the chair of the major department and the academic dean.

Choice of Catalog Under Which A Student Graduates

A candidate for the bachelor’s degree must fulfill the requirements of a degree program as specified in the catalog in effect during the academic year of the student’s first matriculation as a degree student. Students may select a subsequent catalog during their matriculation with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. If a student does not attend the University for a period of one (1) calendar year or longer, the student will be required to fulfill the requirements of the degree program as specified by the catalog in effect during the year of the student’s return as a degree student.

If a student prolongs the completion of a degree program, curricular or programmatic changes may occur to such an extent that the requirements for the degree program as outlined in a catalog for which the student would otherwise be eligible can no longer be fulfilled. If in the judgment of the appropriate academic dean, this has occurred, such catalogs cannot be used for meeting degree requirements. In these cases, the academic dean would designate the appropriate catalog for determination of degree requirements.

If a student changes degree programs, the college or division may require the student to fulfill the requirements of the catalog in effect when the change of degree program is approved.

Evaluation of Degree Requirements

Each senior will have one official check of remaining degree requirements following filing of the degree application for graduation which includes the payment of the $30.00 application fee. This evaluation will be available from the student’s dean. A fee of $15.00 will be charged for any additional degree check necessitated by a student’s subsequent change of catalog, program of studies, or failure to complete degree requirements by the prescribed term.

Graduation With Honors

Students who have at least 60 credit hours attempted in residence at the University of South Alabama and have a grade-point average of 3.50 or better at the University of South Alabama are graduated with distinction. Transfer credit hours are not included in the determination of academic honors.

Students earning a grade-point average of 3.90 or higher are graduated summa cum laude.

Students earning a grade-point average of 3.70 but less than 3.90 are graduated magna cum laude.

Students earning a grade-point average of 3.50 but less than 3.70 are graduated cum laude.

Commencement

The University has a Spring and Fall commencement. Students graduating spring term are eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement only. Students graduating summer and fall terms are eligible to participate in Fall commencement only.

Diplomas

Diplomas are issued each term; however, degrees are conferred at commencement. Diplomas will be held until all outstanding obligations to the University have been cleared. Unclaimed diplomas become the property of the University one calendar year thereafter.

Awarding of Posthumous Degree

If a deceased student has satisfactorily completed approximately 90 percent of the degree requirements, the Dean of the College may recommend the waiving of the remaining requirements for the appropriate academic degree. The Dean’s recommendation will be submitted to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for review. If approved, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Office of the President for final approval.

Honors Program

Students who have completed all requirements for the University of South Alabama Honors Program with an overall grade-point average of 3.5 or higher will receive special recognition at graduation. For details of the USA Honors Program see USA Honors Program.