ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

The University reserves the right to make changes in curricula, degree requirements, course offerings, and all academic regulations at any time, when in the judgment of the faculty, the President, or the Board of Trustees, such changes are for the best interest of the students and the University.

Registration at the University assumes the student's acceptance of all published academic regulations, including both those which appear in this catalog and all others found in any official announcement such as The Master Schedule of Classes and The Student Handbook. Official policies of the University listed below are published in The Student Handbook, which is available through the Student Affairs Office.

a) Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility
b) Alcoholic Beverages Policy
c) Sexual Harassment Policy
d) Campus Solicitation Policy
e) Sexual Assault Policy
f) Student Rights to Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

A student may be expected to obtain a degree in accordance with the requirements set forth in the regulations in force at the time he/she is admitted to degree candidacy, or under subsequent regulations published while he/she is enrolled as a degree candidate. However, a student is restricted in his/her choice to the requirements of one specific catalog. Students have a period of 6 years inclusive and continuous in which to claim the rights of a specific catalog.

Students are advised that unforeseen circumstances may interfere with the scheduling of any given course or degree offering and will be required to take such developments into account as they arise, even if doing so means a delay in the fulfillment of some of their academic goals, or a modification of those goals. The program concerned will work closely with students facing such problems in an effort to resolve them with a minimum of difficulty.

Six years is regarded as the maximum time allowed for graduate credits for degree candidates. In case more time than 6 years is spent on the program, special arrangements may be made within the College where the program is housed for the revalidation of over-age credits in courses given by the institution. Any student who fails to complete his/her program in the period allowed becomes subject to changes in degree requirements adopted up to the date 6 years prior to his/her graduation. No program is to be completed in less than a 12 month period.

Within the six-year limit, a student who is absent from the University for no longer than three years, and who returns to complete the program of study, shall have the right to continue under the catalog in effect at the time of the student's original enrollment as a degree-seeking student. Alternatively, the student may elect the degree requirements under the catalog in effect at the time of return. If the period of absence is longer than three years, the student will be subject to the curricular requirements in force at the time of return. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to appeal short-lived rules and regulations which were adopted and abandoned during the period of their absence.

If drastic revisions of curricula or program requirements have occurred during a student's absence (even if for less than three years), or during the period between the student's original enrollment as a degree-seeking student and the eventual movement to a different degree program, a reasonable effort will be made by the academic dean to permit the student to undertake transitional course work that is equivalent to the educational experience intended under the catalog in force at the time of the student's original enrollment as a degree-seeking student.

Students are expected to follow their programs as outlined as closely as possible and pursue required courses in the prescribed sequence. Failure to do so may lead to future scheduling difficulties and students may find that the courses in which they wish to enroll are not available to them. Students who enroll in courses for which prerequisites or other defined requirements have not been met will be removed from these courses.

Right of Petition. A student who wants relief from any academic regulation of the University may submit the case for consideration to the Committee on Petitions and Scholastic Standing in the college of the student's major or the appropriate University-wide committee.

FINAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SATISFYING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, AS OUTLINED IN THE UNIVERSITY CATALOG, RESTS WITH THE STUDENT.

Graduate courses will earn degree credit completed at a grade level of C or better, but the student's average on all courses attempted for graduate credit which are to be applied to degree completion must be at least a B (3.0 on a 4-point system). A grade of C- is not considered to be at the C level. Additionally, the student's grade point average on all courses numbered 700 or above, that are to be applied to degree completion, must be no less than 3.0. Grades earned on credits transferred from other universities do not count in the grade point average. Grades earned below the grade of C do not transfer to Coastal Carolina University.

An accumulation of grades of C+ or below on 12 credits of graduate course work taken at the University within a 6 year period will disqualify a student for a graduate degree. This rule applies only to courses taken for degree completion purposes; it applies even to courses taken in two or more degree programs.

Students who receive grades below B on 12 or more graduate credit hours, where these hours are being taken for degree completion purposes, are consequently suspended from degree candidacy status and are not permitted to enroll for further courses even as non-degree students without the specific approval by the University. After a grade below B is 6 years old, it will cease to be a disqualifying factor.

Academic Discipline

Infractions of academic discipline at the University are dealt with in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. Examples of such infractions include but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and illegal use of old laboratory reports. Further information is contained in The Student Handbook, Office of Student Services or the Office of the Provost.

Advisement

Every graduate student admitted to a degree program is entitled to an adviser. Students admitted as non-degree students, that is, those who do not seek degree admission or who have not yet met all the conditions for degree candidacy, are not assigned to advisers. They may, however, consult with the designated graduate administrator within the college where their course work is offered about both specific and general information.

Appeals and Petitions

Appeals should be made within the academic unit that directs the student's program. Appeals should be addressed to the designated graduate administrator in the college where their course work is housed. Only after the internal process for appeals and grievances has been exhausted should a student take his/her case to the Dean of the College. If the Dean cannot resolve the question being raised, he/she will refer it to the Committee on Petitions and Scholastic Standing, or other similar committee, in the college of the student's degree.

A student who wants relief from any academic regulation of the University may submit the case for consideration to the appropriate committee in the College of the student's major or the appropriate University-wide committee. Petitions related to programs, regulations, or other matters in the graduate program should be addressed to the Dean of the College who will then refer it to the appropriate College committee. Petitions requesting substantial deviation from established practice also should be referred to the Dean of the College. Appeals, grievances, or petitions may be related to academic matters only.

Appeals for reinstatement to degree candidacy should be forwarded to the Dean of the College for review by the college's appeals process. Appellants who have maintained a B average despite their accumulation of lower grades may, if their appeals are supported by their academic units/programs, be allowed to proceed toward their degrees provided they receive no additional grades below B. Appellants who have not maintained a B average should show extenuating circumstances and obtain the support of their academic units/programs if they wish to be considered for reinstatement.

Correspondence Courses

The University neither offers correspondence courses for graduate credit nor accepts correspondence work as applicable toward a graduate degree.

Courses Outside Major Program Area

Students wishing to enroll in courses outside the area to which they have been admitted should do so only with the express permission of their advisers, the dean of the course, and should seek guidance from the dean of the college sponsoring the course regarding eligibility and prerequisites.

An individual who has been denied admission to a program may not continue to enroll in courses in that program without special permission of the Dean of that college, even if admission is sought through another program area at the institution.

No graduate credit is offered by examination only.

Under certain circumstances, a student may elect pass-fail grading in a course whose content is outside the major area. This option permits enrichment of the student's experience without affecting grade average. A grade of either satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) will be awarded, and those courses completed with a satisfactory grade may be counted toward total credit hours earned. Any student interested in this option should consult his/her adviser and the Chair of the department offering the course prior to registration. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading is available only for courses specifically approved for such grading or individually by prior authorization of the Dean of the course.

Prerequisite courses are listed to inform students about the academic background recommended for satisfactory course completion. If a student believes that he/she has the knowledge and/or skills represented by a prerequisite course obtained via other courses or methods, this should be discussed with the professor prior to registration regarding special permission to enroll.

Regular graduate students of the institution desiring to revalidate over-age courses must secure permission of the Dean where the course is housed. The applicant must pay to the Bursar's Office, in advance of the examination, a fee of $75.00 for each course revalidated. The fee is not refundable once the student has presented himself/herself to the instructor for the examination.

The University requires all students born after December 31, 1956, to be immunized against, or provide proof of immunity to, measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella). Proof of immunity and/or immunization requires documentation of one of the following:

1. Two measles and one German measles (MR or MMR) shot after 1967 (but not before first birthday), or
2. Positive serum titers (blood antibodies) to measles and German measles, or
3. Physician-diagnosed measles illness and either shots or positive serum titer for German measles. (A diagnosis of German measles does not meet requirements.)

The minimum residence requirement for the master's degree is two regular semesters or the equivalent in summer sessions. Six semester hours of work in a 5-week summer session constitute a full load; 9 to 12 semester hours constitute a full graduate load in a regular session.

The value of graduate study is enhanced by the pursuit of a unified program, the intellectual stimulus derived from contacts with fellow students, and close association with faculty. In consequence, candidates for the master's degree who are not enrolled for a full program of study during the regular academic year should meet residence requirements by pursuing their studies on a full-time basis in the summer sessions.

Petitions Committee for Suspensions

A student who is suspended from Coastal Carolina University or any other institution for any reason, academic or non-academic, may not earn academic credit toward Coastal degree programs during the period of suspension, whether enrolled in another college or university by correspondence course of any origin.

The University's Petitions Committee for Suspensions and the Director of Admissions of the University reserves the right to place stipulations upon the readmission and/or reinstatement of any student. A student unable to meet the prescribed readmission requirements may appeal to the Provost for consideration of extenuating circumstances.

Change of Name or Address

It is the obligation of every student to notify the Office of the Registrar of any change in name or address. Failure to do so may cause serious delay in the handling of student records and in notification of emergencies at home. Change of name may only be accomplished by presenting proper legal documentation.

Indebtedness

It is expected that every student will discharge any indebtedness to the University as quickly as possible. No diploma, certificate, grade report, or transcript will be issued to a student or for a student who has not made satisfactory settlement with the Bursar for all indebtedness to the University. An individual who has not officially enrolled may be administratively removed and prohibited from attending classes or taking final examinations after the due date of any unpaid obligations.

Registration

Students are academically and financially responsible for their course registrations, to enroll in courses for which they seek to earn credit, and to terminate enrollment in courses which they do not intend to complete. Each student is responsible for having knowledge of and observing all regulations and schedules published in the University Catalog and the Master Schedule of Classes.

To be officially enrolled in the University, a student must be academically eligible, complete the registration process, and possess a receipt issued by the Bursar for payment of current academic fees. Enrollment by proxy is not allowed unless permission has been obtained in advance from the Office of the Registrar. Students will be removed from any class for which prerequisites or other defined requirements have not been met.

Students are expected to complete registration (including the payment of all required fees) on the dates prescribed in the University Academic Calendar. Those failing to do so will have all course enrollments cancelled for non-payment.

Failure of a student to properly register and appear on class rolls and failure to pay tuition disqualifies the student from receiving credit for any course work, even if the student attends class and takes exams and earns a grade with the permission of the instructor. The University reserves the right to withdraw any course for cogent reasons, such as in the case of inadequate enrollment.

Registration in any course may be closed when the maximum enrollment has been reached. Students are responsible for their own registration and its accuracy.

Course Load

A student may enroll for a semester load not to exceed twelve (12) graduate hours. A student is classified as a full-time student for academic purposes with nine ( 9) or more hours during a fall or spring term, six (6) hours during the entire summer session. A student is classified as a part-time (half-time) student for academic purposes with six (6) credit hours during a fall or spring term.

Course Loads for Graduate Assistants

Graduate assistant applicants must be full-time students. Graduate assistants are required to carry a minimum of six (6) hours and may carry up to twelve (12) hours combined during both fall and spring terms. Assistants are expected to carry a minimum of three (3) credit hours each summer session.

Repetition of Course Work

A student may repeat a course which has been passed in order to raise the grade, only in the event that the degree pursued requires a higher grade in the course. A student who repeats the course will have both grades entered on the permanent academic record and computed into the grade point average.

Summer Terms

The Summer consists of terms normally totaling four-to-five weeks each. Shorter sessions and workshops are also offered. Students regularly enrolled in the University may take work applicable to the degree sought during Summer terms.

A maximum of two courses is permitted during any regular term. (Two courses normally means a maximum of 7 credits.) One course is the normal load for abbreviated terms. The University reserves the right to withdraw any course for cogent reasons, such as in the case of inadequate enrollment.

Additional courses may be offered upon request by a sufficient number of students. A minimum of 8 enrolled students is the usual requirement. Registration in any course may be closed when the maximum enrollment has been reached.

Students seeking admission to the University for the first time during a Summer term should refer to the Categories of Admission section of this catalog.

Senior Privilege (Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses)

Qualified undergraduate students (it is normally expected that the student have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) may enroll for graduate course credit in courses numbered 500 through 699. Graduate credit may be earned by an undergraduate student only if:

a)  the student is classified as a senior and has earned a minimum of 90 credits;
b) prior to registration, the student has been accepted as a prospective graduate      student and has completed the "Senior Privilege" form available from the Dean of the College where the desired course is housed;
c) all required signatures on the Senior Privilege form have been secured; and
d) the student is adequately prepared for graduate work in the field concerned.

In no case may a student's enrollment constitute more than a legal full-time academic load of 12 credits. Work taken by undergraduate students at the graduate level may not be applied toward an undergraduate degree. Any course authorizations should be obtained from the respective department and College prior to registering for the course.

Changes of Enrollment

Adding a course, changing from credit to audit or audit to credit, changing from one section to another, and changing the number of credits in any variable credit course must be completed by the last day to late register as published in the University Academic Calendar.

Electing or revoking the Pass-Fail option must be completed no later than the last date for dropping a course without receiving a grade of WF, as published in the University Academic Calendar. This change must be recorded with the Office of the Registrar on a Pass-Fail Option form bearing all required signatures. Students must consult with their advisers concerning any change of enrollment.

Dropping a Course - Dropping courses during final exams is not permitted.

Courses dropped during the official late registration period of a term/session will not be recorded on a student's permanent record. A grade of W will be recorded on the permanent record after the official late registration period and up to the last date to drop without a grade of WF and will not enter into the computation of credits attempted, grade point average, or any other total. The time allowed for dropping any course with a grade of W will be equal to two-thirds of the total number of class days from the beginning of the term/session. A grade of WF will be recorded for any course dropped after the close of the prescribed "drop with W" period and through the last day of class. A WF is treated as an F in computing the student's grade point average. A student who stops attending classes without officially dropping will have the grade of F recorded for each course. This grade is included in all calculations and totals. The University Academic Calendar lists the prescribed deadline dates in each term/session. Students must consult with their advisers concerning any change of enrollment.

Change of Major

Students who desire to change their majors must request admittance into the desired major through the chair of the new major. Students must: (a) obtain a Change of Major form from the Office of the Dean of the current major; (b) have this form signed by the chair of the academic department of the college in which they are currently enrolled (for release) and then the chair of the academic department of the college in which entry is desired (for acceptance). Upon acceptance into the new major, the college of the new major will make the necessary computer entry to reflect the new major and assign the new adviser. To be valid, a "Change of Major" must not only follow the procedures indicated but must also be completed in advance of registration in the major to which the change is desired.

Credits earned in one degree program may not be applicable toward other degree programs. Verification of credits applicable to the new major should be obtained in writing from the dean of the college in which the new degree or major is offered.

Course Substitutions

Only under unavoidable and exceptional circumstances will the faculty permit substitution for or exemption from the prescribed curricula. When it becomes necessary to request a deviation from the prescribed course of study, the student should consult the dean of the major college before preparing a petition listing the substitutions or exemptions sought and the reasons. General Petition forms are available from the offices of the deans.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal from the University or a course during final exams is not permitted. All students, both full-time and part-time, desiring to withdraw from the University or to discontinue enrollment in all courses should obtain a University Semester Withdrawal form from the Office of the Registrar. An exit interview will be conducted to assist the student in completing the withdrawal form and to resolve any outstanding obligations. A student who leaves the University without following this procedure may prejudice any further attempt to re-enter the University and will receive a grade of F in all courses.

The date of withdrawal from the University will be posted on student transcripts. Courses from which the student withdraws during the late registration period will not be recorded on a student's permanent record. Thereafter, through two-thirds of the total number of class days from the beginning of the term/session, the grade of W will be recorded on a student's transcript but will not be used in computing the grade point average. Specific dates are listed in the University Academic Calendar. Students withdrawing after the close of the prescribed "withdraw with W" period and prior to the last day of class will receive a grade of WF for each course in which they are enrolled. A WF is treated as an F in computing the student's grade point average. Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing will have the grade of F recorded for each course. This grade is included in all calculations and totals.

Exceptions to the assignment of a grade of WF are possible only for verifiable, documented reasons. If a student must withdraw from the University for medical reasons or for another acceptable major cause after the last day to receive a W, the grade of W still may be assigned. A Request for Total Withdrawal From Courses Due To Extenuating Circumstances form, available from the Office of the Dean of the student's major, must be approved by the course instructor(s) and the student's academic dean and returned to the Office of the Registrar by the dean.

Students are obligated to attend class regularly. Absences, excused or not, do not absolve a student from the responsibility of completing all assigned work promptly. Students who miss assignments, announced quizzes, or other coursework obligations due to excused absences will be allowed to make up the work in a manner deemed appropriate by the instructor. It will be the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor and make arrangements at the convenience of the instructor. The instructor is not obligated to allow a student to make up work missed due to an unexcused absence.

Absences will be excused for:
a)  incapacitating illness,
b) official representation of the University (excuses for official representation of the University should be obtained from the official supervising the activity),
c) death of a close relative, and
d) religious holidays.

The instructor will determine whether other absences from class should be excused or unexcused. In the event of an impasse between the student and the instructor, the department chair and/or the dean of the college shall make the final decision as to whether an absence is to be considered excused.

An instructor is permitted to impose a penalty, including assigning the grade of F, for excused or unexcused absences in excess of 25% of the regularly scheduled class meetings. An instructor may require a more stringent class attendance policy. In such cases, the instructor will make this additional attendance requirement known to his/her dean. All instructors should state their class attendance and grading policy in the course syllabus.   Unsatisfactory class attendance may be considered adequate reason by the professor for requesting the student to withdraw from a course. Students who are auditing classes are expected to conform to the same attendance requirements as students registered for credit.

Final examinations for Spring and Fall are held over a five-day period at the close of each semester; Summer term examinations are held at the close of each session. Examination schedules are published as part of the Master Schedule of Classes. No final examination may be held outside the stated time without special permission of the instructor's dean.

In any course or laboratory which meets three times per week, no quiz, test, or examination may be given during the last two class meetings prior to the regularly scheduled examination period. In any course or laboratory which meets once or twice a week, no quiz, test, or examination may be given during the last class meeting prior to the regular examination period. This provision applies to all examinations except laboratory examinations. With the approval of the Dean, laboratory examinations may be given during the last week of class. Self-paced courses are exempt from this regulation.

Re-examination for the purpose of removing a grade of F or raising a grade is not permitted.

A student who is absent from any final examination will be given the grade F in the course if an excuse acceptable to the instructor has not been offered. If excused, the student will be assigned a grade of Incomplete and may complete the course through a Deferred Examination (see details in section below). The definition and description of an Incomplete grade may be found in the Grading System section of this catalog.  If an instructor teaches more than one section of the same course, a student may be transferred from one examination section to another upon approval of the instructor. Any student with three examinations scheduled on the same day may arrange for an Alternate Examination time with the instructor of the second examination. The instructor of the second examination will make the necessary arrangements upon the student's request.

A student who has received an Incomplete in a course as a result of being excused from an examination may be eligible for a deferred or special final examination. For a deferred or special final examination, the instructor and the student mutually agree on a date and time for the exam. A deferred or special final examination may be taken during the next regularly scheduled final examination period for that course. The examination must be taken within one major term from the time that the Incomplete was assigned.

Course Credit 

The credit value of each course is usually determined by the number of class meetings per week during one semester. Two or three laboratory hours (one period) are equivalent to one class meeting. The credits for each course are included in each course description.

Students who are suspended from Coastal Carolina University for any reason, academic or non-academic, may not earn academic credit toward a Coastal Carolina University degree during the period of suspension, whether by residence elsewhere or by correspondence courses of any origin.

Transfer Credit

A student transferring to the University from another college or university should, before enrolling in any course at the University, have transcripts evaluated by the Office of Admissions. It is only through such evaluation that a student will know which transferred courses may be applicable toward Coastal degree requirements. Students from regionally accredited colleges and universities may transfer credit for academic courses completed with grades of C (meaning C-, C or C+) or above, but the University reserves the right to determine what credit, if any, for courses taken elsewhere will be counted toward its degrees.

The regional accrediting associations are: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students cannot receive degree credit for a course taken at Coastal if they have received transfer credit for an equivalent course taken previously at another institution. Similarly, transfer credit will not be awarded if a Coastal equivalent, regardless of the grade earned, appears on the Coastal academic record. A student can never be awarded more transfer credit for a course than the original institution awarded.

Credits earned at another institution while a student is on suspension, academic or non-academic, from Coastal Carolina University are not transferable and cannot be applied toward a degree or used in improving the grade point average.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

Up to 12 semester hours of credit with grades of B or above (or equivalent grades if a different
system is used from other institutions of approved graduate standing may be transferred for use with the following restrictions. Credit must have been earned at an institution accredited, at the time the course work was completed, by a regional accrediting commission. The only exceptions to this standard are as follows: transfer from foreign institutions, transfer of course work completed at an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting body, or the acceptance of credit for military education. Graduate credit will not be accepted for portfolio-based experiential learning which occurs prior to the student's matriculation into a Coastal Carolina University graduate program and which has not been under the supervision of the institution.

1. The credit must be approved by the graduate administrator and the Dean of the College where the student seeks to have the credit applied.

2. The credit must be dated within the six-year period allowed for a degree. There is no revalidation mechanism for transfer credit that does not fall within the time limit.
   Transfer credit is evaluated and applied in one of three ways at Coastal Carolina:

a)      as parallel credit (the course must have involved at least the same amount of class time and have had the same content) or
b)      as a departmental elective (courses in the discipline must be offered at Coastal) or
c)      as a general elective.

Grade point average (GPA) is calculated on the basis of all work in the student's career at Coastal Carolina. Credits earned at other institutions and transferred to Coastal may be used to satisfy program requirements but will not be calculated as a part of the GPA.

Transient Study

Credit for work completed at other institutions by Coastal students will not be accepted for transfer if the student has previously failed to earn the required grade in an equivalent course at Coastal. Credit for other courses will be accepted only under the conditions that (a) each course has been approved in advance by the dean or the Provost and such approval is filed in writing with the Office of the Registrar, (b) each course has been passed with a grade adequate for transfer purposes (normally a C or above), and (c) each course was taken for "academic credit". (Note: A grade of C means a C-, C or C+.)

Foreign credits are evaluated by the International Programs Office in coordination with the dean of the student's major and the dean of each course in review. As with transfer hours from a U.S. institution, foreign credits may be determined to be transferable, yet not be applicable toward satisfying degree requirements. The department chair or dean determines whether specific transferable hours will satisfy degree requirements.   In addition to an official translated copy of each transcript, please provide course descriptions in English for each course to be given transfer consideration.

Enrollment in a course obligates the student not only for prompt completion of all work assigned but also for punctual and regular attendance and for participation in whatever class discussion may occur. It is the student's responsibility to stay informed concerning all assignments made. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, do not absolve the student from this responsibility.

The grading system outlined below has been in effect since the Fall Semester, 1978. Under this system, undergraduate course credit will be granted only for earned grades of A, B +, B, C +, C, D +, D or S. Each of the following symbols will become a permanent part of the student's academic record when assigned. A, B+ and B, C+ and C, D+ and D, and F carry the traditional academic connotations of excellent, good, average, poor, and failing performance, respectively. S and U indicate respectively, satisfactory (passing) and unsatisfactory (failing) performance in courses carried under the Pass-Fail option. Courses carried under the Pass-Fail option will not affect a student's grade point average.

W is assigned for withdrawal from a course after the official late registration period and through two-thirds of the total number of class days from the beginning of the term/session. Courses dropped during the official late registration period (as published in the University Academic Calendar) will not be recorded on a student's permanent record. In exceptional cases, the grade W may be assigned for total University Withdrawals after two-thirds of the total number of class days of the term/session and requires the concurrence of the course instructor and the dean of the student's major. A grade of W will not enter into the grade point average computation but will be recorded on the student's permanent record. WF is assigned for withdrawal from a course after the last date to withdraw with a grade of W (as prescribed in the University Academic Calendar) and is treated as an F in the grade point average computation. I, Incomplete, is assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, in the instructor's judgment, a student is unable to complete some portion of the assigned work in a course because of an unanticipated illness, accident, work-related responsibility, or family hardship. The grade of I is not intended to give students additional time to complete course assignments unless there is some indication that the specified condition or event prevented the student from completing course assignments on time. In those instances when the faculty member agrees to assign the grade of I, the faculty member must prepare with the student a completed Assignment of Incomplete Grade form stating specific expectations that the student must meet before the I grade is changed to a letter grade. Additional forms may be required by the department. This Assignment of Incomplete Grade form must also include a deadline for completion of the work. By arrangement with the instructor, the student may have one major semester in which to complete the work before a permanent grade is recorded. Copies of the completed form are then distributed to the student, the Registrar, the department chair or college dean, and the instructor at the time grades are reported. Re-enrolling in the course will not make up an Incomplete. The grade I will not affect the student's GPA during the one semester, or during the contractually agreed upon time limit. After one semester (or the agreed upon limit), a grade of I for which work has not been completed is permanently changed to a grade of F. Work to be completed must be submitted in sufficient time for the grade to be assigned and processed prior to the conversion of the I to an F. The responsibility for completing the requirements and assuring removal of an I rests directly with the student. Suspension does not extend the time allowed to make up an Incomplete. AUD indicates a course was carried on an audit basis. A grade of AUD will not enter into the grade point average computation.

Grade Changes

Grades may be changed only by the instructor of record or through an appeals process as specified in the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility. No grade may be changed after one year from the completion of a course, except with the concurrence of the Committee on Petitions and Scholastic Standing of the student's major college. In the case of a deceased faculty member, or in extreme cases and for cogent reasons, the Department Chair of the course may act in place of the faculty member of record in consultation with the major dean and the Registrar.

Student petitions which involve changing a grade must be approved by the faculty member who assigned the grade. Students who wish to petition to the Committee on Petitions and Scholastic Standing for a grade change must do so within three years of the term in which the course ended (effective Summer I, 2001).

Grade Point Average

The grade point average is computed on the basis of all hours attempted for credit, except for credit hours carried under Pass-Fail or audit options. No course in which a grade of I, S, U, AUD, or W was earned is considered in computing the GPA. The grade points earned in any course carried with a passing grade (A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D) are computed by multiplying the number of credit hours assigned to the course by the number of grade points assigned to the grade.

Grade Points

Grade Per Credit Hour

A         4.0
B+       3.5
B          3.0
C+       2.5
C         2.0
D+       1.5
D         1.0

The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of grade hours attempted. No grade points are assigned to the grades F, S, U, WF, W, I, or AUD.

Grade Reports

Following each major term of enrollment, grades are available via the Internet or a special toll free telephone number. No grades will be available, however, to students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Certification of enrollment is based upon the total number of credit hours for which a student is registered at the time of the certification. Beginning and ending dates reported in enrollment certification conform to the official Coastal academic calendar dates for the term requested.

Transcripts

A transcript of a student's record carries the following information: a detailed statement of the Coastal Carolina University scholastic record showing courses pursued with credits carried, credits earned, grades, grade points, grade point average, grade point deficits, academic status as appropriate, and an explanation of the grading system. All failures, incomplete grades, and penalties such as suspensions are also indicated. All requests for transcripts must be in written form. Any student who needs a transcript or a certified copy of the end-of-semester grade report must complete a Transcript Request form at the Office of the Registrar, or send a signed and dated letter containing all pertinent identifying information to the Office of the Registrar. In addition to the written consent, each transcript request should include full name or names used, student number, dates of attendance, location of attendance, and date of birth to ensure proper identification of the record requested. Transcripts will not be issued to a student who is indebted to Coastal Carolina University. Partial transcripts will not be issued.

Coastal Carolina University will issue up to twelve (12) official transcripts per person per calendar year at no charge. A non-refundable fee of $5.00 per copy must accompany subsequent requests that are made within the same year. Coastal Carolina reserves the right to alter this charge at any time.

NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They 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, head of the academic department, or other 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 that 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 are 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.

Coastal Carolina University will disclose information from a student's education records only with the written consent of the student, except:

(a) To school officials with legitimate educational interests; a school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including campus law enforcement and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
(b) To officials of other institutions in which the student intends to enroll provided that the student has previously requested a release of his/her record to the requesting institution;
(c) To authorized representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, state/local educational authorities, organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the University, and accrediting organizations;
(d) In connection with a student's application for, and receipt of, financial aid;
(e) To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
(f) To parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Section 152;
(g) To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency; or
(h) To the alleged victim of any crime of violence of the results of any disciplinary proceedings conducted by the University.

Coastal Carolina University has designated the following items as Directory Information: a student's name, mailing addresses (local, permanent, electronic), telephone numbers, photograph, electronic image, semester/s of attendance, enrollment status (full- or part-time), date of admission, date of graduation, college, major and minor fields of study, whether or not currently enrolled, classification (freshman, etc.), type of degree being pursued, degrees, honors, and awards received (including scholarships and fellowships), the most recent educational institution attended, weight and height of members of athletic teams, and whether the student has participated in officially recognized activities and sports sponsored by the University.

The University may disclose any of these items without prior written consent unless the student has submitted a written request to the Office of the Registrar not to release directory information pertaining to them. This request must be made at the time of registration but no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term.

The University publishes a Student Directory. Students who do not wish to have information printed in the Student Directory should complete a Student Directory Privacy Request Form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Student Directory Privacy Request Forms must be completed no later than 14 days after the beginning of the term.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Coastal Carolina 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
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-4605

Questions concerning this law and the University's procedures concerning release of academic information may be directed to the Office of the Registrar, Singleton Building, Room 108; 843-349-2019.

Appeals: An appropriate hearing board will provide each student with an opportunity to challenge the content of University records, to ensure that the records are accurate, and provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein. Hearing requests should be made to the Registrar.

Academic Status

The following standards regarding scholastic eligibility, suspension, and probation are applicable to all students. Administration of these regulations is the responsibility of the Provost.

Any student whose Coastal Carolina University cumulative GPA is 3.0 or above is considered to be in good academic standing.

With the exception that students suspended for the first time are allowed to attempt Coastal's summer school, students on suspension may not be admitted to, or continue in, any program at Coastal for credit or grade point average purposes. Suspension does not extend the time allowed to make up an Incomplete grade.

Credits earned at other institutions of any origin while a student is on suspension from Coastal Carolina, may not be applied toward a degree from Coastal or used for improving the grade point average.

Students are reminded that these rules are for suspension from Coastal Carolina. Some degree programs may impose more stringent requirements for retention in the program.

Students suspended by this policy have the right to petition the Coastal Carolina Petitions Committee for Suspensions at any time to waive the application of the suspension rule. Requests for petitions and information should be directed to the dean of the student's major.

All candidates for degree must file formal applications during the academic term of graduation with the Dean of the College where their degree program is housed.   Degrees are awarded three times a year, at the end of each semester and at the end of the summer session.  Commencement exercises are held twice a year, in December and in May.  Students must formally apply for graduation.  Any application received after the application deadline will be regarded automatically as having been submitted for the following term.  Diplomas will not be awarded retroactively or issued to students who have indebtedness to the University.  

The last 12 credits in the student’s program must be Coastal Carolina courses completed “in residence” at Coastal Carolina.   All degree applicants are urged to confer with the chairs of their respective departments about their programs and degree requirements prior to the beginning of their last semester at the University.

“In residence" means that the student was regularly enrolled in Coastal Carolina courses. "In residence" requirements may not be met by courses for which credit is earned by exemption or exam, courses taken by correspondence, credits earned through military credentials, or courses for which transfer credit was awarded (except in the case of credits earned through sanctioned Coastal academic exchange programs). Courses taken under Pass-Fail option meet "in residence" requirements. If the student has not earned the last 12 credits in residence, the student is not eligible for graduation.

All candidates for degrees must file a formal application by the date specified in the University Academic Calendar which is during the first month of the term of graduation with the deans of their respective majors. Applications may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of the major or the Office of the Registrar. A graduation certification form signed by the appropriate dean and the fee receipt must accompany the graduation application when it is submitted by the appropriate dean to the Office of the Registrar. Applications for summer graduation are to be submitted by June 15.

Students attending the University in any non-degree candidate admission category will not be considered for graduation. Students are responsible for their own academic program and for meeting the requirements of their major department. It is recommended that they meet with their faculty advisers at least once each semester. In order to be eligible for graduation, students must meet all course requirements, meet all "in residence" requirements, meet all departmental or program requirements