University academic policies are subject to change with suitable notice; subsequent editions of this catalog will document such changes.
(Academic Policy Links by Category)
- Admission and Readmission
- Transfer Credit
- Courses and Registration
- Withdrawals
- Grading
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-
Academic Standing
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Graduation Requirements
- Additional Policies and Regulations
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
(Alphabetical Order)
Academic Forgiveness
Former Anderson University students who have broken enrollment due to poor academic performance may apply for Academic Forgiveness at the time of application for readmission. The following conditions apply:
- Academic Forgiveness would apply to certain prior work taken at Anderson University only
- Student must have had a GPA below 2.0 at time of prior attendance
- Student must have been away for at least 5 years
- After admission to the University, student would submit application for Academic Forgiveness to the Office of the University Registrar
- If approved, qualifying work will be marked as Academic Forgiveness and will not be computed within the student’s GPA.
- Students are strongly encouraged to contact Financial Aid concerning policies related to course repeats and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Any student applying for and being granted Academic Forgiveness will not be eligible for honors at graduation.
Academic Integrity and Honor Code
Link to Academic Integrity and Honor Code Policy
Academic Load
Academic load is measured in terms of credit hours. Undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during a semester are considered full-time students. For traditional students, an average semester load is 16 credit hours. However, if a traditional student is struggling to meet the standard for Good Academic Standing, the student may be advised to take a reduced number of credit hours.
Traditional students are required to be enrolled in at least 12 hours to retain the privilege of living in a university residence hall. Students who enter as contractually admitted are limited to a maximum of 16 credit hours during the first semester.
For traditional students, there is a single tuition charge based on full-time enrollment, 12-18 credit hours. Students taking more than 18 credit hours in a semester are charged additional tuition. No courses are exempt from overload charges. Some courses, such as applied music courses, require an additional fee regardless of the student’s load. A student’s financial liability for the semester is determined by the credit hours enrolled on the Date of Financial Responsibility each term, session, or semester.
In unusual cases, students may be permitted to exceed the normal credit-hour load. Students wishing to enroll in more than 18 credit hours must submit this request in writing to the Dean of the College or School which houses the student’s major. Students requesting an overload must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. A request for an academic load of 22 or more credit hours must also be approved by the Office of the Provost. In such cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is expected and an advising waiver may be required.
For post-traditional undergraduate students, a normal load is two courses per seven-week term. However, if a post-traditional student is struggling to meet the standard for Good Academic Standing, the student may be advised to take a reduced number of credit hours.
Post-traditional students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at Anderson and earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, may seek approval from their Academic Success Advisor to take three courses in a seven-week term. It is important for students to consult with the Office of Financial Services before committing to additional credit hours to ensure they have the financial resources to take on the cost of additional courses. In order to continue enrolling in three courses per seven-week term, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Permission for post-traditional undergraduate students to take more than three courses per seven-week term can only be granted by the Office of the Provost in consultation with the appropriate Academic Dean. In such cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is expected and an advising waiver may be required.
Additionally, academic load is reported as follows for less than 12 hours:
9-11 hours - Three-Quarters Time
6-8.5 hours - Half-Time
.5-5.5 hours - Less than Half-Time
Academic Probation - Initial
Students who fail to maintain the required 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average will be placed on academic probation for the following semester.
Academic Probation - Continued
Students who fail to maintain the 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average for two consecutive semesters of enrollment, but whose most recent semester GPA is 2.0 or above will be permitted to return for the following semester. Such students will remain on academic probation until they achieve good academic standing or fail to attain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and are subsequently suspended.
Students who fail to maintain the 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average for two consecutive semesters of enrollment and whose most recent semester GPA is below 2.0 will be placed on academic suspension from Anderson University for one semester.
If a student is suspended at the end of a semester and has registered coursework for the subsequent term, the student will be dropped from their course(s). If, due to administrative processing time, a student’s suspension is not processed until after subsequent courses begin, the courses will still be dropped and the costs of the course will be refunded to the student.
Access to Course Materials in Learning Management System
Each course section (online, blended, or seated) at Anderson is provided with a course page through the Learning Management System (i.e. Canvas). The course materials, activities, and resources provided on those course pages are made available by individual course instructors. Student access to courses is limited to courses in which each student is enrolled. The Canvas courses are provided and intended for students to complete individual courses requirements. Your credentials (login ID and password) for access to the learning management system should not be shared with anyone for any reason. This includes backup of your credentials, entry into the LMS or completion of course requirements, assignments, or assessments.
Access to Canvas course pages will be automatically closed fourteen days after grades have been submitted. Students are responsible for maintaining and keeping copies and records of their own course materials on their own personal computers or cloud-based storage system (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive etc.). In no event will Anderson University be liable to you for any incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of your use or improper use of credentials or the materials provided. Infringement of these items will result in an academic review.
Adding and Dropping Courses
Adding Courses: Students may add courses through the add/drop period dates listed in the academic calendar. Students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisors to ensure registrations meet the requirements of their pursuant degree.
Late Registrations: If the student is not registered for a desired/required course by the end of the last day to add, they will not be permitted to register. Late registration by appeal will only be considered (not guaranteed) if there is a clear institutional error or if there are extraordinary circumstances deemed qualifying by the office of the Provost.
If a student is dropped in error during the Roster Verification process, the instructor must notify the University Registrar of the error as soon as possible in order to have the student added back to the course. This pertains to data entry errors only. If the student has never attended (see Initial Course Attendance and Roster Verification for attendance definitions), the student must petition for a late registration to the Office of the Provost.
Dropping Courses: Students may drop courses through the dates listed in the academic calendar. Any course dropped during the add/drop period does not appear on the student record. Once the add/drop period ends, students can withdraw from courses up until the published last day to withdraw for each term and/or session. (See Withdrawal from Courses, Administrative Withdrawal, and Attendance and Participation Requirement for more information.)
Administrative Withdrawal (Faculty Initiated Course Withdrawal)
This policy applies to all student populations and course delivery modes.
Enrolled students are expected to maintain regular attendance in seated classes and regular participation in online classes. If a student consecutively misses 25% of the semester or term noted by a lack of attendance (seated) or participation (online), the faculty member will assign an Administrative Withdrawal as soon as the 25% threshold of non-attendance or non-participation is reached. If the student had been attending/participating regularly with submitted and satisfactory assignments up to the point of their disengagement from the class, a grade of WP will be assigned. If the student had not been attending/participating regularly and little satisfactory work has been submitted, a grade of WF will be assigned. (Note: WF can only be awarded after the Last Day to Withdraw with a W has passed. Any WF request submitted prior to that date will be entered as a WP.)
Anderson University benefits greatly by administering Federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, Work-Study, student loans, etc.) for our students. Federal regulations require that we accurately report the Last Date of Attendance for any student who is no longer attending or participating in one or more classes. Timely reporting is critical to our ability to comply with Federal requirements. Failure to comply jeopardizes our eligibility to administer Federal financial aid.
The Last Date of Attendance for any class is the applicable withdrawal date, as determined by class attendance records, computer-assisted instruction, academic counseling, the student’s latest class assignment submission, or the student’s attendance at an instructor-assigned study group. Faculty will report the Last Date of Attendance to the Registrar when the student is determined to be no longer enrolled. In order to report the Last Date of Attendance, faculty must submit an Administrative Withdrawal Request in Workday.
According to the Department of Education, here are examples of course attendance/participation:
- Physically attending class
- Submitting an academic assignment
- Taking an exam, interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
- Attending a study group assigned by the school
- Participating in online discussion about academic matters
- Initiating contact with faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in a course
Note: Logging into a course does not count as official attendance if no work is being completed.
Application for Graduation (Program Completion)
Students nearing completion of their degree must apply for program completion. Applications are accepted in the fall for spring graduation and in the spring for summer and fall graduation. Deadlines for applications are set by the University Registrar and distributed to students. Failure to meet the stated deadline may result in a delay in time of graduation. The undergraduate program completion fee is $50 and must be cleared before receiving a diploma or official transcript.
Attendance and Participation Requirement
Enrolled students are expected to maintain regular attendance in Seated (In-Person) courses and regular participation in Online courses. Individual departments establish attendance and participation expectations based on what is required for success within each discipline. Regardless of whether department policies establish penalties for insufficient levels of attendance/participation, all instructors will record, within the LMS, physical or virtual (synchronous online) attendance for all In-Person course class meetings and will track participation during all Online (asynchronous) courses. Participation in Online courses is determined by whether students are submitting work for assessment by the instructor.
Classification of Students
Students are classified according to the number of semester hours earned, at the following semester-hour intervals:
|
Semester Hours Earned |
|
Classification |
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0 - 29 |
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Freshman |
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30 - 59 |
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Sophomore |
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60 - 89 |
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Junior |
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90 or above |
|
Senior |
Classification of TCR refers to students who are seeking initial teaching certification. “Special” is used for students renewing their teaching certification or adding on an additional endorsement. Students are also classified as either “resident” or “commuter” and as “part-time” or “full-time.” Full-time students are those who are registered for 12 or more semester hours of course work during a semester. If a resident student drops below 12 semester hours, permission from the Vice President for Student Development must be granted to remain in a university residence.
Clearing Financial Obligations Prior to Graduation
Any indebtedness to Anderson University for tuition, fees, library fines, parking fines, disciplinary fines, room, board, or Bookstore charges must be cleared before graduation. Failure to do so may will result in a delay in receiving a diploma.
CLEP and Military Credit Limitations
A maximum of 24 semester hours credit is given for formal education in the armed services, based on American Council on Education guidelines. A maximum of 24 semester hours of CLEP credit may be applied toward a degree at the University. No credit is awarded for CLEP general examinations. Courses in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned may not be repeated through CLEP.
Completion of University Core Curriculum Requirements
The University Core Curriculum requirements at Anderson University are a combination of core and distribution requirements, allowing each student a combination of coherence and choice in achieving program objectives. The program exposes students to a broad range of ideas and subjects. Requirements for degrees are listed elsewhere in this catalog.
Continuous Enrollment
A student whose enrollment at Anderson University is interrupted for three semesters (defined by no graded coursework for the previous three consecutive semesters) must apply for re-admission. If re-admitted, the student comes under the curriculum and regulations stated in the catalog in effect at the time of their readmission.
Course Numbering
Appropriate course levels are designated for students as follows:
- 700-900 levels - Students pursuing Doctoral degrees
- 500-600 levels - Students pursuing Master’s degrees
- Certain 600-level courses in some programs may also be open to students pursuing Doctoral degrees.
- 100-400 levels - Students pursuing undergraduate Bachelor’s degrees
In general, courses within undergraduate levels are designed to be appropriate for students as follows:
- 100-level and 200-level - First year students and Sophomores
- 300-level - Sophomores and Juniors
- 400-level - Juniors and Seniors
Students may enroll in courses for which they have met all pre-requisites. Individual course prerequisites prevent underclassmen from taking higher level courses for which they are unlikely to be successfully prepared. First year students are advised not to enroll in 300 or 400 level courses, even if they have met all pre-requisites.
Credit by Examination
Advanced Placement. Academic credit may be awarded for Advanced Placement scores and CLEP exams based on ACE recommendations of the College Board and established minimum scores determined by the faculty. AP examinations with a score of 3 or higher will be accepted for credit at Anderson University provided that an official copy of the score is received by the Registrar’s Office. A student’s transcript will note credit earned (CR).
College Level Examination Program. CLEP is intended to award college-level achievement without regard to how that achievement was attained. Only subject exams, essentially end-of-course tests developed for specific courses, are applicable to credit at Anderson University.
Course Challenge. Earning credit through examination by Course Challenge is a rare opportunity that may be granted under unique circumstances, provided the student meets all requirements, set by the College Dean. Course challenges require that the student demonstrate subject and content mastery through an examination. Students may challenge a maximum of six (6) credit hours for a minor or certificate and a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours for a major. Course Challenges must be approved by the appropriate faculty member, the Dean of the College or School, and the Office of the Provost. Exceptions to the credit hour limitation must be approved by both the Dean and the Provost. Students may not receive credit by examination for an independent or directed study course, an audited course, a course with an acceptable CLEP examination, or a course in which a grade of D or F has been earned. Students desiring credit by examination may not attend any classes in a course related to the challenge. The student may consult the faculty member early in the term about the content of the examination, the style of questions, the standards by which it will be evaluated, and a recommended list of readings. Upon approval, a student must register for the examination during the registration period and pay the examination fee. Credit by examination is awarded for a grade of C or higher. An entry of CR will be placed on the transcript indicating that credit has been awarded. If the grade on the examination is below C, an entry of NC will be recorded. The semester hours earned through credit by examination will count in the hours earned, but a student’s grade-point average is not affected by a course challenge. Students earning a grade of NC must wait a minimum of six months to repeat the exam.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Anderson University will award academic credit to students who have earned grades of five or better in their higher-level subjects in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. No credit is awarded for subjects passed at the standard level. Students should have transcripts sent from the International Baccalaureate Program. The University Registrar, along with the appropriate College Dean, will evaluate individual courses for academic credit.
IB Higher Level Subject
(Score of 5 or higher ) |
Anderson University Equivalency |
Earned Hours |
Language A: Literature |
ENG LIT ELEC |
3.0 |
Language A: Language and Literature |
ENG 101 |
3.0 |
Classical Languages |
GEN ELEC |
3.0 |
Language B |
FOR LANG ELEC |
3.0 |
Business Management |
MGT 210 |
3.0 |
Economics |
ECO 212 |
3.0 |
Geography |
GEO 102 |
3.0 |
History |
HIS ELEC |
3.0 |
Information Technology in a Global Society |
CIS ELEC |
3.0 |
Philosophy |
PHI 101 |
3.0 |
Psychology |
PSY 101 |
3.0 |
Social and Cultural Anthropology |
SOC 101 |
3.0 |
Biology |
BIO 110 & BIO 111 |
8.0 |
Chemistry |
CHE 111 & CHE 112 |
10.0 |
Computer Science |
CIS ELEC |
3.0 |
Design Technology |
GEN ELEC |
3.0 |
Physics |
PHY 201 & PHY 202 |
8.0 |
Further Mathematics |
MAT 140 |
4.0 |
Mathematics |
MAT 140 |
4.0 |
Dance |
THE ELEC |
3.0 |
Film |
GEN ELEC |
3.0 |
Music |
MUS ELEC |
3.0 |
Theatre |
THE 120 |
3.0 |
Visual arts |
ART ELEC |
3.0 |
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP COURSE/TEST
(Scores must be 3 or higher) |
Anderson University Equivalence |
Earned Hours |
ARTS: |
Art History |
ART 110 |
3 |
Music Theory |
MUT 101 (Score of 4 or higher) |
3 |
Studio Art: 2-D Design |
ART ELEC |
3 |
Studio Art: 3-D Design |
ART ELEC |
3 |
Studio Art: Drawing |
ART ELEC |
3 |
CAPSTONE: |
Research |
GEN ELEC |
3 |
Seminar |
CON ELEC |
3 |
ENGLISH: |
English Language and Composition |
ENG 101 |
3 |
English Literature and Composition |
ENG 219 |
3 |
HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCE: |
Comparative Government and Politics |
PS 251 |
3 |
European History |
HIS ELEC |
3 |
Human Geography |
GEN ELEC |
3 |
Macroeconomics |
ECO 212 |
3 |
Microeconomics |
ECO 211 |
3 |
Psychology |
PSY 101 |
3 |
United States Government and Politics |
PS 101 |
3 |
United States History |
HIS 161 & HIS 162 |
6 |
World History |
HIS 181 & HIS 182 |
6 |
MATH & COMPUTER SCIENCE: |
Calculus AB |
MAT 140 |
4 |
Calculus BC |
MAT 140 & MAT 190 |
8 |
Computer Science A |
CIS 202 |
4 |
Computer Science Principles |
CIS ELEC |
3 |
Precalculus |
MAT 130 |
3 |
Statistics |
MAT 108 |
3 |
SCIENCES: |
Biology |
BIO 110 & BIO 111 |
8 |
Chemistry |
CHE 111 , CHE 112 , CHE 113 & CHE 114 |
10 |
Environmental Science |
BIO 104 |
4 |
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
PHY 202 & PHY 204 |
4 |
Physics C: Mechanics |
PHY 201 & PHY 203 |
4 |
Physics 1: Algebra-Based |
PHY ELEC |
4 |
Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
PHY ELEC |
4 |
WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES: |
Chinese Language and Culture |
FOR LANG ELEC & FOR LANG ELEC 2 |
6 |
French Language and Culture |
FRE 111 & FRE 112 |
6 |
German Language and Culture |
FOR LANG ELEC & FOR LANG ELEC 2 |
6 |
Italian Language and Culture |
FOR LANG ELEC & FOR LANG ELEC 2 |
6 |
Japanese Language and Culture |
FOR LANG ELEC & FOR LANG ELEC 2 |
6 |
Latin |
GEN ELEC & GEN ELEC 2 |
6 |
Spanish Language and Culture |
SPA 111 & SPA 112 |
6 |
Spanish Literature and Culture |
SPA ELEC & SPA ELEC 2 |
6 |
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
See also CLEP, ACE Credits, Correspondence Course Limitations policy.
Exam Subject |
Minimum Score Required |
AU Equivalence |
Earned Hours |
HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES |
US History 1 |
50 |
HIS 161 |
3.0 |
US History 2 |
50 |
HIS 162 |
3.0 |
Western Civilization 1 |
50 |
HIS ELEC |
3.0 |
Western Civilization 2 |
50 |
HIS ELEC |
3.0 |
American Government |
50 |
PS 101 |
3.0 |
Prin. Microeconomics |
50 |
ECO 211 |
3.0 |
Prin. Macroeconomics |
50 |
ECO 212 |
3.0 |
Intro. Psychology |
50 |
PSY 101 |
3.0 |
Human Growth & Dev. |
50 |
PSY 205 |
3.0 |
Intro. Sociology |
50 |
SOC 101 |
3.0 |
COMPOSITION & LITERATURE |
College Composition |
50 |
ENG 101 & ENG 102 |
6.0 |
American Literature |
50 |
ENG 217 |
6.0 |
English Literature |
50 |
ENG 216 |
6.0 |
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature |
50 |
ENG LIT ELEC |
6.0 |
Humanities |
50 |
FA 200 |
3.0 |
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS: |
Biology |
50 |
BIO 110 & BIO 111 |
8.0 |
Chemistry |
50 |
CHE 111 & CHE 112 |
10.0 |
College Algebra |
50 |
MAT 105 |
3.0 |
Calculus |
50 |
MAT 113 & MAT 114 |
6.0 |
BUSINESS: |
Financial Accounting |
50 |
ACC 201 |
3.0 |
Information Systems |
50 |
CIS ELEC |
3.0 |
Intro Business Law |
50 |
BUS 251 |
3.0 |
Prin. Management |
50 |
MGT 210 |
3.0 |
Prin. Marketing |
50 |
MKT 331 |
3.0 |
WORLD LANGUAGES: |
French, Level 1 |
50 |
FRE 111 & FRE 112 |
6.0 |
French, Level 2 |
59 |
FRE 111 , FRE 112 , FRE 211 & FRE 212 |
12.0 |
Spanish, Level 1 |
50 |
SPA 111 & SPA 112 |
6.0 |
Spanish, Level 2 |
59 |
SPA 111 , SPA 112 , SPA 211 & SPA 212 |
12.0 |
German, Level 1 |
50 |
FOR LANG ELEC |
6.0 |
German, Level 2 |
60 |
FOR LANG ELEC |
12.0 |
The Curriculum Enhancement Program
The purpose of the Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) is to enrich the student’s academic experience by providing co-curricular opportunities that reinforce the educational and personal development of students within the framework of the 18 Common Learning Outcomes (CLOs) as outlined in the AU Core Curriculum. Students will participate in required CEPs designed to assist with the transition into the AU community, promote professional readiness, and foster financial literacy. In addition to the required CEPs, students will attend at least 11 CEPs from the Student Selected offerings on campus.
Successful completion of the Curriculum Enhancement Program is required in order to graduate from Anderson University. All traditional, full-time, degree seeking students must participate in a minimum of twenty-four (24) approved CEPs to be eligible for graduation.
Students who do not complete this requirement will not be eligible for graduation until the requirements have been completed.
Students that fail to meet the CEP requirements as outlined or students that violate the Community Values and Expectations while in attendance at a CEP will be subject to discipline in the Office of Student Development.
Students over the age of 25 are exempt from completing this graduation requirement, but are strongly encouraged to participate in CEPs as his or her schedule allows.
Students can find the weekly list of CEPs on the AU411 or at andersonuniversity.edu/CEP.
Students receive credit for CEPs by scanning their AU ID card at the end of each event. It is the student’s responsibility to have their IDs scanned by the CEP student worker. CEP credits will be tracked electronically in the student’s Self-Service account. Students are responsible for monitoring their credits online and must ensure that they earn the appropriate credits in order to be eligible for graduation.
First Year CEPs (3 CEPs total):
The Office of Student Development hosts 3 required CEPs every fall and all new students are expected to participate in these CEPs. Students are expected to attend these CEPs with their AU101 group. Transfer students should attend these sessions with their alpha leader. These events are specifically designed to support a new student’s transition into the AU community.
AUPRO Signature Series (6 CEPs total):
Professional Readiness Opportunities Beyond the Classroom is a distinctive program designed by Anderson University to improve student preparation for the working world through a set of co-curricular opportunities. AU PRO will equip students with a stronger sense of professionalism through written communication skills, nonverbal indicators of a professional image, and oral communication skills. Students should attend these 6 CEPs during the first 6 semesters enrolled at AU.
Ron Blue Financial Literacy CEPs (4 CEPs total to be completed online):
The Ron Blue Center CEPs will offer a framework for thinking differently about money. Students will learn how to handle money from a confident place - empowered by biblical financial wisdom. Each of the Ron Blue Center CEPs will teach students about financial management through the
4 H system: Heart, Health, Habits, and Hope. Sophomore students will receive an email informing them of how to access their online CEPs during sophomore year.
Student Selected CEPs (11 CEPs total):
These CEPs will include art exhibitions, musicals, plays, and music performances from the South Carolina School of the Arts, lectures and presentations from other academic departments, and a range of topics that support the AU Core Curriculum. These CEPs allow students to experience art, culture, and history as well as explore a range of student issues.
Transfer Students (previously degree seeking full time students at another college or university) will:
- Participate in the First Year CEPs in the fall semester or participate in online First Year CEPs if the student arrives during the Spring semester.
- Complete 6 AU PRO CEPs prior to graduation.
- Complete 4 online Ron Blue Financial Literacy CEPs prior to graduation.
- Be responsible for completing 2 Student Selected CEPs per semester of full-time enrollment at AU.
Contact Information for CEP tracks:
First Year CEPs:
Office of Student Development
Third Floor of G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center
Tonya Landrith
tlandrith@andersonuniversity.edu
864-231-2075
AUPRO Signature Series:
Center for Career Development
Second floor of G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center
Bethany Turner
bturner@andersonuniversity.edu
864-231-5656
Ron Blue Financial Literacy CEPs:
Ron Blue Center
Vandiver 302
Dr. Gordon Smith
gsmith@andersonuniversity.edu
864-622-6024
Student Selected CEPs:
Office of Student Development
Third Floor of G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center
Tonya Landrith
tlandrith@andersonuniversity.edu
864-231-2075
Dean’s List
Outstanding academic achievement is recognized each term by inclusion on the Dean’s List. Full-time students who have a term grade point average of 3.5 or better are eligible for this recognition. Grades in courses numbered 100 or below and incompletes are not calculated in the determination of eligibility for the Dean’s List.
Declaring a Major/Minor; Exploratory Majors
Students may declare a major at any time during the freshman or sophomore years prior to the completion of 36 semester hours. Some majors require certain courses at the freshman and sophomore levels; students should consult their advisor to assist in course selection. Upon the completion of 36 semester hours in Academic History, a major must be declared before registration for the following term. Students transferring more than 36 hours to AU must declare a major prior to matriculation. Such students who are not prepared to declare a major will enter AU designated as Interdisciplinary Studies majors, but are free to change their program of study at any time. Students with more than 36 earned hours may not change their program of study to Exploratory (“undeclared” or “undecided”), but instead may change their major to Interdisciplinary Studies (or to any other program of study for which they are eligible). Completion of all requirements for the selected major is necessary for graduation. Students wishing to declare or change their major should request a change of program of study via the student information system, after consultation with their current advisor.
Students may elect to have a minor. Since requirements in the minors vary according to discipline, students should make their selection as early as possible, but preferably before the junior year. The minor will be recorded on the official transcript but not on the diploma. Students wishing to declare a minor should request to add a program of study via the student information system, after consultation with their current advisor. In the event of scheduling conflicts, the major must always take precedence.
Degree Conferral Timing
Degrees are conferred and submitted after the end of each semester to coincide with commencement. Typically, the degree conferral date will be the last commencement day of the semester for all students. Due to course sequencing, non-traditional students may finish their degree requirements after the first session of the semester. This can create a gap in time between meeting requirements and official conferral. Any student needing conformation of complete degree requirements before the official conferral date may contact the office of the University Registrar for a confirming letter of the pending conferral date.
Degree Designations on Diplomas
Diplomas from Anderson University will bear the degree and major earned. The student’s transcript will list the appropriate degree, major, concentration, and/or minor.
Definition of a Credit Hour
Anderson University awards credit for academic achievement in a variety of instructional settings including traditional classrooms, skill-development classes, off-campus work practice settings, hybrid classes that use both seated and online sessions, and online classes. All classes have defined student learning outcomes, and a description of the time requirements and delivery modes is published on the class syllabus template.
Traditional Classes
The University has an established system for credit hours based upon 2100 instructional minutes for a standard 3-credit hour course. For seated courses this equates to 14 weeks of instruction plus the exam period where 3-day per week courses meet for 50 minutes per class, and two-day per week courses meet for 75 minutes per class.
Linked to this standard is the normative and historical expectation that students devote two hours working on class-related activities out of class for every hour they spend in the classroom. This model is used as the basis for determining the credit awarded for all courses regardless of the format for delivery.
Skill Development Classes
In courses with significant skill development outcomes, e.g. studio courses, laboratory courses, or physical activity courses, the credit hour definition is altered to reflect the standard disciplinary practice of two hours of supervised activity being equal to one hour of credit.
Some classes include a mixture of didactic and skill practice sessions. For a class with this mixed structure, the credit awarded reflects the time devoted to each component of the course.
Internships and Clinical Practice Classes
Work-setting classes require a minimum of 40 hours of placement activity for each hour of credit awarded. Variations above this minimum are dictated by professional standards required by specialized accreditors and are clarified in the course syllabus.
Online Classes
As with any course, online classes begin with the defining student learning outcomes and development of course content. The course is then formatted so the entire learning experience is available by digital means. Time expectations for students in an online class are consistent with traditional classes when time committed to readings and videos, participation in shared discussions or group work, and time working independently on course-related activities and assignments are considered. Enrolled students participate in class activities and complete online assignments per a schedule provided by the instructor.
Hybrid Classes
Hybrid classes are designed so that a significant portion of the course is delivered by digital means employing reading, instructional videos and/or lectures, journals, discussion boards, or assignments that students complete outside of class. The in-class time is then devoted to active student learning activities in a face-to-face classroom. In most cases, the courses meet one day a week, and enrolled students participate in class activities and complete online assignments and activities per a schedule provided by the instructor.
In some graduate hybrid courses, the schedule for the seated portion of the class may require fewer actual meetings, but the class meeting time on those days is extended. These days are generally termed “intensive” because the time in face-to-face instruction lasts the full day.
Zero Credit Hour Classes
Occasionally, a course will be identified as having zero credit hours. Such courses exist for one of three reasons.
(1) The course serves as a placeholder in the administrative software to reserve a day/time and location on the course schedule. This typically applies to certain lab courses. A student’s performance in such a zero-credit hour lab is reflected in the grade of the corequisite course. For example, CHE 113, General Chemistry I Lab, is zero credit hours. However, student performance in the lab is reflected in the grade of CHE 111, General Chemistry I (5 credit hours).
(2) Completion of the course is a graduation requirement, but no credit hours or grades are assigned to the course. This typically applies to requirements such as music recitals, demonstration of skill proficiency, or an oral presentation or defense of a research project, thesis, or dissertation.
(3) The course is a placeholder in the administrative software to record completion of a co-curricular graduation requirement. Such requirements have no assigned credit hours or grades. For example, the university requires full-time traditional undergraduates to attend at least eight journey (chapel) events per semester. Completion of this requirement is recorded on a student’s transcript. Failure to complete the requirement will affect a student’s eligibility to graduate but does not affect their grade point average.
Financial and Academic Responsibility
A student is financially and academically responsible for all enrolled classes at the end of the second week of classes for each fall and spring semester. This policy does not apply to summer sessions or to other special terms. Please refer to important dates calendar for DRF information for adult studies and graduate courses.
Good Academic Standing
To be in good academic standing, students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0.
The grade-point average (GPA) used to determine good academic standing is reflected in the “Cumulative GPA” line on the student’s Academic History and includes all courses numbered 100 and above.
Good academic standing is reviewed at the end of each semester of the year. Note: Good Academic Standing is separate from the Financial Aid policy of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Questions concerning SAP and financial aid eligibility should be directed to and addressed by the Financial Aid Office.
Grade Changes
Once a final course grade has been recorded, it may be changed only by the instructor to correct a computational error; and such changes must be approved by the Dean of the College or School in which the course is listed. If a student thinks that a grade has been assigned unfairly then the student has the right to appeal, in accordance with the Right of Appeal policy. A decision to change a final course grade must be approved by the Provost.
Grade Point Average
The GPA is computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted at Anderson University, excluding repeats of courses in which the grade of “D” or “F” has been earned, any courses taken as pass/fail option, and any remedial courses. A student’s transcript shows two different calculations of the grade point average - term and cumulative. Term GPA is based on credit attempted and earned in a given semester. Dean’s list eligibility is based on this calculation. Cumulative GPA reflects overall credits and is the basis for graduation honors, admission to Teacher Education, and graduation. Academic probation and suspension is also determined by this calculation.
Grade Reports
Students may view their grades by using the University’s online resources.
Grading System
The grades appearing on the transcripts of students at Anderson University are as follows:
Letter Grade |
Description |
Value |
A |
Excellent |
4 |
B |
Good |
3 |
C |
Average |
2 |
D |
Passing |
1 |
CR |
Credit |
0 |
NC |
No Credit |
0 |
F |
Failing |
0 |
P |
Passing |
0 |
I |
Incomplete (A student requested grade) |
0 |
IP |
In Progress |
0 |
W |
(Official) Withdrawal |
0 |
WP |
Withdrawal (administrative) |
0 |
WF |
Withdrawal (administrative) |
0 |
NR |
No report by instructor |
0 |
X |
Audit, no credit |
0 |
Both “I” and “NR” are temporary grades. The grade designation “I” is a student-requested grade and is not assigned otherwise. “NR” is a designation that may appear when a grade is not reported by the instructor. This is a temporary grade and will be changed to a permanent grade by the instructor at the earliest opportunity. Grades of “I” and “NR” are not computed in the grade point average. The grade of “WP” will be calculated into the grade point average the same as a “W”. The grade of “WF” will be calculated into the grade point average the same as an “F”.
Each student is responsible for keeping a personal record of grade reports and total credits earned.
Graduation Honors
Anderson University follows the practice of graduating students with honors and confers three categories of recognition to outstanding students.
First, the President’s Award is presented to a member of the graduating class who best exemplifies a balance between campus leadership, citizenship, scholastic aptitude, Christian commitment, and concern for fellow students. Second, during the awarding of diplomas, members of the graduating class are named to membership in the Denmark Society, which honors former President Annie Dove Denmark. Students named to this honor represent the highest Anderson University ideal in leadership, campus citizenship, scholarship and Christian character. Finally, students who successfully complete the Honors Program are recognized in the graduation program, and a notation of this achievement appears on the diploma.
The graduation program and diploma designate honor graduates of high academic attainment using the following Latin phrases: Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74 GPA; Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.94 GPA; and Summa Cum Laude, 3.95 to 4.00 GPA. (Note: Grades in courses numbered 100 or below are not calculated in the determination of eligibility for graduating with honors. Graduate students are not eligible for Latin honors due to GPA requirement for degree program.)
Graduation Marshals
Graduation Marshals provide support to graduates and their families along with other commencement participants during the graduation ceremony in the spring. It is an honor to be selected to serve as a marshal, and the criteria are based on academic excellence at the University. During the spring semester, the Office of the Provost will contact the top 25 students according to grade point average in the junior class who meet the following criteria: must have completed at least 75 hours and no more than 110 hours and have no more than 30 semester hours of transfer and/ or advanced placement work. Preference in selection is given to those who are rising seniors at the end of the spring semester. Those who agree to serve as marshals must attend a rehearsal the day before commencement and be available early on the morning of commencement until the end of the ceremony. A smaller number of these students are asked to support the December Commencement.
Incomplete Grades
It is the student’s responsibility to request the grade of “I”, an incomplete grade, when some extenuating circumstance beyond the student’s control (e.g. serious medical condition with documentation, required change in work schedule, etc.) prevents the completion of a course within the standard time requirement. An “I” is a temporary grade and can only be granted when a student has successfully completed at least 50% of the work required in the course. When the student does not meet this criterion, then it is likely a WP or WF should be assigned.
To initiate the process for assignment of an Incomplete, the student should have an initial conversation with the course instructor. Eligibility for an incomplete grade will be determined by the instructor’s review of the student’s progress in the course and the documentation provided by the student such as medical statements or a statement from the employer, as well as consideration of their own availability to extend the time period. The maximum allowable time for an extension is thirty days.
When the faculty member agrees that the student has met the criteria to be granted an Incomplete, and he or she is willing to accommodate the request, the faculty member will download and complete a copy of the Request for an Incomplete Grade. The instructor and the student must agree on the assignments that will be submitted late, and the form must include a list of these items. Signatures by both parties on the form will be viewed as agreement to the stated requirements for completion. Once the assignments are listed and the signatures provided, the completed form must be delivered to the Office of the University Registrar for processing. The Request for an Incomplete Grade Form must be submitted to the University Registrar before the end of the last regular class day in a semester or term.
Upon receipt of the completed form, the Office of the University Registrar will enter the grade of “I.” The instructor is required to submit the final grade within 10 days of receiving all designated assignments or no later than 10 days beyond the 30-day extension. In the unusual case when a grade is not submitted by the date indicated on the form, the “I” grade will be converted to an “F”. A student can access his or her transcript through the student portal to monitor the resolution of the course grade.
Independent and Directed Studies
Students requesting to take an independent study course must first seek the approval of the instructor, advisor, and the Dean of the College or School. Final approval is required from the Office of the Provost. The student meets with the instructor individually and completes most of the course work through independent activities. A course that is being offered during a particular semester cannot normally be taken by independent study. Generally, a faculty member will not supervise more than six (6) semester hours of independent study concurrently. A directed study course may be offered when one or more students request a course which is not included in the curriculum of the University but which is appropriate to the mission and scope of the University.
Course requirements for independent study are the same as the requirements and learning objectives of the course when it is taught in structured classes. Independent study is approved only for students of high ability (generally requiring a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) and motivation, inasmuch as it requires more time, concentration, and initiative for successful completion. A course in which a student has previously earned a grade of “D” or “F” may not be repeated through independent study. Tuition for independent and directed studies is not included in normal tuition charges (see Tuition & Fees ). Faculty, staff, and their dependents must pay the full amount of tuition charged for independent study or directed study courses.
Initial Course Attendance and Roster Verification
Students are expected to attend and participate in their classes; therefore, faculty must monitor student attendance and participation and incorporate attendance markers into their course(s).
Each term/session the University Registrar’s office will initiate the attendance reporting process by informing faculty of the deadline for entering attendance. Faculty will access course rosters through Workday and mark the name of any student on the roster accordingly:
- Attending
- Did Not Attend
- No Longer Attending (if the student stopped attending during the add/drop timeframe.)
Note: If there is a student sitting in class who is not listed on the course roster, notify the student they are not listed on the roster and refer that student to the University Registrar as soon as possible.
Attendance includes at least one of the following:
- Physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students
- Submitting an academic assignment
- Taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction
- Participating in an online discussion post/assignment
- Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course
Attendance does not include:
- Logging into an online class without active participation
- Participating in academic counseling or advising
If a student is dropped in error during the Roster Verification process, the instructor must notify the University Registrar of the error as soon as possible in order to have the student added back to the course. This pertains to data entry errors only. If the student has never attended, the student must petition for a late registration to the Office of the Provost.
The Journey Program
The Journey Program is the Anderson University equivalent to “Chapel” at other Christian colleges/universities. It is designed to reflect our Christian identity and through it we have the opportunity to emphasize our spiritual development as we worship and grow together as a campus community. Students, along with faculty and staff are provided with a variety of worship services designed to introduce them to the person of Jesus Christ and to help them grown in that relationship.
Successful completion of the Journey Program is required for graduation at Anderson University. Students must earn 64 Journey Credits or an average of 8 for each semester in which they are enrolled as a traditional full-time student. Each semester a grade of CR (8 credits or more) or NC (less than 8) will be recorded on each student’s transcript for JP 100. This grade does not affect the student’s GPA.
Exceptions - The following are approved exceptions to the traditional Journey Program requirement
- Students 25 years of age or older AND living off campus.
- Education students in their student teaching semester (approved by School of Education)
- Nursing students doing clinical rotations (approved by School of Nursing)
- Other students involved in an academic internship or Study Abroad may apply for an exemption through their respective academic department (subject to approval by Department of Christian Life)
- Students whose classes are all online AND live off-campus may apply directly to Christian Life for an exception)
All exceptions must be approved by the end of the second week of the semester and registered with the Office of Christian Life, located in the Brashier Glade.
Multiple Majors
Students may choose to major in more than one discipline in the same degree to complete multiple majors (for example, a B.S. in Biology and Mathematics or a B.A. English, Spanish, and History). All general education and major requirements for all majors must be completed. While courses required for the additional majors may be used either to meet requirements or as electives for other majors, there must be at least 20 (twenty) course credits that are unique between the majors. Thus, pursuit of a multiple majors will likely require exceeding the eight semesters typically required to earn the bachelor’s degree.
Online Courses
Anderson University offers online courses for students enrolled in the traditional, onsite degree programs as well as the adult studies and graduate programs. Online and on-site courses may be used interchangeably to meet the school’s graduation requirements. Online courses may be accepted in transfer, provided that the courses have been approved by the Registrar and meet all other transfer requirements. The current policies governing online courses can be found on the University website.
Students who have not earned 30 credits are discouraged from enrolling in online courses.
Pass/Fail Option
To encourage students to broaden their academic program Anderson University has established a policy whereby students, under certain circumstances, may register for a limited number of semester hours credit on a pass/fail basis.
The following requirements apply: (1) Students must have earned at least 60 semester hours of credit and have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in order to register for courses on a pass/fail basis; (2) Students may register for no more than 12 semester hours of credit on a pass/fail basis in their degree program; (3) Students may not register for more than one pass/fail course in a given semester or summer term; (4) Students may not register for any general education requirement or major/minor requirement on a pass/fail basis, as only electives may be taken on a pass/fail basis; (5) Students must have satisfied all prerequisites for a course for which they register on a pass/fail basis or have the permission of the instructor to enroll in the course; (6) Students who wish to repeat courses in which they earned the grade of D or F may not register to take them on a pass/fail basis.
The grade of P is recorded for students who earn an A, B, C, or D. The grade of F is recorded for students who earn a failing grade. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis count in the computation of hours earned for courses in which a passing grade is earned. The grade of P does not count in the computation of the grade point average, but the grade of F is computed in the grade point average. The deadline for requesting the pass/fail option is the last day to withdraw without academic penalty for the session in which the course is offered.
Permission to Make Up Missed Exams and Assignments/Assessments
In seated face-to-face and virtual (synchronous online) class meetings, Excused and Unexcused Absences are both recorded as absences, but if scheduled exams and other in-class graded activities are missed due to an Excused Absence, students are be allowed to make up or complete in-class graded activities.
Excused Absences for representing Anderson University in officially sponsored activities will be documented by the instructor or staff member responsible for the event providing a list of participants to the Office of the Provost, which will maintain and publish an approved absences calendar and lists of events participants. Students who miss scheduled exams and other in-class graded activities because they are representing Anderson University in such officially sponsored activities may be granted permission to complete the activity upon returning to class. Students must present a signed permission form to the class instructor before the missed assignment, at which point the instructor will specify the time and means of making up the assignment.
Excused Absences for medical purposes must be accompanied by official medical documentation from a health care provider or other appropriate documentation requested by the instructor.
Excused Absences for civic responsibilities such as jury duty or military service will be established by documentation from the appropriate government authorities.
This policy does not apply to papers or other assigned work intended to be completed outside the classroom. Such work should be submitted via the LMS or other means, in advance of the absence, or by the due date.
Students’ opportunities to make up or complete graded work missed for unexcused absences is solely at the discretion of the instructor.
Policies Governing Final Examinations/Final Assessments
- Final summative exams or assessments will be given on the day and hour scheduled. Students will not be permitted to take exams or complete other summative experiences outside of scheduled times, except for highly extenuating circumstances. Late “make-up” exams/assessments will be scheduled only in rare cases involving extreme extenuating circumstances (such as students with a verifiable debilitating illness or injury or a death in the immediate family, which occurs at a time that requires the student’s absence from an exam). In such cases, the student is responsible for initiating efforts to arrange with the instructor a time when the final exam or assessment can be completed.
- If a student has more than two final exams or assessments scheduled on the same day, he or she may request to complete one or more final exams/assessments with another section of the same course, or by another arrangement, if approved by the instructor. The final exam/assessment must be completed within the days designated as the Final Exam/ Final Assessment Period.
- The course ends when the final examination/assessment has been administered.
Posthumous Degree Conferral
In the event of a student’s death, the university may award eligible students their degree posthumously. Eligible students must have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours and have been enrolled and in good standing at the time of his or her passing.
Upon the Office of the Registrar verifying sufficient academic progress, and the Provost and the Senior Vice President for Student Development verifying good standing, the Office of the Provost will recommend the awarding of a posthumous degree to the President and the Board of Trust. If approved, the degree will be conferred at the next Commencement ceremony, in coordination with the student’s family.
R
The one-semester period of suspension is defined as beginning after the last day of the semester during which the student received a suspension and continuing until the first day of the semester the student is eligible to begin a new semester at Anderson University.
Students who wish to enroll at Anderson University following the period of suspension, must submit an Application for Admission to the Admission Office with an included Suspension Appeal/Re-engagement form. Decisions regarding re-admission are based on evidence supporting the probability of successful completion of the academic program at Anderson University.
Students re-admitted following suspension are admitted on academic probation. Their academic record is reviewed at the conclusion of the semester they return. Upon review, if the student’s cumulative grade-point average meets the minimum of 2.0, they will be removed from probation.
Students who fail to attain the 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average at the conclusion of the first semester they return, but whose most recent semester GPA is 2.0 or above, will be permitted to return for the following semester. Such students will remain on academic probation until they achieve good academic standing or fail to attain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and are subsequently suspended a second time.
Students who fail to attain the 2.0 minimum cumulative grade-point average at the conclusion of the first semester they return, and whose most recent semester GPA is below 2.0 will be suspended a second time.
Re-admission following a second suspension is not likely and would be granted only under unusual circumstances.
Registration
Registration is the process of enrolling in classes for a semester or session. Current students may register for classes following consultation with their faculty advisors or Journey Coaches. First-time freshmen students are registered for their fall classes by the administrative assistant of the college or school responsible for the program of study selected by the student on the application for admission. Once the student attends BaseCamp orientation, the schedule will be provided. New student schedule adjustments due to advanced placement or other scheduling conflicts are completed by the administrative assistant.
For students transferring to Anderson University from another institution, contact the Dean of the respective College or school to register for classes once the transfer evaluation is completed. A student must be in good academic and financially cleared in order to complete the registration process. Any student not financially cleared is subject to having their schedule removed before the beginning of the semester and will not be allowed to attend classes.
Requests for Adjustments in Course Delivery, Participation, or Section
Students enrolled in a seated course section should not expect to change that enrollment to an online section after the Add/Drop Period, nor expect to be able to participate online only, when enrolled within a seated or hybrid course. Students are expected to remain in the same course section and modality for which they registered. Students requesting an adjustment in course delivery, participation, or section, due to special circumstances, have the following options:
- If the last date of withdrawal without academic penalty has not been reached, the student may withdraw from the course without academic penalty. There may be financial penalties that come with this option. (See “Withdrawal from Courses,” Academic Catalog.)
- If the student has a medical or other hardship that impedes the student’s ability to complete the semester, the student may request a Temporary Leave of Absence through the Center for Student Success. Requests with appropriate documentation will be considered and, if approved, will relieve the student of academic penalty. (See “Temporary Student Leave,” Academic Catalog.)
- If the student has successfully completed at least 50 percent of the coursework in a given course, the student may request a grade of Incomplete. If the Incomplete request is approved, the student will have 30 days from the last class period of the term to complete the coursework. (See “Incomplete Grades,” Academic Catalog.)
- In the case of a prolonged illness or injury during the semester, students may be away from classes for an extended period. Students who provide medical documentation to the Center for Student Success may request from their faculty flexibility in making up work and tests for their courses. While faculty are encouraged to work with students, in some circumstances the absence period may be too long to recover the coursework.
Students with unique circumstances that fall outside the options above may petition in writing to the Center for Student Success for review of the situation and request an adjustment to their schedule. Any such schedule adjustments must be recommended by the Center for Student Success and approved by the Office of the Provost.
Repetition of Courses
Unless a course is designated as repeatable for additional credit, students may only repeat a course in which they previously earned a grade of “D” or “F.” A course may not be attempted more than three times. Students who enroll in a course more than a total of three times will be removed from the course.
Even though a student may repeat a course to improve a grade-point average, all grades earned at Anderson University remain on the transcript. However, the highest grade earned for a course will be used in computing the grade-point average. The exception to the computation of the grade-point average occurs when the course is repeated at another institution. For a course taken at another institution, the credit is applied to the AU transcript, but the grade will not be added to the grade-point calculation and will not count additionally to any program requirement if the transfer course is considered equivelent to an already completed course at Anderson University.
Repetition of Coursework After Re-Admission
Students who are returning to Anderson University after a period of five years or more may be required to repeat courses in which a grade of C or better is earned if the course(s) is determined to be integral to their degree program. Determination of this requirement will be made by the Dean of the college for the student’s major and the University Registrar. Transfer students will be subject to the same five year time limit for any work transferred into Anderson University that is determined to be integral to their declared major. In this case, such courses will be accepted as electives and not as a direct transfer. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case by case basis and determined by the respective Dean and the University Registrar.
Requests for Transcripts
Students may request a copy of their academic record by submitting a request to the secure Clearinghouse website, www.studentclearinghouse.org, or by filling out a “Transcript Request Form” in Anderson Central. Official transcripts are $15.00 each. Transcripts will not be released for any individual who has any indebtedness to Anderson University. Unofficial transcripts are available online.
Residency Requirement
Candidates for a Bachelors degree must earn a minimum of 25% of the credit hours in the degree program at Anderson University, including at least 18 credit hours in the major at the 200/300/400 level. The 18 credit hours may not include general education core courses, general electives, or cognates.
If a student perceives treatment to be unfair, capricious, or arbitrary in any academic decision (including a course or assignment grade), then such a decision may be appealed. Students should understand that mere unhappiness with a decision or grade is not grounds for an appeal. For an appeal to have merit, there must be some evidence that the student has been treated unfairly and/or inappropriately with regard to the administration of the University’s policies.
Appeals must be initiated within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the decision or action being appealed. The student should first appeal the decision in writing to the person who made it, offering information and supporting rationale for reconsideration. At each step, the respondent has two (2) weeks to reply in writing with a decision. As needed, the student may then appeal the decision in writing to the next highest authority within two (2) weeks of the decision being communicated.
In matters related to course grades (whether for an assignment or a final course grade), the line of appeal is the instructor in the course, then the College or School Dean (or, for academic units without a Dean, the Program Director), and finally the Office of the Provost, which will render a final decision.
Second Baccalaureate Degree
Students who have previously earned bachelor’s degrees from Anderson University or another accredited institution may apply to a program leading to a second baccalaureate degree. The major selected for the second baccalaureate degree must be in a different academic discipline from that of the first degree.
Anderson University Alumni seeking a second baccalaureate degree must:
· Earn at least 20 (twenty) unique credit hours for the second baccalaureate degree.
· Satisfy all requirements for the second degree, including core curriculum.
Students from another accredited institution seeking a second baccalaureate degree must:
· Complete no fewer than 30 hours at Anderson University within the second baccalaureate degree requirements.
· Satisfy all requirements for the second degree, including core curriculum.
Simultaneous Undergraduate Degrees
A student who fulfills the specified requirements for distinct majors from different undergraduate degrees prior to graduation will be awarded simultaneous degrees. For example, a student may complete a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Biology.
All general education and major requirements for both majors must be completed. While courses required for the second major may be used either to meet requirements or as electives for the first, there must be at least 20 (twenty) credit hours that are different between the two majors. Thus, pursuit of simultaneous degrees will likely require exceeding the eight semesters typically required to earn one bachelor’s degree.
Suspension Appeals and Eligibility for Financial Aid
A student on Academic Suspension may appeal in writing to the Office of the Provost. The appeal must be submitted by the deadline cited in the letter notifying the student of the suspension. To have an appeal seriously considered, a student must present pertinent information to justify granting the appeal.
Students who have an appeal approved are not considered to have achieved good academic standing; they remain on academic probation and remain ineligible for financial aid reinstatement until they have regained the required 2.00 minimum cumulative grade-point average. See Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid for additional eligibility requirements.
Taking Courses Elsewhere During Academic Suspension
Courses completed at other institutions during the period of suspension may be transferred to Anderson University provided the student meets the criteria cited in the course transfer policy. Students are advised to work closely with their AU academic advisor to complete the Transient Course Work Approval form prior to taking classes at another institution. Without prior approval, courses completed at other institutions may not be eligible for transfer to Anderson University.
Tests and Examinations
Learning Assessments in Courses
Periodic tests, exams, and other assessments, and final examinations or assessments at the end of the semester occur in all courses. Such final assessments may include seated or online exams, major projects, research papers, creative works, performances, etc. When a student is absent on the day of an examination, or assessment due date, the instructor for the course determines whether the student is to be allowed to make up the test or examination missed. See catalog section on Permission to Make Up Missed Exams here.
Placement For World Language Courses
Students no longer need to take a placement test to determine their baseline level placement.
If a student plans to enroll in a Spanish or French course at AU, they will be placed in the course/level that is consistent with their past academic language experience, as indicated by the transcript.
.
111 level placement
- Students with no high school experience in the language they wish to take at AU
- Students who have successfully completed one or two high school classes in the language they wish to take at AU
112 level placement
- Students who have successfully completed a high school language 3 or language 3H (Honors) class
211 level placement
- Students who have successfully completed a high school language 4 or 5, or language 4H or 5H (Honors) class
If the student wants to take a course lower than their placement, they need to change to another language or a different course to satisfy their core requirement.
If the student would like to change the language or if the placement has not been added to the record, they should email the coordinator.
If the student decides to take the class elsewhere, the class transferring must match the placement level already assigned.
If a student speaks Spanish, French, or Portuguese as a first language or fluently, they are encouraged to meet with the Placement Coordinator to discuss their level of proficiency and placement.
Coordinator of Language Placement
Professor Ruiz Martin
sruizmartin@andersonuniversity.edu
Total Credit Hours Required
An undergraduate degree requires a minimum number of 120 credit hours while some programs require additional hours. Students should refer to the credit hour requirements for their specific program.
Traditional Students Taking Post-Traditional Courses
Adult Studies program is designed for post-traditional students, that is, those students having a minimum of 5-8 years life experiences beyond high-school, are financially independent, are working full-time, and who wish to advance their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree.
The accelerated format of the classes allows post-traditional students the opportunities to take classes during the evening or in the online format, in seven week sessions, five times throughout the year.
Given the mission and design of the Adult Studies program, students who do not meet the criteria of a post-traditional student are restricted from enrolling in Adult Studies classes, and are unable to register themselves for Adult Studies courses. Traditional students requiring additional courses or who hope to improve their GPA are directed to use the summer school sessions, not Adult Studies courses.
Rare enrollment exceptions for upper class traditional students may be made due to class scheduling conflicts that would have a negative impact on progress towards graduation. Traditional upper class students seeking to enroll in an Adult Studies course must request a Registration Exception with the dean of the college that has supervision of the class.
Transfer Policy
Accreditation
- Anderson University accepts transfer work from postsecondary institutions that are fully accredited by a regional accreditation process. If an institution is not accredited by a regional accreditor, it may hold other national accreditations that are acceptable as recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. Therefore, courses earned at the non-accredited institution may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The course description, learning outcomes, and type of course (lower-division or major or minor) are considered as well as the academic rigor of the course.
- Students seeking transfer credit from an international institution are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation completed by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) accredited organization. A list of current NACES approved organizations can be found at https://www.naces.org/members.
- In the Teacher Education Program, Anderson University is obliged by accreditation standards to accept only courses considered equivalents of the courses within the University’s approved Teacher Education Program. The Dean of the College of Education must approve all transfer courses for education majors.
Transferability, Equivalency, and Applicability
- Transferability refers to the conditions under which Anderson University accepts credit from other postsecondary institutions. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for determining transferability.
- Equivalency refers to the determination of transfer credit. This involves taking both hours and course content into consideration compared to Anderson University coursework. Lower-level equivalencies will be determined by the Office of the Registrar. Upper-level equivalencies will be determined by the college/school which houses the discipline. If a course equivalency can be established, the course is entered into transfer policy by registrar staff.
- Applicability of credit toward a degree is at the discretion of the academic division. The student’s college of enrollment is responsible for determining applicability.
Governing Policies
- Transfer credit is awarded for academic credit earned at regionally accredited institutions. The minimum acceptable grade eligible for transfer credit is a “C.” Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- The evaluation and awarding of transfer credit is based on official transcripts received from the institution that offered the coursework and initially conferred the course credit.
- Anderson University follows a semester calendar and posts credit to AU transcripts in semester hours. Coursework completed at institutions that follow a semester based academic calendar will be posted on the Anderson University transcript with the semester hour total attempted for each course. Coursework completed at institutions on non-semester-based academic calendars will be converted and posted to the AU transcript with the semester hour equivalent for each course.
- To receive credit for non-traditional experiences (e.g., College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), military training, etc.), the student must submit official documentation from the original provider of the non-traditional experience.
- The University does not allow the awarding of credit for prior experiential learning.
- Class standing is based on cumulative credit hours earned, not degrees. Students transferring to Anderson University with an associate degree will not automatically be granted junior standing.
- Graduate-level coursework may be transferred as undergraduate credit at the written request of the student and upon approval of the appropriate academic department.
- Students are required to submit official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended. All transferable work will be posted to the Anderson University transcript. Students do not retain the right to pick or choose certain courses for transfer.
- Courses will be posted to the Anderson University transcript with the grade reflected on the official transcript of the original institution. Transfer grades will not be computed in the grade point average (GPA).
- The following types of credit are not transferable and will not count toward a degree:
- Placement credit/testing scores granted by another institution
- Remedial or developmental courses
- Occupational, Vocational and some workforce courses from two-year institutions
Transient Course Work Policy
Students currently registered at Anderson University may apply to take courses at another institution while still enrolled at Anderson. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the institution’s Residency Requirement. Students must submit a Transient Course Work Approval form and receive approval from the Office of the Registrar prior to enrolling at another institution. Additionally, a grade of “D” or “F” may not be transferred to Anderson.
Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
Like all institutions, Anderson University has requirements that must be met before a degree can be awarded. Such requirements include curricular expectations, Christian Life and Student Development programs, and satisfactory progress in light of certain policies and procedures. Advisors and administrators are committed to assisting students as they meet these requirements, though it is the primary responsibility of the student, however, to be acquainted with, make progress toward, and ultimately meet all degree requirements.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Undergraduate students pursuing a degree from Anderson University must satisfy all requirements for graduation including the following:
- Submit an Application for Graduation and pay graduation fee.
- Complete total hours required for desired degree.
- Meet the minimum Grade Point Average requirements for Graduation for desired degree.
- Complete all degree requirements of the catalog year in effect in which the student is starting the degree program. In some cases, the student may choose a newer catalog year if the updated requirements are advantageous for the student’s academic experience.
- Complete required Journey Program credits.
- Complete Cultural Enhancement Program requirements.
- Clear all financial obligations to Anderson University.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements for Graduation
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for all Anderson University courses (including Core classes and general electives). Additionally, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for coursework satisfying requirements for a major, minor, or certificate (including cognates and specified electives). Colleges or schools may require a higher GPA to meet graduation requirements in certain programs.
Undergraduates Pursuing Graduate Coursework
Undergraduates at Anderson University may pursue graduate coursework prior to graduation under certain conditions. Individual graduate programs have the ability to allow or prevent this practice. In some cases, credits may count as requirements or electives in the undergraduate program as well as meet some requirements of a graduate degree with advanced approval.
The undergraduate student pursuing graduate coursework must apply to the graduate program. In addition to meeting graduate application requirements, the undergraduate student must meet the following requirements:
- Achieved junior or senior standing prior to enrolling in graduate courses
- Hold cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Approval of undergraduate advisor and director of the graduate program
The application fee for the graduate program will be waived in this scenario. Tuition for undergraduate students taking graduate courses will be charged at the rate of their current undergraduate program.
Withdrawal from Courses (Student Initiated)
After the add/drop period, students can withdraw from courses through the last day to withdraw from courses as noted in the academic calendar. Students will receive a grade of “W” in any course from which they withdraw. Any course in which a grade of “W” is received is subject to tuition charges. (See Anderson Central/Refund Policy for specific information pertaining to charging for withdrawn courses; see Adding and Dropping Courses and Attendance and Participation Requirement for more information.)
Note to Students: Withdrawing from courses may affect your tuition and fees (see Anderson Central for more information), your financial aid (see Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information), or your athletic eligibility (if applicable).
Note to Student Athletes: Withdrawing from course may affect your eligibility. Please be sure to consult with Athletics before completing the course withdrawal.
(For more information on faculty initiated withdrawal, see Administrative Withdrawal policy.)
Withdrawal from the University
The University recognizes that certain situations may necessitate withdrawal from the University during an academic term. This process for official withdrawal typically begins with the Office of Student Life for traditional students and with the Academic Success Coach for post-traditional students. Grades of “W” or “F” may be assigned, depending on the date of official withdrawal. Students receiving federal financial aid will have eligibility reviewed and adjusted per regulations. If the withdrawal date is after the deadline, the grade of “F” is assigned for all courses registered. If a student’s withdrawal from the University after the deadline is caused by a documented medical issue, it may be approved through the Center for Student Success to receive the grade of “W.” Students who withdraw from the University may be eligible for a partial refund, depending on the date of withdrawal. Refer to the Withdrawal Charges and Refund Policies portion of the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog for refund information.
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