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 point average is 3.00 or higher shall be eligible for the Dean’s List. Students making the Honor Roll must have completed a total of 12 or more semester hours. The cumulative grade point average is 3.00 or higher based on the adjusted hours.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Class Attendance

The University is committed to the principle that regular and punctual class attendance is essential to the students’ optimum scholastic achievement. An absence, excused or unexcused, does not relieve the student of any course requirement.

Regular class attendance is a student obligation, and a student is responsible for all the work, including tests and written work, of all class meetings.

Instructor’s Responsibility

            1)            Description of attendance requirements should be stated in the course syllabus and announced in class, particularly at the beginning of each term. If class attendance is to affect a student’s course grade, then a statement to that effect must be a part of the course syllabus distributed to each student.

            2)            Instructors will keep attendance records in all classes. Each instructor has the right to prescribe procedures as to how and when attendance will be taken.

Student’s Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each student to learn and comply with the requirements set by the instructor for each class in which he or she is registered. The student should:

            1)            have knowledge of each instructor’s attendance and monitoring practices for class absences during the term,

            2)            become familiar with all materials covered in each course during absences and makeup work of any work required by the instructor, and

            3)            initiate the request to make-up work on the first day of class attendance after the absence.

 POLICY ON MAKE - UP OF REQUIRED COURSE WORK

The administration, faculty and staff recognize that there are circumstances and events which require students to miss classes and require course work which may be performed or due on the day of the absence. Also, they recognize that required course work is needed to give each student an adequate performance evaluation. Therefore, whenever reasonable (and more specifically described below), students should be allowed to make up required work.

The following definitions will apply with respect to this policy:

            a.             Required course work – All work which will be used in the determination of final grades, e.g. examinations, announced quizzes, required papers and essays, required assignments.

            b.             Instructor – Person responsible for the course and providing instruction and evaluation.

            c.            Permissible reasons for requesting make up of required work – Sickness (verification needed) – death of relatives (immediate family); participation in approved University related activities; acting in the capacity of a representative of the University (band, choir, sports related travel, etc.); extraordinary circumstances (court appearance, family emergency, etc.); require a signed statement. NOTE: Other reasons for requesting make up have required course work is not acceptable.

            d.            Documentation – Verification of sickness requires signed statement of a physician or a duly authorized staff member of the Health Center. Verification of death requires signed statement from the Minister or Funeral Director. Verification of participation in University related activities requires signed statement from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Verification of other reasonable circumstances; for example, court appearance, family emergency, etc. require a signed statement from an appropriate official (e.g., Court Official, parent or guardian, etc.).

The policy regarding make-up of required course work is as follows:

            (1)            A student may petition an instructor to make up required course work whenever the student has a permissible reason for requesting make up of required course work.

            (2)            A student will be required to present documentation which certifies absence constituting permissible reason.

            (3)            Whenever possible, a student should consult with the instructor prior to an absence which will involve the failure to do required course work. Arrangements for make up should be discussed and agreed upon at this time.

            (4)            A student must petition for make up of required course work on the first day that he returns to class.

            (5)            If permission is granted to make up required course work, the instructor and the student should agree on an acceptable date for completion of missed required course work.

            (6)            Failure to comply with item 4 may result in the denial to make up required course work.

Instructors should schedule make up work at a time that is convenient to both the instructor and the student.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

A candidate for a degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

            1.            Choose a specific curriculum leading to a degree in one of the schools/colleges and complete the requirements of this curriculum;

            2.            Complete a minimum of 124 semester hours excluding deficiency courses and remedial work for the Bachelor’s degree;

            3.            Complete the core requirements of the University in English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science Humanities and Health or Physical Education for the Bachelor’s degree;

            4.            Earn an average of two (2) grade points for every semester hour undertaken including hours passed or failed. After completing the number of credit hours required for graduation, if the student is deficient in grade points, he or she must take additional courses that have been approved by his or her academic dean to secure these points. The student must also obtain an average of 2.0 or more in his or her major field;

            5.            Complete a minimum of three semesters as a full-time student in residence at the University. This requirement includes the two semesters prior to the period when the student completes his/her requirements for graduation. At least one half of the credits in the student’s major field must be earned at the University. Exception to either of these provisions may be made upon the recommendation of the chairperson of the student’s major department with the approval of the school dean.

            6.            Clear all academic conditions by the end of the semester preceding graduation.

            7.            Pay all University bills and fees;

            8.            File an application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar in accordance with the schedule below:

                        A.            May Graduation — By last day for late registration for spring semester

                        B.            Summer Graduation — By the end of the second week of class in the summer session

                        C.            December Graduation — By the last day for the late registration for the fall semester

GRADUATIng WITH HONORS

Undergraduate candidates who complete all requirements for graduation in accordance with the following stipulations earn the following honors: (1) Those who maintain a general average within the range of 3.00 to 3.24 will receive CUM LAUDE, (2) those who maintain a general average within the range from 3.25 to 3.49 will receive MAGNA CUM LAUDE, and (3) those who maintain a general average within the range of 3.50 to 4.00 will receive SUMMA CUM LAUDE.

All hours attempted are included in the grade point average computation for honors. This means that when a course is repeated, both grades are added in the computation. For a transfer student a minimum of 60 percent of the credit hours required for a degree program must be earned at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to be considered for honors. For example, if the program requires a total of 128 credit hours, 77 of those hours must be earned at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical. Publication of honors and scholarships is made at commencement.

COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION

Students who complete degree requirements during the summer session or during the fall semester are invited to participate in the commencement exercises along with students who complete degree requirements during the spring semester.

Students “who have been cleared for graduation” are those students who have applied for graduation during the spring semester and who are currently enrolled in those required courses remaining to complete their degrees.

GRADUATIng UNDER A GIVEN CATALOGUE

A student may expect to earn a degree in accordance with the requirements of the curriculum outlined in the catalogue in force when he or she first entered the University, provided the courses are being offered. Moreover, he or she must complete these requirements within six years. In addition, he or she may graduate under any subsequent catalogue published while he or she is a student. If a student elects to meet the requirements of a catalogue other than the one in force at the time of his or her original interest, he or she must meet all requirements of the catalogue he or she elects.

SECOND BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

A student who has received a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University or another accredited college or university may enroll in a program leading to a second degree at the same level providing (1) the major field is different from that of the first degree and (2) the appropriate application for admission or re-admission is filed and approved.

Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree and received the first degree must (1) complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours beyond those applied to the first or previous degree, excluding transfer credits or substitutions and dependent upon departmental requirements, (2) be in residence for a minimum of two (2) semesters as a full-time student if the first or previous degree was not earned at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and (3) achieve a cumulative minimum point average of 2.0 for all hours attempted for the degree.

GRADE REPORTS

As soon as grades are determined at the end of each semester or summer term, a report of grades is sent to the student at his or her permanent home address.

PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS

The University insures students access to their official academic records but prohibits the release of personally identifiable information, other than “directory information,” from these records without their permission, except as specified by public law 93-380. “Directory information” includes: Student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, school, major, sex, marital status, dates of attendance, degree received, honors received, institution (s) attended prior to admission to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, and physical factors. Public Law 93-380 further provides that any student may, upon written request, restrict the printing of such personal information relating to himself or herself as is usually included in campus directories. A student who desires to have “directory information” withheld must submit a written request to the Office of The Registrar one week before the beginning of classes for the semester or session in which he or she is enrolled.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

            1.            The policy for the administration of student academic records is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.

            2. Students have the right to inspect and review any and all official records, files, and data directly related to them.

            3.            A student who believes that his or her record contains inaccurate or misleading information shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record, to insure that the record is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of his or her privacy or rights, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein or include the student’s own statement of explanation.

            4.            The University will comply with requests from his or her record within a reasonable period of time and not later than (30) days after the request is received.

            5.            The release of academic records requires the written permission of the student, except as provided by Public Law 93-380. Transcripts are not issued to a student who has not met his or her financial obligations to the University.

 6.        Copies of the “University’s Statement” concerning access to students records are available in the Office of The Registrar as well as the office of each school dean and department chairperson.

CHANGE OF NAME AND ADDRESS

It is the obligation of every student to notify the Office of the Registrar of any change in name or address. Failure to do so can cause serious delay in the handling of the student’s records and in notification of emergencies at home. To change a name a student must first have a legal court document.

TRANSCRIPTS OF RECORDS

Requests for transcripts of students’ records should be addressed to the University Registrar. The cost is $2.00 per copy.

INDEBTEDNESS TO THE UNIVERSITY

No diploma, certificate or transcript of a record will be issued to a student who has not made a satisfactory settlement with the cashier for all indebtedness to the University. A student may not be permitted to attend classes or final examinations after the due date of any unpaid obligation.

PLAN TO IMPROVE GRADUATION RATES

In response to legislation enacted by the General Assembly in 1992, the Board of Governors has adopted a “Plan to Improve Graduation Rates in the University of North Carolina.” The plan includes polices that are aimed at decreasing the average time taken for completion of degrees.

What must a student do to graduate in four years?

Full-time undergraduate students are expected to make scheduled progress toward graduation. Thus, it should be possible for those students to complete most baccalaureate degree programs within four academic years or the equivalent.

What must the University do to expedite student progress?

Effective fall 1995, baccalaureate degree programs shall be limited to no more than 128 semester hours. Any program that requires 135 semester hours or more shall be officially designated as a five-year baccalaureate program.

Also, the University will make every effort to schedule a sufficient number of course sections and/or alternate courses to assist students in meeting their graduation requirements. A new registration/advising system is being tested which will provide progress reports to students and advisors.

What is the graduation rate at the University?

Our data show that 39.1 percent of the first-time full-time freshmen who entered North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Fall 1986 have received a baccalaureate degree from this institution or another UNC institution as of Fall 1992. In addition, another 9.9 percent were enrolled at this or another LTNC institution in pursuit of their baccalaureate degrees as of Fall 1992.

Why do some students take longer?

Many students carry fewer credits because they work; others interrupt their education for personal reasons. Some students take extra time completing special courses to improve their academic skills. Many students change majors, major in more than one field, or enroll in a major that requires more than 124 semester hours for graduation. A significant number of students also take extra time to pursue related educational experiences. Finally, some students take extra time for social reasons.

Working students. Nearly 20 percent of our students participate in the college work study program. Those students work an average of 15 hours each week. Over 30 percent of our undergraduate students work off campus. Students who work off campus average more than 30 hours a week while taking fewer hours than the on-campus students.

Many students work to help pay for school expenses. Some students work to avoid heavy loan debt upon graduation, and others work to enhance their career prospects after graduation. However, far too many of our students are working so that they can have automobiles, clothes, apartments, and lifestyles which are not conducive to succeeding in college.

The Piedmont Triad is an area in which college students may easily find work. Students who work are likely to carry fewer semester hours and are more likely to drop out of school for a period of time.

Student retention rate. From 1986-1991, the percentage of freshmen on the NCA&TSU campus who returned as sophomores has remained around 77 percent except for 1989 when it reached 86 percent. These figures are up from the mid 60 percent in earlier years. We anticipate that this increased retention of first-year students should be reflected in higher graduation rates over the next few years.

What must a student do to graduate faster?

The students must put education first. They should enroll in and complete at least 16 hours per semester. They must take advantage of courses offered in summer sessions or independent study. They should seek the advice of their assigned academic advisors who know the degree and major requirements.

The University of North Carolina requires North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to publish the following statement with the above material:

                        Our data show that 46.0 percent of the first-time full-time freshman students who entered North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Fall 1988 have received a baccalaureate degree from this institution or another UNC institution as of Fall 1994. This information is provided pursuant to requirements of the Student-Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is committed to a policy of academic honesty for all students. Examples of Academic Dishonesty include but are not limited to:

            •            Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of academic dishonesty;

            •            Plagiarism (unauthorized use of another person’s words or ideas as one’s own) which includes but is not necessarily limited to submitting examinations, theses, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other materials as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by another person or copied from another person.

            •            Unauthorized possession of examinations or reserve library materials, destruction or hiding of source materials, library materials, or laboratory materials or experiments or any other similar action;

            •            Unauthorized changing of grades or marking on an examination or in an instructor’s grade book, or such change of any grade record;

            •            Aiding or abetting in the infraction of any of the provisions anticipated under the general standards of student conduct; or

            •            Assisting another student in violating any of the above rules.

A student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty has failed to meet a basic requirement of satisfactory academic performance. Thus, academic dishonesty is not only a basis for disciplinary action but may also affect the evaluation of the student’s level of performance. Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action as defined below.

In instances where a student has clearly been identified as having committed an academic act of dishonesty, the instructor may take appropriate punitive action including a loss of credit for an assignment, an examination or project, or award a grade of “F” for the course subject to the review and endorsement of the chairperson and the dean. Repeated offenses can even lead to dismissal from the University.

STUDENT APPEALS ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

A student who feels that he or she has been unfairly treated as a result of an academic dishonesty matter may appeal the action in writing to the University Judicial Tribunal. The written notice of appeal must be submitted within one week (seven calendar days) of the date of the incident. The student should refer to the section on Appellate Procedures in the Student Handbook.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM

(UNC-GA Policies for Students-Adopted by BOG October 26, 1970)

The instructor may withdraw a student from a course for behavior he deems to be disruptive to the class. The grade assigned will be “W” if the behavior occurs before the deadline for dropping a course without academic penalty, and the instructor has the option of giving a “W” or a “F” if the behavior occurs after the deadline.

            1.            BINDING PROCEDURES FOR INSTRUCTORS

                        The instructor must provide an opportunity for the student to be heard. In providing this opportunity, the instructor must follow the procedure described below:

            1.            The student should be notified in writing at the next class attended that the instructor proposes to drop the student from the course for disruption of the class, and the instructor should provide the student with written instructions regarding the time and place for a meeting with the instructor. A copy of this written notification must be sent to the instructor’s department head at the same time.

            2.            A time limit of five working days (M-F) from the time written notification is given for the student’s opportunity to be heard by the instructor.

            3.            The date of notification establishes whether the withdrawn student will be given a “W” or “F.” “W” is appropriate before the 8-week drop date and either “W” or “F” is appropriate after that date, at the instructor’s discretion.

            4.            The instructor may suspend the student from class until the instructor takes final action to withdraw the student from class or to allow the student to continue in the class. The final decision to withdraw or continue the student is the instructor’s.

            5.            Either party in the resolution of this dispute may invite one other person of the university community to be present as an observer.

            II.            STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO APPEAL

                        If the student wishes to appeal the instructor’s decision to withdraw the student from class, he/she should follow the academic appeal procedures outlined in the section on grading in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

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