| The University of South Alabama's academic policies and
procedures provide the framework for the orderly conduct of its degree programs. They are
intended to ensure a thorough and complete education for each of the University's
graduates. They are administered through the Office of the Senior Vice President for
Academic Affairs.
SEMESTER
SYSTEM
Terms normally consist of fifteen weeks of class followed by a final
examination week. Usually, one semester credit hour is awarded for each 50-minute lecture
class per week or 2-3 hour laboratory or studio period. Quarter credit hours divided by
1.5 yield the equivalent number of semester credit hours.
Each hour of lecture usually requires two hours of outside
preparation. Thus, a student carrying sixteen semester hours should be prepared to spend
at least 48 hours in class and study per week.
CLASSIFICATION
OF STUDENTS
A student's classification is determined by the number of credits earned
toward the degree. A student is classified as follows:
Freshman - 0 - 31 semester hours
Sophomore - 32 - 63 semester hours
Junior - 64 - 95 semester hours
Senior - 96 semester hours or more
NORMAL ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Normal progress for full-time students enrolled at the University of South
Alabama shall mean the satisfactory completion of 32 semester hours of work in each
calendar year from the date of first enrollment and the satisfactory completion of all
degree requirements within 41/2 calendar years from the date of first enrollment.
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
ENROLLMENT STATUS
Degree students carrying twelve or more credit hours of work each term
are considered full-time. However, students must carry at least sixteen hours each term
(twelve semesters) to meet requirements for graduation in four academic years. Co-op
students who alternate full-time enrollment with employment are considered full-time
students for enrollment purposes. Students carrying six to eleven credit hours are
considered half-time and students one to five credit hours are considered less than
half-time.
ACADEMIC
ADVISORS
Before entering the University, students should study
the curricula outlined to determine the program best suited to their interests and needs.
Before registering, each student will select, tentatively at least, a curriculum. This
decision will determine the academic unit in which the student will be advised.
The designated academic advisor will counsel with the student regarding the proposed
curriculum and choice of courses. This relationship continues as needed throughout the
student's stay in the University, unless another advisor is assigned or the student
selects a new program.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
While the University of South Alabama will endeavor to
provide timely and accurate advisement, the responsibility of the student is to know and
satisfy the degree requirements of the academic program.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR DEGREES
Minimum requirements for a bachelor's degree are
listed below. The colleges and departments may have requirements which exceed these
requirements. Students should consult the individual college program description for
details.
MINIMUM HOURS
A student must complete a minimum of 128 approved
semester hours, including both general education requirements and major requirements. In
some colleges/degree programs a minor is required also.
MINIMUM GRADE-POINT
AVERAGE
A student must earn a minimum grade-point average
(GPA) of 2.00 (an average grade of "C") based on all course work taken at the
University of South Alabama. Students enrolled in the College of Education must have a
minimum grade-point average of 2.20 (2.50 grade-point average for teacher certification).
Grades in pass-fail (S/U) courses do not carry quality points.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
All students must fulfill the following general
education requirements consisting of a minimum of 41 semester hours plus two designated
writing courses. Specific degree program and college requirements may exceed any or all of
the minimum general education requirements. Also, since specific course requirements in
general education will vary from major to major, students must refer to the program
section of the Bulletin for their major before enrolling in courses intended to satisfy
general education requirements, as well as other program requirements. In addition,
students should plan their degree program with an academic advisor. The general education
requirements are:
I. WRITTEN
COMPOSITION
EH 101 and 102. Two designated writing courses are
required, one course must be in the student's major or minor.
II. HUMANITIES AND FINE
ARTS
Requirements include at least 12 semester hours in
humanities with a minimum of 3 semester hours in literature,* and 3 semester hours in the
arts, and the remaining semester hours from the humanities and fine arts.** In addition to
literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy,
religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theater, and dance.
Courses should be broad in scope and content rather than
specific and should emphasize a global perspective. Courses in the arts should emphasize
history and appreciation rather than performance. Examples in the humanities and fine arts
include, but are not limited to, world literature, art history, music appreciation,
comparative religions, and history or origins of dance.
*Students must complete a 6-semester-hour sequence either
in literature or in history, and must complete one course that demonstrates competency in
oral communication.
**Engineering majors are required to complete 9 rather than
12 semester hours in humanities and fine arts.
III. NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS
Requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at
least 3 semester hours in mathematics at the precalculus algebra level or higher, and at
least 8 semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences.
Disciplines in the natural sciences include, but are not limited to, astronomy, biology,
chemistry, geology, and physics.
Courses in the natural sciences should be broad in scope
and content rather than specific to an aspect of a discipline, and may include
interdisciplinary science courses. Courses in the natural sciences must include laboratory
experiences which emphasize the scientific method.
IV. HISTORY, SOCIAL, AND
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Requirements include at least 3 semester hours in history*
and at least 9 semester hours from among the disciplines in the social and behavioral
sciences.** In addition to history, these disciplines include, but are not limited to,
anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Courses should be broad in scope and content, include
global or international perspectives, and must emphasize the methods of inquiry in the
social sciences
*Students must complete a 6-semester-hour sequence either
in literature or in history.
**Engineering majors are required to complete 9 rather than
12 semester hours in history, social, and behavioral sciences.
ENGLISH COMPOSITION
Students must demonstrate basic writing skills by
passing EH 101 and EH 102. Students may exempt the EH 101 requirement with an enhanced ACT
English score of 27 or above; a recentered SAT score of 550 or above on the verbal
portion; or a score of 3 or higher in the Advanced Placement Program.
Students scoring a minimum of 500 on the CLEP English
Examination may satisfy the EH 101 and EH 102 requirement.
TWO DESIGNED WRITING CREDIT (W)
COURSES
In addition to the composition/communication requirements of the individual
colleges, the University requires that a candidate for graduation must have completed two
designated writing-credit courses, with at least one course chosen from offerings in the
candidate's major or minor. Courses carrying this required credit are identified in the
University Schedule of Classes by a (W) after the course title. EH 101 and EH 102 are
prerequisites to writing courses.
NOTE: Credits earned in the Department of English as a
Second Language and in Developmental Studies will not be acceptable toward meeting writing
competency requirements.
UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER
The University
Writing Center provides assistance in writing to any student enrolled in classes on
any of the University's campuses. Students work with writing consultants one-on-one in a
relaxed, informal setting to improve their writing skills. One-hour classes in writing
skills are offered for credit each semester for students wishing to take a credit class to
improve their writing. The consulting schedule varies slightly from semester to semester,
but it is always published in the two newsletters distributed by the Writing Center, Write
Now, which is sent to faculty and staff, and WRITERS BLOCK, which is sent to students.
DS AND ESL COURSES
Credits earned in the Departments of Developmental Studies and English as a
Second Language will not be acceptable toward meeting degree requirements within the
University.
HOURS IN RESIDENCE/RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENT
A candidate for graduation must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of
University of South Alabama upper-division course work (300 and 400 levels). The intention
of this requirement is that candidates for graduation will have taken the majority of
their upper-division course work in their major at the University of South Alabama. Upon
the recommendation of the dean of the appropriate college and approval of the Senior Vice
President for Academic Affairs, credit may be substituted to meet the residency
requirement. Any deviation from this policy must be approved by the Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs. Students should consult the University Bulletin
for additional regulations in each academic unit.
SECOND
MAJOR
Unclassified students wishing to complete the requirements for a second
major after completing a bachelor's degree at the University of South Alabama must meet
the following stipulations:
They must complete the appropriate form in the
Registrar's office prior to undertaking any course work toward the second major.
They must be enrolled in the college in which the major
is administered.
They must meet all the requirements of the second major.
At least half the total number of hours required for the
second major must be satisfactorily completed in residence at the University of South
Alabama.
At least nine hours of the work in the second major
satisfactorily completed in residence at the University of South Alabama must be in
addition to work completed as part of the bachelor's degree.
The appropriate dean's office is responsible for
notifying the Registrar's office of satisfactory completion of the second major.
When these requirements have been met, a notation will be
entered on the student's record to indicate that the student has "completed work
equivalent to a major in __________". Students completing a major equivalency in this
fashion may not apply the additional course work toward a second bachelor's degree.
SECOND
BACHELOR'S / DUAL DEGREE
Students seeking a second bachelor's degree, which may be earned either
sequentially or simultaneously, must meet the following stipulations:
They must complete the appropriate form in the
Registrar's Office prior to undertaking any work toward the second/dual degree.
They must be enrolled in the college(s) in which the
second/dual degree is administered.
They must complete a course of study, approved in advance
by the appropriate dean, consisting of at least 32 credit hours in upper division course
work in residence over and above the requirements for the first bachelor's degree
including a recognized major program.
They must satisfy all degree requirements of the
college(s) awarding the second/dual degree.
They must comply with all other University regulations.
Students returning for a second degree in the College of
Arts and Sciences must meet the requirements for a second major and meet the University
requirements for a second degree. Students seeking a second degree in the area of the
minor used for their first degree must have an additional minor.
GRADUATE
STUDY FOR ADVANCED UNDERGRADUATES
With permission of the department chair and appropriate director of
graduate studies, a student who has completed 96 semester hours with a "B" (3.0)
average may register for graduate courses provided the total load does not exceed 12
hours. This policy is extended to provide an opportunity for well-prepared undergraduates
who meet two Regular admission criteria: minimum GPA and sufficient undergraduate course
work in the major subject to qualify for graduate study in the involved discipline.
The same course may not be counted both as undergraduate
and graduate credit, and the graduate course may count toward a degree in graduate school
if and when the student is admitted to the graduate school provided such course was not
used to satisfy requirements for the undergraduate degree.
PREREQUISITES
Students may not register for courses for which they do not have the
prerequisites specified in the course descriptions. Any student who does so is subject to
administrative withdrawal by either the student's dean or the dean of the college in which
the course is taught.
REGISTRATION
Registration (making course selections and enrolling in classes) occurs
prior to the beginning of each term. Continuing students, former students returning and
new graduate students register via the telephone utilizing USA's V.I.P.S. (Voice
Interactive Phone System) and new undergraduate students attend campus registration. (See
the University Schedule of Classes
for additional information.)
Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid
and all admissions documents and examinations furnished. Failure to satisfy any of the
admission or registration requirements is sufficient cause for dropping a student from all
classes.
ADDING
OR DROPPING COURSES
All changes in schedules, including changes to audit, must be made by
the third day of the term, properly approved and processed by the Registrar and the
Bursar. Students may drop courses without penalty provided the withdrawal occurs within
the time limits listed in the official calendar.
The grade of "F" or "U" is recorded for a course abandoned without an
official withdrawal. Students who drop courses after the last day for refunds may continue
to attend class.
ATTENDANCE
AND ABSENCES
An individual student is responsible for attending the classes in which
the student is officially enrolled. The quality of work will ordinarily suffer from
excessive absences. At the beginning of classes, instructors must define their policy on
absences, and all cases of illness and emergency shall be promptly reported and verified
to the instructor. For excessive absences (two or three consecutive class meetings) due to
illness, death in family, or family emergency, the Dean of Students' office should be
advised. Absence notices will be sent to each instructor notifying him of the reason for
and the approximate length of the absence. This notification does not constitute an
excused absence.
Students receiving veterans' benefits are required to
attend classes according to the regulations of the Veterans Administration.
All international students on F-1 visas must comply with
attendance regulations as dictated by the Department of Justice, Immigration and
Naturalization Services. They must remain students in good standing with at least twelve
(12) hours per term.
Students attending authorized off-campus functions or
required activities shall be excused by the responsible University official through the
Office of Academic Affairs. In case of doubt, instructors may consult these lists in that
office. Students who are confined to the University's Health Center shall be excused from
absences incurred during that period. Work missed as a result of these excused absences
may be made up.
WITHDRAWALS
Official withdrawal from the University is initiated in the student's
academic dean's office. Clearance must be secured from the University Library, the Office
of Financial Aid, the Bursar, the University Registrar and the Veterans Affairs Office, if
applicable. The symbol WD is recorded for all courses when the student completes the
withdrawal form within the time limits listed in the official calendar.
A grade of "F" or "U" is recorded when a currently enrolled student
leaves the University without initiating and completing the withdrawal form.
COURSES
REPEATED FOR CREDIT
A student may repeat a course which has been failed. Total grade-points
are computed on the basis of all attempts. A student who has a passing grade may repeat
the course with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. A repeated course may be
counted only once toward graduation, but all grades are recorded on the student's
transcript and are counted in determining quality points.
EXAMINATIONS,
GRADES, AND GRADE-POINTS (UNDERGRADUATE)
Final examinations are held at the end of each semester. Students are graded on the basis
of the following guidelines:
A-Excellent, 4 grade-points per semester hour
B-Good, 3 grade-points per semester hour
C-Satisfactory, 2 grade-points per semester hour
D-Minimum Passing, 1 grade-point per semester hour
F-Failure, no grade-points
E-Excellent, no grade-points
S-Satisfactory, no grade-points
U-Unsatisfactory, no grade-points
The following symbols are substitutes for grades.
They are not grades:
I-Incomplete (see below)
X-Absence from Final Examination (see below)
WD-Withdrawal in good standing
P-Course in progress (see below)
AU-Audit
UA-Unsatisfactory Audit (did not meet attendance
requirements)
N-No grade or invalid grade (assigned only by the
Registrar)
The symbol "I" (Incomplete) is assigned when, for
reasons beyond the student's control, the student is unable to fulfill all the normal
course requirements. The situation warranting an "I" must be a medical
condition, an equipment problem, or other mitigating circumstance that is patently
demonstrable to be beyond the student's control. This symbol is not used to provide time
for completion of extra work beyond the normal course requirements for improving the
student's grade, nor is it assigned to permit the student to avoid probation, suspension,
or dismissal. The symbol "X" (Absence from Final Examination) is assigned only
in cases where illness or an unforeseen emergency precludes the student's appearance at
the scheduled examination. All records of the symbols "I" or "X" must
be cleared by the specified deadline of the next term; if they are not, grades of
"F" will be recorded by the Registrar.
The symbol "P" (In Progress) is assigned only in
a limited number of approved courses which require more than one term for completion.
Unless the P is removed by the end of the second succeeding term, a grade of "F"
will be recorded.
A student whose work is unsatisfactory for any reason shall
receive a final grade of "F" for the course.
PLAGIARISM
AND CHEATING
Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are academic matters;
accordingly, no credit will be given for work in which they are involved. In addition,
incidents of this nature may be reported to other appropriate authorities for further
disciplinary action. (See Student Academic Conduct Policy)
CREDIT
BY EXAMINATION
USA students may receive credit by special examination upon approval of
the appropriate academic personnel (statement of application procedures may be obtained
from the Office of the Registrar).
A fee of $30.00 will be charged for each examination. In addition, the student will be
charged the current course fee per hour of credit. Hours attempted will be included in
determining the student's grade-point average.
COLLEGE LEVEL
EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
The University of South Alabama is a participant in the College Level
Examination Program. Transfer credits earned through the College Level Examination Program
will be evaluated according to standards established by this University. To pass the CLEP
English Examination, student must also pass the University's 010 Writing Placement
Examination. Prospective or enrolled students may seek information from the Office of
Admissions or Office of the Registrar.
32-HOUR
CREDIT LIMITATION
No more than a combined total of 32 semester hours of credit will be allowed for
credit received through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement
Program (AP), credit by examination, correspondence courses, military service school
courses, and other approved non-collegiate-sponsored programs as recommended by the
American Council on Education.
REPORTING OF GRADES
Final grades are mailed to all students at the completion of each term and
are available through the V.I.P.S. telephone registration system.
CHANGE OF
GRADE
Grades reported by instructors to the Registrar may not be changed
except in case of error in recording or in evaluation. Grade changes require the approval
of the instructor, the department chair, and the dean of the college in which the course
is taught. Grades on record for one calendar year may not be changed for any reason.
FINAL
GRADE GRIEVANCE POLICY
A student may initiate an inquiry under procedures set forth by the
Undergraduate Final Course Grade Grievance Policy. A copy of this policy is available in
the dean's office of each college and is published in The Lowdown (Student Handbook) and
in the Faculty Handbook.
ACADEMIC
RECOGNITION
Candidates for all honor lists must be undergraduate degree-seeking
students with a clear academic status. Graduates, unclassified, auditors, transients,
non-degree, or other special categories are excluded.
The President's Scholars include all full-time students
earning a 4.0 semester grade-point average.
The Dean's List includes all full-time students earning a
3.50 semester grade-point average.
The Dean's Honor List includes all full-time students who
have completed a minimum of 32.0 hours at the University of South Alabama, earned a
cumulative grade-point average of 3.40 or greater, and met all requirements of the regular
Dean's List as shown above.
The Dean's List for part-time students (students taking
fewer than twelve hours) includes all students who are enrolled in at least six semester
hours and have earned a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or greater.
All the above lists are compiled upon completion of the
processing of a particular semester's grades. Removal of I's, X's or other such symbols at
a later date will not qualify the student for recognition. Grades recorded in error will
be considered if properly removed and the Dean's office is notified before publication of
the lists.
ACADEMIC
STATUS
Required Grade-Point Balance
All undergraduate students must meet the established standards designating appropriate
academic progress. To stay in good academic standing with a Clear status, a student must
maintain a grade-point balance of zero or greater than zero on University of South Alabama
course work. Should the GPB be less than zero, i.e., a negative number, the status will be
Probation, and the student will potentially be subject to Suspension or Dismissal. The
method of calculating the GPB and the details of its application are presented next.
Calculating Grade-Point Balance
The GPB is a relationship between the cumulative number of grade-points earned and the
total number of credit hours attempted. The GPB is calculated as follows:
GPB (+ or -) = Cumulative Grade-Points Earned Minus 2xTotal
Hours* Attempted
*Excludes "S" and "U" grades
For example, a student has taken a total of 48 hours of
course work and has earned 120 grade-points for a GPA of 2.5. The GPB calculation looks
like this:
GPB = 120 - (2 x 48) GPB = 120 - 96 GPB = +24
For another example, a student has taken the same total of
48 hours of course work but has earned only 72 grade-points for a GPA of 1.5. The GPB
calculation looks like this:
GPB = 72 - (2 x 48) GPB = 72 - 96 GPB = -24
Suppose further that this second student takes an
additional 16 hours and earns an additional 24 grade-points. While the GPA remains
constant at 1.5, the new GPB looks like this:
GPB = 96 - (2 x 64) GPB = 96 - 128 GPB = -32
Obviously, the student's academic situation is worsening,
and the change in GPB reflects this fact.
While the relationship between GPA and GPB will almost
invariably change as students take additional course work, it will remain constant at one
particular GPA and one only: a GPA of 2.0 will always equate with a GPB of zero. Since
students must have at least a 2.0 GPA for graduation, it is this identity that makes the
GPB calculation a meaningful and valuable indicator of academic success or lack of it.
ACADEMIC
PROBATION
Students with a cumulative grade-point average below 2.0 and thus a GPB
below zero are having academic difficulties and are alerted to this fact by being placed
on academic probation. Students on academic probation are restricted to taking not more
than 13 credit hours per term, unless exempted from this regulation by the dean of their
college.
UNDETERMINED
STATUS
Students on probation will not be permitted to remain in the University
for two consecutive terms with an undetermined status to avoid suspension or dismissal. At
the end of the second term in an undetermined category, the status will be determined
(Clear, Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal).
ACADEMIC
SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL
Determination for academic suspension or dismissal, as well as probation,
is based on students incurring a deficit in their overall grade-point balance.
Academic suspension for one year results if at any time a
student accrues a negative GPB in excess of -24. Academic dismissal results when the
deficit exceeds a -24 a second time.
REINSTATEMENT
FOLLOWING ACADEMIC SUSPENSION
Students reinstated following one calendar year of academic suspension
are readmitted on academic probation and will be subject to academic dismissal from the
University if, after attempting 18 semester hours for average following reinstatement, the
GPB deficit is not reduced to at least -24.
If the GPB deficit is restored to the minimal acceptable
level but becomes in excess of -24 a second time, the student will be dismissed.
Students intending to seek readmission after suspension
must first file a Readmission Form by the official deadline with the Registrar's Office.
REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Students academically dismissed from USA may be considered for readmission
on academic probation after a period of three or more calendar years has passed.
Readmission requires dean's office approval. Students readmitted after dismissal are
subject to a second dismissal if, after attempting 18 semester hours for average following
reinstatement, the GPB deficit is not reduced to at least -24.
Students intending to seek readmission after dismissal must
first file a Readmission Form with the Registrar's Office by the official deadline and
consult with their academic dean.
ACADEMIC
BANKRUPTCY
Students readmitted after an absence of at least one or more calendar
years (in the case of dismissal - three calendar years) may choose to count all or none of
their University of South Alabama credits toward completion of degree requirements and the
computation of their GPB. Should the student elect to count none of the prior work, i.e.,
declare academic bankruptcy, the student is, in effect, allowed to start academic work at
the University of South Alabama over with a GPB of zero; however, all course work will
remain on the student's academic record. This determination must be made by the student at
the time of application for readmission and requires dean's office approval. This election
may be made only once during a student's USA career and is irrevocable. Such election also
carries with it the stipulation that the student's choice of catalog is limited to those
in effect from the time in which the student declares academic bankruptcy onward.
In determining academic honors at the University of South
Alabama, only the course work taken after academic bankruptcy has been declared counts in
the calculation of GPA.
The option of academic bankruptcy is not available to a
student who has received a bachelor's degree.
READMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY
Students who have been previously enrolled in the University of South
Alabama, and who have failed to attend for one term should comply with the instructions on
the following page.
How To Apply For Readmission
An applicant should request the appropriate forms from the Office of the Registrar. The
readmission form, including all required credentials, should be filed with the Registrar's
Office by one of the following deadlines: 1998 Fall Semester - July 15, 1999 Spring
Semester - December 1 or 1999 Summer Semester - May 1.
Requirements For Readmission
An applicant must be eligible to return to the University of South Alabama
on the basis of a previous academic record at this institution. If the student has
attended any college or university subsequent to last enrollment at the University of
South Alabama, the student must also have the required transfer average or higher (as
computed by the University of South Alabama) on work attempted, and must be in good
standing and eligible to return to the last institution attended.
CREDITS
EARNED IN OTHER COLLEGES AS A TRANSIENT STUDENT
A student in the University of South Alabama is not permitted to take
credit work as a transient student at another institution to be applied toward a degree
without prior permission from the dean of the college. The permission should be in
writing, specifying which courses are acceptable and their equivalents at the University
of South Alabama. A copy of this permission should be filed with the University Registrar.
Students who have been admitted but have not yet enrolled in the University of South
Alabama should comply with these instructions. No credit is given for course work in which
the grade is below a "C." Students do not need transient approval if they have
not been enrolled at the University for three or more consecutive terms.
STUDENT
RECORDS
The University of South Alabama maintains records and data relative to the
individual student to facilitate the educational process of the student and to assist in
the administration of student needs by the University. The University of South Alabama
complies with the rights of privacy and access to the educational
records of the student as set forth in the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
The University of South Alabama has formulated the
following policy in accordance with the Act:
No information from records, files, or data directly
related to a student other than that defined as "directory information" shall be
disclosed or released to any individual or agency outside the University without the prior
written consent of the student, except according to lawful subpoena or court orders, or
except in the case of need by other educational agencies or governmental agencies. Such
information will be available to personnel and faculty for legitimate educational
purposes.
The student shall have the right of access to and to review of all such information with
those exceptions that are defined within this policy statement.
To request non-disclosure of directory information,
students must complete a "Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory
Information" form in the Registrar's Office. This request is valid for one academic
year only and must be filed each fall semester.
TRANSCRIPTS
Upon the written request of the student, transcripts
are normally issued by the Registrar within one to three days. The fee is $4.00 per
transcript. All outstanding obligations to the University must be cleared prior to the
release of transcripts. The University does not release copies of transcripts from other
institutions.
ENROLLMENT CERTIFICATIONS
The Registrar's Office provides official enrollment verification upon the
written request of the student. The University of South Alabama is a participant in the
National Student Loan Clearinghouse.
The Clearinghouse is a repository for enrollment status information and was established to
simplify, standardize and automate the status verification and deferment process. The
Clearinghouse, the University's agent, will provide student enrollment information
directly to the guaranty agencies, lenders, and other servicers.
GRADUATION
Application For Graduation
Students planning to graduate must make application according to the dates
specified in the University Calendar. Failure to make application will result in a delay
in scheduled graduation dates.
A student must file an application for graduation with the
Registrar's Office two terms before expected degree completion (see University Calendar
for deadlines). The degree audit/official check sheet must be approved by the chair of the
major department and the academic dean.
Choice Of Catalog Under Which A
Student Graduates
A candidate for the bachelor's degree must fulfill the requirements of a
degree program as specified in the catalog in effect during the academic year of the
student's first matriculation as a degree student. Students may select a subsequent
catalog during their matriculation with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. If
a student does not attend the University for a period of one (1) calendar year or longer,
the student will be required to fulfill the requirements of the degree program as
specified by the catalog in effect during the year of the student's return as a degree
student.
If a student prolongs the completion of a degree program,
curricular or programmatic changes may occur to such an extent that the requirements for
the degree program as outlined in a catalog for which the student would otherwise be
eligible can no longer be fulfilled. If in the judgement of the appropriate academic dean,
this has occurred, such catalogs cannot be used for meeting degree requirements. In these
cases, the academic dean would designate the appropriate catalog for determination of
degree requirements.
If a student changes degree programs, the college or
division may require the student to fulfill the requirements of the catalog in effect when
the change of degree program is approved.
Evaluation
of Degree Requirements
Each senior will have one official check of remaining degree requirements
following filing of the degree application for graduation which includes the payment of
the $25.00 application fee. This evaluation will be available from the student's dean. A
fee of $10.00 will be charged for any additional degree check necessitated by a student's
subsequent change of catalog, program of studies, or failure to complete degree
requirements by the prescribed term.
Graduation
With Honors
Student who have at least 60 credit hours attempted in residence at the
University of South Alabama and have a grade-point average of 3.50 or better at the
University of South Alabama are graduated with distinction. Transfer credit hours are not
included in the determination of academic honors.
Students earning a grade-point average of 3.90 or higher
are graduated summa cum laude.
Students earning a grade-point average of 3.70 but less
that 3.90 are graduated magna cum laude.
Students earning a grade-point average of 3.50 but less
than 3.70 are graduated cum laude.
Commencement
The University has a Spring and Fall commencement. Students graduating
spring term are eligible to participate in the Spring Commencement. Students graduating
summer and fall terms are eligible to participate in Fall commencement.
Diplomas
Diplomas are issued each term; however, degrees are conferred at
commencement. Unclaimed diplomas become the property of the University one calendar year
thereafter.
Awarding of Posthumous Degree
If a deceased student has satisfactorily completed approximately 90
percent of the degree requirements, the Dean of the College may recommend the waiving of
the remaining requirements for the appropriate academic degree. The Dean's recommendation
will be submitted to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for review. If
approved, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Office of the President for final
approval. |
