Academic Policies and Programs

Academic Integrity

Students at Shawnee State University are required to do their own work on all tests and assignments. Any form of cheating may result in your being withdrawn from a particular course or courses and a failing course grade, as well as possible dismissal from the University.

Grading / Awarding of Credit

Final grades are available via MySSU at the end of each semester. Grades will not be issued over the phone.

A grade of “F” receives no credit. Students earning this grade must repeat the course if credit is to be received.

Catalog Rights

Degree candidates are responsible for meeting university graduation requirements stated in the Shawnee State University Catalog for the academic year in which they are initially enrolled. A student has the right to petition the academic department that offers his or her major for a change in catalog. A student also has the right to request course substitutions and waivers of requirements.

Students who change or declare a major or minor in subsequent years must meet the graduation requirements of the current catalog in effect at the time of such change or declaration.

Students who do not enroll for three consecutive semesters, including summer, must meet the graduation requirements of the current catalog in place at the time of return to Shawnee State University.

Finally, it is important to note the following statement on the home page of this catalog:

“These requirements are subject to change prior to graduation in order to comply with federal, state, and accreditation requirements. Shawnee State University reserves the right to make changes in its programs, policies, and procedures prior to your graduation, which you will be required to meet unless specifically exempted from the changes.”

Double Majors and Dual (or Second) Degrees

Students may choose a second major or dual (second) degree for a variety of reasons: personal interest in the subject matter; development of knowledge and skills required for further education or a career; or preparation for graduate or professional school.  Speak to your advisor about the feasibility of pursuing a second major or dual (second) degree, and to discuss specific requirements.

Options for Multiple Majors

Students pursuing two majors should consider early on whether they wish to complete a single degree with two majors, or two separate degrees.

Single Degree with Two Majors

A single degree with two majors leads to a single diploma, though both majors are noted on the student’s record and transcript.

• You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
• Each major must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 for associate degree) not contained in the other.
• Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
• You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn a single degree with two majors.
• You must fulfill all degree requirements for both majors.
• An approved petition is required to graduate with two majors.

Two Degrees

Pursuit of two different degrees (AA, AAB, AAS, AIS, AS, ATS, BA, BFA, BIS, BS, BSE) leads to the award of two diplomas.  The degrees will be designated separately on the student’s record and transcript.

• You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
• Each degree must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 for associate degree) not contained in the other.
• Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
• You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn both degrees.
• You must fulfill all degree requirements for both degrees.
• An approved petition is required to graduate with two degrees.

Class Ranking

Student class ranking is determined by your cumulative credit hours earned (please note the following chart). Non-degree seeking students do not possess class rank.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete “I” is a temporary grade which may be given at the instructor’s discretion to a student when illness, necessary absence, or other reasons beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements by the end of the academic term.

Incomplete grades may be given only in the following circumstances:

• The student’s work to date is passing;
• Attendance has been satisfactory through at least 60% of the term;
• An illness or other extenuating circumstance legitimately prevents completion of required work by the due date;
• Required work may reasonably be completed in an agreed-upon time frame;
• The incomplete is not given as a substitute for a failing grade;
• The incomplete is not based solely on a student’s failure to complete work or as a means of raising his or her grade by doing additional work after the grade report time;
• The student initiates the request for an incomplete grade before the end of the academic term;
• The instructor and student complete and submit the “Application for Incomplete Grade” form before the end of the academic term to the Office of the Registrar.

Appropriate grades must be assigned in other circumstances. A failing grade and last date of attendance should be recorded for students who cease attending class without authorization. Students who are unable to complete a course and who do not meet these circumstances should consider dropping the course.

The following provisions for incomplete grades apply:

• The “Application for Incomplete Grade” form may be obtained on the web at www.shawnee.edu/offices/registration/media/incomplete-grade-application.pdf
  or in the Office of the Registrar.
• The “Application for Incomplete Grade” form must completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the current academic term.
• The instructor submits the final grade on the “Grade Change” form obtained in the Office of the Registrar.
• The course work may be completed while the student is not enrolled.
• Incomplete grades may appear on the transcript for one academic term.  Incomplete grades do not affect the grade point average.  Incomplete grades will change to an “F” and affect your GPA if not completed by the agreed upon completion date or the end of the next semester.
• An Incomplete grade may not be considered passing for purposes of determining academic standing, federal financial aid eligibility, athletic eligibility, or other purposes.
• An Incomplete should not be assigned when it is necessary for the student to attend additional class meetings to complete the course requirements.
• Incomplete grades cannot be entered via the MYSSU grade entry process and can only be assigned via the “Application for Incomplete Grade.”

Administrative Hold

An administrative hold may be placed on the records or accounts of any student who fails to comply in a reasonable period of time with an obligation imposed under university rules or who has an overdue debt or fine. An administrative hold will cause certain services to be withheld, including, but not limited to: registering or enrolling, being certified as eligible to obtain a degree or certificate, receiving a transcript, borrowing books or equipment, or being certified to be eligible to participate in athletics.

The unit originating an administrative hold on student records or accounts will notify the student in writing of the obligation that is overdue by providing another itemized bill or list of action requested, specifying when the administrative hold will become effective, whom you should contact for additional information, and how you should contact this person.

Should the student have a dispute concerning the legitimacy of the hold , he/she should contact the Student Ombudsperson through the Office of the Provost, Administration Building, Room 015, 740.351.3472.

Academic Assessment

The value of an educational degree is directly related to the reputation of the university that awards it. For this reason, students on our campus are given the unique opportunity to actively participate in academic assessment. The feedback provided through assessment leads to changes that assure and maintain the quality and value of the academic programs at Shawnee State University.

Formal assessment testing, portfolio review, surveys, and exit interviews allow the University to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our programs. And, for all its benefits, the process actually requires a minimal amount of your time.

By measuring what you’ve learned, as well as what you can do with what you’ve learned, assessment helps you monitor your own progress, and it leads to changes that benefit future Shawnee State students and the University as a whole.

Dean’s List/President’s List

Full-time students (enrolled in 12 or more hours for the semester) who achieve a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester. Full-time students who achieve a 4.00 grade point average are placed on the President’s List for that semester.  The Deans/Presidents Lists are processed 30 days after the end of the term.

The pass/no-credit option is designed to permit you to take a select number of courses for which no traditional letter grade (of “A” through “F”) is recorded on your grade report and transcript. If you wish to take a course on a pass/no-credit basis, you must complete the proper forms at the Student Business Center (see Important Dates for deadlines).  Your decision to take a class on a pass/no-credit basis is not subject to change.

To be eligible for the pass/no-credit option, you must have earned a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or better. First semester freshmen are considered as having met the above requirement.

The pass/no-credit option is subject to the following restrictions:

• You may complete up to 6 semester hours to be counted toward an associate degree or 12 semester hours to be counted toward a baccalaureate degree under this option.
• You may take only one (1) course pass/no-credit per semester.
• Applicability of courses taken pass/no-credit toward your major program of study is subject to departmental approval.
• To receive a grade of “P” (pass), you must earn a grade of “C-” or better in the course. If you do not receive a grade of “C-” or better, a grade of NC (no credit) is awarded.
• A grade will be turned in at the regular grade processing time and will be converted to a “P” or “NC” on the transcript by the Office of the Registrar.

Credit by Examination

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn credit for selected courses offered at Shawnee State University via proficiency examinations. If you have prior training, innate skills, extensive preparation, or experience, you may qualify to attempt the examination. You should first secure the advice of your advisor or program director as to its appropriateness for your program of study. Then, final approval must be obtained from the appropriate chairperson, program director, or dean. Please note that only selected courses are available ”by examination.”

A fee is charged for course credit by examination and must be submitted prior to attempting the examination. A ”KE” symbol, indicating ”credit by exam,” is recorded on the academic transcript of those students who demonstrate proficiency by passing the exam. Credit earned by examination is not included in the calculation of your cumulative grade point average. You are not eligible to attempt a proficiency examination for a course in which you have been enrolled for 20 class days or more.

Credit hours awarded by examination do not apply toward the residency requirement for graduation.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Undergraduate students may be awarded credit for College Level Examinations taken under the College Entrance Examination Board. If you take the general examinations in mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and history and achieve the recommended scores of the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education (ACE), you are given KE (credit by exam) credit for the first sequential course in the above areas.  Many other subject examinations may be used to earn KE credit, but you must achieve recommended ACE scores to receive credit.

Credit given through the College Level Examination Program does not apply toward the residency requirement for graduation.  A list of current CLEP course equivalencies can be found on the Office of the Registrar page of the Shawnee State University website.

For more information regarding taking a CLEP exam, contact the Student Success Center. 

Credit for Military Educational Experiences

Credit may be awarded for military educational experiences. The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces, published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine possible college credit eligibility. Credit awarded for military educational experiences does not apply toward the residency requirement for graduation. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

Prerequisites

Most learning beyond basic skills is dependent upon the mastery of some prior skill or subject content. As a result, many courses at the University require the satisfaction of prerequisites prior to course enrollment. Prerequisites may be met by successful completion of the prior courses listed or by placement, via testing, into the course.

A student may be withdrawn from a course for which prerequisites have not been satisfied.

Repeating Coursework

Courses may be repeated for credit if so identified in the course description. Courses may also be repeated for other purposes (e.g., attempt to raise grade), but only the highest grade earned and the associated credit will be reflected in your GPA (grade point average). The lower course grade will be replaced by the symbol R, indicating the course was repeated.

While most courses are eligible for repetition, the following transcript symbols cannot be removed by subsequent course repetition: WD, AP, P, KE, NC, AU, TC, TP.

Restrictions on Repeating Coursework

Students who receive a non-passing grade or a W in any DE or foundational-level GEP course may repeat that course twice.  Should students fail to earn credit in their third attempt, they must petition the Academic Appeals Committee to be admitted to the class.  The decision of the committee is final.  Courses in which a passing grade was earned may be repeated unlimited times.

Grade Appeals

If a student questions a grade in a particular course, the student should contact the faculty member teaching the course.  If the faculty member is unavailable, contact the chairperson of the department that offers the course.  If a student has questions about a formal appeal or needs further assistance, he/she should contact the Student Ombudsperson through the Office of the Provost, Room 015, ADM Building, 740.351.3472.

Grade Point Average

Quality points for a course are determined by multiplying the total credit hours by the numerical equivalent of the letter grade received in the course. To calculate grade point average, divide Total Quality Points by Total Quality Hours:

        Grade Point Average = (Total Quality Points) / (Total Quality Hours)

Academic Probation/Suspension/Dismissal - Undergraduate Students

Students who do not meet academic standards at Shawnee State University will be placed on an academic status (probation/suspension/dismissal) based on the number of credit hours attempted and cumulative GPA (see chart below). 
 

Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA standard, but remain above the thresholds given above, will be sent a notice of unsatisfactory performance and will be encouraged to meet with an academic advisor.

In order to gain reinstatement to Shawnee State University, a student must appeal his/her suspension or dismissal to the Academic Appeals Committee. 

NOTE:  If your financial aid has been suspended, this appeal will not result in reinstatement of your financial aid.  A separate appeal process is necessary.  Please contact the Financial Aid office for more information about reinstatement of financial aid.

Academic Probation

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below the suspension standard for the first time is placed on Academic Probation for the following semester.  The only exception is for students who earn a 0.0 cumulative GPA and earn less than 3 credit hours during their first term of enrollment (see Academic Suspension below).   If the student is unable to raise his/her GPA above the suspension standard during the next term of enrollment, and does not achieve at least a 2.00 GPA for that term, he/she will be suspended. Upon reinstatement, the student will remain on Academic Probation for the following term if his/her cumulative GPA remains below the suspension standard, but the student achieves a 2.00 or higher term GPA. If the student raises his/her cumulative GPA above the suspension standard, but later drops below the suspension standard again, he/she will be placed on Academic Probation again before being suspended.

Academic Suspension

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below the suspension standard for the second time is placed on Academic Suspension. Additionally, any student who earns a 0.0 cumulative GPA and earn less than 3 credit hours during his/her first term of enrollment will be placed on Academic Suspension.  The student must wait one academic year (three semesters) before submitting a written appeal to return to Shawnee State University.

Academic Dismissal

After completing a first suspension (three-semesters), the first time the student’s cumulative GPA falls below the suspension standards again, and he/she does not achieve a 2.00 GPA for the term, he/she will be placed on Academic Dismissal. The student must sit out two academic years (six semesters) before submitting a written appeal to return to Shawnee State University.

Permanent Dismissal

Upon return from Dismissal, if the student is dismissed again, he/she will be permanently dismissed and may not return to Shawnee State University.

Academpc Probation and Dismissal - Graduate Students

Unless program requirements supersede, a graduate student whose cumulative GPA fall below 3.0, not including Incompletes, will receive a letter of warning and will be allowed to register for one additional term (or nine additional semester hours) beyond the term in which the unsatisfactory GPA resulted. If the GPA remains below 3.0 after the additional term (or nine additional hours), the student will be dismissed from the program.

Audit (Non-Credit)

You may elect to take a course for audit (non-credit) by completing the proper forms in the Student Business Center (see Important Dates for deadlines). Election of this option may affect federal financial aid eligibility.

Course Credit by Arrangement

Students have the opportunity to fulfill requirements for selected courses offered at Shawnee State University via independent study or specially arranged instruction. If you are interested in pursuing this educational option, you should first secure the advice of your faculty advisor as to its appropriateness for your program of study. You should then contact the appropriate dean, director, or chairperson. This individual, after consultation with appropriate faculty, makes a determination as to the feasibility of your request. You may earn up to 12 credit hours toward graduation in this manner, with all credit being considered resident credit, but you are limited to 6 hours of credit by arrangement per semester. Students enrolling in a course by arrangement have until the end of the semester to have all work completed in the course.

Credit hours attempted/earned via this option count toward full-time student status for the computation of federal financial aid eligibility. See the fee schedule for course by arrangement fees.

Distance Learning

Shawnee State offers a growing number of its undergraduate and graduate courses in blended and fully online formats.  Our primary learning management system is Blackboard 9.1 SP8.  Additionally, to provide enhanced instructional capabilities, faculty have the option of utilizing Adobe Connect and Echo360.  Prior to enrolling in an online or blended course, students have the opportunity to complete a brief survey that helps to inform them of their readiness to enroll in courses offered in our distance learning formats.

Internship Guidelines

Guidelines for internship have been established by faculty for those programs which require internship as part of their graduation requirements. If internship is a part of the program in which you are enrolled, you are urged to request a copy of the guidelines from your faculty advisor.

Faculty Advising

Academic advising is intended to help you with your immediate academic concerns. Toward that end, advising is provided to degree-seeking students by faculty advisors.

Faculty members will meet with you by appointment, and each faculty member has available hours posted near his or her office. All students with fewer than 30 credit hours are required to have advisor approval prior to registration.

Undecided students, students who place into two or more developmental courses (math and/or English), and students awaiting selective program admission are guided by advisors in teh Stu.

Many departments have mandatory advising for their majors. Also, all freshmen, sophomores becoming juniors, and juniors becoming seniors must contact their advisor prior to registration.

Faculty Expectations and Responsibilities

Faculty expect regular and punctual attendance at all classes. Attendance policy for individual classes is made by the faculty member responsible for the class. Grades are also controlled by the faculty member responsible for the class.

In the event that a faculty member is not present at the normal time class begins, you are to remain in the classroom an additional 15 minutes. If the class meets once a week for 3 to 5 hours, you must remain in the classroom for 45 minutes. If the faculty member has not arrived, or no special instructions have been received within that time, you may leave class without penalty.

All faculty members post office hours during which they are available to discuss individual problems relating to your academic progress. You are encouraged to take full advantage of interacting with your faculty members and academic advisors. They want to see you succeed.

Visitors to Class

Students planning to bring a visitor to a class with them are asked to obtain the permission of the faculty member responsible for the class in advance of the visit.

Bringing Children to or Leaving Children at the University

Children are welcome at the university, accompanied by you, at any family event. However, please do not bring children to the university and leave them unattended while you are in class or at another university-related event. The university cannot be responsible for children who are left unattended.

Adding a Class

You may add a class to your schedule online via MySSU or by completing a registration form in the Student Business Center (see Important Dates for deadlines).

Dropping a Class 

You may drop a class online via MySSU or by completing the proper form in the Student Business Center (see Important Dates for deadlines). If class withdrawal affects fees, a refund is possible. Any withdrawal after the 100% refund period will result in a WD being placed on your academic record. Withdrawing from courses may affect Title IV student financial aid funds. Please read the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) section.

You may withdraw from a class through the withdraw deadline (see Important Dates for deadlines) via MySSU or by completing a blue add/drop registration form obtained from the Student Business Center. The form must be returned and processed by the Student Business Center.

In case of emergency, you may petition to withdraw from a class after the published deadlines by submitting a Registration Appeal Form with required documentation to the Student Business Center.

Withdrawing Completely

Should your circumstance warrant a complete withdrawal from all classes at the University, you may withdraw from all of your classes through the drop/withdraw period by dropping them using MySSU or by submitting a withdraw form in the Student Business Center.  The Business Center staff can answer any questions you may have regarding the academic, financial, and financial aid impacts of your withdraw. Deadlines are listed on the “Important Dates” web page at the following address: http://www.shawnee.edu/off/reg/courses.html.

Grades for scheduled classes are recorded as withdrawals (WD). 

Refunds will be issued according to refund schedules published by the Bursar. 

If you do not follow the withdrawal procedure, you are considered enrolled in the class and are graded and assessed fees accordingly.

Transcripts/Grade Reports

Each semester you may view your grade report —including grades achieved that semester—via MySSU. If you discover an error, please contact the Office of the Registrar within 30 days from the end of the term.

You may request transcripts from the Student Business Center. Requests for official transcripts must be in writing and addressed to the Student Business Center.

Shawnee State University is not required to furnish a transcript to any student whose financial obligation to the University has not been satisfied.

Graduation Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

In addition to the specific requirements listed by the individual programs, the following are general graduation requirements for all undergraduate students at Shawnee State University:

• Baccalaureate Degrees—A minimum of 120 credit hours, including the 40 credit hours of the General Education Program.
  Associate Degrees—A minimum of 60 credit hours.

• Courses with catalog numbers below 1000 do NOT count toward graduation totals.

• A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average for all courses taken at Shawnee State University and in your major field of study.

• A minimum of 40 credit hours in the major field of study (baccalaureate’s degrees).

• Petition for graduation in accordance with the rules prescribed by the University.

• Receive recommendations of faculty in academic major.

• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of credit for the associate degree or 30 hours of credit for the baccalaureate in residence at Shawnee State University.

Students having outstanding institutional bills or notes are not issued a degree. You must petition to graduate by the deadline published in the calendar. Petitions are completed within MySSU.

Graduate Requirements for Graduate Degrees

In addition to the specific requirements listed by the individual programs, the following are general graduation requirements for all graduate students at Shawnee State University:

• Doctoral Degree - Completion of at least 90 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or at least 60 semester hours beyond the master’s degree.
• Master’s Degree - Varies by program. A minimum of 30 credit hours per program.
• Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA as well as a 3.0 GPA in program courses. Individual academic departments may establish a higher graduation requirement.
• Students must petition for graduation in accordance with the rules prescribed by the University.  Petitions are completed within MySSU.
• Students must receive a recommendation for graduation from faculty in their respective area.

Graduation with Honors

Students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5-3.74 prior to the semester of graduation are graduated cum laude. Students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75-3.89 prior to the semester of graduation are graduated magna cum laude. Students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or above prior to the semester of graduation are graduated summa cum laude.