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.

Each student admitted to the University of South Alabama will be assigned a free, permanent, official University e-mail address (@jaguar1.usouthal.edu). Most changes in University policies and official University correspondence will be transmitted via the student's official e-mail account. Instructors may also utilize this address to communicate with students. Students are responsible for regularly reading e-mail sent to this address. The official University e-mail address cannot be changed, but students may elect to have official mail forwarded to any other personal e-mail address. To activate your jaguar1 account, select that link on the University's PAWS web site.

SEMESTER SYSTEM

Terms normally consist of fifteen weeks of class followed by a final examination week. In some programs of study, courses may be scheduled for parts of terms different from a complete semester. 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 (for eight 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 enrolled for 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 spreadsheet 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) that a student pass the CIS 150/250 Placement Test or complete Computer Science 150 for academic credit. All students in USA residence halls will be provided 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 departments 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. Degree requirements in some programs may exceed the minimum of 128 semester hours.

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.

MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT

All students must complete the on-line Mathematics Placement Test in order to register for any of the 100 level mathematics courses. The student should take the placement test at least 48 hours before registering since registration will be blocked before the test is taken. This test will help determine the most appropriate mathematics course for which the student is qualified. The registration system will enforce the placement prerequisite. The placement test must be completed within 2 hours, and the use of calculators is not allowed. The test can be found at the following URL: http://www.southalabama.edu/mathplacement. University policy on placement in 100 level mathematics courses is determined in accordance with the following table:

USA Mathematics Course	Required Course/Test	Minimum Grade/Score
MA 100 (Finite Mathematics)	Math Placement Test or DS 084	35 C
MA 112 (Precalculus Algebra)	Math Placement Test or DS 084	65 C
MA 113 (Precalculus Trigonometry)	MA 112 or Math Placement Test	C 75
MA 115 (Precalculus Algebra & Trigonometry)	Math Placement Test or DS 084	75 C
MA 120 (Calculus and Its Applications)	MA 112 or MA 113 or MA 115 or Math Placement Test	C C C 75
MA 125 (Calculus I)	MA 113 or MA 115 or Math Placement Test	C C 85

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 the University Schedule of Classes by a (W) after the course title. EH 101 and EH 102 are prerequisites to writing courses.
Students must demonstrate general competence in writing by earning a “C” or better in EH 101 and a “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. Students scoring a minimum of 500 on the CLEP English Examination or a score of 4 or higher in the Advanced Placement Program may satisfy the EH 101 requirement.

NOTE: Credits earned in the Department of English as a Second Language or Developmental 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 finite mathematics(MA 110) or precalculus algebra (MA 112) level or higher, and at least eight semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences. See MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT section.
	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 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 standardized test 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 Program or 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, other 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.

For courses taken at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, that occur in the University of South Alabama Catalog of Courses, transfer evaluation will assign the equivalent USA Course number and name. For the purposes of meeting USA degree requirements and upper division USA resident coursework requirements (32 hours of 300 and 400-numbered courses), 300 and 400-level Sea Lab/USA courses will count as if they were taken on the USA campus as a native USA student, even though they were taken while enrolled at the transfer institution.

Any deviation from these residency policies 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 secondary major on the Declaration of Program 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. Both departments must prepare graduation completion check sheets. Students who declare a double major must participate in academic advising in each major. Completion of a minor is not required of students completing two majors. Students who declare two majors from different colleges will be required to fulfill all requirements for each major and to fulfill all degree requirements, including those for general education, that apply in the college of the primary major. 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 non-degree student (see unclassified). 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 Admissions 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.

DUAL BACHELOR'S DEGREES

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 beyond those of a second major's as specified below. To earn a dual degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1.	They must complete the appropriate form(s) in the Registrar's Office.
2.	They must be enrolled in the college(s) in which both degrees are administered.
3.	They must complete at least 160 total semester hours.
4.	They must complete a course of study, approved 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 each degree.
6.	They must comply with all other University regulations.

SECOND BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Students who have been awarded a bachelor's degree from any institution may seek a second bachelor's degree. To earn a second bachelor's degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1.	They must complete the appropriate form(s) in the Admissions Office.
2.	They must be enrolled in the college in which the second degree is administered.
3.	They must complete a course of study, 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.
4.	They must satisfy all degree requirements of the college awarding the second degree.
5.	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 Graduate School 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 for undergraduate and graduate credit. The graduate course may only 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, was taken no more than 5 years prior to the completion of the graduate degree, and the course is approved for credit by the graduate advisor.

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 will be withdrawn by the Registrar, 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 ("time tickets") and register utilizing USA's Personal Access Web System (PAWS) at http://paws.southalabama.edu. (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. Enrollment status can be found in PAWS.

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

Students may drop courses, using PAWS, without penalty provided the withdrawal occurs within the time limits listed in the official calendar. Students cannot drop final course on PAWS. See procedures for withdrawals below. Course drops may also be submitted in person to the Registrar's Office. 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 (dropping all courses in progress) from the University is initiated in the student’s academic dean’s office. Complete withdrawals from the University must be submitted in person (not online) at the Registrar's Office. Clearance must be secured from the University Library, 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 in which a grade of "D" or "F" is received. Total grade-points are computed on the basis of all attempts. A student who has a grade of "C" or better may repeat the course with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. Credit for 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 semester hour
D	Minimum Passing, 1 grade-point per semester hour
F	Failure, no grade-points (weighted)
F*	Failure due to leaving the University without withdrawing, no grade points
E	Excellent, no grade-points (unweighted)
S	Satisfactory, no grade-points (unweighted)
U	Unsatisfactory, no grade-points (unweighted)
U*	Unsatisfactory due to leaving the University without withdrawing, no grade points
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 available only through PAWS (Personal Access Web System at http://paws.southalabama.edu) at the completion of each term.

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.

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 only if properly changed and the Dean’s office is notified before publication of the lists.

ACADEMIC STATUS POLICY FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Required Grade Point Average

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 average of 2.0 or greater on University of South Alabama course work.

As discussed in the section, General Requirements of Bachelor Degrees, a student must earn a minimum cumulative USA grade point average of 2.0 to graduate. (See special requirements in the College of Education.)

Academic Probation

Students with a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 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. Students with grade point averages substantially below 2.0 are subject to academic suspension or dismissal as indicated below.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension for one regular semester results if a student at the end of any semester does not have the minimum grade point average indicated in the suspension and dismissal table following. The minimum required grade point average varies with the total number of credit hours attempted at the University. No student will be suspended before they have passed at least thirty credit hours at the University.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal for one calendar year results if a student who has been reinstated following a previous academic suspension or dismissal fails to make satisfactory progress. Satisfactory progress is specified in the sections following titled Reinstatement Following Academic Suspension and Reinstatement Following Academic Dismissal.

SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL TABLE

Hours	Minimum GPA
30-42		1.20
43-54		1.43
55-66		1.56
67-77		1.64
78-89		1.69
90-102		1.73
102-up		1.80

Reinstatement Following Academic Suspension

Students reinstated following one regular term (excludes summer term) of academic suspension are readmitted on academic probation. Students in this category are subject to academic dismissal if they do not make satisfactory progress. A student is considered to be making satisfactory progress as long as they maintain a USA grade point average for each semester of 2.25 or above until their cumulative USA grade point average is above the minimum required grade point average for dismissal as outlined in the table above. Once a student achieves a grade point average larger than the minimum required grade point average, he is subject to the requirement to maintain his grade point average above the minimum value as listed in the table. Returning students will remain on Probation until the cumulative USA grade point average is 2.0 or greater.

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

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 they do not make satisfactory progress. A student is considered to be making satisfactory progress as long as they maintain a USA grade point average for each semester of 2.25 or above until their cumulative USA grade point average is above the minimum required grade point average for dismissal as outlined in the table above. Once a student achieves a grade point average larger than the minimum required grade point average, he is subject to the requirement to maintain his grade point average above the minimum value as listed in the table. Returning students will remain on Probation until the cumulative USA grade point average is 2.0 or greater.

Students intending to seek readmission after dismissal must first file a Readmission Form with the Office of Admissions 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 GPA. 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 GPA 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 reentry, 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 Bulletin is limited to those in effect from the time in which the student declares academic bankruptcy onward. Academic bankruptcy applies only to courses completed at the University of South Alabama.

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.

For financial aid recipients - filing academic bankruptcy will not clear your satisfactory progress problem nor reinstate your federal financial aid eligibility (including loans).

READMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

Students who have been previously enrolled in the University of South Alabama, and who have not attended for one regular term (not including summer) should comply with the following:

How to Apply for Readmission

An applicant should request the appropriate forms from the Admissions Office. The readmission form, including all required credentials, should be filed with the Admissions Office by one of the following deadlines: Fall Semester - July 7; Spring Semester - November 3 or Summer Semester - April 1.