Academic Policies

Students admitted to Athens State University assume responsibility for being familiar with the academic policies and procedures of the University and the requirements for the degree and major that is being pursued. Additional information and other policies related to academics and educational programs can be found in the online Athens State University Policy Library.

Academic Advising

Student Success Center
Upon admission to Athens State University prior to the start of the first semester, all new students should make an appointment to meet with their assigned success coach to understand their starting point which includes: how their transfer credits apply to their Athens State plan of study (major/minor of choice), what general studies requirements may still be required and how to meet these, an overall understanding of upper-level course requirements, and other degree-specific considerations. Students should utilize their success coach as a resource to help plan and navigate their coursework, as well as, a support person to help them navigate the best course of action or options for the many aspects of being a college student. A success coach serves as a key member of the collaborative advising team that includes a faculty advisor.

Faculty Advisor Upon admission to Athens State University, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. Students should confer with their advisor at least once each semester. Although each student assumes final individual responsibility for meeting all degree requirements, the advisor will offer guidance in planning the student’s academic program. Any adjustments to the program of study require the submission and approval of a Curriculum Adjustment form.

Academic Course Forgiveness
Degree-seeking undergraduate students may apply to have no more than 2 Athens State courses (not to exceed 8 semester hours) excluded from the calculation of the institutional grade point average (GPA). If forgiveness is granted, the grades for all forgiven courses will still appear on the Athens State transcript, but will have a notation that these courses are being excluded from the institutional GPA. If a course is chosen for forgiveness, the credit for the course cannot be used towards fulfillment of program or major requirements. A student may be granted course forgiveness only once. Students wishing to apply for course forgiveness must use the standard forgiveness request form available from the Office of Records, and must include all information and materials as specified on the form. Requests for course forgiveness must be submitted to the Office of Records no later than the last day to withdraw from classes in the semester of the student’s anticipated graduation. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor before applying for forgiveness for any courses.

Academic Bankruptcy
Degree-seeking undergraduate students may apply to have 1 to 3 entire semesters of Athens State coursework excluded from the calculation of the institutional GPA. When academic bankruptcy is granted for a given semester, the grades for all bankrupted courses will still appear on the Athens State transcript, but will have a notation that these courses are being excluded from the institutional GPA. Academic bankruptcy for a given semester excludes grades for all coursework taken during that semester, regardless of the grade, from the institutional GPA. The credit for any courses included in bankrupted semesters cannot be used towards fulfillment of program or major requirements.

A student may be granted academic bankruptcy only once. Academic bankruptcy may be granted in two instances:

If less than 3 calendar years have elapsed since the semester for which the student wishes to declare bankruptcy, the student may declare academic bankruptcy on all coursework taken during that one semester, provided the student has satisfactorily completed 18 semester hours of coursework at the institution since the desired bankruptcy semester.

If 3 or more calendar years have elapsed since the most recent semester for which the student wishes to declare bankruptcy, the student may declare academic bankruptcy on all coursework taken during no more than 3 semesters, provided the student has satisfactorily completed 18 semester hours of coursework at the institution since the most recent desired bankruptcy semester.

Students wishing to apply for academic bankruptcy must use the standard bankruptcy request form available from the Office of Records, and must include all information and materials as specified on the form. Requests for bankruptcy must be submitted to the Office of Records no later than the last day to withdraw from classes in the semester of the student’s anticipated graduation. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor before applying for academic bankruptcy for any semester.

For additional details, see the policy document Course Forgiveness and Academic Bankruptcy.

Academic Calendar
Athens State University operates on the semester system, with two semesters (fall and spring) comprising the regular academic year. Following the spring semester, the University also offers a summer term comprised of a variety of class sessions and formats. The two semesters comprising the regular academic year (fall and spring) will each be at least 15 calendar weeks in length, excluding pre-registration. The summer term will be at least 10 weeks in length, excluding pre-registration.

Academic Credit
The standard unit of college credit awarded at Athens State University is the semester hour. Course descriptions found in this catalog indicate the number of semester hours which may be earned for a particular course. Transfer credits earned in quarter hours will be evaluated on the basis that one quarter hour equals two-thirds semester hours. (e.g., a five quarter hour course would equal 3.3 semester hours). See the Admissions section of this catalog for additional details on transfer credit.

Academic Honesty
Athens State University, like all institutions of higher learning, can function effectively only when the members of the University community treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. It is the responsibility of every student at Athens State University to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline (the full policy is found in the Student Affairs section of the online Athens State University Policy Library) and the provisions of the Code related to academic dishonesty and student conduct, and to follow and support the enforcement of the Code.

Academic Honors and Awards
Athens State University recognizes outstanding academic achievement accomplished during a given academic semester, and for outstanding achievement throughout a student’s academic career.

President’s List – The President’s List is published each semester and includes the names of students who have attained an institutional GPA of 4.0 on at least 12 semester hours of course work for that semester.
Dean’s List – The Dean’s List is published each semester and includes the names of the students who have attained an institutional GPA of 3.50 or above (but below 4.0) on at least 12 semester hours of course work for that semester.
Highest Scholastic and Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards – Graduates with outstanding academic achievements are recognized in the spring semester each year. To be eligible for nomination for these awards students must have completed 18 semester hours credit in residence at Athens State University. All students graduating in a given academic year are eligible for consideration. Students may be nominated by faculty members based on their GPA and other exemplary considerations.
Degrees with Honor – Degrees with honor that appear on a student’s official transcript upon graduation are based on performance in all undergraduate academic work completed at Athens State University, with the exception of any coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy. To be eligible for a degree with honor, a student must have completed at least 31 undergraduate semester hours at the University, not including coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy.

Summa Cum Laude – Awarded to graduating students with institutional GPAs of 3.90 to 4.0.

Magna Cum Laude – Awarded to graduating students with institutional GPAs of 3.70 to 3.89.

Cum Laude – Awarded to graduating students with institutional GPAs of 3.50 to 3.69.

Since all grades for the final semester may not be available in time for commencement ceremonies and printing of commencement programs, degree with honor designations for a commencement ceremony are unofficial. Final academic honor designations are determined after grades for the final semester have been posted. Final, official honor designations will be reflected on the Athens State transcript and on the Athens State diploma.

Accelerated Enrollment in Graduate Courses
An undergraduate student actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University and who meets the following requirements may be eligible for enrollment into graduate courses. The student must:

have earned a minimum of 78 semester hours of credit, with at least 18 hours earned at Athens State;
have a minimum combined grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.30 on all college coursework attempted, and an institutional cumulative GPA of at least 3.0;
have fulfilled all General Education requirements (Areas I-IV) and all pre-professional requirements (Area V) in their undergraduate program;
Complete any program specific eligibility requirements for accelerated enrollment; and
be recommended by their Faculty Advisor via submission of the Accelerated Enrollment Approval Form.

Upon approval, the undergraduate student will be allowed to enroll for a maximum of six (6) hours of graduate coursework. Enrollment in courses in a given term may be subject to space availability and/or cohort restrictions. If completed successfully, the graduate courses may be substituted for specific course requirements in the student’s undergraduate degree program. The courses will also fulfill the appropriate graduate program course requirements upon admission to the graduate program.

Enrollment in graduate courses does not constitute acceptance into a graduate program. Students will still be required to fulfill all admissions requirements for the specific graduate program.

Audited Courses
Upon the recommendation of the faculty advisor, a student may audit a non-laboratory course. Students auditing a course should participate in the course in the same way as for-credit students, although auditing students are not required to complete course examinations. No change from audit to credit is allowed. Placement in a course as an auditing student is on a space available basis.

Change of Program (Changes of Major, Minor, Concentration or Catalog Year)
A student who wishes to make any changes to their current program (changes to declared major, minor, concentration, or catalog year) must complete a Student Request for Change of Program form, available to students through MyAthens Self Service. Students are strongly encouraged to confer with both current and prospective faculty advisors before requesting any changes. Note: A change of major requires the student to fulfill the degree requirements for the new major as specified in the catalog in effect on the date of the change request. Addition of majors, minors or concentrations may require moving to a newer catalog if the added major/minor/concentration did not exist under the student’s current catalog. Change of Program forms submitted after the drop/add period ends for the semester may be held and processed for the first day of the next term’s registration period.

Concurrent Degrees
Students who have not previously completed a baccalaureate degree at Athens State can pursue two degrees of different types (i.e., B.A. and B.S., or B.A. and B.S.Ed., or B.S. and B.S.Ed.) concurrently only if at least 25% of the requirements for one of the degrees are unique to that degree, and are not major, pre-professional, or general education courses for the other degree. In addition, the total hours for both degrees must be at least 155 hours. If 25% is not unique or a total of 155 hours cannot be identified for the two degrees, the student is not eligible to earn both degrees, and can only be awarded an additional major (see Second or Additional Majors below).

If 25% is unique and a total of 155 hours can be identified, the student is eligible for and can be awarded both degrees simultaneously upon the completion of all requirements for both degrees and majors. Students wishing to pursue concurrent degrees must confer with their advisor(s), complete the appropriate forms to declare the concurrent degrees, and receive the necessary approvals as indicated by the forms before the concurrent degree declarations are added to the permanent academic record.

Upon completion of the concurrent degrees, the transcript will note the conferral of both degrees, the date conferred, and the majors. For additional details, see the Second Degrees and Double or Additional Majors policy.

Course Attendance
It is accepted academic philosophy that sustained course attendance is essential to the overall educational value of a course of study in higher education. To achieve the maximum benefits from educational activities, Athens State University expects regular attendance, or online involvement and participation in the case of distance learning, from all students. Students receiving financial aid or veterans benefits are required to attend classes according to the regulations of the federal government or the Veterans Administration.

Attendance policies and other requirements for a particular course are published in the course syllabus and are set by the course instructor. It is therefore important that each student secure a copy of the course syllabus and be familiar with the contents. A student’s performance in relation to the published requirements and class attendance regulations will affect the grade earned in the course. Any student who must miss an examination has the responsibility for notifying the instructor as soon as is practicable. It is the decision of the instructor whether a missed exam may be “made-up.”

Course Cancellation
Athens State University reserves the right to cancel any course without advance notification.

Course Hour Load/Overload
The course hour load for a full-time student is 12-19 semester hours for the fall and spring semesters, and 12-15 semester hours for the summer term. During semesters in which compressed sessions are offered, the University reserves the right to further limit the number of hours for which a student may enroll. In addition, the University reserves the right to take appropriate steps for any student placed on academic probation, including limiting the student’s course load. No student may take more than 24 semester hours in a given term. Students who wish to enroll in a course hour overload must complete and submit a standard overload request form. To qualify for a course hour overload, a student must have an overall GPA of 2.50 or higher.

Curriculum Adjustment Form
Course substitutions, course equivalences, and/or student curriculum adjustments require the student’s advisor to submit the appropriate curriculum adjustment form. Adjustments will not be made without the appropriate signatures required. Once the form is submitted and signed at the appropriate levels it will be sent to the Registrar/Records Office for processing.

Degree Completion – Time Limit Requirement
A student who does not complete the requirements for a degree within a 5-year period from the date of entry must then follow the degree requirements published in the catalog which is issued when they begin their sixth year of enrollment. This process is repeated every five years until the student graduates.

Degree Options
Athens State University offers five baccalaureate degree options: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd). Not all degrees are available in every major/program. Students should refer to the academic College sections of this catalog for specific degree/major options and requirements.

Directed Study/Research Courses
With approval of the faculty advisor and the dean of the appropriate academic College, an Athens State University student may complete and apply a maximum of 6 semester hours of Directed Study/Research course work towards the requirements for a particular degree or major. Such directed study or research must be conducted in the student’s major area of study.

Distance Learning – Online Courses and Online Course Content
Athens State University offers a variety of courses and course content through Canvas, the University’s primary platform for delivery of online course content. The College of Business currently offers all of its majors online and many online courses are offered through the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should consult an advisor or counselor before registering for an online course to ensure that they meet both the academic and technology requirements for the online course. All courses offered in online formats meet the same requirements and quality standards as those offered in traditional classroom formats. All services of the University, such as library services, bookstore services and learning lab services, are available to both distance learning and traditional students through the University website, phone, or email.

All students enrolled in a least one regular course during any semester are automatically enrolled into a self-paced orientation course designed to familiarize students with Canvas. While completion of this non-credit course is completely voluntary, all students, particularly new students who may be unfamiliar with online course technology or who are less confident in their computer skills, are strongly encouraged to complete the course.

Final Grade Appeals
A student wishing to appeal a final grade must show clear and convincing evidence that:

The grade was assigned in error, or;
The faculty member did not assign the grade based on the grading policies and course requirements published in the course syllabus, or;
The faculty member made changes in grading policies or course requirements without due notice and explanation.

Students cannot use this appeal process to review final course grades that are the result of an academic penalty or sanction for an academic violation of the Student Code of Conduct. For additional details, see the policy document Final Grade Appeals.

General University Requirements for Graduation
Every student planning on completing an undergraduate degree/major program at Athens State University must satisfy all University requirements and meet all financial obligations before a degree is awarded.

To be eligible to receive an undergraduate degree, a student must:

Complete a minimum of 124 semester hours with at least 25 percent of the degree requirements earned at Athens State University.
Complete all of the general education and pre-professional courses (Areas I-V) required for the degree or major(s).
Complete all course requirements for the degree or major(s).
Complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of upper level (300-400 level) coursework in the major at Athens State University, not including courses taken by reciprocal or visiting arrangements. College or departmental regulations may require completion of more than 15 semester hours of coursework in the major at Athens State University. These degree-specific requirements are published in the appropriate degree/major section of the University catalog.
Attain a minimum institutional grade point average of 2.0 on all coursework attempted at Athens State University, and at least a 2.0 in the major field. College or departmental regulations may require grade point averages higher than 2.0. These degree-specific requirements are published in the appropriate degree/major section of the University catalog.
When applicable, complete all course requirements for a minor with a minimum of six (6) semester hours of upper-level coursework in the minor from Athens State University. College or departmental regulations may require completion of more than six (6) semester hours of coursework in the minor at Athens State University. These specific requirements are published in the appropriate Minors section of the University catalog.
Apply no more than 64 semester hours of non-traditional/non-graded college credit toward the degree.
Complete the requirements for teacher certification (when applicable).

Grades

(For additional details see the policy document Athens State University Grading System.) Grades of “A”, “B”, or “C” represent levels of accomplishment that indicate a student is performing satisfactorily. A grade of “D” is considered inferior and is the minimum level of accomplishment that will allow a student to continue study at the University if overall academic performance is satisfactory (see the policy Standards of Academic Performance). A grade of “F” or “FN” is unacceptable and may be assigned when a student either: fails to meet the minimum course requirements specified in the course syllabus or assigned by the instructor, or; voluntarily discontinues class attendance without officially withdrawing or never attends or engages in academic coursework without officially withdrawing.

A grade of “I” (incomplete) will be given only under extenuating circumstances, and only through consultation with and by written permission of the instructor. To obtain an incomplete in a course, a student must have completed at least 50% of the work required for the course. If an “I” is given, the time limit allotted for a student to complete the course requirements is at the discretion of the instructor, but will generally be no later than the end of the next semester. If the course requirements are not completed in the time frame allotted, the grade of “I” becomes an “F” unless the time limit is extended by the instructor.

A grade of “W” will be assigned only when a student officially withdraws from a course before the date of the first day of final exams as published in the academic schedule for the term of enrollment. See “Withdrawal from Courses” below or the policy document Withdrawal from Courses.

While grades of “AU” (audit), “GL” (guest learner), “IP” (in progress, used when grades are pending), “W”, and “WC” (withdrawn administratively due to a conduct violation) may appear on the Athens State transcript, these grades are not awarded quality points and are not used in calculating grade point averages (see below).

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA Categories
Several types of grade point averages may be calculated depending on the program or major a student is pursuing. GPAs appear on the Athens State transcript unless otherwise noted.

Transfer – calculated for all coursework completed at other postsecondary institutions. This GPA is calculated and used to determine eligibility for admission. See the policy document Transfer and Acceptance of Academic Credit for additional details.
Semester – calculated for all coursework completed at Athens State University in a particular semester or term.
Institutional – calculated for all coursework completed at Athens State University.
Program/major specific – calculated for specific coursework (e.g., courses required for teacher certification) in Colleges or departments that have special requirements in the program or major. This GPA is calculated and used only to determine eligibility or fulfillment of College or departmental requirements, and does not appear on the Athens State transcript.

Quality Points for Letter Grades

For each hour of credit in a course, quality points are awarded based on the letter grade earned for the course. Quality points are assigned as follows:

“A” – 4.0 Quality Points per semester hour
“B” – 3.0 Quality Points per semester hour
“C” – 2.0 Quality Points per semester hour
“D” – 1.0 Quality Point per semester hour
“F” – 0.0 Quality Points per semester hour
“FN” – 0.0 Quality Points per semester hour

The total number of quality points earned for a course is calculated by multiplying the quality point value for the letter grade earned by the number of semester hours the course was worth. For example, a student earning the grade of “A” in a 3-semester hour course would be awarded 12 quality points. A student earning the grade of “C” in a 4-semester hour course would be awarded 8 quality points.

Calculation of GPA
GPAs are calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of completed hours in the category. For example, a student that has completed 24 semester hours at Athens State and who has earned 81 quality points would have an institutional GPA of 3.38. GPAs are rounded to the second decimal place. A sample GPA calculation for a typical semester is seen below.

Course Hours	Grade Earned	Quality Points
3	A	12
3	B	9
3	D	3
1	B	3
2	C	4

Semester GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Completed Hours = 31/12 = 2.58

Graduation (Commencement) Application
To apply for graduation, students must complete the online Graduation Application form by the deadline published in the Important Dates for each semester. Students will not be able to apply for graduation until the first day of the semester. Students are also strongly encouraged to complete the Graduating Senior Exit Survey available online. Failure to notify the Office of the Registrar in a timely manner of the intent to graduate may result in a student’s graduation being postponed until the end of the subsequent semester. Commencement ceremonies are held at regularly scheduled times at the end of each semester as determined by the University.

Minors
Degree-seeking students can choose to complete coursework for one or more minors in addition to the coursework required for a degree/major. A minimum of six (6) semester hours of upper-level coursework in the minor must be completed at Athens State University. College or departmental regulations may require completion of more than six (6) semester hours of coursework in the minor at Athens State University. These specific requirements are published in the appropriate Minors section of the University catalog. To have completion of the minor(s) noted on the official transcript, all requirements for each minor being pursued must be completed, and additional minors must not have more than 6 semester hours of course requirements in common with any other minor. Students cannot receive credit for completing minors that clearly overlap any majors being completed; for example, a student majoring in Biology cannot receive credit for completion of a Biology minor.

Some degree programs require students to complete a minor (approved by the academic advisor) in addition to the coursework required for the degree/major. These degree and program specific requirements are published in the appropriate degree/major section of the University catalog.

Registration for Courses
Students may register for courses using MyAthens Self Service during periods prior to the beginning of each semester or term. The online registration periods are published in the Important Dates for each semester or term.

For a period following online registration periods as specified in the schedule for each semester or term, students may late register for courses, or courses may be dropped and other courses added, provided required payments are made. Veteran students receiving benefits or students receiving financial aid are strongly encouraged to confer with either the Veterans Affairs Advisor or the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to making any schedule changes.

Repeated Courses
Any course originally taken at Athens State University must be repeated at Athens State University for the repeated course to count towards program requirements. A course may be repeated three times. After which, the approval to retake the course will follow the same process as grade appeals. While the grades for all repeated courses remain on the Athens State transcript, only the highest course grade will be used in calculating the institutional undergraduate GPA and for determining fulfillment of program or major requirements or eligibility for honors. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor before repeating any courses.

Second Degrees

Undergraduate Students who Earned a Previous Undergraduate Degree at Athens State
Students must fulfill all current requirements for the new degree and major, and must take at least 25% of the requirements for the new degree and major at Athens State. In order to pursue a second degree after the conferral date of the first degree from Athens State, at least 25% of the course requirements for the new degree and major must be unique to the new degree and major, and must not be courses that are major, pre-professional, or general education courses for the first degree and major. If 25% of the course requirements are not unique, the student will not be eligible to receive the second degree/major.

Undergraduate Students Who Earned a Previous Undergraduate Degree at Another Institution
Students must fulfill all current requirements for the new degree and major, and must take at least 25% of the requirements for the new degree and major at Athens State.

In accordance with the University's Academic Honors and Awards policy, to be eligible for a degree with honor a student must have completed at least 31 undergraduate semester hours at the University, not including coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy. Degrees with honor are based on performance in all academic work completed at Athens State University, with the exception of any coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy. Honors awarded for a second degree are not retroactive to the first degree.

Concurrent Degrees

Undergraduate students who have not previously completed a baccalaureate degree can pursue two degrees (i.e., B.A. and B.S., or B.A. and B.S.Ed., or B.S. and B.S.Ed.) concurrently only if at least 25% of the requirements for one of the degrees are unique to that degree, and are not major, preprofessional, or general education courses for the other degree. In addition, the total hours for both degrees must be at least 155 hours. If 25% is not unique or a total of 155 hours cannot be identified for the two degrees, the student is not eligible to earn both degrees, and can only be awarded an additional major (see below).

If 25% is unique and a total of 155 hours can be identified, the student is eligible for and can be awarded both degrees simultaneously upon the completion of all requirements for both degrees and majors. Students wishing to pursue concurrent degrees must confer with their advisor(s), complete the appropriate forms to declare the concurrent degrees, and receive the necessary approvals as indicated by the forms before the concurrent degree declarations are added to the permanent academic record.

In accordance with the University’s Academic Honors and Awards policy, to be eligible for degrees with honor a student must have completed at least 31 undergraduate semester hours at the University, not including coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy. Degrees with honor are based on performance in all academic work completed at Athens State University, with the exception of any coursework excluded by course forgiveness or academic bankruptcy. Honors are not awarded separately for the concurrent degrees; if a student is eligible for honors based on all institutional coursework for both degrees, the honors awarded will be the same for both degrees.

Concurrent Double or Additional Majors

Double Majors
Undergraduate students can pursue two majors under the same degree concurrently only if at least 20 hours for one of the majors are unique to that major, and are not major, pre-professional, or general education courses for the other major. If at least 20 unique hours cannot be identified between the majors, then a double major is not possible or allowed.

Students wishing to pursue double majors must confer with their advisor(s), complete the appropriate forms to declare the double majors, and receive the necessary approvals as indicated by the forms before the double major declarations are added to the permanent academic record.

Additional Majors
Undergraduatestudents can pursue two majors under different degrees (concurrently only if at least 20 hours for one of the majors are unique to that major, and are not major, pre-professional, or general education courses for the other major. If at least 20 unique hours do not exist between the majors, then the additional major is not possible or allowed.

Students wishing to pursue additional majors must confer with their advisor(s), complete the appropriate forms to declare the additional major, and receive the necessary approvals as indicated by the forms before the additional major declarations are added to the permanent academic record.

According to federal regulations, a student is no longer eligible for grant aid once they meet the requirements for a first bachelor’s degree, even if the student does not receive the degree. Beyond meeting the requirements for a first bachelor’s degree the student may receive aid in the form of student loans if the student is seeking an additional degree (for example, first degree BA, second degree BS or BSED) or completing courses to meet state requirements for teacher certification or the student is completing a certification with a minimum of 24 semester hours. Recommended or optional courses for professional recognition or advancement do not qualify a student for aid.

Standards of Academic Performance
The University standards for satisfactory academic performance are designed to assist the student in meeting and maintaining a level of achievement that will assure reasonable progress toward graduation. As specified in the General University Requirements for Graduation, all students must maintain a minimum institutional grade point average of 2.0 for graduation; some College or departmental regulations may require grade point averages higher than 2.0 (see the appropriate College or departmental section of the catalog for additional details).

While academic performance at other institutions is considered for admission to the University, the academic status of an Athens State student is based only on the student’s performance in coursework taken at the University.

Categories for the academic status of a student are:

Good Standing – assigned to a student whose cumulative institutional GPA is 2.0 or above, and whose semester institutional GPA for any semester/term is 2.0 or above.
Academic Probation – assigned to a student whose semester institutional undergraduate GPA in a semester/term is below 2.0. This status will also be assigned to a student already on academic probation in a semester/term who earns a 2.0 undergraduate GPA or above in a subsequent term, but whose cumulative institutional GPA is still below 2.0. This status will also be assigned to a student who is admitted on probationary status from other institutions, or who is admitted to the University with a transfer GPA less than 2.0.
Academic Suspension, One Semester – assigned to a student already on academic probation in a semester/term and whose undergraduate GPA in the subsequent semester/term is below 2.0. Students seeking reinstatement to the University after serving a one-semester suspension must follow the procedure for reinstatement (see Reinstatement After Serving Suspension below). Students wishing to appeal the one-semester suspension must apply for appeal and receive approval of the Academic Suspension Appeal Committee (see Undergraduate Student Suspension Appeal below).
Academic Suspension, One Year - assigned to a student who has served an academic suspension, of one semester, and whose undergraduate GPA in the returning semester/term is below 2.0. Student seeking reinstatement to the University after serving a one-year suspension must follow the procedure for reinstatement (see Reinstatement After Serving Suspension below). Students wishing to appeal the one-year suspension must apply for appeal and receive approval of the Academic Suspension Appeal Committee (see Undergraduate Student Suspension Appeal below).

Reinstatement After Serving Suspension

An undergraduate student seeking reinstatement to the University after serving a suspension must:

Submit a completed Readmission Form to the Office of the Registrar if the student has not been enrolled for more than one semester (not including summer), AND
Schedule and complete a mandatory counseling session with the Student Success Center. Students will not be allowed to register until the counseling session is complete.

Undergraduate Student Suspension Appeal

All academic suspension appeals must use the standard Appeal of Suspension form available on the University website, must include all information and materials as specified on the form, and must be submitted to the recipient specified on the form. Submissions via email must originate from the student’s assigned Athens State student email account. The form must be submitted with any supporting materials before the first day of classes for the term in which the student wishes to re-enroll. Any student appealing academic suspension who fails to meet the deadline will be required to serve out the suspension. The Academic Suspension Appeal Committee’s decision on all appeals is final.

The transcripts for a student who has had suspension waived upon appeal will still note the student was suspended in the applicable term. In order to promote student success and provide intervention in cases of unsatisfactory academic performance, the University reserves the right to take appropriate steps for any student whose suspension is waived, including but not limited to: limiting the student’s course load, and/or requiring the completion or repeat of other specific courses.

Students receiving financial aid who have their aid suspended for failure to meet requirements for satisfactory academic progress must file a separate appeal with the Office of Student Financial Aid for consideration of reinstatement of aid. For additional details, see the Student Financial Aid section of this catalog or the Financial Aid section of the University website.

Students on academic probation or suspension cannot receive permission to take coursework from another institution. Credit earned at another institution may not be used to clear probation or suspension status at Athens State University. For additional details, see the policy document Standards of Academic Performance.

Student Classification

Freshman – A student who has earned less than 30 semester hours of credit; this classification may be appropriate for applicants or admitted students who have not sent all official transcripts to Athens State University.
Sophomore – A student who has earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit.
Junior – A student who has earned a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit.
Senior – A student who has earned a minimum of 90 semester hours of credit.
Non-degree Seeking – A student admitted in order to achieve a limited objective and who is not pursuing a degree. (See the Admissions section of this catalog for additional details.)

Testing/Assessment

Students seeking certification through the College of Education’s Teacher Education Program (TEP) must take and pass the appropriate PRAXIS II Content Area/Subject Area test(s) prior to clearance for Internship, as well as, the edTPA national assessment portfolio during Internship. For additional details, see the College of Education section of the catalog. In non-teacher education fields, each department and major require some form of exit assessment. The assessment may be a capstone experience, exit exam, or other method to assess whether students leaving the program have the necessary curricular attributes associated with the major, and also assesses the effectiveness of the curriculum within the major. This is an opportunity for self-reflection and synthesis, allowing the student to demonstrate integration of learning and academic growth. Assessment helps the institution meet student needs and ensure that teaching and learning are actually taking place. Assessment is continually under review to determine its value and effectiveness, and assessment methods are subject to change as determined appropriate for the institution. Any student having questions about assessment should contact the department chair of the academic department overseeing the major or program.

Withdrawal from Courses

A student may officially withdraw from an individual course before the date of the first day of final exams as published in the academic schedule for the semester or term of enrollment. A student who officially withdraws from a course after the late registration/change of schedule period but before the first day of final exams will be assigned a grade of “W” for the course and the grade will be entered on the Athens State transcript. A “W” grade will not be assigned after the withdrawal deadline.

Absence from a course does not constitute an official withdrawal. A student enrolled in a course that stops attending and does not officially withdraw will receive a grade of “F”. Under no circumstances will a grade of “W” be changed to a grade, or a final grade be changed to a “W.”

Students must process all official withdrawals using the procedure established by the Office of Admissions and published on the University website. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade for a course.

Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor before withdrawing from any courses. Special regulations pertain to students receiving veteran’s benefits or financial aid: those individuals must confer with the Veterans Affairs Advisor or the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to initiating a withdrawal action.

Military Withdrawal Policy

Students may request a withdrawal to fulfill a U.S. military obligation for active military duty service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including service in the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office and provide documentation of the call to service.

Students called to active military duty during an academic term may:

1. Request retroactive withdrawal to the beginning of the semester, with a full refund of tuition and fees.

2. If at least 75 percent of the term has been completed:

A. Request the faculty member assign a grade for the course based on the work completed. The final decision about grading is left to the faculty member.

B. Request an "I" and have a minimum of two weeks after returning to campus to complete the course.

Spouses of service members called to active duty

Spouses of service members called to active duty qualify for the same withdrawal options that apply to service members. Students should notify the Registrar’s Office and provide documentation of the call to service.