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Academic Honesty
Augusta University (“AU”) recognizes that academic honesty is essential to its academic function. The following regulations protect the equity and validity of the University’s grades and degrees, and help students develop ethical standards and attitudes appropriate to academic and professional life. Violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, cheating of all kinds, plagiarism, research misconduct, collusion, and false statements made to avoid negative academic consequences.
Cheating is prohibited. Cheating includes but is not limited to the following:
- Possessing, using, or exchanging improperly acquired information, whether in written or oral form, in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, or other assignment in an academic course, or in preparing for any examination in a course.
- Copying from another student’s paper.
- Use of prepared materials, notes, or texts other than those specifically permitted by the instructor during the examination.
- Collaboration with another student during an examination, unless such collaboration is explicitly allowed by the course instructor for the examination in question.
- Unapproved use of any technological device to gain or provide advantage on an examination, lab practical, or other assignment to be submitted for academic credit.
- Substituting for another person during an examination or allowing someone else to substitute for you.
- Solicitation or bribery of any person to obtain examination information.
Plagiarism is prohibited.
Themes, essays, term papers, tests, presentations, creative works, and similar work submitted to satisfy course and program requirements must be the personal work of the student submitting it. Plagiarism is the failure to acknowledge indebtedness to the authors/creators of works used to complete such assignments and/or other course requirements. It is always assumed that the work offered for evaluation and credit is the student’s own unless otherwise acknowledged. Such acknowledgment should occur whenever one quotes another person’s actual words; whenever one appropriates another person’s ideas, opinions, or theories, even if they are paraphrased; and whenever one borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials, unless the information is common knowledge. Further, it is expected, in the production of creative work, that the student’s work products are original, and that any images, sounds, or other intellectual properties that are not the original work of the student will be used fairly and with acknowledgement of the original source(s).
Research Misconduct is prohibited.
Misrepresentation of data collection and analysis, including falsification, fabrication or omission of data is prohibited. Augusta University Policy for Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct applies to students.
Collusion is prohibited.
Collusion is defined as unauthorized assistance from or collaboration with another person in the preparation or editing of notes, themes, reports, or other written work or in laboratory work offered for evaluation and credit, unless such assistance or collaboration is specifically approved in advance by the instructor. In cases of collusion, both the provider and recipient of such assistance are in violation of this academic conduct policy. However, students are authorized to use appropriate campus resources in the completion of written work (e.g., the campus Writing Center). Unless stated otherwise by the course instructor, use of such campus resources does not constitute academic misconduct under this policy. However, no student, except those working in a tutorial capacity in a universityapproved academic support center, will knowingly give or receive unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any assignment, essay, laboratory report or examination to be submitted for credit in an academic course.
False statements are prohibited.
False statements are defined as declarations made to avoid negative academic consequences. They include oral and/or written statements designed to obfuscate, misrepresent, or otherwise distort the presentation of facts related to a student’s academic conduct in a course or program of study. Examples of such false statements include, but are not limited to, oral or written documentation providing willfully inaccurate information related to attendance, course work, examinations, and/or other course requirements enumerated in the syllabus of the particular course for which such a statement is provided.
Other acts of academic dishonesty are prohibited.
Other acts of academic dishonesty may be defined by the instructor in his/her course syllabus or other written instructions (e.g., exam directions).
Responsibilities
Faculty Responsibility: It is the duty of the faculty to practice and preserve academic honesty and to encourage it among students. The instructor must clarify in writing (for example in the course syllabus) any situation peculiar to the course that may differ from the generally stated policy. He or she should, whenever possible, make explicit the intent and purpose of each assignment so that the student may complete the assignment without unintentionally compromising academic honesty. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to provide for appropriate oversight of assignments, examinations, internship components, and other course requirements. Finally, it is the responsibility of the faculty member to provide written notice to the student of any suspected violations of the academic honesty policy as described in process and procedures below.
Student Responsibility: It is the duty of the student to practice and preserve academic honesty. Each student should be aware of the specific policies governing academic conduct for the program(s) and course(s) in which he or she is enrolled, as well as the grievance and appeals processes put in place for adjudicating such policies. If the student has any doubt about a course policy, s/he should consult with her/his instructor or the course director. It is also the student’s responsibility to check daily her/his Augusta University email so that official notification to the student regarding academic dishonesty can be carried out in timely fashion. The following colleges handle disciplinary actions according to policies and procedures set forth in their respective conduct or honor codes:
- Dental College of Georgia (DMD Students) – Student Conduct Code. Available upon request of the Associate Dean for Students, Admissions, and Alumni.
- Medical College of Georgia (MD Students) – Medical College of Georgia Honor System. Available upon request by calling (706) 721-2231.
If the student is alleged to have engaged in non-academic misconduct, he or she should refer to the Augusta University Student Code of Conduct and the procedures outlined therein.
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Academic Standing
Academic Probation and Suspension Policy
Any undergraduate student whose institutional grade point average (GPA) at the conclusion of any semester is below a 2.00 shall be placed on academic probation. Undergraduate students at Augusta University who are on academic probation must have their course schedules approved by their advisors prior to registration. They may continue to attend only if they meet the following minimum academic standards, which are based on progression level.
| Progression Level |
Term GPA |
or |
Institutional GPA |
| 0-29 |
1.50 |
|
1.00 |
| 30-59 |
2.00 |
|
1.60 |
| 60-89 |
2.00 |
|
1.90 |
| 90 & above |
2.00 |
|
2.00 |
Students who are on probation and fail to meet either the minimum Term or the Institutional GPA requirements specified above will be suspended (see below, “Academic Suspension”). Students who meet the Term GPA requirement will remain on probation until their Institutional GPA is at or above 2.00, at which time they will return to good standing. Some programs within the University maintain academic standards specific to their degree requirements which may exceed these basic requirements.
Academic Suspension
The mandatory minimum term of suspension shall be one semester. Students wishing to return to the University after a suspension must petition for reinstatement (see below “Appeal for Reinstatement”). If reinstatement is approved, the student will be placed on academic probation, and may be subject to additional conditions of continuation established by the University at the time of reinstatement. Should the probationary student achieve good standing, the student will be subject to the policy guidelines for students in good standing.
Appeal for Reinstatement
There is no guarantee of reinstatement from any academic suspension. Students suspended for academic deficiencies who complete the mandatory period of suspension may be considered for reinstatement. The student must submit a petition, in writing, at least 30 days prior to the desired semester of reinstatement. The appeal should state clearly the reasons why the student should be considered for reinstatement. Students should submit petitions to the dean of his or her major college, unless they are assigned to the Academic Advisement Center. These students should submit petitions to the Director of Academic Advisement for reinstatement. If a student has been away from the University for more than three semesters (including summer), he or she must also apply for readmission through the Office of Academic Admissions.
Academic Dismissal after Reinstatement
Should the student not satisfy the conditions of continuation established after returning from suspension, he or she will be academically dismissed from Augusta University. If dismissed, the student may be readmitted only after a successful appeal process which is outlined below. Students wishing to appeal a dismissal must follow the appeals process. Students may be readmitted only after successful appeal to the University or, if denied by the University, after successful appeal to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents (see USG BOR Policy Manual, Section 4.7.1, “Student Appeals”).
Academic Renewal
Any undergraduate, degree-seeking student who has experienced significant academic difficulty at Augusta University may petition to have one opportunity to make a fresh start after an absence of three consecutive calendar years (nine semesters) from Augusta University. The following procedures will be applied for students seeking academic renewal (excerpted from USG Board of Regents Academic and Student Affairs Handbook, Section 2.5.1):
I. Applying for Academic Renewal Status
Students are encouraged to apply for Academic Renewal status at the time of reenrollment or enrollment as a transfer student at Augusta University. Students who do not request Academic Renewal at that time must do so within one calendar year after reenrollment.
Applications for Academic Renewal are made through the dean of the college housing the student’s major, unless the student is assigned to the Academic Advisement Center. These applications are made through the Director of Academic Advisement. Students who are denied academic renewal may repetition after one calendar year (three semesters).
A student can be granted Academic Renewal status only one time.
II. All previously attempted coursework continues to be recorded on the student’s official transcript.
Only coursework completed prior to the period of absence may be considered for Academic Renewal.
The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation.
To earn a degree, a student must meet the institution’s academic residency requirements after acquiring Academic Renewal status.
Academic credit for previously completed coursework, including transfer coursework, will be retained only for courses in which a grade of A, B, or C has been earned.
Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and courses with grades of “S.”
Courses with grades of D or F prior to the Academic Renewal must be repeated at Augusta University if they are required in the student’s degree program.
Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific institutional program regulations must also be met.
Augusta University will accept transient credits for students with Academic Renewal status in accordance with current policy.
The Academic Renewal GPA is not used to determine graduation with honors. In order to graduate from Augusta University with honors, all attempted coursework from all institutions attended is used to calculate the final grade point average.
III. Undergraduate students who are transferring to Augusta University or are returning to Augusta University after a period of absence may be eligible for Academic Renewal.
Readmitted Students: Readmitted students may be eligible for Academic Renewal for coursework taken prior to the period of absence. Students must be absent from Augusta University for three consecutive calendar years (nine semesters).
Transfer Students: Students who leave a regionally accredited institution of higher education and transfer to Augusta University are eligible to apply for Academic Renewal. Only coursework completed three years or more prior to the enrollment at Augusta University can be considered for academic renewal. Courses taken more recently than the period of eligibility are ineligible for consideration for Academic Renewal. However, transfer credit can be granted for coursework taken during this period in accordance with current policy.
IV. Any scholastic suspension that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student’s permanent record. If a suspension is on the record and the student encounters subsequent academic difficulty after having been granted Academic Renewal, the next suspension subjects the student to dismissal.
V. Re-entry into any program is not automatic.
VI. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress.
VII. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs, e.g., teacher education and nursing, which require a specific minimum grade point average based upon all coursework.
VIII. Academic Renewal status granted by another USG institution shall be honored at Augusta University.
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Additional Baccalaureate Degree
A student holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university who wishes to work for another degree must complete the minimum residence requirements of the university (30 hours of course work in courses numbered 3000 or above with an average grade of C or better) with at least 30 hours of resident credit in excess of the requirement for the original degree. In addition, he or she must complete the exact requirements of major courses, allied fields, mathematics and foreign languages.
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Auditing a Course
Regularly enrolled students at Augusta University may register for courses as auditors. No academic credit shall be awarded to students enrolled on this basis. No changes from audit to credit or credit to audit will be permitted after the last day of the scheduled drop/add for the term. Students auditing courses will be required to pay regular fees for enrollment. Courses taken as audits do not count toward financial aid eligibility. A student enrolled as an auditor is expected to attend class regularly and perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the instructor. An auditor who does not attend class regularly may be dropped from the class with a grade of W. A grade of V is assigned to a student who registers as an auditor.
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Class Attendance
Regular, punctual attendance is expected of students in all courses at Augusta University (“AU”) and is counted at the first class meeting each term. Faculty members are required to monitor student attendance and ongoing participation in the course. Additional attendance requirements may be established by the individual schools or programs as well as by the individual faculty member in each course. Students who incur an excessive number of absences, as defined by the faculty member and/or college, may be subject to academic penalty.
At the beginning of each semester, all faculty members will provide a clear written statement in their syllabi for each of their courses regarding policies for handling absences. Students are obligated to adhere to the requirements of each course and each course faculty.
To assist AU in complying with federal regulations pertaining to financial aid, faculty members are also required to maintain a record of and report student non-attendance at the start of each academic term. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for informing faculty of the duration of the nonattendance verification period and appropriate reporting method at the beginning of each academic term. If a student does not attend a class or participate in an online course during the non-attendance verification period, the faculty member will mark the student as not attending and the University Registrar will drop the student from the course. In the event a student is dropped for non-attendance during this designated time period, the effect is the same as if the student never registered for the course and it will not appear on the student’s transcript.
Faculty members will be flexible enough in their attendance and grading policies to allow students a reasonable number of absences without penalty for extraordinary personal reasons or for officially representing the university. Students are expected to adhere to the attendance guidelines within the syllabus. No student should assume that the faculty member has initiated a withdrawal form. A student not withdrawn from a course who stops attending class, or who never attends class, is subject to receiving a grade of “WF” or “F” for the course.
Students involved in required activities representing Augusta University are excused from class meetings that conflict with specified events. These include, but are not limited to, athletic events for student-athletes, required academic or artistic events or competitions, or required student government activities. Other potential events as defined by the Deans of the colleges could be considered excused absences from classes when traveling. These absences shall not count against the student’s attendance record.
Students participating in university-sanctioned events must present to all their course instructors a schedule of events highlighting conflicting dates the first week of the semester or as soon as known. Students are responsible for all coursework missed because of the event and will be given the opportunity to complete those assignments without penalty, when feasible, in a timely manner as negotiated between the faculty member and student.
Some exceptions to this policy may exist (e.g. programs for which accreditation requirements limit the number of absences). A student who is withdrawn for excessive absences may appeal the decision in accordance with the Student Academic Grievance Policy.
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Classification of Students
Undergraduate students at Augusta University are classified as follows, based on the number of academic credit hours earned: Freshman, less than 30 hours; Sophomore 30-59 hours; Junior 60-89 hours; Senior 90 or more hours. The classification under which a student registers at the beginning of each academic semester will continue throughout the academic term. This policy does not apply to post-baccalaureate students.
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Course Numbering System
Courses should be numbered according to the appropriate level as determined by the stated student learning outcomes of each course.
- 1000-numbered courses present introductory or general knowledge courses at the undergraduate level. Courses in this level generally have no prerequisites, unless it is part of a sequence.
- 2000- numbered courses present fundamental knowledge in a particular field or discipline at the undergraduate level. Courses in this level may have prerequisites at the 1000 level.
- 3000- numbered courses present topics related to major fields and disciplines at an undergraduate level.
- 4000- numbered courses present more advanced topics related to major fields and disciplines at an undergraduate level.
- 5000- numbered courses present introductory or general knowledge in a particular field or discipline at a graduate level.
- 6000- numbered courses present fundamental knowledge in a particular field or discipline at a graduate level.
- 7000- numbered courses are generally seminars and lectures and are reserved for specialists in educational, professional doctorates, and first-professional degrees.
- 8000- numbered courses are generally advanced seminar and lecture courses for research-based and doctoral degrees.
- 9000- numbered courses are advanced seminar and research courses and are to be used only by Doctor of Philosophy degree programs
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Course Repeat Policy
Only specifically designated courses may be repeated for credit toward graduation and/or program completion. In any other course, a student taking that course forfeits the credit/grade earned in any previous attempt in the course, and is granted only the credit/grade earned in the latest attempt.
With the exception of such courses as Wellness (WELL) activity courses, “Selected Topics” courses, and other courses specifically designed for repetition and designated as such in the catalog, by registering for a course for which credit has already been received a student forfeits credit toward graduation in the previous attempt in the course. The final grade for graduation purposes will be the grade in the repeated course. However, all hours attempted and grades earned will appear on the transcript and will be used in computing the resulting institutional grade point average. In the case of a “W” grade for a repeated course, only the grade from the previous attempt will be used. The Office of the Registrar’s regular recording processes will be used in carrying out this policy.
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Credit for Prior Learning
Requests to award credit for prior learning may be initiated by faculty or by an individual student. If initiated by a student, the request should generally be made prior to or within the first semester of enrollment. Regardless of who initiates the request, all credit for prior learning must be approved through the university’s curriculum approval process as outlined in the Curriculum Approval policy. Once approved, all documentation associated with the approval will be on file with the Office of the Registrar.
The following processes and procedures are in addition to the curriculum approval process:
Credit for prior learning from standardized or field examinations. Augusta University may award credit for tests from certain standardized or field examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Scholastic Aptitude Subject Test II, and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. Faculty of the appropriate discipline shall review at least once every five years – or when a major change takes place in the examination – 1) the required score(s), 2) level of credit, and 3) amount of credit awarded. Any recommendation for change resulting from this review must be submitted through the Curriculum Approval process. Credit for prior learning from standardized or field examinations shall be awarded automatically upon entrance to the university after receipt of official scores from the examination agency. A list of the required score(s), level of credit, and amount of credit awarded is available at the Office of the Registrar and Office of Academic Admissions. Credit awarded for prior learning from standardized or field examinations shall be recorded on the student’s transcript with the letter “K” in lieu of a letter grade. The Office of Academic Admissions is responsible for processing credit for prior learning from standardized or field examinations.
Credit for prior learning from Augusta University departmental examinations. Students may request to receive credit for prior learning through departmental examinations (sometimes known as “challenging a course”) for courses that apply to their official program of study consistent with departmental policy. Faculty of the appropriate discipline may decide to recommend credit through departmental examinations. A copy of the examination, a chart linking examination questions to student learning outcomes appropriate to the rigor and level of credit being awarded, and a standardized scoring methodology are available in each department and with the Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs. A list of 1) the required score(s), 2) level of credit, and 3) amount of credit awarded based on departmental examinations is available at the Office of the Registrar. Credit awarded for prior learning from departmental examinations shall be recorded on the student’s transcript with the letter “K” in lieu of a letter grade. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 (USD) per credit hour must be assessed prior to a student attempting departmental examinations (e.g. $75.00 for a three-credit course). The academic department administering the examination is responsible for providing a graded copy of the examination and a letter outlining the amount of credit to be awarded based on the attempt to the Office of the Registrar. The Registrar will also be informed if the student fails to achieve a minimum credit-eligible score on the exam.
Credit for prior learning for significant, documented, experiential learning. Faculty of the appropriate discipline may decide to recommend credit for significant, documented, and verified experiential learning for courses that apply to a student’s official program of study. A chart linking these learning experiences to Augusta University course-level student learning outcomes appropriate to the rigor, level, and amount of credit being awarded is required. Faculty of the appropriate discipline shall review previously approved experiences at least once every five years. Any recommendation change resulting from this review must be submitted through the Curriculum Approval process. A list of approved experiences is available at the Office of the Registrar. Credit awarded for prior learning from significant, documented, experiential learning shall be recorded on the student’s transcript with the letter “K” in lieu of a letter grade.
Transfer credit is not considered credit for prior learning. See Transfer Credit.
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Curriculum Changes
General Overview
There are two main processes whereby curriculum proposals are approved. The Simple Approval Process is for proposals affecting only one college and not affecting the undergraduate general education core curriculum (Areas A – E) as specified by the University System of Georgia. The Complex Approval Process is for all other proposals.
Simple Approval Process
Proposals affecting only one college (and not affecting undergraduate general education core curriculum, Areas A - E) are approved at the college level and by the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs (VPAFA). Upon approval by the VPAFA, proposals are forwarded to the University Registrar for entry into the Catalog for which the change is effective.
The Simple Approval proceeds through these specific steps:
- Originates from any faculty member of the University community.
- Follows approval process as outlined in the relevant college’s bylaws.
- Sent to VPAFA for approval.
- Once approved, sent to the University Registrar to be entered into the Augusta University Catalog.
- Registrar confirms to originator that proposal has been entered into the Catalog.
Complex Approval Process
Proposals requiring the Complex Approval Process include proposals affecting the undergraduate general education curriculum (Areas A – E) and proposals crossing multiple colleges. Proposals crossing multiple colleges require approvals by each of the involved colleges in accordance with each of the relevant colleges’ bylaws, approval by University Senate Curriculum and Academic Policies Committee (USCAPC), and the VPAFA. Proposals approved by the VPAFA are forwarded to the University Registrar for entry into the Catalog for which the change is effective.
The Complex Approval Process follows these specific steps:
- Originates from any faculty member of the university community.
- Follows approval process as outlined in the originating college’s bylaws.
- Follows approval process as outlined in other affected colleges’ bylaws.
- Sent to USCAPC for review and approval.
- Sent to VPAFA for approval.
- Once approved, sent to the University Registrar to be entered into the Augusta University Catalog.
- Registrar confirms to originator that the proposal has been processed.
Special Considerations in the Complex Approval Process
The Graduate School: Proposals which affect programs or courses that will be or are part of The Graduate School must be approved by Graduate Council. Once approved by the Graduate Council, proposed curricular modifications are sent directly to the VPAFA, not to USCAPC.
Core Curriculum Area A – E: Curriculum changes affecting the Core Curriculum Areas A through E must be approved by the University System of Georgia General Education Council. The Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs will ensure the appropriate review occurs after approval by the USCAPC.
Core Curriculum Area F: Changes affecting Area F must be approved by the appropriate Regents’ advisory committee for the discipline(s) of the department(s) affected. These changes should be approved after college-level approval but prior to university-level review.
Approval of New Programs and Degrees
Approvals of new degrees and programs require approval at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia office. This approval process is in addition to the University’s regular curriculum approval process, and the proposal development should be accomplished in coordination with the Vice President for Academic Planning and Strategic Initiatives (VPAPSI), the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs (VPAFA), and the Provost.
Guidelines for Submitting a Potential New Degree
Stage 1
- College/program leadership initiates conversations with the Vice President for Academic Planning and Strategic Initiative (VPAPSI).
- College/program faculty complete Concept Paper for New Academic Programs in Curriculog.
- The Dean of the originating college must approve the concept paper for it to move forward. If the program will be part of the Graduate School, the Dean of the Graduate School must also approve the concept paper for it to move forward.
- The VPAPSI presents the concept paper to Provost’s Operations Management Team (POMT).
- POMT approves, rejects, or recommends changes to the concept.
- If approved, the proposed degree and/or program will be added to the USG Academic Forecast.
Stage 2
- If approved to be included on the Academic Forecast, faculty submit through Curriculog the fully developed program proposal which must then go through the appropriate AU Approval Process (Simple or Complex) outlined above, depending on the nature of the proposal.
- The VPAPSI shares proposal with Provost’s Operations Management Team (POMT). At the prerogative of the Provost, the program proposal may be submitted to external reviewers to determine feasibility, viability, and effectiveness.
- Once approved by the Provost, the VPAFA submits proposal to USG for action.
Approval of Certificates and Minors
Requests to create new certificates or minors follow a similar, but not as extensive, process as the approval of new degrees. Any proposed certificate or minor must be consistent with the AU mission. Proposals should be submitted via the Certificate and Minor Form in Curriculog.
Any proposed certificate will be determined to be either “stand-alone,” “embedded,” or both. If a certificate is classified as stand-alone, the completion of the certificate may be awarded independent of another degree program. If a certificate is classified as embedded, the certificate is awarded conterminally with another degree program. Students must meet the admissions requirements of AU to be enrolled in a certificate; as such, certificate programs will not be considered as a “backdoor” to admission.
Approval of Concentrations
Requests to create new concentrations are managed through the Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs. Any proposed concentration must be part of an existing academic program and consistent with the AU mission. Proposals should be submitted via the Curriculum Revision Form in Curriculog. In addition to the regular information provided on the Curriculum Revision Form, a four-year enrollment forecast in the concentration and a financial impact analysis must be attached.
Concentrations at the undergraduate level should require at a minimum twelve (12) distinct credit hours in the concentration. Fifteen (15) or more distinct credit hours is preferable.
Concentrations for graduate level programs should require at a minimum nine (9) distinct credit hours in the concentration.
Distance/Online Education
New online courses and programs must meet the same requirements as courses and programs offered through face-to-face instruction, and therefore must be approved through the processes previously described. Depending on the nature of the proposed change, additional approvals by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and/or the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on College may be necessary.
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Deans’ Lists
Augusta University believes it is important to recognize the superior academic performance of undergraduate and Dental College of Georgia students by awarding them Dean’s List designation for a given semester according to the conditions set forth in this policy.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must (a) earn 12 or more hours of undergraduate course work numbered 1000 or above, exclusive of K grades; (b) have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.50 for that semester; and (c) have received no grade of F or WF during the semester. For students with an Incomplete grade, Dean’s List computations will not be made until a grade is determined.
To qualify for the Dean’s List in the Dental College of Georgia, students must exhibit acceptable professional behavior, have a grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher for that semester while carrying at least 12 hours of credit, and must not have received any unsatisfactory or failing grades for that semester.
The achievement of each student who qualifies for Dean’s List is acknowledged and noted on the student’s permanent record.
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Student Conduct
Non-Academic Conduct Issues
Augusta University has defined the relationships and appropriate behavior of students as members of the university community through the Student Code of Conduct, which may be found within the Student Manual. The document is available to all members of the university community through the Office of the Dean of Students.
The students of Augusta University have established a precedent of exemplary behavior as members of the university and civic communities. Individuals and groups are expected to observe the tradition of decorum and behave civilly. Behavior that unduly disrupts the learning environment and ultimately violates the University’s Code of Conduct will be addressed through the Student Conduct Process. Such violations may result in disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate disciplinary measures.
Any violations of Academic Honesty are handled through the procedures outlined above.
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Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the registrar, the registrar shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a person assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
The following information will be considered public directory information and may be released without student consent; however, a student may restrict the release of this information by annually notifying the registrar in writing by the last day of fall registration (or the initial registration if other than fall) that he/she does not want the information released. Public directory information includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Photograph
- Program of Study
- Expected Graduation Date
|
- Enrollment Status
- Grade Level
- Honors and Awards
- Degree Awarded
- Dates of Attendance
- Participation in officially recognized activities & sports
|
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Grade Changes
Augusta University requires a Grade Change Form be completed and submitted to the University Registrar. Grade Change forms may not be released to students. The form shall be initiated by the course instructor, and the dean of the college in which the course is offered or his or her designee must approve a grade change before it will be honored by the Registrar.
Grade changes should be processed as soon as possible, and no later than one semester after the initial grade was assessed. There may be reasons that justify a later change of grade, but they must be of an unusual nature and considered most exceptional. Any exception must receive the respective college dean’s approval. Changes in Incomplete grades are exempt from this policy.
No grade changes shall be accepted after graduation.
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Grades
Augusta University follows the Board of Regents’ grading system, as required for all University System of Georgia institutions. A 4.00 grade point average system, calculated to and truncated at two significant digits, is used. The following grades are approved for use at Augusta University and are included in the determination of the grade point average:
| Grade |
Description |
Grade Points |
| A |
Excellent |
4.0 |
| B |
Good |
3.0 |
| C |
Satisfactory |
2.0 |
| D |
Passing |
1.0 |
| F |
Failure |
0.0 |
| WA |
Withdrawal |
Not Computed |
| WH |
Withdrawal |
Not Computed |
| WF |
Withdrawal Failing |
0.0 |
| WM |
Military Withdrawal |
Not Computed |
| W |
Withdrawal |
Not Computed |
| I |
Incomplete |
Not Computed |
| S |
Satisfactory |
Not Computed |
| U |
Unsatisfactory |
Not Computed |
| V |
Audit |
Not Computed |
| K |
Credit By Exam |
Not Computed |
| CP |
Continued Progress |
Not Computed |
| IP |
In Progress |
Not Computed |
| NR |
Not Reported |
Not Computed |
The following symbols are approved for use in the cases indicated, but will not be included in the determination of the grade point average.
| I |
A student who is doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons beyond his/her control is unable to meet the full requirements of the course, may be assigned an incomplete (“I”) grade. An incomplete justification must be completed by the course instructor to assign the incomplete grade. A student who has received an “I” grade has one additional semester to complete the required work and to receive a final grade. A grade change form is required to remove the incomplete and assign the final grade. Any incomplete grade not removed after
the next semester will be converted to an “F” grade. If a student is assigned an I, the course director must notify the student in writing of the requirements for removal of the I and of the deadline for removal of the I.
|
| W |
This symbol indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Any student who withdraws on or before midterm will receive a W. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the mid-point of the total grading period (including final examinations) except in cases of hardship as determined by the appropriate academic dean.
|
| S |
This symbol indicates that credit has been given for completion of degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching, clinical practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the USG chief academic officer for approval. |
| U |
This symbol indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work. The use of this symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours, student teaching, clinical practicum, internship, and proficiency requirements in graduate programs. Exceptions to the use of this symbol for academic course work must be submitted to the USG chief academic officer for approval. |
| V |
This symbol indicates that a student was given permission to audit this course. After the last day of late registration, students may not transfer from audit to credit status or vice versa. |
| K |
This symbol indicates that a student was given credit for the course via a credit by examination program approved by the respective school’s faculty. (CLEP, AP, Proficiency, etc). |
| CP |
This symbol designates a course that extends beyond the semester. A grade is not given until the course is completed. This symbol cannot be substituted for an I (Incomplete). |
The link to the grading policy can be found at: https://www.augusta.edu/compliance/policyinfo/policy/grading-system-policy.pdf
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Graduation: Participation in Commencement
Augusta University holds two commencement ceremonies each year, in fall semester and spring semester. Augusta University students who have completed all requirements by the end of the spring semester are permitted to participate in the Spring commencement. Students completing requirements at the end of the summer or fall semester participate in the Fall commencement.
Students wishing to participate in commencement must complete the graduation application by the published deadline for the relevant semester.
No diploma will be awarded until the student has been certified as having completed all academic requirements.
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Graduation with Honors
AU awards honors to students graduating with an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree who meet specific standards of academic excellence as measured by the grade point average. For an undergraduate degree to be awarded with honors, a student must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours in residence for a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence for an associate’s degree. For students completing all course work at AU, the Regents GPA is used for the calculation of honors. For students transferring coursework to AU, a grade point average including all transfer work and all work taken at AU will be used for calculation of honors. For transfer students, both the calculated GPA and the Regents GPA must meet the standards below. The honor will be determined by the lower of the two GPAs.
The standards for honors are as follows:
- Summa cum laude: 3.90
- Magna cum laude: 3.70
- Cum laude: 3.50
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Graduation Requirements
All candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Augusta University must satisfy the following conditions:
Students must earn 39 or more hours in upper level courses. Students must complete all requirements for a major with a grade of C or better in each course. Together with the core curriculum, minor, if applicable, and electives these requirements must total at least 120 hours, not including the credits for the wellness requirement.
Specific graduation requirements for each program are found in this catalog.
Payment of Financial Obligations: No student will be permitted to graduate if he or she is in default on any payment due to the university.
Additional Degrees: Normally, two identical degrees are not awarded. However, a student may receive the appropriate degree of any other program by completing the additional requirements of that program and earning at least 30 hours of resident credit (20 hours for the associate degree) in excess of the requirement for the original degree.
Core Curriculum: The core curriculum was developed by the University System of Georgia for the purpose of facilitating the education of students as they pursue baccalaureate degrees within and among the units of the University System. It includes 60 hours of lower level courses that would normally be covered in the first half of a baccalaureate degree program. A student who completes any area of the core at a university system school has the assurance that core area has been satisfied at Augusta University.
Course Requirements: Complete a minimum of 60 hours for the associate degree or 120 hours for the baccalaureate degree, not including the Wellness requirement as specified for the candidate’s program. A minimum of 39 hours of upper division courses is required for students graduating with the baccalaureate degree.
Credit from Other Institutions: See Residence Requirement and Credit from Other Institutions.
Degree Requirements in Effect at Candidacy for Graduation: A candidate for graduation is subject to requirements in effect at the time of initial enrollment; however, changes may have been made while the student is enrolled. The changes in requirements shall be implemented so as to minimize the problems of transition for currently enrolled students. A student who is not enrolled for three or more consecutive semesters or who transferred to another institution will be required to complete a new application to the university and will be subject to the requirements for graduation in effect at time of readmission.
Grade Point Average: Students must achieve an institutional grade point average (see above) of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at this university or an academic renewal grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work since the date of academic renewal.
Graduation Fee: This fee is to be paid at the time the application for graduation is submitted. The graduation fee is used to defray the cost of processing candidates for graduation, printing, and mailing of diplomas.
Legislative Requirements: In 1975, the Georgia legislature enacted a measure that requires all graduates to have passed examinations on the history of the United States and of Georgia and on the provisions and principles of the constitutions of the United States and of Georgia. No academic credit is given for these examinations, which are administered each semester by Testing and Disability Services.
Certain history and political science courses (i.e., HIST 2111, HIST 2112, HIST 3711, POLS 1101, and POLS 4101), which are described later in the catalog, will satisfy this requirement. Students who fail one or both of the examinations should contact the chair of the appropriate department (History, Anthropology, and Philosophy or Social Sciences) soon after the examination date.
Wellness Requirement: Wellness 1000 and two activity courses will be required for all Augusta University students seeking an undergraduate degree; transfer students who transfer in with 60 or more hours will have the requirement waived.
Baccalaureate Degree: Each student is required to pass three courses which should normally be completed during the freshman and sophomore years. Unless a waiver (as described below) is granted, the requirement will consist of the following:
- Wellness 1000 (2 hrs.)
- Two Physical Activity Classes: (2 hrs.)
A physical activity class may be a repeated course offering, but it is suggested the student take advantage of this opportunity to develop other skills by taking another activity class.
Associate Degree: Each student is required to pass two courses. Unless a waiver (as described below) is granted, the requirement will consist of the following:
- Wellness 1000 (2 hrs.)
- One Physical Activity Class (1 hr.)
Waivers and Substitutions: Waivers are the same for the Baccalaureate Degree program and the Associate Degree program, as follows:
- All students are required to successfully complete this course with the following exception.
- Military Service – Students who were in the military may receive a waiver of the two Wellness Activity Course requirements if they were in good standing at the time of their separation. The student will submit a copy of their DD-214 Discharge Document to the Chair of Kinesiology and Health Science. Upon review of the document the Chair will email the Registrar and student stating if a waiver will be granted. If the waiver is granted the student will not be required to take the two Wellness Activity Courses. This waiver does not apply to Wellness 1000 requirement.
- Physical Limitations - If a student has limitations regarding physical activity participation (as specified by a physician), written documentation from the physician is required indicating the type and amount of activity in which the student is allowed to participate. The student will submit this documentation to the Chair of Kinesiology and Health Science for their review. The Chair will email the Registrar and student stating if a waiver for the two Wellness Activity Courses will be granted. This waiver does not apply to Wellness 1000 requirement.
Effective Fall 2007 there is no swim activity requirement for current or entering undergraduate students.
Residence Requirements and Credit from Other Institutions: If seeking an associate degree, a student must complete in residence at Augusta University a minimum of 20 hours of academic credit. If seeking a baccalaureate degree, a student must complete in residence at Augusta University at least 25 percent of the credits required for the degree and a minimum of 30 hours of academic credit in courses numbered 3000 or above. At least one-half of the major concentration and at least one-half of the minor concentration must be completed in residence at Augusta University.
The amount of credit that the university will allow for work done in another institution within a given period of time may not exceed the normal amount of credit that could have been earned at the university during that time. A maximum of 62 hours of credit earned in a junior college may be applied toward a degree.
Augusta University limits academic residency to no more than twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for all degrees for active-duty servicemembers. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty service members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.
Special Examinations: Special examinations may be required of the student as he or she progresses through various levels of the curriculum.
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Normal Course Load
A normal undergraduate course load in a semester is 15-18 hours. Undergraduate students who wish to register for more than 18 semester credit hours must receive approval from either 1) the chair of their academic department, or 2) the Director of Academic Advisement if they are assigned to the Academic Advisement Center. A student may be approved to register for more than 18 hours only if: 1) he or she has a Regents’ GPA of 3.0 with at least 15 credit hours taken at Augusta University, or 2) he or she is within 30 hours of graduation, or 3) the student is granted permission by his/her dean.
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Professional Liability Insurance
Students in the health professions are required to participate in various clinical learning experiences as a prerequisite to successful completion of programs of study. Many of the clinical facilities where these learning experiences take place will only accept students who are covered by professional liability insurance. Students may contact the office of the dean of the Augusta University college in which they expect to enroll for information on the availability and cost of such coverage.
See the Business Office website for additional information.
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Registration
Registration procedures at Augusta University are maintained by the Office of the Registrar. Notification of these procedures and any changes in the Academic Calendar will be published on the University website.
Students at Augusta University are allowed ample time to register for classes. Registration for courses must be completed in accordance with the dates provided on the University Academic Calendar. A late registration charge will be assessed to any student registering outside the published registration dates.
In keeping with Board of Regents’ policy, students are required to pay all tuition and fees prior to the first day of class. Students are not considered enrolled in the institution until all tuition and fees have been paid.
Verification of attendance in all courses is required by the primary faculty member and must be completed by the published deadline.
Except for unusual circumstances, students are not allowed to register after the last day of late registration (the drop/add period listed in the Academic Calendar).
While reasonable efforts shall be made to inform students of registration dates and of any changes in these dates, it is the student’s responsibility to keep apprised of such changes.
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A student must complete at Augusta University at least 25 percent of the credits required for the degree and a minimum of 30 hours of academic credit in courses numbered 3000 or above.
- at least 25% of the overall certificate hours from AU, and
- 50% of all certificate credit hours at the 3000 level or above from AU.
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Student Academic Appeals
An academic appeal is a request for review of an administrative decision made with respect to an individual student which bears upon his/her student career. The appeals procedure does not apply to issues which have broad application to the university as a whole or to constituent groupings within the university. However, appeals can be made in matters such as admission, transfer of credit, probation, suspension, dismissal, and other similar matters. Appeals also may be made in cases related to the Augusta University Student Concerns Regarding Educational Expectations Policy. A supervisor’s decision in an appeal can itself be appealed, but there is no appeal of the President’s decisions except in cases where it is reasonably alleged that a decision against the student was based on discrimination with respect to race, sex, age, handicap, religion, or national origin. This policy provides a means to appeal in cases where administrative decisions have been made which may have a negative effect on a student’s academic career. It addresses situations not covered by the Student Academic Grievance Policy.
The procedures set forth here are intended to provide students at Augusta University a means for appealing administrative decisions which are alleged to have a negative impact on that student’s academic career. If the student wishes to address alleged violations of his/her rights by his/her instructor, the student should refer to the Student Academic Grievance Policy. If the student’s problem is related to a nonacademic issue, he or she should refer to the Augusta University Student Code of Conduct.
1. Appeals of Administrative Decisions
1.1. A student may file an appeal whenever he or she can reasonably claim that an administrative decision affecting his or her program of study was not justified by the procedures and/or guidelines established to govern that decision. It is not necessary that the student allege discrimination or other wrongdoing on the part of the administrator.
1.2. The student should submit the appeal in writing to the immediate supervisor of the administrator responsible for the decision he or she questions. It is the student’s responsibility to gather the evidence necessary to support his or her case and to include that evidence when submitting the written appeal. In preparing the appeal, the student should keep in mind that the primary issue is whether the administrative decision was justified by the procedures and/or guidelines established to govern that decision.
1.3. The supervisor to whom the appeal is made may choose to appoint and be advised by a consultative board composed of students and/or faculty and/or administrators of the supervisor’s own choosing, and may also choose to charge such a board with hearing oral arguments and/or with making inquiries into specified matters of fact. However, if a student has alleged discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, or national origin, a consultative board must be appointed and must include at least one student and at least one faculty member who is not an administrator. In no case will the supervisor be bound by the advice of the board.
1.4. The supervisor to whom the appeal is made will render a final decision in the case within ten (10) business days, and may either:
1.4.1. uphold the original decision 1.4.2. modify the decision, or 1.4.3. overturn the decision.
1.5. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the administrative appeal, he or she may appeal the decision to the president.
2. Appeal to the President
2.1. If the student found to be in violation of the Augusta University Academic Conduct policy wishes to appeal the decision made by the Dean about his or her case, he or she must file a written appeal of the decision to the President of the University.
2.2. All appeals must be in writing and submitted to the President of the University (or his/her designee) within five (5) business days of the receipt of the decision.
2.3. The purpose of appeal procedures is to provide the student with the opportunity to bring forward questions regarding substantive or procedural errors that occurred during the process. The appeal process is not intended to grant a new hearing at a higher level.
2.4. It is the student’s responsibility to gather the evidence necessary to support his or her case and to include that evidence when submitting the Presidential appeal. In preparing the appeal, the student should keep in mind that the primary issue is whether the decision was justified by the procedures and/or guidelines established to govern that decision.
2.5. The President or his/her designee (e.g., Provost or Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs) shall review the appeal within five business days. He or she may either:
2.5.1. uphold the decision,
2.5.2. overturn the decision,
2.5.3. or modify the decision.
2.6. The President or his/her designee shall notify in writing the concerned parties (i.e., both principals, the dean, and the VPAFA) of his/her decision within five (5) business days.
3. Appeal to the Board of Regents
3.1. Students have the right to appeal final decisions of the President to the Board of Regents of the University System in accordance with Article IX of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents.
3.2. Any person in the University System aggrieved by a final decision of the president of an institution may apply to the Board of Regents, without prejudice to his position, for a review of the decision.
3.3. The application for review shall be submitted in writing to the Board’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Support Services or designee within a period of twenty (20) days following the decision of the President.
3.4. It shall state the decision complained of and the redress desired. A hearing before the Board (or a Committee of or appointed by the Board) is not a matter of right but is within the sound discretion of the Board.
3.5. The Board may, in its discretion, refer a matter for mediation, arbitration, or evaluation of settlement options.
3.6. If an application for review is granted, the Board, a Committee of the Board, a Committee appointed by the Board, or a hearing officer appointed by the Board shall investigate the matter thoroughly and report its findings and recommendations to the Board.
The decision of the Board shall be final and binding for all purposes.
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Student Academic Grievances
The procedures set forth here are intended to provide students at Augusta University a means for pursuing alleged violations of a student’s rights by his/her instructor. It is not the intention of these procedures, however, to provide a forum for questioning course requirements or grading policies of faculty. Prior to initiating a formal academic grievance, student concerns may be discussed with the faculty member and/or reported to the department chair or unit head.
However, if the student’s problem is related to admission, transfer of credit, probation, academic suspension or dismissal, or other similar administrative decisions that bear upon the student’s academic career, he or she may wish to enter an academic appeal, as described in the Augusta University Academic Appeals Policy. Grievances also may be made in cases related to the Augusta University Student Concerns Regarding Educational Expectations Policy. The Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs is the final arbiter of whether a grievance should be resolved instead through the student academic appeal process.
If the student’s problem is related to a nonacademic issue, he or she should report to the Dean of Student for advice about how to proceed.
1. Applicability of the Grievance Procedures: The Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs decides whether or not these procedures are applicable to a particular case based on following criteria, all of which must hold for the case in question.
1.1. Subject Matter: These procedures apply to the review of grievances concerning disputes about matters arising in academic courses. This policy shall not apply to complaints of discrimination and harassment; those complaints must be referred to the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office.
1.2. Grievant: Student is using the formal grievance procedure described in this policy to seek relief for an instructor’s action(s) in an academic course.
1.3. Timeframe: Academic grievances should normally be made by the grievant during the term of the student’s enrollment in the course in which the violation of rights was alleged to have occurred, and no later than end of the semester following the alleged violation of rights, including summer semester. A grievant who seeks a change of final grade in a course should be mindful that University policy requires such changes to be made by the end of the semester following the semester (including summer semester) in which the student was enrolled in the course.
2. Principles: If the student wishes to initiate an academic grievance, he or she must follow the student academic grievance procedure as outlined below, keeping in mind the following principles:
2.1. Except when the complaint is of the most egregious nature or is related to intellectual diversity, the student must start with a sincere attempt to settle the dispute in an informal manner with the instructor. In general, administrators can initially hear the student’s concerns and refer him or her to this document, but they will not discuss any specific grievance until the appropriate procedural steps have been taken. The Dean of Students or designee may serve an advisory role for the most egregious incidents or those involving intellectual diversity by hearing specific grievances and facilitating the procedures outlined below.
2.2. Within the guidelines of the institution, faculty have authority and responsibility for course content, classroom procedure, and grading, except insofar as it can be shown that a decision was arbitrary or capricious, or based on discrimination with respect to race, religion, sex, handicap, age, or national origin.
2.3. When a student prepares his or her case, he or she should keep in mind that the burden of proof is on him or her, not on the instructor.
2.4. Students who have legitimate grievances which cannot be resolved at the departmental level should follow the procedures outlined below. However, frivolous or mendacious complaints are discouraged. Students and faculty are further advised that adherence to the full truth represents the best service to their cases, and indeed that misstated or overstated claims by the principals or their witnesses about the misdeeds of others may lead to civil penalties.
2.5. Any witness is protected from repercussions resulting from testimony by the Augusta University Anti-retaliation Policy.
2.6. Administrators shall not discuss the details of a specific grievance with a student who has not followed the procedure outlined herein, and any representative of a student must follow the same procedure. Public statements about a case shall be withheld by the parties involved, by any review body, and by all participants in the hearings until the final decision has been communicated to the parties to the grievance. If and when an official statement is made regarding the result of the procedures outlined below, it shall be made through the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs.
Each party in the grievance whether the grievant, the instructor, or an administrator normally shall have five (5) business days to respond at any stage in the grievance procedure, unless both parties agree to an extension.
3. Overview of the Grievance Process
3.1. Informal resolution attempted at the department/unit or college level (Section 4).
3.2. Formal resolution sought at the University level: appeal reviewed by VPAFA and, if so determined, heard by an Academic Review Panel. (Section 5)
4. Initial Steps in the Grievance Process: Informal Resolution (to be followed in the order presented)
4.1. When a student believes he or she has an academic grievance, he or she should first seek to resolve that grievance by discussions with the faculty member or administrator involved. If initial discussions are not satisfactory, the student may take the complaint to the next administrative level as specified below, taking care not to skip levels in the administrative hierarchy. At every level the person hearing the alleged grievance should respond to the student within a reasonable length of time of the initial request. Normally such response should occur within five (5) business days after the student request unless bona fide reasons such as illness, personal emergency or campus absence for professional reasons makes this time limit unreasonable.
4.1.1. The student should consult with the faculty member involved by written letter or email, no later than the first day of classes of the semester following that in which the grievance occurs. The student should articulate the reason(s) for the grievance and the expected remedy. The faculty member (respondent) should provide a response to the student by written letter or email within five (5) business days.
4.1.2. If after communicating with the faculty member the student is not satisfied that a fair and equitable solution has been achieved, the student may take the grievance to the administrative supervisor of the faculty member. In most instances, this will be the department chair. This statement of the alleged grievance and the remedy, along with any documentary evidence, should be in written form.
4.1.3. If the student is still not satisfied, he or she may take the grievance to the academic dean of the faculty member’s school or college (for undergraduate students). Graduate students must concurrently contact the academic dean of the faculty member’s school or college and the dean of the graduate school. This statement of the alleged grievance and the remedy, along with any documentary evidence, should be in written form.
4.1.4. As a last resort and only after steps 4.1.1-4.1.3 have been carried out, or have been conscientiously attempted, the student may present a formal grievance in writing to the Augusta University Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs. He or she should set forth in writing a statement of the alleged grievance and the remedy sought at the department/unit or college level, along with any documentary evidence, which should be delivered to the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs (VPAFA).
5. The Formal Grievance
5.1. The student shall observe the following requirements:
5.1.1. The appeal must be in writing. It must state the basis for the grievance and the facts that support it, including a summary of the steps that have already been taken to resolve the grievance, reasons why the student finds the resolutions unfair or unsatisfactory, and a statement of the desired remedy. The student also should include any other relevant documentary evidence he or she wishes the VPAFA to review.
5.1.2. The written appeal must be presented to the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs (or designee) within five (5) business days after the student has received notice of a decision from a school, college, or unit.
5.2. Upon receipt of a formal grievance, the VPAFA (or designee) will:
5.2.1. Acknowledge receipt of the formal grievance in writing within five (5) business days.
5.2.2. If the VPAFA (or designee) rules that the procedures are not applicable (as per Section 1 of this policy) or that based on the facts stated by the grievant viewed in the light most favorable to the grievant, there is no basis for relief, then the appeal is denied, and the VPAFA will notify the grievant and respondent of this decision within five (5) business days of receiving the grievance
5.2.3. If the VPAFA rules that the procedural rules (as per Section 1 of this policy) are applicable and that a hearing of the grievance is warranted, the VPAFA shall initiate an Academic Review Panel (hereafter, “Panel”) hearing process within five (5) business days, and notify the grievant and respondent that an Academic Review Panel will hear the formal grievance.
5.2.3.1. The VPAFA shall notify the Dean of Students that an Academic Review Panel should be constituted.
5.2.3.2. The Dean of Students shall notify the chair of the Student Conduct Board (see Augusta University Student Code of Conduct) to form an Academic Review Panel of 5 to 7 members to hear the formal grievance.
5.3. Grievant(s) and respondent(s) shall communicate and cooperate with the chair of the Student Conduct Board regarding the preparation of support materials related to the allegations of academic grievance.
5.4. At no time (outside of the formal hearing process) should any person directly or indirectly involved in the academic grievance case communicate with any of the voting or alternate members (with the exception of the chair) of the Student Conduct Board or the Academic Review Panel about the grievance.
5.5. The Student Conduct Board shall notify the Panel to hear the appeal.
5.6. The decision as to whether a formal hearing is warranted shall be made available, in writing, to the parties concerned within five (5) business days after the Panel has received notice of the grievance.
6. The Academic Review Panel
6.1. Academic Review Panels for an academic grievance hearing consist of five to seven members, including faculty members from the Corps of Instruction (one of who shall serve as chair), and at least two students, and are constituted as needed. One of the faculty members shall be designated by the chairperson of the Student Conduct Board to serve as the chair of the academic review panel, and shall serve as administrative officer for the proceedings.
6.2. The VPAFA or his/her designee shall deliver to the chair of the Academic Review Panel the written grievance and all other documents and/or exhibits received by the VPAFA in the context of the appeal.
6.3. The chair of the Panel shall be the administrative officer of the Panel. His or her duties shall include:
6.3.1. Informing the members of the Panel, the student(s) and faculty member(s) involved, and any other persons whose attendance is required that a grievance hearing is pending;
6.3.2. Arranging for appropriate times and places for Panel meetings and hearings;
6.3.3. Informing, in writing, the grievant, respondent, and any others whose testimony is relevant to the case of the times and places of Panel hearings that they are requested to attend, and supplying them with a statement of alleged grievances;
6.3.4. Securing and distributing to the Panel written materials or other documentation appropriate for its consideration;
6.3.5. Arranging with the Office of the VP for Student Affairs for audio recording of Panel proceedings;
6.3.6. Maintaining Panel records that are to be kept on file in the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs; and
6.3.7. Informing, in writing, the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs of the recommendations of the Panel.
6.4. Any member of the Panel may at any time disqualify himself of herself from consideration of any given case or cases because of personal bias.
6.5. Should a Panel member be unable to hear a particular case, for any reason, an alternate shall be appointed by the chair of the Student Conduct Board to serve for the course of the particular grievance.
6.6. Should the Panel be involved in a specific case at the time of the return of an absent member, the replacement member shall continue as a member of the Panel in all sessions dealing with the specific case until it is concluded.
6.7. Should any member of the Panel be unable, for any reason, to complete a term for which he or she has been appointed, the alternate shall fill the balance of the term. Resignations shall be submitted in writing to the chair of the Panel. The chair of the Panel shall then inform the chair of the Student Conduct Board of a vacancy and request the appointment of a new alternate.
6.8. Either party to the hearing may request of the chair in writing that any member or members of the Panel be excluded from consideration of a case. Such a request must be for cause and be brought to the chair’s attention as the first step in the hearing. In the event a member is disqualified by majority vote of the Panel from consideration of a case, the chair shall appoint the Panel alternate as a replacement.
6.9. Once the Panel has been finalized, the VPAFA shall deliver to the chair of the Panel the written grievance and all other documents and/or exhibits received by the VPAFA in the context of the appeal.
7. Academic Review Panel Proceedings
7.1. The Panel will proceed with due haste to examine the merits of the complaint and to schedule a hearing within ten (10) business days.
7.1.1. The Panel, as a whole, shall arrange for a swift and comprehensive review of the grievance and may request from the parties involved and from resource persons additional information. It shall then decide, on the basis of this evidence, whether there are sufficient grounds to hear a case or not, and whether it will accept written statements in lieu of personal appearances or not. If the Panel decides that there are not sufficient grounds to hear a case and closes the case, it shall notify the Grievant and respondent in writing as to the reasons for its actions.
7.1.2. If the Panel determines that the case merits further consideration in the form of a hearing, the parties involved shall be informed in writing and be advised of the scheduled time and place of the hearing. Grievants will be given copies of the respondent’s academic grievance materials. Respondents will be given copies of the grievant’s academic grievance materials. The grievant’s and the respondent’s academic grievance materials will be returned to the Panel chair at the close of the formal hearing.
7.1.3. At the hearing, the grievant, respondent, and material witnesses may testify and may be questioned by the opposite party and by Panel members. Any evidence presented to the Panel may be considered in the final judgment. Such evidence may consist of documentation and/or testimony, within reason.
7.1.4. Both grievant and respondent may be accompanied by advisors; the role of advisor must, however, be restricted to advice. Grievant and respondent must make their own cases before the Panel.
7.1.5. Proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the AAUP’s Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students proposed in 1967 and revised and updated in 1992. The AAUP’s Statement on Graduate Students, which was adopted in 2000, will serve as an additional reference source for Grievants who are graduate students.
7.1.6. An audio recording of the hearing shall be preserved for reference and may be reviewed until the case has been finally resolved. However, Panel deliberations will not be subject to this requirement. The audio recording shall be held in by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for five (5) years.
7.1.7. After receiving testimony and the relevant documents, the Panel shall make a recommendation within five (5) business days on the basis of the received material. The Panel’s decision shall contain finding of fact, the decision arrived at, reasons for the decision, and the criteria or policy applied in reaching the decision. Only members of the Panel who have been present during all the meetings and who have heard all testimony relating to the alleged grievance may vote on the case.
7.1.8. A majority vote of such qualified members shall constitute a judgment. In the case of a tie vote, shall make no judgment, and the VPAFA shall make a final decision in the case.
7.1.9. A decision of the Panel relating to redress of a particular case is final. The Panel does not have the authority to change or direct changes in student grades, faculty conduct, or other disputed areas. The Panel does have the responsibility to evaluate each case carefully and make specific recommendations to the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs. A course of action deemed appropriate by the Panel will be recommended.
7.1.10. The Panel’s recommendation should not be reported, except to the VPAFA, and should remain confidential to the committee.
7.1.11. The VPAFA should transmit only the final decisions to the appropriate persons.
7.1.12. The Panel may alter a deadline specified in these procedures on written petition of either party showing a meritorious reason for delay; if the Panel itself needs to extend a deadline, it may do so on its own authority for periods up to fourteen calendar days; for longer delays, the Panel must request an extension from the VPAFA.
8. Remedies
8.1. General
8.1.1. If the Panel finds, after a formal hearing, that a faculty member is at fault it will recommend a remedy.
8.1.2. It will seek to find a remedy that can be implemented by those whose cooperation is needed. In the matter of a grade dispute, this must include the faculty member involved in the dispute.
8.2. The Panel’s Report
8.2.1. After a judgment has been made in a case, the Panel shall prepare a report setting forth its findings and recommendations for action and present the report to the VPAFA. If there is a tie vote by the Panel, a report setting forth its findings and describing the disagreement that led to a failure to reach a decision about its recommendations for action shall be presented, instead.
8.3. VPAFA Actions
8.3.1. Within five (5) business days of receiving the Panel’s findings and/or recommendations, the VPAFA shall forward to each of the parties involved, by certified mail with return receipt requested, each of the following:
8.3.1.1. A copy of the Panel’s findings and recommendations (if any).
8.3.1.2. The VPAFA’s decision with regard to any relief sought by the parties and/or recommended by the Panel.
8.3.1.3. Notification to both parties of the right to Presidential appeal before the VPAFA takes action. The VPAFA shall be deemed to have satisfied this requirement if he/she calls the attention of the parties to Section 9 of this document.
8.3.2. If no party makes a written appeal within five (5) business days of having been notified by the VPAFA of his/ her decision, that decision shall be considered final and the VPAFA shall see to its implementation.
8.4. In decisions that would result in the changing of a posted grade, the VPAFA will instruct the department chair/unit director to ask the involved faculty member to effect the prescribed grade change or, if cooperation is not forthcoming, to effect the grade change directly by action of the department chair/unit director.
8.5. Such action shall not be construed as restrictive of the recourses of the faculty member through the usual appeal procedure of the University.
8.6. Care will be given that no incomplete or inaccurate information pertaining to the grievance is placed in any file; and that all evidence obtained at any stage of the process and that all deliberations and proceedings be kept confidential.
8.7. At the conclusion of each case, the chairperson of the Academic Review Panel shall transmit original or true copies of the documents related to the case to the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs, who shall keep such records securely as University records for a period of five (5) years.
9. Final Appeal
9.1. At the conclusion of each case, the chairperson of the Academic Review Panel shall transmit original or true copies of the documents related to the case to the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs, who shall keep such records securely as University records for a period of five (5) years.
9.2. The President or his/her designee (e.g., Provost) shall review the appeal within five (5) business days. The President (or designee) will review the decision of the VPAFA and the findings of the Panel and, upon judgment that the Panel has failed to follow these procedures, return the case to the Student Conduct Board for reconsideration, along with description of the perceived error in procedure and a recommendation for its correction.
10. Revisions in the Procedures
10.1. During the spring semester of each year, the Student Conduct Board may propose revisions of these procedures.
Revisions will become effective at the start of the following fall semester, upon ratification by the Student Senates and University Senate, and approval by the President of the University.
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Transfer Credit
Coursework must be validated as being academically rigorous for the appropriate level at which a student receives transfer credit. Accreditation by one of the following organizations is one of the evaluations of quality used by Augusta University: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools - The Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. For institutions outside of the United States, such assurance is provided by an approved credentials evaluation service to which applicants submit their educational credentials.
Transfer Credit for Associate and Baccalaureate Degrees
Coursework transferred to undergraduate degree programs at Augusta University must be collegiate level coursework that is relevant and applicable to the degree being sought at Augusta University. These courses must have been taught beyond the level of secondary education either as part of an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Credit earned at accredited technical colleges may not transfer unless the credit was earned in a designated college transfer program (that are part of an officially sanctioned college preparatory curriculum http://www.usg.edu/academic_partnership_accreditation/committee_docs/documents/GE_transfer_chart_final.pdf ).
After admission, an evaluation of accepted transferable credits is made by the Office of Academic Admissions. Students, in consultation with their advisors, may request departments to review their academic records to potentially approve a Required Course Substitution/Exception Request or Examination of Transfer Work form. A course substitution allows a course to fulfill a degree requirement it would not typically satisfy. All course substitutions must be approved by the chair of the department in which the course in question is offered. All approved course substitutions must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing. A department chair can also authorize an Examination of Transfer Work form if he/she feels that a course for which substitution is being sought should have a different Augusta University equivalent than originally determined. All Examination of Transfer Work forms must be submitted to the Office of Academic Admissions for processing.
If seeking an associate degree, a student must complete at Augusta University a minimum of 20 hours of academic credit. If seeking a baccalaureate degree, a student must complete at Augusta University at least 25 percent of the credits required for the degree and a minimum of 30 hours of academic credit in courses numbered 3000 or above. At least one-half of the major concentration and one-half of the minor concentration, if applicable, must be completed at Augusta University.
The amount of credit that the university will allow for work done in another institution within a given period of time may not exceed the normal amount of credit that could have been earned at the university during that time. A maximum of 62 hours of credit earned in a junior college may be applied toward a degree at Augusta University.
Active duty service members of the United States Armed Services or the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) must complete at Augusta University at least 25 percent of the degree requirements for all degrees. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active duty service members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active duty are covered in the same manner.
Coursework that is more than twenty years old is subject to validation by the Director of Academic Admissions or that person’s designee. Credit decisions will be made in consultation with appropriate department chairs.
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Transient and Cross-Registered Students
An Augusta University student must be in good standing and must obtain prior approval to enroll in any and all credit courses at any other institution as a transient or cross-registered student. This prior approval of each course must be obtained from the Augusta University department or college that offers a course most comparable to the one that will be taken elsewhere. A transient student is defined as a degree candidate at Augusta University who is granted the privilege of temporary registration at another institution and will not be enrolled at Augusta University during that period of temporary registration. A cross-registered student is defined as a degree candidate at Augusta University who is granted the privilege of enrolling at both Augusta University and another institution during a semester.
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Withdrawal
Augusta University students may add or drop courses from their schedule of classes, provided they do so by the published deadline. Thereafter, students may withdraw from courses up to the midterm date published in the academic calendar. After that date, students may withdraw from courses, but will receive a WF grade, except in cases of extreme hardship. Beginning fall 2013, Augusta University undergraduate students may withdraw from up to five courses in their academic careers. Thereafter, a WF grade will be entered for any subsequent withdrawal from a course. The WF grade will count as an F grade for purposes of grade point average calculation.
After the add/drop period has ended, a student may withdraw from a course without penalty up to the midterm date set forth in the Academic Calendar. Following this deadline, a student who withdraws from a course will receive a grade of WF (Withdrew Failing), except in cases of medical, hardship, or military withdrawal. WF grades will be treated as F grades for grade point calculations.
Initiating a withdrawal is the responsibility of the student. Forms for initiating a withdrawal may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar’s website and the Academic Advisement Center. A student must consult an advisor before withdrawing from a course. A student must obtain all required signatures on the official withdrawal form and obtain a last date of attendance for the course. The official date of withdrawal is the date the student notifies the Registrar’s Office of their intent to withdrawal by submitting the completed withdrawal form.
A student who registers for a course and stops attending class (or never attends class) is not automatically withdrawn by the instructor and is subject to receiving a grade of W (before midterm), WF, or F for the course. However, an instructor may withdraw a student for excessive absences (more than 10 percent of class time).
Undergraduate students at Augusta University may withdraw with a W grade from a total of five classes during their academic career. After five withdrawals have been granted, the student will receive a WF for subsequent withdrawals. The WF grade will count as an F grade for the purposes of grade point average calculation. Only W’s accrued at Augusta University will count in the total. Withdrawals granted for medical, hardship, or military withdrawals as documented by the appropriate offices, cases of approved full withdrawal from all courses during a term, and withdrawals during the summer semester are not subject to the terms of this policy.
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