Academic Standards

The integrity of scholarship is the cornerstone of the academic and social structure of the university. It is the expressed policy of the university that every aspect of undergraduate academic life, related in whatever fashion to the university, shall be conducted in an absolutely and uncompromisingly honest manner. Violations of academic honesty are grounds for a failing grade and may result in dismissal from the university. For more information, see the Student Handbook or BOR/CSCU Code of Conduct.

The college year is divided into two semesters, each approximately 16 weeks long. Most courses carry three units (or semester hours) of credit, and meet for either three 50-minute periods or two 75-minute periods per week. Some laboratory courses follow a different schedule and may carry more or less credit. Students are expected to spend a minimum of two hours weekly on out-of-class preparation for each credit hour they carry.

Normally, a full-time student carries 15 credits each semester, but this total may vary from 12 to 18 credits. Students wishing to take more than 18 credits must request permission from their academic adviser and school dean before they register for classes.

In accordance with Veterans Administration regulations governing the amount of a veteran's benefit, 12 or more credits constitute a full program, 9-11 credits a three-quarters program, 6-8 credits a one-half program, and 3-5 credits a one-quarter program.

The following grades are used on the academic records:

P = Pass in a course where all students receive P or F
S = Pass in a course taken for Pass-Fail Option
Z = Satisfactory Audit

In addition, certain codes are used to indicate a course status:

Pass-Fail Option

The Pass-Fail option is open to students who have completed 45 or more credits. The courses for which the Pass-Fail option is used may not be applied to the Liberal Education Program or to the requirements of a major or minor. Students may take a total of only five courses on a Pass-Fail option, with only one taken in any given semester. Students have three weeks into the semester to change their option either back to a grade or from a grade to a pass-fail. The Pass-Fail option is "blind" in that the instructor is not aware of the student's use of the Pass-Fail option until after the grades are submitted. An "S" grade is recorded on the student's transcript for passing a course taken on a Pass-Fail option. Special Pass-Fail option forms, which must be signed by the student's adviser, are available during the registration period and up to three weeks into the semester at the Registrar's Office in the Wintergreen Building.

Incomplete Courses

A temporary grade of "Incomplete" (I) is recorded when a student has a valid reason as determined by the instructor for not meeting a partial requirement in a course prior to the termination of the semester. The student requests Incomplete status from his or her instructor. If granted, the Incomplete must be removed not more than 30 days after the next semester begins. If the student fails in his responsibility to complete the work, the grade automatically becomes a failure, "F".

If the instructor is giving the student longer than the 30 day period to complete coursework, then the instructor must file an Incomplete Extension Form with the Registrar's Office.

Students should be aware that a grade of incomplete may impact financial aid.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

In order to determine a student's Grade Point Average (GPA) letter grades are assigned grade points as follows:

A student's GPA is determined by dividing the total number of quality points received by the number of credits attempted.

The following grades earn zero quality points, do not count as attempted credits, and have no effect on the GPA:  "I," "P," "S," "W," "WF," "WP," and "Z".

If a course is repeated outside of the Course Grade Replacement Policy (see below), both grades will be used in determining the cumulative GPA, but the credits will be earned only once. The GPA of a transfer student is based solely on the courses taken at Southern.  The GPA of a Fresh Start student excludes prior grade points and attempted credits.

Quality Point Ratio (QPR)

For programs that may require students to meet a certain Quality Point Ratio (QPR) standard, it is determined using the same method as described above for the GPA, except that there are no exclusions for Course Grade Replacement or Fresh Start programs.

A student may retake a course for a different grade by registering for the course again. Although both grades will appear on the student's transcript, the higher of the two course grades will be used to calculate the student's University GPA. If the student receives the same grade in both semesters, the new grade will replace the old grade and the new grade will be used to calculate the current semester’s GPA. The student shall receive credit for the course only once.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisors before pursuing a replacement grade. Replacement may be pursued only once per course, and only for a total of five courses. The first five courses retaken will be the ones for which the grade will be replaced. If a course taken as a writing intensive "W" course is retaken without a “W” designation, the higher of the two course grades will be used to calculate the student's University GPA. The original “W” may still be used to fulfill a “W” requirement, as long as the student received a passing grade for the "W" course.

Once awarded a degree, a student may not go back and replace individual courses within that degree. Note that some SCSU programs may require that all grades be used to calculate the student's University GPA. These conditions are indicated on-line in the Undergraduate Catalog.

A student may submit a grade appeal only in instances in which a palpable injustice can be claimed. A palpable injustice occurs when a faculty member has been demonstrably inconsistent and unfair to the student. Grade appeals can be submitted only in the fall or spring semester after the grade is received (Appeal Semester). This includes courses taken during summer, winter, or spring break sessions. See Grade Appeal Procedures for additional details and important deadlines.

The Grade Appeal Procedure consists of three levels:

1. Level 1 - Discussion with Instructor
2. Level 2 - Mediation with Chairperson
3. Level 3 - University Academic Standing Committee (UASC)

Grade Appeal Procedures and Deadlines

LEVEL 1 - DISCUSSION WITH INSTRUCTOR

If a student decides to appeal grade based upon palpable injustice, the student completes and submits the Grade Appeal Form to the Instructor before the end of Week 1 of the Appeal Semester. The student and Instructor will attempt to reach a resolution regarding grade appeal.

Level 1 Resolution Deadline: End of Week 2 of the Appeal Semester

LEVEL 2 - MEDIATION WITH CHAIRPERSON

(Note: If Instructor is also Department Chairperson, student may skip to Level 3)

If a resolution regarding the grade appeal is not reached between the student and the instructor after Week 2, the student may submit the Grade Appeal Form to the Department Chairperson before the end of Week 3 of the Appeal Semester. The Chairperson will act as mediator during the continued grade appeal discussion between the student and Instructor.

Level 2 Resolution Deadline: End of Week 5 of the Appeal Semester

LEVEL 3 - UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC ST ANDING COMMITTEE (UASC)

If a resolution regarding the grade appeal is not reached after the Week 5 and following mediation with the Chairperson, the student may submit the Grade Appeal Form to UASC by the end of Week 6 of the Appeal Semester. UASC will review the grade appeal and render a final decision.

Level 3 Final Decision Deadline: End of Week 9 of the Appeal Semester

Any entering student who places into the non-credit bearing course MAT 095 — Elementary Algebra must complete it within the first 24 load credits of university work. If a student fails to complete the course within 24 attempted credits of coursework, he or she will not be allowed to register for courses at any Connecticut State University System institution. This policy reflects a resolution passed by the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University System on July 16, 2003.

As part of the course evaluation process, students will receive a midterm grade for courses directly from their instructors.The midterm grade will be given to the student either online or in writing during the eighth week of classes for full semester courses, and by the end of the fourth week for eight-week courses. A student who has not received a midterm grade should confer with the instructor. If this meeting does not result in the student's receiving a midterm grade, the student should contact the chairperson of the department in which the course is offered. For additional information the student is advised to consult with the appropriate academic dean.

Any student, especially a freshman who is doing unsatisfactory work ("D" or "F") at the time of midterm grade reporting, is encouraged to initiate conferences with his/her instructor and academic adviser.

All students shall demonstrate their ability to do college level work. The University requires a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 to be eligible for a certificate or bachelor's degree. Any student with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 shall be considered in Good Standing by the university (some programs may have additional GPA requirements). Students who fall below the required 2.0 shall be placed on academic discipline. The three categories of academic discipline are:

Academic Warning

Students shall be placed on Academic Warning the first semester in which their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. Students on Academic Warning shall be allowed to register for a maximum of 15 credits and shall register prior to the first day of the semester.

Academic Probation

Students who are on Academic Warning and fail to raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum 2.0 in the following semester shall be placed on Academic Probation. Students on probation shall be allowed to register for a maximum of 14 credits and shall register prior to the first day of the semester.

Students on Academic Probation shall be allowed to continue at the university but shall remain on probation provided their semester GPA is at least 2.3. Once the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0, the student shall be removed from Academic Probation and shall be replaced in Good Standing. Students shall have three (3) semesters to raise their cumulative GPA to 2.0. If the cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after the third semester of probation, the student shall be academically dismissed.

Academic Dismissal

Students on Academic Probation shall be Academically Dismissed if (1) their semester GPA is below a 2.3 and cumulative GPA is below a 2.0, or (2) their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after the third semester of probation. Students who are academically dismissed from Southern Connecticut State University shall not be allowed to register for the subsequent semester. If students choose to appeal for reinstatement, they may do so during or subsequent to the semester in which they are off. All appeals shall be made to the academic Standing Committee. Students shall be permitted to appeal for reinstatement only once.

Regular class attendance is expected by the University and is the responsibility of the student. It is the responsibility of the student to understand the attendance policy in each course he or she takes, as outlined in each course syllabus.

When absent, students remain responsible for finding out what class activities occurred during the absence, and making up missed work if the instructor permits it. When a student knows in advance that it will be necessary to miss a class session, the student should inform the instructor.

When a student has missed a significant portion of coursework, which may be difficult or impossible to make up, the student should confer with the course instructor to explore options, including withdrawal or late withdrawal from the course. The student also may consult with an Academic Adviser, the Dean of Students or designee, or the withdrawal coordinator in the Registrar's Office to consider various options.

Absences occasioned by official University activities, such as participation in conferences, intercollegiate athletic events, musical performances, and other events, must be documented in advance through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. A student that knows that such absences will occur shall confer with the instructor in respect to such absences.

Students may contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs with questions about the University's policy on class attendance.

A student who has not been accepted to full-time matriculated status by the Admissions Office may pursue a part-time program (up to 11 credits). Prior to attempting 30 credits, a non-matriculated student must apply for matriculated status through the Admissions Office in order to qualify for continuation either on a part-time or full-time basis. A 2.0 GPA or better is required for matriculation.

A student who leaves the University in good standing and does not attend another institution can apply for readmission through the Office of the Registrar, Wintergreen Building. A student who left the University in good standing and attended another institution for 12 or more credits must reapply through Undergraduate Admissions as a transfer student. Once readmitted, students are held to the academic requirements in effect at the time of their readmission. These requirements are outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.

A student who leaves the University while on academic warning or probation must take classes as a non-matriculated student in order to raise his/her GPA to a 2.0 prior to applying for readmission.

Any student who has been academically dismissed from the University must take a minimum of one semester off and appeal for reinstatement through the Academic Standing Committee. Reinstatement is not guaranteed. Only one reinstatement is permitted once a student has been academically dismissed.

The Fresh Start Option offers options for formerly matriculated students. The purpose of the Fresh Start Option is to retain and offer support to students who experience a poor start and were dropped from matriculated status or withdrew from the University. (However, this option is not available to education majors.) This option allows them to be readmitted to the University and to disregard their previous record in calculating their Grade Point Average.

All courses and grades will remain on the student's permanent record and the date the Fresh Start Option was invoked will also be entered on the student's permanent record. The student will receive credit for courses taken before that date in which he or she received an "A", "B", or "C." (This does not include C- grades). The GPA will be calculated solely on the basis of courses taken after that date.

The option is available only once and only to students who have completed the following conditions:

• Had a GPA below 2.0 and status changed to non- matriculated;
• Have been non-matriculated for at least one year;
• Since being made non-matriculated, have completed 9-12 credits and earned a 2.75 GPA (If credits are from another university or college, please have official transcript sent to Southern Connecticut State University Undergraduate Admissions Office;
• Have not reached junior status (60) credits at Southern;
• Not an education major. (The School of Education does not endorse the Fresh Start Option.)
• For more information regarding Fresh Start, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Teacher candidates must maintain good standing in the program in order to qualify for student teaching and a recommendation from Southern Connecticut State University for State of Connecticut initial teacher certification. They also must demonstrate the following:

• Personal attitudes and dispositions that will affect her or his performance as a teacher;
• Professional behavior appropriate to the context which demonstrate that actions reflect directly upon the status and substance of the profession;
• Confidentiality of all information concerning colleagues and students obtained in the educational process; 
• Integrity and honesty in written and verbal communication and in all coursework related to the professional program for teacher certification; and
• An undergraduate academic performance of at least a 2.7 GPA average. A candidate, who after acceptance into a teacher education program completes 9 or more credits with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.7, will be placed on School of Education academic probation. The student will have one semester to raise the GPA to 2.7 or higher. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the School of Education.

Revocation for Admission to Teacher Certification Programs

Students may be dismissed from professional education courses for any of the following reasons:

• Demonstrated unprofessional behavior or an inability to respond appropriately in various contexts which affects her or his performance as a teacher;
• Falsify or misrepresent any documentation or information provided for programmatic, academic, or professional qualification/competency purposes;
• Does not achieve acceptable standard on the performance assessments required by the School of Education;
• Been convicted in a court of law of a crime involving moral turpitude or of any crime of such nature that in the opinion of the University would impair the standing of the School of Education professional program; or
• Other due and sufficient cause.

Matriculated students in good standing (2.0 GPA or higher) who plan to take courses at other institutions must obtain prior approval from the Registrar's Office in order to apply this course work toward the degree requirements of the University. Transfer Credit Approval forms are available in the Registrar's Office in the Wintergreen Building and on the Registrar's office website.

Students may add or drop courses online through their student web account through the end of the designated add/drop period for the given term, which will also determine students’ status for the semester as either full-time or part-time.  For specific dates please refer to the Registrar’s Calendar on the website.   This policy does not apply to students who are dropping all of their courses in a semester.  If dropping all courses in a semester, please refer instead to the Withdrawal from the University or Leave of Absence policies.

A dropped course will not hold an academic penalty nor appear on the final transcript.  Students charges will be adjusted based on their revised full-time or part-time enrollment status, after added and dropped courses are considered, and according to the published tuition and fee rates for the term.   Financial Aid recipients should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, as the dropped course may reduce your financial aid award, which could result in you owing funds to the University and/or government.

Late add/drops will be considered by the academic Dean’s Office in which the course resides for one-week following the add/drop period, under documented extenuating circumstances, or due to qualified military service leave.  To add a course late, students must first receive permission from the Department Chair, and then may file the Add/Drop Appeal with the academic Dean’s Office for final approval.  To drop a course late, students may also file the Add/Drop Appeal, but are not required to seek approval from the Department Chair.  Students enrollment status will be adjusted as either full-time or part-time based on any late add/drop approvals granted. 

Add/Drop Appeal

Students may add or drop courses online through their student web account through the end of the designated add/ drop period for the given term, which will also determine students’ status for the semester as either full-time or part- time. For specific dates please refer to the Registrar’s Calendar on the website. This policy does not apply to students who are dropping all of their courses in a semester. If dropping all courses in a semester, please refer instead to the Withdrawal from the University or Leave of Absence policies.

A dropped course will not hold an academic penalty nor appear on the final transcript. Students charges will be adjusted based on their revised full-time or part-time enrollment status, after added or dropped courses are considered, and according to the published tuition and fee rates for the term. Financial Aid recipients should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, as the dropped course may reduce your financial aid award, which could result in you owing funds to the University and/or government.

Late add/drops will be considered by the academic Dean’s Office in which the course resides for one-week following the add/drop period, under documented extenuating circumstances, or due to qualified military service leave. To add a course late, students must first receive permission from the Department Chair in Banner, and then may file the Add/Drop Appeal with the academic Dean’s Office for final approval. To drop a course late, students may also file the Add/Drop Appeal, but are not required to seek approval from the Department Chair. Students enrollment status will be adjusted as either full- time or part-time based on any late add/drop approvals granted.

Students who need to take time off from their studies, with the intention of returning, must submit a Leave of Absence form to the Registrar’s Office and are strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor to discuss plans for degree completion.  The leave of absence will be effective upon receipt of the form by the Registrar’s Office, or as indicated by the student if completing the semester, whichever is later.  Leave of absence requests are not retroactive and will not be accepted after the last day of the semester.

Students who take a leave of absence after the add/drop period, and prior to the end of the 12^th week of the semester, will receive a grade of W (Withdrawal) on the transcript for each course in which the student is currently enrolled.  Thereafter, students will receive grades as assigned by the instructors. 

Students may take a leave of absence for up to two consecutive semesters (12 months) without the need to reapply for admission when they return.  Students who fail to return within the approved 12-month time frame will be withdrawn from the University and will be required to reapply for admission.  Students on a leave of absence may register for the semester in which they are planning to return, but will not be considered enrolled at the University until they have returned to classes. Students who attend another institution while on leave must obtain Transfer Credit Approval in advance. 

Students may take a leave of absence for 100% refund of tuition and fees, less any non-refundable fees, prior to the start of the term.  Thereafter, students should consult the Refund Policy for the impact on charges due to course withdrawal while on a leave of absence.  Financial Aid recipients should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, as a leave of absence may reduce financial aid awards, which could result in the student owing funds to the University and/or government. In addition, students are considered withdrawn while on a leave of absence and loans may enter repayment.

Under extenuating circumstances, or due to qualified military service leave, students may file an Appeal of the policies outlined above, within 30 days following the end of the last semester enrolled. 

Leave of Absence Appeal

Students may file an Appeal with the Registrar's Office to request a review of their circumstances in regards to the Leave of Absence and/or University Withdrawal policies, within 30 days following the end of the semester under appeal. Please be advised that submitting this request does not change any current academic or financial responsibilities, though a review associated charges and financial aid will be conducted. Any reduction to charges authorized by the University President, or designee, will be calculated after any grant or scholarship aid retained. Appeals will generally be reviewed within 2-3 weeks, and a response will be sent to the students University email or the mailing address on file.

The appeal process exists to assist students who can present information for consideration regarding unforeseen personal circumstances beyond their control that may have impacted their ability to remain in attendance at the University. The appeal process also exists for students serving in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, who have been called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. Students are expected to first exhaust all academic options with faculty, and are encouraged to explore University services available including Academic Advisement, the Academic Success Center, and the Disability Resource Center.

Students who wish to withdraw from the University, without the intention of returning, must submit a University Withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office.  As an alternative to withdrawal, those students who need to take time off from their studies, with the intention of returning, should consult the Leave of Absence policy. 

Withdrawal will be effective upon receipt of the University Withdrawal form or upon the date a student completes withdrawal from all courses.  Students who withdraw after the add/drop period, and prior to the end of the 12th week of the semester, will receive a grade of W (Withdrawal) on the transcript for each course in which the student is currently enrolled.  Thereafter, students will receive grades as assigned by the instructors. 

When official notification has not been submitted, students who begin attendance in the semester, but then stop attending all courses, will be withdrawn from the University within 30 days following the end of the semester and will receive grades as assigned by the instructors; however, financial aid return calculations will be performed as of the midpoint of the semester, or the last date of attendance, whichever is later.  Students who do not return the following semester and have not taken a leave of absence, will be withdrawn from the University within 30 days of the start of the semester.

Students may withdraw from the University for 100% refund of tuition and fees, less any non-refundable fees, prior to the start of the term.  Thereafter, students should consult the Refund Policy for the impact on charges.  Financial Aid recipients should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, as withdrawal may reduce financial aid awards, which could result in the student owing funds to the University and/or government, and to discuss loan repayment and exit counseling requirements.  For student who wish to return, please see the Readmission Policy, as readmission is not automatic.

Under extenuating circumstances, or due to qualified military service leave, students may file an Appeal of the policies outlined above, within 30 days following the end of the last semester enrolled.

Withdrawal Appeal

Students may file an Appeal with the Registrar's Office to request a review of their circumstances in regards to the Leave of Absence and/or University Withdrawal policies, within 30 days following the end of the semester under appeal. Please be advised that submitting this request does not change any current academic or financial responsibilities, though a review associated charges and financial aid will be conducted. Any reduction to charges authorized by the University President, or designee, will be calculated after any grant or scholarship aid retained. Appeals will generally be reviewed within 2-3 weeks, and a response will be sent to the students University email or the mailing address on file.

The appeal process exists to assist students who can present information for consideration regarding unforeseen personal circumstances beyond their control that may have impacted their ability to remain in attendance at the University. The appeal process also exists for students serving in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, who have been called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. Students are expected to first exhaust all academic options with faculty, and are encouraged to explore University services available including Academic Advisement, the Academic Success Center, and the Disability Resource Center.

Full-time and part-time students may withdraw from a full semester course prior to the 10th week of classes; for an eight-week course, prior to the fourth week of classes. Such a withdrawal is recorded as a "W" on the transcript record. Each faculty member should provide formal evaluation so that each student will know his or her class standing prior to the end of the period for course withdrawals.

A student can withdraw online through student Banner web services, prior to the end of the withdrawal period. It is understood that every student should confer with his or her instructor and academic adviser and the Office of Financial Aid (if applicable) to ensure proper advisement before withdrawing from a course. Students should check deadlines with the Registrar 's Office.

Withdrawals after the nine-week period (or after five-week period for eight-week courses) must be done with the consent of the instructor. Late course withdrawals are to be viewed as exceptions to the general policy. In a case where the instructor feels a late withdrawal is justified, the instructor should obtain and complete a Late Course Withdrawal Form available in the Registrar's Office. At this time the instructor will assign a grade of either "WP" (Withdrawn Passing) or "WF" (Withdrawn Failing). The Late Course Withdrawal Form must be approved and signed by both the instructor and the department chairperson. In the event that the instructor teaching the course is the department chairman, then the Academic School Dean must also sign the original form. The entire form will be submitted to the Registrar's Office.

If a student is denied a late course withdrawal, he or she may grieve that decision as the assignment of an allegedly improper grade in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.

No late course withdrawals will be allowed after the last scheduled class. No late course withdrawals will be allowed during the final exam period.

Course withdrawals may affect financial aid. Please consult with financial aid to determine if the financial aid will be cancelled or adjusted.

Audit status is a reasonable alternative for a student who wants to take a particular course, but does not have the proper background. Students who audit a course pay the same tuition and fees they would if they opted for a grade. However, they receive no academic grade or grade points, and the course may not be included in the 12 credits needed for full-time status. Although no final grade is submitted, students do have the right to take exams, write papers, and have them evaluated.

Students may register as auditors, or change from credit to audit, anytime before the end of the third week of classes. However, the deadline for changing back to a traditional grade is the end of the period for adding or dropping courses. Prior to auditing, students must discuss with the instructor the criteria for a successful audit and receive the written approval of the instructor. Forms for this purpose are available in the Registrar's Office and must be returned to the Registrar's Office by the deadline.

Sophomores who are not in liberal arts programs must apply to one of the professional programs during the first half of their fourth semester in the University. Each student must be interviewed by the personnel in charge of his or her chosen area. Those tentatively approved for acceptance may preregister for the junior year.

At the end of the fourth semester the application is reviewed by a personnel committee of the department to which the student has applied as his or her major area of study. Students may be denied acceptance if either academic or personal qualifications are unsuited for a particular area. When fixed quotas exist in an area, it is sometimes necessary to deny acceptance even though students may meet minimal standards.