ACADEMIC ADVISING AT GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY 

Importance of Advisement for Freshmen
The ACT National Center for the Advancement of Educational Practices emphasizes that freshman persistence is directly linked to orientation and advisement. The first six weeks on a college campus are critical in determining freshman retention.  Often, freshmen are entering college unprepared to make informed decisions about a major or a meaningful college experience. Quality structured orientation and advisement programs offered by Georgia Southwestern provide the assistance needed to overcome this disadvantage.

Georgia Southwestern State University requires a one credit hour orientation course (UNIV 1000 – The GSW Experience) of all new, full-time freshmen. New entering transfer students with less than nine hours of transfer credit also enroll in UNIV 1000. During the new student's first term of enrollment, the UNIV 1000 instructor works with the advisor to help the student adjust to college life.

Assignment of Advisees
When students are enrolled in the University, they are required to indicate the programs of study which they plan to pursue. On the basis of this information, students are assigned by the Office of Admissions to faculty members who will serve as their official advisors, according to the list provided by the Office of Academic Affairs.

If a student desires to make a change in his/her program of study, the student must discuss his/her intentions with the faculty advisor. When a decision is reached as to which curriculum the student will pursue, the student must complete a "Curriculum/Advisor Change Form." This form may be secured from the Office of the Registrar or online through the information forms available on the Registration and Academic Information Network (R.A.I.N.) link and must be returned to that office after completion.

Required Knowledge for Advisement
While advisors are especially adept in curriculum requirements in a specialized program, they are expected to be knowledgeable of general University requirements for graduation. Some examples of these requirements are CPC requirements, core curriculum, foreign language (in all B.A. and some B.S. programs), the Regents' Testing Program, physical education, the requirement for history and constitution of Georgia and the United States and the geographic knowledge requirement. Particular reference is made to the scheduling of these requirements. Hardships often result when the requirements are not met at the appropriate intervals in the student's college career. Information for each student concerning these requirements is available to both students and advisors on the Banner Web Transcript accessed through R.A.I.N. 

Types of Advisors
Although every faculty member and every staff member of the University may become involved in academic advising at some time, there are three types of advisors to whom students are officially assigned for advising.

General Education Advisor
A general education advisor advises the student who has not declared a major. A general education advisor is a specialist in requirements of the core curriculum and the student development services at the University. He or she is also a generalist who is familiar with all curricula offered by the University.

Major Curriculum Advisor
A student who has decided upon a major will be assigned for academic advising to a major curriculum advisor who specializes in the program of study selected by the student. While the major curriculum advisor specializes in lower and upper division requirements for graduation with the specific major, he or she must also be familiar with the general requirements of the core curriculum and the University.

Learning Support Advisor
A Learning Support advisor advises only Learning Support students. He or she is trained to work with the particular needs of and the requirements for the student who is required to enroll in Learning Support courses before being classified as a regular student.

Major curriculum advisors are selected by the academic deans and department chairs. Advisement for undeclared (undecided) students is handled by the primary General Education advisor, who also serves as the Director of the Academic Skills Center.  Faculty selected by the Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs assist in this advisement. Learning Support advisors are selected by the Dean of Arts and Sciences with consultation with the Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADVISORS

What Students Want From Advisors

• Accessibility

• Specific and Accurate Information

• Personal and Caring Relationship

Advising responsibilities at Georgia Southwestern State University may be summarized as follows:

• Provide students with information on policies, procedures, and programs of this institution.

• Assist students in choosing educational and career objectives commensurate with their interests and abilities.

• Assist students in exploring the possible short-range and long-range consequences of their choices.

• Make students aware of the range of services and educational opportunities that may be pertinent to their educational objectives at this institution. Be readily available to advisees, giving each an opportunity to know a faculty member and a sense that a faculty member is personally interested in his or her welfare.

• Encourage students to develop confidence in their own academic abilities and make responsible decisions.

• Monitor advisees' progress toward educational/career goals.

REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES 

There is a constantly changing body of information concerning regulations and procedures with which each student and advisor should be familiar. The Georgia Southwestern State University Bulletin is the official source of information. This manual contains brief descriptions of many of these regulations and provides a quick reference for the student and advisor.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM GUIDELINES

Minimum Requirements for Regular Admission to University System of Georgia Institutions

To succeed in college, students must have strong academic preparation in high school. The Board of Regents, which governs the University System of Georgia, believes that success in selected high school courses contributes immeasurably to a student's success in college.

The following course of study is required of students graduating from high school in the spring of 2000, or later, who plan to enroll in public junior college, senior college, or university programs leading to the baccalaureate degree.  Students who graduated from high school from spring 1988 through spring 1999 are required to meet the College Preparatory Curriculum requirements in effect at that time.  Contact the Registrar for additional information.

Course (Units) Instructional Emphasis

English (4)
        Grammar and usage
         Literature (American & World)
         Advanced composition skills

Mathematics (4)
        Algebra I
        Algebra II
        Geometry
        One course higher than geometry

Science (3)

Physical Science
At least two laboratory courses from biology, chemistry, physics or related areas of science

Social Science (3)
        American History
        World History
        Economics and Government

Foreign Language (2)
        Two courses in one language emphasizing speaking, listening,
        reading, and writing

In addition to the 16 specified units outlined above, students applying to GSW must present two additional academic Carnegie Units for a total of 18 academic units.

The courses outlined above represent the minimum standards set forth by the Board of Regents.

The courses required for regular admission to institutions of the University System represent the minimum standards set forth by the Board of Regents. Each institution has the authority to establish higher standards than those listed. For more detailed information concerning the admission requirements of a specific institution, including provisional admission (for those students who do not fully meet regular admission requirements), contact the admissions officer.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH CPC DEFICIENCIES

GSW no longer accepts traditional students with CPC deficiencies for regular admission. A non-traditional student in this category must fulfill the lacking CPC area(s) by following the appropriate procedures outlined below.

English
Students graduating with less than the four required units of English will be required to take the Compass Placement Examination in English and reading. Based upon the student's score, the student would (1) exempt Learning Support English and/or reading or (2) be placed in Learning Support English and/or reading. (Students with SAT/ACT scores that fall below institutional standards will also be required to exit the Learning Support Program.)

Mathematics
Students graduating with less than the four required units of mathematics will be required to take the Compass Placement Examination in mathematics. Based upon the student's score, the student would (1) exempt Learning Support mathematics or (2) be placed in Learning Support mathematics at the appropriate level. (Students with SAT/ACT scores that fall below institutional standards will also be required to exit the Learning Support Program.)

Science
Students graduating with less than the three required units of science will be required to take an additional four semester hour course (for credit) in a laboratory science chosen from the approved laboratory sciences in Area D (list A) of the System Core Curriculum. This course cannot be used to meet Core Curriculum Area D or F requirements, nor any other degree requirements.

GSW Courses Which Will Satisfy the CPC Requirement for Science
        BIOL 1107 and 1107L - Essentials of Biology (lecture and lab)
        GEOL 1121 - Introductory Geosciences I
        CHEM 1211 and 1211L - Principles of Chemistry I (lecture and lab)
        PHYS 1111 - Introductory Physics I

Social Science
Students graduating with less than the three required units of social science will be required to complete one additional three semester hour course (for credit) chosen from the approved social science courses in Area E of the System Core Curriculum. This course cannot be used to meet Core Curriculum Area E or F requirements, nor any other degree requirements.

GSW Courses Which Will Satisfy the CPC Requirement for Social Science
        HIST 1111 - World Civilization I
        HIST 1112 - World Civilization II
        HIST 2111 - US History I
        HIST 2112 - US History II
        ECON 2105 - Principles of Macroeconomics
        PSYC 1101 - Intro to Psychology
        SOCI 1101 - Intro to Sociology
        ANTH 1102 - Intro to Anthropology

Foreign Language
Students graduating with less than the two required units of the same foreign language will be required to complete one additional three semester hour introductory foreign language course (for credit). This course cannot be used to meet any degree requirements.

GSW Courses Which Will Satisfy the CPC Requirement for Foreign Language
        FREN 1001 - Elementary French I
        SPAN 1001 - Elementary Spanish I
        JAPN 1001 - Elementary Japanese

If a student designates FREN 1001 or SPAN 1001 as meeting the CPC foreign language requirement and if this student chooses a major requiring a foreign language, the three hour course which meets the CPC requirement is in addition to the baccalaureate requirement.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION TO SATISFY CPC

Students may fulfill College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies in science, social science, and foreign language through credit by examination (CLEP) or course exemption by examination provided that any examinations used for credit or exemption by examination are also used for other students and that the same standards are applied to both groups of students. Such examinations may not be implemented specifically for fulfillment of College Preparatory Curriculum requirements. Students who wish to take a CLEP test to meet the CPC deficiency should make arrangements through the Registrar's Office.

CPC PROVISIONS IN SCIENCE, SOCIAL SCIENCE, FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The following provisions apply to the science, social science, and foreign language requirements: These additional required courses represent 10 semester hours of course work beyond the requirements for the program in which the student is enrolled. The student must earn a C or better in each of these courses.

Students should register for courses which satisfy CPC deficiencies in science, social science, or foreign language during the student's first and each subsequent semester of enrollment until the deficiencies are satisfied.

These requirements apply to students in two-year terminal degree programs transferring into programs that lead to baccalaureate degrees and to students transferring into any System institution unless those students have completed 30 semester hours of CORE.

SEMESTER CORE REQUIREMENTS

    * or a course for which MATH 1111 is a prerequisite excluding MATH 2204 (Elementary
    Statistics).     Note that MATH 1113 (Precalculus) is required in Area A for
    mathematics and science degree programs.  MATH 1120 (Calculus) is required for the dual degree program with

    Georgia Institute of Technology.

Area B: Institutional Options                                                       4 - 5 semester hours
    Students with 10 semester hours in Area D must complete 5 semester hours in
    Area B.
    Students with 11 semester hours in Area D must complete 4 semester hours in
    Area B.
    Required  for students following curriculum sheets dated prior to 2002-2003:      

For students initially enrolled prior to fall 2002:

*Students can also meet this requirement by passing a test administered instead by the School of Computer and Information Science. Students passing the test may substitute a course for which CIS 1000 is a prerequisite to meet this Area B requirement or choose to take another course from the area B options.  No grade and no credit is received for passing the test for CIS 1000.

** Must be numbered 2000 or above
*** Recommended for students in Teacher Education

List A (4 hours each)
     BIOL 1107 & BIOL 1107L - Essentials of Biology I Lecture and Lab
     BIOL 1108 & BIOL 1108L - Essentials of Biology II Lecture and Lab
     BIOL 2107 - Principles of Biology I
     BIOL 2108 - Principles of Biology II
     GEOL 1121 - Introductory Geosciences I
     GEOL 1122 - Introductory Geosciences II
     CHEM 1211 & CHEM 1211L - Principles of Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
     CHEM 1212 & CHEM 1212L - Principles of Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
     PHYS 1111 - Introductory Physics I
     PHYS 1112 - Introductory Physics II
     PHYS 2211 - Principles of Physics I
     PHYS 2212 - Principles of Physics II

List B (3 hours each)
     BIOL 1107 - Essentials of Biology I Lecture
     BIOL 1108 - Essentials of Biology II Lecture
     CHEM 1211 - Principles of Chemistry I Lecture
     CHEM 1212 - Principles of Chemistry II Lecture
     GEOL 1211 - The Earth's Evolving Environment
     GEOL 1221 - Solar System Exploration
     BIOL 1500 - Applied Botany
     PHYS 1211 - Solar System Astronomy
     PHYS 1222 - Stellar Astronomy

List C (3 or 4 hours each)
     MATH 1113 - Pre calculus
     MATH 1120 - Calculus I
     MATH 2204 - Elementary Statistics
     CSCI 2500 - Discrete Structures
     CSCI 1301 - Intro to Structured Programming
     CSCI 1302 - Advanced Structured Programming
     CSCI 2100 - Assembly Language Programming
     CIS 2000 - Desktop Publishing and Multimedia Presentations
     CIS 2100 - Microcomputer Interfacing & Configuration
     PSYC 1102 - Psychology as a Natural Science

NOTES: BIOL 1107/ 1107L and BIOL 1108/1108L are not open to students with credit in BIOL 2107 or BIOL 2108.

PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1112 are not open to students with credit in PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2212.

*A swimming course (PEDS 1100) must be taken to meet this requirement if swimming test administered in PEDS 1010 is not passed.

GUIDELINES FOR THE SEMESTER CORE CURRICULUM

Core Curriculum
Intended to give each student who earns a baccalaureate degree a broad liberal arts education, the core curriculum requirements should be met within the first two years of college.

All students are now required to complete the semester core curriculum.

Core Area A Requirement in Mathematics

·        For non-science majors, the Core Area A requirement in mathematics may be met with credit for MATH 1111, College Algebra, or a math course for which MATH 1111 is a prerequisite (excluding MATH 2204, Elementary Statistics).

·        For science majors, the Core Area A requirement in mathematics may be met with credit for MATH 1113, Precalculus, or a math course for which MATH 1113 is a prerequisite (excluding MATH 2204, Elementary Statistics).

Freshmen science majors who place in MATH 1111- College Algebra on the Math Placement Test can take MATH 1112, Trigonometry after completing MATH 1111 to meet the MATH 1113 - Precalculus Core Area A requirement. MATH 1112 - Trigonometry must be used for the Core Area A math requirement, and MATH 1111 - College algebra must be counted as an open elective. Students in this situation are not allowed to take MATH 1113 - Precalculus. Students who change to science majors after they have taken MATH 1111 - College Algebra can take MATH 1112 - Trigonometry to meet Area A math requirements, using MATH 1111 - College Algebra as an open elective. Students, who do so, may not take MATH 1113 - Precalculus. (MATH 1112 is rarely offered at GSW.)

MATH 1120 (Calculus) is required for the dual degree program with Georgia Institute of Technology.

A science major is defined as a student pursuing one of the following degrees:

    B.S. Biology
    B.S. Chemistry

    B.S. Computer Information Systems
    B.S. Computer Science

    B.S. Information Technology
    B.S. Geology
    B.S. Mathematics
    B.S. Mathematics with Teaching Certification
   

Core Area B

• Students who are following curriculum sheets dated prior to 2002-2003, must fulfill the computer literacy requirement in Core Area B. They can meet this requirement by successfully completing CIS 1000, Computer Literacy, passing a computer literacy test given by the School of Computer and Information Sciences or by taking any course for which CIS 1000 is a prerequisite.  In order to take a higher level course, students must pass the computer literacy test.  Students passing the test will meet the requirement but receive no grade and no credit for CIS 1000.

• Students who are following a curriculum sheet dated 2002-2003 or later may take CIS 1000 to meet Area B credit hours, but are not required to take this course.  

• Students with 10 semester hours credit in Area D (non-science majors) must complete 5 semester hours in Area B.

•  Students with 11 semester hours credit in Area D must complete 4 semester hours in Area B.  (Includes all science majors)

• Students with 12 semester hours credit in Area D must complete 4 hours in Area B.

• Students who earn more than the required number of hours in Area B will have the "extra" hours count as free electives or in Area F, depending on the major.

Core Area D

Non-science majors must earn at least 10 semester hours in Area D. They must complete the following:

1.  A four hour lab science course from list A.

2.  Another four-hour lab science course from list A or a three hour non-lab science course from list B.

3.  A four-hour lab science course from list A or a three-hour non-lab science course from list B or a three/four hour math, science, or technology course from list C.

Non-science majors who earn more than 10 hours in Area D would use the 11^th hour in Area B and the 12^th hour in "free electives".

Science Majors (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Math with Teaching Certification) must earn at least 11hours in Area D.  They must complete the following:

1.   A two course lab science sequence from list A for a total of eight hours.

2.  Another four-hour lab science course from list A or a three-hour science course from list B or a three/four-hour math, science, or technology course from list C.

Note:  Some science, math, and technology degree programs have specified this third course for their majors. If by taking this designated course, a student earns 12 hours in Area D, this 12^th hour is to be counted in Area F. If the 12th hour was taken by choice rather than requirement, this hour will be counted in free electives.

Core Area F
Area F of the core curriculum is reserved for lower division courses that are required in a student's major field of study.

Transfer Credit for Core Courses
If a student completes an area of the semester core requirements at another system institution, that student receives credit for completing that same area of core at Georgia Southwestern even if the transfer courses are not identical to those in GSW's core.

Orientation Course
Although not required in the Core, UNIV 1000 – The GSW Experience, a one-hour orientation course, is required of all new full-time freshmen and transfer students with less than nine semester hours of credit. The one hour of earned credit for this course is counted above and beyond the hours required for the degree program.  This class meets from 10:00 - 11:50 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday each semester.  UNIV 1000 is not offered summer term.

Physical Education Core
The physical education core requirement includes PEDS 2000 – CPR/First Aid, PEDS 1010 – Lifetime Fitness, and a one-hour activity PEDS course, which must be PEDS 1100 – Beginning Swimming if the swimming test administered in PEDS 1010 is not passed.

Exceptions to the physical education requirement include veterans and reservists with at least one year service, Associate of Applied Science degree students, Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, and students with documented recommendation for non-participation from a physician.  The latter must bring this documentation to the Registrar and will take PEDS 2000 and HPER 2040 to meet the P.E. requirement.

ADVISEMENT AND REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration Conference
Registration for the following semester is scheduled during the second half of each semester, with specific dates for registration listed on the academic calendar available at www.gsw.edu and on that term's schedule of classes on R.A.I.N.  During the Spring Semester, a currently enrolled student may register for Summer Term and/or Fall Semester. Each student is expected to schedule a conference with his/her advisor to discuss the student's academic plan, select classes, and register. Certain groups of students may choose to register online through R.A.I.N. or be registered by their advisors. Students not allowed to register online must do so through their advisors.

Students should check R.A.I.N. for any holds on their registration and resolve the holds prior to their advisement conference.

Currently enrolled students who choose not to register at that time will register during late registration and pay the late registration fee.

Semester Hour Load
The "normal" class load for the undergraduate student is 15 semester hours of credit. An undergraduate student is considered to be "full-time" if registered for 12 or more hours; a graduate student, 9 or more hours.  Students who plan to complete a baccalaureate degree in four years should register for 15-17 credit hours per term.  It is highly recommended that beginning freshmen enroll in 12-14 hours their first semester at GSW.

Overload
A course load of over 18 hours of credit for the undergraduate students and 15 hours for graduate students must be approved during registration by either the Vice President for Academic Affairs or Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs. An undergraduate student is eligible for an overload if he/she was on the President's List (4.00 GPA on 15 hours or more) or the Dean's List (3.5 GPA on 15 hours or more) the preceding term of enrollment or has a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better.   Exceptions to this policy may be made for graduating students or those in programs requiring a semester of greater than 18 hours. 

Schedule Changes
Schedule changes (add/drop) may be made during the first three days of Fall and Spring semesters and during the first two days of summer term. A student may drop a class and/or add a class during this period. The procedure is initiated by the student in the Registrar's Office or with the student's advisor.

Late Registration
A currently enrolled student who does not register during the designated period in the preceding term for next term may do so on the day before classes begin and during the first three class days of the semester. The process is initiated by the student with the student's advisor or in the Registrar's Office. A late registration fee of $50.00 is assessed of each returning student who registers during the late registration period.

Audit
Occasionally, a student is interested in attending a course without working for or expecting to receive formal credit. An auditor is expected to attend classes but is not required to take examinations or meet course requirements. Regular fees are paid for audit enrollment. Permission to audit a course is granted by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs.

Credit by Examination (CLEP)
Credit by examination is usually earned at the time the student enters college. At Georgia Southwestern State University, credit by examination is limited to ten hours in a discipline and thirty hours in the University. It is listed as such on the transcript along with the course number, title, and hours of credit. No grade is assigned and the credit is not included in computing the grade point average. Interested students should contact the Registrar's Office.

Advanced Placement
Academic credit in certain courses will be given for earning specified scores on advanced placement tests taken in high school. Students will receive credit for the appropriate course(s), but no grade will be assigned and credit is not included in computing the grade point average. An official report of the scores on AP exams must be sent by the student to the Registrar's Office.

Learning Support Program
Learning Support at Georgia Southwestern is part of a system-wide program established by the Board of Regents which extends the opportunity for college level work to many students who, through diagnostic testing, indicate the need for instruction in basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This program of compensatory education is designed to give students who are deficient in certain basic skills an opportunity to overcome their deficiencies and then enter college level work with a degree of confidence in their ability to be successful.

Students with Disabilities
It is the policy of Georgia Southwestern State University that faculty members or other employees do not discriminate in any way against students with disabilities. Faculty are required to make reasonable accommodations for students with officially documented disabilities.

Students are responsible for identifying themselves as having a disability. They are to contact the staff of the Student Support Services Office (located in  Sanford Hall) for an interview and to determine their needs. This should take place prior to enrolling at GSW if at all possible. GSW strongly recommends that students discuss their needs with each of their professors during the first week of classes. If a faculty member is aware of a need to make an adjustment to accommodate a student with disabilities, he or she should notify the Office of Student Support Services for a determination of the appropriate accommodations.

There is no particular action required of the advisor, but it would be helpful in scheduling courses if the advisor is informed of the needs of these students. Advisors are encouraged to notify academic deans and department chairs of the areas offering courses in which students with disabilities are assigned if there are special considerations needed by said students.

Class Rank
Students are classified once each year, and class rank is based on semester hours of credit earned. Minimum semester hours of academic credit for the different class ranks are as follows:

Changing Major/Advisor
A student desiring to change his/her major must discuss this intention with his/her faculty advisor. When a decision is reached as to which curriculum the student will pursue, the student must complete a "Major/Advisor Change Form." This form may be obtained online through R.A.I.N. or from the Registrar's Office, which will send a copy of the student's transcript to the new advisor. The process is not complete until the signed form is returned to the Registrar's Office.

NOTE: Former advisors should forward the student's advisement file to the new advisor.

Math Placement Test
New Freshmen will be given a math placement test during orientation prior to registration for their first term. Requirements and recommendations based on placement test scores, SAT or ACT scores, and grades earned on high school math courses will be made by the Department of Mathematics for the most appropriate course: ACAM  0999 - Academic Assistance Math (institutional credit only), MATH 1111 - College Algebra, MATH 1113 - Pre Calculus, or MATH 1120 - Calculus I. ACAM 0999 will be required for students not meeting the minimum passing scores.  Advisors will receive a copy of the test results for each of their new freshmen advisees. If the student decides not to follow the recommendation of the math department, it is advisable for the faculty member to keep a statement to that effect signed by the student in the student's file.

Math placement score results are posted on the GSW advisor transcript on R.A.I.N.

Freshmen science majors who place in MATH 1111-College Algebra on the Math Placement Test can take MATH 1112- Trigonometry after completing MATH 1111 to meet the MATH 1113- Precalculus Core Area A requirement. MATH 1112- Trigonometry must be used for the Core Area A math requirement, and MATH 1111- College Algebra must be counted as an open elective. Students who choose to take MATH 1112 after completion of MATH 1111 are not allowed to take MATH 1113- Precalculus. Students who change to science majors after they have taken MATH 1111- College Algebra can take MATH 1112- Trigonometry to meet Area A math requirements, using MATH 1111, College Algebra as an open elective. Students, who do so, may not take MATH 1113- Precalculus.

Students on financial aid who take ACAM 0999 voluntarily should register for at least 12 hours of courses numbered 1000 or above to receive their maximum award money.

Readmission
Former students who have not been in attendance for a calendar year or more must reapply through the Registrar’s Office. Students who were on academic suspension at the time of their withdrawal are required to obtain the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for readmission.

Students who have attended another college since last attending Georgia Southwestern must submit an official transcript from that institution.

Students readmitted or reinstated will be evaluated for graduation from the catalog in effect at the time of readmission or reinstatement or any catalog in effect during subsequent periods of continuous enrollment.

TRANSFER CREDIT

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

Transfer credit is normally awarded for all college work earned through any college or university approved by its regional accrediting association, provided the courses presented reasonably parallel the curriculum of Georgia Southwestern State University. Only courses completed at accredited institutions will be accepted in transfer. The following stipulations on the transfer of credit are upheld:

1. Transfer of D credit:

• All credit earned in 1000 and 2000 level courses used to satisfy Core Curriculum requirements will be accepted, except for English 1101 and English 1102, which require minimum grades of C. 

• Credit earned in upper level undergraduate courses requires a minimum grade of C.

2. Students who have only partially completed Core requirements at another unit of the University System of Georgia will receive credit in courses completed. Students who have completed one or more Core Area requirements at another unit of the University System of Georgia will receive full transfer credit for those Core Areas. Students who change their major upon transferring may be required to complete requirements in Areas A, D and F for the new major.

3. Coursework taken in two-year college technical programs is generally non-transferable.

4. Students requesting credit for prior learning experiences in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management must submit the following documents to the BAS in Technology Management Advisor for consideration: 

• A narrative explaining how prior learning is related to technology management. The narrative must describe relative experience and evidence identifying the learning the student acquired and how the learning can be used to solve problems or generalized for use in other situations. 

• Documentation that the student has actually acquired the learning related to technology.

• Documentation to show that the prior learning experience is equivalent to the number of credit hours requested.

5. Coursework taken at two-year Technical Colleges which are accredited through the Commission on Colleges will be considered in transfer if the course numbering is 190 or above following the BOR guidelines. Courses taken at Technical Colleges accredited through an agency other than the Commission on Colleges will not be accepted in transfer, regardless of the course numbering.

6. Transfer students must meet residency requirements outlined in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.

7. Credit earned through correspondence, credit by examination and extension work may be accepted, but limited to 30 semester hours.

8. Credits accepted in transfer by Georgia Southwestern State University do not necessarily apply as hours toward graduation.

9. Credit hours only are transferred; grades are not.

A student entering GSW with a transferable Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a college or university within the University System of Georgia will have met the GSW core requirements as long as the student does not change majors. 

Core courses required by GSW but not by the student's previous institution may have to be taken to prepare the student for upper division course work. However, the student will not be required to complete more than the total number of semester credit hours, excluding physical education and orientation, to earn the degree. Students in this category who change majors may have additional core courses to complete, particularly in Core Areas D and F.

A student transferring to GSW with an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from a college or university within the University System of Georgia will be required to meet GSW core requirements. Core courses already completed at the previous institution will be considered on a course-by-course basis.

The Registrar has the responsibility for evaluating the transcripts of students who transfer from other institutions. If an advisor needs certification or clarification of a particular evaluation, he/she should contact the Registrar. Decisions concerning application of transfer work to meet core curriculum requirements are made by the Registrar's Office. Advisors along with their dean and/or chair determine the transferability of upper division courses.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees who are admitted to the university during their final year of work must be in residence for a minimum of two semesters and must complete at least 30 hours of credit, including 15 hours of upper division credit in the major field.  If less than a normal load of academic credit is carried, each three-hour course counts as one-fifth of a semester toward residence requirements.

Transferability
The Board of Regents requires that students who complete the core curriculum (Areas A-F) at a USG institution are guaranteed full credit in transfer if they do not change majors or programs of study.

It is the policy of GSW to accept any core areas completed in full at another USG institution as meeting the GSW core requirements for that area as long as the student does not change majors.

Students who have questions about their transfer evaluations should see the Registrar about the transfer of core courses and lower division courses and their dean/chair about the transfer of upper division courses. If the question is not resolved, students should see the designated transfer ombudsperson, Lynda Lee Purvis, in the Office of Academic Affairs.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Credit for prior experiential learning is available in selected undergraduate degree programs. A student in one of these degree programs should notify his or her academic advisor to determine if this policy applies. If applicable, the advisor notifies the appropriate academic dean or department chair, who convenes a faculty committee to review the student's portfolio to determine if credit for prior experiential learning is warranted and if so, the number of semester credit hours to be awarded. The total number of credit hours awarded for experiential learning cannot exceed 21 semester credit hours.

MILITARY CREDIT 

Credit for prior military experience and training is determined on an individual basis, following the guidelines published by the American Council on Education for the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Students should see the Registrar for additional information.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Schedule Adjustments

Adding or Dropping Courses

Following registration for the term, students may add or drop courses during the published add/drop period.

• Students must discuss adding or dropping courses with their advisors.

• Students who enter courses after the first day of class are responsible for making up missed assignments.

• Students may add or drop a Learning Support course only with the approval of their Learning Support Advisors. Students enrolled in both Learning Support classes and degree credit courses cannot drop the Learning Support courses without dropping the degree credit courses as well.

• Students may not drop a Regents' remediation course without the approval of the Registrar.

After the published add/drop period, students may adjust their schedules only by "withdrawal." (See below.)  Students registered for courses that have the first class meeting after the designated add/drop period will be subject to the withdrawal from class policy or the withdrawal from the university policy below.  Any orientation session for online or off-campus courses is considered the first class meeting for the course.

Withdrawal from a Course

After the add/drop period, a student must officially withdraw from a course by completing the "Withdrawal from Class" form available in the Registrar's Office and online under Student Forms on R.A.I.N. This form must be returned to the Registrar's Office upon completion. The student is fully responsible for collecting the appropriate signatures and submitting the completed form to the Registrar's office.

• Withdrawal from class without penalty requires the student to complete the Withdrawal from Class form and return it to the Registrar's Office by the published no-penalty date of one week after midterm. A student following this procedure will receive a grade of W (Withdrawn).

• Withdrawal from class without penalty will not be permitted after the published 'no penalty' date except for non-academic reasons. Documentation must be provided by the student to receive a W rather than a WF (Withdrawn Failing).

• Students with Learning Support requirements who are enrolled in both Learning Support courses and degree credit courses may not withdraw from the required Learning Support courses with a "W" unless they also withdraw from the degree credit courses.

All withdrawals from class must be approved and completely processed before the last day of classes. A student who does not officially withdraw from a class will receive a grade of F in that course for the term.

Withdrawal from the University

Students withdrawing from all classes and exiting the University after the first day of classes must meet with Gail Barksdale, First Year Advocate, located in Academic Skills, room 126, to initiate the official "Withdrawal from the University" process.

• Withdrawal from the University prior to the no-penalty date of one week after midterm will result in grades of W (withdrawn) for all courses.

• Withdrawal from the University after the no-penalty date will result in grades of WF (withdrawn failing) except for documented non-academic reasons.

All withdrawals from the University must be approved and completely processed before the last day of classes. The student is fully responsible for supplying all pertinent documentation to the Director of Counseling Services.

Failure to withdraw from the University following the proper procedure will result in grades of F in all courses, and no refund will be given.

Administrative Withdrawal from a Course During the First Week of Classes

Students registered for fall or spring semesters, who attend none of the class meetings during the first week of classes and do not inform the instructor of their intentions to remain in the course or do not drop the course within the published period will be administratively withdrawn from the course. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to document such absences.

Instructors must take roll during the first week of classes, until they get final rolls. The faculty member will inform the Registrar that the student is not attending classes by notation on the verification roll provided after the first week of class.

Students will be contacted in writing, by email or letter, by the Registrar and informed that they will be administratively withdrawn if they do not contact that office by a specified date.

Excessive Absences
It is the responsibility of each faculty member to determine for his or her class what constitutes an absence, what constitutes "excessive absences", and the relationship of absences to final course grades.  It is also the responsibility of each faculty member to inform each student of his/her policy in writing at the beginning of the course.

The options of a faculty member for assigning a grade to a student with excessive absences include the following:

• Assign a grade of "F" at the end of the term.

• Request administrative withdrawal of the student with the assignment of a grade of" WF".

If a faculty member intends to assign a grade of "F" for excessive absences, then no further action is required by the faculty member other than to be sure the absences are documented.  The last date the student attended class must be entered on R.A.I.N. when the instructor inputs final grades.

If a faculty member wishes to request administrative withdrawal from a course of a student with a grade of "WF", the faculty member should take the following actions:

1.   Write a letter to the student to remind the student of the policy on absences and inform the student that he/she must contact the faculty member within one week or action will be initiated for administrative withdrawal and the assignment of a grade of "WF".  Please note that this step might allow some reconciliation in the event that the student contacts the faculty member.  The guidelines issued at the beginning of the term should reflect the possibility.  The letter should be addressed to the student at the campus post office address and to the student's home address.

2.   If the student does not contact the faculty member within one week the faculty member should address a memorandum to the Registrar requesting that the student be administratively withdrawn with a grade of WF, send a copy to the student at the campus post office address and to the student's home address.

Student Absence Policy for University Sanctioned Events

Faculty members will set policies for absences from class and the effect absences may have on final grades. They will make their expectations concerning absences known to their students in writing during the first week of class.

However, a student who is absent from a class as a result of representing this institution at a University-sanctioned event will not be penalized for the absence. In these cases, the student will be given an opportunity to complete any work that may have been missed as a result of the absence. It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of an anticipated absence.

For an event to be sanctioned by the University, approval by the Office of Academic Affairs must be obtained in advance of the event.

Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

GRADING STANDARDS