ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
The individual student is responsible for being familiar with the academic regulations of North Georgia College & State University. Each student is urged to read the regulations carefully and to seek interpretation from her/his academic advisor or from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in the event that there are questions.
Honor
At North Georgia College & State University a sense of self-respect, dependability, and high honor prevails. Hence, any degree of dishonesty in areas of academic work is regarded as one of the most serious offenses that can be committed against the honor of the university and the student body. Any form of misrepresentation or conveyance of false information to the faculty or administration will be construed as an honor violation. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and abide by the university’s Academic Integrity Policy (see index for page number).
Academic Credit
Credits are expressed in terms of semester hours. As a rule, one semester hour is the credit given for the work associated with one hour of class per week throughout one semester. There are exceptions to this rule.
The course numbering system used by NGCSU is such that in general, the first digit of the course corresponds to the level of the class (1-Freshman, 2-Sophomore, 3-Junior, 4-Senior, 5000-8999-Graduate). Undergraduate students may not enroll in courses numbered 5000-8999.
Uniform Grading System
All institutions of the University System of Georgia shall be on a 4.0 grade point average system. The following grades are approved for use in institutions of the University System and are included in the determination of grade point average:
A Excellent 4 quality points per semester hour
B Good 3 quality points per semester hour
C Satisfactory 2 quality points per semester hour
D Passing 1 quality points per semester hour
F Failure No quality points
WF Withdraw failing No quality points
The following grading symbols are approved for use in the cases indicated but will not be included in the determination of grade point average:
I - This symbol indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons beyond her/his control, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. If an I is not satisfactorily removed after one semester the symbol of I will be changed to the grade of F by the appropriate official. Under special circumstances, this period of time can be increased with the approval of the department head and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All grades of I must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs prior to issuance.
IP (In Progress) - This symbol is appropriate for thesis hours, project courses, Learning support courses, and Regents’ Test remediation courses. It is not appropriate for traditional credit courses.
W - This symbol indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. A grade of W prior to mid-term is contingent on instructor approval. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the midpoint of the total grading period except in cases of hardship as determined by the appropriate official.
V - This symbol indicates that a student was given permission to audit the course. Students may not transfer from audit to credit status or vice versa. If an audit student withdraws from a course prior to the end of the term, a "W" will be assigned as the grade rather than a grade of "V." An audit student who is dropped by the instructor for excessive absences will be assigned a grade of "W."
K - This symbol indicates that a student was given credit for the course via a credit by examination program.
NR - This symbol indicates that the grade was not reported by the instructor to the registrar.
Overall Grade Point Average and Repeated Courses
If a student repeats a course, only the grade of the most recent attempt of the course is used for the purpose of calculating the institutional grade point average. This is the case even if the grade in the most recent attempt is lower than in previous attempts. When the grade in the most recent attempt of a course is lower, this grade is used in addressing graduation requirements. For example, if a student earns a grade of D in a course and, upon repeating it, earns a grade of F, then the previous credit and the grade of D are not applicable toward meeting graduation requirements.
Auditors
Regularly enrolled NGCSU students may register for courses as auditors. No academic or degree credit shall be awarded to auditors. Fees assessed for audited courses are the same as fees of courses taken for credit. If an audit student withdraws from a course prior to the end of the term, a grade of "W" will be assigned as the grade rather than a "V." An audit student who is dropped for excessive absences will be assigned a grade of "W."
Changes in Grades
All grade changes must receive the approval of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs before they can be recorded by the registrar.
Grade Reports
At the close of each term, students can obtain their grade reports through BANNER the student information system via the NGCSU website. Students may request a grade report by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Privacy of Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student records and affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. For additional information, students should review the Registrar's Office web information on the NGCSU web page at northgeorgia.edu, or the FERPA web site at www.ed.gov/offices/om/pfco.html. Students who are at least eighteen years old must give written permission to release academic records to anyone, including parents, not associated with the university. Records of students who are 18 years and older may be released to their parent(s) if the parent(s) provide(s) a copy of a current tax return showing the student as a dependent.
Communication with Faculty Advisor
The academic advising process is a responsibility shared by the advisor and the student. (See “Academic Advising” under Student Services.) It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the advisor concerning contemplated changes in class schedule, program of study, or career plans.
Course Loads
A student who is registered for 12 semester hours or more is classified as a full-time student.
Fall and Spring Semesters: A normal load for a full-time student is 15 to 18 semester hours. A freshman whose high school record and entrance test scores indicate inadequate preparation may be advised to carry a reduced load while adjusting to university-level work. A student who wishes to carry more than 20 semester hours per term must have a recommendation from her/his academic advisor and must have written permission of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. A student whose overall grade point average is below a 2.0 and wishes to carry more than 17 semester hours must have a recommendation from her/his academic advisor and must have the written permission of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Summer Session: A student may take a maximum of 20 semester hours cumulative through all summer terms.
Sixty-Hour Core Curriculum Rule
By the time a student has earned 60 semester hours of credit, he or she is required to have successfully completed all Area A core curriculum courses (English 1101, English 1102, and the Area A mathematics requirement.) Students failing to complete these courses by the 60-hour limit will be required to enroll in these courses until such time as all are completed. Students are encouraged also to complete at least one laboratory science course and at least one course of any foreign language requirement, during the first sixty hours of course work.
Baccalaureate Plan of Study
Students are required to have an approved baccalaureate plan of study (BPOS) on file by the time 90 semester hours have been earned. Any student who does not have a BPOS on file with the Office of the Registrar by the time 90 semester hours of credit have been earned will be prevented from registering for courses. The BPOS is changed only upon written authorization of the faculty advisor and the head of the department concerned. Degree programs are subject to change. Adjustments may be made to the requirements for the degree regardless of which Undergraduate Bulletin the student entered under.
Class Schedule Changes
Class schedule changes are allowed during the first five days of fall and spring semesters. The number of days allowed for changing a schedule will vary during summer sessions. Students should consult the university calendar for this information. Schedule changes should be made only after careful consultation with the academic advisor. If a student drops classes, he/she may not be eligible for financial aid the student may have already received. In this case, the student is responsible for returning funds to the Business Office. Unauthorized changes in a schedule may result in loss of credit. After the initial period for adjusting class schedules, a withdrawal from a class will result in the assignment of a grade of W (withdraw without penalty) or WF (withdraw failing) as determined by the instructor and University System policy. Instructors may request that the Office of Academic Affairs approve a grade of W after midterm in cases of extenuating circumstances.
Classification of Students
Students who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours are classified as freshmen. Students who have earned between 30 and 59 semester hours are classified as sophomores. Students who have earned between 60 and 89 semester hours are classified as juniors. Students who have earned 90 or more semester hours are classified as seniors.
CPC (College Prepatory Curriculum) Deficiencies
Students admitted to the institution with CPC deficiencies will have two semesters plus a summer term to remove these deficiencies. Failure to remove deficiencies in this time frame will result in suspension until such time that the deficiencies are removed. Students with CPC deficiencies in social science, natural sciences, or foreign language must satisfy these deficiencies by completing the specified courses with a grade of "C" or better. Courses taken to remove CPC deficiencies do not count towards meeting degree requirements.
Academic Performance Guidelines
Every student at North Georgia College & State University is encouraged to achieve a high level of scholarship. A grade point average of 2.0 or better is required for graduation and is regarded as the minimum satisfactory level of academic achievement.
In order to give the student a reasonable opportunity to meet the requirements for graduation, it is policy that any student whose grade point average does not meet the minimum standards below is referred to the Academic Review Committee. This committee recommends probation or suspension to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A student who fails to meet the following standards will be placed on academic probation:
Semester Hours Attempted Minimum GPA for Good Standing
12 - 24 1.50
24 - 35 1.60
36 - 47 1.70
48 - 59 1.75
60 - 83 1.80
84 - 95 1.85
96 - 107 1.90
108 or more 1.95
Two consecutive semesters on academic probation leads to academic dismissal. Students who fail to meet these regulations because of illness or other serious problems may receive special consideration as their cases merit.
Probation and Suspension
For students dismissed at the end of summer session, fall semester will be the term of dismissal. For students dismissed at the end of fall semester, spring semester will be the term of dismissal. Students dismissed at the end of spring semester are allowed to attend NGCSU on probation during summer session. If, as a result of coursework completed during the summer, a student is removed from dismissal, the student may attend NGCSU in the fall. For students dismissed at the end of spring semester who do not remove the dismissal during NGCSU’s summer session, fall semester will be the term of dismissal. Coursework taken by such students at other institutions during the summer will not be considered by NGCSU for transfer purposes.
No credit earned at another school during a term of dismissal will be accepted by NGCSU. If a student repeats at another institution a course previously taken at NGCSU, the course will be considered for possible transfer credit if and only if the student’s absence from NGCSU covers at least four consecutive terms. If a dismissed student takes non-repeated coursework at another institution after the term of dismissal, NGCSU will consider the coursework for transfer purposes upon the student’s return. If a student who has been placed on probation at NGCSU takes non-repeated coursework at another institution, NGCSU will consider the coursework for transfer purposes upon the student’s return.
Medical Withdrawal
A student may be administratively withdrawn from the university when, in the judgment of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the university physician and after consultation with the student’s parents and personal physician, if any, it is determined that the student suffers from a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition which (a) causes the student to be unable to meet institutional requirements for admission and continued enrollment, (b) causes the student to interfere with the rights of other members of the university community or its personnel, or (c) poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to the student or to the person or property of others. Except in emergency situations, a student shall, upon request, be accorded an appropriate hearing prior to a final decision concerning continued enrollment at NGCSU.
Disciplinary Withdrawal
A student required to withdraw from the university for disciplinary reasons will receive grades of W or WF. Grades of W after midterm require the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and are approved only in cases of acceptable extenuating circumstances.
Class Attendance
The university expects students to attend all regularly scheduled classes for instruction and examination. When a student is compelled for any reason to be absent from class, the student should immediately convey the reason for the absence directly to the instructor. The student is responsible for all material presented in class and for all announcements and assignments. The decision to permit students to make up work that is required in any missed class resides with the instructor. The unexcused absence or “cut” is not regarded as a student privilege.
If a student’s total number of absences exceeds 14% of the scheduled classes, it shall become the prerogative of the instructor to drop the student from the class roll with a W or WF or to continue the student in class. Individual instructors or departments may have attendance policies stricter than that of the university, as long as the policies are stated in the class syllabus. Instructors who do have stricter policies must refrain from giving students a WF when excessive absences result solely from extenuating circumstances such as hazardous weather conditions, personal hardship, extended illness or hospitalization, family emergencies, or death in the immediate family. Instructors may request documentation to verify the extenuating circumstances.
Students who are absent because of university-sponsored activities that are approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Student Affairs will be permitted to make up any work missed during the absence. Approval of such absences will be granted only if the instructor receives advance notice in writing from the faculty member sponsoring the activity. Any absence problems which cannot be resolved between the instructor and the student are referred immediately to the appropriate department head and, if necessary, to the dean of the appropriate school. The dean of the appropriate school is the final arbiter in all absence disputes.
Discontinuance of class attendance without officially withdrawing from a course is sufficient cause for receiving a failing grade in the course. In such instances, it is the prerogative of the instructor to award a grade of W or WF prior to the midpoint of the term, or a WF after the midpoint of the term, according to the Board of Regents’ policy.
Eligibility of Varsity Athletes
NCAA Academic and General Requirements (BYLAW, ARTICLE 14)
To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing and maintain progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the institution, which for purposes of this bylaw and its subsections shall not be less than 12-semester hours, regardless of the institution's definition of a minimum full-time program of studies. Also, a student-athlete may represent the institution while enrolled as a graduate or professional student or while enrolled and seeking a second baccalaureate degree at the same institution.
Regarding eligibility for competition, student-athletes must satisfactorily earn six-semester hours of academic credit the preceding regular academic term in which the student-athlete has been enrolled full time at any collegiate institution. A student-athlete must earn at least 75 percent of the minimum number of semester hours required for progress toward degree during the regular academic year. The student-athlete shall earn no more than 25 percent of the minimum number of semester hours required for progress toward a degree during the summer or through correspondence courses taken during the 1993-94 academic year and thereafter.
A student-athlete shall meet the "satisfactory completion" provision of this requirement by maintaining a grade point average that places the individual in good academic standing, as established by the institution for all students who are at an equivalent stage of progress toward a degree. To fulfill the “satisfactory completion” provision of this requirement, a student-athlete who first enters a Division II institution after the 1988-89 academic year must achieve the following cumulative minimum grade point average (based on a 4.000) at the beginning of the fall term or at the beginning of any other regular term of that academic year, based on the student-athlete earning:
(a) 24 - semester: 1.800;
(b) 48 - semester: 1.900;
(c) 72 - semester: 2.000;
(d) 96 - semester: 2.000.
Regarding freshman academic requirements, a student-athlete who enrolls in a Division II institution as an entering freshman with no previous full-time college attendance shall meet the following academic requirements, as certified by an initial-eligibility clearinghouse approved by the Executive Committee, and any applicable institutional and conference regulations, to be considered a qualifier and thus be eligible for financial aid, practice and competition during the first academic year in residence.
(a) a minimum cumuulative grade-point average of 2.000 (based on a
maximum 4.000) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least
14 academic courses per Bylaw 14.3.1.2.
(b) a minimum comined score on the SAT verbal and math sections of 820
or a minimum sum score of 68 on the ACT. The SAT or ACT score
must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing
date.
To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the constitution and bylaws of the Association and all rules and regulations of the institution and the conference(s), if any, of which the institution is a member. Specific attention is called to legislation affecting eligibility in the following areas: Amateurism, Awards, Benefits, and Expenses, Ethical Conduct, Financial Aid and Recruitment.
Disabilities Services
North Georgia College & State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and to the principle of individual rights and responsibilities. To that end, the policies and procedures of NGCSU reasonably ensure that a person with a disability has equal access to academic programs and co-curricular activities.
The policies for access by individuals with disabilities at NGCSU are designed to ensure full compliance with all pertinent federal and state legislation, specifically to include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Procedures for Requesting Accommodations
A student seeking accommodations has the legal responsibility to request accommodations in a timely manner and to provide the institution with appropriate, current documentation of the disabling condition. Sufficient advanced notice of a request for accommodations is required in order to give the Office of Student Disability Resources a reasonable period of time to evaluate the request and documentation. A student may submit a request and documentation any time during his/her enrollment at NGCSU, but no action based on the request and documentation is retroactive.
To receive disability accommodations at NGCSU, a student must comply with the procedures listed below:
• Be officially admitted to NGCSU;
• Register with the Office of Student Disability Resources by filing a Voluntary Disclosure of Disability form;
• Complete the Request for Services and Accommodations form;
• Submit current, written documentation from appropriate professional personnel, which is subject to verification by NGCSU.
Approval of reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis on the justification contained in the written documentation provided by the student.
Students who believe they have experienced discrimination on the basis of a disability can seek resolution through grievance procedures established by North Georgia College & State University. These procedures are clearly outlined in the publication Academic Program Access for Students with Disabilities, which is posted on the NGCSU home page under Services provided by the Office of Student Disability Resources and is available in all departments. For more information call 706-867-2782.
Credit by Examination
“Credit by Examination is essentially the awarding of credit for theoretical knowledge outside of the traditional classroom situation” (Credit By Examination, Proceedings from Workshop in the West, 1971).
NGCSU offers Credit by Examination upon approval of the academic department concerned and the Vice President for Academic Affairs when scores on nationally standardized examinations (CLEP, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate) or other academic experience strongly indicates that the student has acquired the information or skills related to given courses of instruction offered by the university.
Credit awarded by examination can be given only for courses officially approved for academic credit by the university. The institution’s web page contains a listing of courses for which a student may earn CLEP, AP or IB credit (Credit By Exam). The credit carries no academic grade and is not computed into the grade point average. Students are allowed to earn up to 30 semester hours of Credit by Examination. Once a student has enrolled in a course, he/she may not receive credit by examination for the course. Students should be aware that medical, dental and other professional schools may not recognize examination course credit.
Requirements for Graduation
For interpretation of the requirements for graduation, a student is urged to seek advice from her/his academic advisor or from the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the requirements for graduation. Information on graduation requirements are given on the institution's web page (northgeorgia.edu).
Basic Physical Education Requirement
All students must complete PHED 1000: Wellness OR three one-hour physical education activity courses as a graduation requirement. Exceptions: Physical Education, Athletic Training, and Teacher Education majors must meet the requirement with PHED 1000. Nursing majors are exempt from the basic PE requirement.
Military Science Instruction
Graduation requirements for members of the Corps of Cadets include successful completion of 12 semester hours of military science instruction unless exempted by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon the request of the Professor of Military Science. To fulfill this requirement, all cadets, including those transferring from other institutions, are required to successfully complete at least one military science class each semester.
U.S. Georgia Constitution and History Requirement
A Georgia law requires that all candidates for a degree from an institution supported by public funds shall pass an examination “of the History of the United States and the History of Georgia” and an examination “upon the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.” The Department of History will administer the history examination and the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice will administer the Constitution examination upon written request from the student and at such time and place as is convenient to the student and the department. However, the requirements for instruction in the above areas can be met by satisfactorily completing one course in HIST 2111, HIST 2112, or POLS 1101 at a Georgia College or University.
• Out-of-State Transfer Students
Students transferring into NGCSU from an out-of-state institution should be advised of these legislative requirements when entering the institution or during the advisement period. POLS 1101 from an out-of-state institution only satisfies the U.S. Constitution requirement. HIST 2111 or HIST 2112 only satisfies the U.S. History requirement. Neither the Georgia Constitution nor the Georgia History requirement will be satisfied by transfer of these courses.
• AP or CLEP Credit
Students may take Political Science and History AP exams before entering NGCSU. These exams or appropriate CLEP exams will satisfy the US Constitution and US History requirements (respectively), but the Georgia portion of these requirements will still need to be addressed.
Writing Program Mission
The Writing Program of the Department of English consists of the First-year Writing sequence and the Writing Concentration in the English major. It supports and works in tandem with the University's Writing Across the Curriculum Program.
The mission of the Writing Program is twofold: to teach students to use writing to learn -- to consider, question, and communicate ideas -- and to help them develop a repertoire of writing behaviors, strategies, and voices that will enable them to communicate effectively when engaging a variety of audiences, contexts, and purposes. Through guided and intensive writing practice, students will improve their critical writing, reading, and thinking skills to enhance their successes as university students in courses across the curriculum and as lifelong writers and learners.
Competency in Communication Skills
Written Communication: Students currently matriculating at NGCSU who have completed ENGL 1101 here or elsewhere or who have been enrolled in college for two terms or who enroll in 2000-level courses at NGCSU are expected to have attained basic proficiency in writing. Since these competencies are taught and assessed in ENGL 1101 and 1102 courses, it is strongly recommended that entering students enroll in these courses as soon as possible.
The competencies listed below are minimal expectations for students enrolled in lower-level writing courses. Demonstrating these competencies may be fundamental to receiving a satisfactory grade on any writing assignment in any lower-level course. Because content and other factors are central to writing, demonstrating these competencies does not ensure a satisfactory grade.
Students must demonstrate their ability to:
• Compose paragraphs and essays that are logical, engaging, and informative;
• Develop essays that include a controlling idea or thesis, provide adequate supportive evidence, and make sure of effective organization;
• Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the relationship between audience, purpose, and context;
• Compose both single-draft and multi-draft essays, using techniques of prewriting, drafting, and revision, as well as editing;
• Cite and document material taken from sources;
• Construct clear, precise, grammatically correct sentences, using Standard Edited American English, and avoiding awkward phrasing and errors, including but not limited to the following: fragments, comma splices, run-on sentences, subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent disagreement, faulty pronoun reference, misuse of possessives, and misspelling.
Specific competencies that may be assessed by instructors in all disciplines are listed below. Because the competencies listed below are minimal expectations, demonstrating these competencies may be fundamental to receiving a satisfactory grade on any writing assignment in any course. However, because content and other factors are central to writing, demonstrating these competencies does not ensure a satisfactory grade.
Students must demonstrate their ability to
• Compose essays and other written works that are logical, engaging, informative, and that demonstrate a level of stylistic sophistication appropriate to the professional standards of the discipline and the course's level of study;
• Develop effectively organized essays and other written works that include a controlling idea or assertion, provide adequate supportive evidence, and evaluate or interpret that evidence effectively;
• Compose both single-draft and multi-draft writings, using techniques of prewriting, drafting, and revision, as well as editing;
• Cite and document material taken from sources;
• Engage writing technologies appropriate to the discipline;
• Construct clear, precise, grammatically correct sentences, using Standard Edited American English, and avoiding awkward phrasing and errors, including but not limited to the following: fragments, comma splices, run-on sentences, subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent disagreement, faulty pronoun reference, misuse of possessives, and misspellings.
Oral Communication: Students graduating from NGCSU are also expected to have attained proficiency in effective oral communication, as characterized by their capacity to:
• Communicate in standard English with minimal verbal and nonverbal distractors.
• Plan, organize, support, and clearly deliver formal presentations in a logical and informative fashion.
• Engage in both formal and informal discussions in a clear and articulate manner.
• Comprehend, analyze, and evaluate oral communication.
• Adapt to formal and informal speaking situations within diverse social and cultural Environments.
• Speak in clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences, demonstrating proper pronunciation, enunciation, and modulation.
Requirements Across the Curriculum: No student shall receive a four-year degree from NGCSU without having completed two courses designated as writing intensive and one course designated as having an oral communication component. At least one of the two writing intensive courses must be in the student’s academic major. Writing intensive courses are designated with a (W). Courses with an oral communication component are designed with an (O). For each writing intensive course, fifteen or more typed, double-spaced pages of writing shall be required and evaluated, and at least one third of the final course grade shall be based on these assignments. For each course with an oral communication component, there will be at least one planned presentation to the class, and 15% of the class grade will be based on oral communication assignments above and beyond routine class participation. Each academic major will offer at least one course with oral components at the 2000-level or above.
Technological Literacy
Technological literacy is infused throughout the curricula so that students graduate with the fundamental knowledge and basic ability to use these resources in everyday life and in future occupations. The institution provides the means by which students may acquire basic competencies in the use of computers and related information technology resources via electronic communications and access to national and global information resources. Students may also enroll in basic computer science courses (CSCI 1100, 1150, 1200, 1301) to acquire technological literacy. NGCSU expects all candidates for degrees to strive for competency in six basic skills:
• Students should be able to engage in electronic collaboration using E-mail, e- mail attachments, and listservs.
• Students should be able to create structured electronic documents using
word processing programs and basic Web page editors.
• Students should be able to produce technology-enhanced presentations.
• Students should be able to use appropriate electronic tools for research and
employ wise judgment as to the validity and usefulness of electronic sources
and their content.
• Students should be familiar with and adhere to major legal, ethical, and
security issues in information technology such as privacy, copyright,
plagiarism, citing sources, "netiquette," hacking, hoaxes, and viruses.
• Students should have a working knowledge of computer hardware, software
installation, troubleshooting, and file management.
Foreign Language Requirement and Student Placement
As a liberal arts institution educating Georgia’s citizens for roles in the larger international arena, NGCSU encourages all of its students to study foreign languages.
Accordingly, B.A. degrees from NGCSU include foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level (2001 or 2002). The B.A. in English includes both 2001 and 2002 level courses. All B.S. degrees include proficiency at the 1002 level. Exceptions are the degree programs in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and dual degree programs in Math/Engineering or Physics/Engineering which have foreign language courses as options, but not as requirements. Students should consult the appropriate section of the bulletin for specific requirements for the degree they are seeking.
The Department of Modern Languages acknowledges that students may already possess native or near-native fluency in a second language. Native speakers of a language may not take 1000 and 2000-level courses in that language. The foreign language faculty strongly recommend that highly proficient speakers of a language begin at the 1002-level or higher in that language.
Placement tests in French and Spanish are available through the Testing Office, and the Department of Modern Language also offers alternative means of showing second-language proficiency in instances where no local test is available. The local placement tests afford students the opportunity to place at an appropriate skill level and to exempt prior courses.
Neither the placement tests nor demonstration of second-language proficiency through alternative means carries course credit. Students will receive credit only when successfully completing courses in which they are enrolled. Course credit may also be earned through appropriate scores on the CLEP test, also available through the Testing Office. Students placing at a level beyond that required by the major may be exempt from foreign language course requirements. In all cases, students must attain the overall number of required credit hours in their program of study. American Sign Language will not satisfy the foreign language requirement.
Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP and International Baccalaureate (IB) CreditThe university grants some credit by eamination. Course credit may also be gained by attaining appropriate scores on the AP, CLEP, and/or IB test, available through the Office of Testing. Information on credits granted by NGCSU is available at Credit By Exam.
Academic Majors, Academic Minors, and Field of Study
A baccalaureate degree program must contain a minimum of 120 semester hours, at least 21 of which must be upper division hours in the major field. The program must require at least 39 semester hours of upper division work overall.
A minor must contain 15 to 18 semester hours of coursework, at least 9 of which must be upper division coursework. Courses taken to satisfy Core Areas A through E may not be counted as coursework in the minor. Courses taken in Core Area F may be counted as coursework in the minor. Courses taken to satisfy the major requirements may not be used to satisfy the minor requirements.
For a program of study in which a minor has not been completed, the field of study consists of all upper division coursework in the major field. For a program of study in which a minor has been completed, the field of study consists of all upper division coursework in the major field and the minor field. A student must achieve at least a 2.0 institutional grade point average in the field of study in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. In a chosen major or minor, no deviation from the requirements may occur without written approval from the student’s academic advisor, the student’s department head, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Regents’ Testing Program
Each institution of the University System of Georgia shall assure the other institutions, and the System as a whole, that students obtaining a degree from that institution possess certain minimum skills of reading and writing. The Regents’ Skills Program has been developed to help in the attainment of this goal. The objectives of the Regents’ Skills Program are (1) to provide System-wide information on the status of student competence in the areas of reading and writing and (2) to provide a uniform means of identifying those students who fail to attain the minimum levels of competence in the areas of reading and writing.
Students may exempt the reading requirement of the exam with an:
SAT Verbal Score of 510 or ACT Reading Score of 23.
Students may exempt the writing requirement with an:
SAT II English Writing Score of 650 or AP English Score of 3 or International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level English Score of 4;
SAT I Verbal 530 and English 1101 grade of A;
SAT I Verbal 590 and English 1101 grade of B;
ACT Verbal 23 and English 1101 grade of A;
ACT Verbal 26 and English 1101 grade of B.
Students can verify eligibility to exempt by generating a Degree Evaluation through their BANNER account.
All students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree and to the Associate of Science in Nursing degree at NGCSU must satisfy this requirement.
Students must satisfy the Regents' requirement the first semester after earning 30 credit hours. Students who have earned 45 or more semester hours and have not met the requirement are administratively enrolled in Regents' Skills courses and must complete the courses to be considered eligible to take the test. NGCSU eligible students may take the Skills test during a semester in which they are not enrolled provided they officially register for the test at this institution or receive permission from this institution to take the test at another University System college or university. Transfer students must satisfy the Regents' Skills requirement no later than their second semester of enrollment at NGCSU.
The Regents’ Skills Test is administered during one testing period each summer, fall and spring semester. The testing dates are determined by the Board of Regents.
Students must officially register for the test. Online registration is available via Banner for a limited time at the beginning of each semester, preceding each test administration.
Students may request a formal review of the Writing Skills Test if their essay received at least one passing grade among the three scores awarded. This review will be conducted in accordance with University System approved procedures. To initiate the review process, students should contact the Testing Office at 706-867-2857.
Student Testing
The university affirms its prerogative to require all students to take any examination which may, from time to time, be required for institutional or University System evaluation and to charge each student for the cost of such an examination.
Transient Students
Currently enrolled students may apply online via Banner, the student information system, for authorization to complete certain courses at another institution as a transient student. Transient permission is not granted for students on academic suspension. Transient permission is not granted for the purpose of taking two-year college courses to be transferred to NGCSU as upper division courses. Transient permission in the following situations requires the approval of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: (1) repeating a course in which a grade has already been earned at NGCSU; (2) taking transient coursework after senior status has been achieved; and (3) taking transient coursework while on probation at NGCSU.
Repeating Courses at Other Institutions
Courses repeated at other institutions when a student has been absent from NGCSU less than 4 terms, including summer term, will not be approved for transfer.
Academic Integrity Policy
Preamble
North Georgia College & State University is dedicated to providing an educational climate characterized by integrity. Academic integrity, in particular, must be the cornerstone of an institution of higher learning and must pervade all segments of the NGCSU community. Furthermore, academic integrity is the mutual responsibility of the various constituencies (students, faculty, staff, and administration) which comprise the university.
The policies and procedures regarding academic integrity at NGCSU are herein described. The absence of an integrity code statement on an assignment, the absence of a written honor pledge on an assignment, or the absence of a student's signature in no way releases the student from the responsibility to know, understand, and follow the university's honor policy.
Academic Integrity Defined
The following regulations define the concept of academic integrity and should be useful in determining standards and attitudes appropriate for optimal intellectual functioning.
1. No student shall receive or give assistance not authorized by the instructor in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination, or other assignment included in an academic course.
2. No student shall take or attempt to take, or otherwise procure in an unauthorized manner, any material pertaining to the conduct of a class, including but not limited to tests, examinations, laboratory equipment, and roll book.
3. No student shall sell, give, lend, or otherwise furnish to any unauthorized person material which can be shown to contain the questions or answers to any examinations scheduled to be given at any subsequent date in any course of study offered by the university, without authorization from the instructor.
4. No student shall plagiarize. Themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other similar requirements must be the work of the student submitting them. When direct quotations are used, they must be so indicated and when ideas of another are incorporated in the paper, they must be appropriately acknowledged.
5. No student shall resubmit her/his graded material from other courses or from previous assignments for a current assignment without permission of the instructor.
6. No student shall sign class rolls for another student.
Integrity Code
The integrity code, “On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do,” reflects NGCSU’s commitment to academic integrity.
Distribution
Copies of the Academic Integrity Policy are distributed to enrolled and incoming students and to faculty. The Academic Integrity Council recommends that the integrity code be placed on all assignments to be graded, along with a written honor pledge to be signed by the student, indicating that he/she has not violated the written conditions of the assignment. The absence of the integrity code statement on an assignment, the absence of a written honor pledge on an assignment, or the absence of a student’s signature in no way releases the student from the responsibility to know, understand, and follow the university’s honor policy.
Academic Integrity Council (AIC)
Administration of the Academic Integrity Policy is the responsibility of the Academic Integrity Council. This council is under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs serves as the permanent chair of the Academic Integrity Council.
Membership of the Academic Integrity Council is drawn from both the faculty and the student body. In addition to the chair, the Academic Integrity Council consists of ten faculty members and twelve student members appointed for two-year terms which are staggered to ensure continuity of membership. The faculty members are appointed by the Faculty Senate’s Committee on Committees and will be representative of the various academic programs (Undergraduate/Graduate/Clinical). The student members are appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs and are representative of the various constituencies (commuters, Corps of Cadets, resident women) which comprise the NGCSU student body.
Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy
Suspected violations of the Academic Integrity Policy should be referred by students to the instructor of the course in which the violation occurred. If an instructor concludes that a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy has occurred, the instructor will file an incident report with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The instructor will review the completed report with the student and will request that the student sign the report as an indication that the student is aware of the contents of the report. Nothing in this policy otherwise precludes the instructor from penalizing the student.
Incident Reports
All incident reports are reviewed by the Academic Integrity Council. If the incident report is for a student who appears to be a repeat offender or if the council determines that the case justifies an investigation for other reasons, the council may choose to conduct a formal hearing. Such a hearing may result in a recommendation from the council to the Vice President for Academic Affairs that instructor-imposed penalties be modified or that additional, external sanctions be imposed. Upon the filing of an incident report, the instructor or the student involved in the alleged violation may request that the Academic Integrity Council conduct a hearing and make a recommendation, if appropriate, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A student wishing to appeal an instructor’s conclusions or penalties has seven calendar days from the date the incident report is received by the student to notify the Office of Academic Affairs. In a situation justifying a formal hearing, the Academic Integrity Council will hear the case as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
Hearings of the Academic Integrity Council
The council, the student involved in the alleged violation, or the instructor bringing the charge may request a hearing. In cases referred to the AIC for hearings, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will, at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing, notify the student in writing, by hand delivery if reasonably possible, and otherwise by registered mail to the last local address of the student within reasonable knowledge of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, concerning the date, time, and place of the hearing, a statement of the specific charges and grounds which, if proven, would justify sanctions, and the names of witnesses scheduled to appear. If a student is a minor, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify his/her parents or guardian of the charges and outcome of the hearing. During a hearing, it is the council’s responsibility to determine whether the charged party is guilty or not and, if appropriate, to recommend sanctions. If the defendant is found not guilty, the case will be considered closed and no further proceedings against the charged party regarding the alleged violation will be permitted. Hearings conducted by the Academic Integrity Council are chaired by a member (faculty or student) of the council selected by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The chair serves in a nonvoting capacity. The adjudicatory body consists of three student members and two faculty members of the Academic Integrity Council selected by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Any member of the Academic Integrity Council will disqualify her/himself if her/his personal involvement in the case is of such a nature as to be detrimental to the interest of the accused or the institution. Hearings will not be held for the purpose of reducing an instructor imposed penalty.
At hearings of the Academic Integrity Council, the student defendant is afforded all rights required by due process considerations.
Hearings before the Academic Integrity Council are closed. Decisions are rendered by majority vote.
Sanctions and Other Recommendations
Following a decision by the AIC, the council makes its recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has the ultimate responsibility for meting out sanctions. These sanctions are also communicated to the aggrieved parties in the case and made a part of the public record of the university. Possible sanctions include, but are not be limited to:
1. Expulsion
2. Suspension
3. Probation
4. Reprimand (oral or written)
5. Forced withdrawal from course
6. Change in course grade
Appellate Procedures
When a student is found guilty by the Academic Integrity Council and sanctioned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, he/she will have the right to appeal to the president of the university and subsequently to the Board of Regents. Detailed procedures for such appeals can be found in the North Georgia College & State University Student Handbook and Activities Calendar.
Student appeals of instructor-imposed grade penalties related to issues of academic integrity are heard by a panel from the Academic Integrity Council. Hearings for such appeals are conducted as described above.
Academic Renewal Policy
1. In order to qualify for Academic Renewal (AR) a student must (a) apply for Academic Renewal; (b) have an absence for a period of five consecutive years from any one institution from which he/she is applying for AR; (c) have exited learning support. AR is not granted to students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree.
2. Academic Renewal will be granted only one time.
3. Granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding satisfactory academic progress.
4. A transfer or former returning student who qualifies for Academic Renewal may be accepted and have her/his transcript evaluated for Academic Renewal upon written request or may apply for Academic Renewal within one year of re-entry into NGCSU following a five-year absence.
5. Currently enrolled students who qualify may apply for AR within one year of the implementation of the AR policy. The academic renewal begins with the first-time enrollment after the five-year absence.
6. Students granted academic renewal shall retain academic credit for previously completed course work in which a grade of A, B, C, or S has been earned. Grades for retained courses are not calculated in the academic renewal GPA.
7. The Academic Renewal GPA (AR-GPA) begins at the time of entry into NGCSU following a five-year absence and applies to courses completed subsequent to the date of academic renewal.
(a) The transcript shall show all transferable academic course work and a true cumulative GPA shall be recorded on the transcript for Academic Renewal students.
(b) A legend shall appear on the NGCSU transcript for the transfer student below the transferred credits or on the native student’s transcript indicating the date of Academic Renewal. This legend shall be followed by a listing of courses for which Academic Renewal credit has been retained.
(c) Classes that are repeated shall be indicated as repeat classes even though credit has not been granted.
8. Granting of AR will supersede the grade point average requirements of the Departments of Education, Nursing, and Physical Therapy under the following conditions:
(a) A student granted academic renewal shall earn at least 18 additional semester hours of academic credit, excluding basic military science and physical education activities classes, with an acceptable grade point average before being considered for admission into any of the programs.
(b) Re-entry into education, nursing, or physical therapy, for previously admitted students who request academic renewal, is not automatic and requires departmental approval.
9. United States and Georgia history and constitution requirements met prior to the granting of AR will remain on the student’s permanent record even though the courses used to satisfy these requirements may not be included in the AR credit.
10. A transfer or native student who receives AR shall be subject to academic performance guidelines, probation and suspension policies, and Regents’ Test requirements as stated in the undergraduate bulletin. Hours for the application of these policies shall be the cumulative attempted hours, not the AR credit hours.
11. A student who has been granted AR shall present 30 additional semester hours of academic credits, excluding basic military science and physical education activities courses, in order to be eligible for graduation honors or any other honors having academic requirements.
12. The AR-GPA shall be used for graduation purposes. All other graduation requirements as stated in the appropriate undergraduate bulletin shall apply.
Candidacy for the Degree
Membership in the senior class does not within itself imply candidacy for the degree. Before the degree can be conferred, all indebtedness to the university must be met and published requirements for the particular degree fulfilled. Responsibility for meeting these requirements rests with the student, and each candidate should ensure her/his program of study is on file for graduation with the Office of the Registrar.
Formal written application for the degree must be filed with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline for the semester in which the student anticipates completing degree requirements. Special forms for this application may be secured from the Office of the Registrar.
For the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and the Bachelor of Science degree, the student must complete the requirements of the Core Curriculum, must fulfill the major and minor requirements, if any, and offer sufficient approved elective courses to bring the total number of acceptable credit hours to at least 120, exclusive of PHED 1000.
Georgia law requires that all candidates for a degree from an institution supported by public funds shall pass an examination “of the History of the United States and the History of Georgia” and an examination “upon the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia.” All graduates must also have passed the Regents’ Skills Test.
A student must complete the last 30 semester hours in residence prior to being awarded the degree. In special instances, students may be allowed to take transient courses for elective credit during the last 30 semester hours with the approval of the department head and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on all work presented for graduation.
A student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on coursework completed at NGCSU.
Not more than 25 percent of the credits for graduation may carry grades of D.
No student may be declared a graduate of the university until all requirements for entrance and for graduation have been met, the degree has been conferred, and the diploma has been awarded. Each candidate must be present at graduation unless excused in writing by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
