Students who need to take a math course at CSU must complete the CSU Math Placement Test. Students who take the Compass Math Test for Learning Support successfully exit CSU Learning Support math (or its equivalent), achieve a sufficient Math Readiness Score, or transfer appropriate math credits are exempted from this requirement. Students can register to take the placement test by contacting the CSU Testing Center at 706-507-8020 to schedule an appointment.
In order to get an accurate indication of the student's mathematical preparation, students are strongly advises to review algebra (and trigonometry, if relevant) before taking the math placement test. See www.act.org/compass.sample/math.html for more information.
The Math Readiness Score is calculated as follows:
Score = SATM + (200 x GPA),
where GPA is the student's high school grade point average among CPC courses completed at the time of admission to the university. Sufficiently high readiness scores will enable students to place directly into the following courses:
| Math Readiness of at least |
Eligible to register for the following courses |
| 1200 | MATH 1101 and MATH 1111 |
| 1300 | MATH 1101, MATH 1111, MATH 1113, MATH 1125, and STAT 1127 |
Registrations based on the Math Readiness Score may require a Department of Mathematics override. Contact the department at 706-507-8240 to request the override. Students who wish to register for MATH 1131 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I must take the math placement test.
Early registration. A special advisement and early registration period is held each semester. Before early registration begins, all advisors set aside ample time to be available for academic advisement for the upcoming semester. Students are encouraged to make an appointment each semester to take advantage of this opportunity.
Late registration and schedule change. Students who do not register early may register during late registration prior to the first day of classes. Additionally, students who wish to change their schedules may do so during the late registration and schedule change periods.
Students may register via the web by using CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab. Please refer to the Columbus State University Class Schedules page on the university's Web for specific dates and information regarding early registration, late registration and schedule change.
Normal study load. Students enrolled in 12 semester hours or more are considered full-time. However, most courses count as three semester hours of credit, and the normal course load for full-time students is five courses or 15 semester hours.
Academic overload. Enrollment in more than 19 semester hours during a fall or spring semester and more than 13 semester hours during a summer term is considered an overload. Academically superior students may take an overload only with the approval of the dean of the college in which they are enrolled.
Enrollment status (*). Enrollment status for undergraduate students is based on the number of hours enrolled during a semester, excluding withdrawn courses, as follows:
| Number of Semester Hours Enrolled |
Undergraduate Enrollment Status |
| 12 or more | Full-time |
| 6 to 11 | Half-time |
| 5 or less | Less than Half-time |
* For summer terms, enrollment status certification other than for financial aid is determined as follows: 6 semester hours or more, full time; 3-5 semester hours, half time; and 1-2 semester hours, less than half time. Enrollment in a course as an audit student does not count toward enrollment status for federal or state financial aid programs. Students on financial aid seeking information about how enrollment status may impact financial aid eligibility should contact the Financial Aid office.
Classification. Classification is based upon the number of semester hours a student has earned, as follows:
| Semester Hours Earned |
Classification |
| 0 - 29 | Freshman |
| 30 - 59 | Sophomore |
| 60 - 89 | Junior |
| 90 or more | Senior |
Undergraduate Students and Graduate Work. Undergraduate students with a minimum institutional grade point average of 2.75 who are within six semester hours of completing the baccalaureate degree from Columbus State University may register for graduate courses upon recommendation of their advisor. The total course load may not exceed 12 semester hours. A grade of B or better in the graduate course is required for use toward a master's degree. No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be earned before completion of the baccalaureate degree. Under no circumstances may a course be used for both graduate and undergraduate credit. Students must submit an application for graduation prior to registering for graduate courses; the registrar will verify eligibility for enrollment. Students desiring to take College of Education and Health Professions courses must fulfill graduate admission requirements and be accepted for graduate studies in their desired program area prior to enrollment.
Attendance policy. Attendance policy is ordinarily established by individual faculty. If an instructor does not provide a written attendance policy statement during the first week of classes, a student is permitted to accumulate a total of nine hours of absences in a three credit-hour course, or the equivalent in courses carrying other credit hours. Regular attendance at class or laboratory is a student obligation. Students are expected to account to individual instructors for absences and, at the discretion of the instructors, to make up all work missed because of absence. Students absent from a previously announced quiz or test may be given a zero on the quiz or test. To be permitted to take a final examination at a time other than the date and time published on the Web at http://academics.columbusstate.edu/exams/, students must have permission of the instructor and the dean of the college offering the course.
Student members of an official Columbus State University organization or students whose attendance is required by the faculty or staff person in charge of the group are officially excused from classes when traveling to university-sanctioned events (e.g., athletic event, band competition, etc.) and are to be given the opportunity to complete exams or other assignments missed as a result of this absence provided that no more than 15% of the class hours (INCLUDING other absences) per course per semester are missed. Any absences that exceed the 15% allotted must be approved, in advance, by the faculty member in charge of the class. Exceptions to this policy (i.e., where make-up assignments will NOT be allowed) include programs whose accreditation won't allow 15% as well as interactive classes or laboratory classes where points for attendance and participation are lost due to absences of any kind. Affected students must submit an Event Participation Form, provided by the faculty sponsor, to their instructors at the beginning of the semester, in order to obtain consideration for the make-up work. (The Event Participation Form can be found on the Web at http://academics.columbusstate.edu/eventform.pdf.)
Excessive absence policy. Anytime during the semester when a student exceeds the total number of hours of absences allowed, an instructor may drop the student for excessive absences with a grade of WF. Students may regain admittance to a course only by permission of the instructor. A student auditing a course who fails to meet class participation and assignment requirements or who exceeds the total number of allowed absences may be dropped from the course by the instructor and assigned a grade of W.
Absence for military duty. Military reservists who are called to active duty or active duty military personnel who receive change-of-station orders or deployment orders during an academic semester may officially withdraw from the university with a full refund of matriculation fees upon providing a copy of the official orders. Those who have completed sufficient work may be awarded a grade and credit or an I (Incomplete) grade. Military withdrawals are not granted for TDY assignments.
Course withdrawals. Students who wish to drop a course after the official schedule change period has ended. must officially withdraw from the course. Students must withdraw via the web by using CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab.
A student charged with academic dishonesty may not withdraw from the course in which the alleged offense occurred unless the charge has been overturned through the appeals process. The CSU Office of Judicial Affairs may be consulted for more information about filing an appeal.
Students that have been reported to the registrar as excessively absent will not be permitted to withdraw from the course.
A grade of WF will be assigned when the student withdraws online past the published deadline, or when the student submits a roll correction form after the deadline. A student may appeal the assignment of a WF grade by submitting the Grade Appeal Form to the Office of the Registrar once all appropriate signatures and substantiating documentation have been obtained. The appeal will then be forwarded to the Academic Standards Committee for review. The Committee will notify the student of the decision rendered.
Students may not withdraw from a required learning support course with a grade of W while remaining in degree level courses. To remain in degree level courses, the grade in the learning support course must be a WF and would be considered a learning support attempt. A grade of W will not affect a student's GPA. However, withdrawing from classes could affect a student's future enrollment status, especially for those receiving financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to determine the impact withdrawing from classes would have on academic standing and degree progress. Refer to http://registration.columbusstate.edu for specific dates and additional information regarding course withdrawal.
Administrative withdrawal. An academic dean may withdraw a student from a course when, in consultation with the instructor, the dean determines that the student has not satisfied the prerequisites for the course.
Columbus State University uses a 4.0 grade point system.
|
Grade |
Description |
| I | Indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work but, for non-academic reasons, was unable to meet the full requirements of the course. The requirements for removal of an I grade are left to the instructor; however, if an I grade is not satisfactorily removed within the next 12 months, the grade I will be changed to the grade F by the registrar. A course with an unresolved I grade may not be repeated. |
| IP | Indicates that credit has not been given in a course that requires a continuation of work beyond the semester for which the student registered for the course. The use of this grade is approved for learning support courses, directed studies, internships, practica, project courses, and exit examinations. Students enrolled in a learning support course must re-enroll in the course. This grade cannot be substituted for an I grade. |
| W | Indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw without penalty. Withdrawals without penalty will not be permitted after the W grade deadline except in cases of hardship as determined by the Academic Standards Committee. A W grade may also be awarded in the case of credit by examination courses and for excessive absence when auditing a course. |
| S | Indicates that credit has been given for completion of degree requirements other than academic course work. These are limited to student teaching, clinical practica, junior seminars, internships, college success courses, Regents' Test remediation courses, exit examinations, and senior projects as specified in the course descriptions section of the catalog. |
| U | Indicates unsatisfactory performance in an attempt to complete degree requirements other than academic course work. These are limited to student teaching, clinical practica, junior seminars, internships, college success courses, Regents' Test remediation courses, exit examinations, and senior projects as specified in the course descriptions section of the catalog. |
| V | Indicates that a student audited a course. Students may not change from audit to credit status or vice versa after the first week of the term. |
| K | Indicates that a student was given credit for a course through examination. |
| WM | Withdrawn for military purposes/deployment. |
| ENGL 1101 | 3 (hrs) x 4 (A) = | 12 |
| MATH 1111 | 3 (hrs) x 3 (B) = | 9 |
| HIST 1112 | 3 (hrs) x 2 (C) = | 6 |
| BIOL 2221 | 3 (hrs) x 3 (B) = | 9 |
| PEDS 2376 | 1 (hrs) x 3 (B) = | 3 |
|
|
|
|
| 13 GPA hours | 39 grade points | |
|
39 divided by 13 = 3.00 GPA |
||
Note: Grades of I, IP, W, WM, S, U, V, and K do not have GPA hours nor grade points, and are not used in computing a grade point average.
The following grade point averages are computed and are used to determine the fulfillment of academic requirements. The semester, Regents' (cumulative), institutional, and overall grade point averages appear on the official academic transcript. The formula above is used to compute all grade point averages. GPA hours are determined using grades of A, B, C, D, F, and WF, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999.
Semester grade point average is computed using GPA hours attempted and grade points earned for the semester, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999.
Regents' (cumulative) grade point average is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University, excluding courses numbered 0001-0999. Courses repeated for a better grade will be averaged into the Regents' grade point average every time taken.
Institutional grade point average is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University (excluding courses numbered 0001-0999) after omitting grades in previous courses which have been taken and repeated at Columbus State University.
Overall grade point average is computed using the total number of GPA hours attempted at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended and the total number of grade points earned at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended (excluding courses numbered 0001-0999) after omitting grades in previous courses which have been taken and repeated at Columbus State University.
Degree progress grade point average is computed using the total number of credit hours applied to the degree and the total number of grade points applied to the degree.
Major grade point average is computed using the total number of grade points earned in major courses (as designated by the department offering the major) and the total number of credit hours for those courses.
Final grades will not be changed after one calendar year from the date assigned except by appeal to, and subsequent approval by, the university's Academic Standards Committee. A grade that appears to be incorrect should be reported to the instructor promptly.
Reports of final grades are available through CougarNet and the Enrollment Services Tab on the Web. The academic transcript includes all undergraduate and graduate credit courses taken at Columbus State University. Transcripts should be requested at least one week prior to the date needed. University policies regarding release of academic records and compliance with regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (the "Buckley Amendment") are published in the Columbus State University Student Handbook.
Repeat credit. Certain courses may be repeated for credit. To determine if a course may be repeated for credit, refer to the course description in this catalog.
Forfeiture of credit. Students repeating a course for which credit has already been earned either at Columbus State University or by transfer of credits from another institution forfeit the previous credit in that course (except in the case of courses that may be repeated for credit). The student's final grade in the course will be the one made on repetition (even if the previous grade is higher). After earning a baccalaureate degree at Columbus State University, a student will forfeit credit earned for courses taken as repeats after graduation (except in the case of courses that may be repeated for credit).
Students may repeat courses to improve their academic record at Columbus State University. The policies regarding academic forgiveness are as follows:
The Dean's List is compiled at the end of each semester. It consists of those students who are enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of course work affecting grade point averages with semester grade point averages of 3.6 or higher, who are enrolled in no remedial courses, and who have no courses with incomplete (I) or in progress (IP) grades.
The university recognizes honesty and integrity as central virtues of academic life and as fully necessary to its very existence. The university also recognizes and accepts that cooperation, discussion, and group studying outside of the classroom are essential elements of the academic experience, and that students may seek assistance in their studies, such as tutoring and peer review. However, while such practices are acceptable and even encouraged, students must understand the parameters of accountability in their academic performance and need to respect the academic freedom of the faculty. Students are responsible for adhering to the regulations pertaining to academic misconduct published under Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Student Handbook available in the Student Life Office and on the Web at http://students.columbusstate.edu/.
The progress of all students is evaluated at the end of each semester. Determination of academic standing is based on a student's institutional and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas. Students receiving financial should also refer to satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid section of this catalog.
Academic probation occurs when a student's institutional grade point average falls below 2.0.
Continued academic probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's term grade point average is 2.0 or higher and the institutional grade point average is lower than 2.0.
Removal from probation occurs when, at the end of a probationary semester, a student's institutional grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0.
Students on probation will be excluded if:
The subsequent term GPA is lower than 2.0 or they do not remove themselves from probation after attempting 30 additional hours.
The length of exclusion resulting from the grade point averages will be a minimum of one regular semester (i.e. Fall or Spring) after the first exclusion, and a minimum of two regular semesters after the second exclusion. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer to Columbus State University.
After first exclusion:
After the second exclusion:
| Satisfactory Progress Levels | |
|
Total GPA hours |
Minimum overall grade |
| 00-29 | 2.0 |
| 30-59 | 2.0 |
| 60-89 | 2.0 |
| 90 or more | 2.0 |
|
Satisfactory Progress Levels for Students Entering CSU Prior to Fall 2009 |
|
|
Total GPA hours |
Minimum overall grade |
| 00-29 | 1.4 |
| 30-59 | 1.6 |
| 60-89 | 1.8 |
| 90 or more | 2.0 |
| * Includes transfer and Columbus State University GPA hours | |
University System of Georgia undergraduate students who have been readmitted or reinstated after a period of absence of five (5) calendar years or longer are eligible for academic renewal. Academic renewal for the student signals the initiation of a new grade point average to be used for determining academic standing. This provision allows University System of Georgia degree-seeking students who earlier experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate or bachelor's degree (BR Minutes, June, 1995, p. 7).
Suspension
-- a temporary separation from an institution. A suspension may (a) be for a specified period of time or (b) indefinite. Upon expiration of the period of suspension, the student is eligible to re-enroll. A student under indefinite suspension must petition for reinstatement to the president of the institution.
Dismissal
-- a permanent separation of the student from the institution. A student who is dismissed is not eligible to return to the institution.
Determination of academic standing is based on the student's overall and semester grade point averages, and the number of course attempts in required learning support subject areas.
Learning Support probation occurs when a student's required learning support subject area is not satisfied after one course attempt.
Learning Support probation removal occurs when a student assigned to learning support satisfies a required subject area.
Learning Support Dismissal occurs when a required learning support subject area is not satisfied after two course attempts in English or reading and after three course attempts in math. The length of dismissal, which is based on the number of learning support course attempts without satisfying a required subject area, will be one years. Credit earned at other institutions during a mandatory exclusion period will not transfer back to Columbus State University.(Effective Fall Semester 2011)
A student may apply for reinstatement on Learning Support Probation after the mandatory period of dismissal has expired, as stated above. The application must reach the Admissions Office by the published application deadline for the semester. Students must satisfy the conditions of the reinstatement before they will be eligible to register for classes the Learning Support Academic Standing Academic Standing.
Students may appeal a grade received as well as certain degree requirements. Students who wish to exercise this right should follow the appropriate procedure as follows:
The Testing Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, (706) 507-8020, administers all institutional testing including the COMPASS exams, the Math Placement Test, the U.S. and Georgia History and Constitutions Proficiency Test, the Communication Technology Skills test, the Information Literacy test, the nursing entrance exam, and Student Outcomes Assessment. The Center also a operates a Prometric Testing Center and administers GRE, TOEFL, and other academic and professional tests including FINRA, MCAT, USMLE, PMI, CPA among many others.
Communication Technology Skills Test. Assesses the student's ability to use electronic tools effectively to create and communicate information. Includes word processing, presentation software, operating systems, and the Internet.
Information Literacy Skills Test. Includes:
In August 2010, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved Columbus State application for exemption from the Regents' Test. The test is no longer a requirement for CSU students.
Applications for graduation should be submitted in CougarNet through Enrollment Services Tab one semester prior to the anticipated semester of completion,; the last day of classes of the prior term is the final deadline for submission. A non-refundable graduation fee of $60 is required whether or not participating in the ceremony. Fee will be applied to student's account during the first month of their intended graduation term and must be paid by midterm. Students participating in the graduation ceremony are required to have the appropriate graduation regalia – i.e. cap and gown, etc.
Candidacy requirements must be completed no later than the official graduation candidacy deadline of the intended term of graduation. Candidacy requirements are:
Students who satisfy the above requirements will be considered candidates for graduation and will be eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Students who do not satisfy degree requirements must delete their application in CougarNet and submit a new graduation application for a future term.
Honors. Students who have attained high scholastic achievement are recognized at graduation by being designated honor graduates. Academic honors announced at graduation will be based on grade point averages calculated the semester prior to the graduation term. Honors reflected on the diploma and transcript will be determined by GPA calculation including the final semester. Students attending Columbus State University only must attain an honors grade point average on course work attempted at the university. Transfer students must attain an honors grade point average on course work attempted at Columbus State University and an honors grade point average on the combined total of courses attempted at Columbus State University and all other institutions attended. Students seeking an additional baccalaureate degree must earn at least 60 additional semester hours in residence at Columbus State University with an honors grade point average.
Honor designations and corresponding grade point averages required are:
Baccalaureate Degree
Summa cum laude 3.80 - 4.00
Magna cum laude 3.60 - 3.79
Cum laude 3.40 - 3.59
Associate Degree
High honors 3.80 - 4.00
Honors 3.50 - 3.79
Graduation ceremony. A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Students who do not plan to attend the ceremony must indicate so on the application for graduation.
Fall and Spring candidates may only participate in a graduation ceremony in the term of which their degree requirements are completed.
Students completing the requirements at the end of a summer term may participate only in the fall semester graduation ceremony.
