Academic Policies and Procedures

UAFS’s Expectation of Students

UAFS is a learning community committed to academic excellence and to fostering a learning climate that encourages full development of its students. UAFS students are active partners in the learning process, and they accept final responsibility for their own learning and academic success. The University provides people, programs, services, and facilities that promote student success. In return, the University expects all students to demonstrate learner, University, and community responsibility.

UAFS expects students entering college-level credit courses to meet current reading, writing, and mathematics skill levels for those courses. These skill levels promote students’ success. Skill levels are measured by standardized placement tests. UAFS provides opportunities for students to improve their reading, writing, and mathematics skills if needed.

Students are expected to possess basic computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications, and accessing the Internet.

Absence Due to University Sponsored Events

Students engaged in sanctioned extracurricular activities in which they are representing the University should be excused from class and be allowed to make up work without penalty. Students are responsible for all material covered and for any class activities missed during the absence. Students are required to contact each of his/her instructors at least one week prior to the absence to discuss requirements for completing missed assignments. Exceptions to this policy will be handled by the appropriate academic dean, with the provost being the final arbiter.

Academic Bankruptcy

Academic bankruptcy allows a student to request a retroactive withdrawal from one academic term because of personal, emotional, or financial circumstances so devastating that it was impossible for the student to perform academically at a level approximating the usual record of achievement. For the purposes of this policy, the two summer terms are considered one academic term. The declaration of academic bankruptcy will be allowed as follows:

• Only currently enrolled students are eligible to request academic bankruptcy.
• Academic bankruptcy is never granted for the academic term in which the student is currently enrolled, nor for the previous academic term.
• Academic bankruptcy is only granted for UAFS coursework. Transfer credit is not eligible for academic bankruptcy.
• The request for academic bankruptcy must be declared prior to the completion of the student’s graduation application.
• Bankruptcy cannot be reversed once granted.
• Students may declare academic bankruptcy only one time during their academic career at UAFS.
• If the petition is approved, the grades for all courses taken during the academic term in question will be recorded as W (withdrawn).
• The approval of academic bankruptcy does not entail the refund or reimbursement of any tuition and fees paid by the student during the affected term.
• Credits earned during the requested bankruptcy period cannot have been used to meet prerequisite requirements or satisfy a degree/certificate previously awarded at UAFS or its predecessors.
• Academic bankruptcy is not recognized by the federal government for financial aid eligibility determination regarding the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy. Thus, the original grades earned during the bankruptcy term will be used in SAP calculations.
• Documentation of the personal, emotional, or financial circumstances noted in the petition will be required.
• The request for academic bankruptcy is filed in the Registrar’s Office and reviewed by the Academic Standing Appeals committee or designee within 10 business days of submission by the student. The committee will recommend approval/disapproval to the Provost or his/her designee, who will make the final decision.

Academic Clemency

Act 1000 of 1991 requires that state colleges and universities establish policies for academic clemency for undergraduate students. UAFS has a policy whereby students who have not been enrolled in a college or university for a five-year period may petition to have grades and credits earned prior to that period removed from consideration in their cumulative grade point average. Students should contact their advisor for petition procedures. These classes will still be calculated in the number of attempted hours for satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.

Academic clemency applies only while attending UAFS and may not be accepted at another institution.

Academic clemency does not affect eligibility for athletic participation. VA students should contact the UAFS VA representative for information regarding academic clemency and any potential effect on veteran benefits.

Academic Honesty

UAFS is committed to helping students attain the highest level of academic achievement. That achievement is predicated on a foundation of scholastic integrity in all aspects of students’ academic work. This absolute standard of academic honesty lies at the heart of any pursuit of learning and the award of any degree or certificate. All students, faculty, and staff of UAFS are responsible for understanding and abiding by the academic honesty policy. The University supports faculty and staff in the good faith application of these policies as they conduct their official duties.

This policy is only one element of the University’s commitment to academic honesty; students will find this institutional value, and the practice of scholastic integrity, reflected in many ways in all University programs and services.

Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures

Academic dishonesty in any form, including using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise; plagiarism; forgery; falsification of records; unauthorized possession of examinations; any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement; and the assistance of others in any such act, is forbidden.

A faculty member who has proof that a student is guilty of academic dishonesty may take appropriate action, up to and including, assigning the student a grade of F for the course, and suspending the student from the class. The F will be the final grade, and the student may not withdraw from the course with a W. A description of the incident and the action taken will be reported to the appropriate dean and will be placed in the student’s file in the Registrar’s Office. Documentation of all academic dishonesty will also be added to Navigate to track all academic dishonesty cases, not only those that end with a grade of F.

The student may appeal either the finding of academic dishonesty or the penalty, or both within seven (7) business days of notification to the Dean of the College in which the course originates and the Academic Integrity Committee. The Dean, or designee, will inform the student and the Academic Integrity Committee of their findings in writing within five (5) business days of receipt of the written appeal from the student. The Academic Integrity Committee shall be convened within 5-10 business days of receipt of the petition. The committee shall submit its recommendation via email to the Provost no later than 15 business days from receipt of the petition. The student, faculty, and dean relevant to the case will be carbon copied on the email. The Provost will notify the student of the decision, ordinarily within seven (7) business days of receipt of the recommendation by the committee, as well as the faculty, dean relevant to the case, the chair of the Academic Integrity Committee, and the Registrar. The decision of the Provost is final. The Registrar will clear the student’s file as needed. Appeal forms may be obtained from an advisor. Upon appeal, a student will be allowed to continue in class until the appeal is adjudicated. The Academic Integrity Committee acts as arbitrator in such situations, presenting its findings and recommendation to the Provost for review.

In cases of repeated offenses, the Provost may take appropriate action, up to and including permanent suspension from the University, or solicit the recommendations of the Academic Integrity Committee. A copy of such action will be placed in the student’s file in the Registrar’s Office.

Repeat incidents of academic dishonesty could result in the assignment of a grade of FX on the transcript, clearly indicating the failing grade was the result of academic dishonesty.

Academic Grievance Process

A student with a grievance concerning a faculty member, a method of instruction, or dismissal from a program should follow the informal and formal grievance procedures described in the respective program documents, if applicable.

For those programs without specific written grievance procedures, the student should attempt to resolve the matter informally first with the faculty member, then with the department head or program director, and then with the appropriate dean. The formal grievance process is used when the informal procedures have been exhausted with no satisfactory resolution. For a formal hearing, the student must submit a request, in writing, to the appropriate dean within 14 business days of the incident. The request must contain:

1. The specific injury to the student
2. The date(s) which the injury(ies) occurred
3. Name(s) of person(s) involved
4. Measures taken by the student to rectify the particular incident being grieved
5. Any other pertinent information

The dean will review the formal request to determine its merit and to ensure all avenues for resolution have been exhausted by the student. An answer/decision will be issued to the student in writing within seven business days of receiving the formal grievance. If the student wishes to pursue the matter further, he or she must submit a written request  within three business days to the provost for the matter to be reviewed. The provost will issue a decision in writing within seven business days. The decision of the provost is final.

Matters other than instruction should be taken to the vice chancellor for student affairs.

Academic Progress, Probation, and Suspension

The purpose for establishing standards of satisfactory academic progress is to identify students whose progress toward degree or certificate completion is below average in terms of grade point average. The intent is to provide assistance to raise the GPA to an acceptable standard for graduation.

A student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Evaluation will be made at the end of each fall, spring, and summer term to determine the student’s progress for GPA requirements and academic standing (see “Academic Probation” or “Academic Suspension” below).

For repeated UAFS courses, all grades are computed in the cumulative GPA unless exclusion of grade is requested by the student as outlined in the UAFS grade replacement policy. An IP (In Progress) grade is not calculated into the GPA until the end of the contract period.

Enrollment in a course with a prerequisite requires a grade of C or better in the prerequisite course(s) before enrolling in the advanced course unless specified otherwise by the college of a particular course.

Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 at the close of the fall, spring, or summer term. Students will remain on academic probation if their semester GPA is 2.0 or higher and cumulative GPA is less than 2.0. Students on probation will be restricted from web registration. Students will be required to meet with their advisor to review academic probation/suspension policies. Students will be considered in good standing when their cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Academic Probation Transfer

New or returning students who have recently transferred from another institution and have a cumulative GPA below 2.0 must appeal for admission. If admission is granted, they will enter on probation (AT). Students with this standing may have specific enrollment requirements and must make a 2.0 GPA their first semester or be moved to AB suspension (see academic suspension). Students on probation will be restricted from web registration.

Academic Suspension

Students will be placed on academic suspension if, while on academic probation, they do not achieve both a 2.0 semester and cumulative 2.0 GPA at the close of the fall, spring, or summer term. Students allowed to return from suspension are restricted from web registration. Students on academic suspension are required to meet with their advisor to discuss academic probation/suspension policies and limitations on enrollment

If suspended, the following guidelines will apply:

First Suspension (A1):

Option 1 - Student may register in the following major term for a maximum of 13 credit hours to include SAS 0201 - Bridge To Success Seminar . If the student does not make a 2.0 semester GPA and pass SAS 0201  with a grade of C or better, the student will be suspended for one major term and cannot appeal.

Option 2 - Student may sit out one major term, fall or spring, and return without appeal.

AB Suspension (AB):

• Students on A1 suspension choosing Option 1 who do not make a 2.0 semester GPA and pass the SAS 0201 with a grade of C or better will be suspended for one major term and cannot appeal. Even if the student has a 2.0 semester GPA, if they do not pass the SAS class with a C or better, they will be AB suspended.
• Transfer and returning students who are admitted on probation (AT) who do not make a semester GPA of 2.0 will also be suspended (AB) for one major term and cannot appeal.

Second Suspension (A2):

• Students must sit out a mandatory two (2) major terms (one fall and one spring). Appeals will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Appeals Committee. Appeals will only be reviewed for extreme medical/life crisis situations if documented and past academic history is supportive and will be screened for documentation prior to being reviewed by the committe.

Academic Dismissal/Third Suspension (A3):

• Students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress while on probation and who have already been A2 suspended will be placed on academic dismissal. Academic dismissal is permanent unless readmission is granted by the Academic Standing Appeals Committee. Appeals will only be reviewed for extreme medical/life crisis situations if documented and past academic history is supportive and will be screened for documentation prior to being reviewed by the committee.

The policies related to academic probation and suspension are separate and distinct from those related to financial aid warning and suspension. Each appeal is reviewed by its own separate committee. Students with a semester or cumulative GPA below 2.00, who intend to utilize financial aid grants or loans, should visit with the Financial Aid Office.

Academic Second Opportunity

An undergraduate student who has been separated from The University of Arkansas- Fort Smith for at least two academic years may petition for their previous coursework be considered under the Academic Second Opportunity policy. The petition must be received in the registrar’s office before the beginning of the student’s first semester back at UAFS. If the petition is approved, all previous scholastic performance at UAFS will fall under the criteria below.

If the separation from the University resulted from academic misconduct, readmission will be reviewed by the Provost or designee.

If the application for Academic Second Opportunity is accepted, all previous academic work remains on the student’s permanent record, but the grades for previous institutional work are not used in computing the GPA. Grades of “C” or higher earned during previous attendance at the University are computed as”passing hours” (P) and may be applied to a major program, requirements for prerequisites, and graduation requirements. Grades of “D” earned during previous attendance may not be applied to a major program, requirements for prerequisites, or graduation requirements.

Academic Second Opportunity will apply only to grades earned in courses completed at The University of Arkansas- Fort Smith and will not apply to coursework transferred from other institutions.

Academic second opportunity is not recognized by the federal government for financial aid eligibility determination regarding the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy. Thus, the original grades earned prior covered by the academic second opportunity will be used in SAP calculations.

The student then pursues his or her academic program with no University of Arkansas- Fort Smith GPA and thereafter is subject to the conditions of probation and dismissal that govern all students. The student must earn a minimum of 15 credit hours in residence at the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith after Academic Second Opportunity has been awarded to be eligible for degree completion. Once invoked, Academic Second Opportunity cannot be revoked and it may be awarded only once and may not be awarded retroactively.

A student who has a degree from another institution but was previously a student at UAFS or who has a degree from UAFS is not eligible for consideration.

The request for academic second opportunity is filed in the Registrar’s Office and reviewed by the Academic Standing Appeals committee or designee within ten business days of submission by the student. The committee will recommend approval/ disapproval to the Provost or his/her designee, who will make the final decision.

Adult Degree Completion Program

Applicants for the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) must meet the following requirements for admission: have completed 30 credits, be 25 years or older, and have 5 years of work experience. Admission will be granted by the ADCP director.

Admission may be determined using official transcripts, a written letter of interest, SAT or ACT test scores, or other documentation to be determined by the ADCP director. Students must be degree-seeking in the BSOL or BGS or part of the CCAF Gem program.

Advising

Academic advising is critical in promoting academic success, retention, and graduation. Students are assigned to professional advisors, advising coordinators, and/or faculty advisors by their declared major or college preparedness level. Establishing a relationship with an advisor ensures that students are meeting their specific degree requirements and accomplishing their personal academic goals. Students are required to meet with their assigned faculty or professional advisor during the designated advising dates prior to their registration date(s) each semester. Students may view their assigned faculty or professional advisor’s name in My.UAFS and Navigate.

Roar First-year Year Advising Center

The ROAR (Relationships, Outreach, Advising, and Resources) First-Year Advising Center advises all first-time entering students. The office also provides advising support to the Office of International Relations. Professional advisors are available to assist students with goal setting, career exploration, selection of a major, course requirements, and to  assist students in connecting with appropriate resources. They encourage career exploration by assisting students in the use of the career exploration computer program, Focus 2. Professional advisors are available to work with students by appointment and email. Call (479) 788-7400 for more information.

Students who have successfully completed 24 hours of coursework after high school graduation and completed their developmental coursework are advised within the college of their major.

Chancellor’s and Dean’s List

The Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List will be awarded for both the Fall and Spring terms annually. A student whose name appears on the Chancellor’s and/or Dean’s List is recognized for high scholastic achievement.

Selection for the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List will be evaluated as follows:

• The Dean’s List:
  • Full-time undergraduate students who have earned at least a 3.50 semester GPA. Students must first complete 12 college-level hours to be eligible as full-time students.
  • Part-Time students with at least a 3.50 cumulative and semester GPA. Part-Time students must have completed six or more hours in each of two consecutive semesters to be eligible.
• The Chancellor’s List:
  • Full-Time undergraduate students who have earned a 4.0 semester GPA. Full time students must first complete 12 (or more) college-level hours to be eligible.
  • Part-Time students with a 4.0 cumulative and semester GPA. Part-Time students must have completed six or more hours in each of two consecutive semesters to be eligible.
  • Full-Time and Part-Time students with 4.0 semester GPAs meeting eligibility requirements will be recognized on both the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List

Completed transfer credit will be applied towards the total hours earned for both Full-Time and Part-Time student eligibility. Concurrent high school students are not eligible for the Chancellor’s or Dean’s List. The names of students who have requested their directory information to remain confidential will not appear on the Dean’s List. Developmental coursework will not be applied towards the eligibility for the Chancellor’s or Dean’s List.

Classification of Students

The student’s classification is based on the total number of college-level semester hours earned at UAFS and accepted in transfer from other colleges and universities, regardless of whether the courses involved are applicable to the student’s major or degree plan. Students are expected to complete all lower-level course requirements prior to reaching senior status.

Concurrent Enrollment

UAFS offers two programs for high school students who meet certain criteria to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school.

Western Arkansas Technical Center

The Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC) is an area secondary career and technical center that offers high school juniors and seniors in a six county area of western Arkansas a unique opportunity to earn college credit while still in high  school. The curriculum serves as an extension of the high schoolsand allows students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of programs. WATC has three primary goals: 1) to aid students in making a more informed career choice, 2) to prepare students to enter the workforce upon high school graduation, and 3) to encourage students to continue their education after high school.

Students can earn up to 44 college credit hours that may apply toward a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree. The programs of study are offered to students based on local job market demand and student interest.

Smart Start Program

Smart Start offers college-level general education courses that may also count for high school graduation requirements. Courses are part of the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) and are offered online and at the high school, depending upon the high school partnership. Additional information can be fount at the Smart Start website or by calling the Smart Start office at (479) 788-7410.

Credit for Non-Traditional Education: Advanced Placement, College-Level Examination Program, Challenge Exams, and Military Credit

UAFS, recognizing that learning can be obtained outside the traditional classroom situation, awards college credit for nontraditional education experiences, provided evidences are properly validated and the University offers a course in the area in which the non-traditional learning took place.

A student may receive credit at UAFS through the Advanced Placement Program (AP), the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), challenge exams, and military service training. Credit from any combination of the sources is limited to one-half of the total credit required to complete a technical certificate or certificate of proficiency; credit should not exceed a maximum of 30 semester hours for an associate or baccalaureate degree.

College credit for AP and CLEP scores will be posted on the academic record after the state census day of the student’s first semester, either fall or spring. Credit awarded for non-traditional education will appear on the student’s permanent record as earned credit only, without any indication of grades or quality points. Credit posted as general transfer for the institution may not always apply to specific, degree-program requirements.

Limited military credit will apply for academic course credit. All military credit will be evaluated by UAFS. CLEP and AP credit granted by any other accredited institution and posted on an official transcript will transfer to UAFS. CLEP credit will not be posted if the student has begun the course.

If a student earns CLEP or AP credit as well as traditional credit for the same course, the most recent credit earned will be included and former credit will be excluded on the transcript.

Advanced Placement

UAFS participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Entrance Examination Board and has authorized credit and/or placement for students who present qualifying scores in certain courses.

UAFS will grant credit for the AP program based on the following placement scores:

College-level Examination Program (CLEP) And DSST

Students who complete the subject-area examinations of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) with satisfactory scores may be granted credit toward a degree at UAFS. When testing in courses required by the major or minor, students must have approval from the college in which they are majoring to count the hours earned from CLEP toward graduation. CLEP credit may be awarded to those students who: (1) have met the minimum score requirement set by the University, (2) need the credit to satisfy the general education or elective requirements, (3) have not yet begun the course. Exams must be taken and scores received by the Registrar’s Office before the student submits a graduation application. CLEP exams may not be retaken within a three month period per College Board policy.

Credit is awarded on the basis of DSST Subject Standardized Tests (formerly DANTES) in the same subject where CLEP credit is awarded by UAFS or as determined by the college of the discipline. Credit for DSST exams will be awarded based on the scoring recommendations of the American Council on Education.

Official score reports are received from the College Entrance Examination Board or the Educational Testing Service. Inquiries should be directed to the Testing Center, which administers the examination. Credit is offered in the following CLEP subjects:

Challenge Examinations

In courses for which no CLEP examination is available, UAFS may grant credit on the basis of examinations administered by the department in which the credit is to be awarded. A challenge exam can be taken only by admitted UAFS students with department approval and after payment of the challenge exam fee. If a specific course is not listed in the CLEP section of this catalog, a student may contact the department chair of the course to determine if a challenge exam is appropriate and available.

Challenge exams can be taken only before the student enrolls in the course, with the exception of FIN 1521 - Personal Finance Applications  and ITA 1003 - Computer Applications For The Knowledge Worker . The challenge exam for both can be taken during the first week the course is taught.

Military Credit

Active duty personnel and veterans are required to submit military transcripts for prior credit evaluation. The recommendation of the American Council on Education, A Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services, will be used in evaluating military service school training. A certified true copy of the veteran’s separation papers (DD 214) and official transcript from the appropriate branch of service should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Military transcripts for active duty personnel and veterans of the Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy can request transcripts via the Joint Services Transcript (JST). Transcripts for active duty personnel and veterans of the Air Force can be obtained through the Community College of the Air Force..

Military credit will be evaluated as general transfer hours for the institution. Limited military credit will apply for academic course credit. Military credit will be evaluated by the individual college to apply for degree-program requirements.

International Baccalaureate Program

Student may receive credit through the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Students may receive credit for higher level IB subject examinations with scores of 5 or above to fulfill major requirements in a discipline, pending approval of the department and college of the discipline. Some subject areas may be considered for additional examinations or scores.

Credit Hours and Course Load

A semester hour is earned when students satisfactorily complete class work to which they devote the equivalent of one hour per week for sixteen weeks. In laboratory courses, it is necessary to spend more time for each semester hour of credit.  Students may carry up to 18 hours in the fall or spring semester without special permission; however, the average is 15. No more than nine hours in a summer semester will be allowed without special permission. Special permission for additional hours must be obtained from the appropriate dean. Students should expect to spend two to three hours in out-of-class study for each class hour.

Degree Plans

Students will sign a degree plan for their declared major, based on the catalog year in which they declare the major. The degree plan provides a course guide for students. Students who define their major early in their college careers are more likely to attain their career goals in a timely manner.

Decided Major At UAFS

Students who have chosen a major should follow the degree plan for their declared major to complete their baccalaureate degree, associate degree, technical certificate, and/or certificate of proficiency.

Undecided Major At UAFS

Students who have not determined a major field of study but are considering a baccalaureate degree, should follow the associate of arts or associate of general studies degree. Undecided students must carefully choose courses understanding that the longer they wait to choose a major, the greater the chance specific courses taken may not apply to the ultimate major.

Guaranteed Eight-Semester Degree Program

Pursuant to ACT 1014 of 2005, qualified first-time, fulltime students with a declared major may elect to participate in the guaranteed eight-semester degree completion program to complete degree requirements in four academic years. Qualified students must enter as a first-year student in the fall semester, be registered by July 1, and register through new student orientation. The baccalaureate degrees that qualify for this program are listed below. The degree completion plans are listed in this catalog and on the University website. All first-time entering students must accept or waive the guaranteed eightsemester degree completion program when enrolling for the first term of study. Students must follow the degree plan and meet all requirements as outlined in the guaranteed eight-semester degree contract. The student accepts responsibility for monitoring his/ her progress toward a degree and for making choices that will lead to graduation in four years. The contract and the degree plan must be signed and filed with the advisor. The official copy of the contract and degree plan must be filed in the Registrar’s Office prior to the first term of enrollment.

Eligible students may participate in the guaranteed eightsemester degree completion program for the following baccalaureate degrees:

Developmental Education Guidelines

UAFS provides mathematics and English pathways to and through gateway courses using a co-requisite model of support for underprepared students. Any students testing below college-level in English or mathematics takes the college-level English and mathematics course required for their major with an added one- or two-hour support course.

All development courses should be successfully completed within the first 30 hours of being admitted to the University. The Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) requires that recipients of the traditional Arkansas Challenge Scholarship to complete developmental coursework within the first 30 hours to maintain eligibility for the scholarship. 

Final Exams

Final exams are given each semester as designated on the posted final exam schedule for that semester. Any exception to the published final exam times must be approved by the Provost.

Students with three or more final examinations on the same day are entitled to arrange an alternate examination time for the last exam or exams scheduled on that day. Such arrangements must be made by the end of the twelfth week of the semester(last day to drop full-semester course), and must be approved by the instructor and department head/program director of the affected course. Students will be required to provide evidence of these situations to qualify for this exception. Once approved, the makeup examination will be administered at a mutually acceptable time and location.

Grades and Grade Points

UAFS uses the following system of grading:

AU, IP, CR, and W are disregarded in calculating grade point averages; the Student Handbook includes detailed instructions for computing both semester and cumulative grade point averages.

For regulations concerning auditing, see the Auditing section in this catalog.

GPA Definitions

Cumulative GPA: includes all credit, wherever and however earned

Institutional Cumulative GPA: includes all credit earned at UAFS, including any concurrent credit earned at UAFS

Term GPA: Includes all credit earned at UAFS during the fall, spring, or summer term

Transfer GPA: includes all credit earned outside of UAFS

In-Progress Grade

At the end of any semester, a faculty member may assign a grade of IP if extenuating circumstances have prevented the student from completing all course requirements. An IP grade is appropriate only in situations where the student has completed at least 75 percent of the course requirements, based on the professional judgment of the faculty member. The faculty member shall make a professional judgment, on a case-by-case basis, concerning the efficacy of assigning an IP grade.

If a grade of IP is assigned, the faculty member will make a written contract with the student, list work to be completed, and provide a specific date for completion of the coursework. The faculty member will file the contract with the Registrar’s Office. All IP contracts must be approved and signed by the facultymember’s dean prior to fiing with the  Registrar’s Office.

If a final grade has not been assigned by the faculty member by the end of the next spring or fall semester, the Registrar’s Office will automatically change the IP grade to an F. However, if the contract on file in the Registrar’s Office has a later completion date, that contract date is the final deadline for changing an IP to an F. The in-progress grade contract cannot be extended beyond the original date without permission of the college dean.

Grade Petitioning 

A student who believes an error has been made in the assignment of a final grade must contact the faculty member to resolve the issue(s) no later than the last day of the next regular (fall or spring) semester. Failure to act within that time disqualifies the student from further pursuit of the matter. Should the student remain dissatisfied, they may appeal to the Dean of the College where the course originates and the Academic Integrity Committee. The Dean, or designee, will inform the student and the Academic Integrity Committee of their findings in writing within ten (10) business days of receipt of the written appeal from the student. The Academic Integrity Committee shall be convened within 15 business days of receipt of the petition. The committee shall submit its recommendation to the Provost no later than 20 business days from receipt of the petition. The student, faculty, and dean relevant to the case will be carbon copied on the email. The Provost will notify the student of the decision, ordinarily within seven (7) business days of receipt of the recommendation from the committee, as well as the faculty, dean relevant to the case, chair of the Academic Integrity Committee, and the Registrar. The decision of the Provost is final. Grade petition forms are available from an advisor.

Grade Replacement and Repeating Courses

Students may elect to repeat courses for credit as they deem necessary; however, course hours will be applied only one time toward graduation requirements. Beginning in fall of 2018, grade replacement (the exclusion of individual course grades) will not be applied to all repeated courses. Grade replacement will only be allowed as noted below. Students wishing to replace a grade must bring the completed Grade Replacement Request form to the Registrar’s Office.

• May be used for a maximum of 12 hours. The first attempt with an “E” beside the grade to denote that it has been excluded from the GPA. The grade replacement will not be automatic. In consultation with their advisor, the student should select the courses to be excluded from GPA calculations and submit the appropriate form to the Registrar’s Office.
• Will only be allowed on courses in which the grades of C, D, or F were earned initially (no grade replacement permitted on courses with A or B grades earned).
• Can only be applied one time to any given course (in which case the second and subsequent grades will all count in the GPA).
• In all other cases, all grades earned will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA. All courses are included as attempted hours for financial aid purposes.
• Grade replacement is eligible only for courses taken before the first baccalaureate degree is awarded.
• Courses repeated for purposes of grade replacement must be the exact course. Students may not use substitutions for repeated courses. The department chair, the appropriate college dean, and the registrar will determine the application of the grade replacement policy in those instances where UAFS course numbers and/or titles have been changed.
• Graduating students may request grade replacement for one semester post-graduation. The grade replacement request must be submitted by the end the next major semester (fall or spring) subsequent to graduation.

This policy will go into effect for classes taken during the fall 2018 semester and beyond. Prior grade replacements will not be affected, nor will they count against the four allowed courses for replacement. The change in GPA calculation will be handled prospectively from fall 2018 forward. 

Students considering grade replacement should be aware that many graduate schools, professional schools, employers or other institutions, in considering admission or employment, recompute the GPA and include all courses attempted even though grade replacement has been granted. This means that if the cumulative GPA has been raised because of grade replacement, the recomputed GPA will be lower.

Please refer to the Acceptance of Transfer Credit section of this catalog for information about repeating transfer courses. Students may not attempt any course more than twice and be eligible for admission to some programs in the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences. Students should discuss retaking courses with their advisor.

Grade Reports

Mid-term and final grades for each semester are accessible through My.UAFS. Students can review and print unofficial copies of their current grades and transcripts through My.UAFS. Only the final grade is posted on the official transcript.

MANE Event New Student Orientation

All first-time college students must attend a MANE Event New Student Orientation to learn about the University. Students will schedule a separate one-on-one advising appointment with an advisor to register for their first semester of classes.

Myles Friedman Honors Program

The Myles Friedman Honors Program provides an enriched educational opportunity for bright, motivated first year students with strong academic backgrounds, including a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and ACT composite scores at or above 27. Admission is competitive and the number of applicants accepted is limited.

The program consists of a unique honors general education curriculum with international focus, exciting travel study classes, service opportunities, independent study project options, and provides a participant the opportunity to be identified as a cum honore graduate of the University. Students selected for the program will receive an honors scholarship in addition to any other scholarships they may have been awarded. Students progressing satisfactorily will have the cost of the domestic Maymester study trip covered by the program. Additional funding may be available for the international Maymester trip. Students are also encouraged to participate in additional travelstudy opportunities when practical.

The Honors curriculum requires 28 credit hours to include honors required courses and honors general education core courses. This program may coordinate required hours with the student’s major requirements. Honor students will be advised by their faculty advisor along with the honors director to ensure course selections will satisfy both the major And honors requirements.

Honors Curriculum - 28 Total Hours

• HONR 1101 - Introduction To Honors International Studies  
• HONR 3713 - Honors Junior Research Seminar  
• HONR 4803 - Honors International Studies Capstone  
• Honors Maymester domestic and international travel
• Honors General Education Core Requirements

Prerequisite and Corequisite Course Requirements

Prerequisite and corequisite courses are designed to prepare students to meet the requirements of a specific course. In general, the minimal qualifying grade for successful completion of a prerequisite course is a grade of C. Students should refer to program information requirements for a specific degree plan. A student will be required to withdraw from a class if the minimum grade requirement was not met in the prerequisite course.

Corequisite courses must be taken concurrently.

Registration/Withdrawal

Students must be advised and register during designated advising and registration periods published on the University website. Registration is accomplished through the University web-registration system, with an advising coordinator, or with a professional advisor in the ROAR First-Year Advising Center.

Students are responsible for planning their programs of study and meeting course, grade, and graduation requirements. Prior to registration, students are required to meet with their assigned advisor during the designated advising period each semester to review policies and degree requirements. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of students to be informed of all regulations and requirements for a degree from UAFS and to monitor progress toward a successful university experience.

Priority for registration is based on the number of hours completed, with seniors first, followed by juniors, sophomores and then freshman. Registration for veterans, service members, and their dependents will open on the same day as seniors.

Late Registration And Late Course Changes

To ensure maximum opportunity for success, students should register for class before the first scheduled class meeting of each term. However, late registration and/or class changes may be authorized through the first week of classes. Registration and class changes after the first week require the approval of the College dean of each course.

Waitlisted Courses

If a course has reached maximum capacity during registration, a student may place themselves on the wait list for the course. Failure to comply with the following rules may result in the student being dropped from wait-listed courses:

1. Students may not register for one section of a course and be placed on a wait list for another section.
2. Students may not wait list more than one section of a course.
3. Students may not wait list courses offered at the same time as a course in which they are already registered.
4. Students must meet all prerequisites or corequisites for a waitlisted course.
5. Students may not wait list a course which will put them beyond their maximum allowed credit hours.
6. Students with registration holds may be dropped from their wait-listed courses.

The student will be enrolled in the course if space becomes available and should verify enrollment in the course by checking My.UAFS. If the student no longer wishes to be enrolled or waitlisted in the course, the student must officially withdraw from the course prior to the start of the term for a full refund. Tuition and fees for wait-listed courses will not be charged until the student is officially registered in the course.

Auditing Courses

Students who audit courses must be officially admitted to the University and pay the regular tuition and fees for the course. Those who audit courses will receive a grade of AU. An auditing student may drop a course or be dropped by a faculty member following normal withdrawal procedures any time during the withdrawal period and receive a grade of W. Audited courses are not eligible for financial aid.

Ideally, students who wish to audit a course should declare their intentions when they enroll. Students may change from audit to credit status or credit to audit status through the fifth day of the fall or spring semester. Summer terms and off-schedule courses will follow a prorated time period. No change will be allowed after the fifth day of the term.

Individual faculty members will determine the degree of participation of students auditing a course.

Withdrawal From Courses

Students may withdraw from courses prior to the start of the fall, spring, and summer terms online through My.UAFS or through an advisor with a Change of Schedule form. This form must be received by the Registrar’s Office. Once the term has begun, students who wish to withdraw from a class or change classes are governed by the following policy:

1. Withdrawals through 11th day of the fall/spring semesters and fifth day of the summer terms are not recorded on the student’s permanent record.
2. After the 11th day of the fall/spring semesters and fifth day of the summer terms:
   1. Students are required to have a Change of Schedule form signed by their advisor in order to withdraw. Students who are on financial aid and/or are receiving a scholarship must meet with a financial aid representative and obtain their signature on the form.
   2. Students withdrawing from a credit course prior to 5 pm on Friday of the twelfth week (or the equivalent) of the fall or spring semester will receive a W on their permanent records.
   3. Summer term students withdrawing from a credit class prior to 5 pm on Friday of the fourth week of the five week term in which they are enrolled will receive a W on their permanent record.

Failure to attend and/or pay tuition does not constitute official withdrawal.

Administrative Withdrawal Of Student From Courses

When absences exceed the number allowed by the faculty of the class as noted in the course syllabus, he or she has the authority to give the student a grade of F at the end of the semester, or to drop the student from the class within the withdrawal period by the following procedure:

1. The faculty member notifies the student of his or her attendance status.
2. The student is given the opportunity to discuss his or her status with the faculty member.
3. If attendance is subsequently unsatisfactory, the faculty may drop the student from the class by completing the withdrawal notice and filing the form with the Registrar’s Office.

In instances of clear non-attendance and repeated instances of non-response to attempts to the contact the student, the Registrar’s Office may drop the student from any course in which the student has not attended or stopped attending.

These procedures do not remove the primary responsibility of the student for taking official withdrawal action nor does remove the student obligation to pay all tuition and fees for the withdrawn course.

Students dropped by a faculty member or Registrar’s Office receive a W through the twelfth week of a regular semester and the fourth week of a summer five week term. Courses dropped by a faculty member or the Registrar’s Office may be subject to return of Title IV funds. Refer to Financial Aid and Scholarships section for additional information.

Withdrawals will end on Friday of the twelfth week of the regular semesters and the fourth week of the five-week summer terms and other five-week courses. Courses which do not correspond to these time frames will be handled on a prorated basis.

Appeal Of Tuition Refund Policy, Drop Dates, And Late Payment Fee

An appeal of the tuition and fee refund policy, drop dates, and late payment fee must be made in writing to the registrar no later than the last day of classes of the term in question. Appeals must demonstrate extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from adhering to the specific withdrawal dates and deadlines in the registration/academic calendar, and must include documentation in support of the appeal. Only the student may file an appeal on his/her own behalf.

University Email

University email is accessed through My.UAFS and is the official means of communication between UAFS officials, including all faculty, staff , and students. All students are expected to check their My.UAFS account frequently to stay current with UAFS communications.

University Learning Outcomes

University learning outcomes are knowledge and abilities that students need to enter any profession to be productive citizens in an ever-changing world, and to develop themselves as human beings and lifelong learners.

Academic programs establish goals, objectives, and assessments for four university learning outcomes. These goals form the cornerstone for the program-level assessment plan. The four university learning outcomes are measurable characteristics that UAFS graduates must have to successfully navigate an increasingly complex world.

Analytical Skills

Critical Thinking Skills Goal: Students will use critical thinking skills to identify problems/issues and develop solutions/analysis.

Objectives

• Students will identify a problem or issue.
• Students will research, evaluate, and compare information from varying sources in order to evaluate authority, accuracy, recency, and bias relevant to the problems/issues.
• Students will generate solutions/analysis of problems/issues evaluated.
• Student will assess and justify the solutions and/or analysis.

Quantitative Reasoning Goal: Students will assign and use numbers, read and analyze data, create models, draw inferences, and support conclusions based on sound mathematical reasoning.

Objectives

• Students will apply appropriate mathematical/statistical models to solve problems.
• Students will represent mathematical/statistical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally and will interpret models and data in order to draw inferences.
• Students will recognize the limitations of quantitative analysis.

Communication Skills (Written And Oral)

Goal: Students will communicate proficiently.

Objectives

• Students will compose coherent documents appropriate to the intended audience.
• Students will effectively communicate orally in a public setting.

Ethical Decision Making

Goal: Students will model ethical decision-making processes.

Objectives

• Students will identify ethical dilemmas and affected parties.
• Students will apply ethical frameworks to resolve a variety of ethical dilemmas.

Global And Cultural Perspectives

Goal: Students will reflect upon cultural differences and their implications for interacting with people from cultures other than their own.

Objectives

• Students will demonstrate understanding or application of their discipline in a global environment.
• Students will demonstrate how their discipline impacts or is impacted by different cultures.