ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS

Each student is responsible for informing himself or herself of the academic regulations and requirements set forth in this Bulletin and for revisions of same as posted on campus bulletin boards or release in other official publications of the University. Failure to meet the requirements or comply with regulations because of lack of knowledge thereof does not excuse the student from meeting the academic regulations and requirements.

A student’s program of study must be approved by his or her advisor, his or her chairperson or a member of the faculty in his or her major department at registration. Advisors will make every attempt to give effective guidance to students in academic matters and to refer students to those qualified to help them in other matters. However, the final responsibility for meeting all academic requirements for a selected program rests with the student.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

A student entering the University from secondary school may obtain advanced placement and college credit on the basis of performance on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement examinations. A score of three (3) or higher on any CEEB advanced placement examination will entitle the student to credit for the comparable University course as determined by the Director of Admissions in consultation with the chairperson of the appropriate department.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

*Proficiency exam(s) required to earn credit for corresponding lab courses.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
GENERAL EXAMINATION

COURSES OF STUDY

A student should refer to the requirements of his/her respective department or school about his/her program of study and confer with his/her advisor whenever problems arise. The student is expected to follow the program outlined as closely as possible. This is very important during the first two years when he or she is satisfying basic degree requirements and prerequisites for advanced work.

DECLARATION OF MAJOR

A student is required to declare a major at or before completing 45 semester hours. If a major is not declared, the student will not be allowed to register for the next semester.

REGISTRATION

Registration is a time designated each semester to allow the student and his or her advisor to review the student’s records and plan a course of study for the next semester.

The student also has an opportunity to discuss academic problems with the advisor. Registration helps to ensure that the courses requested on the registered schedule will be available to the student the following semester.

Any student who is enrolled in the University during the registration period is expected to register during the period designated for this purpose.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION

In order for a student to get credit for a course, he or she must be properly registered in that course. This means that the student must have gone through the registration procedures as outlined by the University. Further, the student must have paid all required tuition and fees.

LATE REGISTRATION

A student is expected to complete enrollment (including the payment of all required fees) on the dates listed on the University Calendar. The payment of fees is part of the registration process. No student is eligible to attend classes until the required fees have been paid.

A student who fails to complete registration during the scheduled dates will be required to pay a late registration fee of $20.00 beginning that date and $10.00 each day during the late registration period that the bill is not validated.

AUDITORS

A regular student may audit a course by picking up the Audit Form from the Office of the Registrar. He or she must register officially for the course and pay the University Cashier.

Attendance, preparation, and participation in the classroom discussion and laboratory exercises shall be at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who audits courses is not required to take examinations and tests and he or she receives no credit. An auditor may not change his or her registration from audit to credit or from credit to audit after late registration ends.

COURSE LOAD

According to Administrative Memorandum - Number 345, all full-time undergraduate students are expected to comply with the Board’s 1993 Plan to Improve Graduation Rates by enrolling in an average of at least 15 semester hours per term in order to graduate in four years. The majority of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s academic programs require 128 semester hours. In order to complete a 128 hour degree program in 8 semesters, it will be necessary for students to carry a course load consisting of an average of 16 semester hours or complete 32 semester hours in an academic year. Undergraduate students enrolled in twelve (12) or more semester hours are designated as full-time students and must pay full tuition and fees. Full-time students usually carry from 15 to 18 semester hours. To enroll in more than 18 semester hours, students must get approval from the department head and the dean.

The maximum course load that students who are on academic probation may carry twelve semester hours. The maximum course load for a student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is 21 hours.

Undergraduate students on academic probation who have a cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum level that is required based on the number of semesters completed are exempted from the twelve hour course load limit.

DOUBLE MAJOR

Students who desire to obtain a double major must file a double major form in the Office of the Registrar. Students who have double majors which involve two departments or two schools must satisfy the major requirements for each department or school. To graduate with a double major, students must complete requirements for both majors during the same semester or summer.

PREREQUISITES

A course which is designated as prerequisite to another course indicates that the prerequisite is required before taking the next course.

Credit may be granted to indicate acceptable performance in the prerequisite course content by successful completion of standardized tests under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or successfully passing an examination adopted or prepared by the department granting the credit.

REPETITION OF COURSES

A student who has received a failing grade in a required course at this University must repeat and pass the course unless the Dean of the College/School authorizes a substitute course. No single course may be repeated more than (2) two times. Course withdrawals do not count. Course drops do not count toward the attempts. A course completed with a grade of “C” or higher may not be repeated for a higher grade. Special authorization may be requested, as needed, from the Dean of the appropriate College/School to assist the student with completing requirements for graduation.

In order to officially repeat a course, the student must fill out the Course Repeat Form in the Office of the Registrar.

Dual course credit is not allowed. For example, only three (3) hours of credit are allowed for a three (3) hour course.

All grades earned by the student are a part of his/her official academic record and will appear on his/her transcript.

CORE REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

The University has approved the principle of greater flexibility in the course offerings that can be taken to satisfy the core requirements of the University. The areas in the core and the minimum semester hour requirements are as follows:

 In order to graduate, each incoming student beginning with the 1995-1996 academic year will be required to complete a three-hour course of African/African American Studies and a three-hour course of Global Studies. These two courses can be met through a student’s general education component, major course requirements, or free electives.

“Schools and departments with internal and external constraints, for example accreditation and certification, may also meet the African/African American and/or Global Studies requirements through a series of courses in which these issues are consistently integrated within the regular course material.”

African/African American Courses

            1.            ENGL-333: Survey of Afro-American Literature

            2.            MUSI-220: History of Black Music in America

            3.            MUSI-221: History of Jazz

            4.            FOLA-417: Literature of Afro-French Expression

            5.            HIST-215: History of Africa Since 1800

            6.            HIST-216: History of Africa Since 1800

            7.            HIST-310: The Afro-American in the United States to 1877

            8.            HIST-311: The Afro-American in the United States Since 1877 (A continuation of History 310)

            9.            HIST-320: African History as seen Through African Art and Archaeology

            10.            HIST-328: U.S. Slavery, 1619-1865

            11.            HIST-412: Modernization in Africa from 1920 to the Present

            12.            HIST-416: History of Black Culture in the United States

            13.            POLI-220: Blacks in the American Political System

            14.            POLI-445: Problems of Contemporary Africa

            15.            SOCI-314: Black Experience

            16.            SPCH-302: Minorities in Mass Media

 Global Studies Courses

            1.            AERO-421: National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society I

            2.            AERO-422: National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society II

            3.            ECON-505: International Economic Relations

            4.            ECON-537: International Marketing

            5.            FOLA-417: Literature of Afro-French Expression

            6.            FOLA-450: La Cultura Hispanica (Formerly Spanish 301, 2543)

            7.            HIST- 100: World Civilizations - Part I

            8.            HIST-101: World Civilizations - Part II

            9.            HIST-210: World Regional Geography

            10.            HIST-320: African History as seen through African Art and Archaeology

            11.            HIST-321: Cultural History, Ethnicity and Ethnographic Collections

            12.            HIST-322: Economic Geography

            13.            HIST-327: History of Latin America

            14.            HIST-330: History of the Far East to 1800

            15.            HIST-331: History of the Far East to 1800

            16.            HIST-332: The Modern Middle East

            17.            HIST-412: Modernization in Africa from 1920 to the Present

            18.            POLI-444: International Relations

            19.            POLI-445: Problems of Contemporary Africa

COURSE CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

Credit may be earned by examination for any undergraduate course for which a suitable examination has been adopted or prepared by the department granting the credit. The student receives the grade “CE” and regular credit for the number of hours involved. However, the credit hours are excluded in computing the student’s grade point average.

Credit may also be granted for the successful completion of standardized tests under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) as approved for specific courses by University departments. There is no maximum amount of credit that a student may earn, but a student must complete a minimum of three semesters as a full-time student in residence at the University. Fees for CLEP and other standardized examinations are determined externally, rather than by the University. These credits are treated as transfer credits. Questions about the program may be addressed to the Director of Admissions or the Director of Counseling Services.

(Grading System)

Grades are assigned and recorded as follows:

normal credit load

The normal load for an undergraduate student is sixteen (16) credit hours per semester. The minimum load for a full-time undergraduate student is twelve (12) credit hours per semester. The student is expected to make normal progress toward a degree. Normal progress means the completion of sixteen (16) or more semester hours each semester with a 2.0 grade point average or higher for a full-time student. These sixteen (16) hours must consist of courses that count toward graduation for a full-time student.

ACADEMIC GOOD STANDING

            To be in good academic standing a full-time student must have the following minimum grade point average and the following semester hours passed:

A student must achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 each semester enrolled beyond the sixth (6^th) semester to be in good academic standing. A student is eligible to continue to work toward an undergraduate degree until he or she has attended eleven (11) semesters as a full-time student (not including summer session) or until he or she has attempted 152 semester hours. At that point the student becomes ineligible to continue at the University unless approved by the dean of the college or school.

A student is eligible to register if he or she has a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 and has attended the University less than the maximum number semesters allowed for the degree program.

ACADEMIC WARNING

Freshman or sophomore students whose mid-semester grade point averages are less than 2.0 will be issued an academic warning indicated by a special notation on mid-semester grade reports issued from the Office of the Registrar. While being placed on academic warning does not become a part of the student’s permanent record, the student is warned that failure to restore good academic standing by the end of that semester will result in academic probation.

ACADEMIC PROBATION/SUSPENSION

A student who does not meet the above requirements will be placed on academic probation for the next semester of enrollment and is required to remove the deficiency prior to the beginning of the next semester. Failure to remove this deficiency during the probation semester will lead to a one semester suspension. A student who is suspended for a given semester may petition the dean to waive the suspension. The student who has been suspended and re-admitted with a waiver from his or her dean is required to make a minimum grade point average of 2.0 each semester or summer session following re-enrollment until such time as the minimum cumulative grade point average is at or above minimum appropriate progression requirement. A student who is on probation at the end of the spring semester may attend summer school and work toward removing his or her academic deficiencies.

A part-time undergraduate student is defined as one who enrolls in less than twelve (12) hours during a semester. The part-time student who fails to maintain the minimum average is subject to the actions prescribed for full-time students. A part-time student who enrolls in the University after an academic suspension must achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0.

A part-time undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program must maintain the following minimum cumulative grade point average at the end of the cumulative semester hours indicated for a full-time student:

Students are expected to be aware at all times of their academic status and to be responsible for knowing whether or not they are on academic probation. Students on academic probation shall be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours of credit in a fall or spring semester and no more than four (4) semester hours in each session of summer school.

Any student who is placed on academic suspension at the end of the spring semester may attend both sessions of summer school to remove academic deficiencies. However, if the suspended student does not raise his or her average to the required minimum, the student will remain suspended.

A student who fails to meet the minimum academic requirements after having been suspended and re-admitted is subject to permanent academic dismissal. There is an appeal procedure for academic dismissal.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL APPEALS

Any student who has been dismissed from the University must be out for a minimum of one semester before an appeal may be made to the Committee on Admission and Academic Retention. Appeals are to be addressed to the Committee on Admission and Academic Retention in care of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

VETERANS AND PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR VETERANS BENEFITS

Veterans will be certified for the length of their program. Thereafter, certification will be made on a semester basis contingent upon their potential for completion of their program within a reasonable time. This may be determined by university counseling.

After eight semesters the student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 1.90. To graduate, however, the students must complete a minimum of 124 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.0.

            Veterans will be certified annually for the length of their program. Thereafter, certification will be made on a semester basis, contingent upon their potential for graduation within a reasonable time as determined by University counseling.

QUALITY POINTS

Quality points are computed by multiplying the number of semester hour credits by 4 for courses in which a grade of A is earned – by 3 for a grade of B; by 2 for a grade of C; by 1 for a grade of D. No quality points are given for a grade of F.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

The grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted.

COURSE NUMBER AND CLASSIFICATION

Each course bears a distinguishing number which identifies it within the department and indicates, broadly, its level. The number system is as follows:

            100-399, lower level courses primarily for freshmen and sophomores

            400-599, upper level courses primarily for juniors and seniors

            600-699, courses for undergraduate and graduate students

            700-799, courses for graduate students and appropriate professional students’ special programs

COURSE SCHEDULING

To enhance the preparation of scheduling classes and the academic advisement process, each course has a scheduling designation relative to the grading period. This scheduling designation is provided: “F” for fall semester, “S” for spring semester, “SS” for summer school, and upon demand “DEMAND”.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

Students are classified on the basis of semester hours completed excluding remedial and deficiency courses. The following classification scale applies to all students regardless of enrollment date:

CHANGE OF GRADE

A request for a change of grade, for any reason, must be made within one year following the date the original grade was assigned by the faculty member.

GRADE APPEAL

A student may appeal the final grade earned in a course. Initially, the student should attempt to resolve the matter informally through the instructor of the course, the department chair and/or dean of the academic unit in which the grade was assigned. If the matter is not resolved through this level of interaction, then the student should consult the individual school/college on its written grade appeal policy. A student wishing to pursue a written appeal of a grade must demonstrate a legitimate basis for the appeal. Grade appeals are final at the level of the school/college.

CHANGES IN SCHEDULE

A change in a student’s program may be made with the consent of his or her advisor or department chairperson. However, if a student’s schedule is changed after the designated period for adding and/or dropping courses, the consent of the school dean is required.

The student must obtain and properly complete the Change of Schedule Form. This form is obtained from the Office of the Registrar and should be returned to that office.

CHANGING SCHOOLS/COLLEGES

Students may transfer from one school/college of the University to another with the written approval and acceptance of the Deans of the schools/colleges involved. The proper forms on which to apply for such a change are to be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and executed at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to transfer. When such a transfer is made, students must satisfy the current academic requirements of the school/college and/or department to which students’ transfer.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

A student who wishes or is asked to leave the University at any time during the semester shall complete and file official withdrawal forms. These forms may be obtained from the University Counseling and Testing Center. They should be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Students who withdraw from the University within 15 calendar days of the beginning of the final examination period for the semester shall receive a “W” in all classes enrolled. Failure to execute and file these forms in a timely manner will result in a student incurring the penalty of receiving an “F” for each course in which he or she was enrolled during the semester in question.

RE-ADMISSION OF FORMER STUDENTS

All students who withdraw from the University, voluntarily leave the University or are suspended, must obtain a permit to register before resuming their studies at the University.

The request for a permit must be received by the Office of the Registrar at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to register. When requesting a permit, the student should fill out a re-admission application in the Office of the Registrar.

Before a student who voluntarily leaves or withdraw is re-admitted, his or her academic record is reviewed. If the student did not attain the minimum academic performance level for the number of semesters enrolled at the University, the request for re-admission may be denied.

Former students who have been dismissed from the University for failure to meet the scholastic eligibility requirements may appeal to the Committee on Admissions and Retention for a review of their case. The appeal should be addressed to the Committee in care of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

The person should not present him or herself for re-enrollment until he or she has received a reply from the Committee. Appeals should reach the committee at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of the term in which the persons expect to register.

Former students whose attendance has been interrupted by the University for disciplinary reasons must apply to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for a review of their case for possible re-admission.

FIVE YEAR READMISSION POLICY

An undergraduate who has been academically dismissed can only be readmitted under the Five Year Readmission Policy.

Any undergraduate student who has not been enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for at least five years (10 academic semesters) may be eligible for one readmission under the “Five Year Readmission Policy.” This policy is subject to a student being able to complete degree requirements without exceeding 152 hours attempted.

Only courses in which a grade of “C” or better was earned will be counted toward graduation. This policy will not alter the student’s original academic record.

The student’s grade point average will begin at the time studies are resumed. Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA on courses taken after readmission to be eligible to continue. Degree requirements will be those in effect at the time the student re-enrolls.

Students who select the Five Year Readmission Policy will not be recognized as graduating with honors. Publication of honors and scholarships is made at commencement.

Students must have a curriculum plan that leads to graduation developed jointly with the department chairperson and approved by the school/college dean. This documentation must accompany the Readmission application.

The Five Year Readmission Policy must be exercised at the time of readmission to the University. Once exercised, this policy cannot be reversed.

INCOMPLETES

Students are expected to complete all requirements of a particular course during the semester in which they are registered. However, if at the end of the semester a small portion of the work remains unfinished and should be deferred because of some serious circumstances beyond the control of the student, an “I” may be submitted.

An “I” for a prolonged illness may be submitted only after the written approval of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has been secured. An “I” for other causes may be submitted only with the approval of the dean of the school/college.

Along with the recording of the incomplete grade, the instructor must also file with the head of the department the student’s average grade and a written description of the work which must be completed before the incomplete is removed.

Procedure for the Removal of an Incomplete

An incomplete grade must be removed within SIX WEEKS after the beginning of the next semester. If the student has not removed the incomplete within the time specified, the Incomplete is automatically changed to an “F.” Developmental, thesis and research courses are exempted from the six week time limit.

SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

A final examination will be required as a part of every course. An examination schedule showing the time and place of meeting of each course and section will be published each semester. Schedules so published will be followed without exception. Any changes in the examination schedule must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.

HONOR ROLL

To encourage academic excellence, the University publishes a Dean’s List at the end of each semester. Regular undergraduate students whose semester grade p