UNCG 1999-2000 UGB: Academic Regulations

Academic Regulations & Policies

The Academic Honor Policy

All work undertaken for academic credit at UNCG is governed by the Academic Honor Policy, which provides that all study be carried out in good faith and with due regard for the integrity of the learning process. Students, faculty and staff are responsible for ensuring that learning proceeds uncompromised by breaches of academic integrity and for ensuring that the Academic Honor Policy is recognized as the imperative governing all academic work at the University. A complete description of the Academic Honor Policy can be found in the UNCG Policies for Students.

Orientation Programs

New undergraduates are welcomed by a number of programs designed to assist with their transition into the UNCG community. The Office of Orientation coordinates these programs to meet the needs of traditional and nontraditional students. Orientation activities include academic advising and registration for classes along with tours of the campus and campus resource fairs. French, Latin and Spanish language and mathematics placement tests are also given at this time.

New students entering UNCG in the fall semester are expected to participate in the SOAR program (Spartan Orientation, Advising, and Registration), which occurs in late June/early July. Traditional freshmen are required to attend SOAR. New students are also expected to participate in Spartan Welcome Weekend which takes place a few days prior to the beginning of classes in the fall.

Registration for Courses at UNCG

Registration dates for each semester are published in the University Calendar and in each semester's Schedule of Courses booklet. Registration for courses at UNCG is an automated process conducted through uncGenie, UNCG's student information system, which provides students with voice response (telephone) and World Wide Web registration access.

Registration Process

Freshman and transfer students register for courses after the completion of their orientation programs at the beginning of a semester, or during the summer orientation programs (SOAR). Registration dates are stated in the University Cale ndar.

Returning, Express, or unclassified students receive registration information and instructions by mail before the beginning of the each semester's registration period.

Continuing students, those currently enrolled in UNCG who are returning for another semester of work, receive instructions by mail for registering during the Early Registration period for the next semester (in November for Spring and in April for Summer/Fall). Continuing students eligible to pre-register for the next semester who do not do so, will be required to pay a late registration fee.

Advising Codes

All undergraduates are required to meet each semester with their faculty advisors for assistance with course selection and to obtain semester advising codes. Undergraduates must use advising codes to access the uncGenie registration system. New advising codes are issued for the next semester during the advising period.

Student Academic Services (SAS)

The Office of Student Academic Services coordinates academic advising for undergraduate students, administers undergraduate policies and regulations, and provides programs for academic success.

A staff of academic advisors is available in the Office of Student Academic Services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to answer questions and to assist students with academic matters beyond the scope of the faculty advisor.

The Director of the Office of Student Academic Services is responsible for the monitoring of University Undergraduate academic regulations as described on the following pages. Any student with questions concerning academic regulations should address them to the staff in the Office of Student Academic Services. If a student, because of extenuating circumstances, wishes to have a regulation set aside, he/she should submit a Student Request Form to Student Academic Services. These forms may be obtained in the Office of Student Academic Services, 159 Mossman Building.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor according to the chosen major. Students are expected to meet with their advisors during registration periods and whenever the student needs advice in selecting courses and assistance in planning an individual program of study. Some departments and schools have established advising centers or appointed coordinators to assist students with academic matters pertinent to their major. These serve to complement the faculty advising program.

Student Evening Services

The Office of Student Evening Services is located at 105 Elliott Center (EUC). The office hours are 5 - 8 pm Monday through Thursday.

This office provides services associated with Student Academic Services, Admissions, Cashier, Financial Aid, Graduate School, Health Center (Immunization Clearance), Postal Services, Registration, Registrar, Student Affairs, Traffic Records and others to students who take classes at night and are unable to take care of such tasks during the day or who are involved in an evening degree program.

In most cases, action will be taken the day after the request so that the student can be notified as soon as possible about the results. Students may also call SES at 336/334-4290.

The Office of Student Academic Services extends its office hours during registration periods to provide academic advising for evening students.

Declaring or Changing Majors

Students should declare a major prior to the completion of 45 semester hours. To earn a degree in a timely manner, some academic departments recommend that students declare their major earlier. Contact the department of your intended major for further information.

Students planning to declare of change their majors should do so as soon as possible to receive advising in the department or advising center of their new majors. Students should declare or change their majors by the end of September for Fall semester, and by the end of February for Spring semester.

Course Selection

Course Loads

Twelve credit hours is considered full-time status for undergraduates. An undergraduate student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours to qualify for full-time certification to any organization.

Undergraduates normally take five courses per semester. Since a majority of courses carry three semester hours of credit with some carrying four hours of credit, a normal course load is 15 or 16 hours per semester. To complete most undergraduate degrees in four years, students should plan to carry 15 or 16 hours per semester.

Undergraduates may not take more than 19 hours per semester except with the approval of Student Academic Services. Students who have cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 may be authorized, in special circumstances and at the discretion of the Director of Student Academic Services, to carry a maximum of 21 semester hours of course work.

Suggested Academic Workload Guidelines

Students should be aware that academic excellence and scholastic achievement usually require a significant investment of time in study, research, and out-of-class projects. To provide guidance to students in planning their academic and work schedules, the following recommendations are offered:

In general, students should plan to devote between 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour in class. Thus, students with a 15-hour course load should schedule between 30-45 hours weekly for completing outside-of-class reading, study, and homework assignments.
Students who are employed more than 5-10 hours each week should consider reducing their course loads (credit hours), depending upon their study habits, learning abilities and course work requirements.

Course Levels

Course level numbers are structured as follows:

100-199 intended primarily for freshmen

200-299 intended primarily for sophomores

300-399 intended primarily for juniors

400-499 intended primarily for seniors

500-599 intended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students; these courses are NOT open to freshmen and sophomores

600-749 restricted to students who are classified as graduate students

750-799 restricted to students admitted to doctoral programs

The Undergraduate Bulletin lists complete course descriptions for courses numbered 100 through 599. Please see The Graduate School Bulletin for information on 600- and 700-level graduate courses.

Adding Courses

Courses may be added to a student's schedule during the Schedule Adjustment period at the beginning of each semester. Between the last day to change courses (Drop/Add period) and the last day to drop without penalty, a student desiring to add a course may do so only with the approval of the instructor and the student's faculty advisor. After the last day to drop courses without penalty, a student must also have the approval of Student Academic Services.

Dropping Courses

Withdrawal from a course or courses within the first eight weeks of the semester shall be without penalty and hours shall not be computed as hours attempted.

Withdrawal without penalty from a course or courses after the eight-week deadline but before the end of the semester shall be approved only for appropriate cause as determined by appropriate documentation of medical, psychological, or administrative reasons. A student should initiate a request for withdrawal without penalty from one or more causes through the Office of Student Academic Services. Courses of less than one semester's duration, including summer school courses, shall have shorter deadlines (proportional to the eight-week deadline for the regular semester) for withdrawal. These deadlines are announced in the Schedule of Courses or class syllabi.

The Director of Student Academic Services shall be responsible for authorizing these withdrawals after consultation with the instructor, and with the Director of the Student Health Center or the Director of the Counseling and Testing Center as appropriate, and shall further be responsible for notifying the instructor(s) and the appropriate Director in writing of the Director of Student Academic Services' decision in each case. An instructor whose recommendation to the Director is overruled may appeal that decision to the Provost. Unauthorized withdrawals after the first eight weeks shall be counted as WF and computed in the grade point average.

The grade W indicates that the student either withdrew from the course within the eight-week, no-penalty period or that the student withdrew at a later date for appropriate cause determined by medical, psychological, or administrative reasons.

If a student is enrolled in only one course and drops that course, the student must officially withdraw from the University.

Retroactive Withdrawals

See Retroactive Grade Change.

Withdrawal from the University

A student wishing to withdraw from the University should follow the official procedure which is initiated in the Office of Student Academic Services. Withdrawals without penalty for documented medical or psychological reasons are considered by the Director of the Office of Student Academic Services. Withdrawals without penalty for administrative reasons are authorized by the Director of Academic Student Academic Services. The same policy for assigning W or WF grades as described above shall apply.

Auditing Courses

Regular full-time students may audit courses upon the written approval of their faculty advisor and the instructor. Auditors must register officially for the class. Attendance, preparation, and participation in the classroom discussion and laboratory exercises shall be at the discretion of the instructor. An auditor is not required to take examinations and tests and receives no credit for the course.

Registration may not be changed from audit to credit or from credit to audit after the drop/add period ends. See more more information on regulations regarding visiting auditors and part-time auditing students. Click here for more information on auditing fees.

Class Attendance

Regular class attendance is a responsibility and a privilege of university education. It is fundamental to the orderly acquisition of knowledge. Students should recognize the advantages of regular class attendance, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise themselves of the consequences of poor attendance. Instructors should stress the importance of these responsibilities to students, set appropriate class attendance policies for their classes, and inform students of their requirements in syllabi and orally at the beginning of each term.

Student's Responsibility

Knowledge of each instructor's attendance policy and monitoring his or her class absences throughout the term.
Familiarity with all materials covered in each course during absences and make-up of any work required by the instructor.
Initiation of requests to make-up work missed because of class absences. The decision to assist the student with make-up work, including tests, rests with the instructor.
Follow-up on all notices from the Registrar regarding course enrollment in order to correct registration.

Instructor's Responsibility

Setting of reasonable regulations for class attendance as appropriate for class content, organization, methodology, and size.
Description of attendance policies in course syllabi and announcement in class, particularly at the beginning of each term.
Maintenance of class attendance records of enrolled students as appropriate for the attendance policy.
Exaction of penalties for unsatisfactory class attendance. Possible penalties are lowering the course grade, including a grade of F, and, in extreme circumstances, dropping the student from the course.

Attendance Appeals

If a student thinks there is a discrepancy between the instructor's exaction of a penalty for unsatisfactory class attendance and the stated policy or that there is an extenuating circumstance that may affect the instructor's decision, then he or she should first make a request to the instructor. If desired, the student may further appeal to the Department Head, the Dean of the School or College, and the Provost, in that order.

Grading Policies and Grades

Final Course Examinations

Students are required to take a final examination, if one is given, in every course for which they are registered. Exceptions hold for seniors in the Honors Program.

No final examinations may be given except during the regular examination period of the semester. According to faculty policy, no test which shall be substituted for the final examination can be given between November 25 and the opening of fall examination week. In the spring semester, no such test can be given after April 15.

During the ten calendar days prior to Reading Day in the fall semester and in the spring semester, no hourly tests may be given unless they were announced during the first month of the semester.

Change of Examination Schedule

A student desiring to change the meeting time of a final exam should make the request directly to the class instructor. It is the instructor's prerogative to grant such requests. In instances where students have three exams within a 24-hour period, they may apply to the University Registrar's Office, 180 Mossman Building, for permission to change their exam schedules. The usual policy is to change the middle examination in a sequence of three. All requests for changes in examinations must be filed with the University Registrar's Office by Reading Day or by the last day of classes for the semester.

Grade Reports

Final course grades are made available to students at the end of each semester on uncGenie, UNCG's student information system. Grades can be accessed either by telephone or on the web. Students may also print a copy of their grades from the uncGenie web module.

Students requiring an official University semester grade report for reimbursement of tuition or other purposes may do so by submitting a written request to the University Registrar's Office, UNCG, PO Box 26179, Greensboro, NC 27402-6179. Requested grade reports will be mailed to students after all grades have been received and processed for the semester.

Grades

A grade in a course is based on the quality of the student's classroom and written work throughout the semester. Most course grades are not solely based on the final examination alone.

UNCG Grading System

A Excellent

indicates achievement of distinction and excellence in several if not all of the following aspects: 1) completeness and accuracy of knowledge; 2) intelligent use of knowledge; 3) independence of work; 4) originality.

B Good

indicates general achievement superior to the acceptable standard defined as C. It involves excellence in some aspects of the work, as indicated in the definition of A.

C Average

indicates the acceptable standard for graduation from UNCG. It involves such quality and quantity of work as may fairly be expected of a student of normal ability who gives to the course a reasonable amount of time, effort, and attention.

Such acceptable standards should include the following factors: 1) familiarity with the content of the course; 2) familiarity with the methods of study of the course; 3) full participation in the work of the class; 4) ability to write about the subject in intelligible English.

D Lowest Passing Grade

indicates work which falls below the acceptable standards defined as C but which is of sufficient quality and quantity to be counted in the hours of graduation if balanced by superior work in other courses.

F Failure

indicates failure that may not be made up except by repeating the course.

I Incomplete

indicates that the completion of some part of the work for the course has been deferred because of prolonged illness of the student or because of some serious circumstances beyond the student's control.

Concomitantly with the recording of an Incomplete grade, the instructor files with the head of the school or department concerned, with the Registrar, and with the Office of Student Academic Services the student's average grade and the specific work which must be accomplished before the Incomplete can be removed. Incomplete grades may be recommended by the University physician, the Counseling and Testing Center, and by the Director of Student Academic Services. Also see Removal of Incompletes.

IP In Progress

indicates that the course work was planned to continue beyond a single semester. This grade may only be used for students taking courses abroad through the International Studies Program.

P/NP Passing/Not Passing

used for designated courses only; courses graded P/NP are so indicated in the course description

S/U Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

used for designated graduate level courses only; courses graded S/U are so indicated in the course description

W Withdrawal

indicates a course from which the student withdrew during the first eight (8) weeks of classes; no academic penalty is attached to a grade of W; see also the section on Dropping Courses.

WF Withdrawal with Failure

indicates a course from which the student withdrew after the first eight (8) weeks of classes; a WF is computed in the student's GPA; see also the section on Dropping Courses.

WN Withdrawal Not Passing

used in courses designated P/NP.

NC No Credit

indicates an audited course.

Removal of Incomplete Grade

An Incomplete grade may be removed by completion of the deferred work. A student should not re-register for the course in order to remove the Incomplete. An Incomplete received during a semester or in summer school must be removed within six months from the last day of examinations in the term in which the course was taken. Current deadlines for removals of Incompletes are published each semester in the Schedule of Courses booklet.

An Incomplete not removed within this time limit is automatically converted to an F by the Registrar. A graduating senior who incurs an Incomplete and who has completed all requirements and enough semester hour credits and grade points to graduate may do so even though the Incomplete grade is outstanding. If the Incomplete is not removed within the required six months, it will be converted to F at the end of that period of time. When an Incomplete is removed, it may be replaced by A, B, C, D, F, or, in certain designated courses, P, NP, S or U.

Incomplete Removal Deadlines

Spring 1999 Incompletes

Incomplete grades earned during Spring '99 must be removed by November 12, 1999 to avoid automatic conversion to F.

Summer 1999 Incompletes

Incomplete grades earned during Summer '99 must be removed by January 29, 2000 to avoid automatic conversion to F.

Fall 1999 Incompletes

Incomplete grades earned during Fall '99 must be removed by June 15, 2000 to avoid automatic conversion to F.

Grade Appeals

If a students wishes to appeal an assigned grade, the student should first discuss the concerns with the instructor. If desired, the student may further appeal to the Department Head, the Dean of the School or College, and the Provost, in that order.

Semester Hour Credits

Credits for all courses are reported in semester hours. A semester hour credit equals one 50-minute class period per week or its equivalent throughout one semester. The number of semester hour credits given for each course is listed as part of the course description.

Except for independent study or where specific provision is made in the course description, no student may repeat for credit a course for which the student has earned credit. If a student repeats such a course, the grade will be recorded on the transcript, but no additional credit will be allowed toward graduation. Grade points are calculated into the cumulative grade point average for the first two attempts if the second grade is not an F. For further information, see the Course Repeat Policy.

Grade Points and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

UNCG uses a semester hour credit and grade point system for evaluating undergraduates. Semester hour credits represent the number of course hours completed. Grade points are determined by the number of semester hour credits attempted and the grades earned.

Beginning with courses taken in Fall 1996, plus/minus grades are incorporated into the GPA for all undergraduates according to the following scale:

Grade	Grade Points Awarded Per Hour of Credit
A	4.0
A-	3.7
B+	3.3
B	3.0
B-	2.7
C+	2.3
C	2.0
C-	1.7
D+	1.3
D	1.0
D-	0.7
F or WF	0

Please note that the new scale applies only to grades awarded for Fall 1996 and subsequent semesters; it is NOT retroactive to previous semesters. Further, the new scale in no way modifies the University's minimum graduation requirement for undergraduates of a cumulative 2.00 GPA.

The grade point average is determined by dividing the accumulated number of grade points earned by the accumulated number of semester hours undertaken. Hours attempted but not passed must be included in this calculation. However, a second F or WF in the same course is not used in computing the grade point average. Courses graded on the P/NP or S/U basis and courses transferred from another institution (except those courses taken through the Consortium) may not be used in determining the UNCG grade point average.

ENG 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward graduation and therefore are not calculated in a student's GPA.

Academic Renewal

Effective Spring 1997, students formerly enrolled at UNCG who have less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA and who have not been enrolled in any institution of higher education during the previous four years may apply for academic renewal. All students readmitted/reactivated under the provisions of this policy must earn at least a 2.00 GPA on their first 15 hours following re-enrollment to qualify for renewal. Thereafter, the student must meet the standard for continuation in the University academic good standing policy. Grades will be forgiven only once during a student's career.

Grade Forgiveness

Upon meeting these requirements, all previously completed courses in which grades below a C were earned will be forgiven. The grade of these courses will be shown on the transcript but will not be used in the calculation of the GPA and the hours will not be counted toward degree requirements. The recomputed GPA will be calculated from the courses in which grades of C or higher were earned. Grades of C- (1.7 grade points) or below will not be counted toward degree requirements nor in the GPA.

Repeated Courses

Except for courses with specific provision in the course description for repeated credit, a UNCG undergraduate student may repeat a UNCG course in an attempt to earn a better grade. Attempted hours and grade points from both attempts will be counted fully in the Grade Point Average (GPA). Credit hours earned for the course will count only once in the total hours for the degree.

The second F or WF policy stated previously on this page takes precedence over this policy. The repeated grade must be a D- or above before it is calculated as the second attempt and calculated in the grade point average. Courses taught Pass/Not Pass can be repeated but not for grades other than P/NP.

Students should be reminded that repeating courses may positively or negatively affect the GPA. This policy does not apply to courses repeated prior to Fall 1992.

Retroactive Grade Change

A retroactive grade change is a change in an officially recorded grade. A grade becomes officially recorded when the Registrar so stipulates. Except to correct clerical errors, a retroactive grade change is an extraordinary action and is granted only in the most compelling circumstances. No change may occur unless the instructor who gave the grade initiates the formal process of a retroactive grade change. The change must also be approved by the instructor's department head and by the instructor's dean. In the event that the instructor is, for practical purposes, unavailable, only the Academic Appeals Committee of the Faculty Senate may act in place of the instructor in the matter of a retroactive grade change.

Students shall be given one year to petition for retroactive Ws following the semester in which grades were awarded. A retroactive grade change to a W must meet the preceding conditions and be approved by the Director of Student Academic Services. In addition, an instructor who is being asked by a student to consider a retroactive withdrawal must be informed by Student Academic Services of the number of courses completed and the number of requests for retroactive W are being sought by the student for the semester in question.

Dean's List

Undergraduate students carrying 6 or more semester hours of course work graded on an A, B, C, D, or F basis are eligible for the Dean's List.

Students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better and who have no grade below B- for the semester will be placed on the Dean's List if they have completed at least 15 credit hours at UNCG. The list is compiled at the end of each semester or when a grade change is processed after a semester for all students whose grade point average falls within the range at the time the report is prepared.

Recognition is accorded the recipients of this honor.

Classification of Students

The following classifications became effective for Fall 1996 and thereafter for newly admitted undergraduates (freshmen and transfer students); please see Appendix C for classifications formerly in effect.

Undergraduate students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. These classifications are determined by the number of semester hours completed (including hours transferred from another institution). The classifications are as follows:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours completed

Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours completed

Junior: 60-89 semester hours completed

Senior: 90 or more semester hours completed

Academic Good Standing At UNCG

The following requirements and procedures for maintaining academic good standing became effective in Fall 1996 for newly admitted degree-seeking undergraduates (freshmen and transfer students), and was modified by Faculty Senate in April 1998. Please see Appendix C for the Academic Good Standing policy in effect for students enrolled prior to Fall 1996.

To continue in academic good standing at UNCG, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 1.75 for freshmen (0-29 semester hours completed), and 2.00 thereafter (30 or more semester hours completed).

Academic Warning for Freshmen

Freshmen will receive an academic warning if their grade point average falls between a 1.50 to 1.74 at the end of their first semester at UNCG. Freshmen will be placed on academic probation if they do not restore academic good standing by the end of the warning term (second semester of the freshman year). Academic warning does not become a permanent part of a student's record.

Academic Probation

Academic probation will occur as a result of any of the following:

Freshmen will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below a 1.75. (Refer to Academic Warning above for a GPA between 1.50 and 1.74.)
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.00.
Any full-time, degree-seeking student who fails to pass at least 6 semester hours in a given semester shall be placed on academic probation.

Students who are placed on academic probation at the end of their first semester at UNCG must participate in the Student Academic Success Program sponsored by Student Academic Services during their second semester. Failure to participate in this program or meet any condition of this program will result in immediate academic suspension.

All students on academic probation shall be limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours in the Fall or Spring Semester and no more than 4 semester hours in each term of Summer session.

Students are expected to be aware at all times of their academic status and are responsible for knowing whether or not they are on academic probation.

SAS Course Required of Students on Academic Probation

100 Strategies for Academic Success (0:2).

Enrollment required of, and restricted to, students who are placed on academic probation at the end of their first semester at UNCG.
Graded P/NP (Pass/Not Pass)

Course focuses on strategies for improving academic performance. Topics will include self-assessment, motivation, goal-setting, study skills, learning styles, time management, and campus resources.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension from the University will occur as a result of either of the following:

Freshmen on academic probation will be suspended for one semester if they fail to earn either a minimum 2.30 GPA each term or raise their cumulative GPA to 1.75 at the end of their probationary term.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors on academic probation will be suspended for one semester of they fail to earn either a minimum 2.30 GPA each term or raise their cumulative GPA to 2.00 at the end of the probationary term.

Students placed on academic suspension are denied permission to enroll for one semester. After a one-semester academic suspension, students may request reactivation to the University. If reactivated, students will return carrying academic probation status. (Summer Session is not considered a semester for the purposes of academic suspension.)

Academic Suspension Appeals

A student who wishes to appeal academic suspension must appeal in writing to Student Academic Services by the appeals deadline in the academic calendar, which is published in the Undergraduate Bulletin and semester Schedule of Courses. Academic suspension appeals are considered in cases where circumstances beyond the student's control have interfered with the student's academic performance.

Events/Circumstances that Merit an Appeal

Personal or family emergency
Unanticipated, serious medical difficulty (excluding chronic conditions students are responsible for properly balancing academic work with known chronic conditions)
Serious psychological difficulty

Information to be Included in the Appeal

State the academic term of suspension you are appealing
Explain the events/circumstances that were detrimental to your academic performance
Attach any supporting documentation of events/circumstances that merit your appeal
Describe how the events/circumstances in your appeal have been resolved
Describe your plans for ensuring satisfactory academic performance in the coming academic term, should your appeal be approved.

Contact Student Academic Services at 334-5730 for additional information.

Academic Suspension Appeals will be reviewed by Student Academic Services and/or the Academic Appeals Committee. Students will be notified of the results of their appeals in writing.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal will occur as a result of either of the following:

Freshmen who return on academic probation after suspension will be dismissed if they fail to earn either a minimum 2.30 GPA each term or raise their cumulative GPA to 1.75.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who return on academic probation after suspension will be dismissed if they fail to earn either a minimum 2.30 GPA each term or raise their cumulative GPA to 2.00.

Students who have been academically dismissed cannot enroll at UNCG. One year after an academic dismissal, students may petition Student Academic Services to return to the University. Approval to continue after academic dismissal is a relatively rare occurrence. If approved, students will return carrying academic probation status.

Return to the University After Academic Probation, Suspension or Dismissal

Students not in good academic standing (academic probation, suspension, dismissal) when they leave the University must meet readmission requirements. If students not in good academic standing attend another post-secondary institution, they must have an overall and transferable 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on all courses taken since leaving the University. In addition, dismissed students must petition Student Academic Services to return to the University.

Academic Appeals

The Director of Student Academic Services and the Academic Appeals Committee, appointed from the faculty, consider special and meritorious requests for waivers of academic regulations stated in the UNCG catalog. The student should consult the Office of Student Academic Services for information concerning the appeal process.

Credit Regulations and Credit Limits

Summer Session Credits

Approval to be a visiting student at another college and to have the credits transferred to UNCG for degree credits must be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar.

Students may enroll for no more than 14 semester hours during the entire Summer Session (two terms) unless permitted to take an increased load by the Director of Student Academic Services.

Transfer Credit and Credit Limit

The sum total of transfer credit from two-year college(s), extension, or correspondence courses that may be applied toward an undergraduate degree may not exceed 64 semester hours. No combination of 2+ and transfer/extension credit may exceed 64 semester hours on the student's transfer evaluation worksheet.

Current UNCG policy stipulates that courses completed in technical, vocational, or professional programs at community colleges or courses from technical colleges or proprietary institutions cannot be accepted in transfer, unless they are part of a 2+ Articulation Agreement. These agreements give students with articulated Associate in Applied Science degrees access only to complementary degrees at UNCG.

Transfer Articulation

Located in the University Registrar's Office, this unit enters transfer credit coursework into the student's official record. Also, in association with University faculty, this unit is responsible for determining how other higher education institution coursework transfers into UNCG. Students with questions about transfer credit are encouraged to call the University Registrar's Office and ask for the Transfer Articulation area (336/334-5946). Transfer equivalencies for courses taken in the NC Community College system and several area universities are also now available on the web at www.uncg.edu/reg/Services/transart/index.html

Extension or Correspondence Credit

Extension Credit

UNCG extension credit, earned either on or off campus, will be considered transfer credit for admission purposes. Up to 64 semester hours in extension and/or correspondence credits may be applied to completion of work for an undergraduate degree. Academic departments may establish such course and credit limitations in acceptance of extension credit as may be required by specific degree programs.

Although UNCG extension credit is treated as transfer credit at the time of admission, it will be thereafter considered "Residence" credit for degree certification purposes.

Correspondence Credit

Up to 64 semester hours in correspondence and extension credit may be applied to the completion of work for an undergraduate degree with the further stipulation that not more than one-fourth of the requirements for the degree may be completed in correspondence credit. Academic departments may establish such course and credit limitations in acceptance of correspondence credit as may be required by specific degree programs.

Although UNCG correspondence credit is treated as transfer credit at the time of admission, it will be thereafter considered "Residence" credit for degree certification purposes.

Correspondence credit earned from institutions other than UNCG is always treated as transfer credit. It will have no impact on the UNCG grade point average. Only credit hours will be applied toward UNCG degree requirements.

Undergraduate Degree Credit Limit

No more than 168 hours may be attempted toward an undergraduate degree.

Non-Credit Courses

English 100 and Mathematics 100 are offered for beginning students who need a transition course between their high school curriculum and entering the credit course work for a degree. No credit toward graduation is given for either English 100 or Mathematics 100.

Physical Education Credit Limit Policy

Any University student may take up to eight (8) hours of elective credit in physical education activity courses to apply toward graduation.

ROTC Credit Limit Policy

Elective credit shall not exceed eight (8) semester hours for Army ROTC, and twelve (12) hours for Air Force ROTC.

Placement Examinations

Placement tests are administered each summer during orientation (SOAR) and each semester during the advising and registration period by the departments concerned. Students should check the course schedule booklet each semester for the exact dates and times during which the tests will be administered.

The results of placement tests in French, Latin, and Spanish are binding for student placement in courses. Students may enroll in mathematics courses at the level at which they place or in lower level courses. Students will not receive credit nor will they be exempt from University distribution requirements based on their performance on the tests.

French, Latin, and Spanish Placement Tests

Students who started French, Latin, or Spanish in secondary school and who are beginning their study of that language at UNCG must take a placement test. All transfer students returning to the study of French, Latin, or Spanish begun in high school but not previously pursued at the college level must also take the placement test. Students admitted with a two-unit language deficiency need not take the test. Students who are transferring credits in these languages from another college need not take the test in order to continue the same language at UNCG.

Mathematics Placement Tests

Placement tests in mathematics are mandatory for all freshman students and for all upperclass students who wish to take a college-level math course for the first time.

All degree programs currently require at least one mathematics course and may identify a specific one or more.

If a student is admitted with a mathematics deficiency in algebra and/or geometry, she/he must remove the deficiency even though the area of study at UNCG may not require mathematics.

The table below indicates the appropriate placement in mathematics courses:

Placement Test Score Below 7
Student may enroll in: MAT 100*, MAT 112*, CSC 101*

Placement Test Score 7-9
Student may enroll in: MAT 100*, MAT 112*, CSC 101*, STA 108

Placement Test Score 10-19
Student may enroll in: MAT 100*, MAT 112*, MAT 119, CSC 101*, STA 108

Placement Test Score 20-30
Student may enroll in: MAT 100*, MAT 112*, MAT 119, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 191**, CSC 101*, CSC 130, STA 108

* MAT 100, MAT 112, and CSC 101 do not require a placement test score. However, any student who enrolls in a higher level mathematics course must have the appropriate placement test score or a grade of at least a C in the appropriate prerequisite course. MAT 112, STA 108, and CSC 101 do not prepare a student for MAT 119. MAT 100 does not count as credit toward graduation nor in the student's GPA.

** MAT 191 students must also exhibit proficiency in trigonometry.

Placement Without Credit

Students with exceptional ability are encouraged to take examinations for placement without credit in order to take advantage of opportunities for advanced courses and for individual research or other creative endeavors.

Examinations for placement without credit will be administered by the departments or schools concerned. It is recommended that departments or schools make available to interested students reading lists and other source material which might assist the students in preparing for the examination.

Passing an examination of this type will not alter the number of hours required in that area or subject. Successful completion of an examination for placement at the 100 level in the student's major field shall have the effect of increasing the number of hours accepted toward graduation above the 100 level by the number of hours so waived.

In all cases where requirements of prerequisites are waived, by placement examination or other means, this fact should be reported in writing by the appropriate department head to the Office of Student Academic Services and should be entered on the student's record.

Special Examination for Credit

In exceptional circumstances, students may attempt to establish academic credit through a Special Examination upon the recommendation of the department or school and under the supervision of the Director of Student Academic Services.

Only those courses which are designated by the department or school may be credited by special examination. The department or school shall administer a written examination, except in cases where mastery of techniques may be demonstrated in other formats. Applications for the exam shall be made to the Director of Student Academic Services with the written permission of the head of the department or school, at least 30 days before the examination. A non-refundable fee will be charged, payable after the application has been approved.

Examinations must be taken before the last semester or 12-week summer session preceding the completion of the student's degree requirements. Students may not be tested in material for which they received high school credit, and transfer students may not extend the number of hours allowed in transfer by this method. Credit will not be given for a prerequisite to a course for which the student has already received credit. No examination may be given in a course for which the student has registered for audit.

No more than 12 semester hours may be earned toward graduation by this procedure. The School of Nursing has a special exemption to present 30 semester hours by the Special Examination Program (see School of Nursing). Credits earned in this manner may not be used to fulfill residency requirements.

A student must consult in advance with the faculty advisor and with the head of the department or school concerned and file evidence of having prepared for the exam. Assistance should be given to the student in developing reading lists and other source material.

Results of all examinations shall be reported to the Registrar before the first day of the next registration period. Credit, but no grade points, will be granted when the level of performance is C or better.

Average Time to Graduation

Many factors affect both the length of time and the number of credit hours an individual student will require to complete the baccalaureate degree. At UNCG the median number of months to graduation for full time students is 46. The median number of credit hours completed is 125.

Full time undergraduate students are expected to complete at least 15 credit hours per semester and failure to do so may lengthen the student's time to graduation. Some majors do require formal admission beyond that required for admission to the University in general.

Students should meet with their academic advisors regularly to plan their academic schedules. To graduate, students must complete specific University requirements as well as requirements within the major. Students who change majors may find that additional requirements must be fulfilled. Changing majors excessively, or after the third or fourth semester of study, may also lengthen the time to graduation.

Criteria for admission to a specific major (outlined in this Bulletin) and continuation in that major may include a University grade point average exceeding that required for continuation within the University as a whole. Students considering such majors should become familiar with the guidelines, and work with an academic advisor, as soon as possible to ensure that they meet the criteria.

25% Tuition Surcharge for Undergraduates

The General Assembly has instituted a twenty-five percent (25%) tuition surcharge (Section 89 (b), Senate Bill 27, 1993 Session) which became effective Fall semester 1994 and applies to all new undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree. Specifically, it states:

"The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall ensure that procedures are established that are necessary to impose a twenty-five percent (25%) tuition surcharge on students who take more than 140 degree credit hours to complete a baccalaureate degree in a four-year program or more than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the credit hours necessary to complete a baccalaureate degree in any program officially designated by the Board of Governors as a five-year program. The calculation of these credit hours taken at a constituent institution or accepted for transfer shall exclude hours earned through the College Board's Advanced Placement or CLEP examinations, through institutional advanced placement or course validation, or through summer term or extension programs."

Students Subject to the Surcharge

The tuition surcharge will be applied to new undergraduate students enrolled for the first time in Fall 1994 and thereafter in a degree program at UNCG as follows:

For students earning a first baccalaureate degree in a program that requires no more than 128 credit hours, the surcharge shall be applied to all hours in excess of 140.
For students earning a first baccalaureate degree in a UNC Board of Governors Board-approved program that requires more than 128 credit hours, the surcharge shall be applied to all hours that exceed 110 percent of the credit hours required for the degree. Such programs include those that have been officially designated by the Board of Governors as five-year programs as well as those involving double majors, or combined bachelor's/master's degrees.
For students earning a baccalaureate degree other than their first, the surcharge shall be applied to all hours that exceed 110 percent of the minimum additional credit hours needed to earn the additional baccalaureate degree. The minimum additional credit hours will be determined by the degree audit during the first semester a student is enrolled in the second or other baccalaureate degree.

Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree are required to take 31 credit hours of residency at UNCG.

The surcharge will be imposed in the fall or spring semester and in all subsequent semesters where a student's cumulative credit hour total exceeds the threshold. The surcharge does not apply to required fees.

Hours INCLUDED in Tuition Surcharge Hours:

The undergraduate credit hours to be counted in the calculation of the tuition surcharge include:

all semester (fall and spring semester) academic credit hours attempted (includes repeated coursework, failed coursework, and course withdrawals); and
all transfer credit hours accepted by UNCG.

Hours EXCLUDED from Tuition Surcharge Hours:

College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) credit;
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or similar programs' credits;
credit earned through any UNCG advanced placement, course validation or similar procedure;
(credit earned in summer sessions at UNCG or another UNC institution; and
credit earned from an extension division of any UNC institution, including UNCG.

Students will be informed of the Tuition Surcharge Hours earned each semester and cumulatively in their tuition billing.

Students may contact the Office of Student Academic Services to obtain current information on their credit hours.

Graduation

At the beginning of the semester or summer session in which graduation is expected, undergraduates must officially apply for graduation to the University Registrar. Fulfillment of all requirements for the degree applied for, as well as official application for the degree, are the student's responsibilities.

Academic Requirements

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the specific requirements of UNCG and of the School/College and department in which they major. They must present for graduation the specific number of hours required for the degree with a minimum cumulative overall grade point average of at least 2.0 on all hours undertaken.

At least 36 of the total semester hours for the degree must be at the 300-level or above.

Residence Requirements

All students are expected to take their last year in residence at UNCG, except those students in programs offered in cooperation with another institution and approved by the faculty. With the approval of the Director of Student Academic Services, students may take 15 of their last 60 hours at another approved institution.

All students must complete at least 31 semester hours in residence at UNCG for the degree, 12 of which must be in the major field and 9 of which must be in the minor if a minor is sought. After enrollment, Extension credit and Correspondence courses offered by UNCG are considered residence credit. However, credit earned by special examination is not considered residence credit.

Degree Time Requirements

The following policies regarding time allowed for completion of AULER/CLER and major requirements became effective Fall 1996.

AULER Requirements

Students must meet the University (AULER/College of Arts and Sciences-CLER) Liberal Education Requirements for graduation as stated in the UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin in effect at the time of original enrollment at UNCG. If the student fails to graduate within seven years, however, the University* has the option of enforcing

the original requirements, or
the AULER/CLER requirements which were in effect at the time the seven year period expired, or
the AULER/CLER requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment if the student withdrew.

*Typically, the UNCG Office of Student Academic Services will make the choice among these options in consultation with the department in which the student chooses to major.

Major Requirements

Students must meet the departmental major requirements in effect when the student declares or, if required by the department, is formally admitted to a school/college major. If the student fails to graduate within seven years, however, the University* has the option of enforcing

the original requirements,
the major requirements which were in effect at the time the seven year period expired, or
the major requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment if the student withdrew.

*Typically, the department in which the student chooses to major will make the choice among these options in consultation with the UNCG Office of Student Academic Services.

Application for Graduation

All undergraduate students are required to file an application for graduation in the University Registrar's Office at the beginning of the semester in which they plan to graduate. This application is required for processing the final degree audit and for ordering diplomas. See current graduation application fees. The deadline dates for filing are also published each year in the University Calendar and in each semester's Schedule of Courses booklet.

Students who do not graduate in the semester for which they file a graduation application must re-file for the next term in which they expect to complete their degrees.

The graduation application deadlines for undergraduates filing for the 1999-2000 academic year are:

Monday, September 27, 1999, for those graduating in December 1999
Friday, January 14, 2000, for those graduating in May 2000
Thursday, June 1, 2000, for those graduating in Summer (August) 2000

Undergraduates who do not file applications for graduation by the published deadlines may petition to the Director of Student Academic Services for an exemption. Only extremely unusual circumstances warrant exceptions to these deadlines, however, as notification of the candidates for graduation must be submitted to the Board of Trustees for official action shortly after the deadline dates for filing each term.

Graduation with Honors

The designation of graduation with honors is based on all courses (including the last semester's work) for which grades and grade points are given. Any senior is eligible for honors who, at the end of the senior year, has completed at least 45 hours of work in residence at UNCG. This does not include hours for which credit and grade points have been received by special examinations.

Honors are awarded to graduating seniors as follows:

Summa cum laude (with highest honor)

achievement of a minimum grade point average of 3.90

Magna cum laude (with great honor)

achievement of a minimum grade point average of 3.70

Cum laude (with honor)

achievement of a minimum grade point average of 3.50

Second Degree Honors

Any second degree candidate is eligible for graduation with honors who, at the end of the final year, has completed toward the second degree, at least 45 hours of work in residence at UNCG and has earned the requisite grade point average.

Commencement Participation Policy

Students completing all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester are encouraged to participate in May Commencement. Students completing degree requirements by the end of the Summer Session or by the end of the fall semester are encouraged to participate in the December Commencement.

Students who have three (3) credit hours remaining to graduate in August or who are completing required internship or practicum experience to graduate in August, and who have applied to complete their degree, may, with the approval of their department and Student Academic Services or the Graduate School, petition the University Registrar's Office or the Graduate School to participate in May commencement ceremonies.

Students who do not apply for May graduation before the published deadline, or who do not complete degree requirements before the date designated in the University Calendar for final clearance, may apply for graduation in August or December and may participate in the December Commencement.

Degrees are conferred only after all requirements are completed and the Board of Trustees has taken official action.

Other Regulations

Dual Registration: Undergraduate and Graduate

Undergraduate students at UNCG who plan to take graduate study at UNCG, and who need no more than 12 semester hours of work to fulfill all requirements for the bachelor's degree, may enroll in The Graduate School. Total graduate credit obtained in this dual status may not exceed 12 semester hours. Students must apply for admission to a graduate program before requests for dual registration can be approved, but do not have to be formally admitted until the end of the semester in which credit is earned. For dual registration status, the approval of the Dean of The Graduate School, the Director of Student Academic Services, and the student's major advisor are required.

Students should be advised that approval for dual registration does not guarantee nor constitute acceptance into any graduate program.

Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student with a bachelor's degree may receive a second baccalaureate degree if it is a different degree or a different major. In such a case, all the requirements for the second degree and major as stated in the catalog which the student is entitled to follow must be met. In any case, a minimum of 31 hours in residence beyond requirements for the first degree must be completed.

Meeting requirements for a second major does not qualify a student to receive a second degree. See an explanation of second majors.

Simultaneous Degrees

A student may receive two degrees at the same time if the requirements for both degrees are met. A minimum of 31 hours in residence beyond the requirements for the first degree must be completed (e.g. if the first degree requires 122 semester hours, a total of 153 hours must be completed).

Second Degree Honors

UNCG HOMEPAGE

REGISTRAR'S PAGE

Contact: University Registrar's Office
Registrar, UNCG, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 (336) 334-5946