Academic Regulations and Procedures

Academic Honor Policy

Introduction

The statement on Values and Moral Standards at FSU says: "The moral norm which guides conduct and informs policy at The 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 FSU 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 FSU 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. The Academic Honor Policy Committee may take direct jurisdiction of a case under extraordinary circumstances when it is determined by a majority vote of the committee that taking direct jurisdiction is appropriate.

Students in the College of Law and the College of Medicine are governed by the academic integrity policies and procedures of their respective colleges, which are subject to approval by the Academic Honor Policy Committee.

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 The 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. 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; or using facts, figures, graphs, charts or information without acknowledgement of the source.
2. Cheating. Improper access to or use of any information or material that is not specifically condoned by the instructor for use in the academic exercise. 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; or 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. 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; or lying to an instructor to increase a grade.
5. Multiple Submissions. 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; or 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 discover whether the student has a prior record of academic dishonesty in order 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 and adjunct instructors must seek guidance from their department chair.) However, faculty members or others who do not have administrative authority for enforcing the Academic Honor Policy should not be informed of the allegation, unless they have established a legitimate need to know. If pursuing a Step 1 agreement (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21142/136635) 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 (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21142/136635). Four possible outcomes of this discussion may occur:

1. If the charge appears unsubstantiated, the instructor will drop the charge, and no record of academic dishonesty will be created. The instructor should make this decision using the "preponderance of the evidence" standard.
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 (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21142/136635), 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. Any grade imposed as the result of an academic sanction will remain on the student's transcript indefinitely and will not be subject to course drop or withdrawal.
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 (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21145/136644) 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 (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21149/136662) 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 ninety 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 seven 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 (refer to http://dof.fsu.edu/content/download/21149/136662) and appropriate documentation to the Office of the Dean of the Faculties.

Allegations of academic dishonesty involving a graduate student engaged in any phase of the preliminary examination, thesis, or dissertation will be treated as egregious and will be resolved through the Step 2 process, in which the major professor will serve as the "instructor" under the hearing procedures. The Dean of the Faculties and the student's academic dean, (as well as the Vice President for Research in cases involving grant-funded research), should be informed as soon as possible of all such allegations. The decision regarding whether to submit a hearing referral will be made by a committee consisting of the department chair and two faculty members appointed by the academic dean, one of whom should be the student's committee member serving as the University representative (if one has been identified), excluding the major professor. In rendering its decision, this committee should review all available information and consult with the major professor and the academic dean.

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 academic work is conducted; 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 votes only in case of a tie.

The hearing will be conducted in a non-adversarial manner with a clear focus on finding the facts within the academic context of the academic work. The student is presumed innocent going into the proceeding. After hearing all available and relevant information from the student and the instructor, 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, the academic unit, the Dean of Students Department, and the 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. Any grade imposed as the result of an academic sanction will remain on the student's transcript indefinitely and will not be subject to course drop or withdrawal. 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. Dismissal is considered a final sanction, but readmission is possible in some cases under documented exceptional circumstances. No consideration will be given to readmitting a dismissed student within the first three years after a dismissal is imposed.
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. Suspension of degree, in cases where an offense is discovered after the degree is posted.
14. Revocation of degree, in cases where an offense is discovered after the degree is posted.

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 ten 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 thirty 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 the Graduate School 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 the Graduate School 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.

Student Academic Relations Committee (SARC) of the Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate Committee on Student Academic Relations hears appeals from students concerning decisions about their academic work which they have evidence to show to have been arrived at improperly or unprofessionally in departments, schools, or colleges. The committee elects its chair annually from among 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.

University Ombudsperson

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.

Release of Student Information

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

Students may inform the University in writing of the student's 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.

Caution: Until the University can develop the necessary sophistication in our data systems, a student's request to prevent the release of 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 award 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: 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. 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, medicine, and nursing majors. Membership within these units implies that the student agrees to fulfill the obligations of the organization.

Religious Holy Days

Per Section 1006.53, Florida Statutes, the Florida State University 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 recommend to 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 on the basis of semester hours earned as follows:

• Freshman, zero through twenty-nine semester hours, classification 1;
• Sophomore, thirty semester hours, classification 2;
• Junior, sixty semester hours, classification 3;
• Senior, ninety semester hours, classification 4;
• Graduate, any student admitted to a graduate program, classification 5;
• Non-Degree Seeking without Baccalaureate Degree, classification 6;
• Non-Degree Seeking with Baccalaureate Degree, classification 7;
• Provisional, classification 8 (graduate students only);
• Transient, classification 9; and
• High School Students, classification 0.

Non-Degree Seeking Student Regulations

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

1. Non-degree seeking students may enroll for fewer than twelve semester hours (underload) without permission.
2. In place of the retention schedule system for regular students, non-degree seeking students in classification six must meet the following requirements: after attempting fifteen semester hours, undergraduate non-degree seeking 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, non-degree seeking students in classification seven must meet the following requirements: after attempting twelve semester hours, graduate non-degree seeking 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 and dismissal from the University.
5. Non-degree seeking students may register for any course or courses on an S/U basis. Non-degree seeking 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 non-degree seeking student status at the graduate level.

Reclassification from Non-Degree Seeking Student to Regular Status

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

Course Loads

Florida State University regards fourteen to fifteen semester hours as a normal full-time load, and a student will not be considered full-time with fewer than twelve semester hours. Students should take into account the requirement to take nine semester hours of credit in the summer. A student who maintains a twelve semester hour (low/normal) load will not graduate in four academic years unless a total of twenty-four semester hours are taken during summer sessions.

A course load of more than eighteen semester hours or less than twelve semester credit hours must be approved by the academic dean, and in no case may a student register for or receive credit for more than twenty-one semester hours. A student on academic probation must enroll for not fewer than twelve and not more than fifteen semester hours. Non-degree seeking students are not required to obtain an underload permit.

International undergraduate students must enroll in at least twelve 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 circumstances. 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 Center for Global Engagement 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/.

See the Graduate Bulletin for policies regarding course loads for graduate students.

Undergraduate Course Examinations

Final examinations in undergraduate courses are discretionary within any given department, but all students, including graduating seniors and graduate students, who are enrolled in an undergraduate course having a final examination are required to take the examination. The scheduling of a final examination at any time other than the regularly scheduled final examination period is prohibited by 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. Unless an exam is given during the final examination period, no test may be given during the last week of classes.

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. Courses that utilize the University Assessment Center for a block exam, or which are otherwise limited to specific days and times because of seating and scheduling constraints, will take precedence in the case of final exam schedule conflicts. It is the student's responsibility to identify such conflicts as early as possible and to notify all instructors in advance so that accommodations may be made. 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.

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	N/A
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	N/A
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.

All regulations tied to a specific grade average should be interpreted to mean the numerical average associated with that specific grade. Hence, the required "'C' average or better" on all liberal studies courses is interpreted as "2.0 average or better."

Students may repeat courses in which they received a grade of "D" or "F." Both the original and repeat grades will be used in the computation of GPA but credit for only one attempt will apply toward graduation.

A student will not be allowed additional credit and/or quality points for a course repeated in which the student originally made a "C–" or better unless the course is specifically designated as repeatable to allow additional credit. If a course listing is followed by a "r" it may be repeated, regardless of grade received, to the number of times or hours stated.

Dean's List

Undergraduate students who are registered for at least twelve semester hours of letter-grade (A–F) courses are eligible for the dean's list. The required grade point average is 3.50, in all colleges, for any given term.

President's List

Undergraduate students who are registered for at least twelve semester hours of letter grade (A–F) courses are eligible for the president's list. The required grade point average is 4.0, in all colleges, for any given term.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading

A. Undergraduate Courses Approved on a Letter-Grade Basis

To encourage liberal education and focus on learning, the University permits limited enrollment in elective courses outside the major, minor, and liberal studies areas on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis; the student must have at least second-semester freshman standing and at least a 2.5 grade point average. S/U permit forms must be obtained from and eligibility certified by the Office of the University Registrar no later than the end of the seventh week of classes. No undergraduate courses in the College of Business are offered under this option.

With the exception of courses in the College of Business, a course outside a student's major, minor, and liberal studies areas normally approved for letter grades may be elected on the S/U basis and, if completed with an "S" grade, will count toward the minimum semester hours credit required for graduation and upper-division distribution but will not be included in the grade point average. The course grade will be recorded officially as satisfactory ("S") or unsatisfactory ("U"). Registration on an S/U basis is limited to one elective course per term (exclusive of physical education activity courses) and to a maximum total of eighteen semester hours. (See exceptions under section B below.)

In addition to the one elective course, a student may elect to take concurrently a physical education course to be graded on the S/U basis by obtaining proper approvals prior to registration.

Students will be allowed seven weeks to decide whether or not they want to take a course on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. They may change to S/U from a letter grade at any time before the end of the seventh week of the term. Courses initially elected on the S/U basis may be changed back to a letter-grade basis prior to the end of the seventh week of the term or the equivalent prorated Summer deadline.

Approval forms are available in the Office of the University Registrar.

B. Courses Approved on an S/U Basis

Certain other courses that are approved for S/U grades exclusively (practicum, internship, laboratory, student teaching, individual work, research) may be applied toward the major or minor. There is no student letter-grade option for courses approved on the S/U basis; all students must be graded on an S/U basis. The credits earned in these courses are excluded from the total stipulated in section A (above) as permissible. Also, enrollment in a course offered on the S/U basis only does not exclude enrollment in an elective course under the S/U option (in section A above) in the same term.

C. Graduate Students

Policies and procedures for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades for graduate students are explained in the Graduate Bulletin.

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 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" and a default grade based on the actual work completed in the class to date. 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.

Effective Fall 2010, any "I" grades awarded will also be accompanied by the default grade. If the student fails to complete the coursework by the determined semester, the default grade will replace the "I" and become the final grade. Students may not complete the work at a late date and expect to replace the final grade.

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 chair and the dean of the college.

Once a degree has been awarded, all coursework leading to that degree is considered final and not subject to change. Grade changes or withdrawals for coursework that applies to the awarded degree may be considered only in cases of documented University error or in cases where the courses in question are documented as applying to a degree that is still in progress.

Grade Appeals System

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.

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.

Forgiveness Policy

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.

Academic Retention

All students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress for retention and continued enrollment at Florida State University. Satisfactory academic progress includes, but is not limited to, successful completion of credit hours and progression toward completing a degree. The University reserves the right not to retain students who do not demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

Students should refer to the table below indicating the necessary grade point average (GPA) on all coursework taken at Florida State University required for retention at the University. The Retention Table takes into consideration the number of semester hours the student has attempted and indicates the GPA range that will place the student on academic warning or academic probation. Students who fail to resolve probationary status will be dismissed at the end of the next semester for which they are enrolled.

A minimum Florida State University GPA of 2.0 ("C") or better and an overall 2.0 GPA on all college-level work attempted is required for graduation. "College-level work" is interpreted to mean coursework attempted for credit at the college level, but does not include vocational, technical, or other courses not applicable toward a degree. Students should maintain at least this minimum at all times to be in good standing. 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. To be retained in the University, a student must achieve an overall Florida State University average at the end of each term which, in the judgment of the University, is sufficiently near 2.0 to permit reaching the 2.0 average by the beginning of the junior year.

Attempted Hours	Warning GPA Range	Probation GPA Range
1—15	1.5—1.999	Less than 1.5
16—30	1.75—1.999	Less than 1.750
31 or more	—	Less than 2.0
Dismissal: Failure to remove probation by the end of next term.

Warning

As an aid to students in the Division of Undergraduate Studies and lower-division music, dance, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in theatre students (freshmen and sophomores), an "academic warning" will be included with grade reports at the end of the term if the cumulative average has fallen below 2.0 but not low enough to place the student on academic probation.

Probation

When any student's grade point average (GPA) falls within the probationary range, the student will be placed on academic probation for one term. A student on probation must enroll for not less than twelve and not more than fifteen semester hours during the probationary term. If the student fails to remove the probationary status by the end of the term, the student will be dismissed.

Students on academic probation who elect to enroll in a Florida public postsecondary institution (or in an accredited institution within or outside the state) and who receive an Associate in Arts degree with an overall 2.0 average will have the probationary status and their previous Florida State University average removed upon application for readmission, and will be guaranteed a maximum of sixty semester hours.

Dismissal and Reinstatement

The dismissed student must consult the student's academic dean at the time of dismissal about criteria governing possible readmission to the University. Students dismissed because of low grade point averages (GPA) may be readmitted by: (1) achieving the required minimum average through correspondence courses offered by the State of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities; (2) attending and graduating with an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public postsecondary institution (or a regionally accredited institution within or outside the state) with an overall college average of 2.0 or higher; or (3) being reinstated by the academic dean (only in extraordinary circumstances). In the latter case, if the student fails to achieve the required GPA for unconditional retention during the first term of reenrollment, the student will again be dismissed. Students are not eligible for readmission after two dismissals.

Consideration of the academic dismissal takes priority over any readmission application and must be resolved first. Students on dismissal are not eligible for readmission or the readmission appeals process unless they have first been reinstated by the academic dean. The academic dean is the final authority for reinstatement considerations. Reinstatement by the academic dean does not constitute automatic readmission. Students who have been out of the University for more than two consecutive semesters must go through the readmission process and meet University requirements and standards.

Under option 2, the student's Florida State University GPA will start over upon readmission. In addition, the student earning an AA degree from a Florida public institution is guaranteed a minimum of sixty semester hours.

Grades earned at another institution cannot be used to improve the Florida State University GPA. A student cannot raise the GPA by taking courses at another institution after receiving the AA degree.

Credit hours earned during any period of dismissal cannot be applied to the minimum one hundred twenty semester hours required for graduation. The only exception made to this provision is for credits earned under option 2 above.

All students who enter Florida State University for the first time are assured retention for their second term. Students may, however, be placed on academic probation at the end of the first enrolled term.

Graduate students should refer to the "Dismissal" section in the "Academic Regulations and Procedures" chapter of the Graduate Bulletin.

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous enrollment at Florida State University is defined as enrollment without an interruption of two or more consecutive semesters (including Summer term). Credits earned at other institutions during any semester while not registered at Florida State University will not constitute continuous enrollment at the University. Students who are not enrolled at the University for two or more consecutive semesters must apply for readmission before resuming their studies.

Readmission

Please refer to the "Admissions" chapter in this General Bulletin for readmission policies for returning students who have not been dismissed.

Withdrawal from the University

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 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; non-degree seeking students must complete the original application process. Formal application must be made to the Office of Admissions by the published deadline. Students who left the University on dismissal must resolve that and be reinstated by the academic dean before any decision can be made on the readmission application. (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 a Center for Global Engagement 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

When a student has withdrawn from the University three 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.

Medical Course Drop/Withdrawal

Medical course drops are generally recommended for approval by the dean 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 policies were under review and may be subject to change. For information regarding medical course drops and medical withdrawals, visit http://withdrawal.fsu.edu/medical.html or call the Withdrawal office at (850) 644-1741.

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.

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:

• 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
• 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.

Second Majors and Academic Regulations

Students pursuing a second major should be aware that the primary major only determines the selection of the student's academic dean for the purposes of academic regulations at Florida State University. That is, rules regarding student dismissal, reinstatement, and all general academic qualifications at the University are governed and enforced by the primary major and that major's corresponding academic dean. Conflicts between primary and secondary major policies shall in all cases be resolved in favor of the primary major. Second major academic deans shall only be concerned with the student's completion of all requirements, pre-requisites, etc., for that second major.

Correspondence Study

All correspondence instruction for the Florida State University System is administered through the University of Florida's Division of Continuing Education, Department of Independent Study by Correspondence.

College credit, high school credit, and continuing professional education courses are available anytime, anywhere through regular mail and fax (some by e-mail). Independent Study offers more than 150 courses to students who would like either a flexible schedule or an opportunity to take extra classes. It is possible to enroll any time during the year.

Regularly enrolled students may not engage in correspondence study while in residence at the University. Students who expect to take correspondence courses during a break in residence should discuss these plans with their faculty adviser and then obtain written approval from their academic deans.

Correspondence courses may be taken while a student is ineligible to return to the University for academic reasons, but such courses may not be counted toward an undergraduate degree.

College courses include Advertising, Chemistry, Economics, Education, English, History, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Statistics, and more. Continuing Professional Education courses include a Business Leadership and Management Certificate, Dietary Management, Environmental Management Systems, Insurance, Legal Assistant Certificate Program, plus others. High school courses cover Accounting, Art, Foreign Language, Health, Humanities, Mathematics, Peer Counseling, Science, and Social Studies.

Any teacher in the State of Florida can now use credit correspondence courses, as appropriate, to apply toward the recertification of their teaching licenses. Moreover, there is no limit to the number of courses that may fulfill the requirements.

The current catalog details enrollment procedures, fees, and course information. Call or write now for your free copy: University of Florida, Department of Independent Study, Division of Continuing Education, Suite D, 2209 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609; (352) 392-1711 Ext. 200; or e-mail: Learn@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu. Additional information can be found at their home page: http://www.correspondencestudy.ufl.edu. Catalogs can also be picked up at Florida State University's Center for Professional Development or from the student's academic dean.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is normally allowed for courses completed at or through other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning. No credit, however, is allowed for subcollege-level coursework, or for coursework completed with grades below "D–," and only up to six semester hours of technical or vocational credit may be approved by the baccalaureate academic dean toward the baccalaureate degree. Associate in Arts (AA) degree recipients from Florida public institutions are guaranteed acceptance of at least sixty semester hours of college credit toward the baccalaureate degree. The University does not accept experiential learning, or award credit for experiential learning. Transfer credit based on experiential learning from another institution will not be accepted.

Credit earned from Florida public institutions will be evaluated on the basis of the Common Course Numbering System. Those courses judged equivalent will be accepted for transfer credit. Courses are judged equivalent when the prefix and the last three numerical digits of the course number are the same. Thus, THE 1234 taken at one institution is equivalent to THE 3234 at another institution. Courses not judged equivalent may be accepted for transfer credit at the discretion of the baccalaureate academic dean.

All grades earned at other regionally accredited institutions are entered on a student's record at the time of transfer exactly as earned. Such grades are averaged separately from grades earned at Florida State University.

Students entering Florida State University without credit in college algebra will be required to take, or exempt, MAC 1105, MGF 1106, or MGF 1107.

Courses with the prefix "MGF" at or above the level of X106 will be accepted for transfer credit (hours allowed toward graduation). For students transferring from junior or senior institutions that stipulate the MGF course meets "Gordon Rule" requirements, the course will be accepted in partial fulfillment of Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes. (See the "Undergraduate Degree Requirements" chapter of this General Bulletin.) Students not needing another mathematics course for their major may use this as their second course; students needing more mathematics will follow Florida State University guidelines regarding their next course.

College work completed with satisfactory grades by a student at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, prior to graduation from high school, will apply in the normal manner toward the baccalaureate degree at Florida State University. The Office of Admissions must be provided an official transcript of such work.

An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. Students should refer to the 'International Student Admission' section in the "Admissions" chapter of this General Bulletin.

Graduate students should refer to the 'Transfer Credit' section in the "Graduate Degree Requirements" chapter of the Graduate Bulletin.

Credit for Nontraditional Courses, Including Short Courses

Nontraditional courses have many different purposes, including the recertification of persons for various subject matters and professional specialties. Short courses for credit shall have the same number of contact hours as do regularly scheduled courses; i.e., a one-hour course must have fifteen total contact hours; a two-hour course must have thirty total contact hours; a three-hour course must have forty-five total contact hours. Alternatively, other nontraditional courses/settings must have an appropriate substitute(s) for the above contact hours, e.g., distance learning might include student/teacher interaction, student interaction with professor-designed materials, or other appropriate interactions. In no case can credit be given with less student participation than the above hours stipulate. Any alternative course(s) must document equivalency with traditional course(s) when such traditional courses exist.

Courses that follow nontraditional scheduling patterns, such as running over from one term to the next, may be scheduled through the Center for Professional Development and Public Service or through the Office of the University Registrar. Course hours must be scheduled in keeping with the above policy on credit for nontraditional courses, including short courses, adopted by the Faculty Senate.

Programs for Acceleration

Florida State University has established several avenues that permit a reduction in the normal amount of time required to complete the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

Dual Enrollment

Students who are enrolled in college coursework prior to graduation from high school may be awarded college credit at Florida State University. Refer to the 'Transfer Credit' section of this chapter for specific information concerning what may transfer.

Credit by Examination

The University recognizes the following examination programs for which students may receive academic credit or exemption in lieu of coursework. These programs permit the qualified student to earn by examination up to thirty semester hours of credit toward liberal studies requirements and up to forty-five semester hours of credit toward total baccalaureate degree requirements.

Students earning credit by examination must still satisfy departmental major and/or minor requirements, the University's coursework requirement of forty semester hours in courses numbered 3000 and above, and the Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, writing requirement (see the "Undergraduate Degree Requirements" chapter of this General Bulletin).

Credit toward the baccalaureate degree will not be granted for courses taken that are judged equivalent to credit already earned through one of the examination programs and vice versa. In addition, duplicate credit by examination will not be awarded.

A course may not be dropped in anticipation of receiving examination credit. The successful score must be in hand at the time the request is made to drop an equivalent course.

Credit earned by examination may be declined. Students must notify the Office of Admissions of this intention as soon as possible after successful scores have been received.

In accordance with the articulation agreement, students who have earned CLEP credit in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the AA degree from a Florida public institution will be awarded credit on the basis of their presentation of the AA degree. An individual evaluation will not be made.

Transfer students who have completed a general education program at a Florida public institution and whose transcript is so marked will be considered to have completed the Liberal Studies Program at Florida State University. A second evaluation of CLEP credits in the liberal studies areas will not be made.

Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

Students who have completed AICE examinations should submit their official score reports to Florida State University. Refer to the AICE Table at the end of this chapter for college course equivalents and credits earned.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students who have participated in the AP Program in high school and received a score of three or better on the national examinations will receive college credit in the appropriate subject areas. Refer to the AP Table at the end of this chapter for college course equivalents and credits earned.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students in an IB Program will receive up to forty-five semester hours of credit for scores of four or higher on both higher-level and standard-level examinations. Refer to the IB Table at the end of this chapter for college course equivalents and credits earned.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The Florida State University grants credit in lieu of coursework for the CLEP subject matter examinations. Credits are awarded to any regularly admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate student who scores at or above the 50th percentile level of the sophomore norms on the CLEP examinations. Students receive appropriate credit, provided they have not attempted credit at the college level in the subject area or received credit in the subject area through AICE, AP, or IB. Academic deans shall have the authority to make exceptions concerning examinations that may fall within a subject area for which a student has existing credit.

At The Florida State University, CLEP examinations are administered through the Office of Evaluation Services, an open test center for CLEP. Eligibility to receive CLEP credit at The Florida State University will be verified by the Office of Admissions.

English Credit through SAT/ACT

Students who score 650 or higher on the verbal/critical reading portion of the SAT or 29 or higher on the English portion of the ACT will be granted three semester hours of credit equivalent to ENC 1101.

Note: University policy subject to change for SAT with the introduction of the writing subscore.

Mathematics Credit through SAT/ACT

Students who score 680 or higher on the mathematics portion of the SAT or 30 or higher on the mathematics portion of the ACT will be granted three semester hours of credit equivalent to MAC 1105.

Departmental Examinations

Departments and programs of the University may offer examinations for academic credit in lieu of coursework to undergraduate students upon request. Interested students should consult with their colleges or departments concerning the availability of examinations in lieu of specific courses.

General Credit Limitations

Courses taken by correspondence through the State of Florida, Board of Governors approved off-campus courses, and/or courses evaluated and recommended as suitable for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) may be accepted by the University. The number of hours of such courses acceptable in any individual case is at the discretion of the academic dean. The total number of such courses accepted cannot exceed thirty semester hours.

An undergraduate student may be granted a baccalaureate degree under degree requirements specified in the General Bulletin at the time of admission, insofar as course offerings will permit, provided the student graduates within a period of six years from date of first entry to the University. If a student exceeds six years in pursuit of the baccalaureate degree, the University may specify that the degree requirements of the most current General Bulletin will apply. A student may elect instead to meet the degree requirements specified in any subsequent General Bulletin covering a period of the student's enrollment.

Up to six semester hours of cooperative education credits will be accepted provided they are certified as academic credits by the sending institution.

When credits are more than ten years old they are subject to reevaluation by the appropriate dean before they can be applied toward graduation.

Degree-Seeking Status at Two Separate Institutions

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 adviser 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.