Academic Information and Regulations

http://www.ncat.edu/registrar/

Each student is responsible for staying informed of the academic regulations and requirements set forth in this Bulletin and for revisions of same as posted on campus bulletin boards or released in other official University publications. Failure to meet the requirements or comply with the regulations because of a lack of knowledge thereof does not excuse the student from meeting the academic regulations and requirements.

A student’s program of study must be approved by their advisor, their academic department chairperson or a member of the faculty in their major department at the time of registration. Advisors will endeavour to give effective guidance to students in academic matters and to refer students to those qualified to help them in other matters. However, the final responsibility for meeting all academic requirements for a selected program rests with the student.

Advanced Placement

North Carolina A&T State University participates in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) offered by the College Board to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions an official Student Score Report from the College Board for scores to be considered. North Carolina A&T State University awards college credit for qualifying AP examination scores as determined by the Director of Transfer Articulation, in consultation with the chairperson of the appropriate academic department. Acceptance of AP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. AP credit is not granted if the student has already received transfer credit for the course or earned credit for the course at North Carolina A&T State University.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) General Examination

North Carolina A&T State University participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered by the College Board to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions an official transcript from the College Board for scores to be considered. North Carolina A&T State

University awards college credit for qualifying CLEP examination scores as determined by the Director of Transfer Articulation, in consultation with the chairperson of the appropriate academic department. Acceptance of CLEP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. CLEP credit is not granted if the student has already received transfer credit for the course or earned credit for the course at North Carolina A&T State University.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

North Carolina A&T State University accepts the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions an official transcript from the International Baccalaureate Organization for scores to be considered. North Carolina A&T State University awards college credit for IB examination scores as determined by the Director of Transfer Articulation, in consultation with the chairperson of the appropriate academic department. Acceptance of IB tests and scores is subject to change without notice. IB credit is not granted if the student has already received transfer credit for the course or earned credit for the course at North Carolina A&T State University.

Students who receive the IB Diploma are granted college credit for scores of four (4) or higher on both higher level and standard level examinations. Students who do not receive the IB diploma are granted college credits for scores of five (5) or above on IB higher level examinations only.

Waiving Freshman Seminar (FRST 101)

The Freshman Seminar (FRST 101 ) requirement may be waived for students who transfer with at least 30 hours of transfer coursework.

Program of Study

Students should refer to the requirements of their academic department or college regarding their program of study and confer with their advisor whenever concerns arise. Students are expected to follow the program outlined as closely as possible. This is essential during the first two years when the student is satisfying basic degree requirements and prerequisites for advanced work.

Declaration of a Major

Most students declare a major when accepted into the university or during orientation. Those students who enter the university with an “undecided” major must declare a major before completing 45 semester hours. Students should contact the department of the intended major for information. Students will not be allowed to register for the next semester if a major is not declared.

Changing a Major

Students planning to change their major should do so prior to the start of the next registration period. This will allow time for the assignment of a new advisor and to receive proper advising in the department of the new major. The proper forms on which to apply for such a change can be obtained by emailing registration@ncat.edu. When such a transfer is made, students must satisfy the current academic requirements of the school/college and/or department to which the student is transferring.

Declaration of a Minor

Effective Fall 2010, students who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 2.00 may elect to declare a minor. Any student wishing to declare a minor should do so in consultation with their academic advisor in the major field of study prior to consultation with an advisor in the minor field of study. To declare a minor, a student must have the approval of the department chairperson and dean of the minor field of study as well as the department chair and dean of the major field of study. The declaration or change of a minor form must be completed and emailed to the Office of the Registrar by emailing regiatration@ncat.edu. An academic minor consists of at least 18 credits in an area apart from the major concentration of the student’s baccalaureate degree program; a minimum of 12 of the 18 minor credits must be in courses at the 200-level or above; and a student may have no more than two minors regardless of the student’s major. The minor will be printed on the official transcript, but not on the diploma.

Registration

Dates for advising and registration periods for each semester are published in the University’s Academic Calendar, which is on the university’s website. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with all advising, registration, add/drop and withdrawal periods.

All students are required to meet each semester with their academic advisor for assistance with course seelction and to obtain their registartion PIN.

Any student who is enrolled in the University during the registration period is expected to register for the next semester during the period designated for this purpose. All students, by registering for classes, assume the responsibility for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by all University regulations, rules, policies and procedures.

Official Registration

In order for a student to receive credit for a course, he or she must be properly registered in that course. This means that the student must have gone through the registration process as outlined by the University. The payment of tuition and fees is part of the registration process. No student is eligible to attend classes until all tuition and fees have been paid.

Late Registration

Students who register for classes during the late registration period, as published in the University Calendar, will be assessed a late registration fee of $50.00. This fee is not assessed to students who registered prior to the late registration period and who are making schedule adjustments.

Auditing a Course

Students who intend to register for a course for which they do not want credit may register as audit students. Students are not allowed to change from audit status to credit status, or from credit status to audit status, once the last day to drop/add has passed. Audit registration fees are the same as for credit. Audit students may participate in class activities, but are not required to prepare assignments, or take examinations and will not receive a grade or credit.

Class Cancellations

The University attempts to honor its commitment to provide the classes scheduled for a given term. However, at times, usually due to low enrollment, it may be necessary to cancel a class. In such cases every effort will be made to find an appropriate alternate class for the student.

Time to Degree Attainment

A baccalaureate degree at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of course work. Students who satisfactorily complete an average of 15 - 16 hours per semester can complete the degree in four years (8 semesters). Factors that may increase the length of time for an individual student to complete a degree include: (1) taking fewer than the hours advised or averaging fewer than 15-16 credit hours per semester; (2) changing majors frequently; (3) withdrawing from, failing, and repeating courses; (4) taking unnecessary courses; (5) adding a second major or a minor; (6) not meeting a pre-requisite mathematics requirement and (7) withdrawing from school.

Academic Course Load

For an undergraduate student, a full-time load is defined as 12 - 18 hours per semester or 6 - 7 hours in a five week summer term. Undergraduate students should take from 15 to 18 hours per semester to graduate in four years. To enroll in more than 18 hours in semester, or more than 7 hours in a five week summer term, students must obtain approval from the vice provost for undergraduate education.

Double Major

Students who desire to obtain a double major must file a double major form in the Office of the Registrar. Students who have double majors which involve two departments or two schools must satisfy the major requirements for each department or school. To graduate with a double major, students must complete requirements for both majors during the same semester or summer term.

Prerequisites

A course which is designated as a prerequisite to another course indicates that the prerequisite is required before taking the next course.

Credit may be granted to indicate acceptable performance in the prerequisite course content by successful completion of standardized tests under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or successfully passing an examination adopted or prepared by the department granting the credit.

Repetition of Courses

Undergraduate students who earn a grade of ‘C’ or higher are not permitted to repeat the course. Undergraduate students who do not earn the minimum grade, as designated in their approved curriculum guide, or as a prerequisite to a course required in their approved curriculum guide, may repeat that course.

During a student’s academic career at the University, a maximum of sixteen (16) credit hours may be repeated.

All grades earned will be recorded on the student’s permanent academic record. When students repeat a course, the higher grade will be included in the official grade point average calculations and in determining graduation eligibility. If the student earns the same grade twice, the most recent grade will be included.

All grades earned are used in the calculation for satisfactory academic progress and graduation honors.

Official course withdrawals are not counted toward the total maximum 16 credit hours of repeats.

Financial aid implications for repeated courses should be discussed with the Office of Financial Aid.

Course Credit by Examination

Credit may be earned by examination for any undergraduate course for which a suitable examination has been adopted or prepared by the department granting the credit. The student receives the grade “CE” and regular credit for the number of hours involved. However, the credit hours are excluded in computing the student’s grade point average.

Credit may also be granted for the successful completion of standardized tests under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) as approved for specific courses by University departments. There is no maximum amount of credit that a student may earn through CLEP, but a student must complete a minimum of three semesters as a full-time student in residence at the University. Fees NC for CLEP and other standardized examinations are determined externally, rather than by the University. These credits are treated as transfer credits. Questions about the program may be addressed to the Director of Transfer Articulation or the Director of Counseling Services.

Grading System

Effective for fall 2014, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has implemented a plus/minus grading system. If a prerequisite course requires a minimum grade of “C”, or if a minimum grade of “C” is a requirement in the student’s declared major, a grade of C- will not fullfil the requirement. Grades are assigned and recorded as follows:

Standards of Academic Standing

Effective for fall 2014, to continue at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in good academic standing, undergraduate students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00.

Failure to earn a minimum cumulative GPA 2.00 will automatically place the student on academic probation during the subsequent semester. (Note: The cumulative GPA earned at NC A&T SU is computed ONLY on the basis of coursework taken at NC A&T SU; grades earned on coursework transferred to NC A&T SU are not computed into the GPA at NC A&T SU, and therefore not used to determine academic standing.)

The University, on the recommendation of a student’s major academic department, reserves the right to deny enrollment to any student, even if the grade point average meets the minimum standards listed above, if it is apparent from the student’s academic record that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress toward meeting the required graduation requirements for their major.

Academic Warning

The continued academic progress of students toward earning a degree in their respective major is important to overall academic success. An academic warning is issued at the end of a semester in which a student fails to earn, as defined by the curriculum of the student’s major, a minimum of 67% of cumulative attempted and transferred hours. Students are expected to maintain an awareness of their academic standing and are responsible for knowing whether or not they are on academic warning.

Terms of Academic Warning

1. In consultation with their academic advisor or academic advising unit, students on Academic Warning must develop an academic plan of action to accelerate their academic progress toward degree completion. The academic advisor or academic advising unit will retain a copy of the revised academic plan, and provide copies of the plan to the student, the academic unit’s retention coordinator and the Office of Enrollment Management for information purposes and for monitoring compliance.
2. Students on academic warning will not be able to change their class schedule once it has been set by their advisor, without prior approval of their advisor.
3. Students on academic warning may be advised to enroll in the summer term to accelerate their academic progress toward degree completion. Students who are placed on academic warning and, as defined by the curriculum of the student’s major, fail to meet the minimum hours earned towards their declared major will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation

Students will be placed on academic probation if they fail to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of the semester or if they fail to meet the academic progression terms agreed upon in the written academic warning. Students are expected to be aware of their academic standing at all times and are responsible for knowing whether or not they are on academic probation.

Terms of Academic Probation:

1. Students on academic probation must earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA each subsequent semester to be eligible to continue to enroll until good academic standing is restored. In consultation with their academic advisor or academic advising unit, students on academic probation must develop an academic plan of action for each semester they are on academic probation. The student, the academic advisor, and the Office of Registrar will receive copies of the academic plan of action for information purposes and for monitoring compliance.
2. Students on academic probation shall be limited to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters. Students on academic probation may enroll in a maximum of 7 credit hours per session during summer school. Students who were placed on academic probation at the end of the spring semester may elect to attend one or more of the summer sessions. Students’ probationary standing will be removed, if they improve their cumulative GPA to 2.00 or above by completing coursework during a summer session. A student who completes coursework during a summer session and fails to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 will be placed on academic suspension.

Students are expected to be aware of their academic standing at all times and are responsible for knowing whether or not they are on academic probation.

Students on academic probation must consult with their academic advisor in choosing classes and credit hour loads.

Students who are placed on academic probation and, as defined by the curriculum of the student’s major, fail to meet the minimum hours earned towards their declared major or earn a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 will be placed on academic suspension.

Academic Suspension

Students who are on academic probation will be placed on academic suspension for one semester if they fail to meet the following academic expectations:

1. earn a 2.00 semester GPA, and
2. earn, as defined by the curriculum of the student’s major, a minimum of 67% of cumulative attempted and transferred hours.

Students placed on academic suspension are denied permission to enroll for the next regular fall or spring semester, whichever comes first. Any student who is placed on academic suspension at the end of the spring semester may elect to attend one or more of the summer sessions to remove academic deficiencies. Suspended students may enroll in the summer for a maximum of 7 credit hours per summer session. Students who elect this option must earn a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 during each summer session attended. Failure to earn a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher will result in academic dismissal.

After a one-semester academic suspension, students may apply for readmissions to the University and seek readmission approval by the student’s academic department and college/school. Changes of major must be supported by the student’s new academic department with approval shown on the change of major form. Students are advised to begin the readmission process/change of major with their academic department and college/school prior to the University’s posted readmission application deadline. Students who are readmitted to the University are placed on academic probation for at least one semester. In consultation with their academic advisor or academic advising unit, such students must develop an academic plan of action for each semester they are on academic probation after suspension. The academic advisor or academic advising unit will retain a copy of the revised academic action plan, and provide copies of the plan to the student, and the Office of Enrollment Management for information purposes and for monitoring compliance.

Suspended students wishing to appeal their academic suspension may appeal in writing to the Dean of their academic unit (for undecided students, the Director for the Center for Academic Excellence). Appeals must be submitted by the readmission deadline as published in the academic calendar. Academic suspension appeals are considered where circumstances beyond a student’s control have interfered with the student’s academic progress. An appeal of academic suspension should include: a) academic term of academic suspension for which the appeal is being made; b) an explanation of the circumstances that interfered with academic performance; c) supporting documentation of the circumstances that merit the appeal; d) how the circumstances that generated the poor academic performance have been resolved; and e) the student’s plans for ensuring satisfactory academic progress in the coming academic semester should the appeal be approved. Academic suspension appeals will be reviewed by the Dean’s Office (or, in the case of undecided students, the Director’s Office for the Center for Academic Excellence). Students will be notified of the decision of the appeal in writing. If an appeal of academic suspension is approved, the student will return on academic probation after suspension until the student achieves good academic standing.

An academically suspended student who has not been enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for at least two years (24 consecutive months) may be eligible for readmission under the “Two Year Readmission Policy” described below.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal will occur when a student returns after serving the one semester suspension, or a successful appeal of the academic suspension, and fails to achieve a minimum 2.00 semester GPA while on academic probation after suspension. Students who have been academically dismissed cannot enroll at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University until they have served a minimum of one (1) academic year dismissal. However, the student may appeal to be considered for readmission to the University. Appeals must be submitted by the readmission deadline as published in the academic calendar. Appeals are to be addressed to the Committee on Admission and Academic Retention in care of the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

1. Students must seek acceptance into an academic department in order to be readmitted after dismissal. If the academic department and major are different from the prior major, the student must complete a change of major form. Either the student’s current or new academic department must support the student’s appeal and readmission. Students are advised to begin the readmission process with their department and school or college prior to the University’s posted readmission deadline.
2. In consultation with their academic advisor or academic advising unit, students on probation after academic dismissal must develop an academic plan of action for each semester they are on probation. The academic advisor or academic advising unit will retain a copy of the revised academic plan, and provide copies of the plan to the student, and the Office of the Registrar for information purposes and for monitoring compliance.

Veterans and Persons Eligible for Veterans Benefits

Veterans will be certified annually unless otherwise specified (per academic year). Continued certification is based on meeting the university’s Academic Standards of Progress as well as the Veterans Administration guidelines. Certification for benefits is not automatic. Students must notify the Certifying Officer of their enrollment plans and the intent to use their benefits.

Quality Points

Quality points are computed by multiplying the number of semester hour credits by 4 for courses in which a grade of A is earned; by 3.7 for a grade of A-; by 3.3 for a grade of B+; by 3 for a grade of B; by 2.7 for a grade of B-; by 2.3 for a grade of C+; by 2 for a grade of C; by 1.7 for a grade of C-; by 1.3 for a grade of D+; or by 1 for a grade of D. Zero (0) quality points are given for a grade of F or U.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours included for quality points.

Course Number and Classification

The University uses the department prefix to designate all course offerings. The first digit indicates the classification level of the course. The numbering system is as follows:

100-199 - level courses are intended primarily for freshmen.
200-299 - level courses are intended primarily for sophomores.
300-399 - level courses are intended primarily for juniors.
400-499 - level courses are intended primarily for seniors.
600-699 - level courses are primarily intended for graduate students. Undergraduate students may take these with senior status and a minimum 3.25 GPA or above, or in special cases as part of an accelerated bachelors-master’s program.
700-799 - level courses are primarily intended for master’s students only.
800-899 - level courses are intended primarily for graduate students.
900-999 - level courses are intended primarily for doctoral students only.

Course Scheduling

To enhance the preparation of scheduling classes and the academic advisement process, each course section has a scheduling designation relative to the semester the course is offered. Fall Course Reference Numbers (CRN) begin with 1, Spring CRN’s begin with 2, and Summer first session, dual and Intersession CRN’s begin with 3, and Summer second session CRN’s begin with 4.

Classification of Students

Undergraduate students are classified on the basis of semester hours earned, excluding remedial and deficiency courses. The following classification scale applies to all students regardless of enrollment date:

Change of Grade

A change of grade is a change to an officially recorded grade. A request for a change of grade, except to correct clerical errors or to resolve an incomplete grade, must be made within one year following the date the original grade was assigned by the faculty member. The instructor who assigned the grade must initiate the change of grade process by submitting a Change of Grade form. The forms are available in the academic department. The change of grade must be approved by the academic department chairperson and the dean of the college. Please note: Students are not to ever be in possession of a Change of Grade form.

Grade Appeal

A student may appeal the final grade earned in a course. Initially, the student should attempt to resolve the matter informally through the instructor of the course, the department chair and/or dean of the academic unit in which the grade was assigned. If the matter is not resolved through this level of interaction, then the student should consult the individual school/college on its written grade appeal policy. A student wishing to pursue a written appeal of a grade must demonstrate a legitimate basis for the appeal. Grade appeals are final at the level of the school/college.

Changes in Class Schedule

A change in a student’s class schedule may be made during designated period for adding and/or dropping courses, with the consent of their academic advisor or department chairperson. No changes to a student’s class schedule will be made after the end of the designated period for adding and/or dropping courses.

The student must obtain the Change of Schedule Form from the Office of the Registrar. The student must complete the form and obtain their academic advisor’s signature. The form must be returned to the Office of the Registrar prior to the published deadline or emailed to registration@ncat.edu.

Withdrawal From an Individual Course

A student may withdraw from any course or courses by submitting a Change of Schedule form to the Office of the Registrar on or before the last day to withdraw from an individual course, as published in the Academic Calendar. Change of Schedule forms are available at the Office of the Registrar or may be requested via amail from registration@ncat.edu.

Students who withdraw from a course or courses on or before the last day to withdraw from an individual course are assigned a grade of “W”. Failure to attend class does not constitute a withdrawal from that course or courses. For withdrawals done beginning fall 2014, students are limited sixteen (16) credit hours during the student’s undergraduate academic career.

A student who does not officially withdraw from a course or courses will be assigned a final grade in each course in which he or she was enrolled during the semester in question. Withdrawing from a course or courses without extenuating circumstances may affect a student’s financial aid status, will count toward the tuition surcharge threshold, and may affect the student’s progress toward degree completion.

Students withdrawing from a course or courses with extenuating circumstances may affect a student’s financial aid status and may affect the student’s progress toward degree completion; however, the course or courses will not count in the tuition surcharge calculations. Extenuating circumstances may include military deployment, medical, psychological, unanticipated life events, or administrative reasons. Students seeking to withdraw from a course or courses do to extenuating circumstances must seek approval by completing the appropriate paperwork and providing appropriate documentation to the proper administrators specified in guidelines for course withdrawal for extenuating circumstances.

Students considering withdrawing from a courses or courses should consult their faculty advisor or academic unit advisor and the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Students cannot use a Change of Schedule form to withdraw from all of their classes or their remaining classes; in that instance, students must withdraw from the University.

Withdrawal From the University

Any student who is officially registered for classes and who wishes to withdraw from the University must complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar on or before the last day to withdraw from the university as published in the academic calendar.

Students who withdraw from the University prior to the published withdrawal deadline shall receive a “W” in all classes in which they were enrolled. Failure to attend classes does not constitute a withdrawal from the University. Students who do not officially withdraw from the University will be assigned the final grade earned in each course in which they were enrolled during the semester in question.

The Registrar will not process withdrawal applications by students who have a pending judicial charge. Pending judicial charges must be cleared before a student may officially withdraw from the University.

Withdrawal from the University may have significant academic and/or financial aid implications. Students are strongly encouraged to seek advisement by their academic advisor or academic unit and financial aid officer before completing the withdrawal process.

Students withdrawing from the University with extenuating circumstances may affect a student’s financial aid status and may affect a student’s progress toward degree; however, the course or courses will not count in the tuition surcharge and in the number of maximum attempts. Extenuating circumstances include serious medical and psychological difficulties and may include military deployment, unanticipated life events, or administrative reasons.

Retroactive Withdrawal From the University

A student who was unable to initiate the process for withdrawal from the University by the last day to withdraw as published in the academic calendar may request a retroactive withdrawal. Requests for a retroactive withdrawal shall be considered on a case-by-case basis, and shall be based on the following:

1. serious illness or documented medical condition;
2. death of an immediate family member;
3. involuntary call to active military duty;
4. documented change in conditions of employment;
5. newly documented learning disability;
6. other emergency circumstances, legal requirements, or extraordinary situations.

Written requests must be submitted prior to the end of the semester immediately following the semester for which the retroactive withdrawal is being requested.

Except under extraordinary circumstances or to comply with legal requirements, for retroactive withdrawals subsequent to the effective date of this policy, students are limited to one (1) retroactive withdrawal during their academic career.

Readmission of Former and Academically Suspended or Academically Dismissed Undergraduate Students

An undergraduate student who has not been enrolled for one or more semesters, or who is returning after academic or disciplinary suspension or academic dismissal must apply for readmission. Readmission applications, and the application processing fee, should be submitted no later than the deadline to apply for readmission as published in the academic calendar. A returning student should be aware that enrollment restrictions may be imposed at any time, which may affect his/her readmission.

A student who was eligible to continue at the time of leaving and who has a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 will be:

1. Considered for readmission upon approval of the student’s academic department and college/school as evidenced by submission of an approved Academic Plan of Action,
2. Placed on Academic Probation Status for at least one semester, and
3. Allowed, during the readmission process, to simultaneously seek and execute a change of major. The student’s new academic department must support such a change of major and the student’s readmission.

A student who was academically suspended will be:

1. Considered for readmission upon serving the conditions of the academic suspension and receiving approval from the student’s academic department and college/school as evidenced by submission of an Academic Plan of Action,
2. Placed on Academic Probation after Suspension Status for at least one semester,
3. Allowed, during the readmission process, to simultaneously seek and execute a change of major. The student’s new academic department must support such a change of major and the student’s readmission.

A student who was academically dismissed and wishes to get readmitted to the University may be considered for readmission to the University one of four ways:

1. Earn an associate’s degree: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Engineering (AE), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) from a regionally accredited institution. Not all earned credit hours may transfer.
2. Earn an Applied Associates Science (AAS), Associate of Applied Business (AAB), Associate of Applied Technology (AAT). Not all earned credit hours may transfer.
3. Do not enroll at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for 24 consecutive months. After that time, the student is eligible for readmission under the grade forgiveness policy.
4. Return to Summer School as a summer-only readmit in an attempt to raise the grade point average.

A returning student who left the University as an undeclared student may be accepted as an undeclared student with the approval of the Director of the Center for Academic Excellence. All other returning students must be accepted into an academic major degree program; the individual may not be readmitted as an undeclared student.

A former student whose attendance at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University was interrupted by the University for disciplinary reasons must also apply to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for approval to be readmitted. A returning student must be accepted into an academic major degree program; the individual may not be readmitted as an undeclared student.

Two Year Readmission and Forgiveness Policy

Under the Two Year Readmission and Forgiveness Policy, an undergraduate student who has not been enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for at least two (2) calendar years (24 consecutive months) may request that NCAT coursework in which a grade of F was earned and that is two calendar years or older be excluded from GPA calculations and in determining graduation eligibility. To be eligible for this policy, a student must meet all readmission requirements.

Applicants must submit the Application for Readmission and other required documentation, along with a letter requesting readmission under the Two-Year Readmission and Forgiveness Policy. This policy may be used only one-time for consideration in a readmission decision, and once used is irrevocable.

If readmitted under this policy, a student will be placed on academic probation status for at least one semester. A notation stating that the Two-Year Readmission and Forgiveness Policy has been applied will be added to the student’s transcript. All grades and courses remain on the student’s transcript. This policy will not alter the student’s original academic record. A student planning to continue his/her education at another college or university is cautioned that the receiving institution may use all grades earned when computing a GPA for admissions eligibility or for other purposes.

During the first semester in which a student is readmitted, the student is required to develop an academic plan of action in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and chair and includes a listing of all courses required for degree completion. The student’s advisor is responsible for distributing the plan to the student, the Chairperson of the academic department, the academic unit’s retention coordinator, and the Office of Enrollment Management for information and compliance monitoring.

Incompletes

Seniors cannot earn Incompletes.

Students are expected to complete all requirements of a particular course during the semester in which they are registered. However, if at the end of the semester a small portion of the work remains unfinished and should be deferred because of some serious circumstances beyond the control of the student, an “I” may be submitted. The student should not reregister for the course to remove the incomplete. Along with the recording of the incomplete grade, the instructor must also file with the chairperson of the academic department the student’s average grade and a written description of the work which must be completed before the incomplete is removed.

Procedure for the Removal of an Incomplete

The instructor must submit a Change of Grade within SIX WEEKS after the beginning of the next semester to remove the incomplete grade. If the incomplete grade is not removed within the time specified, the incomplete grade is automatically changed to an “F.” Developmental, thesis and research courses are exempted from the six week time limit.

Semester Examinations

A final examination will be required as a part of every course. An examination schedule showing the time and place of meeting of each course and section will be published each semester. Schedules so published will be followed without exception. Any changes in the examination schedule for a course section must be approved by the dean of the college/school.

Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List

Dean’s List: To encourage academic excellence, the University publishes a Dean’s List at the end of each fall and spring semester. A full-time undergraduate student, who has earned a minimum of 12 semester hours and whose semester GPA (grade point average) is 3.25 or higher shall be eligible for the Dean’s List for that semester. Students are not eligible for the Dean’s List in any semester in which they receive a grade of D or F. Dean’s List recognition shall be noted on the student’s permanent academic record.

Chancellor’s List: In order to recognize undergraduate degree-seeking students with outstanding records of academic performance, the University publishes a Chancellor’s List at the end of each fall and spring semester. To qualify for the Chancellor’s List during the fall or spring semester, a full-time student must earn a semester grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75 in 12 or more semester hours of credit.Students are not eligible for the Chancellor’s List in any semester in which they receive a grade of D or F. Chancellor’s List recognition appears on the student’s permanent academic record.

Class Attendance

The University is committed to the principle that regular and punctual class attendance is fundamental to the orderly acquisition of knowledge. Students should recognize the importance of regular and punctual class attendance and accept it as a personal responsibility. An absence, excused or unexcused, does not relieve the student of any course requirement.

Instructor’s Responsibility

1. Description of attendance requirements should be stated in the course syllabus and announced in class, particularly at the beginning of each term. If class attendance is to affect a student’s course grade, then a statement to that effect must be a part of the course syllabus distributed to each student.
2. Instructors will keep attendance records in all classes. Each instructor has the right to prescribe procedures as to how and when attendance will be taken.

Student’s Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all students to learn and comply with the requirements set by the instructor for each class in which they are registered. Students should:

1. have knowledge of each instructor’s attendance and monitoring practices for class absences during the term,
2. become familiar with all materials covered in each course during absences and makeup any work required by the instructor, and
3. initiate the request to make-up work on the first day of class attendance after the absence.

Make-Up of Required Course Work or Alternate Assignment

The administration, faculty and staff recognize that there are circumstances and events which require students to miss classes and any required course work which may be performed or due on the day of the absence. Also, they recognize that required course work is needed to give each student an adequate performance evaluation. Therefore, whenever reasonable (and more specifically described below), students should be allowed to make up required work.

Faculty have the right to assign participation in an event outside of their scheduled class time for a grade. However, if a student’s established campus schedule conflicts with the assigned extracurricular event, then the faculty member must provide an alternative assignment to the student when requested with proper evidence. Examples of such conflicts may include, but are not limited to, other registered classes, practice for sports or band, or ROTC event.

The following definitions will apply with respect to the make-up of missed course work:

1. Required course work - All work which will be used in the determination of final grades, e.g. examinations, announced quizzes, required papers and essays, required assignments.
2. Instructor - Person responsible for the course and providing instruction and evaluation.
3. Permissible reasons for requesting make up of required work - Sickness; death of relatives (immediate family); participation in approved University related activities; acting in the capacity of a representative of the University (band, choir, sports related travel, etc.); Conflict between a student’s established campus schedule; and extraordinary circumstances (court appearance, family emergency, etc.). NOTE: Other reasons for requesting make up of required course work are not acceptable.
4. Documentation - Verification of sickness requires a signed statement of a physician or a duly authorized staff member of the Student Health Center. Verification of death requires a signed statement from the Minister or Funeral Director. Verification of participation in University related activities requires a signed statement from the appropriate University official. Verification of other reasonable circumstances; for example, court appearance, family emergency, etc. requires a signed statement from an appropriate official (e.g., Court Official, parent or guardian, etc.).

The make-up of required course work is as follows:

1. A student may petition an instructor to make up required course work whenever the student has a permissible reason for requesting make up of required course work.
2. A student will be required to present documentation, which certifies absence constituting a permissible reason.
3. Whenever possible, a student should consult with the instructor prior to an absence which will involve the failure to do required course work. Arrangements for make up should be discussed and agreed upon at this time.
4. A student must petition for make up of required course work on the first day that they return to class.
5. If permission is granted to make up required course work, the instructor and the student should agree on an acceptable date for completion of missed required course work.
6. Failure to comply with the item #4 may result in denial to make up required course work.

Instructors should schedule make up work at a time that is convenient to both the instructor and the student.

General Requirements for Graduation

A candidate for a degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

1. Choose a specific curriculum leading to a degree in one of the schools/colleges and complete the requirements of this curriculum;
2. Earn a minimum of 120 semester hours, excluding deficiency courses and remedial work for the Bachelor’s degree;
3. Complete all of the general education requirements of the University for the Bachelor’s degree. Please see General Education Requirements of the University for a complete listing of the general education requirements;
4. Earn a final cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
5. Earn a final grade point average of 2.0 or higher for all courses in the major field of study.
6. Earn at least 30 of the last 45 credit hours for the degree from A&T courses. Exceptions may be made upon the recommendation of the chairperson of the student’s major department with the approval of the school/college dean. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 25% of the required degree coursework at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to graduate from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with that degree.
7. Clear all academic conditions by the end of the semester preceding graduation.
8. Pay all University bills and fees; and submit an application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar prior to the established deadline, as published in the University Calendar.
9. Submit an application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar prior to the established deadline, as published in the Academic Calendar.

Graduating With Honors

Undergraduate degree candidates who complete all requirements for graduation in accordance with the following stipulations earn the following honors: (1) those students who maintain an adjusted GPA between 3.25 and 3.49 will receive recognition as CUM LAUDE, (2) those students who maintain an adjusted GPA between 3.50 and 3.74 will receive recognition as MAGNA CUM LAUDE, and (3) those students who maintain an adjusted between 3.75 and 4.00 will receive recognition as SUMMA CUM LAUDE.

All course hours attempted, excluding W (withdrawal grades), are included in the adjusted grade point average computation for honors. For example, if a course was repeated, both grades are used in the adjusted grade point average computation.

Undergraduate students must earn at least 48 semester hours of resident credit at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to qualify for graduation honor designations. Publication of honors is made at commencement.

Commencement Participation

Two commencement programs are scheduled each year, one in December for fall and summer graduates and one in May for spring graduates. Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible to participate in commencement:

• Have completed degree requirements the semester prior to the upcoming commencement ceremony for which they plan to participate; or
• Be enrolled in the final courses and/or academic activity necessary to complete degree requirements in the semester for which they plan to participate in the respective commencement.

In either scenario, all students must submit an application for graduation to the Registrar’s Office prior to the commencement deadline for either May or December. The student must be “cleared” by the Registrar’s Office to be approved to participate in the commencement activities.

Students who will complete degree requirements during the summer semester(s) will NOT be eligible to participate in the preceding May commencement activities. However, they will be eligible to participate in either the following December or May commencement provided they meet the respective requirements as stated above.

Effective Bulletin for Graduation

The University Bulletin is the official document that describes the policies, academic programs and requirements for students attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies and requirements that affect them. A student’s effective bulletin for graduation requirements is the bulletin in effect when the student first entered the University. This is provided that the courses are being offered. Moreover, the student must complete these requirements within six years. In addition, students may graduate under a bulletin published while they are a student. If a student elects to meet the requirements of a bulletin other than the one in force at the time of original admission, the student must meet all requirements of that bulletin.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who has received a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University or another regionally-accredited college or university may enroll in a program leading to a second degree at the same level providing (1) the major field is different from that of the first degree and (2) the appropriate application for admission or re-admission is submitted and approved.

The University will accept no more than 90 hours of undergraduate credits from previous regionally-accredited four-year institutions or approved international institutions.

Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree and received the first degree must (1) complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours beyond those applied to the first or previous degree, excluding transfer credits or substitutions and dependent upon departmental requirements, (2) be in residence for a minimum of two (2) semesters as a full-time student if the first or previous degree was not earned at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and (3) achieve a cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.0 for all hours attempted for the degree.

Grades

Final course Grades are available at the end of each semester on Aggie Access On-line. Students can view and print copies of their final grades on Aggie Access On-line.

Privacy of Student Records

It is the policy of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (the University) that students be accorded the full legal rights provided them under FERPA. FERPA provides each student with the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student’s education records.
2. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation the student’s privacy rights.
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that federal law authorizes disclosure without consent; and
4. File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with federal law.

The Student’s Right to Inspect Their Education Records

1. A student has the right to inspect and review his or her education records.
2. A student who wishes to inspect their education records must file a written request for inspection with the Office of the Registrar.

The Student’s Right to Seek Correction or Amendment of Their Education Records.

A student who believes that information contained in their education records is inaccurate or misleading or violates their privacy rights may discuss these concerns with the person who maintains the record in question (records custodian). If the records custodian agrees with the student, the record will be amended. If the records custodian does not agree with the student, the records custodian will notify the student of their right to a formal hearing. This section does not apply to grade disputes, which should be addressed according to the procedures provided in the grade appeal procedures of the relevant College or the Graduate Student Appeals policy.

Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information from a Student’s Education Records.

1. With certain exceptions, listed in Subsection C, the University will not disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without the student’s prior written consent.
2. The University must use reasonable methods to identify and authenticate the identity of parents, students, school officials, and any other parties to whom the University discloses personally identifiable information from education records.
3. With the exception of requests from or disclosures to (1) the student; (2) a party with written consent from the student; (3) a school official pursuant to Section V.C.1; (4) a party seeking directory information pursuant to Section V.C.6; or (5) a party seeking or receiving records in accordance with Section V.C.9 where the conditions in 34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a)(9)(ii)(A)-(C) are met, the Office of the Registrar will maintain a record of each request for access to and each disclosure of education records, as well as the names of State and local educational authorities and federal officials and agencies referenced in Section V.C.3.

Limit to FERPA Protection of Education Records

1. FERPA’s protection of personally identifiable information in a student’s education records ends at the time of a student’s death. Unless information is presented to the contrary, it can be presumed that a student is deceased 75 years after the student’s education records were created. Thereafter the student’s records will be open.
2. Neither the foregoing policy concerning the duration of FERPA protection to education records that are in existence nor any other part of these policies and procedures places any obligation the University to maintain specific education records for which there is no pending student request to insect or to amend.

“Directory information” includes: First and last name, major field of study, classification, dates of attendance, enrollment status, degrees and awards received, anticipated date off graduation. Public Law 93-380 further provides that any student may, upon written request, restrict the printing of such personal information relating to themselves as is usually included in campus directories. A student who desires to have “directory information” withheld must submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the add/drop period for the semester in which they are enrolled.

Access to Student Records

1. The policy for the administration of student academic records is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.
2. Students have the right to inspect and review any and all official records, files, and data directly related to them.
3. Students who believe that their record contains inaccurate or misleading information shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record, to assure that the record is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy or rights, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein or include the student’s own statement of explanation.
4. The University will comply with requests for records within a reasonable period of time and not later than (30) days after the request is received.
5. The release of academic records requires the written permission of the student, except as provided by Public Law 93-380. Transcripts are not issued to a student who has not met his or her financial obligations to the University.
6. Copies of the “University’s Statement” concerning access to student records are available in the Office of the Registrar as well as the office of each school dean and department chairperson.

Change of Name and Address

It is the responsibility of every student to maintain current legal name and current address with the University. Failure to do so can result in a delay in the handling of the student’s records and in sending official University notifications to the student’s home. To change a name a student must have and present a legal court document.

Transcripts of Records

The Office of the Registrar provides official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate students. Students needing an official transcript should order it from www.getmytranscript.com. Use the “As Is” option. This will ensure that your transcript will send within 20 minutes after ordering. The “After Degree” option will hold the processing of transcripts until the current semester of all students are awarded. In the order confirmation email you will receive a tracking link. You will be able to pay online using a credit card, track your order online, and receive email updates. Your card will not be charged until after your order has been completed. Transcript requests (official or unofficial) are not processed for any current or former student with an obligation to the University, such as unpaid fees, overdue loans, library books, audiovisual equipment, or whose admission records are not complete.
Self-service unofficial transcripts may be obtained via Aggie Access On-Line (http://www.ncat.edu).

Indebtedness to the University

No diploma, certificate, or transcript of a student’s academic record will be issued to a student who has not made a satisfactory settlement with the cashier for all indebtedness to the University. A student may not be permitted to attend classes or final examinations after the due date of any unpaid obligation.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is committed to academic integrity and honesty for all students. Examples of Academic Dishonesty include but are not limited to:

• Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of academic dishonesty;
• Plagiarism (unauthorized use of another person’s words or ideas as one’s own) which includes but is not limited to submitting examinations, theses, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other materials as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by another person or copied from another person.
• Unauthorized possession of examinations or reserve library materials, destruction or hiding of source materials, library materials, or laboratory materials or experiments or any other similar action;
• Unauthorized changing of grades or marking on an examination or in an instructor’s grade book, or such change of any grade record;
• Aiding or abetting in the infraction of any of the provisions anticipated under the general standards of student conduct; or
• Assisting another student in violating any of the above rules.

A student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty has failed to meet a basic requirement of satisfactory academic performance. Thus, academic dishonesty is not only a basis for disciplinary action but may also affect the evaluation of the student’s level of performance. Any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action as defined below.

In instances where a student has clearly been identified as having committed an academic act of dishonesty, the instructor may take appropriate punitive action including a loss of credit for an assignment, an examination or project, or award a grade of “F” for the course subject to the review and endorsement of the chairperson and the dean. Repeated offenses can even lead to dismissal from the University.

Student Appeals of Academic Dishonesty

A student who feels that he or she has been unfairly treated as a result of an academic dishonesty matter may appeal the action in writing to the University Judicial Tribunal. The written notice of appeal must be submitted within one week (seven calendar days) of the date of the incident. The student should refer to the section on Appellate Procedures in the Student Handbook.

Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom

(UNC-GA Policies for Students-Adopted by BOG October 26, 1970)

The instructor may withdraw a student from a course for behavior he deems to be disruptive to the class. The grade assigned will be “W” if the behavior occurs before the deadline for dropping a course without academic penalty, and the instructor has the option of giving a “W” or a “F” if the behavior occurs after the deadline.

I. Binding Procedures for Instructors

The instructor must provide an opportunity for the student to be heard. In providing this opportunity, the instructor must follow the procedure described below:

1. The student should be notified in writing at the next class attended that the instructor proposes to drop the student from the course for disruption of the class, and the instructor should provide the student with written instructions regarding the time and place for a meeting with the instructor. A copy of this written notification must be sent to the instructor’s department head at the same time.
2. A time limit of five working days (M-F) from the time written notification is given for the student’s opportunity to be heard by the instructor.
3. The date of notification establishes whether the withdrawn student will be given a “W” or “F.” “W” is appropriate before the published withdrawal deadline and either “W” or “F” is appropriate after that date, at the instructor’s discretion.
4. The instructor may suspend the student from class until the instructor takes final action to withdraw the student from class or to allow the student to continue in the class. The final decision to withdraw or continue the student is the instructor’s.
5. Either party in the resolution of this dispute may invite one other person of the university community to be present as an observer.

II. Students’ Right to Appeal

If the student wishes to appeal the instructor’s decision to withdraw the student from class, they should follow the academic appeal procedures outlined in the section on grading in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Consortium Study Agreement

The Greater Greensboro Consortium is a program designed to expand the course options available to degree seeking students from Bennett College, Elon University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, High Point University, North Carolina A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).

North Carolina A&T students who wish to enroll in courses at one or more of the above named institutions may obtain the necessary forms from the Office of the Registrar. Approval of the department chairperson and the Office of the Registrar is required. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s equivalent course must be listed on the consortium form for each course to be taken at the host institution. The student will then take the appropriate copies of the form to the host institution and adhere to their registration time line and course restrictions. Students who make changes in their schedules must follow the drop/add procedure at the host institution. Students from other institutions who wish to enroll at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University should provide the approval forms to the Office of the Registrar beginning on the date posted on the academic calendar for that corresponding semester.

Key Points for NC A&T Students to Remember:

1. You must be enrolled in more hours at NC A&T SU than the host institution.
2. All consortium credits apply towards your enrollment at NC A&T SU. This means the coursework effects your GPA and credits earned.
3. The Consortium Agreement operates the fall and spring semester for Bennett College, Elon University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, GTCC, High Point University and UNCG*. The summer sessions are with UNCG ONLY.
4. All rules, regulations and dead-lines apply at the host institution.

Students from other institutions who wish to enroll at A&T should provide the approval forms to the Office of the Registrar during registration.

Directions for Students Taking Consortium Classes at the Host Institution.

1. Obtain a Consortium Form from the Office of the Registrar.
2. Obtain the signature of your academic chairperson on the consortium form.
3. The form should also contain the equivalent course number at NC A&T SU to be added to the students’ schedule. Your form will not be signed without the equivalent course listed.
4. Bring the completed form to the Office of the Registrar for the signature of the Registrar. (Please Note: Your bill must be validated to receive the Registrar’s signature)
5. Take 3 copies (yellow, pink and golden) of the approved form to the Office of the Registrar at the host campus during their add drop period.
6. If you are unable to register for the course, you must notify the Office of the Registrar at NC A&T SU.
7. If you drop a consortium course, you must adhere to the host institutions drop/add policy. You must also notify the Office of the Registrar at NC A&T SU.

Cell Phone Use

The use of cell phones inside the classroom during the classroom period is prohibited. Please be advised that sending or receiving text messages, placing or receiving calls as well as conversing on cell phones during the conduct of a class shall be considered as disruptive behavior for students and unprofessional behavior for faculty and staff.