Academic Regulations
Southern University at New Orleans, as other higher educational institutions, has established certain requirements, which must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements concern courses, majors, grade point averages, and other requirements with which the student must comply. Upon enrolling in the University, each student assumes an obligation to obey all rules and regulations made by properly constituted authorities including, but not limited to, those rules contained through this Catalog and in the Student Handbook. If the requirements are not met, the degree will be withheld until such time as they have been met. A student’s advisor may not assume these responsibilities, and he/she may not substitute, waive, or exempt the student from any established requirement. The University and its colleges and school reserve the right to change rules regulating admission, registration, instruction, graduation, academic calendars and the like. It is important for each student to become acquainted with the degree requirements and to remain informed.
Academic Year
The University operates on a two-semester academic year (Fall and Spring semesters of approximately sixteen weeks each). A Summer session of approximately eight weeks affords students the opportunity to earn additional hours towards graduation.
Student Enrollment Status/Course Load
A student is classified in terms of the number of semester hours scheduled, including hours audited, in a given semester or Summer session. A full-time undergraduate student is a student taking at least twelve credit hours during a semester or at least four credit hours in a Summer session. Any undergraduate student taking less than twelve credit hours in a regular semester or less than four credit hours in a Summer session is a part-time student. The maximum course load is nineteen (19) credit hours. Any hours in excess of the maximum load, constitute an overload which must have the approval of the faculty advisor, departmental chairperson, college dean and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Student Classification
| Freshman |
Less than 30 semester hours credit |
| Sophomore |
30-59 semester hours credit |
| Junior |
60-89 semester hours credit |
| Senior |
90 or more |
Course Progress
As a general rule, most courses taught at SUNO extend for one semester or Summer term. Credit is awarded only if a student attends all sessions in a course during a semester or Summer term.
Numbering and Sequencing of Courses
Courses are assigned numbers based on level of difficulty and are offered to students based upon their readiness to pursue them. Students are encouraged to take courses in a sequential manner, especially those disciplines where lower level courses serve as prerequisites to higher-level courses. A student should not register for any lower-level course in a sequence after having received a passing grade in the higher-level course in the sequence.
Courses taken to satisfy General Education Requirements should be taken as early as possible (freshman and sophomore years); however, since they generally are not sequenced courses, they can be taken throughout matriculation, providing opportunity for students to take less demanding courses along with their major and minor courses.
| 001-099 |
Non-degree Credit Courses- Offered by the University to permit students to make up deficiencies in previous training or to improve their facility in certain basic skills; not for degree credit. |
| 100-199 |
For undergraduate students, primarily freshman level; ordinarily open to all students; often the basic and/or introductory courses in academic programs. |
| 200-299 |
For undergraduate students, sophomore level or above. |
| 300-399 |
For advanced undergraduate students, junior- and senior-level. |
| 400-499 |
For advanced undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours. |
| 500-799 |
For students in Graduate programs; for graduate credit only except where permission is granted to undergraduates who are making timely progress toward a degree. |
Sequencing of courses must be considered in scheduling major and minor courses, particularly where their pre- and co-requisites for the higher level courses exist. While freshmen should not be scheduled for upper level courses, after students have passed a level, they can still take lower level courses that are not sequenced, especially General Education and University Requirements.
Credit
Academic credit assigned to a course is expressed in semester hours. A credit hour represents one hour of class work or at least two hours of laboratory work a week, together with the necessary preparation, for a semester. The value of each course of instruction and the amount of work required for graduation is stated in terms of semester hours. Three hour courses, for example, require the student to attend class three times a week for a lecture course, and also to do out-of-class assignments and preparation, to earn three credits. A passing grade in a subject that requires three one-hour meetings a week (or the equivalent) for one semester earns credit for three semester hours. A laboratory period of two or three hours is equivalent to one class hour. Southern University at New Orleans grants credit for all courses attempted/carried or completed with the grade of A, B, C, D, F, FX, P, NC, AU, I and those listed on the student’s record due to advanced placement, credit by examination, and military experience will be posted to the student record the semester after the credit has been awarded. Credit for each course is stated in the Course Descriptions section.
Credit by Examination
In order to recognize competence through educational experiences other than university instruction, Southern University at New Orleans offers a program of credit by examination. The following policies and procedures have been adopted by the University regarding credit by examination.
An enrolled or entering student at Southern University at New Orleans may gain credit through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). A fee is associated with this examination.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students the opportunity to earn credit in the subject areas listed below. Students are graded on a pass/fail basis and must earn the minimum scores recommended for a passing grade.
| English Composition |
General Chemistry |
| Mathematics |
Introductory Accounting |
| American Government |
Introductory Business Administration/Management |
| History/American & World Civilization |
Introductory Economics |
| Introductory Sociology |
Introductory Marketing |
| Philosophy |
Money and Banking |
| Introductory/General Psychology |
Statistics |
| Biology |
|
Under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the University will award credit for only specified examinations. A student may attempt a CLEP examination at a national CLEP testing center before enrolling and have the scores reported to the campus after the application for admission is completed. These examinations are offered monthly at national CLEP testing centers. Further information concerning the CLEP tests may be obtained from the College Level Examination Program, Box 1821, Princeton, NJ 08450.
Requests for credit by examination and the exam should be taken prior to the beginning of a term. Students should not enroll in a class for which credit by examination is desired.
Credits earned by examination may not be used to establish full-time or part-time status or eligibility for financial aid, athletics, scholastic honors, veterans’ or social security benefits, or the like nor reduce the University’s minimum residence requirements.
Credits earned by examination are not considered in determining probation and suspension at the end of a semester. The course for which the examination is to be taken must be included in the current bulletin.
Transfer students may not take credit examinations until all credits as transfer credits are recorded at Southern University at New Orleans. The student must have on file in the Office of Admissions and Records all official transcripts of the last high school and other colleges attended.
To earn credit by examination, a student must earn the equivalent of a “C” or better on the examination. Only courses passed will be recorded on the student’s record. Such courses are entered with a grade of a “P”, which is not computed in the overall grade-point average. A student may earn a maximum of thirty (30) semester hours credit through this program. A student may attempt to earn credit by examination in a particular course only once. Credit examinations, once failed, may not be repeated. Credit may not be earned in a course which a student previously failed, audited or enrolled. The maximum credit which may be obtained by examination in any one field is determined by the academic department concerned.
Advanced Placement Policy
Advanced Placement Credit
Southern University at New Orleans offers Advanced-Placement credit to high school students who have taken college-level courses in high school and have matriculated through the Advanced Placement Program. Advanced-Placement credit will be granted in appropriate subjects to freshmen who earn an AP Exam scores of 3 on Advanced-Placement subject examinations. The College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement examination is given in May each year. The credits awarded are detailed below.
Information about general program data and policies can be obtained by contacting either the Advanced-Placement Program, The College Board, 45 Columbia Ave., New York, NY 10023-6917; or the Office of Enrollment Management, The Emmett Bashful Building, Southern University at New Orleans, 6400 Press Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 701126.
| AP/CEEB Title |
Minimum Score |
Southern University at N.O. Equivalent |
Hours Credit |
| Art History |
3 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Biology |
3 |
BIOL-105N, 106N [CBIO-1013N, CBIO-1023N] |
6 |
| Calculus AB |
3 |
MATH-290N [CMAT-2115N] |
5 |
| Calculus BC |
3 |
MATH-291N [CMAT-2125N] |
5 |
| Chemistry |
3 |
CHEM-111N, 112N [CCEM-1123N, CCEM-1133N] |
6 |
| Computer Science A |
3 |
CISP-164N* |
3 |
| Macroeconomics |
3 |
ECON-222N [CECN-2213N] |
3 |
| Microeconomics |
3 |
ECON-211N [CECN-2223N] |
3 |
| English Language and Composition |
3
4 |
ENGL-111N [CENL-1013N] ENGL-111N, ENGL-112N [CENL-1013N, 1023N] |
3
6 |
| English Literature and Composition |
4 |
ENGL-112N, 203N [CENL-1013N, CENL-2323N] |
6 |
| Environmental Science |
3 |
BIOL-202N |
3 |
| French Language and Culture |
3 |
FREN-101N, 102N [CFRN-1013N, CFRN-1023N] |
6 |
| Comp Government & Politics |
3 |
POLI-210N |
3 |
| U.S. Government & Politics |
3 |
POLI-110N [CPOL-2013N] |
3 |
| Physics B |
3 |
PHYS-103N &103LN, 104N & 104LN |
8 |
| Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism |
3 |
PHYS-104N & 104LN |
4 |
| Physics C: Mechanics |
3 |
PHYS-103N & 103LN |
4 |
| Psychology |
3 |
PSYC-210N [CPSY-2013N] |
3 |
| Spanish Language |
3 |
SPAN-101N, 102N [CSPN-1013N, CSPN-1023N] |
6 |
| Spanish Literature and Culture |
3 |
SPAN-211N, SPAN-222N |
6 |
| Statistics |
3 |
MATH-250N [CMAT-1303N] |
3 |
| U.S. History |
3 |
HIST-210N or 220N [CHIS-2013N or 2023N] |
3 |
| World History |
3 |
HIST-103N or 104N [CHIS-1113N or 1123N] |
3 |
*Freshman level
[ ] indicate LCCN (Louisiana common course numbering) system.
Louisiana Transfer Degree
The Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree Program was developed in 2009 to ensure that students completing the 60-hour AALT (Associate of Arts) or ASLT (Associate of Science) can transfer from any state community college to any of the state’s four-year universities without losing credit. Graduates with the Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree must still meet any program or college-specific admission or degree requirements for admission to Southern University at New Orleans. For additional information, please visit our website at http://latransferdegree.org/
Credit for Military Experience
Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be allowed credit for physical education upon presentation of a copy of the discharge (DD214) to the Registrar’s Office.
Credit may be granted for military schools where equivalence in terms of college courses has been recommended for college credit in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Service,” published by the American Council on Educational (ACE). Veterans should have their military training evaluated by ACE and forwarded to the Admissions Office. For more information please contact the American Council on Education Office of Registration for Adult Learning and Educational Credentials, One Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. 20036-1193, (202) 939-9430.
Independent Study
Departments may offer courses by individual instruction/independent study. This is considered only in an emergency situation demanding that a student have the course immediately and only with the consent of the appropriate instructor, the department chairperson and/or dean. Request must be executed on the appropriate form according to the established procedure and approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Grades and Grading
System of Grading
The University uses a letter system of grading: A = excellent; B = above average; C = average; D = barely passing; F = failure; FX = failure with excessive absence; AU = audit; I = incomplete; W = withdrew; P = pass and, NC = no credit. Credit for any course in which a student has received a grade of F may be obtained only by repeating the course.
Quality Points
A student passing a course with a grade of A will receive four quality points for each semester credit hour for that course; with grade B, three quality points for each semester credit hour; with grade C, two quality points for each semester credit hour; with grade D, one quality point for each semester credit hour; and F carries no quality points. An I grade is not counted until it has been resolved into a final grade. For example, a ratio of 2.0 between quality points earned and semester hours attempted is interpreted as a 2.0 (C) average.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The grades of A, B, C, D, F and FX are included in the computation of the semester grade point average. Grades of AU, P, I, W, and NC are excluded. The semester grade point average is the total number of quality points (numerical values assigned to each letter grade as the final grade in a course) earned, divided by the total number of semester credit hours carried by the student. The cumulative grade point average is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of hours, excluding I’s, W’s, P’s, NC’s and repeated courses. For determining eligibility for holding office or graduating with honors, a student’s cumulative average is computed by dividing the total quality points earned by the total semester hours attempted, exclusive of courses with grades of AU, P, W, and NC.
Pass-Fail
A few courses are graded pass-fail for all students. The grade of P will be given for work of passing quality and the grade of F will be given for work below passing quality. Courses passed with the grade of P may be offered for degree credit, but the grade will not be considered in computing the grade-point average. An F in a pass-fail course will be treated as any other F, both with regard to credit earned and to grade-point average calculation.
Repeating Courses
A student may repeat a course in order to raise a grade, thereby earning additional quality points; however, the last grade earned stands as the official grade. Both the original grade and the repeated grade will be entered on the student’s record. The original grade is disregarded for the purpose of determining the student’s grade-point average, hours passed and hours earned; however, both the original and repeated course grades are computed in determining a student’s eligibility for holding office and graduating with honors. In the case of repeating a course, the last grade and credits made shall be used in computing the grade point average ratio.
Incomplete Grades
Course work which is of passing quality but which, because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, is not complete, may be marked “I” (incomplete). It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the excuse. If an excuse is not received, the instructor is to consider that the delinquent work is of failing quality and an “I” grade is not to be given. A grade of “I” becomes a grade of “F” if not removed by the end of the first six weeks of the following semester if the student is enrolled or within one year if the student is not enrolled the semester following receipt of an “I” grade. A student may remove the incomplete grade in absentia. The grade of “I” shall be neutral in the calculation of the cumulative grade-point average for retention purposes.
Note: A student should not re-enroll in a course in which an incomplete grade was given/received. Graduating seniors are not permitted to receive incomplete grades.
Change of Grade
After a grade has been recorded in the Office of Records, it can be changed only upon certification by the instructor, department chairperson and college dean and approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. If an error was one of the transcriptions, it can be corrected by the Registrar. But if it was made by an instructor, the Registrar must be authorized by the appropriate instructor, the department chairperson, college dean, and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to make the corrective change in the student’s record.
Grade changes from “Incomplete” to a letter grade must be made by the instructor within the time limit by filling the proper incomplete grade report form with the Registrar’s Office.
Any other change of grade must be initiated by the instructor on the required form available in the Departmental Office. Such petitions require the approval of the department chair and college dean.
The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will give the final approval in all cases. The Registrar will make the change on the student’s record and notify the student. Any grade change must be received in the Office of the Registrar within 45 calendar days immediately following the grading period (semester or summer session) in which the grade was given or omitted.
Appealing a Grade
Students have the right to appeal a final grade which they believe reflects an omission, a possible error, a capricious, arbitrary or prejudiced academic evaluation, or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, political affiliation, handicap, or national origin. A student’s appeal of a grade must be initiated by the student within 30 days after the first day of classes in the next regular semester and in no case after a lapse of one year. The grade appealed remains in effect until the appeal process is completed or the problem resolved. The procedure for appealing a grade is as follows:
- The student shall discuss the complaint with the faculty member involved and attempt to arrive at a solution. If the decision reached requires change in an official University record, the faculty member must comply with all University regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.
- If the matter is not resolved between the student and the faculty member, the student must prepare and sign a document which states the facts constituting the basis for the appeal within 30 calendar days from the time that the original complaint was lodged. Copies of this document shall be forwarded to the faculty member and the faculty member’s departmental chairperson. If the decision reached requires change in an official University record, the faculty member must comply with all University regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.
- If the student is not satisfied with the decision reached, he or she may appeal to the dean of the college or school in which the department offering the course is located. The student’s appeal must be in writing, detailing the complaint and action taken and sought. If the decision reached requires change in an official University record, the faculty member must comply with all University regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.
- If the student believes that a serious procedural error occurred or that there was an abuse of discretionary authority in reaching the decision, he or she may file a written petition with the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This petition must be accompanied by all documents produced in the appeal. Once a decision is reached, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will notify all parties of his/her decision. The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will conclude the matter, subject to the right of the Chancellor to review the case.
Good Standing
A student who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or higher on all college course work attempted and on all work attempted at Southern University at New Orleans is in “good standing.” The University will, however, certify a student to be in “good standing” as long as that student is eligible to be enrolled.
Evaluation of Student Progress
Student progress is evaluated by a variety of methods. The measurement and evaluation of learning should be consistent with the objectives of the course and provide the opportunity for the student and the instructor to evaluate progress.
Progress Reports
At the mid-point of each semester a student may request from an instructor an estimate of his/her grade in the first half of the semester. This estimate is not made a part of the permanent record. At the end of a semester or summer session, the final grade for each course is recorded in the student’s permanent record. Grades may be accessed via the SUNO website.
Transcripts
Each semester and/or summer term grade report is the basis for the student’s transcript. Final grades of each semester/term are officially recorded and filed in the Registrar’s Office. Students may obtain certified copies of their academic records from the Records Office upon written request. Transcripts requested for academic advisement are available without cost. Official transcripts are issued for the purpose of transferring credits to other colleges, universities, certifying agencies, etc. The first official copy is furnished without cost. A written request, along with a receipt for the payment of the $10 fee must be submitted for each additional transcript. Official transcripts cannot be released until all indebtedness to the University is paid in full.
Academic Honors
Dean’s List
A full-time student completing twelve or more hours and who earns a 3.75 average or better in any semester in all hours pursued shall be recognized by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Honor Roll
A full-time student completing twelve or more hours and who earns a B (3.0) average or better in any semester in all hours pursued shall be placed on the honor roll for that semester.
Probation, Suspension, and Readmission Regulations
Students with grade-point average deficiencies are notified on the semester grade reports and by letter from the Office of Retention that their academic performance is unsatisfactory; thus placing them on probation or suspension. Students who are placed on academic probation or suspension shall have the designation stamped on their academic records. Students who have been pre-advised/registered and are subsequently suspended shall have their registration automatically canceled.
The effect of the probationary status is to serve notice that if the student’s record at the end of the next semester is unsatisfactory, he or she will be placed on academic suspension and ineligible to continue the following regular semester at SUNO. Academic suspension is the status which identifies a student who has failed to meet the University’s minimum standards and is ineligible to continue to the next regular semester.
Students at Southern University at New Orleans are governed by the following academic standards:
Probation/Suspension Policy
Academic Probation
- In order for a student to be considered in good standing, they must maintain both a cumulative grade point average and semester grade point average of 2.0.
- A student will be placed on academic probation whenever his or her cumulative grade point average or semester grade point average falls below 2.00. This policy does not apply to first semester freshmen.
- Once placed on probation, the student will continue on probation until the cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher is achieved (Continued Probation).
- Once a student is placed on probation, the student must earn a 2.00 semester grade point average in order to continue on probation. Failure to obtain a semester grade point average of 2.00 while on probation and/or continued probation will result in suspension.
- Once a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is achieved, a student will be removed from probation and be considered to be in good standing.
Academic Suspension
NOTE: In order to receive financial aid, a student must be making satisfactory academic progress. For additional information relevant to the University’s policies regarding SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND FINANCIAL AID refer to the Financial Aid section in the catalog.
Appeal of Suspension
- Students with three or less suspensions may appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee for a waiver of the suspension period if documentation can be provided for extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are primarily serious illness/injury, death in the immediate family, natural disaster or a traumatic event that interrupts the student’s academic progress. In the case of death of a family member, a certificate of death and an affidavit attesting to the relationship of the deceased to the student and the residence of the deceased must be provided. In the case of serious illness/injury, a physician’s affidavit is required. Students who cannot document proof of extenuating circumstances cannot apply for a waiver of the suspension period.
- A letter of appeal and documentation must be submitted to the Academic Appeals Committee in the Office of Retention as soon as possible but no later than ten (10) days prior to the first day of class.
- Any student whose appeal is denied by the Academic Appeals committee has the right to appeal the suspension to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
- The fourth suspension will result in permanent expulsion from the University. Permanent expulsion is not subject to appeal.
Academic Amnesty
Southern University at New Orleans provides students who find their previous academic record an obstacle to resuming their college work an opportunity to request ACADEMIC AMNESTY. Academic amnesty allows students, who perform unsuccessfully in the initial college experience, to apply for a fresh start at the undergraduate level. After a period of absence of at least five (5) calendar years from Southern University at New Orleans, students may upon request apply to have their previous academic record voided. Students who have been permanently expelled from the University because of a fourth suspension must request and be granted Academic Amnesty prior to completing an application for readmission. Students who otherwise experienced academic difficulties and wish to have their previous record disregarded, must apply for Academic Amnesty within the first semester of re-enrollment. In either situation, a student must provide written evidence that the conditions which caused the poor academic performance have changed to the extent that there is now a reasonable expectation that the student will perform satisfactorily if amnesty is granted. Academic amnesty may be awarded to a student only once and is applicable only to students enrolled and credits earned at Southern University at New Orleans. If a student has been granted Academic Amnesty at another institution, Southern University at New Orleans will honor the Amnesty. The student will remain subject to University policies on probation and suspension and dismissal.
Under this policy, no courses previously taken, nor grades previously earned will be counted in the student’s grade-point average, except for determining eligibility for holding certain offices and graduating with honors. However, the courses and grades will remain on the student’s academic record and transcript. All grades will be used for determining graduation with Latin honors. A student demonstrating competency in a given area may be allowed advanced standing (without credit) or a waiver of requirements just as any entering freshman, but the student will not be allowed credit by examination for courses lost in academic amnesty.
Students are cautioned that many undergraduate professional curricula and most graduate and professional schools compute the undergraduate grade-point average on all hours attempted when considering applications for admission. Academic Amnesty may be granted to a student only once, regardless of the universities attended. Once Academic Amnesty is granted, the decision is irreversible.
Academic Amnesty does not preclude federal guidelines for financial aid. Accumulated semester and award limits may include all semesters of enrollment at any college or university.
Student Conduct
Administrative regulations governing the conduct of students enrolled at Southern University at New Orleans are contained in the Student Handbook. Included in this publication are rules and regulations governing student rights and responsibilities, disciplinary sanctions, penalties, violations, types of offenses and the Judicial System. A copy of the Student Handbook may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Registration
All continuing, transfer, and re-entry students are expected to present themselves for registration in accordance with the plans of registration established for the current year and listed in the University Calendar at the beginning of this Catalog.
Students are referred to the chairs of departments and other faculty members for assistance in preparing their schedules. Each student, however, must assume the responsibility of studying his curriculum carefully and should register each semester according to its requirements. Continuing and upper-class transfer students are expected to participate in Pre-Advisement/Registration for the succeeding semester. Upper-class transfer students must have a completed application for admission on file in order to participate in Pre-Advisement/Registration.
No student will be registered until he/she has paid fees as assessed by the Comptroller’s Office. No student will be permitted to remain in any class unless his/her name is shown on the instructor’s roster or unless the instructor has received evidence of proper registration from the Registrar’s Office. Registration after the final date provided in the University calendar requires special permission from the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. A student, with the appropriate approval, may add courses for credit, make section changes, or drop courses within the period provided in the University calendar.
Changes in Registration/Student Schedule Adjustment
Students may add or drop courses or change from one section of a course to another with the proper approval as indicated in the semester calendar. All such changes must be filed in the Registrar’s Office according to the dates as indicated in the academic calendar. A student will be held responsible for all courses appearing on the schedule unless changes have been made in accordance with the regulations. A student may not add courses for credit after the deadline stated in the academic calendar. Forms to facilitate changes in registration and/or adjustments in the student’s schedule are available in the Registrar’s Office.
Courses dropped by the 14th day (7th day for Summer) of instruction will not be included in the student’s registration. If a course is dropped after the 14th day (7th day for Summer) of instruction, W (withdrawn) is recorded. If a student drops all courses, the student must withdraw/resign from the University, following the designated procedures.
Students may not drop a course by simply staying out of a class. Students are expected to obtain the signature of the instructor, advisor, department head and the registrar. Students are strongly urged to check schedule invoices and mid-term grade reports carefully and drop request the Office of the Registrar to clear from the record courses or grades that appear in error.
No student will be permitted a change in course of study or academic major after registering for that particular semester or summer session. When a student makes any change in status, classification, curriculum, division, etc., a Change of Program Form, obtainable from departmental offices, must be completed. The change will become effective the next semester or summer session in which the student is in attendance. A student is not officially dropped from a course until proper forms have been filed with the Registrar’s Office.
Withdrawal/Resignation from the University
When a student leaves the University at any time during a semester or a summer session without completing a withdrawal card and without clearing University accounts, the student will receive an F grade in all courses. Further, the right to a statement of honorable dismissal be forfeited, thereby jeopardizing re-entrance to the University or transfer to another accredited institution.
Concurrent Registration
A student registered at SUNO may not receive degree credit at SUNO for any work taken concurrently at another college or university without proper written approval from the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Cross Enrollment
An inter-institutional program exists between SUNO and the University of New Orleans and between SUNO and Delgado Community College. This enables a student registered full-time at SUNO to enroll in courses at UNO or Delgado, provided the courses are not being offered at SUNO that semester. In addition, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs must give written approval. Students currently enrolled may not exceed eighteen semester hours during the regular semester and nine hours during the Summer session. Summer only and transient students may not cross-enroll.
Articulation Agreements
Southern University at New Orleans has articulation agreements with the University of New Orleans, Delgado Community College, Nunez Community College, and River Parishes Community Colleges. The purpose of these agreements is to serve students in the region in an efficient manner. Furthermore, these agreements underscore the importance of interactions between community colleges and universities and are in keeping with each institution’s mission to the State of Louisiana.
Class Attendance Regulations
Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege. All students are expected to attend, regularly and punctually, all classes in which they are enrolled. Failure to do so may seriously jeopardize a student’s academic standing. Implicit in these regulations is the notion that students must assume a major responsibility for informing instructors of exceptions.
Each instructor will check the roll at each meeting and shall keep a permanent attendance record for each class. These records are subject to inspection by appropriate Dean, College or University officials.
A student who is not present when attendance is checked in a class is considered absent. Tardiness is treated as an absence unless an excuse is obtained from the instructor at the end of the period.
The initiative in obtaining an excuse rests with the student.
Faculty members are required to state in writing and explain to their students, at the beginning of each term, their expectations in regard to both attendance and make-up work.
Each instructor shall report to the Student Development Center all cases of absences from class, which, in the opinion of the instructor, jeopardize the student’s chances of satisfactorily completing the course.
A student required to be absent from class because of illness or other unavoidable cause should promptly report the reasons to the instructor and, when required, present excuses. If the student has prior knowledge that he/she will miss certain classed, justification should be submitted to these instructors in advance of the absences. Instructors should make clear that excuses explain absences, but do not remove them.
Extended absences due to illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control should be reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affair. Instructors will be notified of the circumstances surrounding the absence.
Excuses for participation in University-sponsored activities will be initiated by the sponsoring unit and approved by the College Dean and the Office of Academic Affairs.
Absences from a class which the student plans to drop carry the same penalty as any other absence. A student does not withdraw from a class by failing to attend.
Students are responsible for all class work missed, regardless of the reasons for the absence. Immediately upon the student’s return to class, a conference should be arranged with the instructor to determine what action, on the student’s part, is necessary to compensate for time lost and the material missed due to the absence.
When a student receives a total of four unexcused absences in a given class, the student may be given the grade of “F” at the instructor’s discretion.
Since it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of his/her attendance at all times, failure to receive a notice of unexcused absences does not alter his/her status.
Any student penalized for being absent an excessive number of times may appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Academic Advisement
Advisor’s Responsibilities
All students are assigned an advisor when they are accepted for admission. Faculty advisors will make a conscientious effort to be available during the regular posted office hours and for special appointments, including allotted times during schedule-planning week. Within limited time and consent with other responsibilities, a faculty advisor will (1) help the student define and develop realistic goals, (2) identify special needs, (3) refer the student to available resources, (4) assist the student to plan a program consistent with his/her abilities and interests, (5) monitor progress toward educational/career goals, and (6) discuss linkage between academic preparation and world of work. Advisors may refer students to other University staff.
The advisor is responsible for approving the student’s proposed course work and maintaining a complete up-to-date file on each advisee.
Advisee’s Responsibilities
The responsibility for meeting all academic and graduation requirements, as stated in this catalog, rests ultimately with the student. Each advisee also has the responsibility of (1) clarifying personal values and goals, (2) gathering all relevant decision-making information, (3) becoming knowledgeable about policies, procedures, and requirements, and (4) accepting responsibility for personal decisions. Students are expected to contact their advisors at the following times: (1) pre-advisement/registration, (2) prior to any change in classes, (3) prior to declaring or changing a major, and (4) following any report of unsatisfactory performance or attendance. In case of changes in the University graduation or curriculum requirements, a full-time student who attends without interruption may choose to satisfy either the requirements as the existed at the time of entrance or the new requirements. A student who withdraws from the University for one or more semesters must apply for readmission. A readmitted student is governed in this matter by the rules for readmission. A part-time student may apply to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for permission to be graduated under the original requirements.
THE FACULTY ADVISOR MAY NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE STUDENT CONTRARY TO THE ADVISOR’S RECOMMENDATION.