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

A grade of "I" indicates that the student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons beyond his/her control, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course during the term scheduled. The individual faculty member assigning the "I" has the responsibility for documenting the work to be completed. This documentation is to be filed with the Academic Dean or Department Chair at the time grades are submitted. An incomplete grade must be removed before the end of the following term; otherwise, the grade will be recorded as F. Requests for an extension of an additional term must be made by the instructor and approved by the dean/chair and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students who for non-academic reasons stop attending class prior to midterm should withdraw from the course. A grade of "I" cannot be assigned in this situation.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is the ratio of quality points earned to the number of credit hours for which the student is accountable. The grade point average will be calculated for each student at the end of each term and will be printed on the grade report as follows:

1.      The Semester Grade Point Average is the ratio of quality points earned to credit hours attempted that semester in courses numbered 1000 or above.

2.      The Cumulative/Institution Grade Point Average is the ratio of quality points earned to credit hours attempted in courses numbered 1000 or above for which a final grade has been earned. Normally, a course is counted only once for credit hours. For this type of courses, the latest grade earned replaces all previous grades and determines the quality points assignment.

A grade of WF is treated as an F in calculating grade point averages.

Policy on Repeating Courses - Undergraduates

Normally, a course is counted only one time for credit hours. If a student wants to repeat a course that falls into this category, he/she may do so with the understanding that the latest grade earned replaces all previous grades. The number of quality points awarded and credit hours earned is determined by this final grade. 

Required Minimum Grade Point Average

A grade point average of 2.00 (C average) is required for graduation from Georgia Southwestern State University with a baccalaureate or associate degree. (Some curricula may require a higher average.) A student whose performance is below this level exhibits academic deficiencies. The University uses the cumulative/institution grade point average as determined on the BANNER Student Records software to determine academic standing. The following table shows the minimum graduating grade point average a student must achieve to make acceptable progress toward the 2.00 average and graduation.

For a transfer student, the hours transferred from previous institutions are included with the hours earned at GSW to determine the required minimum grade point average, but grades earned before transferring are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Total Hours Earned                       Required Minimum GPA
(including hours accepted in transfer)

The grade point average is calculated each term and appears on the online R.A.I.N. grade report to inform the student of his/her progress. The academic standing of the student will be indicated on the grade report also.

 ACADEMIC STANDING - UNDERGRADUATES

A student's academic standing appears at the end of each term on the student's online R.A.I.N. grade report. It is also entered on the student's transcript with the grades for each term. Each status is defined below.

Good Standing
A student will be placed in Good Standing when his/her cumulative/institution GPA is equal to or above the required minimum GPA for the number of hours the student has earned (Including transfer hours).

Academic Warning
A student will be placed on Academic Warning at the end of the first term in which the cumulative/institution GPA falls below the required minimum for the total hours earned. The student will have only one semester in which to raise the GPA to the required minimum and return to Good Standing. If not, the student is placed on Academic Probation. Students on Academic Warning are encouraged to take advantage of Supplemental Instruction resources, available in the Academic Skills Center.

Academic Probation
A student will be placed on Academic Probation if the student fails to return to Good Standing at the end of the semester in which the academic standing of the student was Academic Warning. The student will have only one term to raise the GPA to the required minimum and return to Good Standing. If not, the student is placed on Academic Suspension. Students on Academic Probation are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Academic Assistance resources available in the Academic Skills Center.

Academic Suspension
A student will be placed on Academic Suspension if the student fails to achieve Good Standing while on Probation. The student must stay out of school for one semester or choose to remain in school with Restricted Enrollment status.

To return to school after the term of suspension, the student must write a letter of appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs. When the student returns, the academic status of the student is Academic Warning and the Warning-Probation-Suspension process starts over. That is, the student will have two semesters of enrollment at most to raise the GPA to the Required Minimum and return to Good Standing, or the student will be suspended again. The maximum number of suspensions allowed is two. At the third suspension, the student will be suspended from GSW for a minimum of one calendar year.

Normally a student will not be reinstated after the third suspension. The student may, however, appeal this dismissal by stating his/her case to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Appeals relative to dismissal after the third suspension will be considered on a case by case basis with no guarantee of readmission.

A student on Academic Suspension will not be allowed to register for courses offered by the University, unless the student has been granted Restricted Enrollment Status.

Courses taken at other institutions while a student is on Academic Suspension from Georgia Southwestern will not be accepted in transfer.

Students returning to GSW after the first suspension are required to enroll in and successfully complete ACSK 1100, Academic Skills, during the first term of re-enrollment.

Restricted Enrollment
As an alternative to suspension, a student may request from the Associate Dean for Academic Services to remain in school with Restricted Enrollment Status. This status means that the student will stay in school but may enroll primarily in repeated courses and ACSK 1100, Academic Skills, in order to improve the student's GPA to return to Good Standing. Restricted Enrollment is the only alternative available to students who are suspended but wish to remain in school.

Not returning to Good Standing by the end of the Restricted Enrollment term will result in an additional suspension for the student, and the student will remain out of school for a minimum of one semester. The student accepting this status will be advised by his/her assigned academic advisor. A Restricted Enrollment Agreement will be signed by the student, the advisor, and the Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs before the student is allowed to register. A student on Restricted Enrollment may drop or add courses only with the approval of the Office of Academic Affairs.

The Restricted Enrollment status is not available to Learning Support students.

Learning Support
Students who are taking one or more Learning Support courses will be given this academic status until those students exit all required Learning Support courses. The policies of the Board of Regents and GSW will have precedence over the policies of GSW concerning Academic Suspension. The Restricted Enrollment academic status is not applicable to Learning Support students.

Readmission of Students on Suspension
A student on Academic Suspension who wishes to be readmitted to the University must write a letter to the Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs requesting readmission. The letter must include all factors which the student wishes to be considered. Each request for readmission will be considered individually and nothing in this section should be interpreted to mean that readmission is automatic. Any student requesting readmission should complete a readmission form from the Registrar's Office. Students returning from the first suspension must take and successfully complete ACSK 1100, Academic Skills, during their first term of re-enrollment.

 Advising Students with Poor Academic Performance

A student whose grade point average falls below the required minimum for the number of hours earned should be advised to repeat courses in which low or failing grades were earned.  Repeating courses is the most efficient way to increase a GPA if better grades are earned.  Two words of warning:  1 - Don't allow the student to overload on repeated courses during a semester.  Tell the student that a repeated course is not going to be any easier just because he or she has taken it before.  2- Remind the student that if a lower grade is earned in the repeated course, that grade will be the one calculated in his or her GPA.  The latest grade replaces all earlier ones earned in a course.

Re-examinations for Seniors

A senior preparing for graduation within two (2) semesters who earns a final grade of F or D may have the opportunity of one re-examination in that course. After reviewing the eligibility requirements for re-examination with the instructor of the course (based on the conditions listed below), the student must request permission for the re-examination in writing from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The instructor will be informed in writing whether permission has been granted. Conditions for re-examinations include the following:

1. The original course grade earned must not be the result of a violation of the Policy of Academic Integrity or the instructor’s written policy on course attendance.

2. It must be mathematically possible to achieve the necessary passing grade in the course using the result of the re-examination.

3. The course must be a non-core course numbered 2000 or above which is necessary for graduation.

4. There must be no opportunity to repeat the course before the scheduled graduation.

5. Graded assignments for which a re-exam may occur include an examination, a project, a presentation, a paper, or another assignment as defined by course requirements. The assignment to be repeated will be determined by the instructor of the course.

6. A student cannot apply this re-examination policy in more than two courses.

7. The request for the re-examination must be made within thirty(30) days of the end of the term in which the grade was received.

8. Graduating seniors who fail the tests given by the Department of History and Political Science to meet the geography, U.S. history/Georgia history, and U.S. Constitution/Georgia Constitution requirements are entitled to a single retest in the deficient area during the term immediately preceding their graduation date. Retests are limited to two areas. Students in this situation should contact the secretary of the Department of History and Political Science.

9. According to the Board of Regents procedures, this policy does not apply to the Regents’ Testing Program.

Final Examinations

A student who has three final examinations scheduled for the same day may request a change of date for one final through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Times and dates for final examinations may not be changed to accommodate students' travel plans. Permission for a student to change his/her final exam time and/or date must be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs. The final exam schedule is available in the printed schedule of classes.

Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses

Graduation with Honors - Undergraduates
In order to be eligible to graduate with honors from Georgia Southwestern State University, the following two requirements must be met:

A student must earn a total of at least 54 semester hours of academic credit at Georgia Southwestern State University.

The grade point average for honors will be determined by adding the points and hours from all work completed at all accredited colleges and universities to the graduating points and hours earned at GSW. The cumulative grade point average must fall into one of the following categories to be considered graduating with honors:

• Graduation cum laude requires a minimum grade point average of 3.50;
• Graduation magna cum laude requires a minimum grade point average of 3.70;
• Graduation summa cum laude requires a minimum grade point average of 3.90.

Only candidates for baccalaureate degrees are considered for academic honors at graduation.

ACADEMIC HONORS - UNDERGRADUATES

President's List
During any semester, a student who completes a load of at least fifteen semester hours of credit and earns an average grade of 4.00 will be named to the President's List.

Dean’s List
During any semester, a student who completes a load of at least fifteen semester hours of credit and earns an average grade of 3.50 through 3.99 will be named to the Dean's List.

Academic Achievement List
During any semester, a student is on the Academic Achievement List if he/she is in Academic Good Standing, has previously earned at least 15 hours of credit at Georgia Southwestern, is enrolled in 3 to 14 hours of credit, and earns a semester GPA of 3.5 or better.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 

GENERAL BACCALAUREATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to specific requirements of the major and minor fields of study, the following requirements must be satisfied by all students seeking the baccalaureate degree.

1. Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must earn a minimum of 120 semester hours of academic credit and complete three specified courses in physical education. A transfer student who has completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree in a transfer program will not be required to fulfill the physical education requirements.  All fulltime freshmen baccalaureate students must complete UNIV 1000 - The GSW Experience for graduation
   NOTE: A student who changes major may have to complete additional hours of coursework beyond those required for completion of the program.

2. All baccalaureate programs require at least 21 hours of upper division courses in the major field and at least 39 hours of upper division work overall.

3. A quality grade point average of 2.00 or higher is required for graduation. Some curricula require a higher average. Grades from transfer credit are calculated for graduation with honors purposes only.

4. A candidate must earn in residence at least twenty-seven of the forty hours of credit earned immediately preceding graduation. Candidates admitted to the University for the final year of work must be in residence for a minimum of two semesters and must complete at least thirty hours of credit including fifteen 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.

5. Degree candidates may earn credit in correspondence, extension work, and credit by examination, but not more than ten hours in the major discipline and no more than thirty hours of credit earned in this manner will count toward degree requirements.

6. All candidates for baccalaureate degrees must satisfactorily complete the General Core Curriculum requirements.

7. Candidates for the B.A. degree must present credit for at least six hours of a foreign language sequence numbered 2000 or above. College Preparatory Curriculum foreign language deficiency requirements do not count as part of this sequence.

8. Candidates for the B.S. degree in some majors (See Bulletin requirements for specific major) must present semester credit for a foreign language sequence. College Preparatory Curriculum foreign language deficiency requirements do not count as part of this sequence.

9. Certain multi-lingual students may have the foreign language requirement waived if they can demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English and other than their native tongue in the case of foreign students.

10. A candidate must complete English 1101 with a grade of C or higher or must demonstrate proficiency on the CLEP test. A degree candidate must earn a grade of C or higher in English 1102 also. 

11. Candidates are required to satisfy the provisions of the Georgia State Code 32-171 as amended by The General Assembly, which requires all candidates for a degree to pass either courses in or an appropriate examination on the history of the United States, the history of Georgia, The United States Constitution, and the Constitution of Georgia.

12. Candidates for the bachelor degree must make a satisfactory score on both parts of the Regents' Test, the University System of Georgia reading and writing skills test, or be exempted from taking one or both sections.

13. Students who are following a curriculum sheet dated 2001-2002 or earlier are required to pass a test of geographic knowledge or to earn a passing grade in one of the following courses: SOSC 1000, SOSC 1101, GEOG 1101, GEOG 4550, POLS 4550. Students following curriculum sheets dated fall 2002 or later do not have to meet this requirement.

14. Candidates for the B.A. degree must complete a minor field of study. The minor will consist of 15-18 semester hours in the field of study with at least nine hours at the upper division course level. The minor will be planned through consultation between the chairs of the major and minor schools/departments.

Students in some degree programs and majors are required to take an exit examination prior to graduation. A minimum score may be required. Students should contact their advisors for specific details.

GENERAL ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The applicant who meets all of the requirements for admission to GSW and an approved technical college may enroll in either the technical college or GSW. However, should the applicant wish to attend both institutions concurrently, he/she would be restricted to only three (3) semester hours of academic work at GSW.

 Requirements for the Associate in Applied Science (Career Degree)

1. Completion of an approved technical college requirements for the appropriate program.

2. Twenty-one semester hours of general education courses at Georgia Southwestern State University ("General Education", not necessarily core curriculum)

3. At least one course in each of the following areas:

a. Written Communication

b. Natural Science

c. Mathematics

d. Computer Literacy

e. Social Science

4. Completion of the U.S. and Georgia history and Constitution legislative requirements.

5. A cumulative/institutional grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at GSW.

6. A maximum of 10 semester hours may be transferred from an accredited institution to meet these requirements.

See the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) curriculum sheet on RAIN for more specific information.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All baccalaureate students are required to take PEDS 1010, PEDS 2000 and one activity course from the PEDS activity courses. A student who fails the swimming proficiency exam in PEDS 1010 must enroll in PEDS 1100 (Beginning Swimming) to complete the physical education requirements. Students should complete all the requirements during their first two years of enrollment. A transfer student who has completed a transferable Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree will not be required to fulfill the physical education requirements, including the swimming requirement.

Exceptions are granted to veterans with at least one year of active duty, reservists with at least one year of service, students barred by a physician's recommendation, and students entering the B.S. Nursing Program. There is no requirement for veterans with at least one year of active duty or for reservists with at least one year of service. Veterans and reservists must present documentation to the Registrar’s Office in the form of a DD214 in order to be awarded the P.E. exemption. Students barred by a physician's recommendation are required to complete PEDS 2000 and HPER 2040. For graduation, all B.S. Nursing Program students are required to have credit for PEDS 1010, Lifetime Fitness and meet the swim requirement by passing the swim exam in Lifetime Fitness.

P.E. courses taken at another institution and showing on the student's transcript will count toward this requirement. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Dean for Academic Services and Special Programs.

Students in Associate in Applied Science programs in cooperation with approved technical colleges are not required to take courses in physical education. However, they must complete all physical education requirements if they pursue any other degree.

Students participating in intercollegiate athletics may receive credit for physical education for that semester in which they participate, but they must be carried on the appropriate class roll.

FERPA

Confidentiality of Student Records:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)    

1. Georgia Southwestern State University is covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, which is designed to protect students' rights in regard to education records maintained by the institution. Under the Act, a student has the following rights:
1. the right to inspect and review education records maintained by the institution that pertains to you;
2. the right to challenge the content of records (except grades which can only be challenged through the Grade Appeal Process) on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or a violation of your privacy or other rights; and
3. the right to control disclosures from  your education records with certain exceptions.
2. Any student who is or has been in attendance at Georgia Southwestern State University has the right to inspect and review his or her educational records within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 45 days) after making a written request. However, the student shall not have access to:
1. Financial records of parents.
2. Confidential letters of recommendation placed in record prior to January 1, 1975.
3. Letters of recommendation concerning admission, application for employment or honors for which the student has voluntarily signed a waiver.
3. Directory information will be treated as public information and be generally available on all students and former students, at the discretion of the university. Directory information includes the student's name; telephone number; major field of study; participation in officially recognized sports; height; weight; dates of attendance; degrees, honors and awards received; level, and full or part time status. Participation in officially recognized sports; height, weight, age, home-town and general interest items of members of athletic teams is also included in Directory Information.
4. Requests for Education Records should be made in writing to the Registrar, Georgia Southwestern State University. "Education Records" means generally any record maintained by or for Georgia Southwestern State University and containing information directly related to the students' academic activities.
5. Students who challenge the correctness of student educational records shall file a written request for amendment with the Registrar. The student shall also present to the Registrar copies of all available evidence relating to the data or material being challenged. The Registrar shall forward the information to the custodian of the record who will consider the request and shall notify the student in writing within 15 business days whether the request will be granted or denied. During that time, any challenge may be settled informally between the student, or the parents of a dependent student, and the custodian of the records, in consultation with other appropriate University officials. If an agreement is reached it shall be in writing and signed by all parties involved. A copy of such agreement will be maintained in the student's record. If an agreement is not reached informally or, if the request for amendment is denied, the student shall have the right to challenge through the Grievance Procedure outlined in the Student Handbook.
6. Release of protected information in the student's educational record without consent will be allowed to:
1. Institutional personnel who have a legitimate educational interest.
2. Officials of other schools where the student seeks to enroll. Efforts will be made to notify the student of the release of such information.
3. Representatives of Federal agencies authorized by law to have access to education records, and state education authorities.
4. Appropriate persons in connection with a student's application for or receipt of financial aid.
5. State and local officials to whom information must be released pursuant to a state statue adopted prior to November 19, 1974.
6. Organizations conducting studies for the institution.
7. Accrediting organizations.
8. Parents of a dependent student, as determined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.
9. Persons necessary in emergency situations to protect health and safety.
10. Persons designated in subpoenas or court orders.
7. If a request for Education Records is not covered by the Annual Disclosure Statement provided by the Registrar, the written request for release of information should be submitted to the Registrar and contain the following information:
1. Specific records to be released.
2. Reasons for such release.
3. To whom records are to be released.
4. Date.
5. Signature of the student.
8. Records will be released in compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. However, reasonable efforts will be made to notify the student in advance of compliance.
9. Students have the right to obtain copies of official transcripts provided all financial obligations to the University have been met. Students will be charged at the prevailing rate for each certified transcript obtained. Copies of other information in the student's education record will be provided at a cost of $0.25 per page of copy.
10. Students who feel that their rights have been violated under the provisions of the Family Educational and Privacy Act should write to the following office: Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20201.
11. Georgia has an Open Records Act. All records kept by Georgia Southwestern State University, except those protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, are subject to public open records requests. Requests for public open records should be submitted in writing to the Director of Human Resources, Georgia Southwestern State University.

Advising Students According to FERPA Guidelines

As an advisor, you have access to your advisee's academic records, but the academic history of a student should never be discussed in public.  If a parent/guardian contacts you asking for information about his or her student, before you discuss anything related to the student's academic performance, including class attendance, you must contact the Registrar's Office to determine if the student has given GSW permission to talk about academic issues with his parents or guardians.  If not, you may not discuss anything with them.  If the student is a dependent, the parents/guardians may take a copy of their income tax return to the Registrar to verify this status, thus allowing GSW to talk with them about their student's situation.  The Registrar will notify you when this occurs.  If the parent/guardian comes to see you with his or her student, before you say anything about the student, ask the student for permission to discuss academic performance in front of the parent/guardian.

If a student has chosen for his or her records to be kept private from parents/guardians, the "confidential" flag on RAIN will appear when any record is pulled up for this student.  For example, the word "confidential" is listed under the student's name on the Class List.  All discussions with this student about academic performance must take place in person.  You should not talk with them over the phone or through email.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - UNDERGRADUATES

UNIV 1000 - The GSW Experience

Georgia Southwestern State University requires a one credit hour course (UNIV 1000) of all new, full-time freshmen. New entering transfer students with less than nine hours of transfer credit must also enroll in UNIV 1000. This highly structured freshman orientation/advisement program has been instituted at Georgia Southwestern State University to facilitate the new student's transition to college-level work.

Regents' Test

Georgia Southwestern State University and all units of the University System of Georgia participate in the Regents' Testing Program.  This exam was created to assess the competency level in reading and writing of all students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in University System institutions.  All GSW students seeking a baccalaureate degree must pass both sections of the test or receive exemptions in order to graduate.  The exam consists of a reading section and a writing section and is administered each semester according to the timetable found on the semester class schedule on RAIN.

Advising for the Regents' Test

Although students have full responsibility in complying with the Regents' Test requirements, the advisor is often blamed for not providing the information to them at the appropriate time.  Please make it a practice to mention the Regents' Test each time you advise students.

Grades in ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102
A candidate for any undergraduate degree offered by GSW must complete English 1101 with a grade of C or higher or must demonstrate proficiency through AP or on the CLEP Test. Completion of English 1101 is a prerequisite for English 1102.

Degree candidates must earn a grade of C or higher in English 1102.  A student cannot enroll in English 1102 until he/she has successfully completed English 1101 requirements with a grade of C or better.

"The University System Uniform Grading Policy is reaffirmed with the provision that a C or higher in freshman English composition courses is required to guarantee transferability to institutions that require C or higher in English composition of their native students; however, no distinction is to be made between the Core Curriculum subject matter areas insofar as the acceptability of credits earned with D grades is concerned."
- The Core Curriculum Handbook, University System of Georgia

Georgia and United States History and Constitution Requirements
Degree candidates must satisfy the provisions of the Georgia State Code 32-171 as amended by the General Assembly, which requires all candidates for a degree to pass either courses in or an appropriate examination on the history of the United States, the history of Georgia, The United States Constitution, and the Constitution of Georgia.

History and Constitution Requirements

The following chart indicates which courses will satisfy history and constitution requirements.

Course      U.S. History    Ga. History  U.S. Constitution  Ga. Constitution
HIST 2111         X                     X
HIST 2112         X                     X
HIST 3810                                 X                                                    X
POLS 1101                                                       X                             X
POLS 3110                                                                                       X

American history courses and American government courses do not satisfy the Georgia history requirements and constitution if taken at an out-of-state institution. Transfer students in this situation can take the appropriate class(es) listed above or take the examination listed below to meet the requirement(s). The Registrar's Office will evaluate transcripts of transfer students.

Students may satisfy the requirement in either area by passing an examination in that area. These examinations are given each semester by the Department of History and Political Science. A student is allowed two attempts to pass the examination in each area before being required to take an appropriate course. Test dates and information concerning review sessions may be secured from the Department of History and Political Science. Students should be encouraged to satisfy the history and constitution requirements as early in the college career as possible. Students who meet either requirement by passing the examination do not receive a grade or credit for a course.

Geography Requirement -
All baccalaureate students following a curriculum sheet dated 2001-2002 or earlier must meet the geography requirement.

Degree candidates are required to pass one of several forms of a test of geographic knowledge or earn a passing grade in one of the following courses: SOSC 1000, SOSC 1101, GEOG 1101, GEOG 4550, POLS 4550.

The test in geographic terminology and location is based on a study guide sheet which is used in conjunction with a suitable atlas. (Goode's World Atlas may be purchased in the University bookstore.) The locations portion of the test consists of locations marked on maps, and the student must choose which location named is correct. The test may be taken once per term until passed.

A reservation to take the test is required and must be made in the office of the Department of History and Political Science in the Business History and Political Science Building during the designated reservation period of the term in which the test is to be taken. For additional information, contact the Department of History.

Computer Literacy Requirement

All baccalaureate students following a curriculum sheet dated 2001-2002 or earlier must meet the computer literacy requirement in Core Area B.

Degree candidates are required to pass CIS 1000-Computer Applications or a test administered by the School of Computer and Information Science.  Students who want to take the test to meet this requirement should contact the office of the School of Computer and Information Sciences in Crawford-Wheatley Hall.  No academic credit will be awarded to students passing the test, but the requirement will be met.

Foreign Language Placement and Requirements
The exact requirements for foreign language in any specific field of study can be found in the current GSW Bulletin.

Students who have had two years of a particular foreign language in high school may not receive degree credit for the 1001 level course of that language, SPAN 1001 or FREN 1001.

Students who have taken more than two units of the same foreign language in high school or who have exceptionally strong backgrounds in foreign languages may take a test for placement into an intermediate course. For information regarding placement, contact the Department of English and Foreign Languages.

Candidates for the B.A. degree must present credit for at least six hours of a foreign language sequence numbered 2000 or above. College Preparatory Curriculum foreign language deficiency requirements do not count as part of this sequence.

Candidates for the B.S. degree in some majors (See BULLETIN requirements for specific major) must present credit for a foreign language sequence. College Preparatory Curriculum foreign language deficiency requirements do not count as part of this sequence.

Minor Programs
All B.A. degrees require a minor field of study. A minor may not be required for other degrees but is encouraged where appropriate. As a multi-purpose device, the minor should be in a field of interest to the student; it should be one that meets the student's needs; and should complement the major, adding depth and/or breadth.

1. The minor will consist of a minimum of 15-18 semester hours in the field of study with at least 9 hours at the upper division course level.

2. A student's minor should be planned through consultation with the dean/chair/coordinator of the major and minor school/department. A program of study form should be completed, signed by each dean/chair/coordinator, and filed with the Registrar. The completion of minor requirements by a student should be approved by the college/school/department offering the minor.

3. A minimum grade of C is required in all courses credited toward a minor.

4. Any course counted in Areas A-E of the Semester Core Curriculum (Areas I, II, III of the Quarter Core) may not be counted as a part of the minor.

5. A minor may be taken in the same department or school as a major but not in the same discipline (as defined by catalog prefix symbol).

Curriculum sheets for all minors are available on R.A.I.N.

Certificate Programs

GSW offers certificate programs in the following areas:

• European Union Studies through the Department of History,

• Latin American Studies through the Department of English and Modern Languages,

• Web Design through the School of Computer and Information Sciences and Department of Art,

• Women's Studies through the Department of Sociology,

• Religious Studies through the Department of Sociology,

• Criminal Justice through the Department of Political Science.

Curriculum sheets for the above are available on R.A.I.N.  Contact the appropriate college, school, or department for additional information.

Double Major
A student who wishes to meet the requirements for more than one major within the same baccalaureate degree classification is pursuing a double major. Requirements for completion of a double major follow:

1. All degree requirements must be met for both majors.

2. Once major course requirements, exclusive of elective and minor requirements, have been met, a minimum of twenty semester credit hours must be completed for the second major.

3. The twenty hours (minimum) of credit for the second major may be taken in lieu of minor and elective requirements for the first major.

4. A minimum of nine of the additional hours for the second major must be at the upper division level.

Approval to complete a double major must be granted by the appropriate department chairs, coordinators, and/or academic deans and be on file in the Registrar's Office no later than the date of application for graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree
A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may earn a second baccalaureate degree at Georgia Southwestern of the same or different designation (B.S., B.A., B.B.A., B.S.Ed., B.F.A., etc.) conferred on the same or later date by meeting the following requirements:

1. All degree requirements in the second degree must be met. Courses completed for the first baccalaureate degree can be combined with courses completed after admission for the second degree to meet degree requirements for the second degree.

2. A minimum of thirty semester credit hours must be earned at Georgia Southwestern State University in addition to those required for the first baccalaureate degree.

3. A minimum of nine semester credit hours of the above thirty hours must be upper division courses in the major for the second degree.

4. The Georgia Legislative History and Constitution requirements must be met. A student whose first baccalaureate was earned at an institution in the State of Georgia should have completed that requirement prior to conferring of the first degree and will not be required to repeat that requirement.

5. The Geographic Knowledge and Computer Literacy requirement must be met by students following a curriculum sheet dated 2001-2002 or earlier.

Catalog for Graduation Evaluation

A student may select to be evaluated for graduation from any catalog in effect during the time of enrollment provided the enrollment has been continuous.

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.

Students changing majors will be evaluated for graduation from the catalog in effect at the time of the change or any catalog in effect during subsequent periods of continuous enrollment.

Each student is responsible for determining the appropriate catalog to be used for academic advisement and for evaluation of graduation requirements. Catalog selection applies only to the course requirements of that catalog. All other academic procedures and graduation requirements must be satisfied according to regulations in effect at the time of graduation. Students desiring further information on the selection of an appropriate catalog may contact their major department chair or coordinator/academic dean or the Registrar.

Application for Graduation - Undergraduate Students

Students apply for graduation in the Registrar's Office. The Application for Graduation for Fall Semester must be completed on or before December 1 prior to the academic year in which the degree is expected. The Application for Graduation for Spring Semester must be completed on or before May 1 prior to the academic year in which the degree is expected. Students who plan to graduate at the completion of Summer Term must apply on or before September 1 prior to the year in which the degree is expected. Application for graduation are available at the Registrars office and on R.A.I.N.

Application for Graduation - Graduate Students

The application for graduation for graduate students must be completed one full semester prior to the academic term in which the degree is expected.

Advising for the Graduation Application Process

By applying early, students will have time to complete any outstanding requirements.  Your advisees who are graduating within the next year should schedule an appointment with you to complete the Application for Graduation form found under the Student Forms listing on the drop-down box on the GSW home page, www.gsw.edu, and under GSW Faculty Forms on RAIN.  Please be sure to verify the student's degree information.

You are to conduct a review of the student's curriculum at the time of application and complete the appropriate curriculum sheet (available on RAIN in the public domain section).  Use the GSW Advisor's Transcript on RAIN and the CAPP Degree Audit accessible through the Advisor Menu on RAIN to assist you with this task.  It is very important that you use the correct curriculum sheet based on the catalog term listed on the GSW Advisor Transcript.  The catalog term on the GSW Advisor's Transcript should fall within the effective catalog year of the curriculum sheet.

Next, complete the Advisor Graduation Checksheet found under GSW Faculty Forms on RAIN.  Be sure to fill it out completely and use it as a resource for advising the student in subsequent terms.  The Registrar's office will review the checksheet prior to late registration of the term the student is planning to graduate in order to determine any remaining outstanding requirements.

Print out the CAPP Degree Audit and make copies of any course substitution forms that have been approved to include in the Graduation Application Packet.

Below is a list of all documents that comprise the Graduation Application Packet.

• Application for Graduation

• Advisor Graduation Checklist

• Curriculum Sheet

• Degree Evaluation (CAPP)

• Course Requirement Substitution Form(s)

Once all the above have been completed, please deliver the packet to the Registrar's Office.  The student must not be given the packet to take to the Registrar's Office; only GSW employees are to make the delivery.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students at Georgia Southwestern State University are expected to conform to high standards of intellectual and academic integrity. The University assumes as a basic and minimum standard of conduct that students be honest and that they submit for credit only the product of their own efforts. Scholastic ideals and the need for fairness require that all dishonest work be rejected as a basis for academic credit. They also require that students refrain from all forms of dishonorable conduct in the course of their academic careers.

Dishonest work will be treated as a serious offense by the faculty and administration of Georgia Southwestern. Multiple infractions may be cause for permanent expulsion from the University. An instructor who receives dishonest work from a student has several options. At a minimum, the work should be rejected as a basis for academic credit. At the discretion of the instructor, the student may be given a score of zero on the assignment in question, may be required to rewrite the assignment, may be given a grade of F in the course, may not be recommended for admission to Teacher Education or the Nursing programs, or may be penalized in some intermediate way. A student found guilty of submitting dishonest work will have this information and the instructor's course of action placed on file in the Office of Academic Affairs so that if future instructors receive dishonest work from that same student, the student may be penalized by the institution, resulting in possible expulsion. Academic integrity violations may be placed on the student's academic transcript. In the event that a student is suspended from the University for violations of academic integrity, courses taken at other institutions while a student is on Academic Suspension from Georgia Southwestern will not be accepted in transfer.

Given the serious nature of infractions of this policy, students have a right to know what constitutes academic dishonesty and have a right to a fair and consistent procedure before severe penalties are imposed. The examples given below are intended to clarify the standards by which academic integrity is judged. They are meant to be illustrative and are not exhaustive. There may be cases which fall outside of these examples and which are deemed unacceptable by the academic community.

Definitions and Examples of Dishonest Behavior

Plagiarism

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit plagiarized work. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, asking someone to write part or all of an assignment, copying someone else's work (published or unpublished), inadequately documenting research, downloading material from electronic sources without appropriate documentation, or representing others' works or ideas as the student's own.

The student is responsible for understanding the legitimate and accurate use of sources, the appropriate ways of acknowledging and citing academic, scholarly or creative indebtedness, and the consequences of violating this responsibility.

Cheating on Examinations

It is a violation of academic integrity to cheat on an examination. Cheating on an examination includes, but is not limited to, giving or receiving unauthorized help before, during, or after an in-class or out-of-class examination. Examples of unauthorized help include using unauthorized notes during an examination, viewing another student's exam, and allowing another student to view one's exam.

Unauthorized Collaboration

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit for credit work, which is the result of unauthorized collaboration. It is also a violation to provide unauthorized collaboration. Unauthorized collaboration includes giving or receiving unauthorized help for work that is required to be the effort of a single student, such as the receiving or giving of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any academic or clinical laboratory assignment.

Falsification

It is a violation of academic honesty to falsify information or misrepresent material in an academic work. This includes, but is not limited to, the falsification of citations of sources, the falsification of experimental or survey results, and the falsification of computer or other data.

Multiple Submissions

It is a violation of academic honesty to submit substantial portions of the same work for credit more than once without the explicit consent of the instructor(s) to whom the work is submitted for additional credit. If a work product is to be substantially revised or updated, the student must contact the instructor in advance to discuss necessary revisions. The faculty member may require a copy of the original document for comparison purposes.

Obligations to Report Suspected Violations

Members of the academic community (students, faculty, administration, and staff) are expected to report suspected violations of these standards of academic conduct to the appropriate authority: the instructor, department chair, academic dean, or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Evidence and Burden of Proof

In determining whether or not academic dishonesty has occurred, the standard which should be used is that guilt must be proven by the instructor with a preponderance of evidence. That is, it should appear to a reasonable and impartial mind that it is more likely than not that academic dishonesty has occurred.

Procedures for Resolving Matters of Academic Dishonesty

When an instructor believes that academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor will inform the student that academic dishonesty is believed to have taken place. The instructor will explain to the student what the penalties will be should the guilt be proven by a preponderance of evidence. If the student maintains that academic dishonesty did not take place, the student should discuss the matter with the instructor and present evidence (if possible) demonstrating that the work was done in an honest manner. Should the instructor and student not resolve the matter, then they will bring the matter to the Department Chair or Coordinator. If the matter is not resolved at this level, then the matter will be brought to the Academic Dean. If the matter is still unresolved, it will be brought to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President may be appealed to the President, who would then refer it to the Committee on Academic Grievance for its recommendation before rendering a decision. The President's decision is final and binding.

ACADEMIC RENEWAL POLICY - UNDERGRADUATE ONLY

Any degree-seeking student who has experienced academic difficulty, who has not attended any post secondary institution for a period of five years and who wishes to make a fresh start may apply for Academic Renewal. Former Learning Support students may apply for Academic Renewal with the Registrar only if they successfully completed all Learning Support requirements prior to the commencement of the five year period of absence.

A student re-enrolling after a five year absence from post secondary institutions must apply for Academic Renewal within two semesters after re-enrollment or one calendar year, whichever comes first.

If a student is granted Academic Renewal, a new grade point average will be established according to the following guidelines: 

1. A Renewal GPA is begun when the student receives approval for Academic Renewal and includes all course work completed following the re-enrollment.

2. The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation. 

3. All previously attempted course work continues to be recorded on the student's official transcript. 

4. To earn a degree, a student must meet the GSW residency requirements after acquiring Academic Renewal status. 

5. At least 50% of work toward a baccalaureate degree must be completed after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.

6. Academic credit for previously completed course work -- including transfer course work -- will be retained only for courses in which an A, B or C grade has been earned.

7. Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit by examination, and courses with grades of "S". 

8. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at Georgia Southwestern if they are required in the student's degree program. Further, all remaining courses for the current degree objective must be completed at Georgia Southwestern, i.e., no transient credit will be accepted. 

9. Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements currently in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific institutional program regulations must also be met.

10.  A student can be granted Academic Renewal status only one time.

11. Transfer Credit.

1. A student who has been suspended from GSW and has attended one or more other System institutions during the period of suspension will not be eligible for Academic Renewal.

2. A student who has not been suspended from GSW but who has been absent from this institution five years or more and who has attended a school other than GSW may choose only one of the following options: 

  (1)  A student may return to GSW subject to all relevant transfer and reentry policies. No renewal GPA is calculated and transfer credit will be granted for applicable courses taken during the absence.

        (2)  A student may apply for Academic Renewal. If Academic Renewal status is approved, no transfer credit will be granted for course work completed during the absence. 

12. Any scholastic suspensions which occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student's permanent record. 

13. The Renewal GPA begins with the term following re-enrollment. If a student is denied Academic Renewal and subsequently does not re-enroll, he/she may resubmit an Academic Renewal application after no less than one calendar year has passed since the initial petition.

14. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress.

15. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs, e.g., teacher education, nursing, which require a specific minimum grade point average based upon all course work. 

A student may apply for Academic Renewal in the Registrar's Office. 

REFERRAL SYSTEM

Academic advisors are not expected to "know all the answers," but advisors are able to refer students to someone who can answer a question that the advisor is unable to answer. The following Referral List will be helpful to students and advisors in referring students to the appropriate office or person. 

The recommended procedure for referring students is to make a phone call to ask the question or alert the office that the student is being referred. This may prevent sending the student to an office only to be referred elsewhere. It also indicates to the student a sincere willingness to help. 

REFERRAL LIST
 

DEGREES OFFERED BY GSW   

 MAJOR/ADVISOR LIST 2009-2010                                          EFFECTIVE:08/01/09