Florida State University Graduate Bulletin 2007-2009

Academic Regulations and Procedures

Academic Honor Policy

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 retrieved from the current General Bulletin located at http://registrar.fsu.edu/.)

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 retrieved from the current General Bulletin located at http://registrar.fsu.edu/.)

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.

Note: Information regarding the Academic Honor Policy may also be accessed online at http://dof.fsu.edu/honorpolicy.htm.

FSU Academic Honor Pledge

I affirm my commitment to the concept of responsible freedom. I will be honest and truthful and will strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University. I will abide by the Academic Honor Policy at all times.

Academic Honor Violations

Note: Instructors are responsible for reinforcing the importance of the Academic Honor Policy in their courses and for clarifying their expectations regarding collaboration and multiple submission of academic work. Examples have been provided for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

  1. Plagiarism. Intentionally presenting the work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper acknowledgement of the source). Typical examples include: Using another's work from print, Web, or other sources without acknowledging the source; quoting from a source without citation; using facts, figures, graphs, charts or information without acknowledgement of the source.
  2. Cheating. Improper application of any information or material that is used in evaluating academic work. Typical examples include: Copying from another student's paper or receiving unauthorized assistance during a quiz, test or examination; using books, notes, or other devices (e.g., calculators, cell phones, or computers) when these are not authorized; procuring without authorization a copy of or information about an examination before the scheduled exercise; unauthorized collaboration on exams.
  3. Unauthorized Group Work. Unauthorized collaborating with others. Typical examples include: Working with another person or persons on any activity that is intended to be individual work, where such collaboration has not been specifically authorized by the instructor.
  4. Fabrication, Falsification, and Misrepresentation. Intentional and unauthorized altering or inventing of any information or citation that is used in assessing academic work. Typical examples include: Inventing or counterfeiting data or information; falsely citing the source of information; altering the record of or reporting false information about practicum or clinical experiences; altering grade reports or other academic records; submitting a false excuse for absence or tardiness in a scheduled academic exercise; lying to an instructor to increase a grade.
  5. Multiple Submission. Submitting the same academic work (including oral presentations) for credit more than once without instructor permission. It is each instructor's responsibility to make expectations regarding incorporation of existing academic work into new assignments clear to the student in writing by the time assignments are given. Typical examples include: Submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without instructor permission; making minor revisions in a credited paper or report (including oral presentations) and submitting it again as if it were new work.
  6. Abuse of Academic Materials. Intentionally damaging, destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource material. Typical examples include: Stealing or destroying library or reference materials needed for common academic purposes; hiding resource materials so others may not use them; destroying computer programs or files needed in academic work; stealing, altering, or intentionally damaging another student's notes or laboratory experiments. (This refers only to abuse as related to an academic issue.)
  7. Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally helping another to commit an act of academic dishonesty. Typical examples include: Knowingly allowing another to copy from one's paper during an examination or test; distributing test questions or substantive information about the material to be tested before a scheduled exercise; deliberately furnishing false information.
  8. Attempting to commit any offense as outlined above.

Student Rights

Students have the following important due process rights, which may have an impact on the appellate process:

  1. To be informed of all alleged violation(s), receive the complaint in writing (except in a Step 1 agreement, described in the Procedures Section, where the signed agreement serves as notice), and be given access to all relevant materials pertaining to the case
  2. To receive an impartial hearing in a timely manner where they will be given a full opportunity to present information pertaining to the case.

Students are also accorded the following prerogatives:

  1. When possible, to discuss the allegations with the instructor
  2. Privacy, confidentiality, and personal security
  3. To be assisted by an adviser who may accompany the student throughout the process but may not speak on the student's behalf
  4. To choose not to answer any question that might be incriminating
  5. To contest the sanctions of a first-level agreement and to appeal both the decision and sanctions of an Academic Honor Hearing

The student has the right to continue in the course in question during the entire process. Once a student has received notice that he/she is being charged with an alleged violation of the Academic Honor Policy, the student is not permitted to withdraw or drop the course unless the final outcome of the process dictates that no academic penalty will be imposed. Should no final determination be made before the end of the term, the grade of "Incomplete" will be assigned until a decision is made.

Students should contact the Dean of Students Department for further information regarding their rights.

Procedures for Resolving Cases

  Step 1. Throughout the Step 1 process, the instructor has the responsibility to address academic honor allegations in a timely manner, and the student has the responsibility to respond to those allegations in a timely manner. For assistance with the Academic Honor Policy, students should consult the Dean of Students Department and instructors should consult the Office of the Dean of the Faculties.

  If a student observes a violation of the Academic Honor Policy, he or she should report the incident to the instructor of the course. When an instructor believes that a student has violated the Academic Honor Policy in one of the instructor's classes, the instructor must first contact the Office of the Dean of the Faculties to report the alleged violation to determine whether to proceed with a Step 1 agreement. The instructor must also inform the department chair or dean. (Teaching assistants must seek guidance from their supervising faculty member.) However, faculty members or others who do not have administrative authority for enforcing the Academic Integrity Policy should not be informed of the allegation, unless they have established a legitimate need to know. If pursuing a Step 1 agreement is determined to be possible, the instructor shall discuss the evidence of academic dishonesty with the student and explore the possibility of a Step 1 agreement. Four possible outcomes of this discussion may occur:

  1. If the charge appears unsubstantiated, the instructor will drop the charge, and all documents created in investigating the allegation will be destroyed. The instructor should make this decision using the "preponderance of the evidence" standard and should inform the Office of the Dean of the Faculties.
  2. The student may accept responsibility for the violation and accept the academic sanction proposed by the instructor. In this case, any agreement involving an academic penalty must be put in writing and signed by both parties on the "Academic Honor Policy Step 1 Agreement" form, which must then be sent to the Dean of Students Department. This agreement becomes a confidential student record of academic dishonesty and will be removed from the student's file five years from the date of the final decision in the case.
  3. The student may accept the responsibility for the violation, but contest the proposed academic sanction. In this circumstance, the student must submit the "Academic Honor Policy Referral to Contest Sanction" form along with supporting documentation to the Office of the Dean of the Faculties. The Dean of the Faculties (or designee) will review the submitted documentation to determine whether the instructor has imposed a sanction that is disproportionate to the offense. The Dean of the Faculties may affirm or modify the sanction as appropriate. The decision that results from this review is final.
  4. The student may deny responsibility. In this circumstance, the instructor submits the "Academic Honor Policy Hearing Referral" form along with supporting documentation to the Dean of the Faculties Office for an Academic Honor Policy Hearing. The student is issued a letter detailing the charges within ten class days of the receipt of the referral, and the schedule for the hearing will be set as soon as possible and within 90 days from the date of the letter. These timelines may be modified in unusual circumstances. Unless all parties agree, the hearing will not be held any sooner than 7 class days from the student's receipt of the charge letter. The process then proceeds to Step 2.

  If the student is found to have a prior record of academic dishonesty or the serious nature of the allegations merits a formal hearing, the instructor must refer the matter to Step 2 for an Academic Honor Policy Hearing by submitting the "Academic Honor Policy Hearing Referral" form to the Office of the Dean of the Faculties.

  Step 2. Academic Honor Policy Hearing. A panel consisting of five members shall hear the case. The panel shall include: one faculty member appointed by the dean from the unit in which the course is taught; one faculty member appointed by the Dean of the Faculties who is not from that unit; and two students appointed through procedures established by the Dean of Students Department. The panel shall be chaired by the Dean of the Faculties (or designee), who is a non-voting member of the committee.

  The hearing will be conducted in a non-adversarial manner with a clear focus on finding the facts within the academic context of the course. The student is presumed innocent going into the proceeding. After hearing all available and relevant information, the panel determines whether or not to find the student responsible for the alleged violation using the "preponderance of the evidence" standard. If the student is found responsible for the violation, the panel is informed about any prior record of academic honor policy violations and determines an academic sanction (and disciplinary sanction, if appropriate). In some cases, a Step 1 sanction may have been appropriately proposed prior to the convening of an Academic Honor Hearing. If the student is found responsible in these cases, the panel typically will impose a sanction no more severe than that which was proposed by the faculty member. The panel is required to provide a clear written justification for imposing a sanction more severe than the sanction proposed in Step 1.

  The chair of the Academic Honor Policy hearing panel will report the decision to the student, the instructor, and the Dean of Students Department. The Dean of Students Department will report the decision to the University Registrar, if appropriate. If the student is found "responsible," this outcome will be recorded with the Dean of Students Department and becomes a confidential student record of an Academic Honor Policy violation. Records in which suspension or a less severe sanction (including all academic sanctions) is imposed will be removed five years from the date of the final decision in the case. Records involving dismissal and expulsion will be retained permanently, except in cases where a dismissed student is readmitted. Those records will be removed five years from the date of the student's readmission.

Sanctions

  Step 1. This Step 1 procedure is implemented with first-offense allegations that do not involve egregious violations. The decision regarding whether an allegation is egregious is made by the Dean of the Faculties (or designee) and the instructor. The criteria used by the instructor to determine the proposed academic penalty should include the seriousness and the frequency of the alleged violation. The following sanctions are available in the Step 1 procedure.

  1. Additional academic work
  2. A reduced grade (including "0" or "F") for the assignment
  3. A reduced grade (including "F") for the course

  Step 2. An Academic Honor Policy Hearing is held for all second offenses, for all first offenses that involve egregious violations of the Academic Honor Policy, for all offenses that involve simultaneous violations of the Student Conduct Code, and in all cases where the student denies responsibility for the alleged violation. The decision regarding whether an allegation is egregious is made by the Dean of the Faculties (or designee) and the instructor. In some cases, a Step 1 sanction may have been appropriately proposed prior to the convening of an Academic Honor Policy Hearing. If the student is found responsible in these cases, the panel typically will impose a sanction no more severe than that which was proposed by the faculty member. The panel is required to provide a clear written justification for imposing a sanction more severe than the sanction proposed in Step 1. Students will not be penalized solely for exercising their right to request a Step 2 hearing. The following sanctions are available in Step 2 (see the Procedures section) and may be imposed singly or in combination:

  1. Additional academic work
  2. A reduced grade (including "0" or "F") for the assignment
  3. A reduced grade (including "F") for the course
  4. Reprimand (written or verbal)
  5. Educational Activities – attendance at educational programs, interviews with appropriate officials, planning and implementing educational programs, or other educational activities. Fees may be charged to cover the cost of educational activities
  6. Restitution
  7. Conduct Probation – a period of time during which any further violation of the Academic Honor Policy may result in more serious sanctions being imposed. Some of the restrictions that may be placed on the student during the probationary period include, but are not limited to: participation in student activities or representation of the University on athletic teams or in other leadership positions
  8. Disciplinary Probation – a period of time during which any further violation of the Academic Honor Policy puts the student's status with the University in jeopardy. If the student is found "responsible" for another violation during the period of Disciplinary Probation, serious consideration will be given to imposing a sanction of Suspension, Dismissal, or Expulsion. The restrictions that may be placed on the student during this time period are the same as those under Conduct Probation
  9. Suspension – Separation from the University for a specified period, not to exceed two years
  10. Dismissal – Separation from the University for an indefinite period of time. Readmission is possible but not guaranteed and will only be considered after two years from the effective date of the dismissal, based on meeting all admission criteria and obtaining clearance from the Dean of Students or designee
  11. Expulsion – Separation from the University without the possibility of readmission
  12. Withholding of diplomas, transcripts, or other records for a specified period of time
  13. Revocation of degree, in cases where an egregious offense is discovered after graduation

Appeals

Decisions of the Academic Honor Policy Hearing Panel may be appealed to the Academic Honor Policy Appeal Committee, a standing four-member committee composed of two faculty appointed by the President and two students appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs. The chair will be appointed annually by the President, and members will serve two-year renewable terms. In case of a tie vote regarding a case, the committee will submit a written report to the Provost, who will then make the final determination.

On appeal, the burden of proof shifts to the student to prove that an error has occurred. The only recognized grounds for appeal are:

  1. Due process errors involving violations of a student's rights that substantially affected the outcome of the initial hearing
  2. Demonstrated prejudice against the charged student by any panel member. Such prejudice must be evidenced by a conflict of interest, bias, pressure, or influence that precluded a fair and impartial hearing
  3. New information that was not available at the time of the original hearing
  4. A sanction that is extraordinarily disproportionate to the offense committed
  5. The preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing does not support a finding of responsible. Appeals based on this consideration will be limited to a review of the record of the initial hearing.

The procedures followed during the appeals process are:

  1. The student should file a written letter of appeal to the Office of the Dean of the Faculties within 10 class days after being notified of the Academic Honor Policy Hearing Panel decision. This letter should outline the grounds for the appeal (see 1–5 above) and should provide supporting facts and relevant documentation.
  2. The Academic Honor Policy Appeal Committee will review this letter of appeal and will hear the student and any witnesses called by the student, except in appeals based on consideration #5 above. The committee may also gather any additional information it deems necessary to make a determination in the case.
  3. The Appeals Committee may affirm, modify, or reverse the initial panel decision, or it may order a new hearing to be held. This decision becomes final agency action when it is approved by the Provost. In cases where the student is found responsible, the decision becomes a confidential student record of academic dishonesty.
  4. Appellate decisions are communicated in writing to the student, the instructor, the Office of the Dean of the Faculties, and the Dean of Students Department within 30 class days of the appellate hearing.

Academic Honor Policy Committee

An Academic Honor Policy Committee shall be appointed by the University President. The Committee will include: three faculty members, selected from a list of six names provided by the Faculty Senate Steering Committee, and three students, selected from a list of six names provided by the Student Senate. The Dean of the Faculties or designee and the Dean of Students or designee shall serve ex officio. Faculty members will serve three-year staggered terms, and students will serve one-year terms. The committee will meet at least once a semester. It will monitor the operation and effectiveness of the Academic Honor Policy, work with the Faculty Senate and the Student Senate to educate all members of the community regarding academic integrity, and make recommendations for changes to the policy.

Amendment Procedures

Amendments to the Academic Honor Policy may be initiated by the Academic Honor Policy Committee, the Faculty Senate, the Student Senate, and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Amendments to the policy must be approved by both the Faculty Senate and the Student Senate.

Grievance Procedure

Students who allege that academic regulations and procedures have been improperly applied in specific instances may have their grievances addressed through the general academic appeals process. In this process, the student brings a complaint first to the instructor, then to the department chair, and finally to the academic dean appropriate to the course involved, stopping at the level at which the complaint is resolved. If no resolution is reached, the student brings the complaint to the attention of the Dean of the Faculties for either resolution or referral to the Student Academic Relations Committee of the Faculty Senate. A graduate student whose complaint is unresolved must see the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to meeting with the Dean of the Faculties. The Student Academic Relations Committee has the authority to direct, through the Vice President for Academic Affairs, that corrective action be taken when justified.

Grievance Procedure: Panama City Campus

Students who allege that academic regulations and procedures have been improperly applied in specific instances may have their grievances addressed through the general academic appeals process. In this process, the student brings a complaint first to the instructor, then to the Panama City Associate Dean, and then to the Panama City Dean, stopping at the level at which the complaint is resolved. If no resolution is reached in Panama City, then the student will go to the department chair, and finally to the academic dean appropriate to the course involved, stopping at the level at which the complaint is resolved. If no resolution is reached, the student brings the complaint to the attention of the Dean of the Faculties for either resolution or referral to the Student Academic Relations Committee of the Faculty Senate. A graduate student whose complaint is unresolved must see the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to meeting with the Dean of the Faculties. The Student Academic Relations Committee has the authority to direct, through the Vice President for Academic Affairs, that corrective action be taken when justified.

Notification of Students' Rights under FERPA

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, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit 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 committeee. 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.

Release of Student Information

The disclosure or publication of student information is governed by the policies of Florida State University and the State Board 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, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit 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 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 fullfill his or 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 student is notified in advance of University's compliance
    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 a 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
    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
      More specific information regarding such exempted information can be obtained from 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, 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
    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
    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

Students may inform the University in writing of their desire to prevent publication of such "Directory Information" or release of such information except as required by law. Appropriate forms for such action are made available by the Office of the University Registrar.

Notification to the University of a request to prevent publication or release of "Directory Information" via the University must be received prior to the first class meeting day of the fall semester of the academic year. Once received, that request will remain in effect until notification to the contrary, in writing, is received by the Office of the University Registrar.

Caution: Until the University can develop the necessary sophistication in our data systems, a student's request to prevent the release or publication of some of the items of "Directory Information" may result in preventing the publication of all items on that list, including graduation lists, honors, and awards lists. The student can help avoid such errors with a gentle reminder to the Office of the University Registrar.

For complete information related to the policies outlined above or concerning the procedures regarding waivers and consent forms, or to challenge the accuracy of the educational record, please contact: The Office of the University Registrar, A3900 University Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2480.

Class Attendance

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. Students reported absent for a period of two weeks or more may be readmitted only by permission of their academic dean. Upon readmission the dean may require a reduction of the academic load. 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, except when using a late drop. Consult the 'Drop/Add' section of the "Office of the University Registrar" chapter of this Graduate Bulletin for more details.

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.

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 or academic unit.

Religious Holy Days

Per section 1006.53, Florida Statutes, Florida State University's policy on observance of religious holy days provides that students shall, upon notifying their instructor, be excused from class to observe a religious holy day of their faith. While students will be held responsible for the material covered in their absence, each student shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up the work missed. Instructors and University administrators shall in no way arbitrarily penalize students who are absent from academic or social activities because of religious holy day observance. Students who allege that this policy has been improperly applied in specific instances may have their grievances addressed through the general academic appeals process. In this process, the student brings a complaint first to the instructor, then to the department chair, and finally to the academic dean appropriate to the course involved, stopping at the level at which the complaint is resolved. If no resolution is reached, the student brings the complaint to the attention of the Dean of the Faculties for either resolution or referral to the Student Academic Relations committee of the Faculty Senate. This committee has the authority to direct, through the Vice President for Academic Affairs that corrective action be taken when justified. Consult the 'General Academic Appeals Process' section of this chapter for a complete description.

Classification of Students

Students are classified 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

Transient, classification 9

Special (Non-Degree Seeking) Student Regulations

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 (12) hours (underload) without permission
  2. In place of the retention schedule system for regular students, special students must meet the following requirement. After attempting twelve (12) semester hours, graduate special students must have achieved and must maintain a 3.0 ("B") grade point average in all courses attempted
  3. Failure to achieve or maintain the appropriate grade point average will result in a loss of registration privilege; refer to 'Reclassification from Special Student to Regular Student Status' below for additional information.
  4. 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.

Reclassification from Special Student to Regular Student Status

Post baccalaureate 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 Graduate Bulletin for admission procedures and deadline dates.

Work taken as a special student carries no degree credit. Up to twelve (12) semester hours earned as a graduate special student may be applied toward a graduate degree with approval of the appropriate department chair and dean at the time of reclassification provided that a grade of 3.0 ("B") or better has been achieved in each course.

Full-Time Student Course Load

Recipients of stipends from the University, whether holders of fellowships or assistantships, must be full-time students.

The University reserves the right to determine full-time status based on course and/or research load. Special students are not required to obtain an under load permit.

Twelve (12) semester hours per semester constitutes a full-time load for graduate students and fellowship holders. A student who wishes to register for fewer than twelve (12) semester hours must have written approval from the academic dean prior to registration.

Nine (9) semester hours is defined as a full-time load for graduate assistantship holders on a quarter-time appointment or larger. 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 satisfy the residence requirement, however, a doctoral student must be enrolled for twenty-four (24) semester hours during any period of 12 consecutive months.

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

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

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

International graduate students must enroll in at least nine (9) semester hours during each of the Fall and Spring semesters to maintain legal immigration status. An international student adviser may authorize a reduced course load in certain curcumstances. Students who wish to enroll in a reduced course load for a given semester must submit a request for authorization to an adviser at the International Center before the end of the drop/add period for that semester. An unauthorized reduction in course load may result in serious immigration consequences. For a complete definition of the full course of study for immigration purposes, to access the reduced course load information and request forms, please refer to http://www.internationalcenter.fsu.edu/.

Faculty Degree Candidates

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.

Undergraduate Course Examinations

Final examinations in undergraduate courses are discretionary within any given department, but all students, including 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. If no final examination is scheduled, a test in lieu of the examination may not be given during the last week of classes but must be given during the final 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 field in which the course is taught.

Grading System

Definition Grade Quality Points Per Credit Hour
Excellent A 4.00
  A– 3.75
Good B+ 3.25
  B 3.00
  B– 2.75
Average C+ 2.25
  C 2.00
  C– 1.75
Poor D+ 1.25
  D 1.00
  D– 0.75
Failure F 0.00
Honors Medicine HM 4.00
Pass Medicine PM 3.00
Pass P 0.00
Satisfactory S N/A
Unsatisfactory U N/A
Incomplete I N/A
Incomplete Expired IE 0.00
No Grade Received from Instructor NG N/A
No Grade Expired GE 0.00
Withdrawn While Passing W N/A
Withdrawn with Dean's Permission WD 0.00
Examination Credit EC N/A
Departmental Examination ED N/A

Grade Point Average

Quality points are assigned for each semester hour as listed above. In computation of the required grade point average (GPA) for retention and conferral of a degree, the total number of quality points is divided by the total number of semester hours for which letter grades are received. A graduate student whose cumulative grade point average for courses taken at Florida State University falls below a 3.0 at the end of a term (not counting courses for which "S" or "U" grades may be given) will be placed on academic probation.

With the approval of the department, the academic dean, and the dean of graduate studies, some graduate course work taken at Florida State University will be excluded from the student's GPA. Permission for the Florida State University GPA to begin as a new calculation for graduate students shall be granted in the following admission/readmission circumstances:

  1. When seven or more years have elapsed since a student was actively enrolled in a graduate degree program at Florida State University
  2. A student has earned a master's/specialist/doctoral degree from Florida State University and is seeking a second master's/specialist/doctorate
  3. A student has earned a master's/specialist degree from Florida State University and is seeking a doctorate in a different major

On the other hand, the Florida State University GPA will not begin as a new calculation for graduate students in the following admission/readmission circumstances:

  1. During any period of time less than seven years in which the student was not actively enrolled in a graduate degree program at Florida State University
  2. A student has earned a master's/specialist degree from Florida State University and is seeking a doctorate in the same major

All requests for exception to this policy and its specifications must be endorsed by the students' academic dean and submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies for approval.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Course Option

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 a term. 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.

Grading Practices

At the end of each term, a report of each student's grades is made available through Florida State University's http://campus.fsu.edu Web 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, and should be used only in those exceptional cases when a student, for reasons beyond his or her control, has failed to complete a well-defined portion of the course. 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" compute as an "F" in grade point average calculations. 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 incomplete grades ("I") or no grade ("NG") have been received. 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 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.

Grade Appeals System

The purpose of the grade appeals system is to afford an opportunity for a 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. 

  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.

  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.

  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.

Forgiveness Policy

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 Graduate Bulletin for additional information.

Suspension, Dismissal, and Reinstatement

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.

Readmission

Refer to the "Admissions" chapter in this Graduate Bulletin for readmission policies for returning students.

Withdrawal from the University

All students, including regular (degree seeking), special (non-degree seeking), and all State of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities system transient 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" appears 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" are assigned by instructors and placed on the student's transcript with the withdrawal statement. Under unusual circumstances and upon recommendation of 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 receiving financial aid may have to pay back a portion of that aid depending upon the date of withdrawal.

Should a student wish to register at the University at a later date, a formal application for readmission must be made at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the term in which the student wishes to re-enroll (see 'Readmission' above).

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

Readmission After Multiple Withdrawals

When a student has withdrawn from the University three (3) or more times, subsequent readmission will first be considered by a committee whose charge is to assess the student's capability of making satisfactory progress toward degree. This committee, appointed by the Council of Associate and Assistant Deans, will then make a recommendation to the dean of the student's college, who will make the final decision.

Guidelines for Field Placement Fitness

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.

Medical Withdrawal

When a student has been granted more than one medical health withdrawal, the Medical Withdrawal Committee will send a letter to the student noting that further withdrawal requests may not be considered. The student is requested to evaluate with their medical provider the number of hours they are capable of handling prior to registration.

Note: At the time of this publication, this policy was under review. Students should visit http://withdrawal.fsu.edu/medical.html for the most current information.

FACTS 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:

Supervised Research and Teaching

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.

Credit for Short Courses

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.

Individual Study Courses

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.

Changing of Major 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.