GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND ACADEMIC PROCEDURES
The catalog serves as a guide for students and advisors in planning academic programs and degrees offered at the University. Students are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with procedures and standards, but should seek guidance from their advisors or the Registrar when questions arise. The following procedures and policies have been adopted to help students, faculty, and administrators successfully carry out the academic program of the University. These policies reflect University policy when the catalog was published. Changes enacted after this date will be published by appropriate means. Exceptions and deviations from normal academic policy may be requested through petition procedures available from the Student Records Office.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
91制片厂 State University-Northern is committed to the fundamental principle that the University exists to serve the students. All efforts of the University are aimed toward enabling students to realize their full potential in whatever field of endeavor they attempt. As a result of this commitment, 91制片厂 State University-Northern's academic advising process is an integral component of the academic program and is considered to be a faculty responsibility. The academic advising program will enable students to:
Students may select or change their major or minor program objectives at any time. Students who have not selected a major at the time of admission will be assigned a faculty advisor by the Registrar.
Students who have chosen a major will be advised by a faculty member in their selected field of study. The advisor explains University academic requirements and assists individuals in selecting courses and fulfilling steps that satisfy these requirements. Students with questions about their majors are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor.
The University policy governing approval of class selection is based upon the principle that new-to-college and high-risk students require a more structured class selection process than others. The policy governing faculty advisor endorsement for class selection requirements is:
Category of Student Advisor Endorsement Requirements
|
Non-degree undergraduate |
None. Advisor approval is optional. |
|
Freshman |
Must have approval of the program area advisor for every registration transaction. |
|
Sophomore |
The student must be cleared for registration by his/her major advisor. That is, The first registration form submitted for any semester must bear the advisor's approval. |
|
Junior |
None. Advisor approval is optional. |
|
Senior |
None. Advisor approval is optional. |
|
Non-degree graduate |
None. Advisor approval is optional. |
|
Degree-seeking graduate |
None. Advisor approval is optional. |
|
Under scholastic warning |
1. Must have clearance of advising center to register, |
|
|
and... |
|
|
2. Must have approval of program area advisor for every registration transaction. |
|
On scholastic probation |
1. Must have clearance of advising center to register, |
|
|
and... |
|
|
2. Must have approval of program area advisor for every registration transaction. |
Some departments may have more restrictive advising policies than these. No departments may have less restrictive policies. Students are, under existing university policy, individually and personally responsible for meeting the graduation requirements of degrees they are seeking.
ADMISSION TO CLASSES
In order to be enrolled in a class, the student must register for the class by means of the procedures set out for registration. The student's name must appear on the official class roster. Students who fail to register for classes prior to the deadline for doing so will not receive credit for the classes, even if they attend the classes and meet course requirements.
ADVANCE PLACEMENT PROGRAM POLICY
Applicants for Advance Placement credit should ask the College Entrance Examination Board to submit official examination scores to the Office of Admissions. Credit will be granted for scores of 3, 4, or 5. This credit will be awarded to degree students for corresponding courses at the University. Grades will not be awarded. A notation of the award will be placed on the student's transcript.
AUDITOR
An auditor is a student who wishes to enroll in a course but does not wish to pursue the course for credit. Auditors will not be required to take examinations or meet course requirements. Audited courses are noted on the transcript as such. Enrollment as an auditor requires permission of the instructor after students pursuing course credit have had an opportunity to enroll. Auditors pay the same fees as credit students. Auditors may not change to credit enrollment after the last day to add classes.
CANCELLATION FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION
A number of students who pre-register for classes do not return for the following term as anticipated. In order to establish orderly administration of the financial affairs of the University and to open the positions of these non-returning students in classes for which they pre-registered, a deadline for making fee arrangements is set for each term and announced by the Office of Fiscal Affairs. Registrants who do not complete fee arrangements prior to the deadline are unregistered, and their positions in classes are made available to other students. Students whose registrations are canceled but who wish to attend the University for the canceled term must repeat the registration process. In addition, a late registration fee may be charged to offset the additional administrative expense of late registration.
CAREER CENTER
The purpose of the Career Center is to support the goals of 91制片厂 State University-Northern by providing a comprehensive network of employment services for students and employers.
Services:
The top priority of the Career Center is to help students learn about the world of work and find a successful place in it. The professional staff is involved daily with contacts in business, industry, and education in order to maintain 91制片厂 State University-Northern
=s visibility and market Northern students and graduates. The Career Center is located in Donaldson Hall.CHALLENGE BY EXAMINATION
91制片厂 State University-Northern seeks to serve students who have achieved academic competency through nontraditional forms of study or work experience. The University awards credit based on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, DANTES transcripts, military training,
Trade Competency Examinations, and other faculty approved competency measures. The Registrar maintains a list of courses and the procedures a student must follow in order to be awarded credit.CHANGES IN REGISTRATION
See "Dropping and Adding Classes" later in this section.
CHANGE OF GRADE
Grades submitted to the Student Records Office by faculty members are final and may not be changed except in the case of clerical error, upon successful appeal, or if they were fraudulently obtained. Students who believe an error in grading has occurred should first consult with the instructor. Final grade changes may not be used to extend the time for completion of a course, to allow a student to submit late work, or to retake examinations after the term is completed. A grade change is not meant to substitute for an "Incomplete" when an Incomplete cannot be justified. Grade changes made under this policy must be submitted to the Registrar by faculty by means of forms and procedures available in the Student Records Office. These forms must be approved by the Department Chair and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Each student is responsible for attending all classes regularly. Individual professors establish attendance policies for their courses. While a professor may not withdraw a student from a course, excessive absences may result in a grade of "F."
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
Students are classified as follows:
By year in school:
|
Freshman: |
0-30 semester credits earned. |
|
Sophomore: |
31-60 semester credits earned. |
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Junior: |
61-90 semester credits earned. |
|
Senior: |
91 semester credits and above. |
|
Post-Graduate: |
Baccalaureate students earning additional hours of undergraduate or graduate credit, but not following a master's degree program. |
|
Graduate: |
Baccalaureate students enrolled in a master's degree program. |
by credits:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
|
Full-Time: |
Enrolled for 12 or more semester credits. |
|
Half-Time: |
Enrolled for six or more semester credits, but fewer than 12. |
|
Part-Time: |
Enrolled for fewer than 12 semester credits. |
GRADUATE
|
Full-Time: |
Enrolled for 9 or more semester credits. |
|
Half-Time: |
Enrolled for more than 5 semester credits, but fewer than 9 |
|
Part-Time: |
Enrolled for fewer than 5 semester credits. |
STUDENT STATUS
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Degree-Seeking: |
A student who plans to pursue a degree at 91制片厂 State University-Northern. |
|
Non-Degree-Seeking: |
A student who does not plan to pursue a degree at 91制片厂 State University-Northern. |
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Adult Special: |
A student, 21 years of age or over, who is not a high school graduate, has not received their GED, and is not a transfer student, but wants to pursue a degree at 91制片厂 State University-Northern. |
|
Continuing: |
A student who completed the last regular semester at the 91制片厂 State University-Northern. The spring or summer term is considered the last regular semester for students returning for fall semester. |
|
Former: |
A student who has previously attended the University but did not complete the last regular semester and who has not enrolled at another institution of higher learning since last attend the University. Former students must file an application for readmission. |
|
Transfer: |
Any student who was last registered for 12 or more credits in another institution of higher learning. |
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
The program consists of five general examinations and subject examinations in many different areas. Credit for equivalent Northern courses may be obtained by testing to the percentile levels required by each academic department. Credit earned through CLEP is assigned a grade of "Pass" and does not affect the grade point average. All CLEP credits awarded appear on the transcript and may apply toward graduation. For more information regarding CLEP please contact the Testing Coordinator, Cowan Hall 213.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
Continuing education courses may be offered for credit. However, no more than 30 such credits may be applied toward a Bachelor's degree. At the graduate level, no more than 12 credits may be applied toward a Master's degree.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
Cooperative Education is a program which allows students to earn academic credit and gain on-the-job experience in positions related to their field of study. Most disciplines include cooperative education courses, numbered 279 or 479. Cooperative Education is initiated with learning objectives defined through an agreement between the student, faculty, Cooperative Education Coordinator and the work supervisor. To be eligible for Cooperative Education, students must have completed one semester at the University and maintain a cumulative 2.00 grade point average. Students pursuing an associate degree may apply a total of 12 credits of Cooperative Education toward their degree requirements with the exception of Engineering Technology programs. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree may apply a total of 18 credits of Cooperative Education toward their degree requirements with the exception of Engineering Technology programs.
COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM
|
001-099 |
Credit earned cannot be used toward completion of degree requirements and are not computed in credits earned or grade point average. These credits may be considered for financial aid and certification purposes. |
|
100-299 |
Lower division courses. |
|
300-499 |
Upper division courses. |
|
500-599 |
Upper division undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit. Additional work is usually required. |
|
600-699 |
Graduate division courses only. |
COURSE REPETITION
Students repeating a course will forfeit the original grade and will receive the new grade. Students must file a petition with the Student Records Office to repeat a course more than once.
CREDIT LOAD
Students must complete 15 - 16 credits each semester in order to complete a two-year or four-year degree within the minimum time. The following table explains the rules governing maximum credit loads:
|
--If a student's |
--then he/she may |
--then he/she must |
|
cumulative grade |
take the following |
have approval to |
|
point average is: |
semester credits |
carry the following |
|
|
without approval: |
semester credits: |
|
3.00 and above |
1-22 |
more than 22 |
|
2.50-2.99 |
1-20 |
more than 20 |
|
2.00-2.49 |
1-18 |
more than 18 |
First-time University students may not take more than 18 credits during their first semester. Students with a cumulative grade point average below 2.00 may not take more than 12 credits per semester.
The rules for credit load are different during summer semester, and students should consult the summer semester bulletin for an explanation.
CREDIT NOT PERTAINING TO A TRADITIONAL TERM
The posting of credit earned outside of a traditional academic calendar term to Northern transcripts will be governed by the following rule: The credit will be posted to the Northern term during which the official transcript or report of the credit is received. If the official transcript or report is received when no Northern term is in progress, the credit will be posted to the Northern term following the receipt of the official transcript or report. In order to be considered "official" transcript or reports of credit must:
DEFINITIONS
Semester: Northern has three semesters in an academic year: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students normally attend two semesters in an academic year: Fall and Spring. When a policy refers to a number of semesters, or to "regular" semesters, it is referring to the Fall and Spring semesters only, to the exclusion of Summer semester, unless the policy expressly indicates to the contrary.
DEPARTMENTAL DISTINCTION
Students maintaining a 3.50 GPA and selected by the appropriate faculty may be eligible to graduate with departmental distinction. This distinction will be noted on the commencement program.
DOUBLE MAJOR
Students may earn a second major and have it noted on their transcript by completing all course work for the second major. Students whose second majors fall within another degree type must follow procedures for a second undergraduate degree.
DROPPING AND ADDING CLASSES
Since 91制片厂 State University-Northern offers its semester coursework in a variety of formats and time frames, the drop and add deadlines for students are determined by the percentage of instructional time that has passed in each course. The specific deadlines are set out below:
FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK POLICY
The last week of each regular semester will be set aside for final examinations. The Registrar will publish an examination schedule every semester. The final examination week is the only time when final exams may be given for full semester classes. The University expects every class to meet at its scheduled time for final exams. There will be no scheduled extra-curricular activities or meetings during finals week. Each scheduled exam period will be two hours.
If students are scheduled for more than two (2) final examinations on the same day, they may ask for an adjustment. They should contact the instructors in their classes, and try to arrange alternative test times during the final exam week. If those negotiations are unsuccessful, students should ask their department chairperson to mediate the conflict.
FRESH START POLICY
91制片厂 State University-Northern students may eliminate part of their previous coursework at the institution under this "fresh start" option. The policy is subject to several restrictions, and may not be available to all students. Under the policy, students may erase a maximum of two consecutive semesters or three consecutive quarters of previous 91制片厂 State University-Northern coursework. The coursework will remain on the student's academic record, but the credits and the grades will not be carried forward into the student's cumulative GPA.
Students must meet the following conditions to apply for the fresh start option:
GRADES
The quality of a student's work in each course is denoted by a letter grade. No minus or plus grades are used. In computing scholastic averages, each letter grade is assigned a specific number of grade points for each credit.
Grade Points
|
Evaluation of Work |
|
|
|
Grades |
For Each Credit |
Grade Points |
|
A |
Excellent |
4 |
|
B |
Above Average |
3 |
|
C |
Average |
2 |
|
D |
Below Average |
1 |
|
F |
Failure |
0 |
|
P |
Pass |
0 |
|
I |
Incomplete |
0 |
|
Audit |
Audit |
0 |
|
W |
Withdrawal |
0 |
|
X |
Continuation |
0 |
|
NR |
Not Reported by instructor |
0 |
EXPLANATION OF GRADES AND NOTATIONS
P - Indicates that the student registered for the course on a "Pass-Fail" basis and passed the course. The pass grade is not computed in the grade point average; however, failures are computed in the grade point average like any other F.
I - Indicates that the work of the course is more than three-fourths complete, not finished, but may be completed. An incomplete is given only to a student who has a proper excuse for not having completed all the requirements of a course. The faculty member and student must arrange to complete the work prior to the ending of the following term. Arrangements must be completed in the next resident semester, or the incomplete becomes a "F." If the student is not in residence, two semesters are given to complete the work, or the incomplete becomes an "F."
Audit - Indicates that the student registered as an auditor for the course. No credit is given.
W - Indicates that the student withdrew from the course or University after 20% of the course had been completed but before 60% of the class time was completed.
X - Indicates that the final grade for the course will be assigned when the sequence is completed and may extend beyond one semester. Only graduate students receive this notation.
NR - Indicates that the grade was not reported by the instructor. This is a temporary notation and a grade report will be issued as soon as possible.
GRADE REPORTS
Following each semester a report of grades is provided to students and their advisors. Students performing unsatisfactory work during the-semester may also be notified. Grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the cumulative number of grade points by the total number of credits attempted.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Permission for students to enroll in independent studies requires approval of a regular faculty member prior to the beginning of the semester, using a form available in the Student Records Office. Such approval is based on a preliminary plan of the intended nature, duration, and scope of the project. The work may be a regular catalog course or a course designed to meet the special needs of an individual student. Independent study courses will be numbered 299, 399, 499, 599, or 699 and will not appear on the regular schedule of classes. Students may not add independent study courses after the deadline date for adding full-semester classes. No more than 9 independent study credits may be applied toward a Bachelor's degree and no more than 6 independent study credits may be applied toward an Associate degree.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (LEAP)
The Learning Experience Assessment Program is designed to provide opportunities to earn college credit for what has been learned through life and work experiences. Students who wish to pursue this means of earning credit will register for LEAP 289 and complete porfolios demonstrating how their competencies contribute toward degree requirements. Details concerning the LEAP program may be found in the .
LISTENER
A listener is a non-matriculated auditor for whom no transcript is kept. Listeners may enroll only for lecture courses. All other rules and regulations for auditing apply. Listeners will be charged a $15.00 per credit fee but no admission or registration fee is required.
MAJOR, MINOR OR ADVISOR CHANGES
Degree-seeking students may change their academic majors and minors by means of procedures available from the Student Records Office. Non-degree-seeking students may apply for degree-seeking status at the Office of Admissions.
Degree-seeking students who have not selected a major are assigned a faculty advisor by the Registrar and may request a change of advisor at that office. Those who have selected a major are assigned a faculty advisor by the academic department which administers their chosen major and may request a change of advisor from the Chairperson of that department. Non-degree-seeking students are not assigned a faculty advisor, but may seek assistance from the Registrar.
PASS-FAIL GRADES
Students may take classes on a pass-fail basis. When considering that option, students should keep the following limitations in mind, however:
Faculty members are not notified when courses are taken on a pass-fail basis. Letter grades turned in by the instructor are converted to Pass or Fail when the grades are recorded on the permanent record. A passing grade is defined as a "D" or better. A failing grade is an "F."
Pass grades are not counted in the grade point average but the credit may meet graduation requirements subject to the limitations set out above. Grades of "F" are counted in the grade point average.
The University cautions students that some graduate and professional schools and some employers do not recognize non-traditional grades (i.e., those other than A, B, C, D, F) and students who use the pass/fail option may be at a disadvantage in such situations.
PETITIONS
Exceptions and deviations from normal academic policy may be requested through petition forms and procedures available from the Student Records Office. Petitions and requested waivers are reviewed in a timely manner and students are notified of their approval or disapproval.
SCHOLASTIC HONOR ROLL
In recognition of scholastic achievement, the University publishes at the conclusion of each semester an honor roll of undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.25 in twelve or more credits of work graded on the regular grade scale. Students with a grade of Pass, Incomplete or "F" are not included on the honor roll listing.
SCHOLASTIC REVIEW
Students whose semester and/or cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic suspension or probation according to the following guidelines. Suspended students may appeal for readmission prior to their elapsed suspension period by means of forms and procedures available from the Student Records Office.
Suspended students may attend classes until their appeal is decided.
SECOND UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
To earn an additional degree, students must complete all coursework required in the degree program. A second degree will be awarded only when it differs from the student's first degree, e.g., if the second major is a Bachelor of Science degree and the first was a Bachelor of Arts degree.
A second associate degree requires a minimum of twelve additional credits; and a second baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of thirty additional credits. Normal residence requirements and all other academic regulations also apply. Students wishing to earn a second associate degree or a second bachelor degree must complete the regular admission procedures. For double major, i.e., a second major within the same degree type, see the section entitled "Double Major."
SPECIAL TOPICS
Experimental courses and courses for special topics may be offered from time to time. Such courses are numbered 290, 390, 490, 590, and 690 and will not be offered more than twice, excluding summer sessions or continuing education offerings which may be offered more often.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Course substitutions are exceptions and deviations from normal academic policy and may be requested on forms available from the Student Records Office. A substitution requires the approval of the student's advisor, he department chair of the student's major, and the chair of the department which offers the course.
TRADE COMPETENCY TEST
Students who have had five or more years of work experience in an apprenticeable trade or licensed occupation may have their experience evaluated through a written and performance test administered by the National Occupational Competency Test Institute (NOCTI). This, coupled with a committee evaluation of job success, may generate up to 39 credits toward earning a degree. Contact the Registrar or Director of the Department of Education for more information.
TRANSCRIPT OF ACADEMIC RECORD
A transcript is the complete academic record of a student's work and status. The official transcript bears the signature of the Registrar and the seal of 91制片厂 State University-Northern. Other copies are unofficial. A permanent transcript is retained by the University. Official transcripts are issued only upon the written request of the student. Transcripts will not be released until all University admissions or financial obligations have been met.
The education records, as defined by federal right-to-privacy laws, of deceased persons in the custody of 91制片厂 State University-Northern will be released only to individuals who document themselves as executor/administrators of the deceased's estate or remaining next-of-kin. The death of the alumnus must also be documented.
TRANSFER OF CREDITS
Transfer students should read these policies carefully, so they are comfortable with the process of transcript evaluation and understand its steps.
Application for Admission
Evaluation of Degree Requirements
Transfer Grades
Transfer credit will be given for courses in which satisfactory grades were received. A satisfactory grade for transfer purposes is defined as A, B, C, or S.
Transfer Grade-point
WAIVERS
Course waivers are exceptions and deviations from normal academic policy and may be requested on forms available from the Student Records Office. A waiver requires the approval of the student's advisor, the department chair of the student's major, and the chair of the department which offers the course. A waiver does not constitute a reduction of required credits. Students who receive a waiver for a course do not receive the credit hours for that course.
WITHDRAWALS FROM THE UNIVERSITY
Students may withdraw from the University by completing the procedures and forms available in the Student Records Office. Course grades will be determined as set out in the Drop and Add Policy.
VETERANS BENEFITS SERVICES
A Veterans Coordinator is available to assist veterans, their dependents, and National Guard personnel with procedures for enrolling at Northern and applying for educational benefits under federal guidelines. The Veterans Coordinator will act as an intermediary between veterans and the Veterans Administration Office, Fort Harrison, 91制片厂.
All veterans and eligible persons receiving educational benefits under federal guidelines are required by law to report promptly to the Veterans Coordinator any changes which may affect the amount of money being received. These include dropping courses, withdrawing from school, not attending classes, changes in marital status, and added dependents.
To be considered as full time, undergraduate students must carry 12 credits or the equivalent and graduate students must carry 9 graduate credits or the equivalent during Fall, and Spring Semesters. The criteria for Summer Semester differs and veterans should contact the Veterans Coordinator.
|
Benefits |
Credits Carried |
Credits Carried |
|
|
Undergraduate Students |
Graduate Students |
|
Full |
12 or more |
9 or more* |
|
Three-Quarter |
9, 10, 11 |
7, 8* |
|
One-Half |
6, 7, 8 |
5, 6* |
|
Fees only |
Less than 6 |
Less than 5* |
|
*Graduate credits only |
|
|
The Veterans Administration expects veterans to make satisfactory progress, regularly attend classes, and pursue a final objective. The Veterans Coordinator may notify the Veterans Administration if the veteran does not comply.