Academic Regulations and Procedures

The statement on Values and Moral Standards at Florida State University says: "The moral norm which guides conduct and informs policy at Florida State University is responsible freedom. Freedom is an important experience which the University, one of the freest of institutions, provides for all of its citizens – faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Freedom is responsibly exercised when it is directed by ethical standards." (Values and moral standards at Florida State University, see the "University Notices" chapter of this General Bulletin.)

The statement also addresses academic integrity: "The University aspires to excellence in its core activities of teaching, research, creative expression, and public service and is committed to the integrity of the academic process. The [Academic Honor Policy] is a specific manifestation of this commitment. Truthfulness in one's claims and representations and honesty in one's activities are essential in life and vocation, and the realization of truthfulness and honesty is an intrinsic part of the educational process." (Values and moral standards at Florida State University, see the "University Notices" chapter of this General Bulletin.

Guided by these principles, this Academic Honor Policy outlines the University's expectations for students' academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process. Further information about the Academic Honor Policy can be accessed at http://dof.fsu.edu/honorpolicy.htm.

FSU Academic Honor Pledge

Academic Honor Violations

Student Rights

Procedures for Resolving Cases

Sanctions

Appeals

Academic Honor Policy Committee

Amendment Procedures

Grievance Procedure

Grievance Procedure: Panama City Campus

The Office of the University Ombudsperson provides students of the University community an avenue for confidential exploration of decisions regarding academic issues. Once all other appropriate mechanisms have been exhausted, students may present their case to the University Ombudsperson. The ombudsperson is a neutral facilitator and will assist students with any academic problem or grievance that may arise during their interaction with the University. While he/she may be an instrument for change, the ombudsperson does not resolve issues by any direct use of authority or power, but rather requests a reexamination of the problem.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, or head of the academic department (or appropriate official) written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20202-4605

Students have the right to obtain a copy of Florida State University's student record policy. You can obtain a copy of the policy from the Office of the University Registrar, A3900 University Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2480.

The disclosure or publication of student information is governed by the policies of Florida State University and the State of Education within the framework of state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

The written consent of the student is required for the disclosure or publication of any information that is: (1) personally identifiable of the student and (2) a part of the educational record. Certain exceptions to that generality, both in types of information that can be disclosed and in access to that information, are allowed within the regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as described in the following paragraphs:

1. Subject to statutory conditions and limitations, prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of information in the educational record to (or for):
   1. Officials of the University with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility;
   2. Certain government agencies;
   3. Accrediting organizations;
   4. Certain financial aid matters;
   5. Certain research circumstances;
   6. Health and safety emergencies;
   7. A court pursuant to order or subpoena, so long as the student is notified in advance of the University's compliance; and
   8. As otherwise provided by law.
2. Subject to statutory conditions and limitations, prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of certain types of information for:
   1. Portions of the educational record for which the student has signed a waiver;
   2. Portions of the educational record that are exempted by law including records of law enforcement agencies of the University; employment records of the student within the University as long as the student's employment is predicated upon his or her status as a student; personal records of instructional, supervisory, or administrative personnel; and alumni records related to that student; and
   3. Records transmitted to another school or school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, since the University generally forwards these on request.
   Note:More specific information regarding such exempted information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the University Registrar, A3900 University Center. For the complete text of the applicable statutes refer to Section 1006.52, Florida Statutes, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and 34 C.F.R. 99.1, et seq. or write the U.S. Department of Education at 600 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.
3. Prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of portions of the educational record defined by the institution as "Directory Information," which may be released via official media of the University:
   1. Name, date, and place of birth;
   2. Local address;
   3. Permanent address;
   4. Telephone number (if listed);
   5. Classification;
   6. Major field of study;
   7. Participation in official University activities and sports;
   8. Weight and height of members of athletic teams;
   9. Dates of attendance at the University;
   10. Degrees, honors, and awards received;
   11. The most recently attended educational institution; and,
   12. Digitized photo (Florida State University Card).

Important: The information above, designated by the University as "Directory Information," may be released or published by the University without prior written consent of the student unless exception is made in writing by the student.

Request to Prevent Publication of Directory Information

Attendance at the first class meeting is mandatory unless properly excused by the class instructor. Students who do not attend the first class meeting of a course for which they are registered will be dropped from the course by the academic department that offers the course. This policy applies to all levels of courses and to all campuses and study centers. It remains the student's responsibility to verify course drops and check that fees are adjusted.

All students are expected to abide by the class attendance policy set forth by the instructor in each class in accordance with the Faculty Handbook. When possible, students also must provide advance notice of absences, as well as relevant documentation regarding absences, to the instructor as soon as possible following the illness or event that led to the absence. Any arrangement to make up work because of class absence is the responsibility of the student. The instructor, who will explain the evaluation (grading) statement at the beginning of the term, determines the effect of absences upon grades. A student reported for excessive absence in any course may be required by the academic dean to drop the course with the grade of "F".

Students must attend the section of the course for which they are registered. No instructor has the authority to permit a student to shift from one section of the course to another without following official drop/add procedures. No student may drop a course after the seventh week of classes without the permission of their academic dean.

The Director of Student Health Services does not issue excuses to students. A card indicating date and time of admission, discharge or treatment will be given to the student for presentation to the faculty member in a timely manner. Ultimately, the authority for deciding whether the student is excused for medical reasons rests with the instructor.

Students who are members of an intercollegiate team are required to attend all scheduled class meeting times or scheduled online activities associated with the course delivery. Absences due to illness, personal/family emergencies, or injury must be documented. Failure to adhere to the attendance policy may result in sanctions up to and including suspension from the athlete's sport for the remainder of the season. This policy includes required attendance and completion of all final examinations or evaluations for each class in which the athlete is registered. Student-athletes must remain in good academic standing in order to maintain eligibility during post-season games, the upcoming semester, and future competitive seasons. Arranging to make up work missed because of legitimate class absence is the responsibility of the student.

Within the University there are several categories of students that are expected to exhibit behavior that conforms to the group to which they belong. These units include, but are not limited to, ROTC cadets, academic honor societies, veterans, athletes, and nursing majors. Membership within these units implies that the student agrees to fulfill the obligations of the organization.

Religious Holy Days

Students are classified on the basis of semester hours earned as follows:

• Graduate, any student admitted to a graduate program, classification 5;
• Special Non-Degree Seeking without Baccalaureate Degree, classification 6;
• Special Non-Degree Seeking with Baccalaureate Degree, classification 7;
• Provisional, classification 8 (graduate students only);
• Transient, classification 9; and
• High School Students, classification 0.

Academic rules governing regular students (e.g., fees, drop/add, withdrawal, grading policies) also apply to special students with the following exceptions:

1. Special students may enroll for fewer than twelve semester hours (underload) without permission.
2. In place of the retention schedule system for regular students, special students in classification six must meet the following requirements: after attempting fifteen semester hours, undergraduate special students must have achieved and must maintain a 2.0 ("C") average in all courses attempted.
3. In place of the retention schedule system for regular students, special students in classification seven must meet the following requirements: after attempting twelve semester hours, graduate special students must have achieved and must maintain a 3.0 ("B") average in all courses attempted.
4. Failure to achieve or maintain the appropriate grade point average (GPA) will result in a loss of registration privilege.
5. Special students may register for any course or courses on an S/U basis. Special students selecting courses for enrichment or other reasons where grades are not essential are advised to register on an S/U basis or on an audit basis.

Consult the "Academic Regulations and Procedures" chapter of the Graduate Bulletin for policies relating to special student status at the graduate level.

Special students wishing to change to regular-student status must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions. Refer to the "Admissions" chapter of this General Bulletin for admission procedures and deadline dates.

Work taken as a special student carries no degree credit. Up to fifteen semester hours earned as a special student may be applied toward an undergraduate degree, with approval of the appropriate dean at the time of reclassification or later.

Recipients of stipends from the University, whether holders of fellowships or assistantships, must be full-time students. Special students are not required to obtain underload permission.

The University reserves the right to determine full-time status based on course and/or research load, and stage of degree completion.

The standard full-time load for graduate students not receiving a university assistantship or fellowship is twelve (12) credit hours per semester. Some departments may permit such students to enroll on a part-time basis. A student who wishes to register for fewer than twelve (12) credit hours per semester must have written approval from his/her academic dean prior to registration. For thesis-seeking master's students, after completion of the required coursework and six (6) credit hours of thesis, full-time master's students must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credit hours per semester (of which at least two (2) must be thesis hours) until completion of the degree. For full-time doctoral students, after completion of the preliminary exam and twenty-four (24) credit hours of dissertation, must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credit hours per semester (of which at least two (2) must be dissertation hours) until completion of the degree.

For graduate students receiving a university or externally-funded fellowship, twelve (12) credit hours per semester constitutes a full-time load. A student who wishes to register for fewer than twelve (12) credit hours per semester must have written approval from his/her academic dean prior to registration.

For graduate assistantship holders on a quarter-time or greater appointment, nine (9) credit hours per semester is defined as a full-time load. Academic deans may grant exceptions to this policy for teaching assistants in those departments which conform to national course load policies in their disciplines.

To receive financial aid, graduate students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours per semester.

To satisfy the Residence requirement, all doctoral students must be enrolled for twenty-four (24) credit hours during any single period of twelve (12) consecutive months.

The number of credit hours which a graduate student may carry without special permission is fifteen (15). A heavier load may be permitted by the student's academic dean.

Graduate-level courses may be modified downward in credit for a student by the student's academic dean.

Included in the calculation of student load are credit hours of graduate credit other than formal course work, e.g., credit hours in thesis or dissertation, in directed individual study, in supervised research, and in supervised teaching.

For federal immigration reporting requirements, international (F-1 or J-1) students meet the full course of study requirement with enrollment of a minimum of nine (9) credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, prior to completion of coursework. Departments may require additional enrollment, depending on department policy. After completion of required coursework, the standard university policy applies. An F-1 or J-1 student who wishes to reduce enrollment below the required levels must request authorization, in advance, from an international student advisor (see https://ic.fsu.edu).

A faculty member of Florida State University holding rank higher than that of instructor may not under any circumstances be a candidate for or receive a graduate degree from Florida State University.

Final examinations in undergraduate courses are discretionary within any given department, but all students, including graduating seniors and graduate students, enrolled in an undergraduate course having a final examination are required to take the examination. The scheduling of a final examination, or a test in lieu of a final examination, at any time other than the regularly scheduled final examination period, is a violation of University policy. A final examination may not be given during the examination period at a time other than that which appears online at http://registrar.fsu.edu.

Courses meeting every day at the same hour and classes meeting for more than one time period will hold examinations according to the time and day of the first scheduled class meeting of the week. For example, a class meeting for the first period on Tuesday and for the second period on Thursday will hold its examination at the exam time scheduled for the Tuesday first period.

Under special circumstances, exceptions to final examination policies for individual students will be given consideration by the academic dean of the college in which the course is taught.

Exceptions to the Examination Policy for an Individual Undergraduate Student. Approval by the academic dean of the school or college in which the course is taught is required for any change in examination time for an individual undergraduate student. The student must first receive written permission from the instructor if the instructor is willing to give a make-up examination at a specified time within the exam week. The student must then petition the dean, giving the reason for the requested exception, and supported by the instructor's written permission. The dean will then notify the instructor in writing if approval is granted.

Make-up examinations are permitted for an undergraduate student when justified by illness, conflicting examinations, four or more examinations in a 24-hour period, or for certain emergencies. Arrangements should be made prior to the scheduled exam.

In case of conflicting examinations, group examinations take precedence over examinations scheduled by class meeting time. In the case of conflicts that cannot otherwise be resolved, the course meeting earlier by day and time takes precedence over a course meeting later.

Note: The possibility of a conflict between final exam times exists, particularly for courses that meet in the evening or only once each week. It is the student's responsibility to identify if a conflict exists and immediately make special arrangements with the instructor to take the exam at an alternate time. Conflicts not recognized one month in advance of the scheduled exam must be resolved by using the established make-up time.

Exceptions to the Examination Policy for an Undergraduate Class. No instructor of an undergraduate course may give a final examination during the separate examination period at a time other than that which appears online at http://registrar.fsu.edu, unless the instructor has obtained prior approval from the Undergraduate Policy Committee. Such approval must be requested, in writing, at least three weeks prior to the scheduled final examination. To reschedule a final examination without such approval places the instructor in jeopardy of administrative reprimand by his or her dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Grade Point Average

With the permission of the major professor or chair of the student's major department, a student may enroll in as many as six (6) semester hours during the master's degree program or up to nine (9) semester hours during the doctoral program on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A student's registration in a course under the S/U option must be indicated on the proper form to the Office of the University Registrar from the major professor or chair of the student's major department. A student may change to a letter-grade (A, B, C) or S/U basis during the first seven weeks of the Fall/Spring semesters or, in the case of Summer terms, by the prorated deadlines published in the Summer Academic Calendar. Please note that some courses are offered for S/U grade only and are not available for a letter grade.

Semester hour restrictions as stated above on the S/U option do not apply to courses normally offered on the basis of the S/U grading system, including courses in the College of Law for students of other graduate programs. Such hours are exempt from the total stipulated as permissible in the preceding paragraph.

In individual study, thesis, dissertation, recital, supervised research, and internship credit, as well as for courses taken on the S/U option, the assigned grade will be "S" (satisfactory) or "U" (unsatisfactory). Although course hours with a grade of "S" will be credited toward a degree, the "S" and "U" grades are not used in determining grade averages for admission to candidacy or for conferral of a degree.

At the end of each term, a report of each student's grades is made available through Florida State University's campus.fsu.edu site.

Grades earned at another institution cannot be used to improve a grade point average or eliminate a quality point deficiency at Florida State University.

A student who is passing a course but has not completed all of the required work in the course at the end of the term may, in exceptional cases and with the permission of the instructor, be assigned a grade of "I." This may include excused absences from final examinations. Grades of "I" are not assigned to any courses if a student withdraws from the University. Unless the instructor notifies the Office of the University Registrar of an extension in time, an "I" or an "NG" not removed by the end of the next term in which the student is enrolled will be recorded as "IE" or "GE;" both "IE" and "GE" are computed as an "F" in the student's overall GPA. An "I" will be changed to a final grade at the time the student completes the required work. Students may not re-register for courses in which an incomplete grade ("I") or no grade ("NG") is pending. If they do so, the original "I" or "NG" will automatically be changed to "F." This "F" grade is not repeatable and is so indicated on the student's permanent record. A grade of "I" or "NG" in a course that is approved for "S" or "U" grades only that is not removed by the end of the next term in which the student is enrolled will automatically become "U," unless the instructor notifies the Office of the University Registrar that there is to be an extension of time.

Once a final grade in a course has been reported by the instructor to the Office of the University Registrar, it cannot be changed by the instructor except in cases of error in recording. A change in a grade may be made only by permission of the department head and the dean of the college.

The purpose of the grade appeals system is to afford an opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student to appeal a final course grade under certain circumstances. Faculty judgment of students' academic performance is inherent in the grading process and hence should not be overturned except when the student can show that the grade awarded represents a gross violation of the instructor's own specified evaluation (grading) statement and therefore was awarded in an arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory manner. The evaluation (grading) statement utilized during the grade appeals process is the one contained in the instructor's syllabus at the beginning of the semester. This system does not apply to preliminary or comprehensive exams or to thesis or dissertation defenses; these issues are reviewed by the Student Academic Relations Committee via the Dean of the Faculties.

1. Step 1. Within 30 calendar days following the date that final grades are made available to students, the student must contact the instructor in question to discuss the grade and attempt to resolve any differences. The student should document any attempts to contact the instructor in order to establish that the appeal was begun within this 30-day period. In the event that the instructor is not available, the student should provide that documentation to the instructor's program or department chair. It is expected that the student will first attempt to resolve the grade dispute with the instructor; however, either the student or the instructor may consult with the appropriate program or department chair during this process.
2. Step 2. If no resolution is reached within this 30-day period, after the student's documented attempt, the student has an additional 15 calendar days to submit a written statement to the program or department chair. This statement must include an account of attempts to resolve the issue, as well as the evidence that forms the basis for the appeal.
   Within 20 calendar days thereafter, the department or program chair will arrange for a meeting of a grade appeals screening committee composed of three students enrolled in the academic unit offering the course to review the appeal. Appropriate students who have no conflict of interest will be chosen to serve on this screening committee by a student organization associated with the program or department, if such an organization exists. If none exists or if members of such an organization are not available, the department or program chair will select appropriate students who have no conflict of interest. Both the student and the instructor may attend the meeting. The role of the screening committee is solely to determine whether the student has presented sufficient evidence to warrant further review. Within five calendar days after this meeting, the screening committee will render its decision in writing (recommend/do not recommend further review) to the program or department chair, the student, and the instructor. A negative decision will end the appeal. A positive decision will trigger the next step in the process.
3. Step 3. Within 20 calendar days of a positive decision from the grade appeals screening committee, the program or department chair will appoint and arrange for a meeting of a grade appeals board. This board is composed of three faculty members and two students other than those who served on the screening committee.

The purpose of this board is to determine whether or not to uphold the final grade assigned by the instructor. The board will consider only the evidence provided by the student and the instructor in making the determination. Both the student and the instructor may attend the meeting. The grade will be upheld unless the evidence shows that the grade was awarded in an arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory manner, as a result of a gross violation of the instructor's own evaluation (grading) statement. If the original grade is not upheld, the board will recommend that an alternative grade be assigned by the program or department chair. If the student has evidence that this grade appeals process has deviated substantially from these established procedures, resulting in a biased decision, the student may consult with the Dean of the Faculties regarding referral to the Student Academic Relations Committee.

Faculty Senate Committee on Student Academic Relations

The Faculty Senate Committee on Student Academic Relations hears appeals from students concerning decisions about their academic work which they believe to have been arrived at improperly or unprofessionally in departments, schools, or colleges. The committee comprises five faculty members (appointed annually by the Faculty Senate steering committee with the advice and consent of the Senate for staggered two-year terms) and two students, one undergraduate and one graduate (appointed annually by the University President). The committee elects its chair annually from the faculty representatives and reports its findings and recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students wishing to make appeals to the committee on student academic relations should consult the Office of the Dean of the Faculties. Appeals to this committee are made after all other available remedies have been exhausted.

Effective Fall 2004, Florida State University has discontinued the forgiveness policy for all students. Please refer to the 'Drop /Add or Change of Schedule' section in the "Office of The University Registrar" chapter of this General Bulletin for additional information.

The University reserves the right to exclude at any time a student whose conduct is deemed improper or prejudicial to the interest of the University community or whose academic performance is substandard.

A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average for courses taken at Florida State University falls below 3.0 at the end of a term (not counting courses for which "S" or "U" grades may be given) will be considered not in good standing by the University and will be placed on academic probation. If a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is not attained by the end of the next full term of enrollment, the student will not be permitted to register for graduate study, including registering as a special student. However, at that time the major professor may petition the academic dean for consideration of special circumstances that the professor thinks constitute justification for an exception to this regulation, but under no circumstances will a student be allowed more than one additional term of probation. Owing to the differential uses of the designation, "academic probation" shall not appear on permanent records of regular graduate students. After one probationary period, however, a student whose average falls within the probationary range will receive automatic dismissal. Statuses of "academic warning," "probation," or "reinstated from dismissal" do not specifically prohibit a student from participating in extracurricular activities unless otherwise specified by University policy, rules, or by-laws governing the activity or organization.

Please refer to the "Admissions" chapter in this General Bulletin for readmission policies for returning students.

All students who wish to leave the University during a term must formally withdraw. Dropping all classes does not constitute formal withdrawal. Students who do not attend classes and fail to withdraw will be assigned grades of "F" for each course. Withdrawals are initiated in the withdrawal services section of the Office of the Dean of Students in the University Center.

The statement "Withdrew from the University" will appear on the transcripts of students who properly withdraw within the first seven weeks of class. After that date, depending on the quality of work at the time of withdrawal, grades of "W" or "F" will be assigned by instructors and placed on the student's transcript with the withdrawal statement. Under documented exceptional circumstances (beyond the student's control), as determined by the appropriate academic dean, a student withdrawing from the University may receive "WD" grades in all courses taken that term.

Students who cancel their enrollment during the first five days of classes for a term are not held liable for tuition and registration fees. Those who have paid are eligible for a full refund. Students who withdraw after the first five days of classes but prior to the end of the fourth week of classes are eligible for a twenty-five percent (25%) refund of tuition and registration fees, less the building and capital improvement fees; this deadline is adjusted for shorter Summer terms. Students who withdraw after this deadline are fully liable for fees and are not eligible for a refund, except as provided in policies set forth by the State Board of Education and Florida State University. Students who receive Title IV funds and who decide to withdraw from the University may be required to repay some or all of the funds received.

A student wishing to reenter the University for the following two semesters after withdrawal must have the approval of their academic dean on the 'Application for Withdrawal and Reentry' form. For degree-seeking students wishing to reenter the University after two semesters, an application for readmission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions; special students must complete the original application process. Formal application must be made to the Office of Admissions by the published deadline. (Consult the "University Calendar" chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.)

International students who wish to withdraw must request and receive prior authorization from an International Center adviser. In addition, international students should submit the SEVIS Update Form, available at http://www.ic.fsu.edu/currentstudents/sevis.cfm.

For further information on refunds, see the 'Refunds of Fees' section in the "Financial Information" chapter of this General Bulletin.

Readmission after Multiple Withdrawals

Medical course drops are generally approved for unforeseeable illnesses or injuries that have interfered with the student's ability to complete specific course(s). Similarly, medical withdrawals (all courses dropped) may be approved for acute, severe illnesses, or injuries that incapacitate the student. Chronic conditions generally do not qualify unless the student has been stable for a sustained length of time and then experiences an unexpected change in health status. Students with chronic or recurring health problems should consult with their clinicians and carefully assess a realistic class schedule based on their condition and their likelihood of relapses. At the time this Bulletin went to press, these polices were under review and may be subject to change. For information regarding medical course drops and medical withdrawals contact Angelia Wood at 644-1624 or visit http://withdrawal.fsu.edu/medical.html

These guidelines apply to all student field placements, including internships, practicum experiences, and student teaching. The University has the authority to determine both the fitness of its students to be placed in field placements and the suitability of particular field placement sites. The academic judgment of qualified faculty, on issues relevant to the professional requirements of a given field, is critical to this process.

Students may either be denied a field placement or removed from a placement on the basis of the academic judgment of qualified faculty. Students have the right to be informed of the academic and non-academic requirements for obtaining a field placement early in their majors. They also have the right, except in emergency cases, to receive notice of their deficiencies and an opportunity to correct those deficiencies prior to a final decision. Students should consult the information provided by each specific college, department, or academic program of interest for more detailed information.

All current and prospective students of higher education in the state of Florida may access the FACTS (Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students) Web site. By logging on to http://www.facts.org you can perform a variety of tasks, including the following:

• View a map indicating the location of every participating college or university
• Search course catalogs from all public and many private Florida colleges and universities, as well as all state community colleges
• Apply to more than one university or college by entering in your data just one time
• Get questions answered about financial aid
• Plan your course of study and compare majors and degree requirements
• Get a copy of your unofficial transcript
• Investigate career options through your institution's career center
• Find out general information about every participating college or university in the program.

Students may be granted credit for supervised research and supervised teaching at the option of their department. A student may register for such activity more than one term, using the same numbers and, again at the option of the department, may count the hours in meeting residency requirements for the degree program. No more than three (3) semester hours of supervised research credit and three (3) semester hours of supervised teaching credit may be counted toward the master's degree. The limit for candidates for doctoral degrees is five (5) semester hours in each category.

Short courses are offerings that are not regular curricular offerings. Credit will not be given for any short course or for similar program in excess of the equivalent of one (1) credit hour for each week of the program, provided that each week contains the equivalent of fifteen (15) contact hours. In no case shall credit be given for any short course or institute or similar program having a duration of less than two full weeks.

A student registered for an individual study course must attend at least one conference a week on the campus. Directed individual studies are not permitted during an intersession period. The graduate-level directed individual study (DIS) is for S/U or letter-grade credit at the discretion of the department.

Admission to graduate study is contingent on approval by the department in which the student proposes to major. Therefore, an enrolled student is not free to change major departments at will. A change must have the approval of the chair of the department into which the student proposes to transfer and of the academic dean of that department. The appropriate signed documentation should be forwarded to the Office of the University Registrar.

Under certain circumstances students may wish to pursue degrees at Florida State University and another institution simultaneously. In all cases students in this situation must consult their Florida State University academic advisor and academic dean to request approval in advance. If approval is granted, students may enroll at Florida State University and another institution under the following conditions:

1. Students are responsible for complying with all rules, regulations and policies of both institutions, including but not limited to: admission standards, academic rules, residency, fees, graduation requirements, university, college and departmental deadlines, and student codes of conduct. Florida State University is under no obligation to waive or otherwise modify any polices, requirements, or deadlines to facilitate the student's enrollment at another institution.
2. Enrollment certification and degree verification issued by Florida State University will be based solely on current registration hours with Florida State University and any awards, honors or degrees posted by Florida State University. The University will not combine enrollment or degree verification with another institution.
3. Students receiving financial aid must designate one institution as the primary institution for financial distribution. The primary institution will be responsible for monitoring awards and delivery of aid. Florida State University will not combine enrollment hours with another institution for financial aid purposes.
4. Students who are planning to transfer courses to Florida State University should seek advising in advance of doing so. The University limits the number of transfer hours a student may bring in depending on the type of degree and program. Hours used to satisfy a previous degree, either at Florida State or another institution, cannot be counted toward the current degree the student is pursuing.

Note: Different conditions, rules and policies may apply in the event that Florida State University has an approved consortial or cooperative agreement with the second institution. Students should be aware that approval by Florida State University to pursue degrees at Florida State and another institution in no way binds the other institution to a similar approval. Students are encouraged to consult with the second institution about its policies before enrolling in any courses.