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Southern University and A&M College Academic Catalog > Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success

Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success

University Admissions

Southern University operates on a semester plan and generally holds an eight-week summer term. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Southern University is open to all persons who are eligible for admission, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, physical disabilities, veteran status, or any other non-merit factors. Eligibility for admission is determined by the Office of Admissions in accordance with University policies.

The University has an admissions policy whereby entering freshmen must achieve a composite score of 20 and a sub score of 18 in English or a 19 subscore in Mathematics on the ACT (940/1020 on SAT), a 2.0 grade point average, or rank in the top 50% of graduation class and require no more than one remedial course (ACT Math and English sub-scores can be no lower than 16). Additionally, entering freshmen must have successfully completed four units of English (I, II, III, and IV),four units of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, or an approved advanced math substitute),four of social sciences, (American History, World History, Western Civilization, or World Geography), four units of science (Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology), two units of the same foreign language, and one unit of art.

Admission Standards

Freshman Admissions

Students who have earned diplomas from approved high schools in the United States should meet the following requirements for admission:

• High School units of 19 are as follows:

Subject:	Units:
English Required: Four units of English Composition and Literature – English I, II, III, and IV	4
Mathematics Required: Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B, Geometry, Algebra II, Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Pre-Calculus, Advanced Functions & Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Math, Approved Elective (including approved IBC related course)	4
Natural Science Required: Biology, Chemistry, two (2) units from: Physical Science, integrated Science, Physics I, Physics of Technology I, Aerospace Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Earth Science, Environmental science, Physics II, Physics of Technology II, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology	4
Social Sciences Required: Civics, AP American Government plus Free enterprise (1/2) unit each), World History, world Geography, Western Civilization, AP European History, Law Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Civics (2nd Semester, ½ Unit), African American Studies,	4
Fine Arts Survey Required: Fine Arts Survey or substitute two units of performance courses in music, dance and/or theater; or two units of visual arts; or substitute two units of studio art; or substitute one unit of an elective among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum	1
Foreign Language/Speech Required: Two (2) units from single language or 2 units of Speech	2
TOTAL	19

And Minimum Overall High School GPA of 2.0

And Require of only one developmental course by having a minimum ACT English Score of 18 or Math Score of 19 (SAT Verbal Writing and Language score of 450 25 and SAT Math Section Score of 460 500) (ACT Math and English sub scores can be no lower than 15).

And One of the following: core GPA of 2.0 or ACT Composite score of 20 (SAT Composite of 940).

Admissions for First-Time Freshmen from Out-of-State High Schools or Home-School Programs

Freshmen students, who graduate from out-of-state schools or are home schooled, must meet one of the following minimum admissions criteria.

Criteria 1:

1. Completion of Board of Regents’ High School Core Curriculum;
2. Minimum ACT English score of 18 or Math score of 19 (SAT Writing and Language score of 25 or Math Section score of 500);
3. One of the following:
   1. Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; OR
   2. Minimum composite ACT score of 20 (SAT score of 940); OR
   3. Rank in the upper 50% of the high school graduating class.

Criteria 2:

1. Minimum composite ACT score of 20 (SAT score of 1020
2. Minimum ACT English score of 18 or math score of 19 (SAT Writing and Language score of 25 or Math Section score of 500); AND
3. Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale AND

Criteria 3:

1. Minimum composite ACT score of 23 (SAT score of 1130) AND
2. Minimum ACT English score of 18 or math score of 19 (SAT Writing and Language score of 25 or Math Section score of 500).

Overview of Three-Year Phased Increase in Admission Standards of the Delores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College

Students who complete a college preparatory curriculum from an accredited or state-approved high school with a minimum of 16 units, high school GPA 3.30 or better, and ACT score of 23 or above (SAT of 1160 or above) may apply for regular admission into the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College. The 16 units required include: 4 units of English I, II, III, and IV with no substitutions; 3 units of Mathematics taken from Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Advanced Mathematics, or Calculus; 3 units of Natural Science including Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science or Physics; 3 units from Foreign Languages (with 2 units in the same Language), Visual or Performing Arts, Computer Science or Mathematics above College Algebra (depending on above choice in mathematics). Added requirements are a 250-word essay on a special topic and two letters of recommendation.

Academic Term	Regents Core Units	Developmental Courses	Overall High School GPA	ACT	Core High School GPA	Admissions Exceptions
Fall 2010	17.5	0	2.5	20	N/A	10%
Fall 2011	17.5	0	2.5	21	N/A	9%
Fall 2012	19	0	2.5	22	N/A	8%

Admissions for Student Athletes

Admissions requirements for freshmen and transfer student athletes differ from students who are not classified as athletes. Freshmen student athletes having met all other admission requirements must also meet the grade point average (G.P.A.) requirement of 2.3 or higher. Transfer student athletes must have a G.P.A. of 2.6 or higher. They must also meet all other admission and initial/transfer eligibility requirements per NCAA Bylaws.

Admissions for Adult Students Aged 21-24

Adult Students aged 21-24 are required to meet the minimum freshman admissions criteria. Such students who do not may be admitted under one of the following categories:

1. Admissions exception.
2. Non-matriculating. Students admitted under this category may change their status from non- matriculating to matriculating by meeting the minimum transfer admission criteria. Matriculating, part time. Students admitted under this category may enroll for no more than 3 hours in the summer or 6 hours in the fall or spring semesters.
3. Students admitted under this category maybe allowed to enroll in additional hours by meeting the minimum transfer admission criteria.

Admissions for Adult Students aged 25 and Over

Adult students aged 25 and over are not required to meet the minimum admissions criteria for a first-time freshman.

For an adult student that wishes to transfer, that student is required to meet the minimum admissions criteria for transfer students.

Admissions for Students with GED

Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) program must have an ACT composite score of 19 or higher (SAT of 900 or higher), meet the unit requirements, and submit a transcript with satisfactory grades. The records of these students will be evaluated carefully by the Admissions Committee. Consideration may be given to the elective courses specified above as well as the applicants’ entire academic background.

Admissions for Students from Unapproved Schools

Graduates from high schools not approved by a state department of education must meet special requirements and submit satisfactory grades and an ACT composite score of 20 or higher (SAT of 940). The records of these students will be evaluated carefully by the Admissions Committee.

Provisional Admissions

Students who meet the ACT/SAT and the high school GPA requirements but have up to two deficiencies in the core curriculum may be admitted provisionally and may be fully admitted depending on the requirements being met once the official final high school transcript has been received.

Early and Concurrent Admissions

Early admission permits high school students who have not completed all the requirements for a high school diploma to apply for admissions to Southern University as regular students. Students are considered on the basis of academic achievement, general maturity and readiness to begin college work. However, some minimum requirements must be met.

• Completion of eleventh grade in high school.
• A GPA of at least 3.5 (out of 4.0) on all academic work pursued during the last three years of six semesters of high school.
• ACT Score of 24 or better
• Recommendations from high school principal or counselor
• ¥A letter from applicant stating the reason for seeking early admission

Admissions for First-Time Freshmen

Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline dates. Applications must be accompanied by complete high school transcripts, with date of graduation posted, ACT, SAT, or TOEFL scores, proof of immunization, and appropriate application fees. (Do not send cash or checks.)

Fees: A non-refundable application fee of $20 ($30 for International Students) must accompany each application for admission. The fee should be paid by online via credit or debit card, U.S. money order, or cashier’s check and should show the name of the student for whom payment is made. The University does not accept personal checks.

ADMISSIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students for whom English is a second language have two options to satisfy SUBR’s English proficiency requirement. They may take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Southern University Center for International Affairs offers ESL classes on selected time options for persons needed English language assistance.

• A score of 500 on the TOEFL or a score of six on the IELTS
• High School GPA of 2.5 or better

Admissions for Freshman International Students

Applications must be completed properly and submitted before the deadlines established for admitting international students. An application fee of $30 (money order or cashier’s check) must accompany the application. Supporting documents, which include all official high school transcripts and Leaving School Certificates or affidavits of support, TOEFL scores or West African Examinations scores, and SAT or ACT scores must be submitted before students can be considered for admission to the University.

Freshman international students must have completed a recognized secondary program comparable to U.S. high school graduation, and have academic records comparable to those required to meet the freshman admission criteria. All credentials must be translated into English and certified to be original documents before they will be accepted by the Office of admissions. Affidavits of support must be original and notarized for the year of anticipated enrollment. Completed applications with the above required attachments must be received by the Office of Admissions at least 90 days prior to the anticipated date of registration if the student is outside the United States. International students who score 400-449 on the TOEFL are required to earn grades of “C” or better in Freshman Composition, ENGL-110 and 111 (ESL, English as a Second Language). Those scoring 450-499 on the TOEFL are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in English 111 (ESL).

Visa Requirements. Regulations of the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, governing nonimmigrant F-1 students require international students in this category to pursue a full course of study while maintaining nonimmigrant student status. Under this regulation, an undergraduate student will be required to register for at least 15 semester hours, and a graduate student will be required to register for at least nine semester hours of coursework in a degree or certificate program. Any modification of these requirements resulting in non-degree study or a course load less than the above minimum requirements must be authorized by the international student advisor in consultation with the director of admissions and the academic advisor.

Students who fail to observe the above requirements will not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) and other letters of certification in support of their continuation in the nonimmigrant F-1 student status. Students bearing nonimmigrant Foreign Student F-1 visas are required to attend, initially, the educational institution that issued the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).

Students in the Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) category requesting transfer to the University’s Private Exchange Visitor program from another program number must obtain approval from the international student advisor before admission to the University becomes valid.

Questions concerning United States Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations should be directed to the international student advisor.

Other Criteria

In order to minimize test bias and to recognize artistic, scholarly, athletic, and leadership talents, it is recommended that up to 15 percent of the total number of students admitted each year be selected from the population referenced above, minimum criteria notwithstanding. Of the 15 percent, ten percent must be selected from other race students. The Admissions Committee will carefully review individual records of applicants in this category. The process of admitting these students may include personal interviews, written essays, recommendations from high school administrators, counselors, or teachers, demonstrated exemplary talents, leadership abilities, and significant life and career experience. The precise mechanism for administering the admissions exceptions will be developed by the University.

Transfer Admissions

Students desiring to transfer from REGIONALLY ACCREDITED colleges and universities to Southern University must have either earned an Associate Degree or higher or meet the following minimum admissions criteria.

• Students with 12 hours or more must have a GPA of 2.0 (based on 4.0) on all transfer work.
• C or better on a college-level English and Math
• Students transferring with the minimum GPA on college level courses, but less than the minimum college level hours earned, must also meet the freshman admissions criteria (as stated in this catalog) in order to be admitted as transfer students.
• Transfer students must be eligible to re-enter the institution from which they are transferring. Students in this category must meet all other requirements for admission of transfer students as set forth in the most recently published University catalog.

Louisiana Transfer Degree Guarantee

Southern University and A&M College participates in the Louisiana Transfer Degree Guarantee (TDG) initiative. Students who transfer with a Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree will have completed all 30 credits of general education requirements as well as 21 credit hours or additional coursework, totaling 60 hours. The TDG promises smooth transfer for students from any SACS accredited two-year community college to a Louisiana four-year public university. Students who meet all admissions criteria including an AA/LT of AS/LT and have satisfactorily completed all course requirements including prerequisites earning a grade of “C” or better and are admitted to Southern University and A&M College will be admitted to the College or School of their major with Junior-level status upon admission to the University.

Every degree program has its own course requirements; therefore, it is imperative that students work with an advisor at their respective two-year schools to ensure that they are following the plan exactly as delineated. The requirements for majors found at SUBR may be found on its website: “http://www.subr.edu/” or www.subr.edu. Students may also refer to the “http://www.latransferdegree.org/” or www.latransferdegree.org website for more information.

*Note: No developmental courses can be counted toward the required 60-hour course requirement.

Transfer Students Must Submit the Following Official Documents:

• Official college transcripts from each college or university attended
• Copy of the Immunization Record

NOTE: Individual colleges or schools within the University may have specific requirements for admission above those listed here. For information concerning individual college requirements, consult the appropriate college section of this catalog.

Transfer International Students Must Meet Transfer Admission Criteria

• Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office from all colleges.
• Evidence of completing a recognized secondary program must be submitted
• A current notarized statement of financial support is required
• Language requirements must be met
• International students, whose first language is not English and who are applying for admission as undergraduate students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• A minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper) or 173 (computer) is required; or students may provide other documentation deemed acceptable by the university.

NOTE: International students who took English courses in their native country will not be allowed to use the credits at Southern University towards a degree. However, arrangements can be made with the Department of English to take an advance placement test. No transfer credit will be accepted if the school is not listed on the application. Personal student papers, Photostats, or attested copies are not accepted for evaluation purposes.

Transfer Adults

Transfer adults aged 21 and over are required to meet the minimum admissions criteria for transfer students.

**Effective Fall 2012, students in need of any developmental courses will not be eligible for admission to the university.

Summer Only

Students applying for admission to the University for Study during summer only must submit:

• Letter of good standing from institution where currently enrolled (must be as of the end of current semester)
• Copy of Immunization Record
• Copy of Social Security Card (Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you do not have a card)

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

The maximum amount of transfer credit allowed to satisfy graduation requirements is 93 semester hours. Transfer credits for students seeking transfer admission are evaluated on the basis of each course. The guide, Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions, is a primary source for determining the eligibility of transfer credit from colleges and universities within the United States.

The maximum number of credit hours transferable from a junior college is 64 semester hours. Students transferring from Southern University, Shreveport-Bossier may transfer a maximum of 70 semester hours.

Transfer credit allowed by the Office of the Registrar is subject to review by the student’s senior college or school with regard to its applicability toward a particular degree. The student is expected to conform to all requirements for the chosen degree program. Questions relating to the applicability of credit to degree requirements should be referred to the appropriate senior college or school.

Request for Transfer Credit

Students matriculating at Southern University who are planning to enroll for transfer credits at other institutions must seek prior approval for the course(s) to be transferred by completing Southern University’s “Resident Students Request for Transfer Credit” form.

Failure to receive prior approval may jeopardize the acceptance of transfer credits. It is the student’s responsibility to request that an official transcript of courses taken at other institutions be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar at Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Transfer of Credit Appeals

Any student who desires to appeal a transfer credit decision must apply to Enrollment Services within 30 days after initial enrollment at the University.

NOTE: Request for transfer information and applications for undergraduate admission should be directed to the Registrar’s Office, P. O. Box 9280, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813; telephone (225)771-5050; fax (225) 771-5064.

Readmission for Undergraduate Students

An undergraduate student whose studies at the University are interrupted for any reason for a period of two or more consecutive semesters (excluding the Summer term) must submit an application for readmission to the Office of the Registrar, unless written permission to study at another institution has been secured in advance or the student has been granted an official leave of absence. Applications for readmission must be submitted by the appropriate deadline date (See application deadline dates, page 19). Early application for readmission allows students to participate in early registration. If readmission is approved, the student is subject to the academic requirements and regulations in effect at the time of readmission. A non-refundable readmission application fee of $20 must accompany each application form. Payment may be made by U.S. money order or cashier’s check. The University does not accept personal checks.

Admission of Students with Disabilities

Admission to the University and to all programs and operations is open to all persons, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, veterans’ status, or national origin, who meet the admission requirements and qualifications of the University.

Students with questions may communicate with appropriate campus offices or directly with the Office of Admissions, P. O. Box 9901, Southern University, and Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Program for Persons Over 60

Any person over the age of 60 years who registers for one or more courses of instruction at Southern University – Baton Rouge and who is a resident of the state shall be exempt from the payment of tuition ONLY for up to three credit hours.

Admission to Advanced Standing and Non-Traditional

Educational Experiences

In order to recognize competence attained through educational experiences other than University instruction, Southern University offers a program of credit by examination. The three methods of examination used are: 1) College Level Examination Program, 2) Advanced Placement of the College Entrance Examination Board, and 3) Southern University Credit Examination. Credit for all forms of advanced standing examinations cannot exceed 30 semester hours and a maximum of 60 semester hours through all types of non-traditional experiences, (i.e., advanced standing, military service, correspondence courses, and extension courses).

Louisiana Residence Status

For purposes of assigning tuition and at institutions in the Southern University System, a resident shall be defined as an individual who has abandoned all prior domiciles, established a domicile in the State of Louisiana, and who has been domiciled in the state continuously for a period of at least one calendar year immediately preceding the first day of classes for which resident classification is sought. The individual’s physical presence within this state solely for education purposes will not be sufficient for resident classification, regardless of the length of time present within the state.

A person herein termed as a bona fide Louisiana resident is an individual who qualifies as a resident in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this section. An individual who is certified under one of the mandated criteria as a resident student by any one of the SU System’s institutions shall so be recognized by every institution within the System, provided the individual’s certifying category does not change.

A non-resident, for tuition purposes is defined as an individual who is not eligible for classification as a resident student under the regulations stated in this catalog.

Application Deadlines

Any applicant seeking certification as a resident or seeking non-resident fee exemption certification under any provision in this section shall submit an application and all required documentation to the Office of the Registrar for receipt on or before the following dates:

• July 1 for resident and exemption certification for admission the Fall semester.
• October 1 for resident and exemption certification for admission in the Spring semester.
• April 1 for resident and exemption certification for the Summer term.

The burden of proving entitlement to the benefits in this section shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Immunization Policy

Proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and meningococcal is required prior to first time admission to the University.

Criteria for Establishing Resident Status

Persons applying for “resident” designation must provide to the Office of the Registrar all of the documentation required for establishing eligibility for certification in at least one of the following categories on or before the appropriate deadline.

Spouse of Louisiana Resident

The spouse of a natural Louisiana resident must submit to the Office of the Registrar on or before the deadline:

• a copy of marriage license,
• spouse’s Louisiana birth certificate, Louisiana high school diploma, Louisiana tax forms for past year(s) and 1040 Federal Tax Forms for past year(s), W-2 Form, certified copy of employment verification form, and
• documentation that the applicant’s spouse has continuously resided in the state for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of application.

If the applicant is a resident alien and legally married to a natural Louisiana resident or is a resident alien who is legally married to an individual who is a domiciliary of the State of Louisiana and is seeking resident student status by virtue of a spouse’s employment, the applicant must also present a permanent resident alien (Green) card from the U.S. Immigration Service to the Admissions office.

Louisiana Resident by Virtue of Employment within the State

Persons who are minors or less than 24 years of age and dependent upon parent(s) and whose parents have been residing in Louisiana and working full-time (40 hours a week) for a continuous minimum 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application, must submit the following to the Registrar’s Office on or before the first day classes begin for the semester for which they are applying:

• copy of the Louisiana Tax form of parent(s),
• 1040 Federal Tax Forms of parent(s),
• W-2 Form of parent(s),
• applicant’s birth certificate or copy of court papers verifying adoption,
• certified copy of employment verification form for parent(s), and any other documentation requested by the Admissions Office.

A person who has been residing in Louisiana and working full-time (40 hours a week) for a continuous minimum 12-month period prior to submission of an application, and who has not enrolled at any post-secondary institutions during the 12-month period immediately preceding the application deadline for the semester for which they are requesting resident designation is eligible to apply for resident status. An applicant for resident status must submit the following to Office of Admissions before the deadline:

a copy of Louisiana tax form for the applicant/applicant’s spouse,

• 1040 Federal Tax Form,
• W-2 Forms(s) for the applicant/applicant’s spouse, and
• certified copy of the employment verification form for applicant, and any other documentation requested by the Admissions Office.

Military personnel stationed in Louisiana and their dependents

In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 17:2137, an active duty or honorably discharged member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, who was permanently stationed in Louisiana, a spouse or dependents shall qualify for resident status, if one of the following criteria is met:

• A member of the United States Armed Forces who is permanently stationed in Louisiana on active duty or his/her child or spouse without regard to length of time of residency in the state.
• A child or spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who has been assigned to duty elsewhere immediately following permanent service on active duty while stationed in Louisiana for as long as the child or spouse continuously resides in Louisiana after the duty assignment in the state of the military parent or spouse ends.
• member of the military, as well as his/her spouse and dependent, who was permanently stationed in Louisiana, and who enrolls as a Southern University student, provided that the individual(s) has been continuously residing in Louisiana after being honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

An applicant seeking certification under any provision in this part shall submit the following to the Admissions Office on or before the appropriate deadline:

• copy of the dependent child’s birth certificate or court approved adoption papers,
• copy of marriage certificate,
• copy of military personnel’s orders reflecting permanent assignment to duty in Louisiana,
• copy of official orders reassigning the military parent or spouse from permanent duty in Louisiana to another duty station, and
• any other documentation requested by the Admissions Office.

Criteria for Determining Eligibility for Non-Resident Fee Exemption

Persons applying for a non-resident fee exemption must submit the documents for the applicable eligibility category to the Office of Admissions prior to the beginning of the enrollment period that they intend to enroll. Eligibility for exemption established following the beginning of the enrollment period shall be applicable for the next enrollment.

Undergraduate Students

Effective Fall 1997, students pursuing an undergraduate degree whose parent(s), mother and/or father, received a bachelor’s degree from Southern University at Baton Rouge are eligible to apply for exemption from payment of 100 percent of the non-resident fee. To maintain eligibility for the exemption in each successive enrollment period, the student must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and maintain full-time status each semester. The applicant must submit the following to the Office of Student Affairs on or before the applicable deadline:

• copy of applicant’s birth certificate,
• copy of parent’s diploma and/or transcript showing degree earned, and
• any other documentation requested by the Admissions Office

Students applying for the exemption by virtue of adoption must submit the following to the Admissions Office:

• copy of court records verifying adoption of applicant,
• copy of applicant’s birth certificate,
• copy of parent’s diploma and/or transcript showing degree earned, and
• other documentation requested by the Admissions Office.

Non-Resident Athletic Scholarship Recipient Exemption

Students enrolled at Southern University who are granted athletic scholarships, and who are not residents of this state, shall not be charged or required to pay any tuition or fees in an amount in excess of that which is charged to a students who are residents of the State of Louisiana. (See Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 17: 1791)

Non-Resident Participation in the National Student Exchange Program

An exchange student from a participating out-of-state university who enrolls at Southern University and who pays in-state tuition at the home campus and opts to pay fees at Southern University will be exempt from the payment of non-resident fees for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. Non- resident fee exemption for a longer period requires the approval of all appropriate parties to the NSE Program agreement and Southern University.

Graduate Assistants

A non-resident graduate student who is selected to serve as a graduate assistant at Southern University may be eligible for a full or partial exemption of non-resident fees. Eligibility of the exemption must be certified by the Graduate School. The following must be submitted by the student:

• a letter from the individual’s department or college to the dean of the Graduate School, verifying that the student has been awarded a graduate assistantship,
• a letter from the dean of the Graduate School, verifying that the applicant meets eligibility requirements and is approved for appointment as a graduate assistant, and
• any other documentation requested by the Graduate School Office.
• If the student is a resident alien, the permanent resident alien card (green card), also must be submitted to the graduate school for copying.

Appeal of Denial of Resident or Exemption Certification

An applicant who wishes to appeal a decision of the Registrar’s Office denying resident or exemption certification must submit a written appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs not later than 14 calendar days after notice of such decision is mailed or hand delivered to the applicant. The appeal must state the grounds for the appeal and provide copies of any documentation which the appellant desires to have considered during the appellate review. The failure to timely lodge an appeal shall constitute a waiver of all claims of eligibility for certification for the applicable term(s).

Incorrect Residency Classification

Any student who is incorrectly classified as a resident student is subject to reclassification at any time and the assessment and payment of all nonresident fees that have not been paid during the period of incorrect classification and those otherwise due. If the incorrect classification results from false information or facts concealed by the student, the student is also subject to University disciplinary action.

Services for Individuals with Disabilities

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) assists students in meeting their unique educational and social needs. Academic accommodations are made on the basis of students’ documented disabilities. These accommodations include special arrangements for campus tours and new student orientation, utilization of academic aids such as audio tapes, large print, tape recorders, note-takers and tutors, interpreters, assistance with admissions, class scheduling and registration, classroom and testing accommodations, academic counseling, and career placement.

Visually impaired (blind) students will receive notices of approved textbooks and other pertinent instructional materials for their classes at least forty-five days prior to the first day of each semester. The notice will indicate whether the textbooks are required, supplemental or recommended, and whether other versions of the textbook/s are acceptable.

Assistance is also provided for students with temporary disabilities. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services, Southern University, P.O. Box 11298, Baton Rouge LA 70813; telephone, (225) 771-3950, for further information. Employees are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 10400, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA 70813; telephone, 225-771-3546

Americans with Disabilities Act Policy

Southern University is committed to providing equal access for all persons with disabilities on the Baton Rouge Campus. The University recognizes that some persons with disabilities may require reasonable accommodations in order to achieve equal access to educational programs and activities. Federal and state laws protect both employees and students from illegal discrimination. Southern University is obligated to maintain compliance within all relevant laws pertaining to discrimination when alleged on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status or other protected categories under state and federal law.

Any person denied reasonable accommodations, access to a university program or service, or who was offered an accommodation that is not acceptable to the individual is eligible to file a complaint through the Southern University Internal Discrimination Grievance Procedure. Persons with discrimination concerns are encouraged to consider the Southern University Internal Discrimination Grievance Procedure prior to seeking relief in an external forum. Seeking resolution through Southern University’s internal Discrimination Grievance Procedure will not impair the person’s right to pursue remedies in another forum outside of SUBR.

All ADA discrimination/504 complaints should be addressed to:

ADA Compliance Coordinator

Room 305, J.S. Clark Administration Building Southern University and A&M College

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813

Phone: (225) 771-5021/Fax: (225) 771-2018/(TTY): (225) 771-3824

In the event that the ADA Compliance Coordinator has a conflict of interest and/or due to other circumstances is precluded from conducting an investigation, the Director of Disability Services, as listed below, will coordinate the University’s investigation and resolution of allegations of discrimination.

Director of Disability Services

P. O. Box 11298

246 Augustus C. Blanks Hall Southern University - Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813

Phone: (225) 771-3546/Fax: (225) 771-3949

Authority

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, ADA Compliance Office and the ADA Advisory Council are responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination. This authority is delegated from the University President as system head and Chancellor as SUBR campus head. It carries the obligation to ensure that discriminatory practices and/or policies are prohibited at Southern University- Baton Rouge as a matter of policy.

When such practices or policies are identified, recommendations to the Chancellor will suggest corrective strategies. The Chancellor will direct implementation of the remedies and corrective action, as appropriate. These actions may include a specific remedy for the person filing the grievance; policy development and/or changes; disciplinary action against the alleged discrimination official; reconsideration of an action; or other remedies. A monitoring schedule also may be prescribed. This list is not exhaustive.

The relevant laws that must be followed by SUBR include, but are not limited to the following:

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Age Discrimination Act of 1975

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, including Title II of the Act

Other guidelines and interpretations also must be observed, including the Chancellors Memoranda, Southern University Board & System policies and guidelines, directives from the Louisiana Board of Regents or other recognized external regulatory agencies.

Coverage

Discrimination in employment, student enrollment and to persons with disabilities is prohibited on the basis of:

• Race/ethnic group identification
• Sex (includes sexual harassment, which interferes with the working or learning environment. Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy is also prohibited.)
• National origin
• Religion
• Handicap or disability (a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities)
• Age
• Veterans status (as a Vietnam-era veteran or a disabled veteran)
• Marital status
• Parental status
• Additional prohibitions exist to protect the rights of persons with a disability who seeks to access university programs or services in addition to employment and enrollment.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Opportunity and affirmative Action, ADA Compliance Office and the ADA Advisory Council will determine whether the complaint states a claim under any of the relevant laws and guidelines.

Student Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (Effective Fall 2020)

Introduction

Financial aid recipients are expected to make reasonable progress as a condition of receiving and continuing to receive student financial aid. Student progress is assessed according to both qualitative and quantitative measures. The qualitative measure (Grade Point Average-GPA) is very similar to the Academic Progress standard applied to all SU students. The quantitative measure, referred to as the student’s “Pace” (number of credit hours successfully completed and the maximum time frame) is used to monitor progress toward degree completion. When these measures are applied, federal regulations require that the student’s entire academic history is considered. This includes semesters or terms during which the student did not receive student financial aid. The University has developed this policy to provide a framework for monitoring and determining a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress in accordance with Federal and Institutional requirements. This policy applies to all new, transfer, re-entry, re-admit with transfer work, and continuing students at SUBR.

Purpose

The intent of this policy is to 1) ensure that students using the Title IV and State financial aid programs are demonstrating responsible use of public funds in pursuit of their educational goals; and 2) set standards for monitoring all financial aid recipients’ course completion rate “pace” and cumulative GPA annually and notifying individual students when progress is not met and/or when they have met or exceeded the maximum time frame allowed.

Authority

The policy contained herein is the result to implement a corrective action plan to comply with a federal compliance of improper payment finding of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), correspondence received March 27, 2020 to be effective July 1, 2020 and beyond or until further amended. The applicable regulations are in 34 CFR 668.16(e), 668.32(f) and 668.34. This policy will replace all previous SAP policies established by the University. The Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended and final regulations set by the United States Department of Education (34CFR668.16) require that institutions of higher education establish reasonable standards of satisfactory academic progress as a condition of continuing eligibility for federal aid programs. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as an exemption from the requirements of any other federal or state agency, or other granting or governing authority that apply to a student or to the financial assistance the student receives, nor does this policy limit the authority of the Director of Financial Aid when taking responsible action to eliminate fraud or abuse in these programs.

Programs Governed by this Policy

All Federal Title IV programs: Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National “SMART” Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS, and Graduate PLUS), and Federal College Work Study Program, as well as other State and Institutional Programs for which SAP compliance is required are governed by this policy, as applicable.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

To encourage the completion of degree/certificate programs within a reasonable timeframe and to comply with federal and state requirements, financial aid recipients attending Southern University and A&M College (SU) must maintain satisfactory academic progress as a condition for receiving financial aid. Satisfactory academic progress requires financial aid recipients to do the following:

1. Meet minimum cumulative grade point averages as listed below;
2. Complete their degree or certificate within the maximum allowable time frame;
3. Complete and earn credit for a reasonable number of credit hours (at least 67% of cumulative credit hours attempted) towards a degree or certificate, measured incrementally; and complete courses at an overall “pace” which will, once again ensure graduation within the maximum allowable time frame, measured in total cumulative hours attempted. In determining the 67% earned/pursued ratio, hours will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Financial aid recipients who do not meet these standards will lose their financial aid eligibility. Also and unless otherwise stated, a student’s entire academic history (including transfer hours applicable towards a program of study at SUBR and in accordance with the university’s Transfer Policy) is considered for purposes of this policy, regardless of whether the student received financial aid at the time the credit hours were completed.

Minimum Cumulative Standards

Total Cumulative Hours Attempted	Min. Cum. % Hours Earned	Maintaining Progress	Financial Aid Suspended
Bachelor’s Degree
0 – 29credit hours	67%	1.51 or greater	0.00 - 1.50
30 - 59 credit hours	67%	1.75 or greater	0.00 - 1.74
60 - 89 credit hours	67%	2.00 or greater	0.00 - 1.99
90 - 180 credit hours	67%	2.00 or greater	0.00 - 1.99
181+Ineligible for Financial Aid
Teacher’s Certification
0 - 45 credit hours	67%	2.50 or greater	0.00 - 2.49
46+Ineligible for Financial Aid
Graduates:
Master’s Degree
0 - 60 credit hours	67%	3.00 or greater	0.00 - 2.99
61+Ineligible for Financial Aid
Doctoral Degree
0 - 60 credit hours	67%	3.00 or greater	0.00 - 2.99
61+Ineligible for Financial Aid

*Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) used for purposes of this policy is calculated by Southern University in accordance with established policy and procedure.

Factors Impacting Satisfactory Academic Progress

Grades, Earned Hours, and Attempted Hours

Grades, Earned Hours and Attempted Hours include all grades and hours appearing on the transcript, including those with “W”, “P”, “S”, “U”, “NC”, “FN”, and “I” grades. Remedial, repeated, transfer, suspended, and academic clemency hours are also counted as pursued hours, even for those semesters in which the student did not receive aid. Transfer credits earned at other institutions which are not applicable to an academic program at SUBR, will not be included in the assessment of SAP.

Repeated Courses

In the event that a course is repeated, the grade considered for the credit and GPA calculations will be the higher of the two grades earned. Each attempt will be used in evaluating the course completion ratio and cumulative number of attempted hours.

Minimum Requirements per Academic Level

• Undergraduate Students: Students who are enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum must earn the required attempted/earned hour ratio and GPA outlined previously within this policy. These students may receive financial aid for a maximum of 180 attempted hours.
• Graduate/Doctoral Students: Students who have been admitted to and are enrolled in an eligible Graduate or Doctoral program must earn the required attempted/earned hour ratio and GPA outlined previously within this policy. These students may receive financial aid for a maximum of 60 attempted hours, respectively.
• Additional Degrees: Students seeking additional degrees beyond the first undergraduate or graduate degree are limited as follows:

  Bachelors	45 credit hours beyond prior degree
  Masters	60 credit hours beyond prior degree
  Teacher Certification	45 credit hours beyond prior degree

• Second Baccalaureate Students: Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree in an eligible curriculum may receive financial aid for an additional 45 attempted hours and must maintain a 2.0 GPA for hours taken toward the second degree. For example, if a student completed the first undergraduate degree with 200 attempted credit hours, then he or she will only be eligible to receive financial aid for an additional 45 credit hours toward the second Baccalaureate degree.
• Second Master’s Degree Students: Students seeking a second master’s degree in an eligible curriculum may receive financial aid for an additional 60 attempted hours and must maintain a 3.0 GPA for hours taken toward the second degree. For example, if a student completed the first Master’s degree with 60 attempted credit hours, then he or she will only be eligible to receive financial aid for an additional 60 credit hours toward the second Master’s Degree.
• Teacher’s Certification Students: Students seeking Teacher’s Certification may receive financial aid for 45 attempted hours and must maintain a 2.5 GPA for hours taken toward the Certificate program.
• Double Majors: Students seeking double majors must complete their degree program for the primary major within the limits set for that major. Additional hours will not be allowed for double majors. The student may, however, petition the appeals committee for consideration.

Minimum Cumulative Credit Hour Completion

Financial aid recipients must satisfactorily complete at least 67% of their cumulative credit hours attempted. Grades of A, B, C, D, are considered satisfactory. All other grades such as F, FN, NS, W, or I are considered unsatisfactory.

A student who is unable to complete his or her degree program within the applicable timeline may appeal for an additional period of financial aid eligibility in order to complete the degree program. Special consideration will be given to a student whose attempted hours include developmental courses.

Student Eligibility Considerations

Undergraduate students must be officially admitted to the university as degree seeking or teacher certification. Generally, students who are officially admitted and degree seeking must attempt at least half-time hours to be fully considered for Title IV aid. Students attending less than half-time must be evaluated for financial aid in the Office of Student Financial Aid for any possible awards.

Graduate students must have a degree objective and be admitted into a Graduate program.

NOTE: Students who have been counseled regarding acceptance into a graduate program and are enrolled in required prerequisites but are not yet classified as a graduate student may receive a Stafford loan for one consecutive year based on undergraduate loan 4 limits. To be eligible for this exception, the student must be taking classes that are a prerequisite for admission. If the student is only taking courses to raise the GPA in order to be admitted, he/she would not qualify for loans under this exception.

Graduate students must be enrolled in graduate level courses that are applicable toward their program. Coursework taken at the undergraduate level will not be courses counted toward the half-time status required for federal Financial Aid eligibility (Student loans, Work-Study, TEACH Grants). In order to receive loans at the Graduate level, students must be enrolled at least half-time (in accordance with Title IV guidelines) in graduate level courses that are applicable toward their degree.

Returning and Transfer Students

Returning and transfer students must be in good academic standing and must have earned 67% of all hours attempted and meet the GPA requirement associated with their grade/career level to be eligible to receive financial aid. Academic progress will be monitored using the Minimum Cumulative Standards chart previously outlined in this policy. Official transcripts for all schools attended must be received and processed by the Admissions office before a SAP evaluation can be completed on a student who is transferring or returning with additional credit hours. Students who do not meet the requirements upon transferring or returning to SUBR will not qualify for Federal Student Aid. Transfer hours applicable towards a program of study at SUBR and in accordance with the university’s Transfer Policy will be considered for purposes of this policy regardless of whether the student received financial aid at the time the credit hours were completed.

Evaluation Intervals and Notification of Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) shall be monitored annually at the conclusion of the Spring term for the following Summer/Fall/Spring terms or at the time the student is applying for financial aid, if a current satisfactory progress assessment is not available. If a student is academically suspended between monitoring periods, the student’s eligibility for financial aid will also be suspended and must be reassessed at the time the student is readmitted to the University. Students enrolling in the Fall 2020 term will have their SAP status evaluated at the end of the Spring 2021 term (annually) under the New SAP Policy, effective Fall 2020. Students who do not meet one or more of the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of the evaluation period will no longer be eligible to receive assistance under the Title IV programs unless the student has appealed, successfully and is placed on financial aid probation. Not attending one or more semesters will not affect or change a student’s SAP status.

NOTE: Students enrolled for the Summer 2021 Crossover term will have their SAP evaluated in accordance with the SAP policy used for the 2019-2020 Award Year.

Financial Aid Probationary Period

At the end of one payment period on “Probation,” the student must meet the minimum SAP standards on their own in order to continue to receive financial aid or meet the requirements of his/her Academic Plan (if applicable) to qualify for further funds. While a student is on “Probation,” the student may be required to fulfill specific terms and conditions under the “Academic Plan” developed through the University College and enforced through the University College (CTLE), such as taking a reduced course load, enrolling in specific courses, or meeting a specified GPA and earned/attempted hour ratio at the end of each term. If a student placed on an Academic Plan fails to meet the plan’s requirements at the end of each term on probation, the student will lose his/her eligibility for financial aid and will be required to submit a Financial Aid Appeal for reinstatement consideration for the next enrolled semester/term.

Notification of Financial Aid Termination

The Office of Student Financial Aid will send a Satisfactory Academic Progress Notification to any student who is no longer eligible for financial aid, due to the student’s failure to meet one or more of the provisions outlined herein. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current addresses with the Office of the Registrar. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the student to stay informed of the University’s SAP standards and to monitor his/her progress frequently.

Appeal Procedures

Students who have been denied financial aid based upon the provisions outlined in this policy have the right to submit an appeal to explain and document their mitigating circumstances. All appeals must be accompanied by supporting documentation. An appeal will be denied if sufficient documentation is not submitted with the appeal. Appeals must explain why the student failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in his/her situation that will allow the student to meet the requirements at the next evaluation. Appeal forms are available online at www.subr.edu or in the Financial Aid Office. Students may not submit an appeal after the published deadline date has passed for the semester. Appeals are approved for current; appeals cannot be submitted for prior semesters. Students are limited to a maximum of five (5) financial aid appeals per degree attempt. Appeals Committee members are anonymous. Questions regarding the appeals process should be directed to the Appeal Committee via email at financialaid@subr.edu. To initiate a Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal, the student must complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form and submit it along with all required supporting documentation to the University’s Appeals Committee.

Mitigating Circumstances

Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen, special or unusual/traumatic conditions which caused undue hardship. These circumstances may include serious illness or injury relating to the student, death or serious illness of an immediate family member, significant traumatic occurrence that impaired emotional and/or physical health, exceeding maximum attempted hours or other documented circumstances.

All appeals must be in writing and submitted within the timelines established by the University’s Appeals Committee. All documents and the appeal application must be mailed together via certified mail with return receipt requested (unless otherwise indicated). Faxes, late, or separated documents may not be accepted. Decisions concerning SAP appeals are voted on by a committee. The decision of the committee is final and may not be overturned. Generally, the committee will notify students of their decision by email within 20 business days of the date their appeal is documented and received by the committee.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress shall lose their eligibility for financial aid and may only regain eligibility by eliminating all satisfactory progress deficiencies at their own expense, by appealing their satisfactory academic progress status and being placed on Financial Aid Probation, or after being placed on Probation, they continue to meet the requirements of their Academic Plan. If the student is required to appeal, reinstatement of Financial Aid will be based on the strength of the appeal statement, documentation received, and the academic record. Filing an appeal does not guarantee Financial Aid reinstatement.

Important Reminders:

Students applying for financial assistance must be in compliance with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) as a condition of initial or continuing eligibility.

• Financial aid will be denied to students who fail to maintain progress under this policy.
• SAP is monitored annually — at the conclusion of the Spring semester for the following Summer/Fall/Spring terms. At that time, a formal review will be made to ensure compliance with the grade point average, maximum time limit, and minimum earned hour requirements of this policy. If placed on an Academic Plan as a result of an appeal approval, a review will also be performed to determine if the requirements of the plan have been met.
• First-time aid recipients who have previously attended SU must also be in compliance with the policy regardless to whether aid was received during periods of prior attendance.
• Students who fail to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards will be notified by letter or electronic means of their deficiency.
• It is the responsibility of students who have been notified of a satisfactory progress deficiency to document any corrections to information used to determine their status.
• Any aid released to a student who is subsequently determined to be ineligible to have received funds under the rules for SAP will be rescinded and the student will be billed for all funds disbursed.

Promulgation

This policy will be included in the University catalog and other appropriate University publications. The policy, or a summary of its primary features, will be provided to each financial aid recipient.

Amendment to the Policy

This policy will be amended whenever applicable federal or state laws and regulations are changed.

Implementation Date

Implementation of new Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy to be effective for eligibility determinations for periods after July 1, 2020 unless otherwise amended. Initial SAP evaluation under this policy will occur at the end of the Spring 2021 term.

Definitions

1. Academic Clemency – Academic Clemency provides an opportunity for persons to apply for a new undergraduate academic beginning at SUBR by disregarding their prior academic record. For Federal Student Aid purposes, all attempted hours will be included in determining a student’s financial aid eligibility, including those disregarded on the basis of Academic Clemency. Coursework included in Academic Clemency DO NOT count toward earned hours. This means that the completion rate of a student granted academic clemency may be adversely affected. Questions regarding Academic Clemency should be addressed to the Registrar’s Office at (225) 771-5050.
2. Academic Suspension - Students are ineligible for financial aid while suspended. An explanation of cumulative grade point averages and their effect on enrollment is found in the Southern University and A&M College Catalog. Contact the Registrar’s Office at (225) 771- 5050 for further information.
3. Appeal – A process by which a student who is not meeting SAP standards petitions the school for reconsideration of his eligibility for financial aid.
4. Attempted Course - A course which remains on the student’s record after the first fourteen days of the term.
5. Completed Course/Earned Credit - A course in which a grade of A, B, C, D, or P was received. (Note: Withdrawal (W), blank grades, incomplete grades (I), audits (AU), and failures (F) and (FN) are not considered “earned credit” for meeting progress requirements).
6. Financial Aid Probation - A period in which a student who has been identified as not meeting one or more of the standards in this policy may continue to receive financial aid. At the end of the probationary period, a student is expected to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress and/or Academic Plan requirements or in order to continue receiving financial aid.
7. Financial Aid Termination/Suspension - The point at which a student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid as defined in this policy.
8. Incomplete - A grade of “I” received for an attempted course; no credit will be applied until the course is completed. However, the hours will be counted in determining a student’s “Pace” toward degree completion.
9. Maximum Timeframe - Time limit set for receipt of financial aid that is specific to a student’s program of study. For undergraduate programs, federal law defines this limit as 150% of the normal program’s length. This policy sets specific timeframes for both undergraduate and graduate programs of study.
10. Qualitative Measure - Measurement of a student’s academic standing consistent with the requirement for graduation from their program of study. It is required that students who have attended for a period of two academic years of undergraduate study maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
11. Quantitative Measure – Maximum timeframe the student has to complete their program of study and a minimum number of credits the student must satisfactorily complete at each increment (Pace).
12. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – Maintaining the required cumulative GPA and completion of courses at a rate that meets the standards defined in this policy.
13. Transfer Credit - Course accepted for credit at SU from another institution. Questions regarding Transfer Credit should be addressed to the Admissions Office at (225) 771-2430.

Enrollment Privileges and Responsibilities

Registration

All students are required to register in accordance with registration guidelines established for the current term as listed in the University Calendar (see page vi, academic calendar) and in the current schedule of classes bulletin.

Registration after the deadlines must be by special permission. The late registration fee is $100. A student may add courses for credit, make section changes, or drop courses with the approval of the appropriate advisor and dean within the period provided in the University Calendar.

Early Registration

No fees will be assessed for schedule changes during the early registration or schedule adjustment periods.

Inter-institutional Program with Regional Institutions (Cross-Registration)

Students enrolled at Southern University at Baton Rouge may take courses each semester at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southern University at New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Community College.

However, students who wish to participate in the inter-institutional program must be enrolled full-time and have approval of their college dean. Additional enrollment fees may be required of part-time students.

Students participating in the cross-registration program cannot cross-register for more than two courses per semester or summer term, unless they are enrolled in a formal cooperative program.

Exceptions may be made only on the recommendation of the dean of the college. Violation of this policy by students will result in acceptance of not more than eight semester hours of such credit toward the degree in a given semester or summer term.

Further details may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.

Course Load

Maximum and Minimum Semester Hour Load

A schedule of 12 to 19 semester hours is considered a full-time semester load, with 15 hours being recommended as a maximum for freshmen. Students who have earned a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on all work pursued during the previous semester may enroll for a maximum of 21 semester hours of credit on approval of their academic dean and 22 semester hours on recommendation of the dean, and approval by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost.

Students are permitted to register for no more than 12 semester hours during an eight-week summer term. The maximum number of credit hours allowed for transfer during the summer shall not exceed the equivalent number of credit hours allowed for students enrolled at Southern University at Baton Rouge. For a single eight-week summer term, the maximum transfer is 12 credit hours. The maximum course load for a summer session is 18 credit hours.

Course Load for Students on Academic Probation

Students on initial academic probation or extended academic probation, or who are returning to the University after a period of absence caused by academic suspension, will be allowed to pursue a maximum of 13 credit hours during either the fall or spring semester, seven credit hours during an eight-week summer term, and 10 credit hours during a full summer session.

Privileged Seniors

A graduating senior who has a minimum 3.0 GPA on all work pursued and who lacks no more than seven semester hours (four in a summer term) for the completion of the baccalaureate degree may enroll in graduate level courses for graduate credit. In the SU Graduate School, the student may have counted toward a graduate degree a maximum of six semester hours of graduate credits accumulated as an undergraduate. Prior approval of the Dean of the Graduate School is required.

Full-Time Students

Undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of scheduled work during a semester or at least four semester hours during an eight-week summer term to be considered a full-time student. A student enrolled in cooperative education is considered a full-time student for administrative purposes only.

Part-Time Students

Undergraduates enrolled in fewer than 12 semester hours during a semester or fewer than four hours during an eight-week summer term or combination of eight-week and four-week sessions are considered part-time.

Class Attendance

Students are required to attend classes regularly and punctually, as a minimum academic obligation. Failure to observe this policy may seriously jeopardize a student’s academic standing. Tardiness and excused absences should be brought to the attention of the instructor(s) by the student. The following class attendance policies apply:

• A student required to be absent from class because of illness or other unavoidable circumstances should promptly report the reasons to the instructor and, if required, present excuses. The instructor should make clear to the student that excuses explain absences, but do not remove them.
• Students are required to adhere to attendance policies established by their colleges and stated by the instructors on course syllabi.
• 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.
• Students who wish to be absent from classes for reasons not covered by these regulations must apply to their department head for a leave of absence. All excuses or explanations must be submitted in writing to the student’s department head within three school days after the student returns to classes.
• Financial Aid is based on student attendance during the first 14 days of class. Students who do not report to class during this attendance period will be marked as a “No Show” and their financial aid may be impacted. Please note that students who do not complete full semester or summer term attendance may be required to repay financial aid funds received.

Attendance Management Policy

All faculty members are required to verify student attendance using codes designated for this purpose. The attendance codes are posted electronically during the first 14 class days of each semester for all students in all courses taught. Two codes are used: An “SH” indicates that the student has attended class (“Show”). An “NS” is administered for the students who did not attend a class during the same 14-day period (“No Show”). Each faculty member reports student attendance on the University’s grade reporting system.

Student attendance continues to be monitored after the census date (14th class day). Students who fail to complete 60% of the required attendance time for any course receive an “FN” code. This equates to a failing grade for students who do not meet the federal student aid attendance requirement. In order to ensure that faculty members are administering the “FN” code, as prescribed, the University’s internal auditor reviews a sampling of faculty roll books annually. The review of student attendance establishes whether the failing grade has been appropriately administered.

Adding Courses for Credit

Courses may be added for credit through the last day of late registration. Approval from the student’s advisor is required. The student will be held responsible for all courses appearing on schedules. The student should check their student schedule during the registration period and drop or request the Registrar to clear from the record, by the deadline, courses that appear in error.

Section Changes

A student may change the section of a course being offered in a semester or summer session in the same manner and time frame as that provided for adding courses. A justifiable reason for change of course section must be given at the time of request.

Dropping Courses

Courses dropped prior to the 14th class day will not appear on the student’s record. For courses dropped after the 14th class day and within the time limit specified in the University Academic Calendar, the student must officially withdraw from the course and will receive the grade of “W.”

Scholarship Standards

Students of Southern University are governed by the following regulations regarding scholarship standards:

Scholastic Probation, Suspension, and Readmission Regulations

Probation

• Student will be placed on academic probation when the student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 1.51. The cumulative grade point average is computed as follows: total quality points divided by total hours pursued (including transfer credits), except for repeated courses.
• A student will remain on probation until a cumulative grade point average of 1.51 or higher is achieved and if the student earns a 2.0 grade point average for each semester, or Summer term during the period of probation. Failure to earn a cumulative grade point average of 1.51 a semester, and a term average of 2.0 while on probation will result in suspension (see below).
• Students with cumulative grade point averages between 1.51 and 1.99 will receive an academic warning that they are below the 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation.
• When a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above is achieved, the student is in academic good standing.

Suspension

• Students on academic probation will be suspended for one semester at the conclusion of the Fall or Spring or Summer terms in which the cumulative grade point average is below 1.51 and the semester or term grade point average is less than 2.0.
• A student suspended at the end of the Spring semester may enroll for the following Summer term without appeal. If the student raises his or her cumulative grade point average to 1.51 or above by the summer term, the suspension is removed. This student may enroll for the Fall semester without appeal. If the student does not raise their cumulative grade point average to 1.51 at the end of Summer term, then the suspension is in effect for the Fall semester.
• First-time freshmen will not be suspended prior to the completion of two semesters of enrollment.
• The University does not accept credits for courses taken while on suspension.
• Students with four suspensions will be dismissed from the University, permanently.

Appeal Suspension

• Students with three or fewer suspensions may appeal to the University Appeals Committee. Documentation must be provided for extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are primarily serious illness/injury, death in the immediate family, natural disaster or 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 showing direct cause cannot apply for a waiver of the suspension period.
• The letter of appeal and documentation must be submitted to the attention of Academic Appeals, postmarked by the date indicated. All appeals must be mailed by certified mail with a receipt or submitted via email as indicated on the University’s website.
• A fourth academic suspension results in expulsion from the University. Permanent expulsion is not subject to appeal.
• The decision of the University Appeals Committee is final and binding. Approvals may include stipulations that students must follow. Approvals may include stipulations which students must follow.

Withdrawal Policy

Southern University and A&M College permits students to withdraw from a maximum of seven courses during the completion of a bachelor’s degree. However, a college or school may specify a number less than seven. Please note the following stipulations. If the number of credit hours completed is between:

• 0-45, a student may accumulate three withdrawals
• 46-90, a student may accumulate two withdrawals
• 91 and above, a student may withdraw from two courses.

In order to withdraw from a course/s, a student who is classified as a freshman must meet with the instructor of record as well as his or her faculty advisor who will withdraw a student from a course or courses. An upperclassman must meet with his/her instructor of record and advisor in order to secure signatures from both, before submitting the withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.

If there is a catastrophic occurrence, which results in a student having to withdraw from a course after the maximum allowed number of withdrawals is reached, an appeal may be presented in writing to the dean of the college or school of the student’s major or intended major. The dean will approve or disapprove the appeal. There is no appeal process above the level of the dean.

Withdrawals accumulated at other institutions, prior to enrollment at Southern University will not be considered as part of the seven allowed withdrawals under this policy. Further, withdrawals generated due to the withdrawal from the university do not count against the maximum allowed withdrawals from courses.

Administrative Withdrawal

In the event that a student must leave the university without officially withdrawing through the Office of the Registrar and have documented extenuating circumstances (such as, but not limited to, serious illness or military deployment), then they may request in writing an administrative withdrawal. Their request, with documentation, should come to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, who, if he/she approves the request, will submit a signed withdrawal form and documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Clemency

Academic clemency provides an opportunity for persons to apply for a new undergraduate academic beginning at Southern University by disregarding their prior academic record. This policy permits students to begin their college studies again with no credits attempted and no quality points earned. Academic clemency may be awarded to a student only once and is applicable only to students enrolled and credits earned at Southern University. Academic clemency may be referred to as academic bankruptcy, academic amnesty, academic renewal, or academic pardon at other institutions.

The following criteria and conditions apply to a student eligible for academic clemency:

• Prior to applying for admission, at least five years must have elapsed since the end of the semester in which the applicant was last in attendance for credit at any college or university.
• The applicants must apply no later than the end of the first semester following reentry and must provide written justification why they should be granted academic clemency.
• The Office of Academic Affairs will make the decision regarding academic clemency.
• If an applicant is granted academic clemency, no prior academic credits may be used as part of a degree program; however, the prior record, including probation and suspension, remains a visible part of the student’s transcript.

If academic clemency is granted, the date of academic clemency is entered on the transcript along with a statement prohibiting use by Southern University of previously earned credits and quality points to meet degree requirements, to compute the grade point average, or to determine graduation status. The student will have status as an entering freshman, and will begin a new record showing no credits attempted and no quality points earned.

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 clemency. Academic clemency does not affect accumulated financial aid history. Accumulated semester and award limits include all semesters of enrollment at any college or university.

Note: Many undergraduate professional curricula, graduate schools, and professional schools compute the undergraduate grade point average over all hours attempted when considering applications for admissions. Therefore, courses and grades placed in abeyance for academic clemency purposes may be used for some future evaluation.

Auditing a Course

To audit courses, applicants must be eligible to enter the University as regular students, as visiting students, or as special students. Students must obtain permission of the instructor, the chairman of the department in which the course is taught, and the dean of the college in which they are enrolled. Students may not audit a laboratory or activity course. Students will be assessed tuition fees for courses audited. Credit will not be granted for courses audited. An audit may not be changed to credit after completing the course. The semester course load is inclusive of audited courses.

Student Academic Advisement

Students are responsible for knowing their chosen curricula and for adhering to all published University regulations. All full- or part-time students who have earned less than 30 credit hours are assigned academic advisors through the University College or by the chair of their department when they are transferred to a senior college once they have earned 31 credit hours are more. Academic advisors provide information and guidance to students about their academic programs and approve the student’s schedule of classes (registration forms) throughout the entire period of attendance at the University. Students who have earned less than 36 credit hours are not allowed to register themselves for courses.

University College

The University College (UC) is dedicated to students achieving excellence at Southern University and A&M College. UC strives to create a conducive environment that assist scholars to engage in the campus community, strengthen relationships and provide a foundation for first-and-second year students through New Student Orientation, First and Second Year Experience programs, Academic Advising, Peer Mentoring, Civic Engagement, and Student Success. University College utilizes theoretical, practical and data driven approaches to aide in the campus wide initiative of increasing retention and degree completion rates of students. The programs, working in tandem, are designed to collectively advise, support and engage students who have earned 30 credit hours are less, have petitioned for and been granted academic and/or financial appeals, and/or want to develop or enhance leadership and mentorship skills through carefully designed, reflective programming. Academic and social excellence is supported through advising, first and second year experience support programs, and support services.

Stay Connected with UC

Location: Stewart Hall 3^RD Floor

Office Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday

Telephone: (225) 771-3405 or 225-771-4040

Email: css@subr.edu || ucadvising@sus.edu || fye@subr.edu

Leadership Team

Dean, University College: Zackeus Johnson, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Student Success: Latrina Collins

Director, Academic Advising: Jovan Thomas, Ph.D.

Director, Data and Assessment, Runell King, Ph.D.

Director, Emerging Jags and First Year Programming, Avis O’Bryant Chaney

University College Academic Advisors

Academic Advising within the unit of University College (UC) is a centralized advising hub for students enrolled as new freshman, continuing students, re-admit and transfer students who have 30 credit hours and below. UC Academic Advisors serve as guides for navigating academic choices, help students plan and achieve their goals, and provide immediate and necessary support to ensure academic success. UC advisors advise by Academic College.

Limited Class Enrollment

Limiting enrollment is the responsibility of the deans, directors, or department heads of areas involved. Approval of the executive vice chancellor and provost in each instance is required.

Student Conduct

Administrative regulations governing the conduct of students enrolled at Southern University are contained in the Code of Student Conduct. Included in this publication are rules and regulations governing student rights and responsibilities, a description of the University Judicial System, disciplinary sanctions, penalties, violations, and types of offenses.

A copy of the Code of Student Conduct may be obtained from the Office for Student Affairs.

Academic Grievances

If a student has a grievance that cannot be settled in the ordinary course of immediate post-class discussion, the following procedures are suggested:

• A special conference between the faculty member and the student should be arranged.
• Discussion before the faculty member’s department head.
• Grievance presented in writing to the faculty member’s dean.
• Discussion before the faculty member’s dean.
• As a final option, the matter should be brought to the Office of Academic Affairs in writing.

Academic Dishonesty

The University defines academic dishonesty in two categories—premeditated and unpremeditated fraudulent behavior. Premeditated fraud is defined as conscious, pre-planned, deliberate cheating with materials prepared in advance. It may consist of:

• collaborating during an examination without authority;
• stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an examination;
• using specially prepared materials;
• selling or giving away all or part of an examination or examination information;
• bribing another person to obtain an examination or information;
• substituting for another student, or permitting another person to substitute for oneself to take an examination;
• submitting as one’s own any work prepared totally or in part by another;
• selling, giving, or otherwise supplying materials to another student for use in fulfilling academic requirements (e.g., term paper, course project, etc.);
• breaking and/or entering a building or office for the purpose of obtaining examinations (administered or unadministered);
• changing, or being an accessory to the changing, of grades in a grade book, on an examination paper, on other work for which a grade is given, on a “drop slip” or other official academic records of the University which involve grades;
• proposing and/or entering into an arrangement with an instructor to receive a reduced grade in a course, on an examination or any other assigned work in lieu of being charged with academic dishonesty under the Code of Student Conduct;
• committing plagiarism—failing to identify sources, published or unpublished, copyrighted or uncopyrighted, from which information was taken;
• acquiring answers for any assigned work or examination from an unauthorized source;
• falsifying references;
• citing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic assignment;
• inventing data or source information for research or other academic endeavors;
• forging the signature of a faculty member or any academic officer on an academic document;
• altering or being an accessory to altering contents of an academic document (i.e. registration, pre-registration forms, add/drop forms, transcripts, fee exemption forms, etc.);

Unpremeditated fraud is defined as cheating without the benefit of materials prepared in advance. It may consist of:

• copying from another student’s examination paper,
• allowing another student to copy from an examination paper, or
• using textbook(s) or materials brought to class but not authorized for use during an examination. Sanctions and the appeals process may be found in the Code of Student Conduct.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380, Section 513, amending the General Education Provisions Act, Section 438) students enrolled at Southern University are hereby informed of their right of access to their official records as described in the Act. For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act defines the term “directory information” as the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. The University will make public “directory information” about each student, even though information from all these categories is not made public in every listing.

Students who do not wish to have any or all of such “directory information” made public without prior consent must notify the Office of the Registrar in a signed and dated statement specifying items that are not to be published. This notice must be received by the Office of the Registrar by the end of the registration period of the semester or summer term of first enrollment, or after an absence and re-enrollment, and by the end of each fall registration period thereafter.

Records of Students

Final grades for each semester are officially recorded and filed in the Office of the Registrar. Final grades are made available to students at the end of each semester. Students may obtain certified statements of their academic records in the form of an official transcript from the Office of the Registrar upon written request.

Transcripts will be issued within five days after requests are received. At the end of the semester, however, approximately 10 days are required to post grades and issue transcripts for students who have completed courses and wish this work included on their transcripts.

A completed request form, along with $2 in the form of a cashier’s check or money order from the student must be submitted for each transcript requested in person. Electronic transcript requests can be completed via the SUBR website www.subr.edu for a fee of $8.

Transcripts cannot be released until all indebtedness to the University is paid in full.

Regulations Governing Student Records

Campuses comprising the Southern University System shall comply fully with regulations of Section 438, Privacy Rights of Parents and Students, of the General Education Provisions Act, which ensures students access to their educational records maintained by the University, and which prohibits the release of personally identifiable information except as specified by the law. Each chancellor shall inform students of the rights accorded them by law.

To gain access to their academic records, students must submit written requests or present themselves to the Office of the Registrar.

Personally identifiable information from educational records cannot be released without the student’s permission except:

• To Southern University personnel who have a legitimate educational interest as determined by the University
• To other educational institutions in which the student seeks to enroll (the student may obtain a copy of the record that was transferred)
• To public agencies as specified in the Act
• To agencies and offices requesting records in connection with a student’s application for financial aid
• To organizations for use in developing, validating, or administering standardized tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction
• To accrediting agencies
• To parents of students who are dependents for income tax purposes
• To appropriate persons in the case of health and safety emergencies
• To courts of law in response to court orders or subpoenas

Policies governing disciplinary procedures of the University are included in the Code of Student Conduct manual, available in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Requests for access to educational records by any person other than those listed above in the section of “Regulations Governing Student Records” shall be refused unless the student has submitted a written, dated, and signed waiver to allow access to the records. The waiver must specify the records to be released, the reasons for such release, and names of the persons to whom records should be released.

System of Grading

Letter Grades

The University uses the following system of grading: “A”-exceptional; “B”-above average; “C”- average; “D”-below average; “F”-failure; “FN”-failure no-show; “I”-incomplete; “W”-withdrawal.

The grade of “P” is used on the permanent records of undergraduate students to indicate satisfactory completion of non-traditional courses, undergraduate departmental comprehensive examinations, writing proficiency tests, and computer literacy examinations, or to indicate that students have successfully earned credit. “AU” will be given for auditing a course; however, no credit will be given.

Credit for any course in which a student has received a grade of “F” can be obtained only by repeating the course and earning a passing grade.

Quality Point System

Quality point allotments are four points per semester credit hour for an “A,” three points for a “B,” two points for a “C,” one point for a “D,” and 0 points for an “F” or “FN.”

Repeat/Delete

Students may repeat a course that he/she has failed or for which a higher grade is desired by completing a Repeat/Delete. Students may repeat the same course a maximum of three (3) times, unless a college or school has a lower maximum, and the grade that will be calculated in the student’s grade point average will be the higher or highest grade earned. Any and all courses taken after the third repeat/delete attempt will be calculated into the student’s cumulative average. Students may not fail a course at Southern and execute the Repeat/Delete Form for a course taken at another institution. The effective date for this policy is Maymester 2006.

Developmental Education Courses

A student enrolled in developmental education courses shall be eligible to earn grades of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” and “P.” However, students who earn grades of “D” or “F” in developmental education courses shall be required to repeat those courses. The hours and quality points earned in developmental education courses shall be included in the computation of the semester and cumulative grade point averages. However, the hours and quality points related to such courses shall not be applicable toward meeting requirements for a degree by an institution within the Southern University System.

Definition of Grade Point Average (GPA)

Semester Average

The semester grade point average is the total number of quality points earned divided by the total number of semester credit hours carried by the student. The grades of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” and “FN” are included in the computation of the semester grade point average. Grades of “AU,” “P,” “I,” and “W” are not included in the computation of the semester grade point average.

Cumulative Average

Results using two methods to calculate cumulative GPA’s. Method I: Cumulative GPA is total quality points divided by total hours pursued. Hours pursued equal the total number of hours attempted. Method I is used to determine eligibility for holding student offices and graduation honors. Method II: Cumulative GPA is total quality points divided by total hours pursued, except for repeated courses. This method is used to determine financial aid and graduation eligibility. When a course is repeated at Southern University or at another college or university, hours pursued, hours earned, and quality points of previous attempt(s) are excluded in the calculation of cumulative averages. Grades of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” and “FN” are included in the computation of cumulative averages; grades of “AU,” “P,” “I,” and “W” are excluded. All courses pursued and grades earned despite being repeated at Southern University or transferred to Southern University shall become and remain a part of the permanent record.

Assignment of Grades

It is the right and responsibility of the instructor to determine and assign grades for each student in a course except those students who withdraw before the final date for withdrawing with a “W.” Individual instructors are expected to assign grades equitably and consistently, in accordance with standards established by the faculties of the various colleges and schools. There is no “University curve” or other table of numerical equivalents of letter grades to which a faculty member must adhere.

In extraordinary circumstances that make it impossible for instructors to fulfill the responsibility of determining course grades, the administrative officer having immediate jurisdiction (usually the department chairperson) shall assign the grades.

At the beginning of each semester, faculty members are required to provide students with course syllabi outlining the general components and approximate value from which the final grade will be determined. An instructor should be able to explain a student’s standing in the course. Upon completion of the course, the student may request a review of examinations, an explanation of the final grade, and the method by which it was determined. This review is to include an accounting for any unreturned work. Faculty members are responsible for returning to students on a timely basis the work (examinations, term papers, assignments, etc.) completed throughout the semester. Unreturned student work (final examinations, term papers, class projects, etc.) must be kept for at least one regular semester following the completion of the course.

Grading must be based on work that is assigned and evaluated equitably and fairly, with no special consideration given to individual students unless justified by disability or excused absences. Individual students shall not, for example, be allowed to take on “extra credit” projects, spend extra hours in laboratories, or present themselves for reexamination or special examination unless the same options are available to the entire class on the same terms.

Grades must not be used as coercive or punitive measures reflective of a student’s behavior, attitude, personal philosophy, or other personal characteristics except as those qualities relate directly to the student’s level of mastery of the materials of the course.

Incomplete Grades

Work, which is of passing quality but because of extenuating circumstances is not complete, may be graded “I”-Incomplete. Students must initiate an incomplete grade request and must secure appropriate approval of the excuse by the instructor, department head and dean of the college in which the course is taken. If an excuse is not received prior to issuing a final grade, the instructor is to consider the delinquent work to be of failing quality and an “I” grade should not be given. Incomplete grades are removed only by completion of the course work, not by repeating the course. 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 in residence; or within one year, if the student is not in residence. The grade of “I” shall not be calculated in the cumulative grade-point average for retention purposes. Graduating seniors are not permitted to receive “I” grades. The Office of the Registrar will distribute official incomplete grade sheets at the end of the first six weeks of each regular academic semester.

Change of Grades

Grades that have been submitted to the Office of the Registrar can be changed only by submitting the official Change of Grade Form certifying that an error was made in recording the grade. Materials submitted after the official completion of a course by means of the final examination or otherwise may not be used as a means of continuing the course and thus changing a previously submitted grade. The instructor must submit the proper “Change of Grade” form and file the form with the Registrar’s Office. Any such change of grade must be initiated by the instructor on the required form available in the Office of the Registrar. Such petitions require the approval of the department head and the dean of the instructor’s college before the Registrar will make changes on the student’s record. Any grade change must be received in the Office of the Registrar no later than 60 calendar days immediately following the beginning of classes in the semester succeeding the one in which the grade was given or omitted. For a summer term, the changes are due in the Office of the Registrar no later than 60 calendar days immediately following the beginning of classes in the succeeding Fall semester. If a student is not enrolled in the succeeding semester, then the grade change is due 60 calendar days following the beginning of classes in the next regular semester.

Honor Roll

Any student completing 12 or more hours and who earns a minimum 3.0 GPA in any semester on all hours pursued shall be placed on the academic honor roll for that semester.

Rights, Duties and Responsibilities of Students

(Article X, By-Laws of the Southern University and A & M College Board of Supervisors)

The Southern University Board of Supervisors subscribes to the principle that the freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom and that the freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. The following provisions are essential for freedom to learn.

Section 1. In the Classroom.

The University is committed to the principle that students in the classroom should be encouraged to exercise free discussion, inquiry and expression relative to the subject matter of the discipline involved, and that student performance should be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinion or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.

Section 2. Student Records.

The Chancellor of the University, with the advice and assistance of appropriate members of the administrative staff and the faculty shall formulate and issue regulations pertaining to the keeping of student records in accordance with law and appropriate respect for privacy. These regulations shall provide for maintaining separate academic and disciplinary records and shall clearly indicate the kinds of confidentiality which should be respected as regards the records and the conditions of access to them.

Administrative staff and faculty members shall respect the confidentiality of information about students, which they acquire in the course of their work.

Section 3. Student Affairs.

The following standards shall be observed regarding the freedom of students:

1. Freedom of Association.

   Students bring to the campus a variety of interests previously acquired and develop many new interests as members of the academic community. They shall be free to organize and join associations to promote their common interests in keeping with the law and University policies.

2. Freedom of Inquiry and Expression.

   Students and student organizations shall be free to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them. They shall be free to support causes by orderly means, which do not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the institution. At the same time, students have the responsibility to make clear that, in their public expressions, they and their organizations speak only for themselves

3. Student Participation in University Governance.

   As constituents of the academic community, students shall be given the opportunity to participate in the formulation of institutional policy, particularly in the area of student affairs. Students shall be represented on the Board of Supervisors in accordance with applicable State law and Board of Supervisors rule(s) governing appointment of said representative. (4-23-99)

4. Student Publications/Media.

   Student publications and electronic media are valuable aids in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in providing an environment which fosters intellectual exploration on campus. Students shall be given the opportunity to publicize activities and events relevant to the university community through the official campus student newspaper, student yearbook, student electronic media, and the newsletters of officially registered student organizations. In their roles as student journalists, students are ensured the maximum freedom of expression. However, the policy should be clearly communicated that these publications and electronic media serve as forums for student expression and as laboratories for training. Students are expected to abide by the commonly accepted legal and ethical standards of responsible journalism, especially as it relates to nudity, obscene language, statements or comments that can be deemed libelous and/or disruptive of the educational process. Student publications and other media shall be governed by the canons of responsible journalism. (1-7-00)

Section 4. Procedural Standards in Disciplinary Proceedings

The Southern University System has the duty and the corollary disciplinary powers to protect its education purpose through the setting of standards of scholarship and conduct for students. The administration of discipline shall guarantee due process to an accused student. The Governance committee of the Board of Supervisors shall develop students’ grievance procedures for the Southern University System.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees

Degree requirements are measured in terms of qualitative and quantitative standards. While the University has minimum requirements for graduation, the requirements for individual colleges and schools may be higher. The total number of credit hours and the quality points required vary according to curricula.

Students graduating from Southern University with a baccalaureate degree must comply with certification requirements for graduation as follows:

1. completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours excluding remedial and repeated courses;
2. attainment of a minimum overall GPA of 2.00, a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the courses taken in the college or school of the major, and a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all courses pursued in the major area, except for those courses in which grades of “P” or “W” are recorded;
3. attainment of a “C” grade in each course in the major area presented to fulfill credit hour requirements in the major, and attainment of minimum grade of “C” in English 110 and 111;
4. completion of the University General Education Requirements (see page 51);
5. completion of the Service Learning Requirement (see page 53);
6. completion of the African-American Experience Requirements (see page 53);
7. completion of the curricular requirements in the college/school and department of the major as listed in the appropriate section of the catalog; passage of the Departmental Comprehensive Examination;
8. passage of the Writing Proficiency Test;
9. meet the University’s residence requirement; and
10. meet all financial obligations to the University.

Honorary and earned degrees are conferred only by approval of the Southern University Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the president, chancellor, academic council, and the faculty of the appropriate college or school of the University.

Procedural Requirements for Obtaining a Diploma

During the semester prior to the one in which graduation is anticipated, candidates must request by formal application that the dean of their college or school evaluate their academic records for compliance with degree requirements. Each college establishes its own degree requirements, which are listed in that college’s section of this catalog. A formal application for a degree, originating in the department of the student’s major, must be filed in the college or school in which the applicant is pursuing a degree. After the application has been approved by the student’s dean, it must be presented to the Office of the Registrar for review and final certification. The candidate’s name will appear as recorded in the official University records.

Students who participate in the University’s commencement exercises are only those students who have successfully completed all degree requirements. Students must have satisfied all course credit requirements including those awarded by other institutions. Students who cross-register must have completed the course(s) and have the earned credit(s) officially verified by the other college/university prior to the date of Southern University’s commencement exercises. Further, students must have successfully completed all comprehensive department examinations, capstone projects/examinations and any other required examinations by their respective department(s) in order to participate in University commencement exercises. Students who fail to meet all degree requirements will not be allowed to participate in the commencement exercises.

Students who apply for graduation in a given semester but fail to meet the graduation requirements must reapply for graduation in a subsequent semester. Students who enroll during the summer term are eligible to receive diplomas at the summer commencement exercises.

A student who is not enrolled in courses for credit at Southern University or any other college or university during the intended semester of graduation must enroll for “Graduation Only (Credit, 0 hours)” and pay the appropriate registration fees. The Writing Proficiency Examination must be satisfactorily completed as part of the English 111 course. Candidates must pay a non-refundable graduation fee. All financial indebtedness to the University must be cleared at least 72 hours prior to commencement. Candidates must notify their respective deans if they do not plan to participate in commencement exercises.

Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate Degree

Candidates for a second baccalaureate degree from the University shall be required to repeat the minimum residence requirement of one semester and one summer term, earn a minimum of 30 additional semester hours of college credit in residence, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 on the additional hours pursued, and meet the general and specific qualitative and quantitative requirements for the degree.

Bona Fide Minor Sequence

Students may pursue minor sequences in those academic departments that indicate approved minor sequences in this University catalog. A minimum of 50 percent of the semester hours of credit required for the minor sequence must be completed at Southern University, Baton Rouge. Students wishing to pursue minors should confer with their academic deans for guidance and approval.

Multiple Majors

The multiple majors program meets the requirements of two majors and involves two distinct fields. A student pursuing multiple majors will receive one diploma which will indicate the two degrees earned, and certification of the multiple majors will be indicated on the student’s transcript. A student pursuing multiple majors must meet the entrance requirements for each major as set by the University. The student pursuing multiple majors must have completed a minimum of 40 semester hours of credit at Southern University, Baton Rouge, must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, and must receive favorable recommendations from the academic advisors in each area and the approval by each chairperson and dean. An approved course of study shall be planned in consultation with each academic advisor and shall be presented to each chairperson and dean for approval. A copy of this approved course of study shall be transmitted to the registrar.

In order to qualify for both degrees, the student must complete the University-stated requirements for each degree and must complete a minimum of 10 semesters, or equivalent, as a full-time student. The last 30 semester hours of credit must be earned in residence. Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may obtain permission of both academic deans to complete six of the last 30 semester hours of coursework toward the degrees at another institution.

Unless otherwise indicated in a particular program, the student may use the same courses to meet specified requirements for multiple majors, as well as for the general education requirements. Prior approval must be obtained from each dean.

Catalog Governing Degree Requirements

Students must meet the curricular requirements for a degree outlined in an appropriate issue of the Southern University Undergraduate Catalog. Students are required to know degree requirements. They may complete work for graduation according to requirements in the catalog of the year in which they enter, or those of any catalog in force during their enrollment at this University, providing their residence enrollment is continuous and does not exceed ten years. Students whose enrollment is interrupted for at least two consecutive semesters, will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of their reentry or any subsequent catalog in force during their enrollment at this University.

Transferring from one institution to another is not regarded in itself as an interruption of enrollment. The interval between withdrawal from the previous institution, if any, and enrollment at this University, is the controlling factor. The student is responsible for obtaining in writing from the academic advisor with approval of the department chair, college dean, and executive vice chancellor and provost, any waiver or other deviation from the approved curriculum and from requirements for the degree sought.

Changes in Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

The University reserves the right to add or delete degree requirements and course offerings. Students in continuous full-time attendance, with no change in curriculum major, are entitled to graduate under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of their initial entry at Southern University. Students may elect any issue of the catalog in force during their residence at Southern University upon approval of the academic dean, with the following exceptions:

• A catalog more than 10 years old shall not be used.
• Students in continuous attendance as part-time students with no change in curriculum, shall satisfy the degree requirements listed in the catalog in effect at the time of entrance provided graduation occurs no later than 10 years after initial enrollment. If graduation occurs after the tenth year, the catalog in force will be determined with the approval of the concerned academic dean.
• Students in continuous full-time attendance who change their major curriculum shall satisfy the degree requirements listed in the catalog in force at the time the change in curriculum becomes effective. Upon the recommendation of the academic dean, a subsequent catalog may be used.
• A student whose enrollment is interrupted for two or more consecutive semesters shall satisfy the degree requirements listed in the catalog in force at the time of reentry. The failure to attend summer school or absence due to military service or to illness attested to by a physician will not be considered an interruption.
• If progress toward a degree is interrupted for two or more consecutive semesters, credit earned prior to the interruption must be evaluated at the time of readmission by the academic advisor and chairperson to determine the applicability of credits earned during the previous period of enrollment to the current curricular requirements. Final approval by the dean of the college is required.

Standardized and Proficiency Testing Policies

Departmental Comprehensive

Each student will be required to make a passing score on a comprehensive examination in the major area as a part of the requirements for graduation.

Beginning with those students who enter any post-secondary institution in the fall of 1987, all such students will be required to take competency examinations in certain general education core courses and/or in subject matter and other competencies related to the general education core in its entirety or in part.

Writing Proficiency

All students are required to pass the University Writing Proficiency Examination before graduation. All students shall be advised of writing proficiency expectations at the beginning of each course and shall be advised that a minimum of 10 percent of their grade will be based on demonstrated writing skills for that course.

A degree-granting department may require a writing seminar for its majors, upon presentation of a detailed syllabus for the same and approval by the executive vice chancellor and provost through the college, school, or division dean or director. Where approved and required, the student must pass the course with a grade of “C” or better before graduation. Departments may be requested by the executive vice chancellor and provost to require such courses upon review of writing performances of students in the area.

Students who have not yet passed English 111 and have not passed the Writing Proficiency Examination must take them together (Approved by the Academic Council, Spring 2010). The Writing Proficiency Examination is given as a part of the English 111 course.

Academic Policy on Articulation of the Writing Proficiency Examination Requirement with Other Regionally-Accredited Degree-Granting Colleges and Universities

Southern University accepts and articulates satisfactory completion of a Writing Proficiency Examination from other regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities as fulfilling its writing proficiency requirement. Appropriate documentation will be required to effect such articulation, in the form of one or more of the following, as applicable:

• A passing grade (P of P/F or C and above for letter grade) for a writing proficiency examination recorded on an official transcript.
• A course/examination description and copy of the writing proficiency requirement policy statement from the other institution.
• An official letter of certification and explanation from the Registrar, Chief Academic Officer or other appropriate administrator will be required when such an examination at another institution is not separately registered, but given as part of another course, taken from a standardized test or otherwise not listed or readily identifiable on a transcript.

Residence Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree

A candidate for the baccalaureate degree must complete the last 30 semester hours of studies in residence at Southern University.

Exceptions to this residency requirement are made in the case of a candidate who has completed a three-year, pre-professional curriculum at Southern University and who subsequently completes, in an accredited professional school, the academic requirements for the baccalaureate degree. A candidate may obtain the permission of the academic dean to complete six of the last 30 semester hours of work toward the degree at another institution.

Degrees with Distinction

Latin Honors

Baccalaureate degrees are awarded with the following honors: Cum Laude if the cumulative grade point average is a minimum 3.4 but less than 3.7; Magna Cum Laude if the cumulative grade point average is a minimum 3.7 but less than 3.86; and Summa Cum Laude if the cumulative grade point average is 3.86 or above.

No grade of “F” should appear on the transcript if the student is to receive Latin honors. Transfer students are eligible for Latin honors provided they satisfy all of the following criteria:

• No grade of “F” should appear either on the transferred transcript or the Southern University transcript.
• The average is to be computed on all hours pursued.
• At least 40 percent of the student’s work must be earned at Southern University, Baton Rouge.
• All work pursued at Southern University, New Orleans, and at Southern University, Shreveport- Bossier City, should be evaluated as if pursued at Southern University, Baton Rouge.

The University applauds high academic achievement. During honors day services and at commencement, students who have earned overall 3.00 a cumulative grade point averages or better are held up for public acclaim. Students whose performance is superior are recognized with Latin honors. Students whose academic achievement is praiseworthy, but who do not qualify for Latin honors are recognized by the designation, “With Honors.”

Other Honors

Students who have a minimum GPA of 3.00 but less than 3.4 and who meet the above requirements will be recognized as honor students at commencement.

Substitution of Courses

With approval of the appropriate dean, substitutions may be made for required courses when not offered at the time that a student has reached the semester or year level of the requirement. The substitute course must be at or above the academic level of the required course, and must be in the same field as the required course or a related field. The request, containing the student’s justification and signature along with approval by the academic dean must be filed prior to enrolling in such classes.

Addendum to Course Substitution

Students may not substitute a course for a required major course that the student has failed at Southern University. The effective date of this policy is Spring 2006.

General Education Program of Excellence (GEPE)

At the heart of the General Education Program of Excellence (GEPE) at Southern University and A&M College is the definition of its audience – an educated person who has knowledge, the ability to think, the ability to learn, and the ability to use language. A Southern University-educated person is one who has undergone a process of learning that results in an enhanced mental capability to function effectively in familiar and novel situations in one’s personal and intellectual life. Southern University’s GEPE pro- vides students with general knowledge and reasoning abilities that when integrated with the specialized knowledge and specific skills from their professional/technical study in academic majors comprise a quality undergraduate education.

The GEPE contains core and foundation courses that are consistent with the University’s educational philosophy and are purposeful, coherent, engaging, and rigorous. The knowledge and reasoning abilities are taught as part of the core and foundation courses as well as part of courses in academic fields of specialization. The GEPE incorporates essential knowledge, cognitive abilities, an understanding of values and ethics, and the enhancement of students’ intellectual growth to develop strong, competent graduates. Additionally, the GEPE draws students into new areas of intellectual experience, expands their cultural and global awareness and sensibilities, and prepares them to make enlightened and informed judgments outside of as well as within their academic specialty. Students must complete 60 credits of general education requirements contained within the core and foundation courses prior to graduation from Southern University-Baton Rouge.

College-level competencies and learning outcomes that characterize a Southern University- educated person are identified within the GEPE as standards with associated learning outcomes that address specific outcomes of every graduate in undergraduate programs, regardless of discipline. All students entering Southern University must complete a general education component in the following major area:

Areas/Courses	Semester Hours
English Composition	6
Mathematics	6
Natural Sciences	9
(Two courses in a biological or physical science sequence with a lab +1 course in the other area) [Six hours shall be earned in a single life or physical science; the remaining three hours must be earned in a natural science area other than that previously selected (both life and physical sciences must be taken to fulfill this requirement).]
Humanities	9
(Three courses, including one in Literature, Beginning or Intermediate Courses in any Language)
Subjects include:
Argumentation and Debate	Old Testament
Cultural History (any survey)	Performing Literature Fundamentals of Speech
Philosophy (any survey)
History (any survey)	Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication	Religious Studies (any survey)
Language	Literature (any survey)
Rome	Mass Media
Shakespeare	New Testament
Women’s and Gender Studies
Areas/Courses	Semester Hours
Social Sciences	6
(Two courses, including one at sophomore level)
Subjects include:
American Government	International Politics
Archeology	Macroeconomics
Comparative Politics	Microeconomics
Contemporary Global Issues	Physical Anthropology
Cultural and Social Anthropology	Political Theory
Economic Principles	Psychology
Entertainment and Media	Sociology
Fundamental Issues of Politics	State and Local Government
Gender, Race, and Nation	World Archeology
Geography	World Ethnography
Human Societies
Fine Arts	3
Subjects include:
Architecture	Landscape Architecture
Cinema and Film	Music Appreciation
Dance Appreciation	Music Fundamentals and Theory
Fine Arts	Music History Survey (any survey)
History of Art (any survey)	Philosophy of Art
History of Interior Design	Structure of Art
History of Musical Forms	Theater and Dramatic Arts (e.g., jazz, classical, folk)
Total	39 hours
Foundation	21 hours
(Determined by intended discipline of study)
TOTAL	60 hours

The GEPE learning outcomes shown in Table 1 are based on the knowledge base that each Southern University-educated student will develop prior to graduation.

Table 1. General Education Program of Excellence (GEPE) Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

LO 1:	Critical Thinking	Graduates will reason abstractly and think critically and integrate new information with previously acquired information to solve novel complex problems and learn independently.
LO 2:	Communication Skills	Graduates will communicate effectively using skills that apply to English in general as well as to specific English language modalities at the college level of competence.
LO 3:	Cultural Literacy	Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of various cultures by studying the past and present through language, literature, cultural artifacts, and social and political systems.
LO 4:	Mathematical and Science Reasoning	Graduates will apply quantitative and qualitative approaches to mathematical and/or scientific concepts.
LO 5:	Wellness	Graduates will identify and demonstrate comprehension of human wellness and the importance of physical activities in developing a healthy mind and body.
LO 6:	Ethical Behavior and Values	Graduates will identify and demonstrate appreciation of ethical issues implicit in their personal behavior and those underlying the operation of social and political systems as well as in the field of research.
LO 7:	Information Technology Literacy	Graduates will demonstrate information technology skills that enable them to use computers, software applications, databases, and other technologies to achieve a wide variety of academic, work-related, and personal goals.

The core courses must be completed by students during the freshman and sophomore years. The core courses represent 39 credits. Students can complete the foundation courses, shown in table 3, during their freshman, sophomore, or junior years. The foundation courses represent 21 credits. Students must complete 60 credits of general education requirements contained within the core and foundation courses prior to graduation from Southern University and A&M College. The capstone, which requires 3-12 credits to complete, is a course where general education and the major field of study converge.

Table 2. Freshman Year

First Semester	Credit
Freshman Seminar	0
Freshman Composition	3
Mathematics - College Math (MATH-130) OR Pre-Calculus I (SMAT-121B) OR Calculus 1 (SMAT-211B)	3
Humanities	3
Natural Science	3
Students must choose a six hour sequence in either the biological or physical sciences and a three hour course in an area other than that selected for the sequence. One course must be taken with a lab.
Fine Art	3
TOTALS	15

Second Semester	Credit
Freshman Seminar (FRMN-111)	0
Freshman Composition (ENGL-111)	3
Mathematics - College Mathematics II (SMAT-120B) OR Pre-Calculus II (SMAT-122B) OR Calculus II (SMAT-212B)	3
Humanities	3
Natural Science	3
Students must choose a six hour sequence in either the biological or physical sciences and a three hour course in an area other than that selected for the sequence. One course must be taken with a lab.
Social Science	3
TOTALS	15

Table 3. Sophomore Year

First Semester	Credit
Literature	3
Natural Science	3
Students must choose a six hour sequence in either the biological or physical sciences and a three hour course in an area other than that selected for the sequence. One course must be taken with a lab.
Social Science	3
Foundation Courses (Based on academic track)	6
TOTALS	15

First Semester	Credit
Foundation Courses	15
TOTALS	15

General Education Requirement – Foreign Languages

If a student’s major requires six or more hours of language, these hours must be taken in the SAME language, otherwise the student will not receive credit for those foreign language courses (exception: Chinese, Arabic, and other less commonly taught languages).

The African-American Experience

Students who were first-time freshmen at any post-secondary institution on or after August 1, 1991, are required to pass a three-credit hour course in African-American studies. This requirement may be satisfied by selecting one of several courses offered in the humanities, literature, or history. Students majoring in one of the above areas cannot satisfy the requirement by completing a course in the same area.

Students may be able to use the African-American studies course as a free elective or as a substitution for a required course in humanities, literature, social sciences or history, thereby avoiding the need for adding hours to their course of study, with approval of the advisor, department head, and college dean. Courses that may satisfy the African-American experience requirement include: ARTS-440, African-American Art; ENGL-203, Introduction to African-American Literature; ENGL-313, African-American Literature; ENGL-407, African-American Literature of the South; ENGL-413, Modern African-American Prose Fiction; ENGL-415, Multicultural American Literature; ENGL-485, The Black Writer; HIST-311, African American History; HIST-399, The City and Minorities; HIST-401, History of African Americans; HIST-419, History of African-American Education in American; HIST -486, African Americans in the Twentieth Century; HIST-496, African-American Women in America-Colonial Period to Reconstruction; HIST-497, African-American Women in America-Reconstruction to the Present; MUSC-243, Louisiana Ethnic Music; MUSC-352, Music of Black Americans; MUSC-353, History of Jazz; HUMN-366, Race Relations; HUMN-403, The Black Experience; MCOM-331, African-Americans in the Media; PHIL-426, African-American Philosophy and Religion; SOCL-434, Minority Group Relations; SOCL-435, Sociology of Black Americans; SOCL-436, African American Sociological Thought; SOCL-442, Sociology of African Thought; SOCW-250, African-Americans in U.S. Policy History; and SPTH-399, African-American Arts Seminar POLS-402, Black Politics and POLS-482 Black Political Thought.

Service Learning

Students who were first-time freshmen at any post-secondary institution on or after August 1, 1993, are required to complete the Service Learning course including a minimum of 60 clock hours of service as one of the requirements for graduation. Those students 25 years of age or older who completed high school or who earned high school equivalency seven or more years prior to admission and international students may have this requirement waived with approval of the appropriate academic dean. The service learning requirement may not be waived for any other reason except certifiable disability of such nature that community service projects would jeopardize the welfare of the parties involved. Such waivers must be approved by the Director of the Center for Service Learning and filed in the Office of the Registrar. Internships, field experiences, and co-op experiences cannot be substituted for the service learning requirement. A maximum of three semester hours of credit in courses designed to satisfy this requirement may be used as free electives.

Service learning courses are: SVLR-100, 200 and 300, Service Learning (credit, 1 hour which equals 20 hours); SVLR-400, Service Learning (credit, 3 hours which equals 60 hours), SVLR-000, Service Learning (non-credit, 0 hours); and International Service Learning 405 (credit, 3-6 hours). SVLR courses 100, 200 and 300 may not be taken in the same semester. They must be taken one course at a time per semester.